Whittl

Whittl is an online appointment booking website for local services. Whittl launched to consumers in Chicago in 2012.[1] Whittl, originally called MyServista, allows individuals to find and compare local services such as haircuts, dog walking, or auto repair services. The startup is backed by Origin Venture,[2] OCA Ventures,[3] and Amicus Capital.[4]

Early Founding

Whittl was founded by Mike Zivin and Hemant Kashyap originally under the name MyServista. The website got its start in 2011 when Zivin ran into difficulty finding the cost of an eye exam online.[5] The duo decided that they could create an easier way to display local service menus online. They launched the business in February 2012 in Chicago's Merchandise Mart.

Company

Whittl.com is located in Chicago's River North neighborhood. It has been featured in several local Chicago news stories for its ease of use and for its $1.3M in funding.[6][7] The company has also been named as one of the 50 "Coolest" Startups in Chicago in 2013.[8]

Business Model

Whittl helps individuals find the exact price for everyday services such as a haircut, massage, or pet sitter. It also helps local businesses find long-term customers who are located in their neighborhood. Unlike Chicago-based Groupon, Whittl does not run daily deals. Whittl's model is more similar to GrubHub, providing transparent menus for services rather than for restaurants.[9]

The site currently serves local Chicago customers and merchants, but has plans to expand to multiple cities.

References

  1. ↑ "ORIGIN VENTURES LEADS FUNDING OF WHITTL". OCA Ventures. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  2. ↑ "Whittl". OCA Ventures. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  3. ↑ "Our Portfolio". OCA Ventures. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  4. ↑ "Whittl". Amicus. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  5. ↑ Pletz, John. "Whittl.com slices off $1.3 million from Origin, OCA, Amicus". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  6. ↑ Wong, Wailin. "Whittl services listing startup raises $1.3M". Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  7. ↑ "A Website To Organize Your Life And Book Your Appointments". NBC Chicago. March 22, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  8. ↑ Slivka, Jasmine. "The 50 "Coolest" Startups in Chicago!". built in chicago. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  9. ↑ Pletz, John. "Whittl.com slices off $1.3 million from Origin, OCA, Amicus". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
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