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
Streets to tableside eats: Taco Tank gets off the ground, rolling into Crossroads food hall
Streetside tacos are a thing of the past for Kansas City-stuffed Taco Tank, but a brick-and-mortar expansion into Parlor’s Crossroads food hall means the potential of its authentic, Mexican street food is just hitting the grill, Roman Raya said. “We were sharing a kitchen before with four other food trucks as our commissary. It was…
Ho-ho-holiday bars: These Christmas-themed pop-ups will be your next seasonal spot for selfies, spirits
It’s Christmas in Kansas City — almost, teased the restaurant group behind the metro’s popular Miracle holiday pop-up bars, announcing their return and two brand new locations. “It’s official, we’re back,” Rockhill Restaurant Group, which operates the bars as Miracle Kansas City in partnership with Cocktail Kingdom, said Friday on its social media accounts. Returning bars…
Scale accelerator brings international talent to Columbia, reveals eight startups in first cohort
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. COLUMBIA,…
Community Builders to Watch: Nia Richardson redefines city’s role in building wealth (and the freedom that comes with it)
Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing six Kansas City changemakers from five local organizations in its inaugural Community Builders to Watch list. The following highlights one of the 2021 honorees, selected from more than 100 initial nominees by a panel of judges. Click here to view the full list of Community Builders to Watch —…