From Idea to Innovation: The Story of Tim Fung and Airtasker

Innovative Ideas

BY Jess

December 27, 2023

From Idea to Innovation: The Story of Tim Fung and Airtasker

Tim Fung is the co-founder and CEO of Airtasker, a trusted community marketplace for people to outsource tasks, find local services, or complete flexible jobs to earn money – online or via mobile¹. Today, Airtasker is one of the leading online marketplaces in Australia, with millions of users across the country.

Origin Story

The idea for Airtasker was born out of a simple need: moving house. When Tim was moving to a new apartment, he realized that he could use some extra help. Instead of hiring a professional moving service, he asked a friend who owned a truck to help him move. This was a lightbulb moment for Tim, as he realized there was potential for a platform that connected people who needed tasks done with people who had the time and skills to do them.

Building Airtasker

Armed with this innovative idea, Tim and co-founder Jonathan Lui started building Airtasker in 2012. Their goal was to create a platform where people could outsource tasks they either didn’t have the time or expertise to do themselves.

The journey was not always smooth sailing. Like many startups, Airtasker faced numerous challenges in its early days, including building trust among users and creating a reliable and user-friendly platform. However, Tim and his team persevered and continued to iterate and improve the platform based on user feedback.

Growth and Success

Airtasker’s growth has been phenomenal. As of today, the platform boasts over 4.3 million registered users in Australia alone. Tim attributes this success to several factors, including the platform’s ability to provide a flexible earning opportunity for taskers and the convenience it offers to users who need tasks done.

Reducing service and booking fees was another crucial strategy that contributed to Airtasker’s growth. By lowering these fees, Airtasker became an even more attractive platform for taskers and users alike.

Leadership Style

Tim’s leadership style has played a significant role in Airtasker’s success. He believes in the power of teamwork and the importance of building a solid team. He also emphasizes the value of good leadership, particularly in challenging times.

Future Plans

Despite Airtasker’s success in Australia, Tim is not resting on his laurels. He is currently focused on expanding Airtasker into international markets. The company recently launched in the UK and plans to expand into other markets, including the US.

In conclusion, Tim Fung’s entrepreneurial journey with Airtasker serves as an inspiring example of how innovative thinking, effective leadership, and a relentless focus on user needs can disrupt traditional industries and create new opportunities for millions of people.