An entrepreneur pushing to allow executive coaches to “win back your time” through automation has closed on more than $800,000, with plans for another raise in the coming months.
Raleigh-based Zoee, founded by Nichole Lowe, closed on more than $834,000 from eight investors, according to a securities filing. The raise brings the firm’s total haul to more than $1 million.
Lowe started Zoee three years ago, securing her first $100,000 from an angel investor before winning a slot at Tech Stars last year, fueling her with enough money for a soft launch that attracted more than 100 users.
The company offers what it calls a “telehealth coaching platform” that connects people looking for career coaches. The firm not only matches coaches with clients, but it also offers back office support, from video conferencing to note taking and client management.
Lowe's previous life was in executive sales – flying across the U.S. to close deals. The travel was taxing. But the real hit came when her husband was diagnosed with serious heart issues. It was a lot – and Lowe felt overwhelmed. Her hair was “falling out.” She needed a change, and fast.
Flash forward to executive coaching, where she could help people who were in that situation – where you feel like you just need a lifeline. But coaching came with its own challenges. She had a business training coaches – but found the lack of tools in the industry “frustrating.”
Trying to address those problems led her to start Zoee.
“I had just come out of corporate America and I knew there is a better way to do business,” she said.
The latest raise involved a convertible note with Triangle funder Oval Park Capital. The plan is to embark on a larger equity raise later this year.
The Zoee team is at eight people right now, including part-timers. And it has space at coworking spot Raleigh Founded.