Meet Ikenna Ordo, a London-based entrepreneur of Nigerian origin, whose journey from Nigeria to the United Kingdom at the age of 14 has culminated in the establishment of Starr Luxury Cars, a company with the potential to become a unicorn. Ikenna Ordo, originally from Nigeria, made the journey to the UK at the age of 14. His entrepreneurial spirit traces back to his hardworking mother and her involvement in real estate.
Witnessing her dedication and success during property viewings left a lasting impact on him, igniting a desire to pursue entrepreneurship. Coming from a family of seven, Ikenna acknowledges his mother’s unwavering commitment to providing for the family and securing a better life in the UK. Despite not having a formal education, her grit and determination inspired him greatly. Ikenna’s father, a Nigerian politician, met a tragic end through assassination in a church.
During his university days, Ikenna initially sought regular part-time jobs but found them uninspiring. The turning point came when he spontaneously organised an event with friends, realising the joy of making a substantial profit doing something he loved. Returning to London from Birmingham, he established an entertainment company. The clientele’s increasing demands for transportation, private jets, and exclusive experiences propelled him further into delivering unparalleled services.
Starr Luxury Cars was born from the realisation that affluent individuals desire the glamour of classic James Bond-style cars, helicopters, and boats, coupled with the contemporary convenience of booking similar to Airbnb. A few years post-creation, the company collaborated with Julie Brangstrup for the Cash and Rocket project. Here, they provided a fleet of red racing cars for select female entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and celebrities, fostering charity support.
Starr Luxury Cars elevates standard car hire into an extraordinary level. Their repertoire includes chauffeur-driven Lamborghinis, helicopter rides above London, and exclusive meet-and-greets with Formula 1 racers.
Ikenna chose London as the company’s hub, deeming it the global capital where entrepreneurs converge for business. London appealed to him, stating, “it’s a predictable city, one you can’t expect things to just change overnight.” The business operates semi-automatically, allowing clients to effortlessly book vehicles online without direct communication. Ikenna emphasises delivering enhanced value for clients.
Unlike conventional ownership models, Starr Luxury Cars doesn’t possess the assets; rather, they operate as the Airbnb equivalent for cars. Acquiring vehicles from diverse parties looking to earn additional income by renting their luxury vehicles, the business boasts an extensive inventory of over 900 cars. This model aligns with a trend where individuals favour flexibility over asset ownership. Ikenna foresees a future shift, especially with electric car advancements, making many current models obsolete. He advocates for an “asset-light” approach, anticipating changing dynamics in the automotive landscape.
Starr Luxury Cars achieved remarkable success over the years. In 2022, they expanded their services to numerous cities in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, focusing on major affluent hubs such as LA, New York, Monaco, Geneva, Rome, Paris, and Dubai. The company is committed to delivering on its promise to provide enhanced access to luxury cars in popular tourist destinations.
Starr Luxury Cars takes pride in its efficient service. Whether a customer requests a Ferrari or McLaren at 10 pm, the vehicle will be in their garage before 6 am the next day. This seamless access to luxury services positions Starr Luxury Cars as leaders in the industry.
Discussing aspirations beyond entrepreneurship, Ikenna shared, “I have a son and a daughter. My ambition is to contribute to making the world a better place, either through my business or by being a better person. When Julie from Cash and Rocket approached me to offer cars at a fantastic rate to women, I readily agreed. If it helps raise funds for greater equality, count me in. Cars are symbols of status, and women should have the same opportunities. We want to be part of the movement that says, ‘I earned this money, and I want to enjoy it too.’ It’s a great platform to showcase that female leaders are on the rise.”
Ikenna believes that clients who hire luxury cars are not just showing off but often using them for campaigns, corporate events, and maintaining a luxurious lifestyle. Some clients already live this way and wish to continue it even while on holiday, hence the need to hire luxury cars.
Speaking about business, Ikenna emphasised the importance of taking risks and not waiting for everything to be perfect. He encourages betting on oneself and stressed the need for integrity in business operations. Discussing Africa, Ikenna highlighted the significance of embodying a culture of integrity, valuing everyone’s time, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. He envisions a continent where one’s financial status is not immediately apparent, drawing a parallel to cities like London.
Looking ahead, Ikenna shared the company’s ambitious plans, stating, “Starr Luxury Cars is poised for a successful future. We are building a unicorn, and in the next two years, we aim to have a billion dollars’ worth of assets. With a billion dollars’ worth of assets, we can generate a billion dollars’ worth of sales.” He expressed confidence in the achievements of Africans globally and their ability to excel in various endeavours.