Catalant
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Freelance marketplace, Consulting |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Rob Biederman, Patrick Petitti, Peter Maglathlin, Joe Miller |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Online platform for freelance consulting services |
Catalant Technologies, Inc., previously known as HourlyNerd, operates as a freelance marketplace utilizing a machine learning system to connect independent consultants with client assignments. The platform hosts a network of more than 70,000 freelance consultants and is based in Boston, MA.
History
The company originated in 2013 under the name "HourlyNerd," emerging from a Harvard Business School course. Its founders include Rob Biederman, Patrick Petitti, Peter Maglathlin, and Joe Miller. In September 2013, the startup raised $750,000 in seed capital led by Mark Cuban, quickly evolving into an international online marketplace linking businesses with over 25,000 freelance business consultants for project-specific work. By 2016, the platform's network had grown to encompass 17,500 independent consultants and more than 200 specialized consulting firms.
Business model
Catalant’s solution enables clients to create project listings, receive proposals, conduct expert interviews, oversee project execution, and handle payments all within a single platform. It provides access to a broad spectrum of talent—including current employees, alumni, retirees, freelance consultants, and consulting firms—supporting adaptable workforce strategies both inside organizations and externally. The "Expert Marketplace" includes upwards of 70,000 independent professionals alongside 1,500 boutique consulting firms.
Company details
Based in Boston, Catalant expanded its presence by opening an office in London in 2018. By that time, the company was serving more than 30% of the Fortune 100 companies and 20% of the Fortune 1000, counting prominent clients such as GE, Pfizer, Staples, and Shell.