Australian end-to-end moving platform Happly has officially launched with a seed funding round of $1.75 million.
Founded by Sydney-based global entrepreneur Andrew Weinman, Happly leverages the latest technology to partner with best-in-class moving service providers including removalists, cleaners and packing specialists. It also takes care of other cumbersome moving tasks such as updating drivers’ licences and postal addresses.
The free-to-use platform allows users to select products and services for their move, creating a bespoke task checklist in an organised, easy to use interface. Users can compare providers, including pricing, and instantly book services with Happly’s industry-first instant booking technology.
Through Happly’s social cause partnerships, customers are able to recycle electronics and donate pre-loved goods to charities supporting domestic violence victims and survivors.
Mr Weinman, who is also Co-CEO, said personal experience and a desire to power smooth moves for all Australians had brought Happly to life.
“Research shows moving is one of life’s worst experiences, taking more than 100 hours to organise, at an already stressful time in life,” he said. “Through a few clever clicks, Happly enables everyday Australians to organise their complete move in minutes. It really is a game-changer.
“When I was younger, my father was relocated for work, and a corporate relocation expert managed the whole move from end to end for us. Years later, when reflecting on this experience, I felt technology had evolved so significantly that there must be a way to offer a smooth moving journey to all Australians, not just white-collar executives.
“My goal with Happly was to deliver a technology-driven solution that would do three simple things: save time, save money, save headaches.”
Mr Weinman shares the CEO role with Jeremy Rosen, Co-Founder of mobile storage solution, TAXIBOX.
“When Andrew approached me with the idea for Happly, I was immediately interested as I had recently experienced the pain of a move with my young family and could see the opportunity,” Mr Rosen said.
“My experience with TAXIBOX also gave me a unique perspective on the power of technology to truly disrupt traditional industries. As Co-CEOs, Andrew and I bring very different, yet complementary, skills to the business that will drive our innovation, creativity, and growth.”
Among its investor register, Happly has the backing of renowned property developer, Danny Hanna, Founder of Hannas Group, a privately owned property and civil infrastructure company.
Max Cunningham, Former ASX-listings boss and CEO of FCX, the world’s first centralised private markets platform, is also an early-stage supporter.
Mr Hanna said the potential for Happly’s platform and technology was exponential.
“We have seen the success and strong growth of similar technologies in the US, and with Australia’s hot property market, I believe this will be echoed onshore,” he said. “Simplifying and streamlining moving is a real market need and there is no one else doing this. I have known Andrew and Jeremy for many years and am confident in their vision and expertise to lead this business to success.”
Mr Cunningham echoed the sentiment. “During my experience in capital markets and a decade running Listings at ASX, I have encountered many start-ups,” he said. “Happly sits with the best in class.
He said Happly had a first-mover advantage, had funded themselves successfully, and was executing quickly.
“I believe we will see it become the booking.com of the moving sector,” he said. “I am fully aligned with Andrew and Jeremy’s vision to use technology to revolutionise an industry that has been reluctant to change. At FCX, we are likewise using cutting-edge technology to create a new marketplace for private companies. Technology driven by smart business minds and strong leadership has the power to be a homerun play.”
Happily will use the funding as a runway to achieve its strategic objectives, including investment in product development, market penetration and national expansion plans. Launching with the support of industry leading partners including CBRE, Meriton, and a range of real estate agencies, Happly also plans to build a national network.
“Happly has big plans and a strong vision for the future, and this capital allows us to execute on this smartly and strategically,” Mr Weinman said.
“We are working with a strong group of investors and advisers who have decades of combined experience across business, finance, technology and property, and who truly believe in our potential. We are excited by the opportunity ahead and buoyed by the early-stage interest and positive feedback we are hearing from customers and industry.”
Currently available for moves in Sydney, Happly plans to expand to Melbourne and Brisbane in the coming 12-18 months, followed by a staged nationwide rollout.
