The Expert launched in 2021 to let anyone book one-hour video consultations with top interior designers. It began with 60 designers and now has over 140 designers advising thousands of clients across 50 countries, with more than 1,500 designers on the waitlist. Many experts average 147,000 Instagram followers, which drove 85% of the company’s organic traffic in 2021 and helped produce 35% repeat transactions. The company generated over $5 million in revenue in its first 12 months, and found that over 45% of clients had furnishing budgets above $50,000 (33% above $100,000). Buoyed by a $12 million Series A, The Expert is expanding into e-commerce with a Showroom launching this summer featuring over 60 home brands, and plans to test a "The Expert Vintage" site. The company will not warehouse goods and will use a drop-ship model, and it plans to deploy the new funds into hiring, technology development and marketing while roughly doubling headcount by year-end. The Expert provides a marketplace for 1:1 video consultations with leading interior designers, using the Zoom API and designer profiles where clients can book, view rates, and upload floor plans and inspiration. The platform currently features 85 designers and reports a 700-designer waitlist, targeting a high-end clientele willing to pay $300–$2,500 per hour. The company takes a 20% commission on transactions and says it will hit $1 million of bookings after its first quarter following an early February launch. Founders Jake Arnold, a celebrity interior designer, and Leo Seigal, a YC alumnus and serial founder, built the product after demand surged during pandemic lockdowns. The Expert positions itself above competitors like Modsy and Havenly by focusing on top-tier designers and a premium experience. The product aims to broaden designers’ reach and monetization by enabling remote consultations and streamlined booking and review flows.

Total raised

$15M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Mar 2022