How a Ride-Hailing Startup Turned Misclassification challenges into opportunity

Industry: ride-hailing  

Offices: Mountain View, USA   

Global Employees: 3,000    

Key Benefits of Working with Atlas 

• Global employee compliance 

• Legal risk reduction 

• Market expansion adaptability 

• Streamlined people operations 

About  

Born from a rebellion against unfair taxi rates in Yakutsk's harsh winter of 2012, inDrive has evolved into a global mobility solution. Operating in 655 cities across 48 countries with a specific focus on Asian marketplaces, it empowers users with absolute control to choose their fares and drivers. inDrive enables a transparent, people-to-people model ensuring fair costs, direct payments, and adaptability to diverse environments, from bustling metropolises to remote villages. 

Due to the exploding popularity of their app, inDrive had to figure out how to grow swiftly and on an international scale.  

Challenge  

While growing globally, inDrive explored new markets with a contractor-first approach. The mobility company deployed these resources around the target country, prioritizing quick growth and then switching to an employee model when successful.  

In doing this, inDrive faced the intricate task of distinguishing between contractors and employees and treating them correctly. Compliance with diverse global employment laws was crucial with the rise of the gig economy, but also to align with inDrive's justice-driven ethos. Soon it was clear that an Employer of Record (EOR) partner would be paramount to achieve its expansion goals. 

Working with Atlas  

inDrive partnered with Atlas to navigate the challenges of global expansion and employment classification, helping to strike the correct balance between independent contractors and employees. Atlas' deep understanding of diverse global employment laws provided invaluable guidance.  

Our expertise in the intricacies of international labor regulations ensured a compliance-driven approach while aligning with inDrive's values. The collaboration facilitated a streamlined process, allowing them to confidently make strategic decisions, ensuring the right steps were taken at the precise time to switch between contractors and employees.  

“When we kick start our activity in a country for the launch, we would probably know within three to six months as to whether this is going to be a success. Do we have any potential here that we can really make it big or if this country or city is not suitable for us, so we don’t waste any time?”  
Aravind Ganesan, Senior HR Business Partner 
inDrive 

Impact  

Atlas played a pivotal role in transforming the global people operations and ensuring airtight compliance. inDrive was able to strategically fine-tune contractor and employee classification, fostering the deployment of a dynamic workforce that paved the way for success.  

This collaboration resulted in operational precision, risk mitigation, and empowered adaptability. Atlas’ influence elevated HR operations, positioning inDrive for unparalleled growth on the global stage. In the intricate dance of international workforce management, Atlas proved to be the orchestrator of seamless, impactful operations. 

“One of the main reasons why we sign with Atlas is to help us answer one question: what is the difference between hiring contractors versus employees?” 
Aravind Ganesan, Senior HR Business Partner 
inDrive