Meet Shawn Du, CEO and Founder at VAT Reclaims Platform: REvenir AI

Tell us about Revenir

 

Revenir makes reclaiming VAT on global purchases simple, seamless, and paper-free. Whether for leisure or business travellers, our platform digitises the historically complicated VAT refund process, unlocking refunds that are often left unclaimed due to complex regulations. We collaborate with financial institutions, embedding our solution directly into their services, helping travellers reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.

 

 

How did you come up with the idea for the company, and what makes it unique?

 

The idea for Revenir began from a frustrating personal experience. When friends and family visited me in London, they were eligible for VAT refunds, but the complex and time-consuming process resulted in a disappointing outcome—we received only a fraction of what we were owed. That’s when I realised the inefficiencies and fragmentation of VAT systems across countries and decided to create a more streamlined, automated approach. What makes Revenir unique is our focus on simplicity. Unlike traditional VAT reclaim providers that charge exorbitant fees (up to 75%), we offer a transparent, flat fee—making it easy and worthwhile for users.

 

 

What is your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

 

We’re living in the golden age for startups. My advice is simple: do the research and legwork. Build something you’re genuinely passionate about solving, and don’t fear failure—it’s part of the journey. Experiment with ideas, learn from customer feedback and iterate quickly.

 

What excites you most about Revenir?

The impact. Revenir isn’t just a product—it’s a catalyst for reclaiming previously inaccessible value. It’s rewarding to see people and businesses benefit from refunds they didn’t even know they were entitled to. Seeing how our technology improves the travel experience and enables better financial outcomes drives me and the team daily.

 

How has the company evolved over the last couple of years?

We started with just an email address and a small test group, manually handling claims and testing the market. Since then, we’ve grown exponentially, integrating with major financial institutions and scaling our operations globally. What began as an experiment has turned into a comprehensive, digital VAT reclaim solution that simplifies the process for both individual and corporate travellers.

 

What can we expect from Revenir in the future?

Looking ahead, we aim to deepen our integration with financial services platforms so VAT reclaims can be embedded directly into everyday banking apps. We want travellers to see refunds automatically deposited back into their accounts, eliminating manual processes altogether. Additionally, we’re exploring partnerships beyond Europe to expand our reach globally, helping travellers reclaim VAT wherever they go.