Auto services startup GoBumpr raises $300K led by Chennai Angels

Northerly Automotive Solutions Pvt Ltd, which runs and operates automobile services platform GoBumpr, has raised $300,000 (Rs 2 crore) in a round led by The Chennai Angels.

Mahalingam K, who owns Chennai-based used car business TSM Group, led the round on behalf of the angel network. Girish Mathrubootham, chief executive and founder of customer support software provider Freshdesk, also invested in the round, the company said in a statement.

Prior to this, GoBumpr raised funding from the Chennai chapter of global angel network Keiretsu Forum six months back, the press note added.

The startup will use the current tranche of funds to expand to other cities and boost its technology platform.

"GoBumpr's B2B2C solution provides service centres with real-time analytics and improved customer retention, helping them grow their business," Mahalingam said in the press note.

The startup offers car and bike owners an end-to-end platform where they can find, book and pay for automobile services. The company was founded by Karthik Venkateswaran, Nandha Kumar Ravi and Sundar Natesan in August 2015. Venkateswaran and Ravi are alumni of IIM Shillong, while Natesan is a graduate from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai.

GoBumpr provides various services including regular servicing, repair jobs, body works including denting, tinkering, painting and also offers 24-hour on-road assistance. It is currently available in Chennai, Coimbatore and select audiences in Bengaluru.

Other startups in the automobile services space are Hoopy, which last month raised Rs 3.4 crore ($500,000) in angel funding from a clutch of wealthy individuals.

In December 2016, automobile servicing platform GoMechanic raised $250,000 (nearly Rs 1.68 crore) seed investment from Venture Catalysts.

In November 2016, Mumbai-based car service startup Carcrew.in raised $500,000 (around Rs 3.4 crore) in an angel round led by TVS Group.

In September 2016, online classifieds firm Quikr acquired Stepni, a platform that connects vehicle owners with service providers nearest to them.

Recent investments made by The Chennai Angels include The Postbox, a Chennai-based art and lifestyle e-commerce firm, in December 2016. In the same month, the angel network backed Chennai-based E-Vegetailing Pvt Ltd, which sells fresh vegetables procured directly from farmers.