Rockpool Investments is leading a Series A round of $10 million into Trusted Housesitters, a platform for travelers to find nomads who will look after their pets and homes when they're on a trip.
The Series A round is the first major financial backing for the company since its launch originally in the U.K. in 2010.
The investment will be used to expand the business in the U.S., in particular targeting travelers based in California.
Trusted Housesitters works by connecting travelers with plans to leave their pets behind to other travelers who will housesit both the property and the animals.
The business is active in 130 countries worldwide and claims to be hitting revenue numbers that are double those of 2019.
CEO Mathew Prior says: "Our sitters provide genuine one-to-one love and care in the comfort of the pets’ home, so owners don’t have to worry about making their beloved pets feel anxious about being separated from their own familiar and safe environment."
In the U.S. alone some $8 billion is spent per year on pet boarding, sitting and walking services, with the figure likely to rise in the coming years after a rise in the number of new pets by homeowners during the pandemic.
Trusted Housesitters was created by Andy Peck, who still sits on the board of directors. Prior joined as CEO in September 2019 after a career in tour operating at TUI and its Travelopia division.