//

Users can purchase items such as Pablo Cheesecake from Japan that are not otherwise accessible via traditional e-commerce platforms

The Airfrov team

Singapore-based peer-to-peer marketplace for overseas products, Airfrov, has secured an undisclosed amount in seed funding from East Ventures.

Airfrov will use the funds to improve its product, hire people, and expand regionally.

Starting its full-fledged operations in March 2015, Airfrov is a demand-driven platform that differs from the typical seller-listed e-commerce marketplace, with users posting “request(s) to buy” items.

With Airfrov, users can purchase snacks or limited edition items from overseas, that are not otherwise accessible via traditional e-commerce platforms. For instance, customers can purchase the renowned Pablo Cheesecake from Japan.

Holding zero inventory, Airfrov taps on the extra-capacity of frequent travellers to deliver overseas products.

Also Read: Airfrov and Ambi Climate win Singtel Accelerator Challenge

Cai Li, Co-founder of Airfrov, said that the platform is more than just any run-off-the-mill marketplace. “Airfrov has evolved into a discovery platform for shoppers and travellers alike. A user on Airfrov spends an average of 12 minutes per session to discover the latest products or bargains from all over the world.”

He added: “When requests are put up on Airfrov’s most travelled countries, requesters can expect offers from travellers within minutes. With a median delivery time of less than seven days, shoppers can receive their overseas items faster, and sometimes much cheaper, than standard international deliveries.”

“It’s common for us to ask friends who are travelling to buy things from overseas. Airfrov formalises this existing habit into the new sharing economy by utilising the unused luggage space of travellers. This unique capability to obtain items from overseas, in a way that existing logistics providers are unable to fulfil, will complement the facilitation of e-commerce activity across borders,” said Willson Cuaca, Managing Partner at East Ventures.

“Airfrov will leverage on the upcoming regional travel trend that is expected to increase significantly within Southeast Asian and North Asian regions in the near future,” Cuaca added.

The post Airfrov raises funding from East Ventures to get you limited-edition items from overseas appeared first on e27.

from e27 http://ift.tt/1nfuNIx