Shawn Du, CEO and Founder of Revenir, discussing AI-driven solutions for simplifying VAT reclaims and revolutionizing the financial industry.

Simplifying VAT Reclaims with AI: A Conversation with Shawn Du, CEO & Founder of Revenir

In this exclusive Q&A, Shawn Du, CEO and Founder of Revenir, shares the inspiring story behind his company, a cutting-edge platform revolutionizing VAT reclaims with AI-driven technology. From addressing inefficiencies in the financial system to forging impactful partnerships with banks and fintechs, Shawn discusses how Revenir is redefining the future of financial innovation.

With a mission to simplify complex VAT reclaim processes and empower users with seamless solutions, Revenir is setting a new standard in fintech. Join us as Shawn dives into the challenges, opportunities, and next big developments in this evolving space, offering valuable insights into how AI is reshaping the financial industry.

 

 Let’s start with a quick introduction of yourself. Could you tell us about your background and the story behind Revenir?

 My name is Shawn, and I have dedicated my career to shaping the fintech landscape and building bridges between technology and financial systems. As the CEO of Revenir, I lead a company that thrives on innovation, collaboration and impact.

The story of Revenir begins with an important realisation: VAT refunds, designed to benefit consumers and businesses, were plagued by inefficiencies and complexities. After experiencing frustrations with both personal and business VAT reclaims, I recognised an opportunity to transform the process. Revenir was founded with a clear mission: to simplify VAT reclaims using cutting-edge technology and redefine what is possible in the financial industry.

 

What was the vision when founding Revenir? And how is it changing the financial industry?

From day one, our vision has been to simplify the complex and make the inaccessible accessible. VAT refunds have traditionally been plagued by bureaucracy, outdated systems, and a lack of transparency.

We boldly envision a world where consumers and businesses can swiftly and securely reclaim what is rightfully theirs, encountering minimal friction along the way. Revenir is revolutionising the financial industry by incorporating AI-driven automation and transparency into a system that has long relied on manual processes. Our technology not only streamlines VAT reclaims but also integrates seamlessly with banks and fintech companies, creating a cohesive ecosystem. We have crafted a solution that not only meets the needs of users but also empowers financial institutions to enhance their value propositions and cultivate deeper trust with their customers.

 

Why do you think reclaiming VAT back is such a huge problem for many consumers?

The challenge stems from the complexity and fragmentation of the VAT process. VAT policies differ significantly between countries, leaving travellers to navigate unfamiliar systems with minimal guidance. Moreover, the documentation required by the incumbents can be cumbersome, leading many consumers to abandon the process due to time constraints or confusion.

For businesses, the situation is equally frustrating. They face fragmented systems, compliance challenges, and manual workflows that deplete resources. Consequently, billions in unclaimed VAT go untouched each year—money that could be reinvested into the economy or returned to consumers and businesses.

 

How does the technology work and how does AI contribute to helping consumers claim on their overseas purchases?

Revenir’s platform utilises real-time data integration and AI-powered analytics to streamline the VAT claim process. By connecting directly with banks, payment providers, and financial institutions, we automate the entire lifecycle of a VAT claim—from capturing receipts to verifying eligibility and submitting claims. AI plays a crucial role in ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

For instance:

– Automated receipt scanning: AI accurately extracts and processes data from receipts, eliminating human error.

– Fraud detection: Machine learning algorithms identify anomalies in claims, protecting against misuse.

– Personalised insights: AI-driven recommendations help users maximise their buying power while travelling.

This technology transforms a traditionally tedious process into a seamless and intuitive experience for both consumers and businesses.

 

You are partnering with FinTechs and Banks – what does this partnership look like and how will they benefit?

Our partnerships with fintech companies and banks are fueled by a shared commitment to customer-centric innovation. By integrating our VAT reclaim technology into their existing offerings, we create an all-encompassing financial experience that drives real results for users. For fintechs, collaborating with Revenir adds value by bolstering customer retention and loyalty and for banks, a partnership is a powerful opportunity to modernise and stand out in the marketplace by providing advanced solutions that tackle actual challenges.

The advantages extend well beyond the user experience. By automating VAT reclaims, financial institutions substantially reduce operational costs, enhance compliance, and unlock new revenue streams—all while solidifying their status as leaders in innovation within the financial sector.

 

What are the current challenges?

One of the main challenges we face is navigating the diverse regulatory landscape across different regions. Each country has its own tax laws and compliance standards, which necessitates that our platform is both adaptable and precise. Another significant challenge is educating the market. Many consumers and businesses are unaware of the benefits they could gain by reclaiming VAT. Closing this knowledge gap is just as important as delivering the technology itself.Finally, scalability in a rapidly growing market remains a continuous focus for us. We must ensure that our infrastructure and partnerships can accommodate increasing demand without compromising quality. This is a challenge we tackle through strategic planning and innovation.

 

You recently raised funding – what do you plan to do with the funding and what’s next for your growth? (We are about to raise funds)

Fundraising marks an exciting and transformative chapter for Revenir. Our primary focus is on aggressively expanding our global presence, particularly in regions with significant untapped VAT reclaim potential. We are making substantial investments in research and development to amplify our AI capabilities and optimise our platform to the highest standards.We are also committed to forging strong partnerships with fintech companies, banks, and partners, ensuring that our solution is not only widely accessible but also seamlessly integrated into various ecosystems. Furthermore, we are strategically expanding our team by attracting top talent to propel our mission forward with unstoppable momentum.

 

What do you see as the next big development in this space?

The next frontier in VAT reclaims and fintech is hyper-personalisation driven by AI. With advancing data analytics, we are on the brink of a transformative era where financial platforms will confidently predict and optimise tax savings for users based on their spending patterns and travel behaviours.

Embedded finance is revolutionising the way consumers and businesses interact with financial services. By seamlessly integrating VAT reclaim solutions into digital wallets, booking platforms, and loyalty programs, we are set to elevate convenience and accessibility to unprecedented levels. Sustainability and ethical finance are no longer optional; they are essential. By harnessing the power of AI, fintech companies can align their offerings with vital environmental and social objectives, ensuring that innovation drives both profitability and purpose. Revenir is at the forefront of this technological and impactful evolution. We are dedicated to reshaping the future for consumers, businesses, and the financial industry as a whole.

 

About Revenir:
Revenir, a VAT reclaims platform was established to eliminate financial inefficiency and bring innovative technology to the financial sector. Founded by Shawn Du, a Canadian citizen, Revenir navigates through the minefield of VAT reclaims at the airport. Offering a unique API service to automate the entire VAT reclaim process for any card provider. https://www.revenir.ai

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