41. Nicolas Brusson of BlaBlaCar

How I Got Here - Inside stories behind innovation and startups in travel

BlaBlaCar is a lot more than a carpooling platform with a quirky name.

Since its creators - Frédéric Mazzella, Francis Nappez and Nicolas Brusson - thrust the brand onto the scene in the late-2000s, many companies have sought to mimic the idea but have failed to unseat the clear market leader.

Regulatory issues, launches in new markets around the world, modest levels of funding (compared to, say, Uber) and expansive of the brand into new product lines, such as bus and coach transport, are all part of the France-based BlaBlaCar story (including where the name comes from).

Brusson, who became CEO in 2016 after initially taking the chief operating officer role in 2007, is the latest guest on How I Got Here.

HIGH is a weekly show produced by PhocusWire and Mozio, aimed at getting the inside stories behind startups and innovation in travel and transportation.

It's hosted by PhocusWire's editor in chief, Kevin May, and Mozio co-founder and CEO David Litwak.

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