Nate Harris is the co-founder of Ease and has never previously worked at a technology start-up before. Ease is a Milwaukee-based technology and service provider that helps companies locate freelance workers that can create websites and that aid with search engine optimization. Harris welcomes competition from companies like Upwork and Fiverr and feels it is healthy for business growth.

Ease Raises $500K in funding and centers on the middle and high end level of the freelancing market. It is fairly fresh on the scene, but Harris plans on utilizing the recent profits to expand business in areas it currently operates in such as Denver, San Francisco, Phoenix and Milwaukee. Harris launched Ease in 2016 and says his company is now worth about $2 million. The two investors, CSA Partners and Gener8tor, are also based in Milwaukee. According to Harris, there are over 1,000 freelancer workers in his company's network. He also says business seems to be going as planned so far.

Ease focuses on professionals seeking projects that will last for a period of at least six months. They pair businesses with freelance workers based on their training and expertise and on their experience and skill level. Employers and freelancers can see various details about the projects. In addition, they both can view time-lines and can see who is assigned to perform certain tasks, which helps ensure projects are completed on time. Companies that use the service as well as the freelancers can rate and review each other once assignment are finished. Businesses must pay a $500 monthly fee for as long as their project is active.

How to Start Freelancing Work - Lets Talk about Upwork