Scoop Commute is a complete carpooling tool that helps organizations set up carpooling programs for their employees. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Scoop Commute CEO Jeremy Zuker to learn more about the company.
Jeremy Zuker’s Background
What is Jeremy Zuker’s background? Zuker said:
“In July 2024, I became the CEO of Scoop Commute, the tech company dedicated to connecting commuters through reliable and convenient carpools which has had over $100 million investment funding since launch in 2015.”
“Before this, I co-founded WhereiPark in Toronto, acquired by Spacer Technologies in 2022. The company is a digital marketplace that helps asset owners monetize their unused parking spaces / garages by connecting them with renters seeking reliable, convenient and affordable parking. We began with the consumer business and then built a B2B business focusing on corporate partnerships with construction, rental car, real estate, and the hospitality sectors; the B2C and B2B businesses complement each other and make for a more robust marketplace.”
“Previously, I started a text messaging business and an ecommerce business which is called ‘WagJag’ (the name is from the first letter on each button of the phone keypad – 924524) – a daily deals platform. In 2009 it was sold to Torstar Corporation, the Canadian media company. WagJag grew to have about 3M email subscribers across Canada.”
“My primary focus for Scoop Commute is driving growth and doubling the business in the next year. As employees return to the office more frequently, carpooling has become a more impactful corporate benefit for employees. Corporations can support their employees in carpooling with our platform that enables workers to share commuting costs, reduce traffic congestion and parking demand, along with helping to achieve sustainability goals.”
“My role includes working with our partners – many of which are corporations with over 5,000 employees – to help them deliver the best possible commuter benefit programs to their employees to ultimately increase their happiness.”
“In addition to creating financial ROI for participating corporations and individuals, a big part of our mission is helping people be more connected. You’d be surprised by how powerful it is to connect with colleagues and neighbors while commuting – both the social and the professional aspects are very impactful. So, I’m often thinking about how we can continue to build on that network and have an even greater positive impact for people.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Zuker shared:
“Scoop Commute is a carpooling app that connects co-workers and neighbors going the same way in safe and reliable carpools. The app includes dynamic matching, safety features, communications tools and integrated payments for sharing expenses. For corporations, our platform provides a complete solution to offer employees carpooling benefits. We provide a scalable program for HR, facilities, and transportation teams so they can support their employees.”
“At the core is the best in class:
— Matching and routing algorithms that learn and optimize
— User friendly product for individuals and administrators
— Partnership approach to bring best practices to the workplace
The APP features:
A Trusted Network:
— Carpools with co-workers and neighbors going the same way
Colleagues Can Ride or Drive:
— Works for all schedules, separate morning and evening trips or round trip matching
A Complete Solution for Commuting:
— Door-to-door carpools with backup commute options and many features built into the app
The Dashboard Features:
— The Scoop dashboard provides the control and insight you need to measure, manage, and grow your carpool program which includes:
Track The Performance:
— Get real-time data to measure and grow your program.
Manage The Program
— View and manage your commuter roster and program eligibility all in one place.
Show Sustainable Impact:
— Get insight into how much CO2 you save, cars removed from your parking lots, and ROI of your program.
Growing a successful commuter program is a partnership. Each program includes dedicated support, resources for employees, program implementation logistics, and engaging commuter program best practices.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Zuker affirmed:
“Scoop Commute offers a smarter, more flexible, and cost-effective approach to commuter solutions. With dynamic matching, it adapts to changing schedules, ensuring seamless and stress-free rides, while its lower cost outperforms expensive options like shuttles and vanpools. The app provides unmatched flexibility and easy onboarding through its robust program, making it simple for new groups to see immediate success. Combining best-in-class technology, intuitive design, and expert support, the app delivers the ultimate commuter program: Best Tech. Best Product. Best Program.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Zuker and the team faced in building the company? Zuker acknowledged:
“The app launched in 2015 and became a huge success, experiencing rapid growth and widespread adoption leading into 2020. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, user activity slowed dramatically as people stayed home. This was a challenging time for many transportation-related businesses. However, the important mission never faded. As employees began to return to their offices, the user activity began to return, and we see increasingly positive prospects looking ahead.”
“We’re focused on expanding Scoop Commute by targeting areas with the most significant commuting challenges and accelerating its impact.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Zuker cited:
“Last month we announced a significant milestone: that Scoop Commute has hit nearly 10 million trips, with the biggest volume in California and Washington, helping to reduce single-occupancy vehicles on the roads.”
“That being said, it’s not only the big milestones that keep us going; it’s often the small ones. With so many people carpooling and interacting there are many small moments that demonstrate the non-financial value. It’s the time when a worker can carpool and leave their car at home so their child can use it to get to football practice, or a passenger passes on a contagious smile to a driver who had a difficult day at work. We’ve even had multiple couples get married after meeting each other in a carpool!”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Zuker about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“Pulkit Jain, a Software Engineer in Silicon Valley, discovered Scoop Commute in 2017 and began using it as a driver to cut down on commuting costs and save time. By carpooling, he receives a reimbursement averaging $192 per month, which covers his gas and operating expenses. Additionally, by carpooling he also eliminates toll costs by taking advantage of carpool lanes that are free. He also shaves off 20 minutes from each leg of his commute, all while building valuable connections and friendships.”
“In another example of Scoop Commute’s impact, one rider was able to identify a new opportunity in their company that was the right fit for their carpooling companion.”
Funding
When asking Zuker about the company’s funding details, he revealed:
“Since the app launched in 2015, it has received over $100 million in funding.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Zuker acknowledged:
“The future goal of Scoop Commute revolves around scaling its impact and solidifying its position as the leading carpooling app. By deepening our reach within different industries, we plan to support more employees in adopting carpooling as a reliable daily commuting option. We also plan to expand our services to new cities and regions, to make carpooling a mainstream option for even more commuters.”
“Also continue innovating by introducing new features that improve convenience and reliability for users. This may include partnerships with other mobility solutions (e.g., public transport or electric vehicle fleets).
Visit www.scoopcommute.com.”
