Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap) began as a simple idea to make home services more accessible and reliable in India. In just a few years, it grew into an international success. Let’s dive into how Urban Company achieved this growth, the strategies they used to expand globally, and how you can apply similar ideas to start your own business.
1. Starting from the Ground Up: Spotting an Opportunity
UrbanClap was founded in 2014 by Abhiraj Bhal, Varun Khaitan, and Raghav Chandra. Their mission was to make it easier for people to book home services like cleaning, plumbing, and beauty treatments. At the time, there were few options for booking trained, reliable professionals, and those that existed weren’t very convenient.
UrbanClap identified this gap in the market. They wanted to create a platform where people could easily find trusted professionals with clear pricing. This simple but effective idea became the foundation for their success.
If you’re thinking about starting a similar business, start by:
- Identifying a Problem: Think about everyday problems people face in various industries and how you could solve them with technology.
- Researching the Market: Understand your potential customers’ needs by talking to them directly or conducting surveys.
2. Building Trust with Quality Services
A big reason UrbanClap became popular was its focus on quality. The company carefully screened service providers to ensure they were trustworthy and skilled. This commitment to quality helped them build a loyal customer base, particularly in large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
To launch your own home service platform:
- Ensure Quality Control: Make sure your service providers are qualified and reliable. Training and background checks are essential to building trust.
- Encourage Customer Reviews: Set up a system where customers can leave reviews, helping to maintain high standards and transparency.
3. Rebranding to Urban Company
In 2020, UrbanClap changed its name to Urban Company, signaling that it was ready to go beyond India’s borders. The rebranding was not just about a new name—it represented a global ambition. This was a critical step in the company’s journey to becoming an international player.
4. Taking the Leap into International Markets
The name change was just the first step. Urban Company began expanding internationally, with their first international move being into the UAE in 2020. This market was a good fit because there was a growing demand for home services in urban areas.
By 2021, they had expanded into Australia, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Each market presented its own challenges, but Urban Company was able to overcome them thanks to its strong tech platform and focus on local adaptation.
If you want to expand your startup internationally:
- Start with One Market: Don’t rush to open in many countries at once. Start with one, learn from it, and adjust your business model to local conditions.
- Adapt to Local Needs: Understand local customer preferences and behaviors before entering a new market. Localizing your offerings is key to success.
5. Overcoming Challenges in New Markets
Moving into international markets was not without difficulties. Every country has its own set of rules, regulations, and customer habits. In countries like Australia and Singapore, Urban Company had to compete with established players, so they focused on offering top-quality service and ease of use.
To face challenges when expanding:
- Understand Local Regulations: Make sure you know what legal requirements exist in each new market you enter.
- Tailor Your Service: Each market has unique needs, so adapt your offerings to meet local preferences and challenges.
6. Scaling with Technology
A huge factor in Urban Company’s growth was its use of technology. The app became the backbone of their business, allowing customers to book services, track professionals, and make payments all in one place. It also helped professionals manage their work, from scheduling appointments to tracking earnings.
For your startup, having a strong tech platform is essential:
- Build an Easy-to-Use Platform: Customers should be able to book and pay for services with minimal effort. Your app or website should be simple and intuitive.
- Automate Where Possible: Automation helps scale your business efficiently. For example, scheduling and invoicing can be automated to reduce manual work.
7. Partnering with Local Professionals
Urban Company’s international success was partly due to its ability to form partnerships with local professionals in new markets. These partnerships helped them understand the local scene better and establish credibility with customers.
For your business:
- Form Local Partnerships: Work with local professionals and suppliers who know the area and can help you navigate the market. This will also build trust with customers in new regions.
8. Looking Ahead: Expanding Globally
As of 2025, Urban Company continues to grow in both India and abroad. It has become one of the leading home service platforms, offering everything from beauty treatments to home repairs.
With more people turning to home services for convenience, Urban Company is well-positioned to continue expanding globally. They plan to enter new markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe in the coming years.
9. Key Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Urban Company’s journey from a small startup to a global leader provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to start a business:
- Find a Gap in the Market: Look for areas where services or products could be made more convenient, efficient, or affordable.
- Focus on Quality: Build trust by ensuring that your services meet high standards.
- Understand Local Markets: When expanding internationally, take the time to learn about local preferences, competition, and regulations.
- Use Technology: Leverage technology to make your business more efficient and scalable.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses and professionals can help you enter new markets more smoothly.