It was 2010. Frédéric Mazzella had a vision for a ride-sharing platform that would revolutionize transport by connecting drivers and passengers. However, he needed a name that captured the social, conversational nature of sharing a car ride.
He realized the platform's community was defined by their level of "in-car chattiness." "Bla" = Passenger watches the scenery go by. "BlaBla" = Passenger is comfortable chatting. "BlaBlaBla" = Passenger will not keep quiet. Bla Bla Bla
While developing the brand, he struggled to get his board to accept such an "eccentric" name. He listed 250+ other ideas (like "MeetDrive" or "Gonexion"). When they tested the list on friends and family, BlaBlaCar was the only one people consistently remembered. It was 2010
He needed a name that was memorable and highlighted that people in the car would be talking, rather than just silently sitting there. He realized the platform's community was defined by