London-based AI-powered marketplace and business management platform Fresha is expanding its operations in Poland.
Founded in 2015 by William Zeqiri and Nick Miller, Fresha is one of the fastest-growing beauty and wellness platforms in the world.
In May, the firm secured a £60m ($80m) primary growth investment from funds managed by KKR, valuing the company at more than $1bn.
The number of active partner businesses using Fresha in Poland has grown by 296 per cent year-on-year.
To build on that momentum, the company has opened a larger Warsaw office and appointed Maciej Walczewski as general manager for Eastern Europe.
He’ll lead the company’s Polish strategy and grow Fresha’s local team.
Founder and CEO William Zeqiri, who has been included in BusinessCloud’s Founder 250, said: “Poland represents an important growth opportunity for Fresha and is a key part of our long-term European strategy.
“It has a vibrant beauty and wellness industry, ambitious business owners and a strong appetite for technology that creates better experiences for both businesses and their clients.
“Maciej brings the local leadership, marketplace experience and deep regional understanding we need to accelerate our growth.
“With him leading the charge, we’re investing in our presence, strengthening our relationships with Polish businesses and building the platform of choice for the country’s beauty and wellness industry.”
Maciej Walczewski, general manager for Eastern Europe at Fresha, said: “Poland has an incredibly ambitious and fast-evolving beauty and wellness industry, and Fresha has a major opportunity to support its continued growth.
“Our focus will be on building a strong local presence, listening closely to businesses and giving them the technology, marketplace reach and support they need to thrive.”
Before joining Fresha, he served as head of sales for Central and Eastern Europe at Ovoko.
BusinessCloud’s Founder 250 recognises 250 of the UK’s best founder-led and founder-influenced businesses. It is sponsored by RSM UK, CG, OBI and Mercia Ventures.