Free professional networking platform for the hospitality industry, Clipboard will seek to raise its next round of funding to transform the way the industry connects, shares experiences, markets and recruits.
Clipboard has established itself as an industry leader with a growing member database of 24,000 hospitality professionals and 5,200 businesses. The funding will be done via equity crowdfunding platform, Birchal to support product innovation, including the development of Clipboard’s mobile app, to enhance the customer experience, expedite future offerings such as onboarding, as well as expand into Southeast Asia.
Clipboard connects industry professionals with the sector’s supply chain including wholesalers, suppliers, businesses, and venues. It enables hospitality businesses to set up dynamic, branded profiles to showcase their business type, cuisine type, location, and industry awards, while equipping hospitality professionals like baristas, bartenders, chefs and kitchen staff, to establish interactive, member profiles that display their skill sets, experiences, talents, passions and community connections.
While Clipboard is first and foremost a professional networking platform, its ‘Job Portal’ also automatically scans prospective applicants and matches them with posted job descriptions, creating a more accessible, central location for career growth.
The company has teamed up with former Olympian and a leading expert on corporate health and wellness, Steph Prem to develop the Clipboard Wellness Program.
The program is designed to nurture the mental wellness of the hospitality workforce by focusing on building resilience, motivation and mindfulness. In addition, the company runs events and bootcamps to support professionals out of work due to Covid-19 with professional development, upskilling and wellness workshops.
Clipboard co-founder and CEO, Brendan Leeds said there are massive inefficiencies and suppression of career opportunities and professional development for millions who operate in hospitality and tourism industries with Covid-19 putting a standstill to recruitment and creating a ruinous effect on mental health and wellbeing.
“Through our technology, we are able to provide these sectors with the necessary tools to support and advance their needs. We are changing the way the industry connects and unites and we have partnered with the best companies to offer the greatest value to our members,” he said.
“We are particularly passionate about supporting the community from a mental wellbeing perspective, building awareness and offering tangible solutions to give them genuine assistance and guidance – especially during challenging times.”