Vinted Ventures: The New Player in Startup Investment with Up to €10M Cheques

Vinted, the renowned secondhand marketplace startup, has launched its in-house VC arm, Vinted Ventures, aimed at investing in re-commerce businesses globally. Founded in 2008 in Vilnius, Vinted has built a strong reputation in Europe, boasting over 100 million registered users. Recently, they reported their first-ever profitability with revenues reaching €596.3 million, a significant 61% increase from the previous year.

Investing in Re-commerce

With Vinted Ventures, the company plans to invest in secondhand marketplaces and related sectors that have gained traction post-Covid-19. CEO Thomas Plantenga emphasizes the potential of the re-commerce sector, stating that they aim to support startups that positively impact the wider market. Vinted Ventures will make up to three investments annually, targeting growth-stage companies in Series A to C rounds with investments ranging from €500k to €10m.

Senior director of corporate development, Milda Jasaitė, highlights their focus on companies that accelerate re-commerce, including solutions for shipping, payments, and innovative technologies that enhance consumer experiences in the secondhand market. The Vinted Ventures team will consist of six employees, with a strong emphasis on deal sourcing and portfolio development.

Corporate Venture Capital

Though corporate venture capital is common among tech giants, Vinted Ventures stands out due to its rapid growth and recent profitability. Comparatively, companies like Stripe and Coinbase have established their own VC initiatives, showcasing the trend of traditional businesses venturing into startup investments. Vinted's commitment to nurturing the re-commerce ecosystem positions it as a significant player in the investment landscape.