Thumbtack (website)

Thumbtack

Company type	Private
Industry	Home improvement services, Online marketplace
Founded	2008 (2008) in San Francisco, California, U.S.
Founder	Marco Zappacosta, Jeremy Tunnell, Jonathan Swanson, Sander Daniels
Headquarters	San Francisco , United States
Area served	United States, Canada, Philippines
Products	Digital platform for home improvement services
Owner	Private investors including Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, Capital G
Number of employees	Distributed staff across US, Canada, Philippines (exact number not specified)
Website	www.thumbtack.com

Thumbtack is a U.S.-based digital platform that connects consumers with professionals offering home improvement services.

Established in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, this service allows users to compare quotes, review ratings, and engage local experts through both its website and mobile application. Operating as a privately owned company, Thumbtack receives financial support from investors such as Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, and Capital G. The organization follows a remote-first model, employing staff distributed across the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.

History

Thumbtack originated in San Francisco in 2008, founded by Marco Zappacosta, Jeremy Tunnell, Jonathan Swanson, and Sander Daniels. It was among the pioneers in the gig economy, addressing challenges found on platforms like Craigslist by providing verified professionals with detailed profiles including images, biographies, and service descriptions.

By early 2012, the platform had onboarded approximately 250,000 local merchants and service providers. In December 2020, Thumbtack expanded by acquiring Setter, a Toronto-based startup focused on virtual home consultations that connect homeowners with home improvement specialists; the acquisition details were not publicly disclosed. In August 2024, the company introduced "Thumbtack for Real Estate," a service designed to assist buyers and agents with home improvement needs.

Investment

Thumbtack’s capital raising began with $1.2 million from angel investors in June 2010. Subsequently, it secured $4.5 million during a Series A round in January 2012 and $12.5 million in Series B funding by June 2013. In May 2014, the company attracted $30 million through Series C financing from Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global Management. A Series D round led by Google Capital generated $100 million in August 2014. In September 2015, Thumbtack raised $125 million led by Baillie Gifford at a valuation of $1.3 billion.

In July 2019, the firm completed a Series F funding round totaling $150 million at an estimated valuation of nearly $1.7 billion. Two years later, in July 2021, Thumbtack secured $275 million in a financing round led by the Qatar Investment Authority, elevating its valuation to $3.2 billion.