Mayor Michael Bloomberg Welcomes Zaarly to New York

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Dec 2, 2011) - Zaarly (http://www.zaarly.com), a mobile commerce start-up which is offering a new way to buy and sell with people nearby, announced the opening of an office in New York City and were officially welcomed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Zaarly also revealed today it has signed agreements with 1,250 New York City small businesses and entrepreneurs connecting them with potential customers in their neighborhoods.

"New York City didn't fall as far in as the rest of the country in the recession and built back faster because we've diversified our economy, helping technology companies and traditional small businesses grow. Tech firms from Facebook to Google to Twitter and now Zaarly are expanding their offices and creating jobs in New York City because the quality of potential employees and customers here is the world's best. Zaarly, which connects small businesses and other entrepreneurs with potential customers, is a great addition to our exploding tech sector and I want to wish them and CEO Bo Fishback a warm welcome," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

"It's critical for Zaarly to establish a presence in the heart of New York City's small business community," said Bo Fishback, CEO and founder of Zaarly.com. "With small businesses facing enormous challenges in the current economy, Zaarly offers an easy and fast way to generate new leads and grow their existing business."

To date, Zaarly has signed agreements with over 1,250 New York-based small businesses and entrepreneurs in a variety of categories, including fitness instructors, pet services, childcare, teachers, home improvement, writers, graphic designers, event planners, catering companies, tech professionals and administrative support.

Through Zaarly, these small businesses and entrepreneurs can now directly connect with New Yorkers who are actively looking to buy their products, services and experiences. Using Zaarly's mobile apps or website, buyers post what they want, when they need it, and what they're willing to pay. Then, buyers are notified when sellers respond to fulfill their requests via text message and email alerts.

Today's news follows Zaarly's recent announcement that Meg Whitman has joined the Zaarly Board, as the company has closed a $14.1 million Series A funding round. This initiative was led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers' iFund and Sands Capital Ventures, with significant support from CMEA, Venture51, Crunchfund, Marc Ecko, and Artists and Instigators. In the six months since Zaarly's launch, more than
$10.6 million in requests have been posted on the service.

Zaarly is the new way to buy and sell with people nearby. Buyers post what they want and what they're willing to pay via any mobile device. Sellers respond and buyers are notified. Zaarly offers anything buyers are looking for, including products, services/tasks and experiences. Based in San Francisco, CA, Zaarly is backed by investors, including Ashton Kutcher, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Felicis Ventures, Bill Lee, Naval Ravikant, Lightbank, Sands Capital, SV Angel, Paul Buchheit, Thrive Capital, Marc Ecko and Michael Arrington. Zaarly is currently available on the web, mobile web, as well as iPhone and Android applications. Visit www.zaarly.com for more information.