Hollywood star Kerry Washington is expanding her angel investment portfolio, leading the pre-seed funding round for Cheersy, a fast-growing wedding marketplace.
Founded in 2024 by Amy Shack Egan, Cheersy connects couples with day-of wedding coordinators, simplifying the planning process. The company has secured $550,000 in funding from high-profile investors, including:
- Christina Tosi, Founder of Milk Bar
- Jennifer Gilbert, Founder of Save the Date
- Joanna Rosholm, Former Press Secretary to First Lady Michelle Obama
Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
How Kerry Washington Got Involved
Shack Egan first connected with Washington through the actor’s Director of Social Impact at a Los Angeles dinner party. Recognizing a shared vision, the introduction led Washington to invest in Cheersy, adding to her growing portfolio of startup investments.
Washington has previously backed several startups, including:
- Spill, a Black-owned social media platform
- Equip, an eating disorder treatment startup
- Omaze, a charity fundraising platform
- Solv, a healthcare company
- The Wing, a now-defunct women’s co-working space
Building a Marketplace for Wedding Coordinators
Cheersy was born out of Shack Egan’s first business, Modern Rebel, a wedding planning service launched in 2015. The overwhelming demand for day-of coordination led her to create a marketplace where couples can:
- Search for vetted wedding coordinators by date, price, and specialty
- Book discovery calls with potential matches
- Secure the right coordinator based on their budget, vision, and vibe
The model is similar to Airbnb, offering a streamlined approach to connecting couples with qualified professionals.
Challenges in Fundraising and Growth Plans
Shack Egan’s journey in securing funding was not without hurdles. Coming from a small business background, she faced challenges as investors sought tech-heavy resumes.
“The fundraising journey can be lonely and a real knock on your mental health,” she admitted. However, joining the Power to Pitch program helped her connect with the right startup ecosystem.
What’s Next for Cheersy?
With fresh funding, Cheersy plans to:
- Enhance its booking platform features
- Hire a UX designer and a community manager
- Expand marketing efforts
- Launch in six new cities beyond New York City and Hudson Valley
“I started in this industry as an event freelancer,” Shack Egan shared. “I know firsthand how tough and often thankless this job can be. We’re making the wedding industry more supportive and fun for professionals and couples alike.
With Kerry Washington’s backing and a clear market need, Cheersy is well-positioned to revolutionize the wedding coordination industry. As the platform scales, it aims to bring efficiency, ease, and accessibility to couples and wedding professionals nationwide.
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