German laundry startup ZipJet acquires London’s Asteria Cleaners

Wandsworth-based dry cleaning business Asteria Cleaners has been acquired by digitally focused rival ZipJet.

Following the deal, Asteria CEO Anna Bondarenko has become ZipJet’s head of corporate.

The acquisition is a first for German-owned ZipJet, which is backed by startup support company Rocket Internet and operates via its website and app.

Adding over 2,000 active users to the ZipJet platform, Asteria’s client base includes banks and professional services firms such as Swiss Bank UBS.

The co-founder and managing director of ZipJet, Florian Färber, said: “As London is one of the world’s most time-deprived metropolises, we feel it is our duty to give time back to the people of the British capital.

“By acquiring Asteria Cleaners, we are continuing to expand our footprint in the capital to help make laundry liberation a reality for millions more Londoners.”

He added: “We are extremely excited to begin working with Anna and to welcome her to the ZipJet family. Her skillset will be a great addition to the team.”

Since it entered the London market two years ago, ZipJet has amassed 50k users and now offers a same day delivery service.

Just recently, the company expanded its coverage by 40% to include areas such as Greenwich and Forest Hill.