CEO Insights Magazine

Enterprise Car Rental service transcends mere transportation of passengers from one location to another; it encompasses providing comfort and security during transit for some of the top working busy executives, from CEO, CFO and CXO to leading corporates to filed level sales manager. Presently, enterprises car rentals are distinguished for their instantaneous, on-demand offerings, enabling patrons to summon their chauffeurs as per necessity. Kangaroo Cars, with its venerable history of 12 years, extends its services across the spectrum of clientele, ensuring round-the-clock availability throughout the year. Employing cutting-edge technological advancements, the company enhances its service's quality and efficacy from commencement to conclusion. Vinay Dharra, the CEO of Kangaroo Cars, has been instrumental in the company's development from its inception. Through his relentless dedication and perseverance, the company has ascended to remarkable success.

During a candid conversation with us, Vinay disclosed insights into his company's work culture and also shed light on the latest trends within the industry.

Can you provide a summary of your career history and experiences? What drives you in your day-to-day activities?
My journey began with an electronics engineering background and an MBA from Symbiosis, followed by roles in tech giants like Oracle and IBM. In 2013, I embarked on a mission to revolutionize the car rental industry, inspired by models like Uber but tailored for business clients. Leveraging my tech expertise, I spearheaded the development of a custom application, attracting a major consulting firm as our first client and propelling us to rapid revenue growth. Despite challenges, we emerged as a formidable competitor against global giants, driven by a passion to offer unparalleled customer experiences. Today, our reach extends to 142 towns and cities across India, serving

prestigious banking clients in even the most remote locations. Our success reflects not only innovation but also a deep commitment to delivering exceptional service where others saw limitations, reshaping industry perceptions and unlocking potential in untapped markets.

Can you discuss the unique opportunities at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore and the lessons learned outside of academics?

I have always been eager to broaden my horizons and acquire new skills, especially as a tech enthusiast. With no prior family background in business, I recognized the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies. This drove me to pursue a Data Science course at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB), as data plays a crucial role in our platform. Leveraging data effectively is essential for our operations, and IIITB provided me with the necessary skills to achieve this goal.

How would you characterize Kangaroo Cabs as a company and its present standing within the market?

We hold a significant position in the industry, although we may not claim the top spot. Particularly noteworthy is our dominance in serving large-scale fortune 500 clients with extensive operations across multiple cities in India. We compete vigorously and consistently surpass the expectations of these major clients. Our reputation is exemplified by the fact that three of the leading consulting firms have been our clients, with some of them still engaging our services. We have extended our reach to over 142 cities and town for one of India's largest banks and cater to the needs of the top pharmaceutical companies, spanning more than 40 cities in India and even expanding our services to the UK with a presence in London. This reflects our current standing and reach in the market.

Please provide insights into your leadership style. What principles or strategies guide your approach as a leader?

My leadership approach revolves around hiring top talent, offering competitive compensation, and providing a conducive environment where employees are challenged to excel. I firmly believe in entrusting capable individuals with clearly defined goals and empowering them to achieve success. Additionally, I advocate for embracing competition head-on and continuously striving to compete with the best in the industry. By engaging in rigorous competition, we sharpen our skills and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, I believe in exploring opportunities in smaller markets, investing time to understand their unique challenges, and developing tailored solutions to capitalize on these untapped opportunities.

How do you ensure you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization towards future success?

I believe staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial for shaping the future of our organization. This involves continuously updating our skills through self-directed learning, such as enrolling in courses or attending seminars and forums. Reading extensively also plays a significant role in keeping me informed about industry trends. Additionally, surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who share similar ambitions, regardless of their background or industry, fosters valuable conversations and insights. I've found that individuals with a broad skill set and a shared sense of ambition often excel in diverse environments and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

What is the ultimate goal or endpoint you are aiming to reach?

Our aim is to establish ourselves as the leading car rental service provider in India and expand our presence globally. Given that our clientele consists mainly of Fortune 500 companies with operations spanning multiple countries, we aspire to open offices in key economies worldwide. We have already initiated our expansion by establishing a presence in the UK, and our next targets include Germany and the US. Our goal is to offer our car hire services in these prominent markets to better serve our international clients.

Vinay Dharra, CEO, Kangaroo Cars

A highly motivated and professional leader, Vinay Dharra possesses a strong technical background and stute business acumen. He aims to establish Kangaroo Cars as topmost most preferred B2B car rental company in India in next three years.