Promoting local consumption by digitizing what small retailers have to offer. This is the aim of Fribourg-based start-up Local Impact, which we have had the pleasure of supporting since September. Its team has developed the Kariyon platform, which already brings together the offerings of over 1,600 retailers.
In the complicated context of the Coronavirus, the desire to consume locally has never been stronger. It was this observation that motivated Local Impact to develop solutions to enhance the value of local commerce and promote short distribution channels. Comprising six young associates, the team’s ambition is to create a genuine digital showcase for small retailers, many of whom have neither high visibility nor their own sales channels on the Internet.
In July, Local Impact launched its first product: the Kariyon platform. Here, vouchers can be purchased from a wide range of Fribourg-based businesses and services. The platform is regularly updated and improved to meet the concrete needs of its users. Supported by the State of Fribourg, Karyion has achieved sales of 14 million francs since it went online.
Building on this initial success, Local Impact aims to expand its activities and become a local, simple and affordable alternative to the major online sales sites. Its team also offers help to small retailers to digitalize their activities. Convinced by the innovative aspect and strong potential of this project, we will be supporting this start-up in the development of its future products and services.