Company: Enky
Founder: Aïssa Laroussi
Website: https://www.enky.com/en-gb
About Enky
Enky has created an ecosystem that balances financial affordability, environmental responsibility, and modern design.
Founded in Belgium in 2019 by Aïssa Laroussi, Enky addresses the pressing problem of furniture waste – with only 3 percent of furniture currently recycled in Europe and 10 million tonnes discarded annually. Enky introduced the Furniture-as-a-Service (FaaS) model, enabling businesses to access high-quality office furniture through flexible subscriptions. This innovative approach not only reduces upfront costs for businesses but also promotes a circular economy by extending the furniture lifecycle through refurbishment and recycling.
From the outset, Enky faced challenges. Shifting the business ‘mindset’ toward renting rather than buying required significant effort, as did sourcing sustainable materials and building partnerships with eco-conscious manufacturers, architects and furniture brand partners. Scaling operations internationally, particularly during the economic downturn, added to the challenges Enky faced. Despite these obstacles, Enky expanded across Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Spain, demonstrating the viability of its approach.
Now entering the UK market, Enky is poised to capitalise on growing demand for sustainable solutions amid stricter environmental regulations.
Enky’s model has proven especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises that face budget constraints when setting up or upgrading offices or hospitality venues. By removing large upfront costs, Enky makes professional-grade furnishings accessible to a broader audience. The company has now installed over €5.4 million worth of furniture across sectors including education, hospitality, and property development.
A key milestone in 2024 was a 500 percent growth in the business for its B2B furniture projects within a single quarter. Funds raised have enabled Enky to double its workforce and launch a line of refurbished second-hand furniture, restored in workshops in Paris and London. These efforts also reduce ‘first mile’ initial production costs, which are traditionally the highest. This led Enky to launch its own equity crowdfunding platform in 2024, allowing individual investors to support its growth with a minimum stake of £1,000.
By challenging traditional ownership models, the company encourages businesses to rethink their approach to fitting out their offices and other venues. Its subscription service reduces waste by fostering reuse and recycling, directly addressing the environmental footprint of the furniture sector.
Sales of second-hand B2B furniture now grow three times faster than new goods sales, driven by stricter ESG regulations and changing business priorities.
Collaboration with European manufacturers adhering to high environmental standards, including certified sustainable wood, further cements Enky’s sustainable credentials. Clients can purchase, return, or resell rented furniture, ensuring minimal waste and maximum flexibility.
Enky exemplifies how startups can align profitability with sustainability. Its vision extends beyond furnishing offices to empowering businesses to meet environmental and social obligations while preserving financial flexibility – as leasing furniture frees up much-needed capital for other investments – and creating its own equity funding model.
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