Aventones

Aventones was a platform focused on promoting a carpooling culture within trusted communities across Latin America. Founded in 2010 by Alberto Padilla Luengas, Ignacio Cordero, and Aníbal Abarca Gil, the company initially launched as a business-to-business service targeting corporations, universities, and government bodies. The core of its operation was a secure online system that allowed members of the same institution to organize rides by matching routes, schedules, and available seats in their vehicles. This model aimed to offer a sustainable solution to traffic congestion while helping users save on transportation costs.

The company's journey included significant support and recognition, participating in the Start-up Chile program which facilitated its expansion from Mexico to other Latin American markets. Aventones secured seed funding from investors including ALLVP, NXTP Labs, BBVA Momentum, and Fundación Chile, raising over $300,000 across several rounds. Demonstrating market adaptability, the company later launched "Rides," a peer-to-peer service for long-distance travel, which significantly scaled its user base and impact. This growth trajectory and strategic positioning culminated in its acquisition by the French carpooling leader BlaBlaCar in March 2015, a move that allowed BlaBlaCar to consolidate its presence in the region.

The platform operated primarily as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for organizations and also had a direct-to-consumer mobile application for long-distance travel. For its peer-to-peer service, revenue was generated by charging a commission on the fee paid by passengers to drivers to cover travel expenses like fuel and tolls. Aventones distinguished itself by creating a trusted network where user profiles and trip logistics were transparent, enhancing safety and reliability compared to informal ride-hitching. Keywords: Aventones, carpooling platform, ride-sharing, Latin America, community transport, corporate carpooling, university carpooling, B2B SaaS, peer-to-peer travel, BlaBlaCar acquisition, mobility tech, sustainable transportation, shared mobility, long-distance carpool, Alberto Padilla Luengas, Ignacio Cordero, ALL Venture Partners, Start-up Chile, NXTP Labs, Rides