Bengaluru-based AI startup Zoca has secured $6 million in a funding round led by Accel, with participation from GTMfund, Elevation Capital, and Better Capital. This investment aims to enhance Zoca’s AI-powered platform designed to support hyperlocal service businesses such as salons, spas, and wellness centers.
🚀 Transforming Local Services with AI
Founded in 2024 by IIT Kharagpur alumni Ashish Verma and Robin Chauhan, Zoca addresses the challenges faced by local service providers in managing their marketing and client engagement. The platform employs AI agents to automate tasks like local SEO optimization, lead conversion, appointment scheduling, and client re-engagement.
In less than a year, Zoca has assisted over 1,000 businesses in booking more than 120,000 appointments, generating over $10 million in revenue.
💡 Strategic Use of Funds
The newly acquired funds will be utilized to:
- Expand Zoca’s AI agent architecture.
- Enhance platform integrations.
- Enter new service verticals, including pet care and floristry.
- Implement go-to-market strategies in the U.S.
Currently, Zoca operates with a 54-member team based in Bengaluru and plans to hire additional staff in the U.S. to support its expansion.
🧠 AI Agents: The Core of Zoca’s Platform
Zoca’s AI agents are trained on large language models like Llama and ChatGPT, enabling them to:
- Identify hyperlocal demand trends.
- Optimize online visibility.
- Convert leads into bookings.
- Manage client follow-ups and re-engagement
This comprehensive approach allows service providers to focus on their core offerings while Zoca handles the growth and client management aspects.
🌍 Addressing a Global Market
The global local services market, valued at approximately $750 billion, has been underserved by technology. Zoca aims to fill this gap by providing AI-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of local service businesses.
🔮 Future Outlook
With plans to increase revenue tenfold over the next 12–18 months, Zoca is poised to become a significant player in the AI-driven local services sector. The company’s focus on automating the entire customer journey positions it to meet the evolving needs of service providers worldwide.