Mumbai: Appalla Saikiran, Founder & CEO of SCOPE, a Hyderabad-based startup networking platform, has joined Ryyde, a UK-based driver-first ride-hailing platform, as Investor Relations & Strategic Partnerships Advisor.
In his new role, Saikiran will lead efforts in fundraising, strategic investor engagement, and partnership development, drawing on his extensive experience in scaling technology ventures and building international investment ecosystems.
Commenting on his appointment, Appalla Saikiran said, “Ryyde is creating a movement that is fair, transparent, and driver-first — something the ride-hailing industry has been waiting for. I’m thrilled to support their mission by building strategic partnerships and connecting them with investors who share this vision. This is an opportunity to empower drivers and redefine mobility globally.”
Lewis Ham, Co-Founder & CEO of Ryyde, welcomed Saikiran’s addition to the advisory team, stating, “Appalla brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with Ryyde’s ambitions. His guidance will be instrumental in helping us scale while keeping fairness and driver empowerment at the core of our platform.”
Founded by Lewis Ham and Mason Bay, Ryyde aims to re-engineer ride-hailing economics to ensure drivers retain a larger share of their earnings while providing riders a consistent, transparent, and engaging experience. Supported by Darren Maclean, former CIO of Lyft, and an international superstar, Ryyde is shaping up as a global mobility movement.
Since its pre-launch in Manchester, Ryyde has already seen over 1,000 pre-registered drivers, underscoring strong demand for a fairer alternative in ride-hailing. Saikiran’s appointment marks a pivotal step in strengthening Ryyde’s investor relations and partnership roadmap ahead of its international expansion.
Appalla Saikiran is the Founder & CEO of SCOPE, a global investment and venture platform focused on technology, fintech, and mobility startups. Renowned for his expertise in fundraising and scaling ventures internationally, Saikiran has been instrumental in driving growth for emerging companies across sectors.
