Fran Maier, BabyQuip CEO: Pioneer in Parenthood and Travel Business Named an Inc. 500 Female Founder
Some leaders spark innovation. Others ignite inspiration. But the truly extraordinary ones excel at both—and more! Fran Maier, the CEO and Founder of BabyQuip, proudly holds a place among Inc.’s Top 500 Female Founders. This recognition is a testament to her remarkable contributions in redefining the gig economy, pioneering family travel solutions, and crafting a legacy of entrepreneurship that spans multiple industries.
If you don’t know Fran yet, here’s your chance to get inspired by a founder who has made waves from Match.com to BabyQuip—and why this recognition is just another milestone in her trailblazing journey.
Who Is Fran Maier?
Fran Maier is no stranger to building category-disrupting businesses. As co-founder and first General Manager of Match.com, she transformed online dating into a billion-dollar industry. Later, as founder of TRUSTe (now TrustArc), she championed privacy and compliance in the digital world. With BabyQuip, she has revolutionized family travel by making high-quality baby gear rentals accessible, safe, and seamless for parents worldwide.
Since launching BabyQuip in 2016, Fran has scaled the company into the number one global baby gear rental marketplace, empowering thousands of independent entrepreneurs—many of them moms—to run their own businesses. Under her leadership, BabyQuip has grown into more than 2,000 markets, secured $8.5 million in funding, and become an essential solution for traveling families.
Her ability to break new ground in the gig economy and business leadership is why Inc. has recognized her as one of the Top 500 Female Founders shaping the future.
The Role of Strategic PR in Fran’s Success
Behind every successful founder is a great story—and getting that story in front of the right audience is where strategic PR comes in. That’s where GSPR has played a critical role in elevating BabyQuip’s brand and positioning Fran as a leading female founder.
Over the past xx years, GSPR has secured major media placements for Fran and BabyQuip, telling the story of a visionary leader making waves in the gig economy. From national and regional coverage to her 2020 Shark Tank appearance, these media wins have helped raise BabyQuip’s visibility among consumers and investors, establish Fran as a thought leader in entrepreneurship and women in business, and highlight BabyQuip’s role in transforming the family travel experience.
PR isn’t just about press—it’s about credibility, storytelling, and positioning. And as Fran’s journey proves, visibility leads to opportunity.
Why BabyQuip Stands Out
BabyQuip has changed the way families travel by providing access to safe, insured baby gear rentals in thousands of locations worldwide. The platform is also unique in how it empowers independent contractors, mostly moms, to launch and grow their own businesses.
Under Fran’s leadership, BabyQuip has experienced significant growth, increasing revenue by 30 percent in 2024, expanding into new international markets, and launching new product categories. Its gig economy model continues to attract entrepreneurs looking for flexibility and financial independence.
The Power of PR: Elevating a Brand’s Public Perception
For founders, being in the media isn’t just about exposure—it’s about credibility, influence, and brand authority. Strategic press coverage doesn’t just help tell a story; it builds trust with consumers, investors, and potential partners.
For Fran Maier, PR has been a powerful tool to attract investors and funding opportunities, secure high-profile speaking engagements and podcast features, and position BabyQuip as an industry leader in the gig economy and travel sector.
By securing strategic media placements, BabyQuip has been able to grow its brand awareness while reinforcing Fran’s leadership as a top female founder.
What’s Next for Fran and BabyQuip?
Recognition as a Top 500 Female Founder is just the beginning. With expansion into international markets, new partnerships in the vacation rental industry, and cutting-edge product offerings, BabyQuip is set for even bigger growth in 2025.
Fran Maier is not just leading BabyQuip—she’s paving the way for the next generation of female founders, gig economy entrepreneurs, and innovators in business.
How to Support BabyQuip and Stay Updated
Follow Fran Maier on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/franmaier
Follow BabyQuip on Instagram: @BabyQuip
Visit BabyQuip’s website: www.babyquip.com
Ready to Take Your Brand to the Next Level?
At GSPR, we help high-growth companies and founders like Fran Maier increase visibility, attract investors, and build credibility through smart, results-driven PR strategies. From securing national media to positioning leaders as industry experts, we know what it takes to move the needle.
If you're looking to boost your brand's presence, land meaningful press, and stand out in a crowded market—we’re the partner you need.
Let’s get your name in the right rooms.
Learn more and connect with us to schedule a discovery call.