Meet the Kiwi start-up looking to change the way we commute using innovative tech

Pictured above: Saveun Man.

The average Auckland commuter spends a staggering five days – or 120 hours – each year stuck in traffic, while drivers in Christchurch endure an even greater burden, clocking 179 hours annually, with 69 hours lost solely to congestion. These figures highlight a dire need for solutions to New Zealand’s transportation woes, and Saveun Man, the creator of Carpoolin, believes he has the answer.

Carpoolin, a new rideshare app, is tackling traffic congestion head-on while fostering a sense of community. The app’s core mission is simple but powerful: Reduce the number of cars on the road, lower carbon emissions, and make commutes cheaper and more enjoyable by connecting people travelling in the same direction. Saveun’s journey to creating this innovative app is as fascinating as the app itself, showcasing a blend of creativity, resilience, and a commitment to problem-solving.

A foundation of creativity and curiosity

Born and raised in Upper Hutt, Wellington, Saveun grew up in a creative and hands-on environment with his three brothers. His parents immigrated to New Zealand from Cambodia in 1985 after escaping the horrors of the Cambodian Civil War. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, Saveun’s parents instilled a sense of curiosity and resilience in their children.

“Observing things and questioning them exercised that part of my brain,” Saveun says. “My brothers and I were always curious, and the competitiveness between us was special. They are my greatest teachers.”

This upbringing nurtured Saveun’s innovative mindset, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.

Saveun’s professional journey began with a passion for computers, which led him to study digital media at Natcoll and Media Design School. His career took off when he joined Grinding Gear Games, the New Zealand-based creators of the globally successful Path of Exile. Spending 14 years immersed in game development, Saveun gained invaluable experience in bringing ideas to life and transforming them into successful products.

“Grinding Gear contributed so much to how I view software development,” he says.

“Experiencing the process from an idea to a finished product was invaluable. While the problems I’m solving with Carpoolin are very different, the lessons I learned there are deeply ingrained in my approach.”

Parenthood as a catalyst for change

The birth of his daughter, Scarlett, marked a turning point in Saveun’s life. “Parenthood is quite something,” he shares. “It gave me a wake-up call and time to explore my own priorities and ideas.”

During his daily commutes in Auckland, Saveun began noticing the inefficiencies of the city’s transportation system. Spending at least 30 minutes each way in traffic, he often saw the same cars and people, leading him to ponder a solution. “The problem can’t be solved with more roads,” he concluded. “We must connect and get better.” This realisation became the seed of inspiration for Carpoolin.

Carpoolin’s core feature allows users to share their trips with others heading in the same direction. It also enables users to browse other trips in their area and express interest in carpooling. By reducing the number of cars on the road, especially during rush hour, Carpoolin aims to tackle traffic congestion while promoting environmental sustainability.

The app’s design prioritises simplicity and minimal friction for users, drawing on Saveun’s experience in game development. “Carpoolin doesn’t borrow much from gaming, but it does include a badge feature, which will represent user progression in future updates.”

Developing Carpoolin was not without its hurdles. Saveun cites funding and finding talented collaborators as two significant challenges. “Funds are always a concern, and meeting people who share your vision is equally challenging.”

Another major obstacle has been raising awareness for the app. “Getting the word out is something I’m not experienced at, but I’m excited to have a product I’m passionate about and to apply creative ideas to promote it,” he says.

 “I hope Carpoolin starts speaking to values we all share, like community and connection. I believe the benefits of adopting the app will be immeasurable.”

While it’s still early days for Carpoolin, Saveun has ambitious plans for its future. The app’s next update will introduce payment features, allowing users to list trips with associated fees. Later updates will focus on optimisation and user experience, with a launch in Australia on the horizon.

Saveun also hints at a major update in late 2025 or early 2026, which he describes as “something novel to Carpoolin.” As for the app’s long-term vision, he’s keeping it under wraps for now. “It’s quite awesome,” he teases, “and I’ll share more when we get closer to that milestone.”

Advice for entrepreneurs

Transitioning from a stable career in gaming to launching his own app was a bold move, but Saveun believes in the power of learning by doing. “Having the idea is important, but realising it and being in a position to create your ideas is where you need to be,” he says.

He also emphasises the importance of perseverance, sharing that Carpoolin is not his first business venture. “Like many others, I have a trail of dead projects that didn’t cut it, but looking back, the experience has been incredible, and I’ve grown in many aspects I value.”

Carpoolin is free and is currently available on the App Store and Google Play.