2017 Under the Radar: ZOHR changing tires, traditional mindset on roadside aid
August 29, 2017 | Bobby Burch
Editor’s note: Startland News picked 10 early-stage firms to spotlight for its annual Under the Radar startups list. The following is one of 2017’s companies. To view the full list, click here.
Nearly anyone with a car can relate to the chore of replacing bald tires or the frustration of a flat.
Not only will you likely have to shell out a few Benjamins, but also find the time to wait for a busy mechanic whose hours are often only during the workday.
It’s this conundrum that Kansas City-based ZOHR aims to soothe with its on-site tire replacement services.
Half tech firm, half automotive servicing shop, ZOHR allows one to schedule a variety of tire services from a phone or computer to be completed at your home, office or stranded on the roadside. Working around your schedule, ZOHR mechanics swoop in like superheroes — but instead of the Batmobile, it’s a teched out van that can mount, balance, plug and rotate your tires.
Now in business for about two years, the company has grown to five staffers and has serviced more than 5,000 tires in the Kansas City area, ZOHR co-founder Komal Choong said. The firm is growing at a rate of about 15 percent month over month, he added. The company — which for now services only the Kansas City metro — also was a part of YCombinator’s Fellowship program, connecting it to mentors and many resources to grow.
Paired with steady growth, ZOHR has ambitious national expansion plans. ZOHR aims to be a household name for automotive services across the country within 10 years, Choong said. The firm is now looking to expand its services to eventually include on-site oil changes and car washes and subscription-based tire rotations.
Fun fact: About 18 months ago, Startland News shared the 1 Million Cups stage with ZOHR. Check out both of the presentations here.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KCultivator Q&A: Prep-KC CEO Susan Wally on environmentalism, horseback riding, urban edu
Editor’s note: KCultivators is a new, lighthearted profile series we’re kicking off to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Check out our first profile with Donald Carter here. You may know Susan Wally as CEO of the education nonprofit Prep-KC, a member of KC Rising’s Human Capital committee or as a board…
Dundee Venture Capital tops goal with oversubscribed, $31M fund
In conjunction with welcoming a new partner to its ranks, regionally-focused fund Dundee Venture Capital recently surpassed its goal to raise a $30 million investment fund targeting Midwest startups. The Omaha-based fund announced that its third fund is oversubscribed at $31 million and will target startups in Kansas City, St Louis, Omaha, Lincoln, Denver, Indianapolis,…
Kauffman, UMKC symposium hopes to inspire and challenge social entrepreneurs
To spur more socially-minded ventures in the metro, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and University of Missouri-Kansas City are teaming up to host the fifth-annual Midwest Symposium on Social Entrepreneurship. Set for May 15 and 16, the two-day event will welcome about 125 attendees from the region, offering workshops, panel discussions and speakers. Tony Luppino,…
Fund Me, KC: The Fishing Caddy aims to hook good times for family, friends
Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its new segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com Who are you?…