Ringier and b-to-v Partners invest in Swiss online start-up Recommerce

Recommerce AG will not only benefit from the outstanding media reach but from the business acumen of successful entrepreneurs in the Ringier and b-to-v network. In addition to financial investments by both partners, Ringier Digital's participation will also involve a media-for-equity arrangement. The concept of exchanging advertising time and space for a share of revenue or equity enables start-ups to generate a significant advertising impact, conduct effective target-group-specific marketing and thereby accelerate brand development. Thomas Kaiser, Chief Digital Officer at Ringier: “Ringier Digital engages in fast-growing consumer markets. The sale of private, second-hand consumer products has huge potential. Moreover, Recommerce AG has a dedicated and experienced team with a clever, scalable business concept.”

In addition to media services, Ringier is also offering its technical expertise as the largest Swiss media company. Recommerce COO Peter Oertlin is delighted: “Having two such experienced partners on board is a great sign that we're on the right track. Thanks to the media-for-equity deal, we'll be able to introduce our services to a wider public.”

Other joint investments planned
As a diversified media company active in the strategic segments of publishing, digital and entertainment, Ringier wants to continue accelerating innovation and investing in selected, forward-looking Swiss start-ups together with b-to-v Partners. Florian Schweitzer, partner and co-founder of b-to-v, on the collaboration with Ringier: “With our combined strength in terms of financial support, expertise and networks, we can provide young Swiss start-ups with even more sustained support.”

Recommerce AG
At www.verkaufen.ch, www.vendre.ch and www.vendere.ch, Recommerce AG operates online platforms for selling and repairing mobile devices. Recommerce AG's easy-to-understand business model for private and corporate customers is gaining traction in Switzerland. The start-up buys and repairs used mobile devices. The value of the device is determined immediately on the website, the user can send in the device free of charge and the amount is paid out within 48 hours. Recommerce was founded in 2012 and has 11 employees at its headquarters in Rotkreuz.

Ringier Digital
Ringier Digital is a business unit of Ringier AG. Its portfolio includes the leading Swiss online marketplaces and innovative e-commerce platforms. Ringier Digital has extensive experience in the development and operation of online technology platforms with high transaction volumes and provides integrated online marketing solutions at local and national levels. Every day, more than 700 employees address the needs of online users and customers, and make Ringier Digital a unique centre of expertise in Switzerland.

b-to-v
b-to-v Partners AG is a venture capital company based in St. Gallen. With some 200 fee-paying members, it is one of the leading networks of entrepreneurial private investors in Europe. b-to-v combines industry expertise and experience with the venture capital expertise of its experienced in-house team. With this investment approach, b-to-v is committed to achieving sustained added-value for its portfolio companies as well as for its investing members. Investing together and the enjoyment inherent in the mutual financial, technical and personal support from entrepreneur to entrepreneur form the core of the b-to-v philosophy.