Invoicing in micro-mobility business is now simple
December 20, 2021
min. read
Doing micro-mobility business means doing business with hundreds of thousands of customers. On the other hand, expanding into new markets means that your business has to comply with a lot of different regulations. And this is not only in terms of micro-mobility, but also, for example, accounting. However, this might not be as complicated as it sounds provided that you choose the right partner. And Space Invoices could be the partner to choose when considering centralized invoicing.
“Our business is not sexy per se and we understand that invoicing will never be interesting. However, we are interested in devising solutions that are useful for our customers. The less you care about invoicing, the better we are doing our job,” says Space Invoices CEO Boštjan Pišler. With its API solution, the company is helping developers to focus on building software instead of dealing with financial calculations and invoicing legislation.
Space Invoices has two approaches to its business model. When the customer is a multi-tenant business, the company charges per every customer. However, if the customer has a big volume of invoices that are issued monthly, a tiny fee is added for every invoice created. Boštjan says that although the company works with a small number of clients, its service is actually used by about 8,000 businesses across Europe and Australia. It also plans to launch in Brazil and Mexico in the near future, as well as add support for North American countries. Documents can currently be sent in 14 different languages. “As a software provider, we need to ensure while doing business in all those different countries that we also send invoices to the government if needs be. And it is important for companies that operate in these countries that they have a service provider that meets all government requirements.” According to Boštjan, “We do.”
Creates an API that becomes a successful business
Bostjan developed and used to run a classic online invoicing software on the local market. This is where the idea for Space Invoices comes from. There was apparently a need for an easy-to-integrate invoicing API. Bostjan's development agency used a lot of different APIs for different parts of the software they were building for clients, “We managed to create a really good invoicing API for developers. I came up with the idea to create Space Invoices that could be a solution, where there is an existing API and developers can implement it to the software to easily create invoices with a couple of lines of code. We now have a multi-tenant type of approach to the API. If you compare this to traditional solutions, which mostly just add API to invoicing functionality, we rebuild the whole system to support a multi-tenant approach with an API first approach and developers in mind.”
This is how ATOM also uses the system. It is simple for micro-mobility service users because they only need to provide primary data. Afterward, ATOM can automatically create accounts and link them to businesses. Invoices are also created automatically. And then it is up to the service provider to decide how and at what stage they will process invoices.
Dashboard and additional features
What does the end-user see on the dashboard inside the system? It depends on the amount of data the company would like to make available. “We have customers that do not show anything through dashboards. But in the case of ATOM, we have a more complicated implementation. The end-user primarily views issued invoices. Each invoice is also individually available so it is easy to find out what the price was, and what the service was, etc. And it is possible to download another copy of each pdf file,” reveals Boštjan before adding that a lot more different options are available. In this case, ATOM's system triggers the functionality, and then Space Invoices’ API processes the remaining data.
In this case payment gateway implementation is covered by ATOM. Payments are processed before the invoice in the app. In the case of a refund, it is also up to ATOM to decide if there is a need to issue a credit note invoice. So this is also triggered. Space Invoices are currently working on a solution to make it possible to accept payments via the invoice - if the customer opts not to pay the invoice directly, he later receives a form enabling him to pay online via the invoice.
ATOM uses the Space Invoices system to send documents to their clients. “The sender is our address, but the e-mail address for replies is the one indicated by ATOM. We have multiple templates or PDFs to choose from. They can be edited by color, logo, etc. The whole design experience can be fully customized,” says Boštjan. Space Invoices use Sendgrid for e-mails. Boštjan explains that they have a 99% sender score. Moreover, sending invoices doesn't harm their service. Most of the time, content is simple and definitely not promotional, as it only contains a pdf. Space Invoices do not have any spam reports, because customers never report the invoice as spam.
Country specific solutions
Most countries require invoices although the situation can differ from country to country. In Canada and the US, for example, invoicing requirements are slightly less strict and an invoice is not as important a document as it is in South America and Europe. So sometimes specific statements have to appear on the invoice in order for the recipient to make this document valid. Whenever VAT is applied, it is important that the recipient company can correctly deduce the VAT. Space Invoices also does the customization regarding reporting to governments. “We are still working on those and always are adding additional options. And, in general, we don't have a lot of clients so close collaboration is possible along with an individual approach to solving different challenges,” explains Boštjan.
