Spacer, a peer-to-peer and B2C marketplace for space, has secured $1 million in funding from angel and private investors to support its launch in Australia. The startup, founded by Michael Rosenbaum, former CEO of Deals Direct, and Roland Tam, a former private equity professional, aims to address consumer storage challenges by tapping into the market of underutilized assets in the community. While there are several startups in the storage sector, Spacer differentiates itself by offering a complete space solution that covers both indoor and outdoor needs. The platform connects users with hosts who have applicable space to store items ranging from furniture to boats, caravans, machinery, and cars. Spacer also provides solutions for businesses and community clubs struggling with the storage of bulky items.
Rosenbaum believes that the collaborative consumption model is the future, where consumers can efficiently utilize assets and resources in their community. The company is in the early stages of a new era where peer-to-peer marketplaces are in high demand, and businesses can participate in this new paradigm by offering consumers access to their underutilized space. Spacer is currently in discussions with several councils, sporting clubs, and industrial real estate providers to secure listings of underutilized commercial properties on the platform.
Spacer verifies every host and renter, manages the billing process on behalf of hosts, and offers a property and goods guarantee to ensure the trust and confidence of both parties. The investment will be used to enhance user experience, fast track Spacer’s growth, and potentially expand into other categories and markets. Rosenbaum sees shared office, retail, and commercial spaces as obvious candidates for future expansion. The self-storage market is a $750 million plus industry growing at 1.9% per year.
