‘Uber for beauty’ app seeks to raise US$1.4M to bring manicures to your door
London-based Blow LTD wants to expand into other parts of the U.K. and then internationally
A start-up that offers on-demand beauty services is looking to raise a £1 million (US$1.4 million) via crowdfunding, targeting time-poor individuals who want anything from facials to manicures at their fingertips.
The Blow LTD app allows users to book treatments via their smartphone on-demand.
Blow is the latest company looking to step up its challenge in the on-demand economy which sees consumers able to order anything from taxis to cleaners via apps.
The money is being raised on Seedrs, an equity crowdfunding site that lets people own shares in companies they back on the platform. Blow LTD is offering 11.11 per cent equity and is seeking £750,021 (US$1,088,918). Dharmash Mistry, an ex-venture capitalist and co-founder of Blow LTD, said it's likely the round will be over-subscribed and the company will raise nearer to £1 million. The other co-founder is Fiona McIntosh, the ex-editor-in-chief of Grazia and ELLE magazines.
Mistry said that the aim of going via the crowdfunding route is to help build the customer base.
"We think the next stage behind trial to repeat to loyalty is advocacy and ideally ownership. There's a good opportunity here to lock in our loyal consumers as well as offer shares to our professionals," Mistry says.
The money is going to be used on expansion. Currently, Blow LTD has focused on London, but wants to expand into other parts of the U.K. and then internationally.