Revolutionizing the Salon and Spa Industry
With an estimated half of beauty parlors still using pen and paper for managing appointments, it’s no wonder that Shedul is on a mission to bring about a digital revolution in the industry. As a startup that offers free scheduling software specifically designed for salons and spas, Shedul has been gaining momentum globally.
Raising $6 Million to Fuel Expansion
Shedul’s latest achievement is securing $6 million in funding led by Dubai’s Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), with participation from BECO Capital and Lumia Capital. This investment will enable the company to further expand its platform, add more merchants, and build a two-sided marketplace.
Growing at an Astounding Rate
According to CEO William Zeqiri, Shedul’s growth has been almost entirely organic, driven by word-of-mouth recommendations. In just a few years, the company has amassed 40,000 merchants across over 120 countries, generating $1.5 billion in annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). This remarkable achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of Shedul’s free scheduling software.
Targeting Under-Served Markets
Shedul isn’t just focusing on beauty parlors still using pen and paper; they’re also targeting customers of well-established players like Mindbody, Booker, and StyleSeat. Zeqiri claims that the customer experience on these platforms has been subpar, highlighting the need for a more user-friendly and efficient solution.
A Breakthrough in Accessibility
Lumia Capital’s Chris Rogers sees Shedul as a game-changer in the beauty industry. "Shedul has made best-in-class software accessible to the massive beauty industry, which still largely operates offline," he notes. "We are extremely impressed with the company’s growth trajectory and delighted to invest in the team."
A Strong Growth Trajectory
Walid Mansour, managing partner at MEVP, echoes Rogers’ sentiments. "The growth they achieved in two years is remarkable," he says. Shedul has indeed come a long way since its inception in 2015, with previous seed funding from MEVP and Polar Light Ventures.
A Bright Future Ahead
With this latest investment, Shedul is poised to further accelerate its expansion plans. By introducing paid offerings that complement their booking technology, the company aims to solidify its position as a leader in the salon and spa industry’s digital transformation.
Key Highlights:
- Shedul’s free scheduling software has gained widespread adoption across 120 countries
- The company has raised $6 million in funding led by MEVP with participation from BECO Capital and Lumia Capital
- Shedul aims to expand its platform, add more merchants, and build a two-sided marketplace
- CEO William Zeqiri attributes the company’s growth to organic word-of-mouth recommendations
Conclusion
Shedul’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of innovation in disrupting traditional industries. With its commitment to accessibility and user experience, the company is poised to continue making waves in the beauty industry. As Shedul looks towards the future, one thing is clear: this digital revolution is here to stay.
About Shedul
Shedul is a startup that offers free scheduling software specifically designed for salons and spas. With its commitment to accessibility and user experience, the company has gained widespread adoption across 120 countries.
About MEVP
Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) is a leading venture capital firm based in Dubai. The firm invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential in the Middle East and North Africa region.
About BECO Capital
BECO Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in startups across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and education.
About Lumia Capital
Lumia Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies with high growth potential in the tech sector.
About StyleSeat
StyleSeat is a scheduling software company that provides services to beauty professionals and salons.
About Mindbody
Mindbody is a leading provider of business management software for the wellness industry, including yoga studios, gyms, and spas.
About Booker
Booker is a popular online booking platform used by businesses in the salon and spa industry.
