Our Story
At RentNow, we believe in making renting accessible, affordable, and seamless for everyone. Our journey began with a simple idea: to create a platform where people can easily find and rent cars, homes, bikes, and scooters all in one place—without the hassle. Today, RentNow has grown into a thriving ecosystem that connects renters and hosts across Albania, providing trusted rental solutions for everyday needs and adventures.
What Drives Us
Trust & Transparency
We believe in building a platform where both renters and hosts feel secure. Trust is at the heart of every rental transaction on RentNow.
Innovation & Growth
Our team is always looking for new ways to improve the renting experience, by adding new features or expanding our offerings.
Community Focus
Whether you’re renting a car for a road trip or listing your home for others to enjoy, we’re fostering a community of trust.
Where We’re Headed
Our vision for the future is global. We’re excited to expand RentNow beyond Albania, bringing our unique blend of trust, convenience, and flexibility to new markets. With every new destination, we stay committed to making renting simple, secure, and rewarding—whether you’re hitting the road, finding a cozy place to stay, or exploring a city by bike.
We know this is just the beginning. The future of renting is bright, and we can’t wait to see where RentNow goes next—guided by our commitment to innovation, community, and exceptional service.
The Milestones that Shaped RentNow
2019: The Birth of RentNow
● RentNow was born from the need to simplify the car rental process in Albania. The idea focused on creating a secure, user-friendly platform for local renters and hosts.
● Bootstrapping: With no external funding, the project was entirely self-funded, showing the team’s commitment to seeing their vision through
● Fun Fact: The first version of RentNow was brainstormed during late-night coffee sessions, and the name RentNow was the result of a spontaneous team vote after discarding over 20 different options.
2020: Early Development and Vision
● First Demo Launched: The RentNow demo version 1.0 was released, allowing the team to test the platform with early adopters.
● Agencies and Reservations: Secured 2 agencies and received the first rental reservation through the platform.
● Bootcamp Application: In the latter half of the year, RentNow applied to the Tirana Inc. bootcamp, a prestigious incubator program designed to help startups refine their business models and scale.
● Fun Fact: The initial prototype of RentNow was coded during a series of weekend coding marathons, fuelled by takeout and endless coffee!
2021: Tirana Inc. Bootcamp
● Participation in Tirana Inc.: RentNow joined the Tirana Inc. boot camp, a six-month-long incubator program that helped reshape the startup’s strategy and refine its offerings.
● Rebranding and Reshaping: The bootcamp led to a full rebranding and reshaping of the business model, preparing RentNow for the next growth phase.
● Fun Fact: The team sketched over 10 logo versions during the rebranding process before settling on the final design!
2022: Official Launch and Recognition
● First Prize Win: In February 2022, RentNow won first prize at the Tirana Inc. bootcamp, marking a significant validation of the platform’s potential.
● Platform Launch: RentNow officially launched, with 6 new agencies signing up and 12 new reservations processed.
● Market Growth: The platform began gaining traction in the market, offering an improved rental experience and building trust with users.
● Fun Fact: The team’s excitement after the Tirana Inc. victory and the first official booking was so high that they immediately started planning the next version of RentNow!
2023: Preparing for RentNow 2.0
● Platform Optimization: Throughout 2023, the team worked on improving the overall user experience, enhancing platform performance, and securing the framework for a bigger relaunch.
● New Features in Development: While new listing types (homes, bikes, scooters) were planned, they were held for the upcoming 2024 release.
● Strategic Focus: A large portion of 2023 was spent preparing for the RentNow 2.0 redesign, focusing on better usability and broader rental categories.
● Fun Fact: The RentNow team went through over 50 color schemes to find the perfect palette for the 2.0 version’s new look!
2024 and Beyond: Scaling and Global Ambition
● Launch of RentNow 2.0: The much-anticipated RentNow 2.0 features a complete redesign, with a smoother interface and improved user experience.
● Expansion of Listings: RentNow 2.0 introduced new listing types, including homes, bikes, and scooters, transforming the platform into a one-stop-shop for various rental needs.
● Global Expansion: The team is targeting international growth, with plans to introduce RentNow in new countries and establish it as a leader in the multi-category rental space.
So, just another rental platform?
Not exactly. RentNow was born out of a need to address the specific challenges of the rental market in Albania. While rental platforms are common, RentNow takes a different approach by solving problems that are unique to our region:
● Fragmented Market – Albania’s rental market is highly fragmented, with independent hosts and small agencies operating without a unified platform. RentNow brings everything under one roof, making it easier for renters to find what they need and for hosts to reach new customers.
● Lack of Trust and Standardization – Traditional rentals often suffer from a lack of trust between renters and hosts. RentNow changes that with verified hosts, transparent pricing, and clear policies that eliminate confusion and create a secure environment for all users.
● Growing Demand for Diverse Rentals – The market has been primarily focused on car rentals, but with RentNow 2.0, we’re expanding into new categories like homes, bikes, and scooters. This meets the growing demand for a variety of rental options, all on one easy-to-use platform.
● Tech-driven Improvements – RentNow is not just a booking platform. We’re integrating innovative tech solutions, like instant messaging between hosts and renters, and smart pricing tools to optimize rental experiences.
