Exapro
About the Company
Exapro is a B2B marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of used industrial machinery globally, akin to a real estate agency for manufacturing equipment. Their services include promoting equipment sales and supporting industrial auctions for specialized auctioneers. The company oversees 600 transactions annually, with asset values exceeding $25M, while facilitating over 300 auctions per year.
The team emphasizes customer-centric solutions, providing value to various stakeholders, including factories, dealers, and auctioneers. Exapro generates over $1.7M in annual turnover and is working on a valuation service, Valorexo, to refine machinery price assessments. With a multilingual team, Exapro has established a significant global presence, particularly in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Idea Behind Company
The idea emerged when Thomas, an experienced digital marketing professional, took over Exapro, a failing startup, in 2003. Having worked in Canada and France, he recognized the untapped potential of connecting the manufacturing sector through digital platforms. Despite its initial struggles, Thomas saw Exapro’s global potential and relocated the business to the Czech Republic, attracting talent from across Europe.
Thomas's entrepreneurial mindset and belief in streamlining industrial trade through tech solutions drove the company forward. He has since launched other businesses and remains focused on integrating big data and machine learning to further innovate within the sector.
Creating the Company
When Thomas took over, Exapro faced outdated technology, a dwindling user base, and manual operations. He initially patched the system himself, while gradually learning the industry and fostering partnerships to stabilize revenue. Rebuilding the website and workflow was essential but challenging, requiring both technical upgrades and market reconnections.
Thomas prioritized a customer-first approach, rebuilding trust and laying the foundation for growth. By aligning the platform with market demands, he transitioned Exapro from a struggling entity to a robust player in the machinery marketplace.
Launching the Business
The relaunch of Exapro centered on improving user experience and optimizing the platform for search engines. Thomas revamped both the front-end and back-end with limited resources, relying on a clear vision despite the lack of formal project management. Resilience and agility proved crucial as he balanced daily operational challenges with long-term strategy.
A focus on database management and CRM systems enabled Exapro to efficiently handle client transactions. Today, these systems, alongside modern tools, support a seamless customer experience. The company continuously upgrades its technology to stay competitive in the evolving marketplace.
Earnings
Exapro has grown into a thriving business with $142K in monthly revenue and a team of 21 employees, including developers, marketers, and agents. The platform attracts 350,000 monthly visitors and features 37,000 offers from 8,000 sellers. Its vast database allows for targeted marketing and the introduction of new services like Valorexo.
With sustainable growth fueled by customer satisfaction, SEO-driven traffic, and strategic partnerships, Exapro continues to expand its reach. The company’s focus on innovation and client trust ensures it remains a key player in the industrial machinery sector.
