HOUSTON — A company that mixes guns and rideshare services is coming to Houston.
The company, BlackWolf, will offer two service tiers: armed and premium. Drivers in the premium tier will not carry weapons, but all drivers are required to have at least four years of experience in the military, law enforcement, or private security, the company said.
“It's more of a perception. It's more of a, 'Hey, I have a weapon that I'm trained with and I, and I, you know, I will use it,'" BlackWolf owner Kerry KingBrown said. "I wanted to create a different culture in the ride-hailing industry.”
BlackWolf said drivers must undergo a Level 4 background check and provide proof of a handgun license.
"Our company stands apart from traditional rideshare services due to our commitment to veterans. We prioritize hiring individuals with at least four years of experience in military, law enforcement, or the private sector," the company said in a statement. "We believe that veterans bring invaluable skills and discipline to our team, and we are honored to provide them with meaningful career opportunities."
The company has plans to launch in Houston in early 2025 with 30 to 60 vehicles. Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin are also on the company's radar.
The company said through polls and feedback, they learned "that there is significant demand in the great state of Texas, particularly in Houston."
BlackWolf acknowledges that its rides are priced higher than other rideshare services but emphasizes the value of quality and safety.
"What truly sets us apart is our focus on service and security. We are not just another rideshare company; we are a veteran-first service built on a foundation of honor, integrity, and community," said BlackWolf co-founder Kerry KingBrown. "Our mission extends beyond transportation—I developed our platform with the vision of protecting individuals, particularly survivors of human trafficking. Now that vision has expanded to helping everyday Americans stay safe. Our commitment to protecting and supporting those who serve our communities, such as veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs, is at the heart of everything we do."