Time to adapt: how startups respond to shutdowns, work from home & social distancing

by | April 2, 2020

Startups vs COVID-19 (Vol. 01) – while the corona crisis paralyzes large parts of the global economy, local startup teams in Europe, Canada and the US respond with a maximum degree of creativity, resilience and drive:

Maple
The telemedicine provider introduces an online COVID19 screening program in Ontario, while its virtual care platform gives Canadians access to medical advice and online prescriptions – 24/7, safe from home.

Zenjob
As corona has upended life on campus, zenjob is now matching its flexible student workforce to meet the peak demand of jobs in supermarkets, drugstores and farmers and launched in six new cities in Germany ahead of schedule.

Sofatutor
While schools are closed, the edutech platform cooperates with German authorities to meet the pressing need for digital education, offering its learning tutorials right now 30 days free of charge.

iwoca
The fintech helps SMEs in Germany and the UK to bridge cash flow gaps and is working with
the government on iwoca’s accreditation for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to soften the economic blow.

Elder
To protect the most vulnerable in society, the senior care platform is boosting its national network and the number of staff, mobilising all possible resources to meet the unprecedented increase in demand of in-home care for the elderly.

KNIX
The inclusive DTC label from Canada is using the brand awareness and platform of KNIX’ founder Joanna to push a fundraising campaign for personal protective equipment (PPE), supporting healthcare workers on the frontlines: GoFundMe

Freska
To fight the spread of COVID19, the home-cleaning startup implemented a professional disinfecting service for offices with authority-recommended supplies and offers a special discount for healthcare workers in the Nordics.

ArtNight
The edutainment platform was forced to cancel thousands of events all over Europe. Now ArtNight’s team introduces online workshops with painting-kits delivered to the doorstep and supports its local freelance artists in times of corona.

KOIO
Due to outbreaks, the direct-to-consumer sneaker brand had to close all local stores in the US. To meet customers needs amid shutdowns, KOIO’s online shop now offers a work-from-home package consisting of slippers and tube socks.

COMATCH
The consulting marketplace and its global network of freelance consultants initiated a Solidarity-Program to support NGOs and social impact organizations that need help as a result of the pandemic – free of charge.

Cluno
The car subscription provider introduces special discount rates together with a priority on-boarding for system-relevant workers and empowers existing subscribers to register additional drivers in need of safe mobility to their workplace.

Über Acton Capital Partners

Acton Capital Partners ist ein internationaler Wachstumsinvestor mit Sitz in München. Seit 1999 investiert das Acton-Team erfolgreich in digitale Pioniere in Europa und Nordamerika.

Investmentfokus liegt dabei auf skalierbaren Geschäftsmodellen aus den Bereichen Future of Work, Digitale Marktplätze und Plattformen, Ecommerce, FinTech sowie Software-as-a-Service.

Acton Capital Press Administrator

 

About Acton Capital
Since 1999, Acton Capital has invested in digital transformation worldwide with strong focus on Europe and North America. With more than two decades of investment experience and a deep understanding of tech-enabled business models, the team has invested over EUR 800+ million across six fund generations.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Related News