NannyStreet: This duo invested S$65,000 to build S’pore’s first confinement nanny marketplace

Singapore has long been known for its rich cultural practices, and one such tradition is the confinement period after childbirth. During this crucial time, new mothers receive specialised care and support from experienced confinement nannies.

However, finding a reliable and experienced confinement nanny can be a challenging task. This was what fuelled the inspiration behind NannyStreet, Singapore’s first and only confinement nanny platform.

Co-founded by Louis Looi and Bradley Loi, NannyStreet aims to connect parents-to-be with trustworthy confinement nannies through its platform.

Before NannyStreet, Louis pursued a degree in Actuarial Science and ventured into the field of Business Analysis, while Bradley pursued Mechanical Engineering and built a career as an engineer.

However, despite their different paths, the childhood friends shared a common vision: to bridge the gap between expectant parents and confinement nannies. This shared ambition ignited their entrepreneurial spirit, leading them to embark on their first business venture together.

Simplifying the search for confinement nannies

The idea for NannyStreet came about when Louis faced personal challenges in finding a suitable confinement nanny for his wife during her pregnancy, exacerbated by the difficulties posed by the pandemic.

Despite working as a confinement nanny agent at that time, it was still a struggle to secure a suitable nanny. This experience inspired me to develop a platform that could help other expecting parents find reliable and experienced confinement nannies.

– Louis Looi, co-founder of NannyStreet

NannyStreet differentiates itself from traditional agency formats by facilitating direct communication between parents-to-be and potential confinement nannies.

Unlike traditional agencies that merely share profiles and limit interactions, NannyStreet leverages technology to enable voice/video calls and exchange of text messages. This direct interaction enhances transparency, allowing parents-to-be to discuss job scopes, compensation, and special requests with potential nannies.

NannyStreet even implemented an Auto-Record function for calls, enabling both parties to refer back to previous discussions and ensuring effective communication.

Parents-to-be can submit their search requirements, including the preferred start date, duration of confinement period, and any specific preferences or requirements they may have.

NannyStreet then matches them with suitable confinement nannies, whom they can interview via voice or video calls. This interview stage allows parents-to-be to assess compatibility and discuss specific criteria, such as experience, language proficiency, and cultural compatibility.

To ensure the quality and reliability of the nannies available on the platform, NannyStreet conducts thorough background checks. These checks include verifying job records and seeking recommendations through social media channels and online platforms.

Only nannies with a proven track record of work experience in Singapore and a good understanding of the local culture are accepted onto our platform.

– Louis Looi, co-founder of NannyStreet

In addition to confinement nanny matchmaking, NannyStreet goes above and beyond by offering additional services. These include stay-in babysitting, maid hire, prenatal and postnatal massages, and more.

By providing access to a range of relevant services through a single platform, NannyStreet aims to cater to the diverse needs of expectant mothers, saving them time and effort in their search for various support services during their pregnancy journey.

Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities

Establishing and growing NannyStreet has come with its fair share of challenges and obstacles.

For one, it faced a significant hurdle in developing the platform as an app and making sure all features functioned flawlessly across both iOS and Android devices.

Louis and his team tackled this obstacle head-on, emphasising the importance of delivering a consistent user experience.

Another ongoing challenge for NannyStreet is gaining traction and growing its user base. As an app-based platform, Louis understands that it takes time to raise awareness and popularity among their target audience.

However, he remains steadfast in his dedication to providing value to expectant mothers. By consistently refining the platform’s functionality and user experience, NannyStreet continues to evolve and attract a growing number of users.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic had a notable effect on NannyStreet.

During the initial stages of the pandemic, when the situation was uncertain and restrictions were implemented, we made the decision to refund half of the orders to support our customers during challenging times.

This was our way of adapting to the circumstances and providing assistance to those affected by the pandemic.

– Louis Looi, co-founder of NannyStreet

Ultimately, rather than viewing the pandemic solely as a business opportunity or a threat, Louis recognised the increased need for NannyStreet’s solution during this unprecedented time.

The disruption caused by the pandemic highlighted the importance of having a reliable platform that connects parents-to-be with confinement nannies. Traditional methods were limited, making NannyStreet an essential resource for expectant parents.

The focus of NannyStreet remained on addressing the needs of its customers and providing a valuable service amidst the uncertainty.

By understanding the heightened demand for their platform and responding to the evolving circumstances, Louis and his team aimed to contribute to the well-being and support of expectant parents navigating the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

They invested S$65,000 to start up

To kickstart NannyStreet, the founders invested an approximate capital of S$65,000 to cover essential aspects such as app development, key personnel hiring, and initial marketing efforts.

In our initial stage before the launch of our NannyStreet app, we functioned as an agency and we bootstrapped since day one to ensure that we are able to charge affordable rates for our services, and make sure that the nannies in our portfolio are monetarily compensated accordingly.

As such, we have been diligently working towards achieving our financial growth and the company’s sustainability.

– Louis Looi, co-founder of NannyStreet

Since its launch in August 2022, NannyStreet has undergone significant growth.

The platform boasts a user base of over 600 and a pool of over 300 experienced and qualified confinement nannies. These numbers reflect the increasing adoption and recognition of NannyStreet among expectant parents, highlighting its effectiveness in connecting families with reliable caregivers.

Looking ahead, NannyStreet has ambitious plans for the future. The platform aims to enhance its features and services to better cater to the needs of parents-to-be. This includes incorporating advanced search filters, personalised matching algorithms, and enhanced communication tools to further streamline the user experience.

NannyStreet also aspires to expand its range of services beyond confinement nanny matchmaking. By offering additional support and resources for expectant mothers, such as educational content and postnatal care resources, NannyStreet aims to become a trusted and reliable one-stop platform throughout the pregnancy journey.

As the platform evolves and expands, it aims to become a trusted companion for expectant parents, providing them with the support, resources, and care they need throughout their pregnancy journey.

Featured Image Credit: NannyStreet