Otter

Otter is an online childcare marketplace that connects families with reliable and flexible kidcare options provided by stay-at-home parents in their local communities.

Founded by Helen Mayer in August 2020, Otter aims to reinvent childcare in America by matching families with caregivers based on location, hours needed, and parenting styles. The company operates in Santa Clarita, the Greater LA Area, and San Francisco, and has facilitated over $20 million in earnings for stay-at-home parents. The core service of Otter is its matching platform, which allows families to find caregivers who can provide care in their homes or neighborhoods. Key features include free background checks for caregivers, flexible scheduling options, and secure communication between families and caregivers. Otter serves two main customer groups: families needing childcare and stay-at-home parents looking to earn income by caring for neighborhood children. The platform emphasizes empowering stay-at-home parents, particularly moms, by recognizing their caregiving skills as valuable economic opportunities.