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On Zèya, you might discover something you love and realize you can get it by exchanging something you no longer use. Maybe you combine multiple items, add a little cash, or decide to purchase it outright. Ultimately, I don’t want Zèya to become another resale app. I want Zèya to redefine what a marketplace can be. ML: What protections are in place if an exchange goes wrong? Mehdi Taifi: Trust is absolutely fundamental to what we’re building. Our cash transaction flow is designed to hold payments while an exchange is pending, rather than immediately releasing money to the seller. We’re also developing stronger confirmation mechanisms for in-person exchanges and shipped items, along with processes for handling disputes. The Zèya Wallet also gives users visibility into their balances and transaction status. ML: What tells you people are making swapping a habit? Mehdi Taifi: Reaching over 120,000 downloads was an exciting milestone. But downloads alone don’t build a successful marketplace. We’re seeing stronger engagement, more items being listed, more offers being made, and more exchanges taking place. For me, the real milestone won’t be a certain number of downloads. It’ll be when someone instinctively opens Zèya before thinking about buying something new. ML: How does sustainability guide new features? Mehdi Taifi: Sustainability is an important part of our mission, but I’ve always believed that the best way to encourage sustainable behavior is to make it convenient, accessible, and enjoyable. When we think about new features, we always come back to one question: does it make exchanging value easier? Whether it’s multi-item swaps, cash offers, community groups, or our upcoming services feature, we’re trying to remove the friction that prevents people from giving existing items a second life. ML: What would you never trade, and what would you love to discover on Zèya? Mehdi Taifi: I’d probably say something with sentimental value, like a personal keepsake tied to an important moment in my life. As for what I’d love to discover on Zèya, I’m always fascinated by unique, unexpected finds. Maybe a vintage watch, a rare piece of art, or something with an interesting story behind it. You might open the app with nothing in mind and suddenly discover something you love, something you never would have searched for on a traditional marketplace. That’s the future of commerce I envision. Download Zèya: iPhone Android More about Zèya: Official Website Instagram Linkedin TikTok Follow Mehdi Taifi: Instagram