“Less traffic, lower emissions, better cities” — that’s the mantra of Aventones (“Rides”). Aventones is an online ride-sharing company based in Mexico.
Aventones was founded by five young Mexican entrepreneurs to encourage “carpooling” in their city. The organization provides an online service that links commuters who need transportation with individuals who can provide it. Members register by creating a profile in the company’s network, where they offer or request shared transportation. Online software matches compatible commuters and suggests where they should meet.
Aventones’ founders — all between the ages of 25 and 30 — wanted to launch a business that would raise environmental awareness. They also wanted to improve the quality of life in Mexico. “I always had the desire to do something to improve my country,” said Cristina Palacios, one the company’s founders. “That is why Aventones was born.”
Palacios and team members, Anibal Abarca, Alberto Padilla, Federico Alatriste and Ignacio Cordero, first met to discuss their ideas for a ride-sharing project in August 2010. By January 2011, they were serving their first clients.
The ride-sharing service has proven to be very popular in cities such as Mexico City. Drivers there spend an average of two hours a day in their cars. Aventones has already begun offering their services in Chile and hopes to expand to busy cities across Latin America.
Aventones founders have won several awards for their innovative and environmentally friendly business. Their awards include a 2011 e-business award from the Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas and a 2011 “Go Green!” World Summit Youth Award.