In a world where secondhand shopping can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, two former tech engineers—Alex Ruber, a former Apple engineer, and Parth Chopra, who previously worked at Twitter and Asana—are taking thrifting to the next level. Their journey began in Y Combinator's founder match platform and led to a serendipitous meeting at a thrift store, where they contemplated how to enhance the online thrift shopping experience.

Many thrifters find it frustrating to sift through countless platforms like Depop, Mercari, ThredUp, eBay, and Craigslist to locate that perfect item. Recognizing this challenge, Ruber and Chopra are on a mission to create Encore, an innovative search engine that aggregates secondhand items from a multitude of sources—all in one convenient place. Currently part of Y Combinator’s inaugural fall batch, Encore aims to streamline the thrifting process.

Ruber explained, “The entire secondhand shopping market is really fragmented, which presents a daunting task for consumers trying to find specific products. Our goal is to eliminate this friction.” Both engineers, with their backgrounds in technology and their personal experiences with thrift shopping, bring a unique perspective to this endeavor.

For Ruber, thrifting has deep personal roots. He recalled the excitement of flea markets as a child, a tradition he shared with his mother. This nostalgia and desire for discovery—finding hidden gems—propelled him to develop a solution for fellow shoppers. Chopra's expertise in fashion and thrift shopping made him the ideal partner for this venture.

Encore’s Innovative AI-Powered Search Engine

What sets Encore apart? This platform utilizes advanced AI and large language models, enabling users to input queries in a conversational manner. For example, you could ask, “Show me a dress that Emily wore in 'Emily in Paris' Season 3 Episode 4,” and Encore will scour various platforms to find matching items. The search experience is enhanced with prompts like “Outfit inspo for” or “Shop from the Show,” guiding users to explore their search options without feeling overwhelmed.

What's fascinating about Encore is its flexible search capabilities. Users can submit both simple requests—like “Show me jeans”—and more elaborate ones, such as “I’m a 6’2” skier looking for pants under $100 without big logos.” This adaptability caters to a broad audience, allowing casual shoppers and serious thrifters alike to find what they need.

The secondhand retail market is booming, projected to reach $73 billion by 2028 in the U.S. alone, with the global market hitting an astounding $350 billion. According to a report from ThredUp, online secondhand sales are expected to make up half of the secondhand market by 2025. With over 50,000 searches processed monthly and continuous growth—26% increase in searches and 15% in clicks—Encore is positioning itself to be a game-changer in this industry.

To sustain its operations, Encore currently relies on affiliate shares for revenue but is also exploring a subscription model. For just $3 a month, members can enjoy unlimited searches, advanced AI features, and personalized support through email and chat.

As thrift shopping continues to evolve, Encore stands out as a beacon for environmentally conscious consumers, revolutionizing the way we shop secondhand and making it easier than ever to find that perfect vintage treasure. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the future of thrifting—this is just the beginning!