U.K.-based HomeTouch is an online home care marketplace incorporated with an aim to provide families quality and affordable care. It today announced its launch across the nation, and also disclosed that 500 Startups has backed it up.
500 Startups seems to have invested in round that took place in January. It now joins the list of existing investors that include Passion Capital, Bupa, Nominet Trust, and Rocket Internet’s venture arm GFC. The platform has gone on to become one of the most trusted market leaders, it enables people an access to pre-vetted care professionals.
The startup’s nationwide expansion comes in part through the acquisition of assets of LiveInCareJobs.com from the former owner Target Recruitment. This comprises a database of 25,000 registered live-in carers who are now being invited to HomeTouch’s application process, though, they will have to go through the standard face-to-face vetting process.
The carers are pre-vetted on the basis of many criteria, such as initiative, reliability and compassion. Also, the team maintains scrutiny on the mentioned qualifications and carries out criminal record checks.
Following the model of gig economy, HomeTouch claims the carers earn up to 75 per cent above industry average, on the other hand, the care seekers spend reasonable amount for the service.
The platform mainly provides people who have elderly parents and children to care for, more narrowed options specifically for the type of care the elders receive. It has also boosted its search functionality by deploying what everyone calls ‘elastic search’. This implies people seeking home care can search for freelance professionals choosing a combination of criteria, such as qualifications, language spoken, among others.
Dr. Jamie Wilson, the founder of HomeTouch is quoted saying,
The ageing population is increasingly keen to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, rather than go into residential care. The traditional agency model for in-home care is outdated; consumers are embracing the ease and efficiency of online tools that they use in other areas of life to make informed decisions about the person who cares for their loved ones at home.
