Get to know us

"As a young boy in Northern California, I joined my mother on thrifting adventures—flea markets, thrift shops, yard sales. It felt less like shopping and more like a treasure hunt. Every item had a story, every find was unique. The thrill of uncovering hidden gems, that rush of discovering something rare—it was addicting. That love for finding value in the overlooked is what sparked the idea for Swapsies."

– Ian A. Hanlon, CEO & Founder

People and culture

Founded in Texas in October 2023 by a group of technical entrepreneurs, our company sprang from a simple, yet innovative idea discussed over a Zoom call. United in ownership and vision, we're a tight-knit team dedicated to creating a novel shopping experience. Our work culture thrives on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to our goals.

We're passionate about bringing the concept of barter into the modern era. Believing in its benefits for both people and the planet, we're focused on building a user-friendly platform that makes trading goods easy and accessible. Our vision is to make barter a practical and popular choice for everyday transactions, driven by the idea that it can positively impact both individual lives and the environment.

The Inspiration Behind Swapsies

Swapsies was born from a deeply rooted understanding of trade, gratitude, and sustainability—values that founder Ian Hanlon learned from his Choctaw heritage. As a CDIB Choctaw Tribal member, Ian spent his formative years with his grandfather, Elmer Wells, attending Bear Ceremonies and sweat lodges, where he gained a profound respect for the balance of taking only what is needed from Mother Earth and showing gratitude to the Creator.

His grandfather shared stories of Native American barter traditions, where tribes traded goods not just for necessity, but as an act of mutual respect and cooperation. These lessons, learned at an impactful age, stuck with Ian, sparking a question that would later define his vision: Why don’t we trade more in today’s society when people have so much?

This foundational belief led to the development of Swapsies, a modern platform built on the age-old principles of fair exchange, sustainability, and community. If these traditions and values of cooperation and mindful consumption resonate with you, consider trying Swapsies for yourself.

Ian A Hanlon

CEO & Founder

Eniola Anthony Olayori

CTO & Co-founder

Muhammad Saleem

UI/UX Designer & Co-founder