Hi, I am Kelvin, Founder and CEO of Supportwave (Previously NerdApp), and I wanted to share my vision for NerdApp and the exciting journey we are currently on.
In my early years as an IT Support Specialist, I was constantly asked to help fix tech problems for friends, family, and neighbours. Twenty years later and I still get asked. I was usually compensated with delicious home cooked curries, a sleeve of golf balls or chocolates but as much as the tasty treats were appreciated, I always dreamt of a better way for tech people to get paid easily for their time and skills.
And so Supportwave (Previously NerdApp) was born – a user-friendly marketplace (available on web and App) that connects freelance IT Technicians to individuals and businesses that need tech support on demand. My vision was to create a space where IT Technicians would be fully vetted and go through a stringent onboarding process to ensure they provide the best possible service. I wanted to create a platform where remote support would be available within minutes (literally) and on-site support localised, connecting customers to experienced technicians nearby on demand.
It’s taken a few years and a very talented and hardworking team to build Supportwave (Previously NerdApp)into the fully functional platform it is today, operating in 30+ countries. It has been the highlight of my working life. Seeing our Nerds assisting people through frustrating or confusing situations and reading the great reviews afterwards, is my greatest reward.
Historically the IT department has always been a separate entity from the overall business with separate deliverables and budgets. However, as technology integrates with every aspect of our lives and businesses, I believe this approach is becoming less logical.
As workforces become more dispersed due to Covid-19 and other factors that are influencing the evolution of the workplace, IT departments are feeling the pressure for more speed and agility. Simultaneously, the rise of apps like Getir (groceries), Bolt (taxi) and Urban (beauty and wellness) demonstrate a clear need and desire for more on-demand services by consumers. For us at Supportwave (Previously NerdApp), this situation presents an exciting opportunity.
Towards the end of last year, we closed our pre-seed funding round led by Fuel Ventures, a leading early stage seed EIS Fund based in London, along with KM Capital, super angel investor Andreas Mihalovits and four more private investors. The £540k raised has propelled us into double digit growth month on month and this allows us to take Supportwave (Previously NerdApp) to the next level.
These are some of our key growth areas:
- Supportwave for Business
Say goodbye to costly IT departments and waiting in support ticket queues. Supportwave (Previously NerdApp) for business is growing and offers flexible billing, subscription-based models, and easy onboarding for employees, enabling them to get their tech issues solved within minutes.
- Partnerships with hardware and software providers
We are working on building strategic partnerships with software and hardware providers so customers can get everything they need directly through Supportwave (Previously NerdApp).
- Global expansion
We are currently enabled in 30+ countries. Our 2022 expansion plans will focus on growing key countries such as the United States, UK and then Europe and Australia.
- Creating Jobs and upskilling technicians
As we grow, supporting and upskilling our Nerds will remain a core value. We have recently partnered with CompTIA, the world's leading IT Certification company, to ensure our technicians get the opportunity to upskill and continue their learning journey.
I can’t express how grateful I am to all the people who have gotten us to this point. Our loyal customers who have trusted us and shared their feedback and reviews. Our Nerds, whose commitment, customer service and skills continue to impress me daily. My incredible team, who is growing alongside Supportwave (Previously NerdApp) and helping to write its story. And of course, our investors, who believed in us enough to help put Supportwave (Previously NerdApp) on the path to becoming a household name.
I look forward to sharing more exciting news in the weeks and months to come.
Kelvin Wetherill
Supportwave Founder & CEO
If you have any enquiries, please email [email protected]
