In a world where prices keep climbing, one app is flipping the script—by taking money out of the equation entirely. Bunz, the beloved Canadian bartering platform, is back and better than ever with a bold relaunch and a powerful new mission: to create a parallel economy rooted in community, sustainability, and ethical exchange. We sat down with Bunz founder Firat Eren to talk about the app’s evolution, its new #PayPeopleNotPlatforms initiative, and why the future of trade might just be cashless. —Noa Nichol
What’s the most unforgettable trade you’ve ever made on Bunz?
I once posted a bottle of 1999 Château Mouton Rothschild—one of the best wines I owned—for 100,000 BTZ, just to see if anyone would bite. I didn’t expect anyone to actually have that much BTZ… but it was gone the next day. It still makes me smile. Bunz makes extraordinary things accessible to anyone—and that’s the magic.
You first got involved with Bunz in 2015. Did you ever imagine it becoming a global bartering platform?
Honestly, no. You can’t fabricate a story like Bunz—it’s too real. But now that we’ve rebuilt it the right way, it’s no longer just an idea. As an engineer, I believe this can be a truly global platform, and I’m committed to making it sustainable.
The new Bunz is guided by “No Cash. No Discrimination. No Spamming.” Which is hardest to enforce?
Definitely “No Spamming.” Most users naturally avoid cash and discrimination, but spam attracts people looking to exploit the system. Our level system now requires genuine participation to gain reach, and most spammers end up becoming part of the community. A clean, authentic feed is core to Bunz.
Tell us about the mountain levels. What do they represent?
We named user levels after iconic mountains to reflect values like humility, presence, and determination. We don’t reveal the exact criteria to level up—so users focus on engaging naturally. Right now, I’m on Kilimanjaro, tracking toward Aconcagua. To reach Everest, you need presence, determination, a strong team—and the humility to keep going even if you miss the summit.
Bunz isn’t anti-money, but it’s anti-waste. How do you hope it changes consumption?
Money works, but when it’s the only trade tool, it causes imbalance. Bunz encourages people to rethink the value of their stuff. Trading gives items a second life, reduces waste, and builds community. Every trade counts.
BTZ can’t be bought or sold—only earned. How does that impact the community?
BTZ was created by users, not by us. It was born out of necessity, and we kept it alive. Since it can only be earned and used within Bunz, it encourages contribution, not consumption. That keeps the community dynamic genuine.
What’s something in your home you’d never trade?
My cat. Not just because I couldn’t—but because my wife would kill me. Some things are off the table. That’s the point: value isn’t just about what you’d give up, it’s about what you’d never trade.
From engineering to ethical trading—what inspired the shift?
After selling my web hosting business, I invested in a young team working on Bunz. When things went south, I stepped in. Bunz was the only startup I ever backed—and I wasn’t going to let it fail. I believed in it then, and I believe in it now more than ever.
If Bunz hosted a real-world market, what booths would you set up first?
Ride Share Booth: BTZ trades for carpooling.
Student Exchange Booth: Textbooks, tutoring, life advice.
Neighbourhood SOS Booth: “I need a lemon!”—classic Bunz.
Bonus: Rare Parts Booth for hard-to-find items.
These ideas should grow organically. My role is to protect that space for users to explore.
What’s next for Bunz? Any dream features?
Right now, the priority is sustainability—strong feature use, a healthy BTZ flow, and building community in key cities. My development partner is doing amazing work, even from a war zone. We’ll integrate AI where needed, but the big goal? A real PR campaign. The idea is proven. Now it just needs its people back.
share:
Be the first to comment