Archive

Archive is building an ‘operating system for resale’. They work directly with brands to take ownership of their secondhand market and keep clothing out of landfill.
Seed Commerce Apps
Founded 2020
San Francisco, CA
BCV Lead: Zeeza Cole

Partner Zeeza Cole interviews Archive Founders Emily Gittins & Ryan Rowe

Zeeza Cole
How did you originally get in touch with BCV? What were your early conversations like?

Emily Gittins
My friend Barr had done an internship with Sarah Smith. From the first conversation, Sarah and Zeeza completely understood our future vision, and asked incredibly thoughtful questions.

Ryan Rowe
BCV was the first institutional fund to make an offer to invest in Archive. From the very beginning Sarah and the team have truly believed in us and supported us.

ZC
How would you describe the nature of your relationship with BCV today?

EG
They’re always willing to jump on the phone to talk something through.

ZC
What’s the best advice you’ve received about being a founder?

EG
It’s all about the people. Find incredible people to work with.

RR
In order to survive the ups and downs of starting and running a company you have to connect with and care about your mission — else it’ll be too easy to give up when the going gets tough.

ZC
What would you want other entrepreneurs / founders to know about working with BCV?

Having BCV co-lead our last two rounds of funding has been game changing for Archive.

ZC
What inspired you to become a founder?

EG
I never intended to become a founder. But when I learnt that the fashion and apparel industries contribute 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, I became obsessed with solving that problem. When I started thinking about the concept for Archive, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and had no choice but to found the company!

RR
Ever since I learned to code I’ve always been a builder. I spent the first 7 years of my career as a creative consultant at frog design learning how to design and build things people love. The only thing missing was getting the opportunity to really see it through and grow it over time — being the one accountable for it’s long term success. Back in 2013 I decided I needed to be a founder to really own the outcome of what I made — so I started my first company. I’ve been an entrepreneur ever since!

ZC
What do you appreciate most about working with Bain Capital Ventures?

EG
Sarah, Zeeza and the BCV team have been a phenomenal support to us. What I appreciate most is that they’re willing to get into the details. They support us on the highest level, most strategic questions of the business, but also on the detailed tactical things, which can often make the most difference in the short term.

RR
Our partner, Sarah is the most engaged, empathetic, helpful investor I’ve ever worked with.