There’s now somewhere safe to leave your luggage, thanks to a UCL startup

The world’s first luggage storage network, developed by UCL alumnus and friend, is now a multi-million dollar operation.

Stasher addresses a common problem that many of us can face when travelling. Where to leave your luggage while you’re taking in the sights or waiting for your flight.

Travellers can now log onto the Stasher site and search for secure places nearby to store, and insure, their bags. 

The business was set up by UCL alumnus Jacob Wedderburn-Day (Economics 2016) and friend Anthony Collias. The pair received support from UCL Innovation & Enterprise to get the venture up and running, including free office space at BaseKX, UCL's entrepreneurship hub in King’s Cross. 

Stasher started as a lightbulb moment in 2015 when a friend asked Anthony to store their stuff in his flat near King's Cross. Anthony joked: "Sure, but I'm charging you for it". 

In January 2020, Stasher closed a $2.5 million funding round, led by Venture Friends, involving investors from Hotels.com and Spotify. The business has partnered with companies including Hotels.com, Klook and Marriott, as well as brands like Premier Inn, Expedia and Accor.

Stasher is now valued at over $12 million, and has gone from dealing with 1,000 bags to over 500,000 in 250 cities across 35 countries. Jacob and Anthony were both recognised in 2020 on Europe's Forbes 30 under 30 list. 
 
Jacob has now returned to BaseKX, this time as a mentor, to share his knowledge of establishing a successful startup with the next generation of UCL entrepreneurs.

Read more

• Read the full story on the Innovation & Enterprise website

Other links

• Stasher
• Entrepreneurship support for UCL students and recent graduates
• Joining the Hatchery startup incubator

Article photo from Stasher