TechCrunch highlights the 75 million Americans served by GoGoGrandparent

Tuesday’s TechCrunch spotlights the need that GoGoGrandparent is on a mission to solve: on-demand services are increasingly offering unmatched affordability & convenience in transportation (Uber & Lyft), groceries (Instacart), food (Munchery, DoorDash, GrubHub), shopping (Postmates & Amazon) — but not everyone enjoys access to these services.

As TechCrunch reports, “But here’s the problem: On-demand apps require a smartphone to use, and there are still more than 75 million Americans who don’t have a smartphone — essentially making them ineligible to use these life-changing services. While these people range in economic status and location, there does seem to be one common factor — older Americans are especially likely to not have a smartphone (or even a cell phone).”

The article, entitled “GoGoGrandparent lets people without smartphones use on-demand services like Uber,” goes on to highlight just how easy it is for an older adult to get an on-demand ride with Uber or Lyft via the GoGoGrandparent platform:

After initially speaking to an operator and giving them your credit card and home address, you just call back and use their automated system, pressing 1 for a pickup at your home. The company hails an Uber, and you just tell your driver where you want to go. If you ever need a pickup at a different location (it will remember where you were dropped off last, so you can request a pickup there), just call the company’s hotline and request to talk to a real person.

Revealed for the first time publicly, TechCrunch also highlights the unique role that postcards played in our founding story:

One of the founders, Justin Booogaard, was living with his grandmother. She saw him Ubering so much and asked how she could use it. Once Justin let her know you needed a smartphone to hail a ride, she told him to create a company that would let her use it!

Justin and his co-founder David Lung liked the idea, but wanted to impartially test it, because everyone knows your grandma automatically likes everything you do. So they created a postcard from a faux company and mailed it to Justin’s grandmother, advertising a company that lets you order an Uber by calling a phone number from a landline or dumb cell phone. She tried it and loved it, and GoGoGrandparent was born.

We’re proud to be making a difference for the 75 million Americans highlighted by TechCrunch and would be honored to serve you. Signup for free today by visiting our website (www.gogograndparent.com) or calling us toll-free at 1 (855) 464–6872.

GoGoGrandparent helps older adults maintain their independence by accessing on-demand services like Uber & Lyft with a simple phone call (no smartphone required). Rides are available 24/7 in 200+ U.S. cities and usually cost 35% less than a taxi. There’s no charge to register, so get ready for your first ride today on our website or by calling toll-free 1 (855) 464–6872.