Talk to ATOM Mobility team to activate online invoicing for your operations: support@atommobility.com
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How to find your niche in the competitive ride-hail market: real-world examples of businesses that resonate
💡Want to break into the ride-hail market but don know what’s your angle and how to make yourself visible in an already packed field? Check out how InDrive, BLACWOLF, and COMIN found their unique angles to thrive in a competitive space! 🚗
December 18, 2024
min. read
The ride-hail market is crowded, fiercely competitive, and often dominated by household names like Uber and Bolt. But don’t let the giants fool you into thinking there’s no place for you. With some creative thinking and a unique angle, you can get on the road quite quickly. The secret? Finding the one thing that sets you apart from others. Let’s explore how some notable players (both veterans and newcomers) have done just that.
InDrive: A pioneer in price negotiation
🔹 Over 200M downloads, active in 700+ cities across 45+ countries
🔹 Unique feature: Set your price - Riders offer a fare, and drivers can accept or negotiate!
🔹 Drivers pay no commission, just a small monthly subscription, giving them better earnings.
🔹 Unique market entry: Initially free usage for drivers (no commission, no subscription).
Before we discuss the latest players, let’s revisit InDrive, a company that entered the market years ago with an approach that sounds almost too simple to work – offer your price.
The idea is straightforward. Instead of accepting a fixed fare, riders suggest how much they’re willing to pay. Drivers, in turn, can accept, counter, or reject the offer. It’s a dynamic that mirrors haggling at a bazaar but digitized for the modern commuter.
This model resonated. Riders felt empowered, and drivers appreciated the flexibility, especially in sensitive markets where fair pricing is a concern. InDrive rapidly scaled across emerging markets like Latin America, Russia, and Southeast Asia, regions where affordability and negotiation are cultural norms.
The takeaway here? InDrive’s “offer your price” model wasn’t just a fun gimmick, but a solution tailored to specific markets and demographics, offering fair rides to anyone who needs it. If you’re entering the ride-hail space, ask yourself: what unique cultural or social nuance can you leverage to disrupt the market in the region?
BLACWOLF: The armed and ready approach
🔹 Unique feature: Focus on rider security with armed & trained drivers 🛡️
🔹 Launched in Atlanta (2023), now expanding across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and soon Houston, Austin, and Dallas!
🔹 Over 300K downloads in just 1.5 years.
Now, let’s fast-forward to the present and head to the U.S., where BLACWOLF has entered the scene (launched in Atlanta, 2023), now expanding across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and soon Houston, Austin, and Dallaswith an eyebrow-raising twist: drivers who carry firearms.
BLACWOLF was launched in response to concerns over driver and passenger safety. Their USP (unique selling proposition) is ensuring peace of mind through armed drivers. As their slogan says, “We didn't reinvent ride-hailing; we just made it safer.”
As controversial as it sounds, it’s resonating in specific markets like Houston, where personal security is a priority for many.
This approach has gained traction, especially among passengers who prioritize safety or feel underserved by existing ride-hail platforms. Of course, it’s not without its challenges. Regulatory hurdles and liability concerns spring to mind; however, BLACWOLF is scaling rapidly, proving that a polarizing angle can still be a winning one.
Don’t shy away from bold ideas that cater to real pain points. Whether it’s safety, convenience, or cost, identifying an underserved need can help you stand out in a crowded market.
COMIN: France’s bid-for-ride disruptor
🔹 Unique features: Offering a fair 10% commission and Set your price feature (similar to inDrive).
🔹 Quickly onboarded 6,000 drivers, capturing 15% of the market in record time.
Over in Europe, a fresh player called COMIN is shaking things up in France. This newcomer has onboarded 6,000 drivers, taking 15% of the French market almost overnight, a feat that’s turning heads across the industry.
COMIN’s secret sauce? A bidding system that allows passengers to submit offers for rides, giving drivers the choice to accept or negotiate. Yes, it’s like InDrive, but with a hyper-local twist tailored to France’s market dynamics.
To fuel their growth, they’ve also raised €300,000 in seed funding from Station F, Europe’s largest startup incubator. By focusing on one market and perfecting their model, COMIN has avoided doing too much at once—proof that a focused approach often trumps trying to be everything to everyone.
For aspiring ride-hail entrepreneurs, COMIN serves as a case study in starting small but thinking big. Specializing in one region or demographic before expanding can help you gain traction and refine your offering.
The ride-hail market may look like a fortress, but even the strongest walls have cracks. With creativity, boldness, and the right platform to support your vision, there’s no reason you can’t break through and thrive. Are you ready?
How ATOM Mobility can help
So, you’ve got your groundbreaking idea. What’s next? To turn your vision into a reality, you’ll need a robust platform to build on—and that’s where ATOM Mobility comes in.
ATOM provides a ready-made platform for entrepreneurs looking to launch ride-hailing or mobility services. With customizable tools, seamless integrations, and scalable tech, ATOM lets you focus on your unique value proposition while we handle the backend.
