May 2, 2023, 10:06 am | Read time: 3 minutes
An online marketplace for used furniture and decor—that’s exactly what “Interior Circle” offers. The startup aims to help people get a little closer to their dream of a beautiful home. Founder Chanté Nöhlen presented the concept on “Die Höhle der Löwen,” a German TV show similar to “Shark Tank.”
Chanté Nöhlen is the founder of “Interior Circle”. The 31-year-old from Mönchengladbach is a consumer psychologist and interior designer–and she loves beautiful things for the home. For this reason, she has made it her mission to create a community for interior fans. On the online marketplace “Interior Circle,” used furniture and decor can be bought and sold. To continue growing, the founder sought 200,000 euros from the investors for 20 percent of her company shares.
The Idea Behind “Interior Circle”
The idea for “Interior Circle” primarily grew out of the founder’s personal interest. “I am an absolute interior junkie myself and have often and intensely missed exactly such a platform,” she explains to myHOMEBOOK. She simply couldn’t understand why such a resource didn’t exist, especially when sustainability is emphasized and the aesthetics of one’s home are becoming increasingly important.
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What Makes “Interior Circle” Special
An online platform for used furniture–what’s so special about that, some might ask. After all, there are already online platforms where you can buy and sell used decor and furniture. Chanté Nöhlen counters: “We were created by interior junkies for interior junkies. This means the love for interior design and a cozy home unites the product and the people who use it.”
The focus is entirely on interior design. There is an “Inspiration Wall” where you can see the pieces set up directly. Additionally, videos of the offered products are intended to help better recognize the condition and details.
“Furthermore, we are characterized by mandatory buyer protection and a sophisticated verification system. With us, you can really feel safe, and even when purchasing a used, potentially more expensive design piece, you can be sure you won’t lose your money,” says the founder.
Lastly, “Interior Circle”–unlike other platforms–has a social mission. “With every purchase and sale, you help other people get a home. Because our full commission of 2 percent goes into exactly such projects. Our motto: Make your home more beautiful and at the same time help others get one,” says Nöhlen.
Also interesting: What to Consider When Buying Secondhand Furniture Online
“Interior Circle” in “Die Höhle der Löwen”
To make “Interior Circle” the next “mega-platform,” as the founder calls it, she needs a deal with one of the investors. In “Die Höhle der Löwen,” she offered the investors 20 percent of her company shares for 200,000 euros. Initially, investors Dagmar Wöhrl and Carsten Maschmeyer showed great interest–they withdrew several times for consultation and eventually offered 200,000 euros as a duo. However, they wanted 40 percent of the company shares in return. The founder agreed to the deal–but it fell through after the show. Both sides stated that there were ultimately too many discrepancies.
All information and episodes of “Die Höhle der Löwen” can be found at TVNOW.