🛍️ Finding Hidden Gems
Encore was sparked by a chance meeting of two engineers, Alex Ruber and Parth Chopra. They were initially brought together on Y Combinator’s founder match platform. After meeting in person at a thrift store, they realized a common passion for solving thrifting challenges. Consumers often find it tough to sift through various platforms like eBay and Mercari to find items they want. Ruber explained, "The entire secondhand shopping market is really fragmented." Hence, Encore was created to streamline the search process.
🖥️ The Power of AI
With Encore, shoppers can find secondhand items using an AI-powered search engine. You can search across platforms like Poshmark and Grailed with simple phrases, or detailed queries about clothing from shows like “Emily in Paris.” Encore is currently part of Y Combinator’s fall batch, showcasing its innovation in the circular economy, especially with the secondhand market projected to hit $73B in the U.S. by 2028.
📈 Rapid Growth Ahead
Encore is already making waves, with over 50,000 searches each month and a 26% monthly growth in searches. Their method is simple yet effective, allowing users to browse with auto-suggestions to aid in their experience. Additionally, with the secondhand retail market set to explode globally, Encore is well-positioned for success. "Our goal is to make finding a hidden gem enjoyable and easy," Ruber emphasized.
💰 Future Ventures
Encore currently relies on affiliate shares for revenue but is testing a $3 monthly subscription model. This would grant users unlimited searches and support, enhancing their AI experience. With the online thrift market expected to dominate by 2025, Encore's innovations may redefine shopping. Could this be a game changer for thrifters everywhere?
Can Encore reshape the secondhand shopping landscape?
