On-Demand Parking App Spothero Launches In San Francisco

Chicago-based startup SpotHero announced this week that San Francisco drivers are now able to use their on-demand parking app when looking for a parking spot in town. SpotHero helps drivers find parking anywhere in the city, and whether it’s self-park or valet, drivers can reserve a spot in advance using the app. On top of that, they can get discounted rates that can be up to $50 off of the drive-up price.

“We saw a strong demand for SpotHero to reduce the pain of commuting [in San Francisco],” said Mark Lawrence, co-founder and CEO of SpotHero. “SpotHero offers drivers a sense of control over their parking experience by allowing them to quickly find a spot near their destination, see how much it costs, reserve and pay for it using their phone or the web. No more stress, no more circling the block and no more parking tickets.”

Unlike apps like Luxe Valet, Zirx, Vatler, and the unlaunched Caarbon, which dispatch a valet to meet you wherever you’d like and wisk your car away from your care, SpotHero simply helps you find available parking in private garages and lots, book one (often for a discounted price), and pay for it right through the app.

No blue jackets and scooters, no secret menu of extra services you can get while your car is out of your hands, just self-serve parking. And that might be the better recipe.

SpotHero is launching with 50+ parking facilities throughout San Francisco, including the Financial District, Chinatown, the Tenderloin, Nob Hill, Mid-Market, Civic Center and SOMA, with plans to offer over 100 locations within three months of launch. As in other cities, as more locations are added rates will continue to improve.

Source: Venture Beat