Uppie deposit solution targets Airbnb generation

by Startacus Admin

The PropTech startup that's helping first time buyers and renters in a pretty innovative way...
It’s no secret that becoming a homeowner is a harder thing for many people these days than ever before. Wages aren’t keeping up with rising house prices and high rent swallows up the pennies being put away for a deposit. We have written before about some property tech startups looking to make things easier for first-time buyers (and renters), and we have another good one today.
Cheltenham-based Uppie wants to help first time homeowners own a home for the first time by, in a way, paying the deposit for them. It won’t be too shocking to hear that there is a give as well as a take for the buyer: sharing their new home with an ever-varying array of strangers! Yay! Uppie will guarantee up to 90 days of Airbnb bookings and pay at the start of the service, thereby covering the deposit.
Now all the brand new homeowner needs to do is make sure there’s a bed in the spare room. Uppie does recommend that the house have at least one spare room, and we agree that this is probably a good idea, as we’ve found that strangers don’t like to sleep across the end of the bed like the family dog. Maybe because the family dog takes up too much room for them to fit comfortably.
Uppie is responsible for filling the bookings and takes on the risk of the room not performing as well as expected, meaning that the bookings they buy from the homeowner are non-refundable and said owner does not lose out. Conversely, if the room does better than expected, it will shorten the length of the agreement with Uppie.
Currently, Uppie is only available in Cheltenham, but Bristol, Edinburgh, Bath, and Southampton are set to join this year. Given the popularity of Airbnb and of having a home to live in, we think Uppie is a promising solution to the deposit problem.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.

Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 17th January 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.