One startup that aims to make the home renovation process easier for homeowners has raised $6 million in funding to help it grow even faster. Builders VC led the round, which included participation from Celtic, Newfund, and Wish co-founder Danny Zhang, who also sits on Eano’s board.
The Pain Points of Home Renovation
Home renovation can be a daunting task for many homeowners. It requires navigating a complex process that involves finding reliable contractors, managing communication, and tracking progress. For Stella Wu, the founder of Eano, this pain point was first-hand experience when she bought her own house in 2017.
"I realized there were a lot of fragmented issues in the renovation space, especially when it came to individual workers," she recalls. "They were not reliable and bad at communication."
Eano’s Mission
In response to these pain points, Wu founded Eano in 2019 as a San Francisco-based startup that aims to walk homeowners through the renovation process. The company connects individual contractors with new clients, making it easier for homeowners to find reliable professionals who can help them with their projects.
Eano’s Technology
Eano’s automated process tracks all communications and progress in one place, ensuring that homeowners are always up-to-date on their project’s status. The company has grown a network of experienced, local professionals who are fully licensed, vetted, and insured. These contractors can be paired with homeowners on projects such as building ADUs (accessory dwelling units).
Competitive Pricing
Eano offers competitive and transparent pricing so that homeowners aren’t surprised by unexpected costs as their project unfolds. This is a major advantage over traditional home renovation companies that often surprise clients with hidden fees.
A Network of Experienced Contractors
There are many individual contractors out there who offer affordable services, but they often struggle to get to homeowners because they lack resources. Eano’s network of experienced contractors solves this problem by providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
"We basically take care of it all," Wu said in an interview with TechCrunch. "We’re helping these individual contractors increase their brand, and helping them with administration and customer support side with our software."
Plans for Expansion
For now, Eano is operating in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, but the company plans to expand to Seattle and Houston this year. With its new funding, Eano will be able to "go deep into the product side" and continue to improve its platform.
How Eano Works
Once a homeowner becomes a client of Eano, they can use the platform to select a remodeling package and track their project’s progress in real-time. They can also communicate with their contractor team through Eano’s software and even see the progress of their project through videos.
"We’re helping contractors make communicating and receiving payment much easier," Wu said. "We’re also helping these individual contractors increase the brand, and helping them with administration and customer support side with our software."
Funding and Future Plans
Eano’s $6 million in funding will be used to further develop its platform and expand its reach into new markets. With this funding, Wu is confident that Eano can continue to make a positive impact on the home renovation industry.
"We’re excited to have Builders VC on board as we continue to grow and improve our platform," Wu said. "With their support, we’re confident that we can make a real difference in the lives of homeowners everywhere."
Conclusion
Home renovation is a complex process that requires navigating a maze of contractors, suppliers, and paperwork. Eano’s innovative approach to home renovation makes it easier for homeowners to find reliable professionals who can help them with their projects. With its network of experienced contractors and automated tracking system, Eano is poised to revolutionize the way we think about home renovation.
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