In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping digital marketing, many local service providers remain underserved. Zoca, a Tempe-based startup, aims to change that. With $6 million in new funding, the company is developing an AI-driven platform designed to help small service businesses grow efficiently and sustainably.
New Investment to Build AI-First Platform
The funding round was led by Accel, with participation from GTMfund, Elevation Capital, and Better Capital. This round brings Zoca’s total funding to $8.8 million. The platform uses AI to automate core marketing tasks for local businesses—ranging from discovery to repeat bookings—without the need for external marketing consultants or multiple tools.
Identifying the Market Gap
Zoca was founded by Ashish Verma and Robin Chauhan, alumni of IIT Kharagpur. The idea emerged from observing how independent beauty and wellness professionals lacked access to effective marketing infrastructure. While these businesses are often skilled in their services, they frequently lack time, tools, or knowledge to attract and retain customers.
Simplifying Growth for Local Providers
Zoca’s platform addresses this issue by automating every step of the client acquisition process. It helps businesses identify local demand, schedule appointments, and engage returning customers. The system is particularly tailored for providers such as salons, massage therapists, and wellness professionals.
Since its launch, Zoca has partnered with over 1,000 businesses, facilitated more than 120,000 appointments, and supported over $10 million in customer revenue.
How Zoca’s AI Works
The platform uses AI agents to carry out tasks traditionally done by marketers. These agents assess hyperlocal demand patterns, adjust visibility strategies, and help convert interest into confirmed bookings. For example, the system identifies search trends like “lymphatic massage near me” and responds by refining local ad campaigns and search results.
Zoca also features dynamic pricing based on real-time service demand. It integrates with existing platforms like Google Business Profile, Fresha, and Vagaro, so businesses can adopt it without restructuring their operations.
Expanding the AI Capabilities
The company has recently introduced AI-driven features for managing paid ads and social media. These tools aim to reduce the need for manual campaign management and help smaller businesses achieve outcomes typically associated with larger marketing teams.
Additional features include mobile-friendly websites, automated lead response via conversational AI, and custom retention campaigns through SMS and email. A new “Social Agent” even suggests content ideas for platforms like TikTok and Instagram based on local trends.
Looking Ahead
Zoca plans to extend its offerings to other industries beyond beauty and wellness, including dental clinics, pet grooming services, and personal training. The aim is to provide a comprehensive platform that supports the full customer journey—from discovery to retention—through automation.
The company is also exploring tools for predictive staffing to help business owners manage employee schedules more effectively, based on demand trends.
What Users and Investors Are Saying
Ashish Verma, Zoca’s co-founder and CEO, explained the platform’s broader value:
“These businesses aren’t selling products, they’re selling time. Every unbooked hour is revenue lost. We built Zoca to improve not just visibility, but conversion, retention, and ultimately, profitability.”
Business owners who use Zoca have noticed immediate improvements.
Latasha Seawood, owner of Slay by Vashae, shared, “Within the first month, I went from 3–4 clients a day to a waitlist. It completely changed my business.”
Gail Aungst, co-owner of Ohana Sun Tanning, added, “Zoca helped us stay at the top of Google search. That visibility makes a big difference.”
Investors also see potential.
Manasi Shah of Accel said, “Zoca is building a system to support the $750 billion local services market. This is a foundational shift for businesses often left behind in the digital era.”
Paul Irving of GTMfund added, “Zoca lets local entrepreneurs focus on their work while automation handles growth.”
Poorvi Vijay from Elevation Capital remarked, “This platform offers a 24/7 growth engine, enabling hyperlocal businesses to operate more efficiently and competitively.”
Thus, as small businesses look for smarter ways to grow, Zoca is positioning itself as a reliable AI partner. The company’s focus remains clear: give local providers a simple tool that delivers results, while keeping the technology in the background.
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By Proptechbuzz
By Ravi Kumar
