Founder Spotlight: Saivya Chauhan, the Force Behind Blitz Electric

In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements and sustainability challenges, Saivya Chauhan is carving out a niche with Blitz Electric, a company that’s not just rethinking logistics but also the very fabric of the gig economy. Saivya’s journey with Blitz began in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the glaring flaws in the gig economy were laid bare. From decreasing compensation for gig workers to inefficiencies in last-mile logistics, Saivya saw an opportunity to create a more equitable and sustainable ecosystem.

Blitz Electric is more than just a delivery service; it’s a movement towards better pay, better working conditions for gig workers, and a cleaner planet. By leveraging electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced logistics, Blitz is addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued the gig economy. Under Saivya’s leadership, Blitz is not only delivering packages swiftly and efficiently but also ensuring that delivery drivers are well-compensated and that their work is environmentally friendly.

In this candid interview, Saivya shares insights on his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the mindset that keeps him going. From his admiration for industry disruptors like Travis Kalanick and Sam Altman to his no-nonsense advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Saivya offers a glimpse into the mind of a founder who is unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Q&A with Saivya Chauhan, Founder of Blitz Electric

Q: What inspired you to start your company, and has that initial vision evolved over time?
Saivya Chauhan: "Blitz was inspired by the glaring gaps in the gig economy that were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. While deliveries skyrocketed, the compensation for gig workers decreased significantly. Ride-hailing companies and others had high-cost structures that became even more unsustainable during the pandemic. This led to increased pressure on gig workers, with companies taking advantage of their workforce to increase margins. Additionally, the way deliveries were performed and allocated to drivers was also fundamentally flawed.

Initially, the hypothesis was that combining EVs with existing platforms like Grab and Gojek would be successful. However, in reality, it revealed significant gaps in last-mile logistics and the broader EV ecosystem. This realization drove Blitz to develop a solution that not only addresses these inefficiencies but also creates a sustainable and equitable ecosystem for gig workers. Over time, the vision evolved to focus on leveraging EVs and advanced logistics to fill these gaps, ensuring better pay and conditions for workers while promoting sustainability."

Q: Explain what your company does so a 6-year-old would understand it.
Saivya Chauhan: "Blitz helps people get their packages delivered really fast, like on the same day, using cool electric bikes that don't make the air dirty. We also make sure the delivery drivers are happy and earn good money. So, when someone orders something online, Blitz makes sure it gets to their house quickly, and we help keep the planet clean at the same time!"

Q: Who is your favorite entrepreneur, and why do you find them inspiring?
Saivya Chauhan: "It’s hard to choose just one favorite entrepreneur, but I find Travis Kalanick (Uber), Ben Horowitz (Netscape), Sam Altman (OpenAI), and Brian Chesky (Airbnb) particularly inspiring. Each of them has disrupted industries and transformed how we live and work. Travis Kalanick’s relentless drive to scale Uber globally, Ben Horowitz’s insights on leadership and building companies from the ground up, Sam Altman’s visionary approach to AI with OpenAI, and Brian Chesky’s reimagining of travel and hospitality with Airbnb all resonate with me. I’ve read many of their books and find their journeys, resilience, and innovative thinking incredibly motivating."

Q: When you are at your absolute bottom and are going through professional challenges, how do you lift yourself up?
Saivya Chauhan: "When I'm at my lowest, I remind myself that being a founder is a tough, lonely journey meant for the strongest. I've chosen this hard path deliberately, knowing that success comes to those who persist without complaint. The founders who succeed are the ones who keep building, no matter the challenges. This mindset keeps me motivated, even when the runway is short.

It’s nut up, or shut up."

Q: Why do you believe you are personally best positioned to build your business?
Saivya Chauhan: "Because of my team. Every success we've achieved is not just due to me, but because of my fearlessly motivated, resilient, and highly adaptable team. They embody a 'never die' mentality, and their loyalty and flexibility are the backbone of our company. I may be the face of the company, but it's the team that makes it all possible."

Q: Over the last 12 months, what is your most profound realization/insight regarding the startup ecosystem?
Saivya Chauhan: "Over the last 12 months, I’ve realized that the startup ecosystem can resemble a giant legal ponzi scheme, where VCs often fund weak ideas based more on connections and nepotism than on the strength of the founder or the idea itself. The goal seems to be passing on their debt to the next VC while they exit. The tech winter has been a blessing, weeding out these startups and holding VCs accountable. However, history and human nature suggest that once this 'winter' is over, the cycle of irrational funding may unfortunately resume."

Q: What is your favorite sandwich?
Saivya Chauhan: "Smoked Cuban on Sourdough."

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or those looking to start their own companies?
Saivya Chauhan: "Don’t. But if you’re still determined to go for it, make sure you have 1-2 co-founders who can share the load with you. It’s a tough journey, and having the right partners can make all the difference."

Saivya Chauhan’s journey with Blitz Electric is a powerful example of how a single vision can evolve into a mission to transform an industry. By addressing the flaws in the gig economy and championing sustainability, Saivya is not just building a business; he’s fostering a movement towards a more equitable future for gig workers. His candid reflections on the startup ecosystem, his team's resilience, and his unfiltered advice for aspiring entrepreneurs offer valuable insights into what it takes to build a company that not only survives but thrives.

As Blitz continues to grow and reshape last-mile logistics, Saivya’s leadership and his team's unwavering dedication will undoubtedly be key drivers of the company’s success. For anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship, Saivya’s story serves as both a warning and an inspiration—success is possible, but only if you’re willing to 'nut up, or shut up.'