Thanks for the dance
Last week was my last working for Econduce. 8 years ago, Eduardo and I built this company with nothing but passion, energy, strong ideals and a lot of excitement. We had a goal of making a significant change to the way we move and live. And I can proudly say that we have made a change.
A shared e-moped service in a car-congested and challenging location like Mexico City was truly bold and disruptive. When we started, the term micro-mobility didn’t exist. Uber was unheard of in LatAm. Back in the day sharing was limited to docked bikes and cars (of course no e-scooters and no e-bikes) with very limited app-based transportation options. There was none but one e-moped sharing operator worldwide (today moped sharing exists in over 100 cities worldwide). Under that context, we introduced a whole new concept of responsible mobility focusing on improving life in cities by changing people’s car-oriented mindset.
After millions of trips in our e-mopeds, we have made a significant impact on air quality, reducing traffic and improving our users’ quality of life. Most importantly, I am convinced our offering opened the mindset of our thousands of users towards alternative and responsible mobility.
In terms of entrepreneurship, I am convinced we also helped shape the current Mexican startup ecosystem. We innovated through hardware and software development in a nascent tech scene. We also pioneered as a purpose-driven company with colleagues aligned with each other’s values, working together towards a positive social and environmental impact. I believe startups launching in those years, including us, inspired and cleared the way for many of the entrepreneurs that have come after us.
We demonstrated that being a micro-mobility operator in LatAm is viable. It took us time to find the right formula, but we did find it. Today Econduce has an optimized and well-greased operation with strong foundations and an amazing tech. In spite of the pandemic’s effect on urban mobility, Econduce is still up and running, with the best leadership and a strong and compact team. We never stoped operating a single minute since our launch in 2015, including earthquakes, pandemics, demonstrations, theft and vandalism. And I am convinced we will keep on doing so. Personally, I am sure we as a society have increased our level of consciousness (one of the good things this pandemic has brought to us). Hence, I bet mobility will bounce back in a more conscious way, paving the way for companies like Econduce to thrive in the future. Needless to say, I will always remain as the top enthusiast, user and supporter of Econduce.
After this incredible journey, all I got to say is thank you. Thanks to all who made this dream possible. To all users, colleagues, partners, investors, board members, advisors, mentors, family and friends who were part of this. Thanks to my wife for hanging next to me and supporting me during tough times. Special thanks to Eduardo, best partner and friend I could have found for this endeavor. In spite all highs and lows, and trust me, there were many, we always remained aligned and with our 30 year old friendship stronger than ever.
It is time for me to move towards something new. What’s next? Still figuring it out. With many ideas, lots of energy and very open to new opportunities, I am very enthusiastic for a vibrant future ahead.
“Thanks for the dance
It was hell, it was swell
It was fun
Thanks for all the dances”— Leonard Cohen
