HopSkipDrive, the Leading Rideshare Company for Kids, Raises $10.2 Million in Series A Funding
Funding Will Fuel Company Growth and Expansion into New Markets
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today HopSkipDrive (www.HopSkipDrive.com),
the leading ride service for kids, announced a $10.2 million Series A
round led by FirstMark Capital with participation from new investors
Greycroft Partners and Pritzker Group Venture Capital, who join existing
investors including Upfront Ventures, BBG Ventures and 1776. The funds
will support HopSkipDrive’s expansion into new markets and propel
product development. The company also announced the addition of Eyal
Gutentag, former general manager of Uber in Los Angeles, as chief
operations officer.
Founded by three working mothers who, as busy, safety-obsessed parents
themselves, struggled to get their children to and from school and
activities, HopSkipDrive has the highest safety standards in the
business because it was designed with the founders’ own children in mind.
“HopSkipDrive solves a major pain point all families feel, including our
own,” said Joanna McFarland, co-founder and chief executive officer of
HopSkipDrive. “Demand has grown even faster than expected; we’ve built a
strong product and technology team, and are now adding outstanding
talent on the operations side. With this new capital, we are uniquely
positioned to continue delivering our trusted service while we scale and
bring our solution to millions of families in Southern California and
beyond.”
In under a year, HopSkipDrive has expanded throughout Los Angeles, the
largest transportation market in the country, and seen strong adoption,
delivering tens of thousands of rides with hundreds of active
CareDrivers on the platform. In 2016, the company will continue growth
with expansion to other U.S. markets.
“HopSkipDrive’s founders have built an authentic brand with a laser
focus on safety,” said Rick Heitzmann, a founder and managing director
of FirstMark Capital. “With its world-class team, infusion of new
capital and the right strategy in place, they will continue to grow and
bring their game-changing transportation solution to even more families.”
Deepening the executive team, Eyal Gutentag joins HopSkipDrive as chief
operations officer. Prior to this, Gutentag was general manager of Uber
in Los Angeles, where he led operations and marketing. He brings more
than 18 years of experience building high-performing companies and
teams, coupled with unique experience in the rideshare industry.
“As a dad of two young kids, I understand the challenges facing families
today and truly believe that HopSkipDrive is the answer,” said Eyal
Gutentag, chief operations officer of HopSkipDrive. “My previous
experience was the perfect precursor to working with Joanna and the
HopSkipDrive team to continue to strengthen and grow the company so we
can help even more families.”
About HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is the leading ride service for kids founded by three
experienced professionals who are also working moms. They understand the
stress of getting kids everywhere they need to go and created
HopSkipDrive to address this pain point for all families. Parents book
rides through the app or website and can track their child’s ride in
real time. All CareDrivers have at least five years of childcare
experience and must pass a selective 15-point certification process,
which includes extensive background checks, vehicle inspection,
fingerprinting, participation in ongoing DMV checks and in-person
meetings. The HopSkipDrive platform also includes built-in stringent
safety features to monitor every ride in real time. To learn more, visit www.hopskipdrive.com.
About FirstMark Capital
FirstMark Capital is an early stage venture capital firm based in New
York City. Our mission is to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs who
are changing the world by solving meaningful problems. We have built a
deeply engaged community among the extraordinary teams in our network to
spread ideas and opportunities. We are privileged to work alongside the
founders of remarkable businesses like Pinterest, Shopify, Riot Games,
InVision, Tapad, NewsCred and dozens more. Visit us in New York City or
online at www.firstmarkcap.com
and @FirstMarkCap.
Contacts
Rebecca Weiser
Moxie Communications Group for HopSkipDrive
Rebecca@moxiegrouppr.com
818-648-7005
