Ian Arthurs (Circular.co)
Overview
Ian Arthurs is the founder and CEO of Circular.co, a digital platform focused on sourcing sustainable materials, particularly post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. Arthurs is known for leveraging technology to address complex sustainability challenges in the manufacturing sector. Having held significant roles in major tech companies like Google, Airbnb, and TaskRabbit, he ventured into sustainability, realizing the market's need for a centralized place to buy and sell recycled materials. Under his leadership, Circular.co has rapidly grown to become a leading platform in the sustainable materials market, revolutionizing the way recycled goods are transacted.
Recent Developments
- March 2025: Circular.co announced it had secured $10.5 million in funding to further develop its platform and expand its offerings to include other sustainable materials like paper and metals. This move aims to enhance the scale and functionality of the platform and broaden the supplier and buyer network.
- September 2024: Arthurs discussed how Circular.co plans to address existing supply chain challenges and the significant role AI plays in their platform's capabilities. He detailed plans to expand internationally and add more sustainable materials to their offerings.
- January 2023: On the Sourcing Hero podcast, Ian Arthurs elaborated on Circular.co's efforts to create a viable marketplace for recycled goods, emphasizing the economic incentives for businesses to transition to sustainable practices.
- December 2024: Circular.co released its impact report for 2024, highlighting the company's strides in sustainability, including engagement with global brands like Walmart and Coca-Cola, and the expansion of their data analytics tools to aid clients in sourcing sustainable materials effectively.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ian Arthurs |
| Born | United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Founder & CEO of Circular.co |
| Known For | Leading Circular.co and developing digital platforms for sustainability |
| Education | MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth; MA from University of Glasgow |
Early Life and Education
Ian Arthurs was born in the United Kingdom, where he spent his formative years. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Glasgow, earning a Master of Arts in Management Studies. Ian furthered his education at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business, where he received his MBA. His educational background laid a strong foundation in management and business strategy, shaping his career in the technology and business sectors.
Career and Notable Achievements
Ian Arthurs started his career in management consulting before moving into significant roles at renowned tech companies. His journey includes:
- 2001-2004: Worked as a management consultant at Mitchell Madison Group.
- 2005-2007: Held a marketing position at Colgate-Palmolive.
- 2007-2011: Managed advertising sales and operations at Google.
- 2012-2013: Worked at Meebo and then became Head of Sales & Operations at Airbnb.
- 2013-2019: Served as COO at TaskRabbit, later acquired by IKEA.
- 2019-2021: Became COO at Medium before founding Circular.co in 2021.
Through these roles, Ian has accrued extensive experience in digital platforms and supply chain management, which he now uses to lead Circular.co.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Ian Arthurs is at the helm of Circular.co, where he drives the company's mission to facilitate sustainable manufacturing practices. Under his leadership, Circular.co is making significant strides in promoting and enabling a circular economy by providing a platform that connects buyers and sellers of recycled materials. His work has had a substantial impact on the industry, offering companies efficient and economical solutions to meet sustainability goals.