Back Market: Circular Economy Champion

Founded in 2014 by Thibaud Hug de Larauze, Quentin Le Brouster, and Vianney Vaute, Back Market represents the new generation of French startups—global ambition from day one, solving sustainability challenges while building massive businesses.

The Insight

The founders recognized a massive market inefficiency: millions wanted affordable electronics, while perfectly functional refurbished devices languished in drawers or landfills. The challenge was trust—consumers feared buying used electronics online.

Back Market's innovation was creating a trusted marketplace with rigorous quality standards, warranties, and customer service rivaling new product retailers. They didn't just connect buyers and sellers; they created an entirely new shopping experience.

Rapid Scaling

Unlike earlier French startups, Back Market raised aggressively from the start. The Series A in 2018 ($48 million) funded expansion to the US. The Series C in 2020 ($120 million) accelerated growth. The Series E in 2022 ($510 million) valued the company at $5.7 billion.

This capital enabled Back Market to build brand awareness, invest in technology, and expand globally while maintaining quality standards. The company learned from Deezer's experience—in marketplace businesses, scale creates defensibility.

Impact Beyond Profit

Back Market's success transcends financial metrics. By making refurbished electronics mainstream, they've prevented millions of devices from becoming e-waste. The company publishes detailed impact reports, showcasing CO2 saved and resources preserved.

"We prove that profitability and purpose align," notes co-founder Vianney Vaute. "Consumers save money, the planet benefits, and we build a valuable business. That's the future of commerce."

The Back Market Playbook

1. Solve multiple problems: Address consumer needs (affordability) and global challenges (sustainability) 2. Build trust systematically: Quality standards, warranties, and service create confidence 3. Raise capital strategically: Fund growth aggressively in winner-take-all markets 4. Create a movement: Environmental impact attracts customers, talent, and investors 5. Think globally from inception: Launch internationally while maintaining quality standards