In an Indian startup ecosystem often dazzled by elite degrees and glossy pitches, Scootev is flipping the script. The Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup has not only achieved a staggering valuation of Rs 100 crore—it’s doing it without a single Ivy League founder or billionaire investor in sight.
Instead, Scootev is built by the very people the gig economy often overlooks—delivery executives, support staff, and two-wheeler warriors who usually remain invisible in business narratives. Led by founder Murad Khan, the company is becoming a living, growing example of what grassroots entrepreneurship looks like when given room to thrive.
Not Just a Startup, But a Movement
At the heart of Scootev lies a purpose much deeper than profit. “Scootev is not just a business—it’s a movement,” says Khan.
And he means it. Unlike other companies that only employ gig workers at the lowest rung of the ladder, Scootev does something radical—it hands them the keys to the building.
From delivery riders to fleet managers to top-level decision-makers, every leader at Scootev has risen through the ranks. These are people who’ve felt the scorching Bengaluru sun on their backs, delivered packages during monsoon downpours, and navigated the chaos of city traffic. Today, they’re steering a Rs 100 crore enterprise.
The Founding Philosophy: No Degrees Required
In a world obsessed with MBAs and tech degrees, Scootev thrives on a different kind of credential—hustle.
“We don’t see degrees. We see potential,” says one former delivery executive who now heads operations in the city. And that’s not just a slogan. Scootev’s internal structure is designed to provide long-term career paths. A rider joining today can move up the ladder to become a fleet manager, then an operations head, and eventually reach strategic roles—none of which are blocked by a lack of formal education.
For many gig workers who have long accepted their jobs as temporary gigs with little scope for advancement, Scootev is a breath of fresh air. It provides not only income but dignity, ownership, and a real shot at professional growth.
From Rides to Results: What Makes Scootev Tick?
Scootev currently operates with a robust fleet of over 3,000 e-bikes—serving as the beating heart of last-mile delivery services in Bengaluru. But these aren’t just vehicles on the road. They represent livelihood, opportunity, and upward mobility for thousands of riders.
What sets Scootev apart is how it has built a tightly knit community. The riders aren’t just employees; they’re stakeholders. Many participate in strategic meetings, help in onboarding newer members, and even mentor peers. The entire business model is centered around empowerment.
And the results speak for themselves. The company has not only grown rapidly in terms of valuation but has also created a resilient, loyal workforce that’s emotionally and economically invested in its success.
Rs 100 Crore and Climbing: What’s Next for Scootev?
Scootev is gearing up for its next phase of growth. With a valuation that has touched the Rs 100 crore mark, the startup is preparing for a new funding round aimed at expanding operations, growing its fleet, and investing in training and infrastructure.
But true to its DNA, the company plans to reinvest in its people first. Upcoming initiatives include leadership training programs for riders, upgraded EV tech, and local hubs where riders can rest, recharge, and network.
Khan envisions a future where Scootev becomes India’s largest gig-worker-led enterprise—not just in EV mobility, but across multiple sectors. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “We want to prove that grassroots leadership can build billion-dollar companies too.”
The Bigger Picture: Redefining Indian Startup Culture
Scootev’s journey is more than just a startup success story. It challenges the very fabric of how success is defined in the Indian startup world. While most founders walk into investor rooms with business plans and degrees, Scootev’s founders came in with experience, grit, and a firsthand understanding of urban India’s logistical pulse.
This is the kind of inclusive innovation India has long needed. It reimagines the gig economy not as a place of exploitation, but as a pipeline of future entrepreneurs. It offers a glimpse into a future where your background doesn’t determine your ceiling.
Scootev isn’t just delivering goods—it’s delivering dreams. It has shown that with the right support and vision, the so-called ‘low-skilled’ gig workers can become high-impact leaders. It’s a startup born on the streets, but one that is rewriting the boardroom rulebook.
As India looks toward building a more inclusive and equitable digital economy, Scootev stands as proof that transformation can come from the ground up—and sometimes, the biggest revolutions ride in on two wheels.
