LOVESPACE

LOVESPACE is a UK-based logistics and storage company established in 2011, providing a modern alternative to traditional self-storage. The company was founded by Brett Akker, a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded the car-sharing club Streetcar, and Carl August Ameln, a pioneer in the European self-storage industry with his company City Self-Storage. The concept originated from a conversation between Akker and Ameln, who was an early investor in Streetcar, combining Akker's experience in the sharing economy with Ameln's deep knowledge of the storage market. Steve Folwell, former Director of Strategy at Guardian Media Group, joined in 2013 as Managing Director and was later promoted to CEO, bringing significant experience in building digital brands.

The firm operates on a 'collect, store, deliver' model, targeting a diverse client base that includes students, individuals moving homes, people decluttering, and small businesses requiring logistical support. Revenue is generated by charging customers monthly fees for storing their items. The company's core service is 'storage-by-the-box,' where customers are sent packing materials, and their packed boxes are collected from their doorstep, stored securely, and delivered back to any UK address upon request. This service is designed to be flexible, allowing customers to pay only for the space they use, a direct contrast to the fixed-size units of conventional self-storage. Over the years, LOVESPACE has expanded its offerings to include storage units for larger items like furniture, drive-up storage points, and on-demand removal services.

A key part of the company's strategy involves leveraging technology to manage a complex logistics network of warehouses, drivers, and courier partners, enabling nationwide service and scalability. This technology-first approach allows for online booking and management of stored items, likening the service to "cloud storage for your physical things". The company has also established partnerships, such as with Mothercare for deferred delivery of baby products and with universities to serve the student population. LOVESPACE has successfully raised capital through various channels, including venture capital firms like Smedvig Capital and DN Capital, angel investors, and multiple crowdfunding campaigns on Crowdcube, which helped finance its expansion.

Keywords: on-demand storage, storage-by-the-box, logistics services, self-storage alternative, removals service, e-fulfillment, inventory management, nationwide collection, home moving, business storage