ECTOR
A valet parking service for both individuals and businesses, designed to make parking easier at locations where it can be challenging, like airports and train stations in major cities.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor investor investor | €0.0 | round |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor investor investor investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | N/A | Early VC | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Related Content
Ector, operating under the legal name SMART PARK, provides a valet parking service targeting travelers at major airports and train stations. Founded in 2013 by Manoël Roy and Thomas de Longvilliers, the company was born from their experiences in London, where valet services were more common, as a solution to simplify their own frequent travel between the UK and France. They started the venture upon returning to France, initially acting as the first two valets themselves at Paris-Orly airport.
The business addresses the common issue of scarce and expensive parking at travel hubs. Clients book the service via Ector's website or app, selecting their drop-off and pick-up times. A designated valet meets the customer at the terminal's drop-off point, conducts a vehicle inspection, and then drives the car to a secure, nearby parking facility. Upon the client's return, the valet tracks their flight or train in real-time to ensure the vehicle is brought back to the drop-off point promptly. This model is designed to be more cost-effective than traditional on-site airport parking, with pricing that can be up to 50% cheaper.
Ector's revenue is generated directly from the fees charged for this valet and parking service. The company also offers ancillary services for additional fees, such as car washes, refueling, electric vehicle charging, and tire pressure checks, which are performed while the customer is away. The business model serves both individual leisure and business travelers, with a dedicated platform for corporate clients to manage travel expenses. Ector establishes partnerships with large transport companies like SNCF and major airports to expand its customer base and optimize the occupancy rates of parking lots it partners with.
The company has secured significant funding to fuel its expansion. In December 2015, it raised €500,000. This was followed by a larger €2 million funding round in May 2017 from investors including ViaID, Day One Entrepreneurs & Partners, Bpifrance, and 123 Investment Managers, aimed at strengthening its market position in France and expanding internationally.
Keywords: valet parking, airport parking, train station parking, travel services, mobility solutions, car services, corporate travel, online booking, secure parking, vehicle logistics