AutoCate, a newly-launched membership-based platform geared toward women, aims to reduce fraud and discrimination in the auto repair industry.
Founded in 2020 by Waterloo Engineering alum Stefanie Bruinsma (BASc '15, mechanical engineering and MBET '21), the platform connects people in need of car repairs or advice with trusted experts and educators.
While membership is open to all, the company is focused on helping women car owners who are sometimes charged more than their male counterparts for auto repairs due to the assumption that they’re not well educated with automobile-related issues.
"Women are more susceptible to being oversold, patronized and underserviced, but they are absolutely capable of understanding everything about their car," Bruinsma said. "There should never be an opportunity to be swindled, especially based on gender."
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