VEEVE, THE LONDON HOME SHARING SERVICE, INCREASES SERIES A INVESTMENT TO $11M & LAUNCHES NEW LOOK WEBSITE AND BRAND

London home sharing service Veeve (the new name for Vive Unique) raises additional investment with Smedvig Capital and launches new brand and website following appointment of key hires (CTO, CMO, CFO and Operations Director), and trebling of property portfolio in 12 months

www.veeve.com

London, England – November 2015 – Veeve (the new name for Vive Unique), the home sharing service which helps London homeowners to earn effortless extra income while they're away, announces follow on investment from Smedvig Capital, taking total investment in the business to $11m. This coincides with the launch of Veeve's new brand identity and responsive website (www.veeve.com), as the company focuses on its ambition to become London's number one home sharing service.  

The extended investment follows four key hires within the senior management team this year: Chief Marketing Officer Matt Knight joined from ASOS (and previously Ocado); Joe Warren-Meeks joined as Chief Technology Officer from Encore Tickets; former McKinsey consultant Lex Kereng recently joined the company as Operations Director.  Andrew Parker joins as CFO from Badoo and previously PwC.   

Carl Michel, previously of Opodo, British Airways and Generator Hostels, has also joined the business, as Chairman.

Launched in the run up to the Olympics, Veeve have since signed up over 1,000 London homes, and now manage a portfolio worth over £1 billion. With more than 3,000 rooms available to guests, the company already rivals the city's largest hotels in terms of inventory.

Unlike other home sharing models, Veeve manages all aspects of the rental on behalf of both guests and hosts. This allows homeowners to unwind on holiday while Veeve takes care of everything at home. Meanwhile, leisure and business travellers enjoy all the conveniences of a city home with Veeve's added selection of home comforts (i.e. fridge fills, babysitting and a maid service to name a few).

Newly represented by a hummingbird logo, Veeve is dedicated to making stays effortless for hosts and guests. The additional funding consolidates Veeve's position in London, as they continue with their goal of making home sharing as easy as possible. Now following the investment and subsequent relaunch of the brand and release of their new website, proceeds will be used to build out Veeve's mobile logistics platform, develop the customer experience, and drive further growth in home and guest acquisition.

Veeve has worked with London-based design and branding agency Bisqit on the new brand identity, and leading digital product company Rebel Minds on the all-new web platform, to produce a strong brand identity and engaging web experience for guests and hosts alike.


Jonny Morris, Co-Founder and CEO of Veeve:
We are hugely excited to take the brand forward in a way that communicates our commitment to making home sharing an easy and seamless experience, and one which is inspiring too. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Smedvig Capital with this latest round of funding as we look to the next phase of rapid growth at Veeve.

Jordan Mayo, Managing Director of Smedvig Capital:
We are delighted to be increasing our investment in Veeve. Founders Jonny and Claire have attracted a top tier management team whilst rapidly scaling the business. We look forward to supporting the team in their plans to become London's leading managed home sharing service and to expand into other geographies.