Startups in the laundry industry have revolutionised the industry in recent years. With a projected market size of $25.5 billion by 2027, the industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. There are several notable players in this industry, including Presso, an AI-based garment cleaning company that recently raised $8 million in funding, and Labrador Systems, which has launched a robot that delivers laundry.
The growth of the laundry tech industry can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing adoption of automation and smart technologies in laundry equipment, rising demand for eco-friendly and sustainable laundry solutions, and the growth of commercial laundry services in emerging markets. Additionally, the growth of urbanisation and rising disposable income of people have played a role in the growth of this industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a part in the growth of digital laundry startups that operate via a mobile app or website. These companies have gained traction during the pandemic as more people have turned to contactless laundry services.
There are several laundry tech startups in the UK. Having said that, today at TFN, we have listed the UK’s most innovative laundry tech startups.
Oxwash
Founder/s: Kyle C Grant, Tom Wilton
Founded year: 2018
Funding: $20.8M
Oxwash is a B Corp-certified laundry and wet-cleaning company that was founded by an ex-NASA scientist and Forbes’s Europe’s 30 under 30 alumni. The space age company prides itself on meeting exacting standards of environmental, social responsibility, and transparency. Oxwash uses eco-friendly detergents and advanced technology to reduce water usage and carbon emissions.
The company’s next-gen ozone technology deodorises and sanitises fabrics at lower temperatures, while its biodegradable chemistry formulations processes achieve higher than medical-grade disinfection. In 2022, Oxwash secured £10 million in Series A funding led by Untitled VC to fuel its expansion into the USA.
Laundryheap
Founder/s: Deyan Dimitrov, Mayur Bommai, Ruxandra Lica
Founded year: 2014
Funding: $6.8M
Laundryheap is a same-day laundry and dry-cleaning service that has upended the laundry industry in several cities across the UK. Customers can easily book a pickup using the Laundryheap app or website, and a driver will collect their clothes within an hour. The company distinguishes itself on its use of eco-friendly detergents for cleaning and ensures that clothes are returned to the customer within 24 hours.
Additionally, Laundryheap offers ironing services and can handle larger items such as bedding and curtains. The success of Laundryheap’s innovative platform has been recognised in the form of €2.8 million in funding that it secured in 2021. The company’s efficient and customer-focused approach to laundry services has positioned it as one of the leaders in the on-demand laundry market.
Clothes Doctor
Founder/s: Lulu O’Connor, Aditya Raikar
Founded year: 2017
Funding: $1.3M
Clothes Doctor, a female-founded company, has grown beyond offering just repair and alteration services for clothing and textiles. The company now supplies a range of eco-friendly laundry care products and uses sustainable methods to repair and restore garments, such as reweaving and natural dyeing techniques. Customers can easily order repairs online and either drop off their items at the Clothes Doctor studio or use the company’s free collection and delivery service.
Earlier this year, Clothes Doctor secured £1 million in funding, led by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF), with participation from Joanna Jensen, founder of Child’s Farm, Founders Factory, and existing private investors. With the demand for sustainable wardrobes on the rise, the company will use the funding to fuel its growth and expand its business. Clothes Doctor’s focus on eco-friendly laundry care products has positioned it as a leader in sustainable fashion and a reliable partner for conscious consumers.
Laundrapp
Founder/s: Edward Relf
Founded year: 2014
Funding: $21.1M
Laundrapp is a London-based laundry and dry-cleaning app that offers on-demand and scheduled collection and delivery services across the UK. The app allows customers to have their clothes picked up, cleaned, and delivered back to them within 48 hours.
Users can schedule pickups and track the progress of their orders through the app or website. Laundrapp is committed to using eco-friendly detergents and has partnered with local dry cleaners to provide a comprehensive laundry service.
In 2019, Laundrapp raised £5 million from investors including Hambro Perks, Hargreave Hale, and Atami Capital. The laundry app was later acquired by its rival, LaundryHeap, in 2021.
Love2Laundry
Founder/s: Nadeem Abbas, Muhammad Umair Khan
Founded year: 2014
Funding: $611K
Love2Laundry, a Birmingham-based startup, offers a variety of laundry-related services, including dry cleaning, laundry, ironing, and alterations, making it an ideal solution for busy individuals who want a hassle-free experience. Customers can schedule a pickup and delivery time via the Love2Laundry website or app, and a driver will collect their clothes from their home or office. The company processes the order and returns the clothes to the customer within 24 hours, providing an eco-friendly dry cleaning service using non-toxic and biodegradable solvents and offering a quality guarantee on all orders.
In late 2022, Love2Laundry raised more than £276K for its online laundry app using Crowdcube’s crowdfunding platform, which it will use to continue expanding its services and reach a wider customer base.
ihateironing
Founder/s: Matt Connelly
Founded year: 2013
Funding: NA
Another popular UK-based online laundry and dry-cleaning service, ihateironing offers customers a convenient and hassle-free way to get their clothes cleaned. The company provides on-demand or scheduled collection and delivery services through its app or website. Once the items are collected, they are cleaned and returned to the customer within 24 hours. Besides laundry and dry cleaning, ihateironing also offers shoe repair, alterations, and other services. The company uses eco-friendly detergents, and its team of experienced cleaners ensures that every item is treated with care.
LaundryRepublic
Founder/s: David Hill, Robert Powell
Founded year: 2008
Funding: NA
LaundryRepublic is a London-based laundry service that offers its customers on-demand laundry services on a subscription basis. The company offers weekly or biweekly subscription plans, and customers can choose the plan that suits their needs.
LaundryRepublic provides a full laundry service, including collection, cleaning, and delivery within 48 hours and uses eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products to help reduce the impact on the environment. Along with laundry services, LaundryRepublic also offers additional services, including ironing and alterations, to provide a comprehensive solution for its customers.
