Space Auto Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Space Auto is dedicated to reimagining the car buying journey by streamlining automotive retail technology and enhancing the customer experience. The company's mission is to provide auto dealerships with integrated tools that connect with customers, drive sales, and foster business growth within a unified platform.

Primary Area of Focus

Specializing in the automotive industry, Space Auto offers a comprehensive suite of software and marketing solutions tailored for car dealerships. These solutions encompass website development, digital retailing, customer relationship management (CRM), and targeted marketing services, all designed to optimize dealership operations and customer engagement.

Industry Significance

By consolidating various dealership functions into a single, cohesive system, Space Auto addresses the prevalent issue of fragmented software solutions in the automotive retail sector. This integration enhances operational efficiency, reduces errors, and improves the overall car buying experience for both dealers and consumers.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Integration of Services: Unify dealership operations by providing a seamless platform that combines website management, digital retailing, CRM, and marketing services.

Enhancement of Customer Experience: Streamline the car buying process to make it more intuitive and engaging for consumers.

Operational Efficiency: Reduce reliance on multiple third-party plugins and vendors, thereby minimizing complexity and potential errors.

Areas of Specialization

Website Development: Design and implement user-friendly, customizable websites that effectively showcase dealership inventory.

Digital Retailing Tools: Provide flexible retailing solutions designed to convert leads into sales.

CRM Solutions: Offer comprehensive CRM systems that facilitate communication and deal management across desktop and mobile platforms.

Marketing Services: Deliver targeted digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and content creation to maximize dealership visibility and lead conversion.

Key Technologies Utilized

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Implement AI-driven automation to enhance various aspects of the car buying process, including inventory checks, loan shopping, and customer-dealer communications.

Proprietary Software Platforms: Develop and maintain in-house software solutions that integrate multiple dealership functions into a single platform.

Primary Markets Targeted

Space Auto serves both independent and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealerships, including brands such as BMW, Nissan, Kia, Honda, GMC, and Hyundai. The company's solutions are tailored to meet the needs of dealerships seeking to modernize their operations and improve customer engagement.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In June 2023, Space Auto secured a Series A funding round led by global business leader and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria. The investment is specifically allocated for developing dynamic AI automation across the company's website, retailing, and CRM software products.

Notable Investors

John Paul DeJoria: Co-founder of Paul Mitchell and founder of Patrón Tequila, DeJoria not only invested in Space Auto but also serves as a special advisor to the company.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are earmarked for enhancing AI capabilities within Space Auto's product offerings, aiming to automate tasks such as inventory checks, real-time loan shopping, and customer-dealer communications. This strategic investment is intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate the customer experience.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Integrated Software Platform: Space Auto offers a unified system that combines website management, digital retailing, and CRM functionalities, eliminating the need for multiple third-party plugins.

Significant Scientific Methods

AI-Driven Automation: The company is developing AI technologies to automate various dealership tasks, including inventory management, loan processing, and customer communications, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Leadership Team

Nick Askew, Founder and CEO

With over seven years of experience in auto dealership retail and a background in technology agency leadership, Nick identified the challenges posed by fragmented dealership software solutions. He founded Space Auto to provide an integrated platform that addresses these issues, aiming to streamline dealership operations and improve the car buying experience.

Jason Gluskin, Chief Marketing Officer

Bringing over 20 years of marketing leadership experience, Jason has developed and executed successful digital and offline media programs for industry leaders, including Blink/Amazon, SIRIUS XM, Live Nation, and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and a Master's in Integrated Marketing from New York University.

Matthew Lance, Vice President of Finance & Operations

As an investor in CarOffer, Matthew played a pivotal role in launching a successful startup in the automotive sector. He managed a multi-million dollar automotive trading facility and led internal financial analysis and reporting. Matthew holds an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas Houston, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Robert Mammucari, Director of Operations

With over 17 years of automotive experience, including positions as General Sales Manager and Sales Manager at multiple dealerships, Robert also served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.