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.