In a world grappling with overconsumption, Arman Sarhaddar, a visionary entrepreneur with over 25 years in finance, founded ivault to transform how we think about ownership and sustainability.
The blockchain-powered app connects communities by facilitating the sharing and renting of everyday items securely and privately. In this exclusive interview, Arman shares his journey, the impact of ivault, and his bold vision for a sustainable, connected future.
Q: Arman, you’ve transitioned from a successful finance career into the world of blockchain and sustainability. Can you share what personally inspired this significant shift and the creation of ivault?
Absolutely. For me, this journey came out of personal experience. About ten years ago, when I moved from Florida back to Switzerland, my most valuable belongings were stolen from a storage unit in Miami.
That loss didn’t just hurt financially — it opened my eyes to how vulnerable people are when it comes to trust and security. With my background in finance, I’d seen how systems can empower people or fail them.
I wanted to create something meaningful, something that helps individuals protect and get more value out of what they already own. That’s how ivault was born: to use blockchain technology not just for financial transactions, but to help communities connect, recover, and share in a way that’s secure, efficient, and good for the planet
Q: Let’s talk about real-world use cases. How exactly does the ivault app make it easier for people to borrow and lend items within their communities? Could you describe a typical user experience?
Sure! Imagine you have a power drill at home that you only used once. With ivault, you can list that drill on the app, set the lending terms, and connect with a neighbor who needs it for the weekend. On the other side, the borrower can browse available items nearby, send a request, and complete the transaction securely.
The beauty is that everything is backed by blockchain — meaning the agreement, the item’s condition, and the transaction details are all recorded and verifiable through smart contracts. Plus, both sides earn rewards through our platform. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about creating value for both the lender and the borrower, while helping the environment.
Q: Sustainability is clearly important, but many people find it challenging to adopt eco-friendly behaviors due to costs or convenience. How does ivault specifically address these barriers to make sustainable choices accessible to everyone?
That’s such an important point. Most people want to live sustainably, but they often face barriers like cost or effort. ivault makes sustainability the easier and more rewarding choice. Instead of buying something new, you can borrow it from someone nearby and even earn rewards for doing so. Our platform makes these exchanges simple, secure, and beneficial. We’re creating a system where doing something good for the planet also brings you personal value — that’s the key to making sustainable behavior part of everyday life.
Q: Trust is vital when sharing personal belongings. How does ivault build trust among its users, and what role does your blockchain technology play in enhancing community confidence?
Trust is at the heart of everything we do. With ivault, trust is built directly into the system. Thanks to blockchain, every transaction is recorded, transparent, and tamper-proof. Users can operate under real profiles or even avatars, keeping control over their personal data. At the same time, reputation and feedback are tracked, so both sides know they’re dealing with someone reliable.
We’ve replaced the need for blind trust with a technology-backed system that gives people real confidence in their interactions with KYC verified users that costs a fraction compared to other systems on the market.
Q: Community engagement seems central to your approach. Can you provide specific examples of communities or users who have notably benefited from using ivault? What kinds of items or interactions have been particularly popular or impactful?
One example that really stands out is a neighborhood group in Zurich that started using ivault to share tools, kitchen appliances, and even musical instruments. What began as a few listings turned into a whole local ecosystem where people actively help each other, save money, and reduce waste. Items like e-bikes, cameras, and construction gear have been especially popular — things that are expensive to buy but perfect for short-term use. Seeing people come together and build stronger communities through the platform is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Innovation often comes with challenges. What have been the major hurdles in developing and scaling ivault, and how did you overcome them?
Building something new always comes with challenges. One of the biggest was finding the right balance between user privacy and transparency. People want to protect their data, but they also need to trust who they’re dealing with. Blockchain gave us the solution, but it took time and testing to get it right. Another challenge was funding. We didn’t rely on debt or government grants — we worked with accredited investors who believed in our mission. And of course, scaling a tech platform means having the right team. I’m very grateful to work with people who share the vision and put in the hard work to bring it to life.
Q: Looking forward, what are your ambitious goals for ivault? How do you plan to expand your user base globally, and what new features or enhancements can users expect in the coming years?
Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand ivault into new markets and broaden the range of what can be shared. We want to make it just as easy to share digital goods or services as physical ones. We’re also working on integrations with the metaverse, where real-world assets can connect to virtual spaces. But no matter how we grow, we stay focused on our core mission: scaling responsibly, improving the user experience, and staying true to our sustainability goals.
Q: Finally, with your unique perspective, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to combine technology with meaningful social or environmental impact?
Stay clear on your “why.” Technology is just a tool — the real power comes from applying it to solve meaningful problems. Be ready for setbacks, and see them as part of the learning process. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Stay authentic, keep learning, and always stay positive. If you hold on to your vision and keep moving forward, you can make a real difference.You may join the ivault community today and discover how easy and rewarding it can be to share, earn, and make a real difference.
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