ThePhoneLab and ROM InWest: together for a circular future for mobile devices
ThePhoneLab has raised about 2.5 million euros in a two-part funding round. After an earlier investment through sharefunding, ROM InWest joined as a co-investor. This funding will allow ThePhoneLab to accelerate its network expansion and further deploy repair as a sustainable alternative to mobile device replacement.
“Our mission is clear: the more devices we can repair, the better,” said Boris Blijham, founder of ThePhoneLab. “This investment allows us to scale up our services, expand our network and make our expertise more widely available. In this way, we will ensure that more devices last longer, in a way that is practical, faster and more sustainable than buying a new device.”
Rom InWest: investment in repair as sustainable alternative
ROM InWest supports companies that actively contribute to a circular economy. This means investing in companies that reduce waste, extend the life of products and provide innovative solutions that transform the market.
“We invest in companies that strengthen the circular economy and reduce waste,” says Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest. “ThePhoneLab fits perfectly within this strategy: repair is central to their model and makes the company future-proof in a market that is in flux.”
ROM InWest supports entrepreneurs with capital, knowledge and network. The collaboration with ThePhoneLab allows both parties to make an impact in the areas of sustainability and circular entrepreneurship.
Mobile repair market in full swing
The mobile device repair market is changing rapidly. New devices are lasting longer and more and more consumers are using protective accessories, making screens in particular less likely to break. At the same time, demand is growing for other repairs, such as battery replacement, as devices stay in use longer.
Many consumers and businesses are consciously choosing repair over replacement: a choice that both saves costs and eliminates waste. ThePhoneLab responds to this with fast, reliable and high-quality repairs that extend the life of mobile devices.
“Our market is in flux,” Blijham explains. “Many small repairers are dropping out due to consolidation, but we continue to make strides. With this investment, we can further optimize our processes and serve more customers so that repair remains an accessible and sustainable alternative to replacement.”
National and international ambitions of ThePhoneLab
ThePhoneLab has branches throughout the Netherlands. Thanks to ROM InWest’s investment, the company can grow faster toward full national coverage. Once this coverage is achieved, ThePhoneLab will also look at opportunities in Belgium and Germany.
“This funding will allow us to scale up our services and use our expertise more broadly,” Blijham said. “This way we will make reliable and sustainable repairs accessible to even more consumers and businesses, both in the Netherlands and abroad.”
