Introducing Yelo 👋
Desi is now Yelo — and we’re just getting started. We’re driving forward with our mission of safe, affordable movement — now with a bigger vision and an evolved experience.
Why Yelo?
Nearly two years ago, we launched as Desi with a bold mission: to disrupt an expensive, unreliable, and unsafe system that wasn’t built for students. As broke college students, we knew the struggle firsthand. Traditional options weren’t built for us — they weren’t consistently affordable, accessible, or trusted.
So, we built something different:
- Students driving students — Keep 100% of the fare while offering lower prices for those riding.
- Safer, student-only — Verified with an .edu email, so you know who’s behind the wheel.
- A smarter way to go out — Not just a ride, but a real-time guide to where campus is heading.
From Rides to Real-Time Campus Trends
As we grew, we made a simple change — highlighting the top four destinations students were heading to each night.
The results shocked us.
Yelo wasn’t just a way to get there — it became the way students decided where to go.
With nearly 50% of Notre Dame’s campus using us, we weren’t just moving students — we were creating a network effect that turned every ride into an insight. Businesses took notice, and before we knew it, we were fueling campus nightlife in ways we never imagined.
To date, we’ve helped connect nearly a quarter of a million dollars in student spending to local businesses.
Welcome to Yelo
Today, Yelo officially launches as the first social ride network — the only student-only platform that seamlessly connects getting there with knowing where to be.
- A campus tool for students navigating college life.
- A side hustle for student drivers who want to earn.
- A safer option that parents trust.
- A way for businesses to reach students where they actually go.
We’re kicking off with three markets, 15+ campuses, and 100,000+ students. And next week? We announce our latest funding round.
Join the ride.
Yelo is here. Download now.
