Recognition for consistent performance Estonian Ringy, founded in 2020, has been named Startup of the Year at the Äripäev TOP Gala 2025. The company received the award for the second time, marking a notable milestone for an organisation that has focused heavily on measurable growth, operational discipline and market relevance in the Europen secondary mobile market. Ringy is becoming more and more a well-know and recognised B2B-seller of used devices. This award is a clear sign of their growth-path. We expect more to come in 2026. Earlier Ringy was ranked 33rd in Sifted 250 and named Europe’s fastest-growing start-up in device trade-ins.
How the ranking was determined
The ranking was based on a data driven model designed to compare start-ups using objective economic indicators. Five core factors were assessed: revenue growth, the scale of operating costs, the growth of those costs, the amount of equity attracted during the year and the ratio between revenue and expenditure. Together, these indicators were used to evaluate market potential, operational scale, scalability, investor trust and overall financial strength.
A platform built around circular trade
Ringy operates a platform for the circular economy of smart devices. Its core proposition combines a smart trade in system with direct connections to major European sales channels, allowing the platform to secure the best achievable resale price for each device. Partners include refurbishers, marketplaces, telecom operators and electronics retailers across the region, all of whom rely on transparent pricing and consistent channel access.
A culture shaped by persistence
The company emphasises perseverance as a defining element of its identity, describing its approach as one that always seeks a way forward, even when market conditions shift. After five years of activity, this mindset has shaped both its operational design and its response to increasing competition in the secondary market.
Automation as a strategic priority
Rapid changes in supply, demand and pricing remain the company’s biggest challenges. In response, Ringy has automated and digitalised its processes and service offering, reducing friction in trade flows and enabling quicker decision making. This approach is aligned with broader trends in the secondary device market, where efficiency and speed directly influence resale margins.
A reflection of team effort
Ringy attributes the award to its employees, partners, investors and customers. According to the company, daily consistency and steady execution have played a larger role than bold concepts alone. The four co-founders highlighted that recognition for a second time reinforces its belief in long term operational discipline.
Implications for the secondary mobile market
This recognition signals growing industry validation for platforms that combine automation, broad channel connectivity and circular economy principles. For refurbishers, distributors and trade in partners, the award highlights the commercial impact of data driven pricing models and integrated resale networks. It also reflects the rising expectations for scalability and financial maturity in Europe’s secondary device landscape, especially as volumes of Apple iPhone and other high value devices continue to shape the market.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
