Lula partners with Platinum Realty to help home buyers, sellers find quality contractors
October 31, 2018 | Elyssa Bezner
New homeowners — and even those selling — need contractors, said Bo Lais. It’s a reality understood by Platinum Realty, a new partner for home services tech startup Lula.
“Lula is really excited about assisting Platinum Realty agents throughout that process because new home owners are constantly asking their real estate agents who they should use when they need something done around the house, whatever the case may be,” said Lais, founder and CEO of Overland Park-based Lula. “We’re being trusted by Platinum Realty to be that go-to partner for them and their agents so that whenever contractors are needed, we’re there to fill that void for them.”
Lula — an app-based offering that directs consumers to quality contract professionals, upfront pricing, and same-day services for homeowner’s needs — plans to use the relationship with the real estate firm to expand it service throughout Northwest Arkansas and St. Louis, he said.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to offer our agents a higher level of service,” said Scott DeNeve, founder and CEO of Platinum Realty. “As a company, we have been finding ways to leverage technology for the benefit of real estate agents since our beginnings in 2005. We see this partnership as another way we can support our agents’ success.”
Lula’s app launched in Kansas City in November 2017 with the platform working to raise funds from investors since founding in January 2016. The company reported a $420,000 funding round from Kansas City area investors in February.
Platinum Realty is one of the fastest-growing companies in Kansas City, Lais said. And with both Northwest Arkansas and St. Louis easily reachable — coupled with existing relationships with investors in those areas — the expansion seemed like an obvious next step, he added.
“Northwest Arkansas is actually a really fast growing area, but it is going to be the smallest market that we’re in, so I’m going to test that market and see what kind of results we get,” said Lais.
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Thirsty fans line up as Weston distillery resurrects pre-Civil War Missouri bourbon
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by Flatland, the digital magazine of Kansas City PBS and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly Flatland email newsletter. This is a historic moment for the folks at Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri, and also a big deal…
Survival rates for new biz in MO, KS lag national average; What’s getting in their way?
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by Flatland, the digital magazine of Kansas City PBS and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly Flatland email newsletter. Colorful balloons, ribbons, unlimited drinks, food and of course music. There was everything at the ribbon cutting…
NMotion adds ‘concierge’ investment accelerator for early-stage founders; applications close May 30
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by the NMotion startup accelerator, but was independently produced by Startland News. Following NMotion Venture Studio’s successful launch in 2020, Nebraska’s largest and only startup accelerator is adding a new high-touch opportunity to its lineup: NMotion Growth Accelerator. “Five out of the 10 companies that came through the NMotion…
Donations honoring late podcast host, comedian fund ‘place of peace’ for young creators; recording studio dedicated to Mathew George
Friends and family of the late podcast host Mathew George gathered to celebrate the dedication of Operations Breakthrough’s newly-debuted recording studio on what would have been Mathew’s 27th birthday. “What could have been a really depressing day was more celebratory, like it would have been if he were still here,” shared Mary Ann George, mother…