Women’s safety in public transport has been a persistent concern in India. Addressing this challenge with technology and purpose, Ajay Kumar, Founder of Fery Rides, is building a mobility platform designed exclusively to ensure safer commuting for women. In an interaction with Indian Startup Times, Ajay Kumar shares the inspiration behind the startup, the journey of building the platform, and his vision of empowering women through safe mobility solutions.
The Inspiration Behind Fery Rides
Ajay Kumar’s entrepreneurial journey began with a deeply personal experience that highlighted the urgent need for safer transportation for women. Around 2019–2020, a close friend of his faced sexual harassment from a bike taxi driver during a ride. The incident left a lasting impact on him and sparked the idea of creating a mobility solution where women could feel safe while traveling.
Another incident he witnessed in Delhi, involving inappropriate behavior in an e-rickshaw, further strengthened his determination to address this issue. During his MBA days, Ajay discussed these concerns with his co-founder, Vindhya Mehrotra. Later, Himanshu joined the venture as a co-founder, and together they began exploring the possibility of building a safer transportation platform designed specifically for women.
Market Research and the Birth of Fery
Before launching the platform, Ajay, Vindhya, and his team conducted extensive market research to understand the real concerns of women commuters. They interacted with more than 5,000–6,000 women, gathering insights into their daily mobility challenges, safety concerns, and expectations from a reliable transport service.
These conversations helped them conceptualize Fery, a platform designed to provide a “zero-anxiety mobility experience” for women. The name “Fery” itself carries multiple meanings—it represents female riders, evokes the idea of a fairy-like safe journey, and also connects to the concept of a ferry transporting passengers safely across short distances.
Technology and Safety at the Core
Safety is the foundation of Fery Rides’ operational model. The platform incorporates AI-based facial verification, ensuring that only verified female riders can book rides on the platform. This adds an additional layer of security for both riders and drivers.
The company also integrates several safety-focused features, including:
- GPS-enabled ride tracking
- Dash cameras inside vehicles
- Strict rider verification
- Dedicated support systems
In addition, Fery operates a 100% electric vehicle fleet, aligning its mission with sustainability while offering safe commuting options.
Empowering Women Through Employment
One of the core missions of Fery Rides is not just to provide safe mobility for women but also to create employment opportunities for them. The company has already trained over 260 women drivers, whom they refer to as “sister partners.”
However, convincing women to choose driving as a profession was not easy. Ajay recalls the early challenges of building trust among potential drivers and customers alike, especially in a traditionally male-dominated transportation industry. Through continuous training, support, and operational discipline, the company gradually built confidence among women drivers and riders.
Building a Reliable Mobility Network
Fery currently operates scooty services within a controlled radius in Gurgaon, allowing the team to maintain strict safety standards and operational discipline. For cab services, the company operates across the entire NCR region, expanding its reach while continuing to prioritize safety and reliability.
To maintain quality control, the company provides in-house vehicles, ensuring that every driver is fully aligned with the company’s safety protocols.
The platform runs 24/7 cab services, while two-wheeler rides operate until 10 PM, prioritizing safety for both riders and drivers.
Funding and Growth Milestones
Like many startups, Fery’s funding journey involved persistence and a strong belief in the mission. Ajay personally reached out to investors and participated in accelerator programs to gain support for the venture.
The startup received early backing through the ACIC BMU, followed by funding from the Indian Angel Network, which invested ₹2.075 crore in the company. This funding enabled Fery to expand its operations, strengthen its technology, and scale its driver network.
Today, the company has successfully completed close to 1 lakh safe rides for women, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Expansion Plans and Future Vision
Looking ahead, Fery Rides plans to expand across the NCR region before entering other major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh. The team is also preparing for its next funding round to scale operations and strengthen the technology platform.
Ajay envisions Fery evolving beyond just a mobility platform. The long-term goal is to build a comprehensive ecosystem that supports women’s safety, economic independence, and access to opportunities.
A Mission Beyond Transportation
For Ajay Kumar, Fery Rides is not just a business—it is a mission to redefine how women experience mobility in India. By combining technology, sustainability, and women’s empowerment, the startup is working toward creating safer cities and more inclusive transportation systems.
As the company prepares for its next phase of growth, Fery’s journey highlights how purpose-driven innovation can address real societal challenges while creating meaningful impact.
Interview Conducted by : Arushi Agarwal
