Lauren Hamilton
Honours
In their own words
“I've spent two years proving the thesis that when drivers have job security and financial stability, versus the traditional gig economy model, they show up naturally calmer and safer behind the wheel. I'm excited for the next phase of growth we're entering, scaling the business to meet overwhelming demand.”
The story
Lauren Hamilton spent ten years in sales and partnerships roles in the hotel industry before she ran into a problem first-hand that she couldn't stop thinking about. After a C-section left her unable to drive, she could not find a service in Dubai she trusted to carry her son safely, and the more she learned about the existing landscape, the more sure she was that it could be done differently, and better. She launched Ride Skipper in 2024, providing vetted professional drivers who drive customers in their own cars, and is its founder and general manager. Her thesis is that drivers with job security and financial stability, rather than the traditional gig-economy model, are calmer and safer behind the wheel. According to a 2026 speaker profile, in 18 months the business grew from six drivers taking bookings over WhatsApp to more than 30 drivers and a mobile app, and it is now scaling to meet demand.
