Whittl

Whittl was an online appointment booking website for local services. Whittl launched to consumers in Chicago in 2012. Whittl, originally called MyServista, allows individuals to find and compare local services such as haircuts, dog walking, or auto repair services. The startup was backed by Origin Venture, OCA Ventures, and Amicus Capital. Whittl ceased operations in 2016.
Founding
Whittl was founded by Mike Zivin and Hemant Kashyap originally under the name MyServista. The website got its start in 2011 when Zivin ran into difficulty finding the cost of an eye exam online. The duo decided that they could create an easier way to display local service menus online. They launched the business in February 2012 in Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
Company
Whittl.com is located in Chicago's River North neighborhood. It has been featured in several local Chicago news stories for its ease of use and for its $1.3M in funding. The company has also been named as one of the 50 "Coolest" Startups in Chicago in 2013.
Business model
Whittl helped individuals find the exact price for everyday services such as a haircut, massage, or pet sitter. It also helped local businesses find long-term customers who are located in their neighborhood. Unlike Chicago-based Groupon, Whittl did not run daily deals. Whittl's model was more similar to GrubHub, providing transparent menus for services rather than for restaurants.
 
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