Valyuu

As opposed to marketplaces such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, Valyuu vets customers who are selling on the platform by having them fill out a number of questions. After that, a price proposal is offered for the customer's device, generated via the company’s machine learning algorithms. Database searches also ensure the product is not stolen. Devices on the platform are then provided with a condition “passport” and can either be sold to refurbishing companies if they have defects or to customers if in good condition.

The complexity of the ecosystem addresses many problems in pre-existing used product marketplaces: the founder of Valyuu claims that most electronic devices, typically replaced after 18 months, could actually have a lifespan of 6 years. Products on other online marketplaces suffer from misleading product descriptions and buyer beware policies, meaning that Valyuu's reputation for sustainability and trustworthiness gives it a major edge in the market.

With a significant level of investment behind it, Valyuu is planning to use its funds to boost R&D and raise brand awareness in Europe. Currently active in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, the company has plans to expand further internationally in the near future.