By: Melissa Myers

The American Dream is often depicted as an elusive goal, attainable only by the most determined and resilient. For Nelson Nigel, a former NYC yellow taxi and Uber driver hailing from Guyana, the journey to establishing a successful tech company embodies that dream. 

His story is one of grit, survival, and an unyielding commitment to serving underserved communities.

Surviving Against All Odds

Nigel’s story begins in Queens, NY, where he grew up in a working-class immigrant family. Life wasn’t easy. His parents, both factory workers, struggled to provide for their three children. Like many immigrants, Nigel faced challenges that might have broken others.

But his most harrowing moment came as a teenager when he was struck by a moving NYC subway train. 

This near-death experience left him in a coma for weeks, required brain surgery, and resulted in lifelong challenges. For Nigel, however, the incident became a turning point.

“I don’t live with excuses,” Nigel says. “People like me push forward no matter the obstacles.”

This mindset defined his approach to life and business.

From Driving to Disrupting

Nigel’s career took many turns before he found his calling as an entrepreneur. After the 2008 global economic crisis wiped out his job in construction procurement, he became a yellow taxi driver. For many, it might have been a humbling career shift, but Nigel embraced it.

“It was the best job I ever had,” he recalls. “You meet people from everywhere in the world.”

His time behind the wheel exposed him to countless stories and struggles, sparking his desire to build something that would make a tangible difference. In 2017, he founded Kidmoto Technologies, a transportation startup addressing a glaring issue: the lack of child car seats in taxis and ride-share services.

Kidmoto connects families with drivers who provide professionally installed child car seats for safe airport transportation. For parents traveling with young children, it’s a game-changer. What began as an idea bootstrapped from Nigel’s savings has grown into a trusted brand operating in over 55+ U.S. cities.

Building a Better Future with Moto Nation

Nigel didn’t stop with Kidmoto. In 2023, he launched Moto Nation, a software company dedicated to building niche mobility technologies for underserved markets. The company’s goal is to make travel accessible, safe, and convenient for everyone, from families with infants to airline crews and hospital staff.

“Moto Nation creates apps for niche markets because big players like Uber and Amazon can’t serve everyone,” Nigel explains. “We focus on the low-hanging fruit—like government agencies and the like.”

The company’s flagship app, Kidmoto, has already proven the value of this approach. Parents across the country trust the app to deliver a seamless, stress-free transportation experience. With Moto Nation, Nigel plans to expand his reach even further, exploring opportunities in medical logistics, government procurement, and other critical sectors.

Resilience Meets Innovation

Nigel’s entrepreneurial journey has been anything but smooth. He’s faced business failures, financial struggles, and societal challenges. Yet, each setback has fueled his determination.

“I’ve experienced overdraft fees, 100-hour workweeks (minimum), and countless failures,” he admits. “But failure is natural. What matters is getting back up.”

Today, Moto Nation is positioning itself as a leader in niche transportation solutions, leveraging cutting-edge technology to fill gaps in the market. The company’s mission to serve underserved communities reflects Nigel’s own experiences and values.

“Growing up poor taught me to appreciate people and opportunities,” he says. “That’s what drives me to create solutions that make life easier for others.”

Making a Difference in Underserved Communities

Nigel’s passion for serving underserved populations isn’t just about business—it’s personal. His experiences as an immigrant and his struggles with racism have shaped his perspective.

“Racism is still a powerful force in our lives,” he says. “We all need to work together to dilute it.”

Through Moto Nation, Nigel is not only providing practical solutions but also creating opportunities for others. His companies employ a diverse team and prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can contribute and thrive.

The Vision for the Future

Nigel envisions Moto Nation as a national brand synonymous with innovation and impact. With plans to expand its services and explore new markets, the company is poised to redefine how niche transportation is delivered in America.

“I’m not stopping,” Nigel declares. “This is just the beginning.”

His focus on government procurement and logistics reflects a strategic approach to scaling the business. By leveraging his expertise in procurement, Nigel aims to secure contracts that will drive significant growth while continuing to serve underserved segments of the population.

Join the Movement with Moto Nation

Moto Nation is more than a transportation company—it’s a movement.

By focusing on niche markets and underserved communities, Moto Nation is creating innovative solutions that make travel safer and more accessible for everyone. It’s a business that promises to change lives while disrupting the industry.

Visit Moto Nation to learn more and join us in transforming the future of transportation. Together, we can make a difference.

Published by Liana P.