ZipStored Inc., a startup business specializing in valet self-storage and warehousing, has launched service in Texas. The company uses an online platform that allows customers to schedule item pickup and return delivery of items to their home or business by assigning a storage location closest to their needs. Different from other valet-style operators, ZipStored intends to employ a peer-to-peer marketplace strategy, building a national network of not only storage facilities but available space at offices, retail and warehouses, according to a source.

Based in Carrollton, Texas, the company launched with a network of 100 local storage providers, though its goal is to build a national network of more than 10,000 “agile warehouses and self-storage locations,” along with a fleet of more than 10,000 delivery vehicles, according to the company website.

“We offer individual consumers and businesses ‘anywhere storage’ and ‘anytime delivery,’” said Jason Ramage, operations manager. “With more than 100 local storage providers across Texas, ZipStored provides a nimble network of self- and warehouse-storage solutions with same-day or next-day delivery for less than $50 per month. Our providers earn income from previously unused space, with no additional work on their end.”

Self-storage offerings start at $19.95 per month for 25 cubic feet or $24.95 for 25 cubic feet of climate-controlled space. Additional space ranges from 25 cents for one additional cubic foot to $1.12 for another 4.5 cubic feet. For climate-controlled space, those fees rise to 30 cents for one additional cubic foot and $1.35 for 4.5 cubic feet. Pickup and delivery of items ranges between $9.95 and $19.95, depending on the distance to the customer.

For the company’s more robust warehouse options, 125 cubic feet of non-climate-controlled space costs $99.95 per month with next-day delivery options or $159.95 with same-day delivery. For the same amount of climate-controlled space, rent is $129.95 per month with next-day delivery or $179.95 with same-day delivery. In each case, customers within 10 miles of their storage facility receive six free deliveries per month, according to the website.

ZipStored plans to expand service to 10 more states this spring, including California and Florida. It raised $100,000 in seed funding last year and is in talks with other investors for additional funding, Ramage said. “We have a goal to be launched completely across the United States by the end of 2019,” he told a source. “We are going to expand very rapidly. Texas is our testing ground.”

The company was conceived by Asker Ahmed, whose background is in medical research and medical disposable goods.

Sources:
Dallas Innovates, Follow the Money: TPG Fund Aims for $3B, Swych Raises $2M, Dallas Companies Merge
SpareFoot Storage Beat, ZipStored’s On-Demand Storage With a Twist Launches in Texas
ZipStored, Website