When I first met with a business owner who had built a thriving car-sharing service in his city, I was inspired by how purpose-driven his work was. His business addressed a significant urban challenge by connecting car owners with individuals in need of temporary vehicle access. It was more than just a service—it was a solution rooted in purpose. But as we began to share ideas, I realized there was an even greater opportunity to take this purpose to a larger scale: building a multi-sided platform (MSP) that could empower others to replicate his success.
The idea of creating a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform emerged naturally during our conversation. It wasn’t about simply expanding his existing business; it was about connecting with others who shared the same purpose of solving mobility challenges in their own regions. This shared purpose became the foundation of our collaboration.
Why a SaaS Solution?
Building an MSP in the form of a SaaS platform aligned perfectly with the goal of connection and scalability. By turning the car-sharing platform’s core functionalities—vehicle scheduling, payment integration, user verification, and maintenance tracking—into a customizable solution, the business owner could empower other entrepreneurs and businesses globally. It wasn’t just a product; it was a tool for fostering purposeful connections across markets.
The SaaS model offered a way to sustain this connection. Subscription-based pricing ensured ongoing relationships with clients, while regular updates and improvements kept the product evolving. For the business owner, sharing the insights he had gained through his own journey became a way to contribute to a global movement toward shared mobility solutions.
The Power of Shared Purpose
Our first meeting became a deep exchange of ideas, driven by our mutual excitement for what was possible. To my surprise, the business owner had already envisioned creating a SaaS solution and had even developed a document detailing the business requirements for such a project. His willingness to share that document with me was a testament to the power of connection and trust. I came from a different industry as a software developer, and his insights into the car-sharing world were invaluable in helping me see the bigger picture.
When I received the document, it felt like an invitation to contribute to something larger than myself. Over the next two weeks, I immersed myself in its details, learning not just about his business but about the values and purpose that drove it. My first deliverable to the project was a proposal for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This MVP would embody the core functionalities needed to deliver immediate value while laying the foundation for future growth.
The business owner’s feedback on the MVP was rooted in his deep understanding of the car-sharing industry. His refinements added a layer of specificity that only someone with his experience could provide. Together, we finalized the MVP plan, transforming it from a technical proposal into a shared vision.
Designing a Platform for Connection
The next step was designing the architecture for the project—a critical phase where the technical framework had to align with the purpose we had defined. This was not just about building software; it was about creating a platform that could foster meaningful connections between businesses and their customers, and between markets and regions.
As the journey began, I was struck by how purposeful collaboration can be when it’s rooted in shared values. The process of building this MSP was not just about solving a business challenge; it was about creating a ripple effect of purpose-driven innovation. By connecting on purpose, we were able to take a local success story and transform it into a global opportunity.
A Broader Perspective
This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of MSPs. They are not just platforms; they are enablers of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. Whether it’s in car sharing, education, tourism, or any other industry, MSPs have the power to scale impact by bringing people and businesses together.
For me, this journey was a powerful reminder of how connecting on purpose can lead to extraordinary outcomes. And for the car-sharing business owner, it marked the beginning of a new chapter—one where his purpose-driven work could inspire and empower others on a global scale.
