Spotlight Series: Renee Rogers
Legacy Club shines a light on some of our members to see what makes them and their business tick.
We spoke to Renee Rogers, Founder of ONO
Please tell us a little bit about you the person (not you the business owner): I live my life with gratitude and I believe in kindness and appreciation of others. Growing up we had nothing, (a big shout out to Alf the Fat Fryer who gave us chips for dinner when we asked), which I'm sure is the reason I am driven and materialistic (shoes and bags are a weakness)! I'm also partial to a black tie event and have dresses steamed and ready to go at a moments notice, if anyone needs a plus 1.
Describe your business in less than 30 words: ONO, helping fleet drivers and operators take the oh no! out of reporting and managing road traffic accidents.
What industry or sector does your business fall in to?: Transport/SaaS
What did you do before you started your business?: The first 10 years of my career was within the wedding industry, glamour, sparkles and champagne for breakfast! I then moved to London in 2011 and transitioned into car hire, starting as an administrator for a 44 vehicle fleet. I quickly managed the doubling of the fleet 80 vehicles and was hooked, going full time and building the business to 500 vehicles over 9 years. It was during the later years of managing higher insurance premiums, vehicles and drivers I could see a real need for a simple and efficient incident reporting tool.
What have been the biggest struggles that you have encountered, and what did you do to overcome them?: The biggest struggle has been building a tech business with no money and no tech experience! It's expensive and challenging. I was lucky enough to have gathered support over the past eighteen months from those in the industry, software developers and my chairman. Most are aware of the disparity between male and female funded businesses (only 2% of VC funding goes to female founders) and accessing the available funding/connections has been the hardest challenge. I bootstrapped the first year and did a small raise in Jan 2023, the seed round is now open and its definitely hard work trying to manage the development, understand cap tables, ASA's, and push for funding...all whilst singlehandedly brand building. Someone pass the gin!
Have you had any external investment to date?: Yes
Have you ever had to make any major changes or pivots to your business, and why?: Not yet, but emerging technology will help direct the growth and future development of ONO.
Do you struggle with, or have you found any of the following barriers to your business growth?: Access to finance/funding, Infrastructure
Do you have any business hero's, if so, who are they?: I would say I have 'anti-heros.' Adam Newman, Elizabeth Holmes, Travis Kalanick. All founders who if you read their stories show sparks of genius, arrogance and undiniable charisma. They plowed forward with unwavering belief in their ideas and vision and although their stories didn't end ideally, (i.e being ousted and prison) there is a lot to be taken from some of the things they did do and their sheer determination.
Financial Rewards or Business Awards?: Financial Rewards
What was the last book you read?: The Accidental Billionaires - I'll be giving it away on my linkedin profile at some point!
Tell us something totally unique about your business: I dont have a CTO. Unusual for a tech start up, but I'm building based on my experience in the industry and knowing what I need the tech to deliver. A fractional CTO/functionality specialist is a key hire I want to get as soon as the next round is closed.
Finally, please tell us what we can look forward to with your business in the next 12 months.: The transition of ONO into the retail market, my aim: 'To be on every mobile of every driver!'
