Oleksandr: Ukraine to Solvay – Master’s Degree Success Story
From VIP Transport too Building a Tesla Taxi Fleet: One Entrepreneur‘s Journey
At the beginning of 2025, a unique prospect arose for one entrepreneur: a taxi license for the Brussels region. A chance to build a business alongside his existing autonomous work, he envisioned a future were he could leverage this license to create something new. “I can start my business if I find a car and a driver,” he stated, a simple sentence that sparked the creation of Belgium Royal Ride.
Launching Belgium Royal Ride: A Focus on Opportunity and Community
The first step was finding a reliable driver. He purposefully sought out someone from the Ukrainian community. “I know it is indeed very difficult for them to win a job in Belgium. I went through the active ukrainian sites and groups in Belgium,” he explained, demonstrating a commitment to providing opportunities for those facing hardship. This wasn’t just about filling a role; it was about offering a lifeline.
But a license and a driver aren’t enough.the biggest hurdle quickly became securing the necessary capital to acquire a vehicle. He initially approached BNP Paribas Fortis for a loan, but was met with a refusal.”It was a new company and I had no experiance,” he recalls. Undeterred, the bank directed him to Microstart, where, with his mother as a guarantor, he secured a €25,000 loan, supplementing it with an additional €5,000 of his own savings.
The Tesla Advantage: safety, Sustainability, and 24/7 Operation
The choice of vehicle was deliberate: a Tesla. ”It is an electric car. it’s ecological and use is cheaper than a diesel car,” he explains, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits. However, the decision went beyond cost savings.A key factor was safety.
“The passengers of a taxi do not like to put their seat belt on. In Tesla, each passenger is forced to attach their belt, otherwise, there is an alarm,” he points out. This feature, while seemingly minor, addresses a meaningful safety concern and provides peace of mind.The Tesla’s efficient battery and quick recharge capabilities also allow for near-continuous operation, with the ability to utilize different drivers for day and night shifts. He’s already looking to expand, aiming to add another Tesla to the fleet, specifically for Uber services. “This allows me to give work to Ukrainians,” he reiterates, reinforcing his commitment to the community.
Tesla massacred on the new, but saved at the opportunity?
Balancing Growth with a Continued Commitment to VIP Transport
Despite the burgeoning taxi business, he continues to work as a driver in a VIP transport company. The demands of this role are significant, frequently enough involving long distances.A recent trip to Dijon covered 519 kilometers,and 1,000-kilometer routes are commonplace. His longest journey to date was a round trip to Berlin. This dedication to his existing work demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to providing for his family.
A Changed Homeland: Why Belgium is Now Home
The question of returning to Ukraine is a complex one. “Unfortunately not,” he states firmly. “Almost all my friends left Ukraine. For my 6-year-old daughter, her country is Belgium.” His wife works as an accounting assistant, and the family contributes substantially to the Belgian economy.
However, the decision isn’t purely economic. He acknowledges a profound shift in his homeland. “Ukraine has changed since I left, it’s no longer the same country. I am Ukrainian, I know the Ukrainian language, but I have always spoken Russian in the family and I prefer to speak Russian. If you say hello in Russian in Ukraine, it’s very frowned upon.” This personal observation speaks to the deep societal changes occurring in Ukraine and highlights the challenges of returning to a country that feels increasingly unfamiliar. Belgium, with its stability and opportunities, has become home, offering a future for his daughter and a sense of belonging for his family.