The launch of sharing economy companies may have its challenges, but with a collaborative spirit that listens to the community, they can yield strong positive returns. Even the most traditional industries – such as investing and manufacturing – have adapted and innovated their processes and operations to involve the community. Innovative entrepreneurs are fanning out in the European market and continue to work together to find solutions and inspire efficiency which leverage collaboration.

Through the talented and dedicated work of creative minds, the Sharing Economy is booming in Europe. Here are 9 sharing economy companies that show ambitious agendas to democratize traditional industries.

1. Hubs (Global)

Industry: 3D Printing

Hubs is one of the best sharing economy companies that was conceptualized for small-scale designers. Today it is one of the world’s largest network of 3D printing services. Creative minds can upload a design to the online marketplace, choose a material, and select which provider they want to print and ship their design. 3D Hubs launched in Amsterdam in 2013 and is now available in more than 160 countries.

The manufacturing industry is one that is rarely discussed when it comes to environmental impacts. Here is a great video that explains how Bram de Zwart, CEO and co-founder of 3D Hubs, wants to reduce pollution and over production — by replacing mass production with 3D printing.

«We can eventually change how products are being made and distributed,» de Zwart explains. «You can make products both local and on demand.»

2. ECrowd! (Spain)

Industry: Impact investing

ECrowd! is a crowdlending platform regulated by the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV). Our platform funds projects that have a positive impact on the society and environment. Some of our projects include solar energy self-consumption installations, energy efficiency building renovations, installation of underground recycling containers and more.

If you are in need of funding for a positive impact project, don’t hesitate to tell us about your project here.

https://youtu.be/wD-a1w8Atu8

3. SocialCar (Spain)

Industry: Transportation

Sometimes the most revolutionary companies solve simple problems. SocialCar is a trusted private car rental platform improving the transportations options of thousands of people. Whenever you need to get somewhere for work or leisure, use SocialCar. Users can rent, buy or sell their cars on this platform.

SocialCar was a pioneer in offering these services in Spain back in 2011, and now its community counts more than 150,000 users. When in Spain, consider using SocialCar for your transportation needs. It is a faster and less expensive way to travel than traditional transportation services.

Photo credit: SocialCar Facebook Cover Photo

4. Parclick (Europe)

Industry: Transportation

Once more, a simple concept shapes the transportation industry.

Think about how long you’ve taken to find a parking space in the morning or before an event?

Not only does Parclick relieve people from getting up an hour earlier just to find a good parking space, but their services provide parking spaces much cheaper than traditional parking lots. Search wherever and whenever for a parking space, book the parking space that suits you online to guarantee it’s yours, and tah -dah!

When they first started back in 2011, Parclick was an MBA project. Madrid functions as the hub of their operations, but they are moving across the whole of Europe.

Photo credit: Parclick Facebook Cover Photo

5. DogBuddy (Europe)

Industry: Pets

Dog owners in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Sweden, have access to the DogBuddy platform. This sharing economy company has become one of Europe’s largest dog sitting community. Their app “makes dog sitting a walk in the park in three easy steps.” Dog owners start by searching their postal code and then read customer reviews to find the best dog sitter nearby. The last step is to book them!

Dogbuddy is great for those unexpected trips, or really for any time you go out of town. Since their 2013 launch, DogBuddy has already merged with Spanish competitor Bibulu.

https://youtu.be/Gztuz1AIrGM

6. Too Good To Go (Europe)

Industry: Food waste

Too Good To Go is an app for reducing food waste in restaurants. Their platform links users with delicious food that would otherwise be thrown away. At the end of each day, restaurants, cafes and bakeries put their unsold items on this app at a reduced price, to be collected an hour before closing time. What’s more, Too Good To Go provides environmentally-friendly sugarcane takeaway boxes to the participating restaurants.

Founded in Denmark at the end of 2015 by a group of friends, this sharing economy company is already used in six different countries. Most importantly, Too Good To Go helped prevent approximately over 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and provided thousands of meals that would have otherwise been discarded to those in need.

https://youtu.be/u6EvCXaTOQo

7. Yo No Desperdicio (Spain)

Industry: Food waste

Yo No Desperdicio, which translates as “I do not waste”, is committed to tackling household food waste through local food exchange in Spain. Its community now counts more than 820 users! To participate, users can post a photo of the food item they wish to get rid of, as well as the quantity, location and expiry date and can then link up with others to swap items. Members can also share recipes and tips to prevent food waste in the first place.

8. Lendi (Spain)

Industry: Collaborative consumption

This sharing economy company was designed for neighbours to collaborate and share resources among themselves. Their App connects local residents with one another so that they can lend or borrow objects that are not used very often. For example, instead of buying a new ladder, or a toolkit, you can use Lendi to see if you can lend it from your neighbour.

In addition, Lendi also brings the community together by organising group activities such as picnics or challenges like living for one month without using plastic waste.

Photo credit: Lendi Facebook Cover Photo

9. Collaborative Supermarket La Louve (France)

Industry: Food

As its name indicates it, the Collaborative Supermarket La Louve runs and is operated by more than 4000 members. Here, customers can also volunteer a few hours of work in the supermarket in exchange for significant discounts ranging from 20-40%! The produce and products available are local, organic or handmade. Of course, all of the farmers and suppliers receive fair wages.

This sharing economy company was inspired by Park Slope Food Coop. Founded in 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, Park Slope Food Coop is one of the most stable and economically successful supermarkets in the United States. To give you an idea of La Louve’s business model, here is a 10-minute video featuring Park Slope Food Coop and their success story.

Looking at this sharing economy list, these companies bring forth a whole new kind of community-building. Aside from solving a real problem, there is an explicit sense of efficiency that these creative minds inspire throughout Europe and the World.

If you’re interested in learning more about what the sharing economy has to offer in Spain, here is a great directory listing offered by Consumo Colaborativo.