Digitizing the barter economy (with Josh Kline)

While stuck indoors during the pandemic, items we want — and sometimes need — are harder to locate. Web retailers offer a quick fix, but what if we need online tutoring, IT help, or athletic coaching? And what if we could offer our own goods and services in return?

In an attempt to overcome the communication barriers of traditional barter exchanges, Josh Kline founded HaveNeed — an app that lets users pay for what they “need” with what they “have.” The app’s algorithm creates pairings and multiparty trade circles that were previously impossible to arrange, and employs innovative security measures to ensure fair transactions. On this episode, Josh joins Shane to share HaveNeed's founding story and his outlook for the app’s future.