Childcare startup Tiney, which recruits, trains and supports the establishment of ‘micro-entrepreneur’ child minding businesses, has raised £7.2m.
Founded in 2019, Tiney is a platform looking to expand the availability of childcare in the UK.
Lack of access to childcare is a major factor in cutting off parents from the workforce. The charity Fawcett Society published research last year claiming a quarter of a million mothers with young children have had to leave work due to childcare pressures.
Tiney supports the creation of low-overhead childminding facilities, claiming to have over 1,000 childminders registered with more in training.
In addition to recruitment, Tiney handles the administrative side of the childcare businesses via its community app.
“The first years of a child’s development are absolutely crucial for shaping their long-term educational trajectory. Early-years educators play an enormous role in this, but astronomical costs and provider shortages have robbed too many families of access to high-quality care,” said co-founder and CEO Brett Wigdortz.
“That’s why we’re working to reverse the decline in childminder numbers – the most affordable form of childcare – and champion those who want to pursue a hugely rewarding role.
“We’re finding the next generation of childminders and securing the futures of the next generation of children.”
The Series A round was led by Mustard Seed Partners and featured participation from PortfoLion, Sparkmind and Rubio.
“Solving the childcare crisis will have huge benefits for the next generation, as well as the wider economy,” said Stanislas de Joussineau, co-managing partner at Mustard Seed Partners.
“We believe that Tiney is already demonstrating the impact that cutting-edge technology combined with a passion to improve early years can have.”