In Lisbon, where tourism is a vital industry, the need for quality laundry services is a priority, especially for premium hotels. It is in this scenario that Clean Up stands out, bringing innovation and sustainability to the sector. The company is the protagonist of this edition of "Business with Impact," a Renascença podcast in partnership with CATÓLICA-LISBON.
Founded by Rita Araújo, a 29-year-old entrepreneur with a degree in Business Administration from CATÓLICA-LISBON, Clean Up didn't arise as an epiphany but as a strategic solution. "I was starting another business at the time, a tech startup, when I felt the need to have a more traditional and less risky business," shares Rita Araújo.
Thus, Clean Up started as a local laundry, offering dry cleaning services at home, initially focusing on the residential segment. However, it was in 2022 that the company made a significant jump by identifying an opportunity in the local accommodation and hotel industry. With the opening of a second unit and the entry of strategic investors, such as Lusofinança, led by Filipe Botton, Clean Up began its journey toward what it is today.
The success of Clean Up is not only due to the quality of its services but also to its innovative and sustainable approach. Rita Araújo highlights: "We adopt cutting-edge technologies, such as the use of RFID tags to automate inventory control, ensuring transparency and efficiency for our customers." In addition, partnerships with strategic suppliers, both national and international, have allowed the implementation of sustainable practices, from the use of low-energy-consuming equipment to the adoption of EU-certified eco-friendly detergents.
Clean Up's commitment to sustainability extends not only to the washing process but also to the lifecycle of clothes. Through a partnership with the Municipal Services of Sintra (SMAS), the company seeks to give a second life to damaged pieces, either through recovery for personal use or recycling for the manufacture of new textiles. This initiative aims to reduce waste while promoting a circular economy and conscious consumption.
As Clean Up continues to grow and expand its operations, with ambitious plans to enter new markets in the Mediterranean, it becomes evident that Rita Araújo's vision goes far beyond a simple laundry. Her determination to bring innovation, quality, and sustainability to the laundry industry is a testament to her entrepreneurial potential and the ability to positively impact the business world.
The story of Clean Up and its founder, Rita Araújo, is an inspiring example of how a simple idea can turn into a successful business, driven by passion, vision, and commitment to excellence, now with a team of 15 people. Rita highlights the fundamental influence of her academic background in laying the foundations for the company's success: "The course is a great foundation for developing our way of thinking. It teaches us to think about business, to identify opportunities and risks, and above all, it provides us with the necessary conditions to structure and organize a business." Looking to the future, we can expect to see Clean Up continuing to make its mark, not only as a leading company in the sector but also as a driver for positive and sustainable change.