Swiss startup Batmaid raises €23M to expand its online cleaning services platform

For too long, home cleaners have lacked recognition for their hard work and have suffered from the uncertain working conditions of undeclared workers. This is where Switzerland-based Batmaid is looking to make a difference. The company, which is part of Batgroup, provides 360° cleaning solutions while fighting the black market on as many fronts as possible.

Batmaid raises Series B funding

In a recent development, the Swiss online cleaning services provider announced that it has raised €23M in its Series B round of funding from the investment company AEVIS VICTORIA SA (AEVIS).

The news follows the company’s previous round of funding of €4.6M which was supported by investors Bâloise, the Investis Group, and ACE & Company.

Michel Reybier, AEVIS’ administrator and co-shareholder, says, “Our goal is to contribute to the creation of long-term value for promising companies in the field of personal services. With Batmaid, our aim is to contribute to the emergence of a European leader in home wellness.”

How will the funds be utilised?

The proceeds from this round will support Batmaid’s international expansion into 21 cities in 15 countries. The company is looking to accelerate its projects in Switzerland with Batmaid Club and Batmaid Dry services.

Speaking on the development, Andreas Schollin-Borg, founder & CEO of Batmaid, says, “The arrival of Michel Reybier and Antoine Hubert, as seasoned and visionary investors, will allow us to benefit from their expertise in the field of personal services. Together, we share strong beliefs about the potential to develop our platform on a large scale while providing our customers with a hotel-level service as well as an answer to the fight against the black market.”

What does Batmaid offer?

Founded in 2014 by Andreas Schollin-Borg and Eric C. Laudet, Batmaid claims to be the first online platform that allows individuals to book a cleaning service. Batmaid offers cleaning services including home cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, and commercial cleaning.

The company applies a rigorous process of pre-selection of professionals while offering administrative support and quality assistance to its clients.

Currently, it employs around 200 people across its Lausanne headquarters and office in  Zurich, Lugano, Warsaw, Paris, Milano, and Luxembourg. The company has 4,000 salaried cleaning agents who serve over 70,000 customers throughout Switzerland.

Since its inception, Batmaid has helped over 5,000 cleaning professionals exit the black market in the home cleaning industry, and helped around 50,000 clients to find their cleaners easily. According to the company, the workers benefit from being insured and declared, working safely throughout Switzerland.

The Batgroup

Companies within Batgroup include Batmaid, Batwork, and Batsoft.

Batwork is a marketplace to find and recruit your cleaning employee. In parallel with Batmaid, cleaning agents can connect with private employers on Batwork. The employer can choose their employee as well as the salary they wish to offer. However, a minimum wage has been put in place with the aim of preserving adequate wages and avoiding any wrongdoing.

Batsoft enables private employers to have their cleaning agents declared and insured on their behalf. It enables the automatic creation, modification, and termination of working contracts, the management of absences and working time, salary payments, and warnings in the case of inappropriate behaviour amongst other features.

Recent developments

Since March 2021, Batmaid has also been offering a range of biodegradable cleaning products through its new Batmaid Club service, delivered directly to its customers’ homes as part of a subscription.

In June 2021, Batmaid also launched a pilot laundry and cleaning service, Batmaid Dry, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The company also mentioned in a statement that it is planning to launch its services in Germany, Belgium, Austria, London, and other cities in 2021 and 2022.