Blue Startups is proud to share the exciting news of Cohort 14 alumni LiquiDonate, a retail and climate tech startup that recently raised $3.75 million in a seed round led by Laconia Capital Group, with support from Uncork, Kapor Capital, Ganas Ventures, and others. LiquiDonate, headquartered in San Francisco, focuses on helping retailers sustainably manage returns and excess inventory, particularly bulky items like mattresses, which are notoriously difficult to recycle.
Why It Matters: Retail returns present a major challenge for companies, both environmentally and financially. LiquiDonate offers an innovative solution by connecting retailers with nearby nonprofits, allowing companies to donate items instead of sending them to landfills. This not only reduces waste but also provides retailers with the benefit of a charitable tax deduction.
How It Works: LiquiDonate’s technology integrates directly with retailers’ warehouse and return management systems, as well as popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify. The company charges a subscription fee for the service, simplifying the process for retailers to donate excess goods while fulfilling unmet needs for nonprofits.
The Big Picture: Globally, nonprofits face $1 trillion in unmet needs annually, and LiquiDonate is poised to make a significant impact by tapping into the $816 billion worth of retail returns. With over 100 retailers already signed up, the company has made impressive strides since its $2.25 million pre-seed round in 2022.
What’s Next: Looking ahead, LiquiDonate is expanding internationally, piloting its service in Canada with plans for the U.K. The company is also working on API integration with Loop Returns and exploring partnerships with retailers to resell products. LiquiDonate’s vision doesn’t stop there — CEO Disney Petit has ambitious goals, with an IPO on the horizon.
Fun Fact: Disney Petit is no stranger to success. A former leader at Postmates, she has rung the bell at the NYSE and Nasdaq five times and is aiming for her sixth soon. She dreams of one day ringing the bell for LiquiDonate’s own IPO.
This funding round is a major step forward for LiquiDonate as it continues to innovate the way retailers handle returns while helping nonprofits meet critical needs.
