Member Article

Allbright founders bring together former Uber and Pinterest execs for new lifestyle platform

Debbie Wosskow and Anna Jones, the founders of all-female entrepreneur platform, Allbright, have launched their first venture with backing from Facebook’s Philip Siu and the co-founder of Google Maps.

The pair’s ShareStyle venture, which launches today, is touted as a digital marketplace for style services, giving users the opportunity to access to style experts in areas such as personal style, nutrition and creative industries.

Tapping into the explosion in the consumption of lifestyle content on platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube, the business is pitched as a way for so-called ShareStylists to share and monetise their expertise on one central platform.

Commenting on the ethos behind the startup, Jones said: “There has been an explosion of consumption of lifestyle content thanks to the rise of traditional media digitally and the inexorable rise in social media.

“We are all surrounded by Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest content showing us stylish looks, beautiful interiors, stunning food and healthy bodies, but until now there has been very little access to the people behind the images.

“ShareStyle is about offering access to this lifestyle we all lust after by connecting people with the creative talent behind the looks at their convenience and at a price that suits them.”

Some high-profile tech figures have invested in the business, including Google Maps Co-Founders Lars Rasmussen, while its executive team boasts an enviable pedigree, headed up by Uber’s former head of operations, Alexandra Cappy, who has assumed the role of Managing Director.

Also joining the two co-founders will be the former UK head of brand at Pinterest, Jo Lavender, who will take up the role of Chief Marketing Officer.

The launch is linked to Wosskow and Jones’ AllBright female entrepreneur platform which launched last October and aims to redress the funding imbalance between male and female founders.

Encompassing an education resource, crowdfunding and investment platform, the initiative looks to support and fund female-led companies through its network of entrepreneurs and investors.

Debbie Wosskow explained that 65% of those working within the sharing economy are female, and that ShareStyle would help increase access to paid work for those operating in the style market.

She said: “Another huge trend I have seen in the Sharing Economy is the shift to flexible and plural careers, particularity in the creative industries, but access to work opportunities remains fragmented and opaque.

“The style market needs to be rethought and with ShareStyle encompassing all verticals within the industry – lifestyle, personal style and home style – we are allowing greater flexibility and choice for creative talent around the world.”