“Our way of consuming is actually quite crazy. On the one hand, we are using up all our raw materials and on the other hand, we are creating a huge mountain of waste,” Daan outlines his vision of the circular economy. “That can and must change. With Peerby, we are not only helping consumers, but we are also driving a broad system change in the commodity economy. Shared ownership and pay-per-use require a different view of product design. The ideal shared product is based on communities, has a long lifespan and is easy to repair – all to ensure it stays in circulation for a long time.”
Business model complex puzzle
Daan states that with Peerby he may have chosen one of the most difficult business models in the world. “One of the biggest challenges I faced in the beginning is that you have to reintroduce and restart our concept in every neighborhood. And then not for one clear product, but for many different types of items that yield little because they are cheaper. All that together makes it a complex puzzle. It was a milestone when we finally arrived at a profitable business model in 2021.”
Money, tips and tricks
“ROM InWest has played an important part in our growth so far,” Daan continues. “Thanks to the financial support, we were able to expand our model. The initial investments for activating a neighborhood pay off later, allowing us to expand to new neighborhoods. It is great that ROM InWest has the patience for this way of growing. In addition to financial support, ROM InWest also looks at the social added value of our platform. They help us through workshops and personal conversations with their business developers. This way, we regularly receive valuable tips and tricks.”
Share new standard
The support of ROM InWest is increasingly bearing fruit. Peerby recently expanded to the United States. The first town in Colorado to join the platform marks a new beginning for Daan. “Ultimately, I want to conquer the entire US with Peerby. Then we will come closer and closer to the level of impact that I always dreamed of. In a few years, I want sharing via a facility like Peerby to be the new standard for things that you only need once in a while.”
“Celebrate your interim successes too”
Daan is aware that he is ambitious. “By nature, I actually have my eyes constantly on the next milestone, while as an entrepreneur you also have to regularly celebrate your interim successes. After all, growth happens step by step. We recently celebrated with Peerby that we had finally reached the 'default alive' level. That means that we now only need external financing to grow – not to continue to exist.”
More tips for circular entrepreneurship
Even though Daan acknowledges that circular entrepreneurship can be challenging, his advice is not to throw in the towel too quickly. “The biggest compliment I ever received was when someone said: 'You should never stop with Peerby. What you do is too important.'” That is also my second tip for other entrepreneurs: keep believing in the added value of your solution and its broader social importance.”
Curious about more tips from Daan for your circular business? In this article he recently shared his lessons learned from practice. For more inspiration, check out this podcast in which Daan meticulously explains the history of his company.
