Interview: Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S, co-founders of VOC Automotive

An interview with Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S, co-founders of VOC Automotive, a dynamic startup that provides 2-wheeler services and repairs.

Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S, co-founders of VOC Automotive, spearhead a pioneering venture in Bangalore dedicated to transforming the 2-wheeler service industry. Their startup offers extensive, multi-brand servicing and repair solutions, catering to a diverse clientele with innovation and expertise.

With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, VOC Automotive has swiftly emerged as a leader in the region’s automotive service sector under their strategic guidance.

Can you tell us about the journey of founding VOC Automotive? What motivated you to start a startup focused on multi-brand 2-wheeler services and repairs?

The journey of founding VOC Automotive was born out of a shared vision between us, Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S. Having met at Sri Jayachamarajendra College in Bangalore while pursuing our Engineering in Automobile, we both harbored a passion for the automobile industry.

Our professional stints at India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd further solidified our understanding of the market and its gaps.

Coming from humble backgrounds, with Venkatesh’s father being an auto-rickshaw driver turned businessman and Lokesh’s father a farmer, we experienced financial struggles, especially when we moved to Bangalore for higher education.

This struggle fueled our determination to create something impactful. We observed that 2-wheeler users often avoided authorized service centers due to high costs and lack of proximity.

This market gap led us to establish VOC Automotive in October 2019, aiming to provide cost-effective, high-quality multi-brand 2-wheeler services and repairs, making essential services accessible and affordable.

VOC Automotive is known for providing comprehensive services in the 2-wheeler segment. What gap or opportunity did you identify in the market that led to the inception of your company?

The inception of VOC Automotive was driven by a critical gap in the 2-wheeler service market. During our time working with leading automobile companies, we noticed that many 2-wheeler owners avoided authorized service centers due to the high costs and lack of nearby locations.

This often forced customers to opt for unauthorized service providers, risking the quality and reliability of the services received.

Recognizing this issue, we saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by offering high-quality, multi-brand 2-wheeler services at competitive prices while ensuring proximity and convenience.

We aimed to combine the reliability of authorized services with the affordability and accessibility of unauthorized ones, thus creating a unique value proposition for our customers.

This approach not only addressed the market need but also set the foundation for VOC Automotive’s growth and success.

How has VOC Automotive evolved since its establishment? Could you share some key milestones or achievements that highlight the company’s growth?

Since its establishment in October 2019, VOC Automotive has seen remarkable growth and evolution. Starting from a single outlet in Bangalore, we have expanded to 117 locations across South India within five years.

One of our significant milestones was achieving a revenue of ₹10 crores in FY-24, a testament to our successful business model and customer trust. We also launched the VOC Smart Rider App and the Smart Dealer App, enhancing our service efficiency and customer experience.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to raise pre-revenue funding of ₹3 crores, showcasing strong investor confidence.

Our journey is marked by continuous innovation and expansion, and we aim to serve 1.88 lakh vehicles and onboard 4 lakh customers through our app in the current financial year, with a long-term goal of establishing 300 outlets across India.

Customer satisfaction is crucial in service-oriented businesses. How does VOC Automotive ensure high-quality service and maintain customer loyalty?

At VOC Automotive, customer satisfaction is at the core of our operations. We ensure high-quality service by employing skilled technicians and using genuine spare parts, maintaining transparency in our processes.

Our unique offerings, such as a comprehensive warranty of six months for engine oil replacement and two years for major services, instill confidence in our customers.

Additionally, our Smart Rider App allows customers to book services easily, track their service history, and avail of doorstep services, enhancing convenience. We also offer privileged membership plans that reduce service costs by over 30%, ensuring our customers get the best value for their money.

Regular feedback mechanisms and customer engagement activities help us understand and meet our customers’ needs effectively, fostering loyalty and trust in our brand.

In a competitive market like Bangalore, how does VOC Automotive differentiate itself from traditional service centers and other emerging startups in the automotive service industry?

VOC Automotive differentiates itself through a combination of cost-effectiveness, convenience, and comprehensive service offerings. Unlike traditional service centers, we provide services at 30% lower charges without compromising quality.

Our expansive network of 117 outlets across South India ensures proximity, and our Smart Rider and Smart Dealer apps streamline service booking and management. We also offer groundbreaking warranties and privileged membership plans that further enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Our commitment to using genuine spare parts and employing skilled technicians ensures reliability and high service standards.

Additionally, our strategic expansion plans and innovative solutions, such as the planned platform for buying and selling pre-owned 2-wheelers and a technical academy, position us as a forward-thinking and customer-centric company in the competitive automotive service industry.

Innovation often drives success in startups. What role does innovation play at VOC Automotive, particularly in enhancing service efficiency or customer experience?

Innovation is a cornerstone of VOC Automotive’s success. We leverage technology to enhance service efficiency and customer experience through our Smart Rider and Smart Dealer apps. These platforms enable seamless service booking, real-time updates, and a choice of service providers, making the entire process convenient for our customers.

Our introduction of privileged membership plans and comprehensive warranties are innovative steps that provide added value and peace of mind to our customers. Additionally, we are expanding into new verticals, such as launching a platform for buying and selling pre-owned 2-wheelers and a technical academy to train and employ individuals.

These initiatives not only diversify our offerings but also address broader market needs, reinforcing our position as an innovative leader in the 2-wheeler service industry.

Building a startup involves overcoming challenges. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in scaling VOC Automotive, and how did you overcome them?

Scaling VOC Automotive presented several challenges, particularly in maintaining service quality across multiple locations and securing funding. The COVID-19 pandemic also posed significant operational hurdles.

We overcame these challenges by adopting a franchise model, allowing rapid and scalable growth while ensuring consistent service standards through rigorous training and quality control measures.

Securing funding was another critical challenge; however, we successfully raised ₹9 crores, with substantial backing from investor’s, demonstrating strong investor confidence in our business model.

Our resilience and adaptability were crucial in navigating the pandemic’s impact, and our continuous innovation in service offerings and technology adoption helped us sustain and grow our operations amidst these challenges.

What are your thoughts on the future of the 2-wheeler service industry, especially in urban centers like Bangalore? How is VOC Automotive preparing to capitalize on future trends?

The future of the 2-wheeler service industry, particularly in urban centers like Bangalore, is poised for significant growth. Increasing urbanization, rising 2-wheeler ownership, and the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) are key trends shaping the industry.

VOC Automotive is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends through our strategic expansion and innovative service offerings. We are actively exploring partnerships with EV companies to provide specialized services for electric 2-wheelers.

Our planned expansion to 300 outlets across India will enhance our national reach, while our Smart Rider and Smart Dealer apps will continue to streamline customer experience and service efficiency.

We are also focusing on strategic collaborations with insurance companies for accidental claims, further diversifying our service portfolio. By staying ahead of market trends and continuously innovating, VOC Automotive aims to lead the 2-wheeler service industry into the future.

Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S continue to steer VOC Automotive towards unprecedented growth and excellence in the competitive landscape of 2-wheeler services. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to delivering top-tier solutions underscore their vision for revolutionizing the customer experience in vehicle maintenance.

As VOC Automotive expands its footprint, their leadership remains pivotal in shaping the future of multi-brand automotive servicing in Bangalore and beyond.

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