Why We Invested in Cocoli? - Redefining Sustainable Living

At Decelera Ventures, we believe in investing in startups that not only disrupt industries but also create meaningful, sustainable impact. The furniture industry is one of the most wasteful in the world, with millions of pieces discarded each year despite being in perfectly good condition. Cocoli is changing this by giving high-quality pre-owned designer furniture a second life—bringing sustainability, craftsmanship, and circularity to the heart of home design.

Gema Comabella and Greta Schindler at #DeceleraMenorca2024

The Challenge: A More Sustainable Approach to Furniture

The demand for premium furniture continues to grow, but so does the environmental cost. The industry generates massive waste, with high-end pieces often discarded simply due to relocation, redecorating, or changing tastes. Meanwhile, buyers looking for unique, well-crafted pieces face challenges like lack of trust, complicated logistics, and quality concerns in the secondhand market.
This is where Cocoli comes in. By creating a trusted platform for buying and selling premium pre-owned furniture, Cocoli is making sustainable choices effortless. Their seamless process—from authentication to delivery—ensures that beautifully crafted furniture finds new homes instead of landfills.

Cocoli: Elevating Circular Design

Cocoli is more than just a marketplace—it’s a movement towards conscious consumerism in interior design. Their curated approach ensures that only high-quality, designer furniture is resold, making sustainability a natural choice rather than a compromise.
By combining digital efficiency with real-world logistics, they remove the friction from secondhand shopping, offering a premium experience for both sellers and buyers. In doing so, Cocoli is redefining how we think about furniture ownership and the circular economy.

Why We Invested in Cocoli

At Decelera Ventures, we invest in outstanding teams that bring vision, passion, and execution power. Cocoli’s founding team—Frank, Greta, and Gemma—embody the perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Frank: The Adventurer with an Eye for Design

An explorer at heart, Frank finds inspiration in the mountains—whether hiking rugged trails or carving through the snow on his snowboard. His love for fashion, design, and beautifully crafted spaces makes him a natural fit for shaping a brand like Cocoli. Passionate about great food and wine, he appreciates the finer things in life, much like the timeless pieces Cocoli helps preserve. At his core, Frank values deep connections with loved ones, mirroring Cocoli’s commitment to meaningful, sustainable living.

Greta: The Artist Behind the Vision

A true creative soul, Greta is constantly seeking inspiration, whether painting on a canvas, exploring an art gallery, or attending a furniture design fair. When she’s not shaping the aesthetic direction of Cocoli, you’ll find her hiking scenic trails or competing on the padel court. She winds down her days with a glass of red wine, best enjoyed with friends and family—because great design, like great company, is meant to be shared.

Gemma: The Strategist Who Turns Chaos into Opportunity

A stand-up comedy enthusiast, Gemma has a unique talent for finding humor in everyday chaos—an essential skill when balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. With three kids (one just a month younger than Cocoli!), she’s mastered the art of juggling milestones both at home and in business. Originally from Barcelona, she moved to Germany over 12 years ago, learning German just to connect with Greta’s family during summer visits. That simple decision led to an entirely new life—including co-founding a startup that’s transforming the furniture industry.

Building the Future of Sustainable Living

Cocoli is more than a company—it’s a movement. By extending the life cycle of beautifully designed furniture, they are making sustainability desirable, effortless, and impactful.

We are proud to back Frank, Greta, and Gemma in their mission to revolutionize the furniture industry with circularity at its core.

From left to right, Julien Callede, Greta Schindler, Frank Stehle and Gema Comabella, cofounders of Cocoli

At Decelera, we believe that sustainable growth comes from clarity, connection, and the right support. If you’re a founder looking to scale with purpose, apply for our next program and be part of a community that helps you grow beyond the grind.