Kerry Washington is expanding her angel investment portfolio by leading the pre-seed funding round for Cheersy, a wedding marketplace that connects couples with day-of coordinators.
Founded in 2024 by Amy Shack Egan, Cheersy has raised $550,000 from investors, including SoulCycle co-founder Elizabeth Cutler and Save the Date founder Jennifer Gilbert. Notable advisors include Joanna Rosholm, former press secretary to First Lady Michelle Obama, and Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi.
Shack Egan met Washington through the actor’s director of social impact at a Los Angeles dinner party. Their conversation led to an introduction, eventually resulting in Washington’s investment.
Washington has become a prominent angel investor, backing companies such as Spill, a Black-owned alternative to X (formerly Twitter), the eating disorder treatment startup Equip, and fundraising platform Omaze. According to PitchBook, she has also invested in healthcare company Solv and was previously involved with The Wing.
“The dinner was right after my planned trip home, but I knew I had to be in that room,” Shack Egan told TechCrunch, emphasizing the importance of networking in startup fundraising.
From Small Business to Tech Wedding Startup
Shack Egan, who previously founded the wedding planning company Modern Rebel in 2015, created Cheersy to address the high demand for day-of wedding coordination. Couples often need a professional to ensure their special day runs smoothly, leading Shack Egan to transform her referral process into a full-fledged marketplace.
Cheersy operates similarly to Airbnb, allowing couples to browse vetted coordinators based on budget, style, and availability. If both parties align, they can book a consultation and finalize the hire.
Despite her experience in the wedding industry, Shack Egan found fundraising challenging. “I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” she admitted. “I said yes to everything, jumped on flights, and faced plenty of rejections.”
She eventually joined the Power to Pitch program, which connected her with key players in the startup world.
With this new funding, Cheersy plans to enhance its booking platform, expand into six more cities, and hire a UX designer and community manager. Currently available in New York City and Hudson Valley, the company aims to grow its presence while improving the experience for both wedding professionals and engaged couples.
“I started as an event freelancer in 2015,” Shack Egan said. “I know how tough this job can be, and I love that we’re making it easier and more enjoyable for those in the industry.”
