Flipswap

Flipswap was a provider of consumer electronics buyback and trade-in programs, founded in 2004 by Edo Cohen and Cyrus Farudi. The company's platform enabled retailers and consumers to trade in used mobile devices for instant credit. This model aimed to extend the useful life of electronics through environmentally responsible resale or recycling.

Based in Torrance, California, Flipswap's business model focused on providing a fully outsourced cell phone trade-in solution for wireless retail partners. It supplied the necessary technology and materials, including shipping supplies and point-of-purchase displays, to facilitate the process. The collected devices were then refurbished for resale or recycled. In November 2008, the company secured $14 million in a Series B funding round led by RRE Ventures and NGEN Partners.

In July 2011, Brightstar Corp. acquired a majority interest in Flipswap Services LLC, with Flipswap Inc. retaining the remaining interest. Subsequently, in May 2012, Flipswap was fully acquired by eRecyclingCorps (eRC), now known as HYLA. The acquisition expanded eRC's operations to include five of the largest wireless carriers in North America and over 15,000 retail locations, integrating Flipswap's programs and management team into its own structure.

Keywords: electronics buyback, mobile device trade-in, e-waste recycling, consumer electronics recycling, cell phone trade-in, wireless retail solutions, reverse logistics, refurbished electronics, instant store credit, device renewal, environmental services, Hyla, eRecyclingCorps, Brightstar, Edo Cohen, Cyrus Farudi