Ride-booking platform transports patients to doctors
Ankit Mathur (B.S.’03/B; M.B.A.’12/B; M.S.’13/B) wants to get you to the doctor. In particular, he wants everyone to have transportation to the doctor.
A three-time Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus who’s devoted his career to building software systems and improving inefficiencies, Mathur is co-founder and chief technology officer of RoundTrip, a startup that connects people to reliable medical transportation while reducing wait times, insurance headaches and extra expenses. Mathur spoke to VCU in 2018 and below talks about how businesses exist to solve problems.
Why did you start your business?
I was introduced to my co-founders Mark Switaj and Angela Damiano [KC1] in spring 2016. Mark had this interesting idea to optimize the coordination of transportation in health care. As we started digging into the problem, we all realized how much of an opportunity we had to help patients with all backgrounds to get to the care they need.
How did VCU prepare you for this journey?
Being a part of the Richmond, Virginia, community and VCU has been fundamental to helping me understand the diversity that exists locally and throughout our country. As a proud three-time graduate of VCU, the education and resources that I’ve received from VCU has helped me think in multidimensional ways to solve a real-world problem.
What is your favorite part of owning a business?
It’s a tie between building an absolutely amazing team of people and solving such an important problem in our country’s health care system.
What is your favorite small business to support in your area or online?
There are so many small businesses in the Richmond area. Some of my favorite places include Sugar & Twine, Urban Hang Suite, Jasper, High Point Barbershop and too many of the amazing locally owned restaurants.
What advice would you give to business owners who are just starting out?
Surround yourself with a team of people that can help support your vision and bring it to life. Have a plan but make sure it is flexible enough to change and grow as you learn.
Categories Alumni