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Steering Change in the Used Car Industry
Ever had a purchase experience so bad it made you want to start a company? That's exactly what happened to Charis Arvanitis when he tried buying a used car for his family.
His founder journey began in 2015 with the launch of Spotmechanic, aiming to simplify the used car buying process through inspections. But shaking up a murky market came with its challenges. Within a year, the majority of dealers were rallying against Spotmechanic. It became clear that while the service was high- lighting problems, it wasn't providing the solution people really wanted: a trustworthy place to buy a car. Charis envisioned an e-commerce platform where customers could browse a plethora of cars, complete with financing options, all from their living room. And for those who wanted a hands-on experience? They could have that too.
The newly rebranded Spotawheel had a clear goal: to offer the ultimate car-buying experience in every country they served. So, what's on the horizon for Spotawheel? Expansion is the name of the game. With the European market boasting a whopping $500 billion potential and Spotawheel already making waves in Greece, Germany, Poland, and Romania, the plan is ambitious. By 2025, the company aims to roll into at least five more Central and Eastern European markets.
Inspired by Charis's journey from a frustrated customer to a game-changing entrepreneur? If you're ever tempted to turn a bad experience into a business opportunity, heed his advice: Stay sharp on your numbers, shuffle your priorities as needed, and stay laser-focused on your mission.
Programs
Identifications
Catalyst Investee
Outlier
Year Founded
2015
Year Selected
2021
Stage
Early Growth (Series A, Series B)
Team Size
251-500
Total Capital Raised
$127,900,000
Retail & Consumer Tech
Commerce