The Expert

The Expert is a digital marketplace for high-end interior design, offering video consultations with over 140 of the world's top designers alongside an Expert-curated home shopping marketplace spanning furniture, lighting, vintage pieces, rugs, and fabrics. Founded in 2021 by celebrity interior designer Jake Arnold and YC alum Leo Seigal, the platform democratizes access to luxury design expertise while preserving trade pricing for design professionals. The Expert raised $3M seed from Forerunner Ventures (with Gwyneth Paltrow participating) and a $12M Series A, expanding to serve thousands of clients across 50 countries. In February 2026, The Expert joined Havenly Brands.