Renow

Renow is a Finnish company that provides AI-based recommerce infrastructure for handling and reselling ecommerce returns, trade-ins and surplus inventory. Its platform covers the full reverse-logistics workflow: a white-label return app collects information from the consumer at the point of return, the Recommerce Engine routes the item, warehouse staff grade it using an AI-guided inspection app with product-specific step-by-step instructions, and graded goods are automatically relisted with system-generated product cards. Items unsuitable for resale are directed to servicing, auction-based liquidation or recycling.

The company packages this into three commercial services: Outlet-as-a-Service (Renow handles and resells a merchant's customer returns end to end), Trade-in-as-a-Service (quoting and grading of pre-owned goods for retailers), and B2B buyback, in which Renow purchases overstock, B-stock and returns in bulk. A free standalone inspection app, Recommerce Hero, lets warehouses scan, inspect, grade and list products without software integration. Resale runs through Renow's own outlet marketplace, selected third-party marketplaces and the merchant's own channels, with Renow handling product data, pick-and-pack on consignment, customer acquisition and monthly reporting and payouts. Sold items are offered under buyer protections including a 12-month warranty.

Rather than centralizing returns in a single warehouse, Renow uses a decentralized network of local third-party logistics hubs so that returned goods are inspected and resold in-market, which the company positions as cutting cross-border shipping, speeding turnaround and lowering emissions. The offering is focused on durable goods — consumer electronics, home appliances, furniture, footwear and hard-packed sporting goods.

Founding story

Renow was founded in 2022 in Finland by technology entrepreneurs and ecommerce veterans Kalle Koutajoki, Antti Ijäs and Hannes Junnila. Koutajoki, the CEO, previously co-founded online grocery SaaS platform Naveo Commerce and served as CSO at Finnish online retailer Verkkokauppa.com; Ijäs also worked at Naveo Commerce and other commerce and last-mile companies; Junnila is a full-stack developer and architect. The founders set out to cut CO2 emissions and waste from ecommerce returns and make recommerce mainstream.

Business model

Renow operates a services-plus-software model with no upfront fees or setup costs for merchants. Its inspection and returns apps are offered on a freemium basis and require no ERP or IT integration, with revenue instead earned when goods resell. Managed Outlet-as-a-Service and marketplace resale are run on consignment against a commission, while the B2B buyback line involves Renow purchasing inventory outright in bulk for resale on its own account.

Commission on sales made through Renow's channels under a pay-as-you-recover model, with no setup or fixed fees; merchants receive monthly payouts and inventory reports. Bulk purchases of returns and excess inventory are transacted at a negotiated price.

Traction

Renow reports serving leading Nordic retailers and marketplaces, with named deployments at Verkkokauppa.com's e-ville.com store, CDON, DNA and footwear brand VIBAe, where 92% of customer returns were reported instantly resellable. Operations span Finland, Sweden and Norway, and coverage in June 2025 cited 6x year-over-year growth alongside a €1.8 million seed round.

Latest developments

Following its June 2025 seed round, Renow said it would open new hubs in Sweden and Norway and enter Denmark and the Benelux region, while expanding its logistics partner network and scaling sales and product teams across Northern Europe.