Momcycle

Momcycle operates as an online marketplace headquartered in Athens, Greece, dedicated to the resale of pre-owned baby and children's products. The company was founded in 2021 by Ileana Ismyridi and Niki Lalioti, childhood friends who identified a market need from their personal experiences as new mothers. Both founders have backgrounds in marketing and communications; Ismyridi studied Business Management and worked in P.R. agencies, while Lalioti also worked in advertising and serves as the Marketing and Communications Director for a fine jewelry brand. Their shared journey into motherhood revealed the high cost and rapid turnover of children's necessities, sparking the idea for a platform that promotes a circular economy.

The business targets parents across Greece, offering a platform to both buy and sell gently used, high-quality items for children up to 12 years old. The model is designed to be a simple, peer-to-peer system where sellers can list items they no longer need and buyers can purchase products from premium brands at discounts of up to 80%. The process involves sellers uploading photos and product details, which are then reviewed for quality by the Momcycle team before being published. Upon a sale, Momcycle facilitates the transaction and shipping process, ensuring security and reliability through partnerships with payment gateways like Everypay and courier services for nationwide coverage. Revenue is generated by taking a commission on the products sold through the platform. The product range is extensive, including clothing, baby gear, strollers, car seats, toys, and furniture.

Momcycle positions itself as more than just a marketplace by building a community for parents and advocating for sustainable consumption. This approach addresses the financial burden on families and the environmental impact of the fast-fashion model in the children's goods industry. The company has gained recognition and support, receiving the 2021 Envolve Entrepreneurship Award and investments from entities like SPOROS Platform, EGG Enter Grow Go, Microsoft, and The Hellenic Initiative. Building on the success of Momcycle, the founders have also launched StyleCycle, a similar resale platform focused on women's fashion. Future plans include expanding into other Southeastern European markets.

Keywords: circular economy, resale marketplace, pre-owned children's goods, peer-to-peer platform, sustainable consumption, baby gear, kids' fashion, parent community, secondhand market, e-commerce, Greek startup, Ileana Ismyridi, Niki Lalioti, online marketplace, children's products, baby products, sustainable shopping, second-hand clothing, family finance, environmental responsibility