HopSkipDrive Raises $10.2 Million

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Child transportation startup HopSkipDrive of downtown raised a $10.2 million Series A round.

The investment money will be used to add carpool features to the company’s app and to expand service to new regions, such as Orange County and San Diego. The service currently operates across most of Los Angeles County.

HopSkipDrive was founded in 2014 and provides transportation to unsupervised children for about $20 a ride, with discounts for purchasing a package of rides. Drivers are background checked, finger printed and must have experience working with children. The company has sought to differentiate itself from ridesharing app companies such as Uber and Lyft by emphasizing it focus on child safety and caregiving.

“Our drivers are all caregivers. They are required to have at least five years of care giving experience,” said Chief Executive Joanna McFarland. “The caregivers that drive on HopSkipDrive will do whatever the parents need. They will even walk kids into school and sign them in.”

HopSkipDrive’s Series A round was led by FirstMark Capital with participation from Greycroft Partners, Pritzker Group, Upfront Ventures, BBG Ventures and 1776. The company has raised $14.1 million in total.

Technology reporter Garrett Reim can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @garrettreim for the latest in L.A. tech news.

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