Canadian peer-to-peer clothing rental company Rax is expanding to the U.S.

Meet Marley Alles: From Accounting to Fashion Tech Startup

Marley Alles started her career in accounting, dreaming of working at a big company. However, once she achieved that goal, she realized it wasn’t fulfilling. Her curiosity led her to explore the world of startups, immersing herself in podcasts and books on the subject.

One summer, after spending a fortune on bridesmaid dresses and bachelorette outfits for friends’ weddings, Marley had an idea. When someone asked to borrow one of her dresses, she saw an opportunity for a larger-scale solution. This led her to create Rax, a peer-to-peer clothing rental company.

Rax, launched earlier this year, operates as a marketplace connecting users with clothing items available for rent. Marley bootstrapped the company, coding the app herself and attracting customers through word of mouth and online engagement. With 5,000 users on the app, Rax is gaining momentum in Toronto.

Rax is revolutionizing the fashion industry by offering long-term rentals, up to six months, unlike competitors with daily rentals. This approach supports sustainability by promoting the circularity of fashion, encouraging consumers to rent rather than buy new clothes each season.

At JS Disrupt, Rax announced its expansion into the U.S. market after winning the top consumer pitch at the event. Marley valued the in-person interactions at Disrupt, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the community as a founder.

Looking ahead, Rax plans to expand to New York and develop a rental service platform for fashion designers and retailers. Marley believes that brands are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, and Rax provides a way for them to offer rental clothing to consumers, contributing to a more eco-conscious fashion industry.