Episode #15: Developing the Circular Economy for People, Planet, and Profit
Tech Optimist Podcast — Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, join Managing Partner Ron Levin as he talks with Sherif Barakat, Co-Founder and CEO of Swaplanet, about transforming the way we handle children’s clothing and toys. Based in Athens, Greece, Swaplanet is pioneering a sustainable approach to consumer goods by facilitating easy swaps of outgrown items among parents. Discover how this innovative model not only reduces waste but also offers families a practical solution to manage clutter and save money. Tune in to learn how Swaplanet is making sustainability accessible and appealing, one swap at a time.
Episode #15 – Developing the Circular Economy for People, Planet, and Profit
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Swaplanet aims to be a one-stop shop for families looking to downsize their children’s wardrobes. In this episode, learn how Swaplanet has created its own currency, allowing parents to receive credits for clothes they donate, which can then be used to shop for donated clothes from other families. Sherif Barakat, Co-Founder and CEO of Swaplanet discusses the company’s business model, its positive unit economics, and plans for expansion beyond Greece. He also highlights the challenges of changing consumer behavior to prioritize secondhand goods over new ones, even when the latter are cheaper.
Watch Time ~18 minutes
The show is produced by Alumni Ventures, which has been recognized as a “Top 20 Venture Firm” by CB Insights (’24) and as the “#1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US” by Pitchbook (’22 & ’23).
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Creators and Guests
HOST
Ron Levin
Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures
Ron has spent his career in a variety of entrepreneurial, leadership, and business development roles. He has been an angel investor and advisor to over a dozen technology startups. Ron was Co-Founder and CEO of TravelPerk, a VC-backed travel management platform that is now a “unicorn” company with thousands of employees and customers across the globe. Prior to TravelPerk, he started the B2B division of Booking.com and before that was a consultant with McKinsey & Co. Ron began his career at Lycos, one of the web’s pioneer search engine and web portals. Ron graduated from Babson College and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. He is the author of the impact-focused Higher Purpose Venture Capital Blog.
GUEST
Sherif Barakat
Co-Founder and CEO of Swaplanet
Sherif Barakat is the Co-Founder and CEO of Swaplanet, a “re-commerce” marketplace that allows parents to resell gently used children’s clothing, earning them money while giving usable items an extended life and buyers a bargain.
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