Liverpool-based startup Birl has successfully raised £500k in pre-seed investment, unlocking a £350k Innovate UK grant.
- Birl provides a seamless fashion resale platform, integrating directly into brand websites for trading pre-owned clothing.
- The company aims to address the environmental challenges posed by fast fashion with their innovative solution.
- Birl plans to expand its platform to offer sports shirt trade-in partnerships with football and rugby clubs.
- With new funding, Birl is set to expand into the Nordics by the end of the year, driven by a strong sustainability focus.
Birl, a Liverpool-based technology startup, has recently secured £500k from pre-seed investors. This strategic investment has enabled the company to access an additional £350k grant from Innovate UK, further supporting its growth plans. The company is renowned for its innovative platform that allows consumers to trade in pre-owned clothing directly on brand websites, providing a seamless alternative to traditional resale platforms like eBay. In response to the pressing issue of fast fashion, which sees over 100 billion clothing items produced annually with only a fraction resold, Birl aims to contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. This is achieved by ensuring clothing is either reused or recycled into new products.
In November, Birl will enhance its fashion resale platform by launching a sports shirt trade-in solution. This initiative will establish partnerships with various football and rugby clubs, allowing fans to trade in their used sports shirts for credit, thus facilitating the purchase of the latest versions. This approach not only promotes sustainable practices but also strengthens the connection between sports clubs and their supporters. The platform’s functionality is straightforward; a simple button on a brand’s website enables instant trade-in for credit, with the clothing item entering Birl’s reseller network.
Peter Lydon, co-founder and Chief Product Officer, emphasized the transformative potential of re-commerce by stating, ‘We truly believe that re-commerce will be as game-changing as e-commerce was 20 years ago, and brands can now activate this new revenue channel within a few days.’ An example of Birl’s efficiency is illustrated by their collaboration with Peregrine Clothing, which successfully integrated Birl’s solution within a single day. As soon as a transaction is completed, the customer receives instant credit that can be used for new purchases, positioning Birl’s model as highly efficient and sustainable.
Looking to the future, Birl’s recent funding round is poised to facilitate its expansion into the Nordic markets by the end of the year. Cam McGimpsey, CEO and co-founder, noted the significant opportunities within regions that show a strong interest in sustainability, highlighting the potential for growth in this area. Birl also projects reaching £1 million in revenue by 2025, driven by strategic brand partnerships and geographical expansion. The company’s headquarters, situated in Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic Triangle, plays a crucial role in its growth, benefiting from local tech accelerators such as Baltic Ventures and LYVA Labs. This dynamic environment supports Birl’s mission of reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.
Established in 2023 by co-founders McGimpsey and Lydon, Birl’s foundation is deeply rooted in the ambition to combat the detrimental effects of the fast fashion industry. Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, Birl is a member of the 1% for the Planet initiative and is on the trajectory to achieve B Corp certification by 2025, underscoring its dedication to a sustainable future.
Birl’s strategic growth and commitment to sustainability position it as a key player in transforming the fashion industry’s approach to environmental impact.
