Gigpro

Overview

Gigpro is an innovative platform that connects freelance workers with businesses in need of temporary labor, primarily within the hospitality industry. Founded in 2019 by Ben Ellsworth, Gigpro is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. It has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the gig economy, addressing staffing shortages with a real-time, on-demand workforce solution. The company recently raised $16 million in a Series A funding round, led by Foundry with participation from Stage 1 Ventures, Stage 2 Capital, and Detroit Venture Partners.

Recent Developments

  • July 2024: Gigpro secured $16 million in a Series A funding round aimed at expanding its platform and strengthening its position in the hospitality labor market. This round was led by Foundry with participation from Stage 1 Ventures and other existing investors.
  • December 2023: Gigpro was named South Carolina’s fastest-growing company in the annual 50 Fastest Growing Companies competition.
  • January 2023: Gigpro expanded its market operations, now functioning in 28 American cities, supporting over 9,000 businesses with a network exceeding 250,000 hospitality workers.
  • May 2023: Gigpro launched operations in the Orlando area, addressing the restaurant industry's staffing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2019
HeadquartersCharleston, South Carolina, USA
FoundersBen Ellsworth
RevenueNot publicly available
ProfitsNot publicly available
Key InvestorsFoundry, Stage 1 Ventures, Stage 2 Capital, Detroit Venture Partners
IndustryGig Economy, Hospitality
Number of EmployeesNot publicly available

Early History

Gigpro was founded in 2019 by Ben Ellsworth to tackle the pervasive labor challenges in the hospitality sector. Initially launched in Charleston, the company focused on connecting temporary workers with restaurants, bars, and hotels needing flexible staffing solutions. By offering a user-friendly app, Gigpro simplified the process for businesses to post shifts and for workers to apply, streamlining the recruitment process. The concept quickly gained traction, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated staffing shortages in the service industry.

Company Profile and Achievements

Gigpro operates an online marketplace specifically designed for the hospitality industry, facilitating matching between businesses and freelance workers for temporary roles. Key features include an intuitive mobile app that allows workers to browse and apply for available shifts, direct on-demand payments, and flexible scheduling capabilities. The company is distinguished by:

  • Helping fill over 350,000 shifts for more than 9,000 businesses.
  • Expanding operations to 28 cities across the United States.
  • Being recognized as the fastest-growing company in South Carolina in 2023.
  • Raising significant investment to further innovate its platform.
  • Its seamless integration into businesses, offering them a modern solution to what were traditionally cumbersome staffing issues.

Current Operations and Market Position

Gigpro remains deeply entrenched within the hospitality industry, offering a platform capable of handling seasonal fluctuations and labor shortages. Its competitive advantage lies in the real-time connection it facilitates, allowing businesses to fill urgent staffing needs efficiently. This has positioned Gigpro as a key player in the gig economy, especially noted for its comprehensive approach that includes fair compensation practices, user-friendly technology, and a large pool of potential candidates.

Conclusion

Gigpro has emerged as a pioneering force in the gig economy, particularly for the hospitality sector. With strong market penetration, significant funding, and a robust user base, the company is well-positioned to continue its expansion across the United States. Its growth trajectory suggests a model that could set new standards for on-demand labor markets, making it an essential resource for businesses and workers alike. As Gigpro leverages its recent funding to enhance its platform, its impact on the hospitality industry's labor market is poised to broaden, potentially reshaping how temporary staffing solutions are approached industry-wide.

References

  1. PR Newswire
  2. Greenville Business Magazine
  3. Courier Journal
  4. Click Orlando