Homejoy

Homejoy was a San Francisco-based technology company that operated a platform connecting homeowners with independent cleaning professionals. Founded in 2012 by Adora Cheung and Aaron Cheung, Homejoy aimed to disrupt the home cleaning industry by providing an easy-to-use online booking system and standardized pricing. The company expanded rapidly, attracting significant venture capital funding and operating in multiple cities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

The platform allowed customers to book and pay for cleaning services through the Homejoy website or mobile app. Cleaners, classified as independent contractors, were sourced and screened by Homejoy. The company's business model was based on taking a commission from each cleaning job booked through its platform.

However, Homejoy faced significant challenges related to its classification of workers as independent contractors, leading to legal issues and financial strain. The company struggled to achieve profitability due to high customer acquisition costs and difficulties in maintaining a consistent quality of service.

In July 2015, Homejoy announced it was shutting down its operations. The founders cited the legal battles over worker classification and the inability to raise further funding as the primary reasons for the closure. While Homejoy itself ceased operations, the company's technology and assets were acquired by competitor Handy (now Angi). Despite its relatively short lifespan, Homejoy played a significant role in shaping the on-demand home services market and highlighting the challenges associated with the gig economy.