Whatnot, a leading live shopping platform, secured $225 million in Series F funding. This round co-led DST Global and CapitalG. Sequoia Capital, Alkeon Capital, and returning investors like a16z, Greycroft, and BOND participated. The new investment boosts Whatnot’s valuation to $11.5 billion. This marks more than double its early 2025 value. Moreover, the capital will fuel key initiatives.

Fueling Growth and Innovation

Whatnot plans to use the funds wisely. First, the company accelerates international expansion. Next, it supports engineering and marketing teams. Additionally, it drives product innovation. These efforts strengthen market leadership. Furthermore, Whatnot enhances trust and safety features. It also rolls out new tools for seamless shopping. As a result, users enjoy better experiences.

A portion of the round supports a $126 million tender offer. This allows select investors to buy shares from existing shareholders. Thus, liquidity increases for early backers. Overall, these moves position Whatnot for sustained success.

Redefining Online Shopping Through Connection

Whatnot transforms shopping into a social adventure. Millions of users join live auctions daily. They chat with sellers in real time. Users discover rare trading cards, vintage comics, sneakers, and apparel. For small businesses and individual sellers, Whatnot builds a vibrant community. Passion meets entrepreneurship here. Consequently, the platform fosters deep connections.

The company’s customer retention rate now reaches 80% month-over-month. This shows a 18% increase from last year. Such loyalty underscores Whatnot’s strong user base. Users return because they value the interactive experience. Sellers thrive too, as they engage directly with buyers. Therefore, Whatnot creates a win-win environment.

Live shopping on Whatnot feels personal. Buyers ask questions instantly. Sellers share stories about items. This builds trust quickly. Unlike traditional e-commerce, Whatnot emphasizes community. As a result, shopping becomes entertaining and relational. Millions embrace this shift. Small sellers gain visibility they lacked before.

Explosive Growth and Global Expansion

Whatnot experiences remarkable growth. Its gross merchandise value (GMV) exceeded $6 billion in 2025. This more than doubles the 2024 total. Founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, both avid collectors, the company started small. However, it expanded rapidly beyond the U.S. Now, it operates in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Whatnot claims the title of North America’s fastest-growing marketplace.

The founders drew from their own passions. LaFontaine and Head understood collectors’ needs. They built a platform that caters to niche interests. Today, Whatnot serves diverse categories. From collectibles to fashion, it covers emerging trends. Moreover, the company’s execution impresses investors. Growth metrics prove its potential.

International markets open new doors. Users in Europe and Canada adopt live shopping eagerly. Whatnot adapts to local preferences. It localizes content and partnerships. As a result, expansion succeeds smoothly. The platform’s technology supports scalability. Engineering teams innovate constantly. Thus, Whatnot stays ahead of competitors.

Insights from Investors and Leaders

Investors praise Whatnot’s trajectory. Laela Sturdy, a Whatnot board member and Managing Partner at CapitalG, highlights its impact. “Whatnot brought the live shopping wave to the US, the UK, and Europe,” she said. “It has turned it into one of the fastest growing marketplaces of all time. The brand’s explosive growth, loyal community, and relentless execution in service of its buyers and sellers make it one of the most exciting bets in commerce today.”

Alfred Lin, Partner at Sequoia Capital, shares similar enthusiasm. “E-commerce adoption remains far from saturated globally,” he noted. “With vast markets still predominantly offline, Whatnot capitalizes on this opportunity through live shopping and strategic curation of emerging categories.” Lin added, “Grant and the Whatnot team have turned passion into a powerful business, and we are proud to be a part of their growing community.”

Grant LaFontaine, co-founder and CEO of Whatnot, reflects on the milestone. “The conversation around live shopping has changed,” he stated. “We’re no longer asking if it will catch on. Whatnot is proving that live shopping is retail’s new normal.” LaFontaine continued, “This funding represents both investor conviction and consumer confidence in our vision for the future of live commerce. With this capital, we will create more opportunities to help sellers build profitable businesses from their passions to delight buyers around the globe.”

These quotes reveal strong belief in Whatnot. Investors see untapped potential worldwide. Leaders focus on community and innovation. Together, they drive the platform forward.

The Future of Live Commerce

Whatnot sets trends in e-commerce. Live shopping evolves rapidly. The platform integrates advanced features soon. Enhanced video quality improves auctions. AI tools curate personalized recommendations. Safety measures protect users better. As a result, trust grows.

Sellers benefit from analytics. They track performance easily. Buyers discover unique items faster. International growth continues. Whatnot eyes more countries. It partners with local influencers. Thus, adoption accelerates.

Challenges exist, yet Whatnot overcomes them. Competition rises, but loyalty endures. The $11.5 billion valuation reflects confidence. Funds enable bold steps. Engineering hires boost capabilities. Marketing reaches new audiences. Product teams innovate relentlessly.