Borro, a Brussels-based startup focused on sustainable event solutions, has raised €350K in its first funding round to advance its intelligent deposit system for reusable cups. The investment, led by Seeder Fund with support from Imec.istart and private investors, will help Borro expand its reach across Belgium and internationally, offering a seamless solution for sustainable event practices.
Founded by young entrepreneurs Kasper Albers and Glenn Verhaege, Borro has quickly demonstrated the impact of its technology through a successful pilot at a major Belgian football stadium. Borro’s solution addresses key challenges around reusable cups, including fraud prevention, reduced transaction costs, and improved visitor experience.
Their system eliminates the need for apps or lengthy queues. When visitors order a beverage, they pay a deposit on a reusable cup, which the bartender links to their payment card by scanning a QR code. To return the cup, visitors simply place it at designated smart return points, and their deposit is automatically refunded. This streamlined process reduces logistical hassle, minimizes the need for additional staff, and curtails potential fraud, as visitors can no longer profit from multiple deposit refunds.
“There’s been an incredible amount of discussion about reusable cups in recent years,” says co-founder Kasper Albers. “With Borro, we aim to relieve event organizers of this burden, allowing them to focus on what really matters.”
Designed for seamless integration, Borro’s solution works with any packaging supplier, providing flexibility for event organizers. For logistics such as storage and washing, Borro collaborates with specialized partners, offering recommendations and coordination for smooth operations. Furthermore, Borro’s system can support closed-loop models, where refunds can be directed to designated cards or bracelets used for the event.
By simplifying the transition to reusable packaging, Borro aims to make sustainable practices as effortless as single-use alternatives. Already partnered with prominent brands like Deliveroo, Borro is well-positioned to drive meaningful change within the event industry. With fresh funding, Borro plans to scale its technology, helping event organizers reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing guest experience.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/11/brussels-based-borro-secures-e350k-to-encourage-reusable-cups-at-events/
