Publicize launches bartering platform to aid entrepreneurs and startups in times of constraints

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA. April 28 2020 – Publicize, the PR agency for tech sector startups, today announces the launch of the Publicize Swap Shop. This free-to-use online marketplace creates an alternative way for businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide to access products and services through an exchange system. 

The internationally available online platform contains a feed with offers and requests that have been posted. Swappers who have something to offer first need to create an account and publish the details of the offer, along with a suggested ‘ask’ of what they need in return, if anything. Anyone can browse the platform and the deals that are on offer. Once the swappers are connected by email it’s up to the two parties to seal the deal.

The Swap Shop was built by Publicize as a way to support the tech and startup community by creating a virtual space where entrepreneurs can ask for help when they need it, but also lend a hand. 

The current coronavirus pandemic is predicted to cost the global economy $1 trillion in 2020, and has put unprecedented pressure on all industries and business types. The instability has caused many business owners to switch to lean operation models and freeze procurement budgets. The Publicize Swap Shop creates a way for businesses to access much needed resources through a barter system in which the two parties agree to an exchange, rather than a purchase, of a service or product. 

“I’ve always found the startup scene to have an incredible sense of community, with freely available expertise, open source software solutions and growth hacks revealed on live streams.

The ecosystem needs this community now more than ever, which is why we decided to launch the Publicize Swap Shop in the hope that we can do our small part to help” said Erik Zijdemans, Vice President of Operations at Publicize. 

The community has been quick to engage with a number of early bird offers on the table. Swappers already have the chance to bid for Nerdytec’s ultimate work-from-home accessory,  Riddle’s interactive audience engagement tools, and ebook creation services from Publicize. 

Publicize created the platform to create an easy and secure way for businesses to connect, but the negotiation and agreement of the trades are left to the two parties. The full list of currently available offers can be viewed here, and offers can be submitted here. 

Disclosure: This story is brought to you by an ESPACIO portfolio company