Notre Dame seniors Liam Redmond and Zachary Brown have earned a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, being recognized for their innovative company, YELO, billed as a first-of-its-kind social ride network connecting college students for safe and affordable transportation.
The duo, listed in the “Youngest” and “Transportation & Mobility” categories, is among the youngest selection of honorees on the annual list, which highlights trailblazers under age 30 across 20 industries.
YELO’s journey began in an unlikely setting—the South Dining Hall stir-fry line. Frustrated with the high cost and safety concerns of traditional rideshares, Redmond and Brown envisioned a peer-to-peer solution tailored to students. Combining Redmond’s entrepreneurial vision and Brown’s computer science skills, they launched an initial version of the app, then named Desi. The company later changed its name to YELO.
The platform quickly evolved beyond transportation. Students began using it to track social events and hotspots, a feature that became central to its appeal.
“We were sick of unpredictable surge pricing and safety concerns,” Redmond said. “From a simple idea, we saw use cases we never predicted. Our obsession with user feedback revealed insights that transformed our business model.”
YELO’s success has been swift. During the 2023-24 school year, over 40% of Notre Dame students used the platform, and drivers earned $35 an hour by keeping 100% of their fares, the team reports. The app has attracted investment from PivotNorth Capital and Teamworthy Ventures, known for backing companies like Chime and Toast.
“Our initial reaction to being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 was surprise, quickly followed by validation,” Redmond said. “It’s fuel for us to keep innovating.”
YELO is set to roll out to three additional campuses in early 2025, with further expansions planned. The app’s updated version, launching this winter, promises enhanced features based on student feedback.
Running a startup while finishing their senior year has come with sacrifices, the founders admitted.
“It’s a tall task,” Redmond said. “Friendships, extracurriculars and grades have taken a backseat. But this level of dedication is required to build a generational company.”
Despite the challenges, the Notre Dame community has been instrumental in YELO’s growth. According to the two, the University’s IDEA Center provided early grants and invaluable mentorship.
“We owe so much to the IDEA Center and the Notre Dame network,” Redmond said. “They opened doors and provided resources that made this possible.”
With plans to expand and refine their platform, the founders remain focused on their vision: creating a social mobility network that redefines how students navigate and connect with their campuses.
“We’re not just about rides,” Redmond said. “We’re about connection, community and creating a safer, more affordable way for students to experience college life.”
