Leapp forms partnership with Gilde Equity Management to accelerate growth

Multichannel retailer Leapp has partnered with Gilde Equity Management to realize its European growth ambitions. The young company, founded in 2011, supplies refurbished Apple hardware to consumers, businesses and educational institutions. It does so through a multichannel retail concept that combines the advantages of an online shop with the safety and the personal support of physical stores.

Founder Rogier van Camp: "Leapp started as a webshop, but when we applied our multichannel vision and opened our first shop in Amsterdam, this had a huge flywheel effect. Customers very much appreciate that in addition to the convenience of an online store, they have the ability to test our Macs, iPhones and iPads in-store and have the opportunity to get personal advice and support."

Leapp supplies refurbished products. The products are fully tested and, if necessary, revised; they are therefore as new and are subject to full warranty. The price can be up to 70% lower than the normal retail price. Van Camp: "This is a proposition that appeals to many consumers and businesses."

In recent years the company has grown fast and Leapp expects more than EUR 25 million of revenues in 2016. In addition to the webshops, Leapp currently operates 10 physical stores in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. But the company sees numerous opportunities for further growth. First, by more than doubling the number of stores in the Netherlands and Belgium and aggressive growth in Germany. Additionally, it will increase its focus on the business-to-business segment, as Apple is gaining ground among business users. The company also recently started to sell refurbished products from other premium brands such as Sennheiser headphones, which are known to be the best in the world.

Leapp has a vast international network of exclusive suppliers where it sources large quantities of ex-lease and ex-demo Apple products. The revenue growth results in a substantial increase in sourcing and stock volumes. In addition, investments are being made in store openings. Gilde will provide the financing to support this growth. Rogier van Camp: "In Gilde I have found a partner who shares my entrepreneurial ambitions and provides a wide scope of support. Through this collaboration, we have the financial strength to accelerate the rollout of Leapp's proven concept. "