Mosiler, a personal chauffeur service, has attracted a total of 500 million won (USD $425,000) in investment from BonAngels and KAIST Venture Investment Holdings.
While Korea already has a huge “dial-a-driver” industry, such services are usually used to get home after a night out on the town. Mosiler’s chauffeur service is targeted at a completely different customer base, with its drivers wearing suave suits and providing a full escort, luggage and greeting service
Vutler (vehicle + butler), the startup behind Mosiler, announced the investment last week. The company originally launched the personal driver service with a difference in April 2016 and was selected to take part in the government supported K-Global Accelerator in Philadelphia in September.
Not to be confused with something like Uber Black, Mosiler drivers transport customers in the customer’s own vehicles and can be booked on an hourly basis at a rate of 20,000 per hour. The company’s website recommends the service to those who want to get some work done on the way to the office or an important meeting, or for people who are especially busy and would like to just get out as soon as they arrive at their destination and have someone else park the car.
Vutler has its own training program to make sure Mosiler drivers not only offer top service, but are familiar with operating different types of vehicles they’re likely to encounter. Vutler is also currently expanding its business by partnering with specialty hotels to offer limousine drivers and airport welcomes or send offs.
“We’re pleased that we’ve been recognized for our success in preempting the niche market of by-the-hour drivers where there is obvious demand,” said Vutler CEO, Keunwoo Lee. “Looking ahead, we’ll strive to stabilize and upgrade our services so that we can grow into a premium platform for convenience.”
