SecondPorch turns Facebook fans into vacation home renters |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Paul Allen's Vulcan wants taller South Lake Union buildings
- Apple seen unveiling iPad 3 in first week of March
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- UW opens New Ventures Facility for startups
- Pioneer Square: a little fiber to go with all that brick
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
Mass High Tech
SecondPorch turns Facebook fans into vacation home renters
Looking to rent your ski lodge, beach house or mountain retreat, but don't feel comfortable turning over the keys to some random stranger?
A 6-month-old service called Second Porch allows owners of vacation homes to tap into their trusted networks on Facebook in order to find potential renters. The Portland startup today is announcing a $1 million round of financing from the Oregon Angel Fund, money that CEO Brent Hieggelke said would be used to hire staffers, build out the platform and boost marketing efforts with second home owners throughout the U.S.
At this time, Second Porch is only available on Facebook. But Hieggelke said the 5-person startup plans to extend the service to other online channels in the coming months. However, there is a certain allure on Facebook, a closed network in which only "friends" can communicate with one another. Because the network is closed, Hieggelke said that it lends itself to transactions such as vacational home rentals.
“The typical Facebook network comprised of ‘friends of friends’ reaches almost 17,000 people, all of whom can be vouched for by a friend in common," he said. "For a homeowner, this is an obvious opportunity to find prospective guests to rent to with a higher level of comfort and peace of mind."
In fact, a recent study by PhoCusWright found that 73 percent of vaction home owners received rental inquiries from people they know -- friends, family or referrals from previous guests. That's a trend that could help Second Porch attract a Facebook following.
But the 13-month-old startup has another thing going its way. There are an estimated 7.5 million second homes in the U.S. and because of the tough economy many owners of those properties are looking at new ways to bring in revenue from the properties.
Hieggelke said that other sites such as Escapia, HomeAway and VRBO represent partnership opportunities since Second Porch could help them expand their listings onto Facebook.
The investment in Second Porch marks the latest deal in the Portland area, which has seen activity pick up in the past few months. Other investment deals in recent weeks include ShopIgniter and ActiveTrak.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
