UK-based online car rental ‘challenger’ firm
Stressfreecarrental.com is set to expand further into Europe after raising
£534,000 in a funding round led by DSW Ventures and including angel investor Harry
Dixon, former technical director of Rentalcars.com
Launched in 2020, Stressfreecarrental.com operates a price
comparison and booking platform for car hire and airport transfers. The company
says it aims to offer lower prices, improved transparency and better customer
experience.
The website pulls in car hire content from a number of
providers, including Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Avis and Sixt. Search results
display all aspects of the rental that are included in the price, as well as information
about each company’s insurance excess and any security deposits. Customers can
choose to use the provider’s own excess insurance or to book cover through
Stressfreecarrental.com.
The Manchester-based company already operates in the UK,
South Africa, Australia and the US. It says the new investment will allow it to
expand its team with the creation of 13 new jobs over the next 12 months,
extend its reach in Europe and accelerate growth.
As part of the investment, James Jennings has joined as
chairman, while 30-year car rental industry veteran Tom Knopek has been
appointed non-executive director.
Stressfreecarrental.com founder and CEO John Charnock said: “We
built great foundations for the business last year and this year we’ve seen
significant growth in our revenues despite the ongoing pandemic. This
investment will enable us to take the business to the next level by extending
our reach into foreign language domestic markets, offering clear and
transparent car rental in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany and Greece.”
Ellie Boardman, investment manager at DSW Ventures,
commented: “The online car rental market is ripe for disruption.
Stressfreecarrental.com offers a fresh approach and we believe it is well
placed to achieve significant scale. The business has already gained
considerable traction despite restrictions on travel and this round will support
its further development and growth.”