Founded this fall in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Boon is a pioneering peer-to-peer marketplace that goes beyond conventional secondhand selling by integrating social impact into every transaction.
Created by entrepreneur Stefan Szakal, Boon enables employees within companies to buy and sell secondhand goods, with all proceeds directed to a charity of the seller’s choosing. This unique approach combines commerce, charity, and sustainability, aiming to foster community trust and drive positive social change within corporate environments.
A Marketplace Built on Trust
Boon was designed to operate exclusively within companies, allowing only colleagues to engage in transactions. This trust-based model addresses common challenges in peer-to-peer marketplaces, such as issues with reliability and security, while strengthening workplace community bonds. Inspired by Szakal’s experience attempting to donate an old computer to an animal shelter, Boon evolved from a charity-focused concept to a marketplace built on workplace trust, where companies act as intermediaries to guarantee secure and transparent exchanges.
Unique Use Cases and Versatility
Boon’s applications go beyond simple product exchanges. Sellers can offer unique experiences—like cooking classes or tech tutorials—using the proceeds to support local charities. In one instance, a company’s CEO auctioned a barbecue invite, with all funds going directly to charity. This flexibility in offerings showcases Boon’s potential to cultivate both shared experiences and charitable impact, helping to strengthen workplace connections and inspire collaborative generosity.
Social Impact at Its Core
With Boon, every transaction reinforces a commitment to social responsibility. Szakal emphasizes that the platform empowers users to select from a list of verified local charities, ensuring that donations are meaningful and impactful. By allowing employees to support causes close to their hearts, Boon fosters a sense of purpose and engagement that resonates with the younger workforce. Furthermore, Boon’s built-in AI tool measures the environmental benefits of each purchase, making the environmental impact of secondhand buying visible and accessible for users.
Aligning with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Human Resources (HR)
Boon is a powerful ally for corporate CSR and HR initiatives, helping companies easily digitize and expand their charity efforts. The platform allows employees the freedom to support causes that matter to them, and Boon’s charity verification process assures companies that they’re contributing to reputable organizations. This alignment with CSR policies also enhances employee engagement and satisfaction, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who are more likely to value companies with strong social responsibility practices.
Boon’s Business Model and Future Plans
Unlike typical marketplace models, Boon’s business model aligns directly with its social impact mission. The platform operates without charging companies or users, focusing instead on the success of the charities it supports. By acting as a “fundraising department” for these organizations, Boon creates value without imposing fees or transaction costs on companies or individuals.
Currently in its early stages, Boon launched to the public in September with initial adopters like Rebel Dot, a forward-thinking company that shares Boon’s commitment to social impact. Looking ahead, Stefan Szakal has ambitious plans to expand to Bucharest by November, with the possibility of entering an international market by the end of the year. This growth plan illustrates Boon’s scalable potential, driven by a focus on impactful, community-centered commerce.
