Hottest Start-ups for 2012
#15 Taskrabbit
The ultimate task-for-pay platform, Taskrabbit has a goal to pair reliable workers with those that need a task completed. The business has found success financially with an estimated worth of around $20 million but the company is much more concerned with giving users a great experience. This start-up was founded in 2008 and we believe it's best years are still ahead.
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15:
Taskrabbit
The ultimate task-for-pay platform, Taskrabbit has a goal to pair reliable workers with those that need a task completed. The business has found success financially with an estimated worth of around $20 million but the company is much more concerned with giving users a great experience. This start-up was founded in 2008 and we believe it's best years are still ahead.
14:
Expensify
An efficient way to record expenses, this online service offers a way to keep track of financial records. It can be viewed online or through a new phone app to help users track their finances and expense reports. To date, Expensify manages the accounts of nearly 100,000 organizations and over 650,000 individual users.
13:
Pinterest
Pinterest launched in 2010 but it has sky-rocketed in popularity within the last year. This "invitation only" site is a way for users to take all of their favorite things on the web and share them with other users. It is like a giant mood board that can be seen by the world.
12:
Pawngo
It's been called "the online pawnshop" by many. Like some of the most popular online stores, Pawngo has found success by creating something that's popular in the real world and setting it up online.
11:
Recyclebank
This is a site that makes recycling feel like fun. It aims to reward people for taking "green actions" each day by giving points that can be used to redeem prizes. The company started in 2004 but to date it is worth over $100 million.
10:
Rock The Post
This is a site to connect great ideas to the people that can help make them happen. Create posts about your business venture and you can receive pledges or investments to help.
9:
Birchbox
This is one of the most innovative companies out there right now. Started in 2010 by two friends, this company has become a "beauty-of-the-month" club where subscribers get a box full of new beauty products in sample sizes for only $10 a month. Last year, the company made over $11 million. We're thinking that's not bad for a company that didn't exist two years ago.
8:
Mylikes.com
Mylikes.com is one of the fastest growing advertising platforms to date. Its influence on digital marketing in the last year alone has changed the way people use the web. We know it's just the beginning.
7:
Kickstarter
Launched in 2009, this is the ultimate resource for bands, businesses and anyone else that needs help funding a project. To date, backers have pledged more than $50 million to over 20,000 projects.
6:
Fab
This site is a dream come true for e-commerce. Every week on Fab.com, they hold sales for different items from businesses ranging from large corporations to small businesses. The company is valued at more than $200 million according to the Wall Street Journal.
5:
Rent The Runway
Founded in 2009 by two friends from Harvard, this is a way to wear high-fashion brands without the high cost. Customers simply sign up, choose an item they enjoy and they are able to rent it for 4-8 days for around $50. Once they're finished, they mail the item back in a pre-paid package.
4:
AutoSlash
Customers reserve a rental car through AutoSlash and they monitor for the best possible deals and discounts on car-rentals. This company has only been around for two years and it is already being compared to some of the leading discount and travel sites.
3:
Hearsay Social
This is a platform that helps businesses manage their social media. Some of their clients include 24-Hour Fitness and they've even achieved the most successful social campaign on Facebook by gaining over 2 million fans in 24 hours.
2:
LearnVest
In a time where finances may be harder to come by, it's nice to have all of the help you can get. LearnVest offers helpful guides, financial plans and even bootcamps to get you in control of your personal finances. Best of all, it's completely free to sign up!
1:
One Kings Lane
In 2009 during the effects of the recession, two friends started One Kings Lane, a flash-sale site that helps customers buy designer furniture, accessories and antiques. Users can get up to 70% off of regular prices.
