Amsterdam-based Smiler, a startup that connects photographers with visitors at popular tourist locations and hotspots, announced that it has secured an additional $8.5M in fresh funding.
Smiler’s investment coincides with the launch of Smiler.co website. This consumer website draws on Smiler’s network of 20,000 photographers and enables users to search for, schedule, and book these quick and simple photoshoots in advance.
Photographers can download the Smiler Photographer app and create an account for customer bookings.
Founded in 2021 by Kasper Middelkoop, Martine Rooth, and Rob Hulleman, Smiler believes that valuable memories deserve to be captured in high-quality. It is an on-the-spot photography marketplace for freelance, professional, and enthusiast photographers.
The platform enables photographers to offer spontaneous on-the-spot photoshoots at memorable locations and venues.
Photographers can serve various appointments on the same day by focusing demand at high-trafficked sites, making it a high-volume, high-value, and predictable way to earn money through photography.
Bookings are made using Smiler’s Photographer app, which connects photographer supply to customer demand and puts photographers in control of their own availability and schedule.
Smiler says it will use the fresh funds to expand its presence globally and introduce thousands of new locations and photoshoot experiences in the next year.
The photography marketplace is already connected with prominent Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), improving the sector of tours, activities, and attractions.
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