Unearth secures investment from 1337 Ventures

1337 Ventures has announced its investment in Unearth, a Malaysian startup transforming the resale economy by giving pre-loved furniture a second life. This strategic investment underscores 1337 Ventures’ commitment to supporting early-stage startups that drive innovation and sustainability.

Transforming Furniture Resale

Founded in 2020 by Johnson Goh Han Swee and Lee Huangshi, Unearth aims to revolutionize the second-hand furniture market in Malaysia. The company offers a seamless end-to-end service that includes doorstep pickup, refurbishment, and resale. This model not only simplifies the resale process for consumers but also helps prevent thousands of furniture pieces from ending up in landfills.

By sharing profits with original furniture owners, Unearth promotes a circular economy while reducing environmental waste. Since its inception, the company has successfully sold over 100,000 pieces of furniture and expanded its customer base across Malaysia.

With the fresh investment from 1337 Ventures, Unearth plans to scale its supply collection operations, enhance its refurbishment capabilities, and expand its physical outlets to reach more customers nationwide.

1337 Ventures’ Commitment to Innovation

1337 Ventures’ decision to back Unearth aligns with its mission to support purpose-driven startups that solve real-world problems. The investment firm, known for nurturing early-stage startups, recognizes the potential of Unearth’s business model to address the growing issue of furniture waste.

“Investing in Unearth was a clear decision for us,” said Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO and
Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures.

“They are tackling a massive and often overlooked problem—furniture waste. Their innovative
approach not only creates a more sustainable consumption model but also unlocks value for
consumers who might otherwise discard usable items. This aligns with our belief in backing
purpose-driven startups that solve real-world problems,” he added.

The collaboration reflects 1337 Ventures’ broader strategy of supporting innovative solutions that promote environmental sustainability while offering practical benefits to consumers. This investment also reinforces the venture capital firm’s dedication to fostering Malaysia’s startup ecosystem through financial backing and strategic guidance.

Future Plans for Growth and Impact

With the support from 1337 Ventures, Unearth is poised for substantial growth. The company aims to streamline its operations and broaden its reach across Malaysia by improving supply chain logistics and increasing its refurbishment capacity.

Johnson Goh, Co-Founder & CEO of Unearth, expressed excitement about the partnership: “We started Unearth with the simple idea that selling second-hand furniture shouldn’t be a hassle. Today, we are not just making it easier for people to declutter—we are reducing waste and building a more sustainable future. The support from 1337 Ventures will help us accelerate our mission and scale our impact.”

The investment will also enable Unearth to open new outlets, making it easier for customers to buy and sell pre-loved furniture. This expansion aligns with Unearth’s mission to make second-hand furniture sales more accessible and to reduce the environmental impact of furniture disposal.

As part of its long-term vision, Unearth plans to enhance customer engagement by offering innovative solutions that further simplify the resale process. This growth strategy will allow the company to accelerate its mission of reducing waste while building a more sustainable future.

Supporting Malaysia’s Startup Ecosystem

Beyond the investment in Unearth, 1337 Ventures continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing Malaysia’s startup community. Through initiatives like Pitch Tuesday, the firm invites entrepreneurs to present their ideas for potential funding and strategic support. Founders interested in pitching their startups can apply through Pitch Tuesday.

Additionally, 1337 Ventures offers the Alpha Startups Online programme, a free initiative designed to equip first-time founders with essential skills to navigate the startup landscape. This program reflects the firm’s commitment to empowering new entrepreneurs and fostering innovation-driven economic growth in Malaysia.

The partnership between 1337 Ventures and Unearth highlights the increasing importance of sustainable business models and the role of venture capital in supporting impactful startups that drive both economic and environmental value.