Trouva has hired former Uber and Betfair exec Niall Wass to be its new chairman as the online marketplace expands to Amsterdam, Madrid and Copenhagen.
Wass, whose official position is non-executive director and chair, will be working alongside the current leadership team to devise and execute strategies for growth as it looks to further establish itself as an online destination for independent retail.
His appointment also coincides with a launch in three new cities on the platform today, with customers in Amsterdam, Madrid and Copenhagen now being able to shop local via Trouva for the first time.
The introduction of the latest creative capitals on the marketplace follows Trouva’s first international expansion in Berlin earlier this year, taking its European boutique count to almost 100 bricks-and-mortar shops.
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“Trouva allows users to find really unique products from amazingly curated independent boutiques,” Wass said.
“This is quite unlike the normal high street experience in that customers can own or gift items that are otherwise hard to find.
“This also helps independent shops to thrive by reaching discerning customers and growing their business online.
“I have been impressed not only with the rapid growth of the business, but the quality of its service and tech platform which as well as providing a great user experience, will also help boutiques to manage their business and enable international expansion.
“I look forward to working with the team on a strategy that will enable Trouva to fulfil its ambition to become a major player in the retail and online shopping landscape.”
Alongside his part-time position at Trouva, Wass will continue being a partner at international venture capital firm Atomico, and is also non-exec chairman of Glovo.
Prior to this, Wass was on the core executive team at Uber as senior vice president for the international business across 52 countries, and was chief commercial officer at Betfair from early on through to its IPO.
Trouva chief executive and co-founder Mandeep Singh said: “At a time where the looming prospect of Brexit might be hanging over most UK-founded and based start-ups, it’s business as usual for us, and that means rapid growth.
“The number of our boutiques that have achieved over £100,000 in sales directly through Trouva has almost quadrupled from 11 to 42 in just 12 months, further extending our platform to the most amazing independents, run by great curators with a strong identity.
“As we introduce the best of Copenhagen, Madrid and Amsterdam to Trouva – uniting everything that’s great about shopping independently on our global platform – we’re looking to drive growth across the entire business, which is why we’re thrilled to bring Niall on board with his vast experience in leading significant business transformation and growth strategies.”
The news follows a US $10 million Series A funding round last year that was led by BGF Ventures, alongside Index Ventures and Octopus Ventures.
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