BackChannel

BackChannel operates a private business-to-business (B2B) marketplace in Brazil, connecting major brands with retailers to transact surplus and past-season inventory. The company was founded in 2024 by Guillermo Arslanian and Guillermo Freire, who previously co-founded Trocafone, a major Brazilian e-commerce for used cell phones. Their experience at Trocafone exposed them to the challenges large brands like Samsung and Apple faced with excess stock of older models when new ones were released, which led to cannibalization and tied-up capital.

Inspired by the U.S.-based company Ghost, BackChannel developed a platform where brands can privately list their surplus products. The platform utilizes AI for intelligent matching between the seller's requirements and the network of vetted buyers. This allows brands to control the distribution of their discounted stock, preventing it from appearing in channels that might compete with new collections. The business model generates revenue through a take rate of 10% to 12% on transactions, in addition to a fee paid by the buyer for logistics operations. The platform provides sellers with data-driven insights, such as optimal pricing for their inventory and sales performance analytics. Buyers, ranging from large outlets to marketplace merchants, gain access to high-quality inventory from premium brands at discounts of up to 70% below wholesale.

In October 2024, BackChannel secured R$17 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Cathay Innovation's Latin America fund, with participation from Positive Ventures, Norte Ventures, Latitud, Preface Ventures, and Silence VC. This capital is aimed at technology investments and expansion plans. The platform also integrates with e-commerce solutions like Nuvemshop, allowing store owners to purchase discounted inventory and list it directly in their storefronts.

Keywords: excess inventory, B2B marketplace, overstock, liquidation, surplus stock, off-price channels, wholesale, retail logistics, inventory management, e-commerce platform, supply chain solutions, brand protection, private marketplace, merchandise sourcing, AI matching, fintech, Trocafone, Guillermo Arslanian, Guillermo Freire, Cathay Innovation