The Sharing Economy Sparks A New Class Of Startups

Ride-sharing service Uber was a pioneer in the sharing economy. The app has grown exponentially since its inception, and in its wake, a new generation of startups has emerged.

People are excited about the sharing economy and entrepreneurs across the United States are hoping to take advantage of this relatively new space by using the Uber model in innovative ways.

Dolly

Chicago-based startup Dolly promises to take the pain out of moving house by providing a cheaper alternative to traditional moving services.

People can sign up to become Dolly Helpers, meaning they will use their vehicle, and sometimes their manpower, to help others move from one location to another.

Through partnerships with local businesses like management companies, furniture retailers and storage centers, Dolly has grown in size with more and more people signing up as helpers.

Related Link: Uber's Food Delivery Service Could Become A Big Part Of Business

Heal

In California, the app Heal promises users it will deliver a healthcare professional to their doorstep within an hour.

For just $99, doctors will make a house call during their off-hours. The service is geared toward busy professionals who find that taking time off of work to visit a doctor costs more than having them sent to their homes.

Challenges

While the sharing economy has its perks, companies working in this space are sure to face a barrage of risks.

Uber has been swamped with lawsuits and complaints, forcing the service to change and evolve as new problems arise. When asked if he foresees Dolly facing challenges similar to Uber's, CEO Mike Howell said he expects pushback to come with the territory, "Since we're changing the way people think about moving things, and dealing with a very antiquated industry, we're sure to face obstacles along the way."