South Africa-based startup Kalido has raised “significant seed capital” to roll out its app, which connects professionals and clients by matching users according to their goals, as well as social and geographic proximity.
With the nature of the global workforce increasingly moving towards freelance or project work, Kalido has been launched to provide those working in this new environment with the tools they need to survive and thrive.
It also looks to provide the real-world trust factor, which is often missing in random connections. Users can select what time of service providers they would like to meet, and easily start a conversation.
On the back of the funding round, the amount of which is undisclosed, and its local launch, Kalido will roll out worldwide, beginning with an August launch in India and one in Australia later this year.
“Through Kalido, we want to build the first truly trusted global platform for individuals to connect and exchange services in the real world, empowering freelancers everywhere and awakening the entrepreneur in all of us,” said Kalido co-founder Sanjay Varma, an early member of Alibaba’s leadership team.
Co-founder and chief operating officer (COO) Ashvin Sologar said finding clients was tough for an independent contractor, as was finding skilled workers and service providers.
“By letting you instantly tap the networks of everyone you know in a personalised way, Kalido makes the whole process incredibly simple and quick, and does so in a way that respects the privacy of all parties involved,” he said.
“Unlike existing work and search platforms, we also don’t charge users a cent for posting or engaging with their matches.”
