Slim collaboration: SwapShare

Links: Elif Algu. Photo: Peter Lange

Interview with Elif Algu, founder of SwapShare

By collaborating closely and making good use of existing resources, you can contribute to solving a social problem. SwapShare operates according to this concept; it’s in the DNA. SwapShare makes it possible to exchange items you no longer use for items that you do need. This way, we reduce waste and garbage, save people money, and create new encounters. Because exchanging brings not only items but also people together.

Together with municipalities, libraries, businesses, and local ambassadors, they organize SwapShares throughout the Netherlands. Additionally, they help people and organizations set up their own SwapShare in their neighborhood. This makes sharing and reusing items increasingly easier and more natural.

Elif spoke about collaboration at the Kracht van West 2026.

Welke partners heb je nodig om ruil evenementen?

“We collaborate with libraries, offices, and sponsors to organize exchange events. Last year we had a SwapShare at the Marineterrein in Amsterdam Centrum and at the end of November there will be a Swap Friday at the OBA Oosterdok. We are looking for locations where people already like to come. These partners offer the space for free.”

How do you make contact and get partners on board?

“We approach them ourselves, or due to the success of our events, they are increasingly approaching us as well. We engage them by looking at what we can mean for each other and especially by showing what we can achieve together.”

Which collaboration are you proud of?

“On our collaboration with the libraries. They have the space and the trust of residents. We bring the concept, the network, the knowledge, and the organization.”

“And with the various charities through which we can also offer vulnerable people something that is beneficial to them.”

Which bears did you encounter on the way?

“Decision-making can sometimes take a long time when working with multiple parties. The challenge is that everyone is enthusiastic about the idea, but that enthusiasm does not automatically mean that there is also budget or capacity available.”

How did it ultimately succeed?

“By not waiting until everything is in place, but taking the initiative ourselves and making it as easy as possible for partners to join in. We look at what each party can contribute. One has space, another has a network, materials, or volunteers. This way, not all costs and tasks have to fall on one party. And by starting small and showing results, it becomes easier to get others on board.”

What do you think are the success factors?

• A common interest. Collaboration works best when each partner benefits from it.
• Sharing ownership. Not wanting to do everything yourself, but giving others the space to contribute and make it their own.
• Sharing successes just like losses.