theCut
“Can a barbershop scheduling app become the full financial and operational OS for independent barbers and shop owners?”
Founded2016
HQUnited States
IndustryVertical SaaS / Barbershop
The story
Founded in 2016 as a booking and discovery marketplace for barbershops, theCut has progressively layered financial services on top of its scheduling core. By integrating Stripe Connect for payment processing, and subsequently launching theCut Capital via Stripe Capital, the company is evolving from a scheduling app into a full business-operating platform for independent barbers and shop owners. The platform now bundles payments, lending, analytics, and client management into a single app targeted at a traditionally cash-heavy, underserved vertical.
Product timeline
2016
theCut launched as a two-sided marketplace app connecting barbers and clients, replacing cash and paper-based booking in barbershops.· pivot
2022
Integrated Stripe Connect for in-app Mobile Pay payment processing, enabling barbers to accept digital payments directly through the platform.· banking
2023
Added Cash App Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay / Tap to Pay as new payment methods for clients.· banking
2024
Launched theCut Capital, a working capital lending program for barbers powered by Stripe Capital.· lending
2025
Reached nearly 10 million users, 18,000 active barbers, and 100 million haircuts booked; added PRO subscription tier and booth rent tracking features.· pivot
The stack
Payments / PSP
Lending
Insurance
Accounting gap: significant