Meet Simplr – the startup making circular economy a reality!
Simplr, described as “The Amazon of the subscription economy”, aims to be the world’s first sustainable consumption channel. After their stand at 4YFN 2022 made the headlines as the events most sustainable design, we caught up with founders Daniel Romy and Angel Bou to hear about their vision for circular economy. They also had some words of wisdom to share with fellow founders working on similar projects!
Read the full interview here:
For those who are not familiar with Simplr what is it that you do? What’s special about your company?
Simplr is a pioneer in the field of access economy and is the first to offer in the same marketplace all the products and services needed in our daily lives under one subscription.
After raising a €4.5 million funding round, Simplr launched its platform in June 2021, and, currently, offers more than a thousand products and services in around 50 categories and subcategories through agreements with more than 250 brands such as Damm, Hyundai, SEAT MÓ, HP, Apple or Flax & Kale.
Your presence at 4YFN 2022 made the headlines. We were very impressed with your stand! Can you please tell us more about it?
At Simplr we are fully convinced that the only way to strengthen the concept of sustainability is giving a strong lead to others. Therefore, in line with our proposal to change the current consumption model for one that prioritizes use over acquisition and reuse instead of disposal, we created the first stand designed and built under the standards of the circular economy for our participation in the 4YFN.
With the help of MUT Agency and the pioneer company in circular construction -Construcía-, we have not only demonstrated that it is possible, but also, based on circular materials approved or certified C2C, we were recognized as the most sustainable stand of the entire event, with a circularity grade of 86 out of 100.
We need to transform the “take-make-waste” paradigm into “use-as-a-service” model
What more can you tell us about your experience at 4YFN? For example, have you met any relevant investors, have you identified any business opportunities?
Participating in an event like 4YFN has been absolutely enriching. Thanks to our participation we have increased Simplr’s visibility, establish new relationships with very relevant prospects and positioned ourselves as the only company in Spain that guarantees a subscription-based consumption model.
As a company that is very committed to sustainability and to making the vision of a circular economy a reality, how do you envision the world 4 Years From Now?
The planet needs circular and subscription economy to be sustainable. In such a way, we need to transform the “take-make-waste” paradigm into a “use-as-a-service” model where you can access whatever you need, whenever you need it, and pay only for as long as you need it.
At Simplr, we are constantly working to raise awareness and strengthen a consumption model that contributes to democratize access to products and services, boost the circular economy and extend the life cycle of products as much as possible.
We want to transform the economy and bridge the gap between large providers and the new needs of flexibility required by the consumer. We make it simpler to explore, engage and activate the products and services that each of us use in our lives.
On the same subject, is there any advice you can share with founders who are launching related projects in the area of sustainability? Is there a secret sauce for success in this field?
Sustainability is the key to a better future. Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations. In the corporate world, sustainability is associated with an organization’s holistic approach, taking into account everything, from manufacturing to logistics to customer service. Going green and sustainable is not only beneficial for the company; it also maximizes the benefits from an environmental focus in the long-term.
For this reason, it is essential for companies to assume that sustainability and ESG criteria must be integrated into the strategy of any company if it wants to survive in the future.
Finally, we are very pleased that you will be returning to 4YFN 2023 and hope to see you very involved in our Impact programme. What major projects are you planning this coming year and what major wins do you expect to announce next year at 4YFN?
At Simplr, we are constantly working to make subscription-based consumption the only way to consume in the not-too-distant future. In such a way, we are working to complete the largest number of subscription options on our platform, while trying to expand our presence to other markets.
I am sure that in the next edition of 4YFN we will be able to share more news and achievements.
