Minicabster

Minicabster, initially known as Anycabs, was established in 2011 by Brooke Pursey and David Buttress. The company aimed to modernize the UK's minicab industry by bringing it online. Operating as an online marketplace, Minicabster allowed users to compare prices and book minicabs from various local operators through its website and mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices. The platform's core function was to aggregate quotes from multiple minicab providers in a user's vicinity, offering a streamlined process for booking and payment.

The service was designed to simplify the booking experience, a traditionally cumbersome process. Users would enter their pickup and destination details, along with journey specifics like time and number of passengers, to receive multiple quotes. They could then compare operators based on price and user-generated ratings before making a selection and choosing to pay by card or cash. A notable milestone for the company was securing approximately $3 million in an angel funding round in August 2013 from investors including Tom Singh, founder of New Look, and Daniel McPherson.

Despite its initial efforts, Minicabster faced significant challenges in a competitive market that included heavily funded rivals. The company struggled with customer acquisition and retaining drivers on its platform. These operational difficulties ultimately led to the company entering administration in early 2016. Subsequently, the company's assets, which likely included its customer database and application technology, were acquired by Transport Innovation. Minicabster is now considered a deadpooled company.

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