Pabio

Pabio operates a furniture-as-a-service model, targeting the market inefficiency of "fast furniture" for a demographic that is increasingly mobile and resides in temporary accommodations. The company was founded in 2020 by Carlo Badini, who serves as CEO, and Anand Chowdhary, the CTO. The two were introduced after both appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018 and decided to collaborate, combining Badini's business and marketing acumen with Chowdhary's tech background. Badini's entrepreneurial journey began in high school with a video production company, Cleverclip, which he bootstrapped while studying Business Administration and Psychology. Chowdhary, a Creative Technology alumnus from the University of Twente, brings his technical expertise to the venture.

The core of Pabio's business is a subscription-based, rent-to-own model for high-quality furniture, bundled with professional interior design services. The process begins with a client uploading a floor plan and photos of their apartment. Pabio then generates photorealistic 3D renders of a fully furnished space. Upon approval, the company delivers, assembles, and insures all the items for a monthly fee. This model addresses the significant upfront cost of furnishing an apartment, which can be a barrier for many, particularly millennials. Monthly payments contribute towards ownership, and at the end of the subscription term, customers have the option to buy out the furniture by paying the remaining difference. If a customer relocates, Pabio retrieves the furniture, refurbishes it, and rents it out again at a reduced price, promoting a circular economy.

Pabio's revenue is generated through these monthly subscription fees. The company has successfully raised a total of $3.2 million over three seed funding rounds. A notable round in December 2021 brought in $2.2 million, led by investors such as Tomahawk VC, session.vc, and Serpentine Ventures. This capital injection facilitated the company's expansion from its initial market in Switzerland to Berlin, Germany. The startup was also part of Y Combinator's Summer 2021 batch, an experience that helped triple its sales and refine its go-to-market strategy. To facilitate its service, Pabio partners with various companies, including furniture provider Pfister and financial service providers like Baloise and CreditGate.

Keywords: furniture subscription, rent-to-own furniture, interior design service, proptech, circular economy, furniture rental, home furnishing, Y Combinator, sustainable furniture, apartment furnishing, 3D interior design, home decor subscription, Carlo Badini, Anand Chowdhary, Swiss startup, furniture-as-a-service, residential furnishing, flexible living, asset-light living, home staging