Uber driver launches translation app, aims for 1,000 downloads to pitch to investors

Frederico Coutrim is not your typical Uber driver. While he’s ferrying passengers around San Francisco, he’s also working on something big — an app that could make it easier for people from different countries to communicate. It’s called TransChatMe and it translates messages in real time, so you don’t have to copy and paste them into a separate translation app. You simply write your message in your language and it will be automatically translated into the recipient’s language. It’s designed to make conversations smoother, especially for people who don’t speak English fluently or are trying to communicate with someone who speaks a different language.

Frederico came up with the idea while driving for Uber. As a Brazilian living in the United States, he often encountered passengers who spoke different languages. He noted how difficult it can be for people to communicate when they don’t speak a common language, especially in everyday situations. Whether it’s directing a driver, placing an order at a restaurant, or just having a casual conversation, the language barrier can be frustrating. So Frederico decided to develop a solution.

TransChatMe could be particularly helpful for gig workers like Uber drivers, delivery people and their customers, who often come from different backgrounds and may not speak the same language. With this app, anyone can send messages in their language and have them translated instantly, making interactions smoother and more efficient.

Frederico’s story gained traction when a passenger in his Uber noticed a poster in the car asking for help. Frederico needed 1,000 downloads of the app to pitch it to investors, so the passenger’s friend, Reshan Khanna, shared the story on social media. Her post quickly gained attention and within 24 hours more than 200 people had downloaded the app. She wrote: “I’m chatting with our Uber driver who’s building a startup and looking for feedback. If anyone works in related fields, please reach out.”

Frederico was overwhelmed by the response and sent a heartfelt thank you email to Reshan. He wrote that her contribution brought light to a dark time and gave him the motivation to keep moving forward.

It’s inspiring to see how a person’s everyday job can become a platform for innovation. Frederico’s passion for solving a real-world problem helps bridge communication gaps, one conversation at a time.