Singapore-based Helpp Technologies Secures $1.1M in First SAFE Investment Round, with Backing from E Planet Global and Other High-Profile Investors
Helpp Technologies, a for-profit social impact venture based in Singapore, has successfully raised $1.1 million in its inaugural SAFE investment round. The funding round saw support from notable investors, including E Planet Global based in the United States, Shahyan Merchant of You Ventures, Turki Al Shehri, CEO of Engie Saudi Arabia, J Holding Pakistan, and several other high net worth and business executives from the USA, UK, and Saudi Arabia.
Established in 2021 by Mustafa Iqbal, a former investment banker and stock market enthusiast, Helpp Technologies operates as a home services app, offering on-demand services in key verticals such as at-home salon, laundry, paint, and air conditioning in major Pakistani cities. Despite being domiciled in Singapore, the startup has chosen to concentrate its efforts on the Pakistani market, addressing the challenges faced by households in finding reliable and safe home services.
Iqbal, reflecting on the company’s mission, stated, “Growing up in Karachi, one of the main issues I realized households faced was finding good and safe home services. Another problem I identified was people’s unwillingness to work with blue-collar workers. It seemed like a problem everyone was scared to tackle. So, we decided to take on this challenge.”
Helpp’s focus on the Pakistani market is strategic, as the home services industry in the country, though substantial, has been predominantly serviced by micro-offline players. Helpp aims to bring standardized services and pricing to this market, with particular success in its female-centric salon at-home services, having serviced over 20,000 orders in the last two and a half years.
Mustafa Iqbal emphasized the company’s commitment to making a social impact while generating profits. He highlighted Helpp’s efforts to empower individuals and small businesses, especially in the woman-led salon vertical. Through the platform, salon workers have experienced a significant increase in income, with some partners now earning over Rs 100,000.
Iqbal shared inspiring success stories, noting that financial independence has led to newfound power dynamics for women partnering with Helpp. They are participating in financial pooling committees, obtaining health insurance, and exploring investment opportunities. The startup operates under the Business to Business to Customer (B2B2C) model, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5, 8, and 10, contributing toward their targets for 2030.
The $1.1 million raised in this investment round will be utilized for customer acquisition and the development of Helpp’s tech stack, furthering its mission to leverage technology to address everyday household problems.
