Handy

Handy operates as a two-sided online marketplace connecting individuals seeking household services with independent service professionals. Founded in 2012 as Handybook, the company was born out of the personal frustrations of its founders, Oisin Hanrahan and Umang Dua, while they were attending Harvard Business School. Hanrahan had previously encountered difficulties finding reliable handymen while developing real estate in Europe, a problem he and Dua realized was also prevalent in the U.S. Joined by co-founders Ignacio Leonhardt and Weina Scott, they launched the platform with early support from the Harvard Innovation Lab. The company moved its headquarters from Cambridge, MA, to New York and grew rapidly, raising significant venture capital from firms like General Catalyst and Highland Capital Partners.

The platform's primary function is to facilitate the booking of pre-screened, top-rated professionals for a wide array of home services. This includes tasks such as home cleaning, furniture assembly, TV mounting, painting, plumbing, and general handyman work. The business model has been compared to the on-demand, gig-economy structure of Uber. Handy's revenue is generated through multiple streams, primarily a commission fee taken from each job booked on the platform. It also utilizes booking fees charged to the customer and offers premium subscription plans that provide benefits like discounted rates and priority booking. For service professionals, the platform provides a flexible way to find jobs without lead fees.

In October 2018, Handy was acquired by ANGI Homeservices (now Angi), the parent company of Angie's List and HomeAdvisor, for an undisclosed amount, though it was later revealed the deal was valued at a potential $164 million in stock. The acquisition allowed Handy to operate as a standalone brand while leveraging Angi's scale and resources to accelerate its growth. Following the acquisition, Hanrahan and Dua took on leadership roles within the parent company, with Hanrahan eventually becoming CEO of Angi in 2021 before stepping down in 2022. Dua served as Chief Revenue Officer. Both founders have since started a new venture called Keychain.

Keywords: home services, on-demand services, handyman, home cleaning, furniture assembly, online marketplace, gig economy, Angi, Handybook, Oisin Hanrahan, Umang Dua, service booking, home maintenance, plumbing services, electrical services, professional services, service marketplace, house cleaning, home repair, TV mounting