Startups Will Save Us: Why borrowing is the new buying

✌️ G’DAY

In a week of asphalt-melting temperatures in Europe and more destructive flooding in Australia, the climate crisis is on everyone’s lips. At Raaise HQ, we’re keeping our eyes on the prize—helping our incredible founders launch their climate solutions into the world now. Check out the opportunities that are currently live on our platform.

Also, for our UK-based raaisers, don’t miss Ideas Fest on 3 & 4 August in Wickham, where the Startups Will Save Us Stage will be hosting a bunch of game-changing startups as they pitch their bold plans to smash down the status quo.

🥁 Introducing…the hugely successful startup that’s driving the transition to low-waste, community-powered neighbourhoods.

🚀 STARTUP:

Library of Things.

🌈 MISSION:

Helping people save money and reduce waste by affordably renting out useful items like drills, sound systems and sewing machines from local spaces, and connecting neighbours who want to share practical skills with each other along the way.

💡 WHAT:

Library of Things blends grassroots community-building with technology to transform the way we consume things that we only need “now and then”.

→ It's convenient: High-quality items (from partners like Bosch and STIHL) are available at a moment’s notice for a fraction of the cost.

→ It's rewarding: LoT’s “skillshare sessions” teach people DIY basics, while regular repair parties bring community members together to mend their much-loved things.

→ It's kinder to the planet: Borrowing and repairing quality goods diverts waste from landfill and significantly cuts down CO2 emissions.

Who knew you could build a successful business by discouraging consumption? 🤷🏼‍♀️

🧐 TRACTION:

→ The demand is real—10,000+ people have already borrowed an item (or 10)! 🚀

→ Location, location, location—11 LoT kiosks are operational, with more on the way (400+ councils and groups want in) 🙀

→ For the community, by the community—a “mission-locked” company, LoT is pioneering a collaborative franchise model and all the systems that go with it ✊

💪 WHY IT MATTERS:

We’ve reached peak stuff. If the world consumed resources like we do in the UK (and Australia), we’d need 3.5 planets to sustain us (meanwhile, 80% of household items are used less than once per month 🤯). LoT paves the way for entire communities to transition to a more affordable, sustainable and connected way of living, regenerating communities and creating local jobs in the process. What’s not to love? 🥰

🎧 PODCAST

We caught up with Emma and Bex from LoT recently to chat all things borrowing. They may be humble and understated, but these young entrepreneurs have already changed the world. Get ready to be inspired👇

🎬 IN OTHER NEWS…WANNA GET FUNDED BY A MOVIE STAR?

Long-time environmental champion and little-known movie star, Leonardo Di Caprio, is behind a new fund targeting a $4.5 trillion opportunity to evolve consumer industries by harnessing the power of circular and regenerative principles. Regeneration.vc just closed a $45m fund, so what are you waiting for? » Get Leo on your cap table, pronto!

👀 SNEAK PEAK:

Next up—the Australian startup that’s working to transform the hand and body wash industry. 🌸

👷‍♀️ BUILDING SOMETHING AMAZING OR WANT IN ON THE NEXT BIG THING?

If you're building a startup in the climate impact space, or if you're a budding or seasoned impact investor looking for the next big opportunity, take a moment to sign up. It's simple, free, with no commitments and takes <1 minute. 👇