Summary

Beni offers a browser extension that makes secondhand shopping more accessible. The company acts as an intermediary by running a search of a desired item on resale webistes like The RealReal, Rent the Runway, Vestiaire Collective, eBay, Kidizen, etc. and presents viable used options to the desired item. The goal is to make it simple for users to find and buy secondhand items that offer better value and a smaller environmental footprint. Although the inventory for used items is already online, users find it difficult to know what websites to search at, and it tends to be time consuming and tedious, and ultimately has the effect of turning consumers away from purchasing used items. Beni currently offers a Chrome browser extension. The company makes a commission off every purchase made on a partner resale platform. Beni also allowsusers to see what items are authenticated, returnable, or have low fees before clicking a referral link to purchase.

Story

The idea for Beni came to co-founder Sarah Pinner during a conversation with friends who told her that they wanted to buy more secondhand items — as high as 93% of shoppers are interested in secondhand items — but found the experience in discovering and obtaining them not so great. Pinner cofounded Beni with CTO Celine Mol. The startup launched in September 2022 and as of May, 2024, Beni had at least 200,000 users.

Pic Credit: Business Insider (right) and Beni (top)