Otter was founded by Helen Mayer with the core mission of creating a world of care and opportunity by connecting parents who need childcare with stay-at-home parents who can care for their kids. The company aimed to provide on-demand, last-minute childcare solutions that met high standards, ensuring peace of mind for parents and reliable employment for caregivers. Otter's market focus was primarily on families needing flexible and trustworthy childcare options.

Notable figures associated with Otter include its founder and CEO, Helen Mayer. Despite their dedicated efforts and the trust they built with families and sitters, Otter faced challenges in expanding their user base. While the company made significant strides in facilitating quality care and supporting both parents and caregivers, it ultimately struggled to capture a larger market share, leading to a reevaluation of its market opportunity.