It all started in November 2019 with an idea similar to the KRY service but for technical advice. Already the following year, a cooperation agreement was signed with The Cloud People (Google partner) for the development of the service and in the first part of 2021 the company launched its first product, meet:now. With Dalarnas Försäkringsbolag as a pilot customer, the service that makes live meetings available in a safe and simple way, outside firewalls and with high security, was confirmed and very successful.
You have previously been able to read about:Nowgroup, which Dalarna Science Park supports with business development. During its time, the company has developed two services, with more on the way, linked to its platform, whereask:now is the second of the services offered. Through the service, digital advice is made available on-demand and competencies throughout Sweden become easy to access for those companies and organizations facing major skills shortages and in need of expert advice. It will thus be both easy and cost-effective to access high-quality advice and services from the best and most competent people in their particular field. Through the services offered by the company, the gig economy* is given a further boost in the modern way of working, remotely, regardless of where people choose to live or work from. During the fall, the service has been refined and the launch is now planned for spring 2022. The vision of creating a global one-stop-shop for services, an "Amazon for services" is thus a fact.
- "We will build the digital marketplace of the future for services - a shopping center with the world's services gathered under one roof. We will also play a key role in a long-term sustainable working life where everyone is included because competence is at the center, not where you live, where you come from or how old you are, says CEO Fredrik von Homeyer
The company has not been idle, but is really accelerating. During the last quarter of 2021, in addition to building the IT services on the platform, a sales team of four people has been set up, all of whom are experienced salespeople with large contact networks in various industries. In addition, they have actively contacted and booked meetings with companies in customer service, service, advice and sales.
The entire platform is built for maximum scalability and is a so-called SaaS model, Service as a Service, where the development and operation of stand-alone :now services or plug-in functionalities takes place with other platforms. The platform is thus an enabler for those who want to start a new business, and will make it easier for both companies and individuals who want to become part of the gig economy to reach the market quickly.
The founders Fredrik von Homeyer, John Minkhe and David Hellström choose to bring in both external venture capital and external board expertise, with Emma Grubbström taking over as Chairman of the Board from January 2022.
- With Emma on the board, we complement our team with experience from both the consulting and client side, both in Sweden and internationally. With Emma's drive and commitment, we get a boost at the right time when we need to reach the market and Emma is an extremely good complement to our collective experience and backgrounds, says Fredrik von Homeyer.
- It is extremely exciting to enter such an expansive phase for a customizable and at the same time unique service platform that has everything you need under the same roof. Ask:now has exactly the right timing in how we will choose to work and seek services in the future. Not least, the service will be the enabler of the new, balanced working life where we make the competence of each individual available and make it available to everyone who needs it, wherever you are. Being part of, and working with, such a strong, competent and driven team is really, really fun," says Emma Grubbström, Chairman of the Board.
During the spring, a first round of capital will take place in order to put in place the necessary functions that can drive the company forward and scale up the business and its business to soon enter the Nordic market.
- As a business coach to the team at :nowgroup, I see the opportunities to quickly scale up the digital platform. With products like ask:now, skills are made available in a smart, sustainable and cost-effective way that is so timely. More people get the chance to try out entrepreneurship as a self-employed consultant or "gigger" and can thus choose to settle down and live the life they may have only dared to dream of. The team is incredibly responsive, competent and has fully understood the benefits of contributing to people's more sustainable way of life. It is fantastic to be part of the company's journey and see how fast development can go with the right will and ambition and where support is gratefully received," concludes Evelyn Hult.
Dalarna Science Park's mission is to contribute to Dalarna's business development and act as an arena for networking, innovation and globalization. In the Incubator Program, entrepreneurs with exciting business ideas are supported in their business journey. We focus on business ideas with great ambition and drive, where the opportunity exists to create a company that grows both at home and internationally.
Listen to Emma Grubbström, Chairman of the Board, comment on the news!
