LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HelloTech, an on demand in-home tech support and technology sales service delivered by a vetted and trained college student workforce, today launched its service in Los Angeles.
In addition, HelloTech announced that it has raised an additional $2 million from tier 1 investors that include Collaborative Fund, Baroda Ventures, Greycroft Partners, and Silicon Valley Bank. These backers join Accel Partners, Upfront, CrossCut ventures, Amplify.LA, among others.
“We are thrilled to announce today the availability of HelloTech in Los Angeles,” said Richard Wolpert, co-founder and CEO of HelloTech. “With the ‘Internet of Things’ more cool technology is available for the home than ever before. This is both a very exciting and potentially very confusing time for homeowners. HelloTech will take the confusion out of the equation.”
Several trends have occurred over the last several years which create a massive market opportunity for HelloTech. The number of retail stores that sell technology has declined dramatically, with the closing of almost all pure technology chains except Best Buy. At the same time, the amount of new, interesting and cost effective technology for the home has exploded. Wireless music systems, Internet controlled thermostats, digital door locks, video surveillance systems and smart home products have become common features in today’s homes. HelloTech offers tech products from partners that include Sonos, Nest, Belkin, Linksys, Lifelock iDrive and a growing list of others.
Aging Boomers and Gen X homeowners love technology but they need help installing and maintaining that technology. At the same time, college students have grown up with new technology and the Internet and have a natural affinity for both.
“At HelloTech we curate, then train the best college students on both technology and customer service and match them to our customer base which will largely be made up of people in their late 40’s and beyond,” said Richard Wolpert. “We match college students who need high paying jobs to pay growing educational expenses with customers who need in-home, on demand support at a reasonable price. It’s a win-win for our customers and our technicians.”
HelloTech has been operating a “friends and family” trial in West Los Angeles since early April. As of today, the service goes live in the 7 mile radius around UCLA; an area larger than the city of San Francisco. To celebrate its launch, HelloTech is offering, for a limited time, a “first hour free” of in home support (a $79 value). Services range from Wi-Fi connectivity, viruses/slow machines, printer issues, consultation on the purchase of new technologies, training and more. Visit www.hellotech.com for full details.