09 Sep 2019 Spotlight on Kater
Describe your company and its product.
Kater is proud to be a Canadian locally owned and operated tech company, that launched its ride-hailing service in the Spring of 2019. Kater changes the way British Columbians commute by connecting users with safe, reliable rides on-demand using their smartphones.
What year did your company start?
2016
Which city (or cities) are you located?
Our corporate headquarters and tech offices are located in Vancouver, and our White Rock location is primarily customer service and operations.
Describe your company culture in three words.
- Inclusive
- Fun
- Dedicated
How do you celebrate company or employee wins?
Company emails are sent out to keep all the teams in the loop with wins and updates. We celebrate birthdays and births monthly with themed lunches and homemade cakes. We also love team-building outings, to either sporting events, the PNE or movie nights and we regularly order in when the mood strikes.
What is the problem that you are trying to solve?
By providing safe and reliable rides on demand, Kater is helping to solve some of the many mobility issues that have long plagued Vancouverites. Introducing rides on-demand using a smartphone, users across BC are now able to book a ride, track the car and driver as they arrive, rate the experience and pay using an app developed in BC.
What is your biggest milestone to date?
In the Spring of 2019, Kater successfully launched BC’s first-ever ride-hailing service.
What is your biggest challenge?
With the rapidly changing demands of our customers and the unique environment that is Vancouver, we have to continuously keep ourselves updated with the changing needs of our stakeholders. Having a 24/7 care team, and industry-leading incentives, including driver packages, themed cars (such as a spa and karaoke Kater) and the ability to scale has meant this challenge has actually been one of our greatest successes.
What is your motto?
Do More with Kater
How are you making an impact?
Kater is changing the way British Columbians commute and travel, whether that be from work to home, weekend getaways, or daily errands. Kater is providing options in mobility to Vancouverites and beyond.
What is your hope for the future of tech in BC?
At Kater, we would love to see the technology industry continue to lead BC’s economy, with an increase in investment for startups and more women pursuing careers within the tech sector.
Lightning Round with Scott Larson, CEO of Kater
What excites you about your job?
The challenge of bringing a start-up tech company to the forefront of the mobility market in BC as a major contender is truly an exciting endeavour.
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?
Putting high definition cameras on the International Space Station was not an easy task.
If you can give advice to your 20-year-old self, what would you say?
Don’t take it personally; it’s not personal.
What are your pet peeves?
Not a fan of people cutting the line, we all have to wait our turn.
Words of wisdom to other tech CEOs or founders?
Steve Ballmer said it best, and I believe this pertains to the way we at Kater Technologies Inc see our potential.
“The number one benefit of information technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive. It lets people learn things they didn’t think they could learn before, and so in a sense it is all about potential.”
– Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft
Favourite country you visited?
Prague, Czech Republic
What is your formula for success?
Focus on what’s important, and make strategic decisions slowly.
Name one book that everyone should read.
The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen
How do you decompress?
Hike, bike, run, anything that gets your heart pumping.
Favourite movie?
The original Blade Runner!