Reefill
App-enabled network of water refill stations where members can fill their reusable bottle with cold, filtered water on the go.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
N/A | Convertible | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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Reefill was a New York-based startup founded in 2015 by Jason Pessel, Patrick Connorton, and Andrew Betlyon. The concept originated from Pessel's frustration with the lack of free water fountains in Manhattan, which often forced people to purchase expensive and environmentally wasteful bottled water. Pessel, with a background as an actuary, along with his co-founders, aimed to disrupt the bottled water market by offering a convenient and sustainable alternative.
The company operated on a subscription-based business model, targeting consumers who wanted to reduce their use of single-use plastics. For a monthly fee of $1.99, members gained unlimited access to a network of water refill stations. These stations, installed in partner businesses like cafes and retail shops, provided cold, filtered tap water. The value proposition for host businesses was increased foot traffic and an association with an eco-friendly mission, as Reefill covered all installation and maintenance costs.
The service was built around a mobile application available for both iPhone and Android. Users would locate the nearest refill station on a map within the app and then use their phone's Bluetooth to activate the dispenser. The app also gamified the experience by tracking the number of plastic bottles saved and the amount of money saved by the user, reinforcing positive environmental behavior. The company's dispensing stations featured a chiller, a filter, and UV sanitization to ensure the water was clean and cold. Initial funding came from the founders, a grant from New York University, and prize money from winning the 2016 New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition. The company also ran a successful Indiegogo campaign to expand its network from a pilot of eight stations in Greenwich Village to a broader New York City footprint. Despite its early traction and clear mission, the company ceased operations and is now considered deadpooled as of November 2019.
Keywords: water refill network, subscription service, mobile application, plastic waste reduction, sustainable business, New York City startup, beverage technology, environmental technology, consumer subscription, water filtration, Bluetooth activation, eco-friendly, tap water access, smart water fountain, Jason Pessel, Patrick Connorton, sharing economy, deadpooled, out of business