87:60 by Virtuoso Shaping CT's Future Pitch Competition: Wally Namane, Co-Founder, WheelPrice
Aug 7, 2025
Wally Namane, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of WheelPrice, discusses his passion for cars and how it sparked the creation of an innovative marketplace for automotive enthusiasts. He highlights the challenges of counterfeit wheels and emphasizes the need for authenticity. Namane also talks about using AI for fitment tools and enhancing user transactions through cashless methods. With a growing community of car lovers, he explains the importance of strategic branding and storytelling in scaling the business while ensuring customer trust.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin Story Born From Car Community
- Wally met co-founder Kyle through shared BMW E30 ownership and a mutual love of car culture. They revived a college-era idea after years in tech and bought the WheelPrice domain together.
Wheels Drive Repeat Marketplace Activity
- WheelPrice focuses on wheels because they are the first, repeatable customization buyers make and frequently re-sell. That repeat buyer-seller cycle increases lifetime customer value exponentially.
Use Escrow To Reduce Transaction Risk
- Offer cashless, escrow-backed transactions to reduce risk for high-value sales and attract cautious buyers and sellers. Hold funds until buyers confirm items are 'as described' to build trust.