In the heart of London, a beacon of sustainability shines through the tech world. Reboxed, a startup with a green mission, has just landed a game-changing €1.8 million in seed funding. This isn’t just any funding round; it’s a statement of intent in the battle against e-waste, one of our era’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Founded in 2020 amid the global turmoil of the first Covid lockdown, Reboxed emerged from the collective vision of Phil Kemish and Matt Thorne. Two friends with a shared passion for sustainability, they saw an opportunity to turn the tide against the ever-growing e-waste crisis. Their goal? To rehome 100 million electronic devices by 2030. Ambitious, yes, but with the latest funding led by ACF Investors, this goal is inching closer to reality.
So, what’s the big deal about e-waste? Here’s a staggering fact: Technology consumption is responsible for more than 50 million tonnes of e-waste annually. Every new gadget we buy has an environmental cost, averaging a carbon footprint of about 79kg of CO2. It’s a heavy burden for our planet, but Reboxed is here to lighten the load.
Their approach is simple yet transformative. They’re not just selling refurbished tech; they’re reinventing the way we think about our gadgets. From phones to laptops, tablets to smartwatches, Reboxed offers a “like new” experience. It’s not just about selling pre-owned devices; it’s about offering a premium, consistent, and genuinely circular solution to tech consumption.
The appeal of Reboxed’s approach is clear in the numbers. In Britain alone, 22 million people are considering buying a refurbished phone. Why? Because it’s a win-win: better for the planet and easier on the wallet.
Phil Kemish, co-founder and CEO of Reboxed, captures the essence of their mission: “We’re not just selling tech. We’re offering a high-quality, value-driven, hassle-free experience. In an era of escalating ESG pressures, businesses are desperate for integrated solutions to hit their climate targets. That’s where we come in.”
The recent investment is a springboard for growth. Plans are in place to expand the team, enhance the tech stack, and scale the brand. But it’s not just about growth for growth’s sake. This is strategic expansion with sustainability at its core.
Reboxed’s impact extends beyond the consumer market. They’re enabling giants in the telecom industry, like Three Mobile, to offer refurbished tech through SMARTY, their sim-only brand. This partnership model is a blueprint for how businesses can engage in sustainable practices without the heavy lifting of building new infrastructure.
Their investor roster reads like a who’s who of the tech and business world. From YouTube sensation Ali-A to industry veterans like Martin McCourt, ex-CEO of Dyson, and Nick Beighton, ex-CEO of ASOS, it’s clear that Reboxed is more than a startup – it’s a movement.
Tim Mills from ACF Investors sums it up perfectly: “The retail landscape is undergoing a transformation. Sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Recommerce is at the forefront of this shift, growing 11 times faster than traditional retail. Reboxed is setting new standards in customer experience, offering premium, like-new products without compromising on sustainability.”
As we look to a future where sustainable consumption is the norm, Reboxed is leading the charge. They’re not just refurbishing tech; they’re reshaping our relationship with technology. It’s a journey towards a more sustainable world, and Reboxed is at the helm, steering us towards a greener tomorrow.
