Zaarly went on to raise $14 million more later that year for a “reverse marketplace”: people would post requests for things they needed, like picking up Chinese food or walking a dog, and others would respond. But last September, Zaarly switched its focus to “storefronts,” web pages where individuals or small businesses could advertise their services. The goal is to put a human face on local businesses, compared to huge, faceless chain stores – to replicate the feel of a farmer’s market or indie bookstore, but online. Cofounder and COO Eric Koester made an appearance at our SXSW Startup Celebration sponsored by CEA and .CO. Among other things, Koester talks about the activity he’s seen in the Midwest both from startups at NEXT and small businesses on Zaarly. Here’s the video.
Tech Cocktail’s SXSW video series is part of the Tech Cocktail Conversations podcast – subscribe on iTunes. Editor’s Note: Thank you to Yappem, the title sponsor of Tech Cocktail’s special SXSW video series. And thank you to Keep America Beautiful, the supporting video sponsor.
