FundsUp interviewed Bas van der Pol, founder of Tappr, about their innovative solution for the labeling industry and their future plans. Tappr is digitizing clothing labels using QR codes, which contain digital product passports (DPPs). This provides transparency for consumers and plays a key role in the emerging circular economy.
A Dutch version of this article can be read on the website of our partner: Emerce.
Can you tell the readers more about yourself and how Tappr came about?
“I’m Bas van der Pol, a software entrepreneur. Before Tappr, I founded and sold Ciphix, a robotics company, and a consultancy business. After those exits, I wanted to start a product-driven company, so in 2021, I officially started Tappr. In the beginning, I was enjoying my time after the exit, but by April 2022, we really got serious. The idea behind Tappr is to create digital product passports through QR codes in textile products.”
That sounds quite specific. Was there a direct trigger?
“Starting July 1, 2027, all textile companies in Europe need to implement a digital product passport. This passport gives consumers insight into the origin, sustainability, and production of an item when they scan a QR code on, for example, a jacket or bag. Where you might now only see ‘Made in China’ on a label, we want the DPP to offer much more depth and transparency. This not only helps consumers make more sustainable choices but also meets new European regulations that require the traceability of a product’s sustainability. After all, textiles are one of the most polluting industries and are high on the EU’s priority list.”
I believe Tappr is one of the few players in this market. What makes you unique?
“Tappr is indeed one of the four key players worldwide providing this technology, though the market is still developing. We work with forward-thinking fashion brands and help them comply with upcoming regulations. But what really sets us apart is that we look beyond just compliance. We see the digital product passport as a new touchpoint between the brand and the consumer.”
Is that necessary, a new touchpoint?
“For many brands, contact with customers has faded due to platforms like Zalando and Amazon. We restore that direct contact through QR codes, allowing brands to offer a consumer-oriented experience through our technology. This creates a new marketing channel that also generates valuable data on customer behavior, which is becoming increasingly important as cookies and trackers are restricted.”
How does Tappr work for the brands you collaborate with?
“We help large European brands place unique QR codes in their products, ensuring that this process runs efficiently and error-free, despite various regulations. Through these QR codes, we offer a digital platform where consumers can find everything from product information to sustainability details, and even options for repair or resale. This allows brands not only to meet legal requirements but also to enhance their brand experience and deepen their relationship with customers.”
And what about that data on customer behavior?
“Through these QR codes, we collect valuable data for the brands. For example, if they produce 100,000 products, they can gather thousands of consumer profiles. Our clients see engagement rates of 15 to 35 percent, and in some cases, even 73 percent. That’s an enormous source of insights and growth opportunities, especially now that brands are struggling to obtain customer data through other means.”
Where is your strategic focus, and where do you see growth opportunities?
“We are active globally and currently working with a large American brand. We sell through partners, mainly label suppliers. Tappr provides the software behind the QR codes, while our partners supply the physical labels. What’s interesting about our model is that we don’t need to set up physical production; we only offer the digital layer. This allows us to scale quickly, focusing on brands with revenues between 25 million and 1 billion dollars. The biggest players, like Nike or Decathlon, often do this themselves, but we target the brands just below them.”
What about other players in your industry?
“The market is still young and is becoming more competitive. We’re at the forefront. We see more brands waking up to the fact that they need to act now. Our competitors include EON, Kezzler, and Atma, but we stand out by viewing the digitization of care labels not just as an obligation but as an opportunity to create value for brands.”
You’re seeking funding in early 2025. What are the plans?
“Yes, we are looking for funding in early 2025, preferably from investors familiar with our industry. In this phase, we’re focusing on angel investors who can help us scale further before we move on to larger investment rounds when the market explodes. We want to work with partners who understand what we’re doing and believe in the potential of the digital product passport.”
Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs based on your experiences?
“One of my biggest sources of inspiration is Naval Ravikant, founder of AngelList. He always says: ‘Build something that society will need on a large scale in five years.’ That’s exactly what we’re doing with Tappr. We started in 2022, and by 2027 it will be mandatory. By that time, we’ll be ready with the best product and the right partners to bring it to market.”
More information for investors about Tappr can be found here.