69. RideTo

Founder: James Beddows
Founded: 2016
Website: www.rideto.com

Riding a motorbike has an enduring allure for millions of Brits. However, the process of actually getting there is rather less thrilling – working out what licence you need, completing mandatory training, choosing a bike, and getting insured can dampen the enthusiasm of even the most fervent motorcycle devotee.

Finding himself in this position in 2016, James Beddows set out to make things easier. The result is RideTo, an online platform that combines advice and bespoke functionality to make it easier than ever to go from novice to qualified motorcyclist. And, in just four years, RideTo has become the UK’s number one platform for new riders.

The ability to easily find the right training course in a couple of clicks is central to RideTo’s appeal – the platform has partnered with schools and instructors in 80 UK cities, and users can book in seconds. For aspirant riders, this means an unprecedented amount of choice in one place, and for instructors, it means less time worrying about admin and more time doing what they do best – sharing their motorcycling passion and expertise.

Once training is completed, RideTo still supports riders every step of the way, with advice on insurance and buying bikes, as well as a jobs board for those who want to make a living on two wheels.

After an initial entry at 97 on the Startups 100 list for 2018, RideTo has already zoomed up to 69 in 2020 and – with plans for European expansion – expect this dynamic startup to continue motoring along the road to business success.