CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OpenChime, a new service that helps consumers quickly receive valid quotes from reliable local service providers, today announced that it has received $700,000 in outside funding from Lightbank, the technology investment fund started by Groupon co-founders Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell. OpenChime allows consumers to receive valid quotes on just about any service – handymen, cleaning, personal training, catering – from reputable local business owners that consumers can trust.
Launched in 2010 by MIT graduates Erdem Kiciman and Kale McNaney, OpenChime has quickly grown to a network of over 1.8 million local service providers in hundreds of cities across the United States, offering consumers reliable quotes on a wide variety of local services from reputable providers. Using OpenChime, thousands of consumers have booked a variety of services including everyday offerings such as housecleaning, lawn care, and personal training to more unusual requests such as boat rentals, wedding photography, and home theatre installation.
“OpenChime connects local service providers with consumers that need their services but just don’t have the time to find them," said Erdem Kiciman, Founder and CEO of OpenChime. "Its incredibly easy to use, and local service providers now have a way to transparently offer up their services to the consumers who need them."
Using OpenChime, thousands of customers have already found and booked everything from plumbers in Chicago, to taxidermy in Maryland – simply by requesting a quote on whatever service they need.
“OpenChime has a great concept and has already been very successful at building a large network of local businesses around the country,” said Brad Keywell, Co-Founder of Lightbank. “Erdem and his team are providing an incredibly valuable service and Lightbank is excited to invest in this fast-growing company that is helping local businesses attract new customers."
About OpenChime
OpenChime is a service that helps people easily connect with local service providers of any kind. Thousands of people have found and booked everything from plumbers, maids, and gardeners, to scuba instructors in Mexico and hot air balloon rides in California using OpenChime. No matter what you need OpenChime can help you find people who can help you. For more information, visit http://www.openchime.com.
About Lightbank
Lightbank is an investment fund focused on early-stage technology companies. Founded by Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell, who started Groupon, MediaBank, InnerWorkings (NASDAQ:INWK) and Echo Global Logistics (NASDAQ:ECHO), Lightbank invests money, time and expertise to help innovative businesses achieve dynamic growth. For more information, visit http://www.lightbank.com.