Peerby

Peerby operates a peer-to-peer marketplace focused on the sharing economy, enabling users to borrow and rent household items from people in their local community. Founded in 2012 by Daan Weddepohl, the Amsterdam-based company aims to reduce consumption and waste by promoting access over ownership. The inspiration for Peerby came from Weddepohl's personal experience of losing his possessions in a house fire, which highlighted the power of community and sharing. Prior to founding Peerby, Weddepohl worked as a CTO, project manager, software developer, and even as an actor, a background that has contributed to his skills in storytelling and public speaking.

The company's journey includes graduating from accelerators like Techstars, Rockstart, and the Founder Institute. After an initial phase of expansion to over 30 cities in Europe and the US, Peerby faced financial difficulties and restructured in 2018, pivoting its business model in 2019. This strategic shift introduced a paid membership for borrowers, which proved successful, leading to significant revenue growth of 200% in 2020 and 222% in 2021. The platform is free for members who also offer their own items for others to borrow.

Peerby's platform functions as a hyperlocal, two-sided marketplace accessible via a website and mobile app. It uniquely addresses the challenge of supply by starting with user demand; when a user requests an item, the platform notifies others in the neighborhood, turning them into potential lenders. The service facilitates the sharing of a wide range of goods, including tools, kitchen appliances, electronics, and camping gear. To build trust and ensure a secure experience, the company offers an insurance option for lenders, covering items against damage or loss, and verifies its members. Revenue is primarily generated through these borrower subscriptions and transactional fees.

The company has successfully raised a total of $6.97 million over eight funding rounds, including a significant €2.3 million round in 2022 led by Loyal VC and Shamrock Ventures. Peerby has also demonstrated strong community support, with a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign in 2016 and a high conversion rate of crowdfunded loans to shares. With a strong presence in the Netherlands, where one in four households in Amsterdam is a member, Peerby is focused on further expansion within Europe and has recently launched in Boulder, Colorado.

Keywords: peer-to-peer sharing, circular economy, sharing economy, collaborative consumption, local marketplace, online rental, neighborhood sharing, sustainable living, Daan Weddepohl, Amsterdam startup, community marketplace, borrow items, rent household goods, access over ownership, impact investing, Techstars alumni, sustainable business model, hyperlocal market, reduce consumption, community building