Better World Books is an online bookseller based in the United States, founded in 2002 by Christopher "Kreece" Fuchs, Xavier Helgesen, and Jeff Kurtzman. By 2013, the company had donated approximately $14 million. Its inventory of used books primarily comes from 1,800 colleges and universities and over 3,000 library systems across the U.S., with donation bins found on college campuses nationwide. The company operates distribution warehouses in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Dunfermline, Scotland.
In 2001, Better World Books founders Christopher Fuchs, Xavier Helgesen, and Jeff Kurtzman began selling their own used college textbooks online shortly after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. The three then developed a business plan based on their experience selling books online.
In 2003, the trio entered their business plan into the Notre Dame Social Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition. They went on to win the championship and a $7,000 prize supported by entrepreneur David Murphy. From 2004 to 2011, Murphy served as the company's President and CEO. In 2004, the company acquired a credit line guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In 2009, Better World Books secured $4 million in venture capital. In 2008, the company began operations in Dunfermline, Scotland, and launched a UK website in 2010. The company's revenue reached $65 million, with a total of 340 employees.
