Overview
Upwards is recognized as the largest childcare network in the United States, aiming to make quality and affordable care accessible to all families. Their offerings encompass daycare, preschool, and nanny and babysitter services, with a focus on innovation through technology to empower caregivers and tailor services to meet families' unique needs and budgets. In parallel, Upwards also operates within the fintech space, encountering significant competition from established players like LoanTap, Kissht, Branch, Money View, and CASHe.
Leadership Team
Jessica Chang
- Role: Co-founder and CEO
- Background and Efforts: A childcare benefits advocate and former preschool owner, Chang was featured in Inc. Magazine's 2023 Female Founders List for her impressive fundraising efforts. She is dedicated to addressing the U.S. childcare crisis by expanding caregiving options. Her leadership enabled Upwards to secure a $21 million Series B funding with Alpha Edison, underpinning the company's growth and market confidence.
Jesse Forrest
- Role: Co-founder & CTO
- Education: Florida State University
- Initiatives: Forrest spearheaded initiatives to revolutionize family access to care, playing a pivotal role in technology-driven care solutions.
Jessa Santangelo
- Role: Vice President of Business Development & Community Impact
- Location: Marina del Rey, CA
- Contributions: Focuses on strategic partnerships to broaden Upwards' reach and impact, enhancing childcare accessibility through collaborations with governmental entities.
Bobby Isaacson
- Role: Vice President of Sales (Transitioning as of January 2025)
- Activities: Recent expansion efforts include recruiting Sales Development Representatives to grow the sales team. Known for integrating diverse resources to resolve childcare challenges.
Matthew Reilly
- Role: Co-founder & CPO
- Previous Experience: Former Head of Growth at Honey
- Focus: Advocates for urgently addressing childcare issues and led Upwards' rebranding from WeeCare, aligning with its broader care mission.
Strategic Developments
Funding and Growth: With recent success in raising a $21 million Series B fund, Upwards is poised for expansion and continued scaling of its operations.
Technological Focus: Upwards leverages data-driven methods for efficient, scalable care solutions, emphasizing its status as a technology-driven enterprise.
Community Impact: Committed to building a caregiver and family community, Upwards supports inclusive and accessible care, especially notable in its initiatives for military families. It occupies a unique space at the intersection of tech and social enterprise, fostering potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
Competitor Analysis
LoanTap
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
- Incorporated: 2016
- Funding: $37.8M
- Core Products: Personal and business loans, invoice financing
- Differentiators: Quick loan approval, flexible repayment options, and user-friendly digital processes.
Kissht
- Market Position: Significant presence in digital lending
- Financial Growth: Raised $80 million to enhance service offerings
- Products: Personal loans, "Buy Now Pay Later” options, and credit-backed cards for millennials.
Branch
- Global Reach: Strong in mobile growth and attribution
- Features: Offers mobile linking, AI-driven tools, and integration support.
Money View
- Based in: Bangalore, India
- Established: 2014
- Funding: $220M
- Services: Personal loans, credit tracking, and investment options.
CASHe
- Incorporation: 2016
- Offerings: AI-driven personal loans, "Buy Now, Pay Later" services
- Target Audience: Millennials and new-to-credit consumers with a focus on financial inclusion.
Upwards navigates a dynamic fintech and childcare landscape influenced by innovation and technology, where understanding competitors like LoanTap, Kissht, Branch, Money View, and CASHe provides competitive insights crucial for strategic positioning.
