Rebecca Dredge, the visionary behind the groundbreaking app Kiddo, recently clinched the prestigious 2023 Women in Digital Innovator of the Year Award, a testament to her dedication to solving a common parenting challenge.
The quest for a reliable babysitter, fraught with uncertainties and anxieties, especially for new parents, spurred Dredge to create Kiddo. The app, designed to seamlessly connect parents with local, verified, trusted, and affordable babysitters, nannies, and NDIS support workers, has become a beacon for those navigating the complexities of childcare.
In an exclusive interview with Women’s Agenda, Dredge delved into her entrepreneurial journey, shedding light on Kiddo’s genesis, the hurdles she faced, and invaluable advice for fellow entrepreneurs, marking Global Entrepreneurs Week.
Kiddo’s Mission and Innovative Approach
As the CEO and founder of Kiddo, Dredge articulated her platform’s essence—a care ecosystem that affords parents both time and freedom by instantly linking them with local caregivers. Kiddo’s technology streamlines care options, tailoring solutions based on a child’s specific needs. The inclusive platform ensures trust by connecting parents with verified and compassionate caregivers. Beyond quality care, Kiddo empowers parents to secure reliable childcare for work commitments, networking, or well-deserved downtime.
The app extends its services to cater specifically to those requiring NDIS support, boasting fully qualified and specialized caregivers to meet diverse needs. Kiddo’s commitment to safety is evident through streamlined processes, including comprehensive background checks and Working with Children Checks for all care providers. Since its launch in late 2019, Kiddo has garnered a user base exceeding 40,000.
In a recent expansion, Kiddo aims to address childcare shortages in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. Leveraging its pool of 15,000 registered care providers, Kiddo introduced ‘Kiddo Childcare Recruitment,’ a dynamic platform connecting childcare centers, OSH centers, and kindergartens with child-focused caregivers.
Dredge emphasized that Kiddo transcends being merely an app; it’s a community fostering connections, growth, and enduring relationships among stakeholders who deeply care.
The Birth of Kiddo: A Response to Personal Experience
Dredge’s foray into entrepreneurship stemmed from a personal need. A veteran in the banking and finance industry, she found herself out of place upon returning from maternity leave, witnessing a softer side to the world. The challenge of finding a trustworthy babysitter prompted her to create Kiddo, offering a more effective, transparent, and secure solution for in-home childcare.
Overcoming Challenges and Future Vision
Launching Kiddo posed significant challenges, especially for Dredge as a first-time entrepreneur and solo founder. Successfully navigating the complexities of a two-sided platform required building a robust network of mentors, contractors, and advisors. Notably, overcoming the hurdle of securing capital involved a Shark Tank-style pitch, a testament to Dredge’s resilience and determination.
Looking ahead, Dredge envisions Kiddo becoming a household name—a virtual village of care for every family. The platform’s commitment to inclusive care options, coupled with its continuous growth, positions Kiddo as a transformative force in the childcare landscape. Short-term goals include scaling and expanding Kiddo’s recruitment services to address staffing shortages in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Recipient of the 2023 Women in Digital Innovator of the Year award, Dredge imparts wisdom to aspiring women entrepreneurs. She underscores the importance of starting, understanding customer needs, and relentlessly pursuing solutions. Dredge encourages setting ambitious goals and cherishing achievements when they occur. Recognizing the power of collective support, she emphasizes the strength women possess to achieve anything with hard work and a supportive community.
In conclusion, Dredge expresses gratitude to mentors, inspirational women, and supporters within the tech industry. Organizations like Women in Digital, she notes, play a vital role in showcasing diversity and talent while fostering connections essential for entrepreneurial success.
