YC-Backed Garage Raises $13.5M for Firefighter Equipment

From Firefighter Insight to Marketplace Innovation: Garage Secures $13.5 Million

Martin Hunt, currently 26 years old, began his firefighting career at the age of 15. This early experience provided him with a direct understanding of the financial challenges faced by smaller communities when procuring essential fire equipment.

During a conversation in 2023 with a fellow firefighter, the question of more efficient equipment sourcing arose, prompting Hunt to investigate available solutions.

Upon discovering a gap in the market, Hunt recognized the necessity for a centralized, national platform dedicated to the sale of large and specialized equipment, such as fire trucks. He shared with TechCrunch, “Finding no suitable options highlighted a clear need.”

Subsequently, Hunt partnered with Alaz Sengul, a college acquaintance, and launched Garage. This marketplace is designed to facilitate the buying and selling of specialized equipment utilized by local governments and public safety organizations.

Automating a Complex Process

Garage streamlines processes that were traditionally handled manually, including equipment appraisals, freight quotations, and secure payment processing.

As CEO, Hunt emphasizes that their clientele often includes public servants – firefighters, fleet managers, and public works directors – who lack the resources for extensive administrative tasks and logistical arrangements. Sengul serves as the company’s Chief Technology Officer.

The company recently announced a $13.5 million Series A funding round, spearheaded by Infinity Ventures.

Addressing Existing Market Limitations

Currently, fire departments often rely on platforms like GovDeals, social media groups, and even classified advertisements to locate used equipment.

Simultaneously, municipalities are seeking to divest of outdated equipment to generate revenue for new acquisitions. However, many lack the capacity to market and sell equipment nationally due to logistical complexities.

Garage’s platform offers a comprehensive solution. Sellers can utilize an AI-powered tool to determine the value of their equipment.

Listings can be offered through either an auction format or a fixed “buy now” price. Potential buyers can directly message sellers to request quotes for warranties and freight costs.

Once an agreement is reached, Garage manages the transaction backend and employs AI to coordinate delivery logistics.

Security and Trust in High-Value Transactions

Hunt notes that the substantial value of these transactions – frequently exceeding $100,000 – necessitates robust security measures, particularly given the prevalence of fraudulent activity on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

The founders describe the fundraising journey as “catalytic,” having connected with their lead investors through participation in YC’s Winter ’24 cohort. Prior to this, they secured a $4.5 million seed round led by Initialized Capital.

Additional investors in this round include Benchstrength, Wayfinder Ventures, and FJ Labs, bringing the total funding raised to $18 million.

Future Expansion and Impact

The newly acquired capital will be allocated to team expansion and platform development.

Garage’s services are presently available across all 50 states, with clients including cities such as Burlington, Vermont, and South Charleston, West Virginia.

Hunt concludes, “Our goal is to enhance public safety by improving access to affordable, critical equipment, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively within local communities.”

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