ANNECY: Barooders raises €1.3 million to democratize the circular economy in outdoor sport
Five months after its launch, Barooders, the leading marketplace for second-hand outdoor sports clothing and equipment, announces a fundraising of 1.3 million euros, meeting with renowned investors who are experts in e-commerce and in the sport .
Thanks to this operation, the start-up will have the additional resources necessary to strengthen its teams and its reputation, in order to establish itself as the European leader in its sector.
Promote second-hand for outdoor sports equipment
The outdoor sports market in Europe represents 250 million pieces of equipment or clothing sold each year, for an overall figure of around 30 billion euros. A taste for wide open spaces that has not been denied over the past two years, outdoor sports enthusiasts, testing many sports practices in all environments, aerial, terrestrial, aquatic or nautical. However, despite the high prices of ever more technical equipment and the growing demand for eco-responsible commitments among the population, until a few months ago there were no platforms entirely dedicated to sale of second-hand products for outdoor sports. An anomaly all the more surprising when we know that, in France, moreover, the number of online second-hand sellers has doubled in 3 years in France.[1]. As a result, barely 1% of outdoor sporting goods reach the used market today.
It is on the basis of this observation that Edwige Michau and Geoffroy d’Autichamp created Barooders in 2021. Their objective: to reduce waste and democratize outdoor sports practice by equipping themselves with second-hand equipment.
A market place entirely dedicated to second-hand outdoor sports clothing and equipment
Via its platform, Barooders has connected with individuals and professionals wishing to buy and resell outdoor sports equipment. All disciplines and all the best brands are covered: hiking, skiing, mountaineering, kitesurfing, climbing… there is something for all tastes and all budgets. In addition, to guarantee a unique and reliable user experience, Barooders allows 100% of ads and provides advice on the right resale price, in addition to guaranteeing secure payment, delivery of even the largest items or exchange of items. Thanks to its unique approach, Barooders has already established itself as a key player in second-hand outdoor equipment. 4 months after its launch, its platform already lists more than 20,000 products, 250 brands, all between -30% and -80% of the new price and more than 10,000 members! This figure goes hand in hand with that of the transactions carried out on the platform.
A first fundraiser just 4 months after its launch
In order to accelerate this promising development, Barooders has just completed a fundraising of 1.3 million euros from investors specialized in e-commerce and marketplaces, such as Thomas Rebaud, founder of Meero or Anthony Bourbon, founder of Feed. Thanks to this first round, the start-up plans to recruit a dozen new employees to strengthen its teams and invest in marketing operations to gain notoriety. Barooders is already laying the foundations of its ambition: to become the European leader in second-hand outdoor sports equipment.
“We are happy to be able to support Barooders, a young company supported by a duo of complementary and seasoned founders with a clear vision and strong values. The outdoor sport is gaining new followers every year, especially among Millennials. The figures are there, and yet many outdoor sports enthusiasts do not have the reflex to equip themselves second-hand, for lack of a dedicated platform. Barooders comes opportunely to fill this void says Anthony Bourbon, founder of Feed.
“Second-hand marketplaces are booming. Having a specialized vertical for sport fits perfectly into the development logic of this evolution. Barooders is carrying out a project with a strong social and environmental impact, and we are delighted to be able to help them take the next step. », continues Thomas Rebaud, founder of Meero
“This fundraising comes in a context of strong acceleration of our activity, only 4 months after the launch of our platform. We are committed to developing an interface that offers the best possible customer experience. We must put innovation and technology at the service of ecology and society. Our goal is to make second-hand the norm and to show that it is possible to equip yourself intelligently: with the best brands, and at a lower cost. We would like to thank our partners for having made it possible to finalize this first round of funding, which will allow us to further promote the circular economy in outdoor sport, the promise of our commitment from the start.” finish Edwige Michau, co-founder of Barooders.
About Barooders
Barooders is the marketplace entirely dedicated to second-hand outdoor sports equipment. Fans can choose from over 20,000 and 250 brands to equip themselves with. Barooders was created in September 2021 by Edwige Michau and Geoffroy d’Autichamp.