Beauty marketplace platform Vivify has secured £700k in funding ahead of its launch. It’s co-founders, Mick Tilley and Kirstie Looms, had only known each other for the sum total of seven weeks before launch – all while a global pandemic was happening in the background.
Currently in Phase 1 of its launch, focussing on recruiting beauty and wellness practitioners all over the UK before launching to the consumer market later this summer, Vivify hopes to join the names of Uber, Airbnb, Slack and Zoom of companies that have prospered during a time of recession.
Mick Tilley, CEO and Co-Founder explained:“Kirstie reached out to me having set up as a marketing consultant just before COVID-19 hit, as we had mutual connections and I was looking for freelance support for my digital agency, Tried&True. I had vivify bubbling under the surface in the Tried&True incubator, and I just knew Kirstie was the one to help launch it to market.
“At vivify we focus on 2 things: bringing new customers to our vivify pros, and making sure they come back. We take care of the advertising, promotion, and payments, so our vivify pros can focus on the things they do best, rather than worrying about the admin.”
Kirstie Looms, CMO and Co-Founder added: “I would love to give you an elaborate and professional story, but it really was as simple as two people who instantly hit it off, had a great idea and just went for it! The platform is the first of its kind – it doesn’t just ensure that customers can get a time and price that is right for them, but also offers flexibility around a location of their choosing. At home, at the office, or wherever they need it!
“Demand for these services has never been higher, with a 37% YoY increase in searches online. In the wake of COVID-19 this is expected to further increase as there are limited options to facilitate and accommodate this consumer need.”