Sweeten, a home renovations matchmaker, is making New Yorker’s dreams of Mid-Century Modern decor and Art Deco interiors come true. Last week, the startup closed a $3.5 million Series A funding to bring the best architects, interior designers and general contractors to your next project. The startup uses an algorithm to match homeowners with renovation needs with available contractors based on start/finish date, location, style and budget.
Sweeten, which launched in beta in 2011, works with a predetermined network of contractors who are vetted and curated to fit customer needs. Sweeten’s marketplace is extremely selective on the contractor side, as potential partners are required to go through a 10-point inspection and interview with company.
The projects posted range from large undertakings (entire-home renovations) to small assignments (bathroom redesigns). Once a project is posted, Sweeten analyzes the task and finds the 3 best-suited “Sweeten Experts” (contractors) for the job. The company then contacts these chosen experts to see if they are interested in the project and available during the slotted timeframe. Once a homeowner and contractor are matched, the pair can work together throughout the renovation.
Sweeten shows its commitment to users by archiving projects throughout their entirety on the company’s website, using a digital platform to assure customer satisfaction. Sweeten collects a fee from the contractor when the job is complete. Sweeten projects typically range from $15,000 to $1 million in value and the company currently oversees over $300 million in construction projects for homeowners in the greater New York City area.
Sweeten cofounder Jean Brownhill Lauer has a previous background in architecture and started the company when she found it cumbersome to find the right contractors for her own renovation projects.
The Series A round was led by Navitas Capital in addition to Overnight Capital and Gotham Gal Ventures. While the company is only operating in New York, Sweeten plans to expand to more cities with the recent funding round.