Ready to make your mark in the ride-hail world? Join ATOM Mobility today and start your journey!
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Cracking the code of car sharing: Best technology for car sharing business
🚘💡 What keeps cars in car-sharing businesses connected? From CAN bus and OBD devices to cutting-edge IoT providers like Teltonika, Invers and Geotab, it’s all about the hardware!
November 27, 2024
min. read
Car sharing is more than just a trend—it’s a game-changer for urban mobility, helping people access vehicles without the headache of owning them. But what makes it all work? Let us introduce the tech behind car sharing and explore how companies like ATOM Mobility make it easier to start and scale your shared mobility business profitably.
The three pillars of car sharing technology
At the heart of every car-sharing operation are three key technologies that connect vehicles to platforms: CAN bus, OBD, and OEM telematics. Here’s what they do and why they matter:
1. CAN Bus: The car’s internal network
The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus acts like a car’s central nervous system, allowing different components to talk to each other. It delivers detailed data—fuel levels, battery status, or even tire pressure—directly to your car-sharing platform. This deep integration also allows remote actions like locking or starting the vehicle.
However, CAN systems require professional installation, which can mean higher upfront costs. For larger operators with fleets that need granular control and detailed diagnostics, it’s a must-have.
2. OBD: Affordable and easy to deploy
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) devices are the plug-and-play heroes of car sharing. Simply connect them to the car’s diagnostic port, and you’ve got instant access to location, speed, and engine health. They’re affordable, quick to set up, and ideal for small-to-medium operators just getting started.
That said, OBD devices offer less functionality compared to CAN. They’re perfect for a more basic setup but might not suit operators who need advanced data or remote vehicle controls.
3. OEM Telematics: Factory-installed genius
OEM telematics systems come pre-installed in many modern cars. These systems provide seamless connectivity and are highly reliable, enabling features like real-time tracking, diagnostics, and remote locking.
The downside? OEM telematics tie you to the car manufacturer’s system, which can limit customization. If your fleet is from a single brand, this is a fantastic option. For mixed-brand fleets, integrating other devices might make more sense.
The IoT providers helping you succeed
Beyond these three core technologies, IoT providers offer additional tools to supercharge your car-sharing operations. Here are four standout names making waves in the industry:
Teltonika
WEB: https://teltonika-gps.com
Headquartered in Lithuania, Teltonika has been at the forefront of IoT since 1998. With over 1,600 employees, the company specializes in GPS trackers and other connected devices that bring real-time tracking, security, and driver behavior analysis to your fleet. Their scalable solutions are ideal for growing car-sharing businesses.
Geotab
WEB: https://www.geotab.com
Based in Canada, Geotab supports over 2 million vehicles worldwide with its advanced fleet management tools. Their telematics devices don’t just track vehicles—they provide insights into fuel efficiency, maintenance needs, and safety. For operators focused on data-driven optimization, Geotab is a top choice.
INVERS
WEB: https://invers.com/en/solutions/cloudboxx
Germany’s INVERS is a leader in shared mobility tech, offering the CloudBoxx device to connect vehicles with car-sharing platforms. Easy to integrate and reliable, CloudBoxx ensures a smooth experience for operators and users alike. With a strong presence in Europe and North America, INVERS is a trusted name in the industry.
Acacus
WEB: https://www.acacusgroup.com
Operating out of the UAE, Acacus combines IoT and AI to deliver smart mobility solutions. Their tech is widely used in government projects and private fleets, especially in regions embracing smart cities. Acacus brings innovation and reliability to shared mobility operators aiming for cutting-edge solutions.
How ATOM Mobility comes into the picture?
Technology is only as good as the platform that connects it all. That’s where ATOM Mobility shines.
ATOM’s software integrates seamlessly with devices from Teltonika, Geotab, INVERS, and others, making it simple to connect your fleet and manage everything from a single dashboard. No matter the size of your operation, ATOM provides tools for real-time tracking, user management, and secure payments—all with intuitive design and full support.
Whether you’re launching your first car-sharing fleet or expanding across multiple cities, ATOM helps you scale profitably and with confidence. We make the technical stuff easy so you can focus on growing your business.
Why is car sharing the future?
Urban living is changing. People are moving away from car ownership, opting instead for flexible, on-demand solutions like car sharing. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and kinder to the planet.
With tech like CAN, OBD, OEM telematics, and IoT devices driving the industry forward, the potential for shared mobility is enormous. But to succeed, operators need the right tools to manage fleets, optimize performance, and deliver a great user experience.
Join us
Ready to start your car-sharing journey? Book a demo with ATOM Mobility and let’s get moving!
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
