Woonivers is a project that makes the process of obtaining local tax refunds when travelling easy and quick. To do that, the startup developed a technological platform that’s available free for shoppers and which can be used in selected establishments in Spain.
On the one hand, the app helps the non-EU visitor to claim a VAT refund on purchases in Spain and also supports the business owner in these processes. Abel Navajas and Antonio Cantalapiedra are the entrepreneurs behind this initiative, which also has the approval of the Spanish Tax Authority.
The startup arose from a firm focus on the customer: the tourist is mobile and wants immediate and simple solutions. At the beginning, in addition to technological development, the founders went after the foremost experts in consumer needs, design and usability (UX) as an employee.
They’re now part of a multidisciplinary team of over 15 experts focussed on innovation and the customer. At present, the startup operates effectively in Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona even though implementation is accessible for merchants in any part of the country. By the end of this year, however, the company has plans to begin operating outside of Spain, starting in Lisbon, Paris and Milan