LookBooker

LookBooker emerged from the shared vision of Giorgia Rossi and Renee Robbie, two former colleagues at the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Identifying a gap in the beauty and wellness industry, they observed the inconvenience of booking salon appointments via phone calls in modern, open-plan office environments. This realization prompted them to leave their corporate careers and relocate to New York to establish an online marketplace for hair and beauty services. Both founders were influenced by entrepreneurial family backgrounds, which instilled in them a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of business operations from a young age.

The company operated as an online booking aggregator, connecting consumers with a network of salons and spas. For consumers, the platform provided a convenient way to discover, browse, and book hair and beauty appointments online at any time. For salons, it served as a client acquisition tool, helping them to fill their appointment books. The business model functioned as a two-sided marketplace, creating value for both users seeking services and businesses looking to attract new customers. By late 2015, LookBooker had launched its app and had become a significant aggregator in New York City, with over 500 salons and spas on its platform.

LookBooker's platform allowed users to search for a variety of personal grooming services, such as haircuts, massages, and waxes, and book them directly through their mobile devices or computers. This addressed the market's need for a more discreet and efficient booking process, akin to online reservations for travel and food delivery. The core benefit was the 24/7 accessibility and the ability to compare different salons and services in one place. In March 2018, the wellness technology platform MINDBODY announced its definitive agreement to acquire Booker Software, a similar and larger platform, for approximately $150 million. The acquisition was completed in April 2018, and this strategic consolidation within the industry ultimately encompassed LookBooker's market space, integrating its functionalities into a larger ecosystem.

Keywords: appointment booking, beauty services, salon aggregator, online marketplace, wellness technology, client acquisition, spa management, booking platform, hair salons, MINDBODY