Jan. 5, 2012—BodyShopBids, a Web-based platform that allows consumers to solicit custom auto body repair estimates, secured $1 million in series A financing from OCA Ventures, New World Ventures and Lightbank.
With the new financing, BodyShopBids said it will make its website and iPhone and Android mobile apps available to vehicle owners in major cities nationwide.
“We recognized an opportunity in Chicago, and it’s an opportunity that exists in cities around the U.S.,” said Brad Weisberg, founder and CEO of BodyShopBids. “The feedback from consumers and body shop owners alike has been incredible, and we are excited to build on our initial success.”
Jim Dugan, managing partner of OCA Ventures, and Jeff Maters, vice president of New World Ventures, will join BodyShopBids’ board of directors, according to the organization.
“BodyShopBids is disrupting an industry that’s primed for change,” Dugan said. “BodyShopBids has a strong position as an industry leader, which will enable the company to access and thrive in new markets.”
BodyShopBids, which launched in June 2011, connects consumers who need auto body repairs with body shops through an online bidding system. Consumers upload a photo of their damaged vehicles and receive custom quotes from nearby body shops within 24 hours. Then consumers can choose an estimate and book an appointment with the appropriate body shop.
To date, BodyShopBids has partnered with 275 Chicago-based body shops. The company has processed more than $2.5 million in damage estimates. For more information, visit bodyshopbids.com.
