Borrow’d is an open‑source nonprofit platform that lets people create trusted groups to share physical items instead of buying new ones. Users can add belongings to a shared inventory, browse what’s available within their group, and request items with a tap, coordinating pickup via in‑app messaging. By facilitating local borrowing of tools, games, and equipment, the service reduces waste, cuts emissions, and strengthens community ties.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Many households and small groups own items that are used infrequently, leading to unnecessary purchases, waste, and environmental impact. Coordinating the sharing of such items among neighbors, friends, or coworkers is often informal and lacks a reliable system for inventory, requests, and trust management.
Solution
Borrow’d provides an open‑source, nonprofit platform that enables trusted groups of people—such as neighbors, friends, teammates, or family—to create shared inventories of physical items. Group members can add belongings, browse what is available, and request items with a single tap, while messaging to arrange pickup and return. By centralizing inventory and communication within a trusted network, the platform reduces duplicate purchases, minimizes waste, and lowers emissions. The simple workflow encourages timely returns, reinforcing trust and strengthening community connections.
Target Audience
Borrow’d is aimed at local neighborhoods, coworker groups, hobby clubs, and other small communities that want a reliable way to share physical goods among trusted members.
Features
- Group creation and invitation system limited to people you already know, ensuring a trusted sharing network
- Shared inventory management where members can list, edit, and categorize items such as tools, games, or outdoor equipment
- Searchable catalog within each group to quickly locate needed items
- One‑tap request feature with built‑in messaging to coordinate pickup times and locations
- Return tracking prompts that help maintain accountability and build trust among participants
- Open‑source codebase hosted publicly, allowing communities to customize or self‑host the platform