Helpling

Helpling operates as an online marketplace for household-related services, positioning itself as an intermediary between customers and service providers. Founded in Berlin in April 2014 by Benedikt Franke and Philip Huffmann, the company emerged from an idea to simplify booking a cleaner to just a few clicks. This concept was rapidly executed, with the platform launching just 80 days after its conception. Initially focused on connecting users with vetted and insured local cleaners, Helpling has since expanded its offerings to become a broader platform for various home services.

The company's primary revenue stream is a commission-based model, where it charges a percentage service fee on every booking made through its platform. To diversify its income, Helpling also offers premium and specialized services for an additional charge. The business targets a clientele of time-constrained working professionals and parents who value the convenience of a clean home. The platform's core function is to allow users to book a trusted service provider through its website or mobile app by specifying their requirements, location, and preferred time. Service providers registered on the platform can then accept jobs based on their own availability.

Helpling has demonstrated a consistent growth trajectory marked by strategic acquisitions and geographic expansion. In 2015, the company acquired one of its largest European competitors, Hassle.com, which solidified its market leadership in Great Britain and Ireland and led to a global platform technology migration to improve user experience. This new platform allowed customers to view individual cleaner profiles before booking and provided more tools for direct relationship management. The firm has also expanded its B2B segment through the acquisition of Tiger Facility Services and has ventured into franchising in France. Further diversification includes the launch of MySkills Academy, a training initiative for service providers, and the development of a 'superapp' to integrate a wider range of home services like gardening, elderly care, and technical repairs.

The company quickly expanded internationally after its initial launch in Germany, entering markets in France, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Australia, and Singapore within its first year. It now operates in numerous cities across approximately 10 countries. Financially, Helpling is backed by prominent investors including Rocket Internet, Mangrove Capital Partners, and Lakestar, having raised significant capital over multiple funding rounds to fuel its expansion.

Keywords: home services, online marketplace, cleaning services, on-demand services, facility management, B2B services, service platform, gig economy, household support, digital booking