Volpy

Volpy operated as an eco-responsible enterprise in the circular economy, focusing on the acquisition, recycling, and resale of mobile phones. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bastia, France, the company developed a mobile application that allowed users to assess the value of their smartphones through a series of user-friendly tests. The platform provided an instant buy-back price, aiming to offer the best rate among industrial operators.

The core of Volpy's business was its app, which streamlined the process of selling used smartphones. Beyond just selling, the service enabled users to "switch" their old device for a new or refurbished model directly through the application. To facilitate the process, Volpy managed the logistics by sending prepaid packages to users for shipping their old phones, with a courier service available in Paris for added convenience. This model positioned Volpy as a key player in the e-commerce and mobile recycling sectors, even leading the lifestyle category in the French iOS App Store. The company's revenue was generated from the resale of the smartphones it acquired.

Volpy secured a total of $5.38 million in funding over several rounds, including early-stage venture capital infusions of $1.55 million in September 2017 and $1.59 million in December 2018. The company's mission was rooted in creating a sustainable and ethical model to combat electronic waste and the overconsumption of raw materials required for new smartphone production. However, despite its early traction and funding, the company is now listed as out of business as of May 2023.

Keywords: smartphone buy-back, mobile phone recycling, circular economy, refurbished phones, e-waste reduction, smartphone trade-in, mobile diagnostics, resell electronics, sustainable tech, electronics resale, green tech, phone valuation app, French tech, Bastia startup, used smartphone market