The past few months have been exceptional for WeSub. We have more than one reason to celebrate.
Not long ago, we were celebrating surpassing 10,000 completed transactions. Then came our fourth anniversary, and now we’ve hit another milestone: the total value of equipment under subscription has exceeded 20 million euros. These aren’t just numbers – they represent real companies, real needs, and a shift in the way technology is perceived in business. This moment felt like the perfect opportunity to talk to Mariusz Szałagan, founder and CEO of WeSub – about the beginnings, the future, and why subscription isn’t just a trend but a lasting change.
Mariusz, do you remember when the idea for WeSub was born?
Yes, very clearly. It all started from personal frustration – we wanted access to great equipment without having to go through complicated financial paperwork. That was in late 2018. We were inspired by the American market, where subscriptions were growing several times faster than traditional sales. We thought, “why not here?” In Poland, flexible access to many products was missing – and that was the spark.
What were the early days like? What did you feel when you saw the first “rented” item?
It was like seeing your own product on a shelf – only this one was in use, in motion. Every new “first time” – first laptop subscription, first ten contracts per month, first coffee machine, one thousand contracts a month – reinforced our belief that this model made sense. These were the moments that truly built confidence in the scalability of the whole venture.
What was the hardest part at the beginning?
At first, we were a niche. 9.5 out of 10 people said “no, thanks.” That “.5” was someone who didn’t run away immediately but listened. We had to build the market from scratch – educate, explain, inspire. Today, 3 out of 10 listen to us, and the rest are warming up. This is thanks to changing consumer habits – and our persistence.
Today you’re celebrating 20 million euros. What does that number mean to you?
It’s a clear signal that the subscription model has been embraced. Clients no longer necessarily want to own – they prefer to use. And we hit the mark with an offer that meets that need. For us, it’s proof that the real growth is still ahead. Subscription is no longer a curiosity – it’s the new standard for modern technology use.
Is it just laptops and phones that come to you?
Definitely not. From classic laptops and coffee machines to EMS devices, massage chairs, beauty and gastronomy equipment. We often hear the question: “can this be subscribed too?” If it works, is premium, and makes sense from a usage standpoint – the answer is usually “yes.”
Why is subscription the future?
Because we prefer convenience. We don’t want to worry about what to do when something breaks, how to insure it, how to finance it. You pay, use, and swap. Technology evolves fast – ownership just can’t keep up. Subscription is the natural response to that pace.
How do companies respond?
They’ve changed their mindset. Many businesses today don’t want to buy equipment “forever.” They need it for a specific project, for a month, six months. Leasing takes too long. Buying is too expensive. Subscription offers flexibility and better budget control – it’s a real competitive advantage.
Where do you see further growth?
In Poland, we aim to capture 5% of the consumer electronics market – that’s at least PLN 2.5 billion annually. But we also see huge potential in industries like beauty, medical, and gastronomy. We’re already active in France and Switzerland. Our goal is to become the subscription leader in Europe – and we’re well on our way.
And the team? What makes you proudest?
How many people who started here with no experience are now making key decisions. Because they treat the company like their own. And they’re not afraid of constructive conflict. It shows we’ve built a healthy culture – bold, responsible, and open to change.
Do you have a leadership principle?
Listening – to people, clients, and partners. Flexibility – because the market changes daily. And humility – you have to have the courage to admit you don’t know something. Only then can you truly learn.
Where do you draw your energy from?
I have a ritual – I go running every morning at 5 a.m. It’s my time to organize thoughts and plans. What drives me is the awareness that we’re in the middle of a transformation. Just like car leasing was once innovative and is now the norm – the same will happen with electronics. I want to be part of that change.
What has leading WeSub taught you?
That mission and vision aren’t empty phrases. In a dynamic environment, you need a compass – values and direction. Even if the road is winding – you need to know where you’re heading.
What would your perfect day look like in five years?
A morning run, coffee, reports from several countries. And then – entering a new market where no one has yet introduced the subscription model. I’d like WeSub to be associated with quality, scale, and the courage to blaze new trails.
And finally – what would you say to yourself before launching WeSub?
Aim high from the start. Trust people. And don’t fear risk – it’s the only path to playing big. Better to make a few mistakes than miss your chance.
Today, WeSub has over 20 million euros worth of equipment that’s transforming how companies work and grow – in Poland and abroad – through subscription. But this is only the beginning. Our ambition is not only to scale the model but to set new standards – flexible, convenient, and future-focused. Because the future is about using, not owning. And we’re building it right now.
