Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Haritos.
Hi Daniel , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Switcheroo – Our Story
Switcheroo started with a simple frustration — we all have things lying around that still have value but aren’t worth the hassle of selling online. I wanted a way for people to swap items directly with others nearby — no listings, no haggling, no fees — just a quick “Tinder-style” match for stuff.
What began as a weekend idea quickly turned into a full build. I designed the concept, built the prototype, and started validating it with real users. Early traction showed there’s real appetite for peer-to-peer swapping, especially among younger users who prefer sustainability and simplicity over cash-based marketplaces.
Since then, Switcheroo has grown into a functional mobile app connecting users to trade everyday goods — from household items to gift cards — using a swipe-to-match interface. The platform is backed by Firebase, AWS, and React Native infrastructure, with features like Venmo cash-outs and digital voucher integration (e.g. Starbucks).
Today, I manage development, AWS infrastructure, and app store deployment myself under the GitHub username Danvermon. We’re preparing to scale the user base, finalize our investor deck, and apply for the NSF SBIR Phase I grant to strengthen our technical foundation and expand features like AI-based item matching and fraud prevention.
Switcheroo’s journey has been bootstrapped, iterative, and community-driven — a practical response to over-consumption and clutter. It’s about making swapping cool, instant, and rewarding again.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not entirely. Building Switcheroo as a solo founder has been both rewarding and challenging. Managing the full stack — from Firebase and AWS integrations to Android builds and app store deployments — often meant navigating version issues and unexpected technical roadblocks. Beyond the code, creating user trust in a peer-to-peer swapping platform required thoughtful safety features like verification and reputation systems. Funding limitations also meant carefully prioritizing development while staying focused on user experience. Every challenge, though, has made the platform stronger and the mission clearer.
We’ve been impressed with Switcheroo, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Switcheroo is a peer-to-peer swapping app that makes it easy for people to trade what they have for what they want — instantly, locally, and without the hassles of selling. Using a simple swipe interface, users can match with others nearby and exchange items ranging from household goods to gift cards and collectibles.
What sets Switcheroo apart is its focus on convenience, trust, and sustainability. Unlike resale platforms that emphasize profit, Switcheroo builds community and promotes reuse — helping people declutter while reducing waste. Behind the scenes, our matching algorithm, integrated digital vouchers, and optional cash-out system (via Venmo or gift cards) create a seamless hybrid of trading and light-commerce.
We specialize in making swapping as effortless and rewarding as buying, and we’re proud to be building a brand that represents smart consumption and connection rather than accumulation.
At its core, Switcheroo is about changing how people think about ownership — turning “what you don’t need” into “something someone else does.”
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that surprises a lot of people is that I’m originally from Australia. I won the U.S. Green Card Lottery and moved to Texas to build Switcheroo from scratch. There aren’t many Aussies in Texas — especially in the startup scene — so it’s been both a cultural shift and a fun conversation starter. The mix of Texas entrepreneurship and Aussie practicality has actually shaped how I build and think about the product. It’s been an unexpected advantage — blending two worlds to create something simple, useful, and community-driven.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.switcherooapp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switcherooapp/
