Call the sitter: Helpr brings vetted babysitters to you within 3 hours

by John Siegel
May 18, 2016
Kasey Edwards and Becka Klauber Richter, co-founders of the Santa Monica-based childcare app , didn't expect their college jobs to turn into their careers. But that's exactly what happened.

While students at UCSB, the two received so many babysitting requests, they had to start referring parents to their friends. Ultimately, the impromptu babysitting agency turned into University Sitters, one of the premier boutique childcare providers in Southern California and now the duo aim to revolutionize the way parents connect with sitters.

“With a platform like this, there’s always a little uneasiness in the beginning,” said Edwards. "But Helpr is a marketplace where parents know their children will be in good hands."

In an industry dominated for so long by word-of-mouth, Helpr faces a unique set of challenges in establishing themselves as an industry leader. While other babysitting apps promise background checks, Helpr opted to go the extra mile to dispel any qualms that parents might possess. In addition to a background check, all Helpr babysitters go through an interview and are CPR certified.

Users select date, time and location, add the number of kids and any health requirements and Helpr is able to direct a babysitter to the front door in just three hours. 

Though they may be inexperienced with starting-up, Edwards and Klauber Richter's knowledge of the industry their app aims to win over gives them advantages that many startups don't possess. Edwards admits their past successes put them in a different position than most startups.
 
“It is definitely an amazing piece of leverage for us, and it’s a great position to be in,” said Edwards. “Every business is different, but it’s really about the self-awareness of your company.” 
 
The service officially launched on New Year's Eve 2015, and the team currently sits at four employees, and works from a in Santa Monica. 
 
As Edwards and Klauber Richter continue to meet with potential investors, the team continues to grow their "digital village" of childcare providers. But as far as the future is concerned, Edwards stresses that the confidence in the team they built and their status as industry veterans is what will ultimately shine through.
 
"It all starts with an idea," said Edwards. "When you surround yourself with the right advisors and the right team, then you can develop the right strategy."
 
Are you an entrepreneur with an interesting story, sage advice, or valuable resources? Share it here.

Jobs at Helpr

Los Angeles startup guides

LOCAL GUIDE
Best Companies to Work for in Los Angeles
LOCAL GUIDE
Coolest Tech Offices in Los Angeles
LOCAL GUIDE
Best Perks at Los Angeles Tech Companies
LOCAL GUIDE
Women in Los Angeles Tech