Fleek raises $14.8M in Series A for its Vintage Wholesale Marketplace

Fleek, a marketplace for wholesale second-hand fashion, has raised $14.8 million in Series-A funding to bring the global second-hand clothing market online. This round was led by HV Capital, with support from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Y Combinator, and individual investors including tech leaders like Shopify’s President Harley Finkelstein and former Depop CEO Maria Raga. With this new capital, Fleek aims to expand its platform, which connects thousands of suppliers and resellers worldwide, supporting the growing demand for sustainable fashion by making second-hand wholesale accessible at scale.

Founded in 2021 by Abhi Arora and Sanket Agarwal, Fleek seeks to address challenges in the $200 billion second-hand fashion industry, which is expected to grow to $350 billion by 2028. Unlike retail fashion, which is heavily digitized, the second-hand wholesale market remains largely fragmented and offline, making it difficult for resellers to source inventory efficiently. Fleek’s platform provides a streamlined solution by connecting over 1,000 suppliers with 10,000 resellers in more than 70 countries. This creates a more accessible pathway for resellers to purchase quality second-hand inventory from trusted suppliers, fostering a sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Through its platform, Fleek offers a range of features designed to meet the specific needs of second-hand fashion suppliers and buyers. The marketplace supports chat and live video shopping, which allow buyers to engage directly with suppliers, creating a dynamic and interactive shopping experience. Fleek’s platform also includes tools for buyer protection, competitive pricing, and logistics support, all aimed at simplifying the wholesale purchasing process. The social commerce aspect of Fleek’s platform adds a community-driven feel, allowing buyers and sellers to connect and communicate effectively.

As the demand for sustainable fashion continues to rise, Fleek’s platform leverages AI and predictive analytics to help suppliers align with market trends. These insights enable suppliers to identify trending categories, such as vintage streetwear and upcycled clothing, ensuring that resellers have access to high-demand inventory. This data-driven approach not only aids suppliers in maximizing their sales but also helps Fleek stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market by ensuring that their platform remains relevant and appealing to fashion resellers globally.

Fleek’s mission is to “make second-hand the first choice” for consumers and businesses alike, according to co-founder and CEO Abhi Arora. The funding will further this mission by enabling Fleek to expand its services, improve platform functionality, and support more resellers worldwide in sourcing second-hand inventory effectively. The support from prominent investors demonstrates confidence in Fleek’s approach to solving the logistical and operational issues inherent in the second-hand fashion wholesale market. Felix Klühr, General Partner at HV Capital, expressed enthusiasm for Fleek's impact, saying, “Fleek is redefining the second-hand fashion landscape and setting the stage for a more sustainable future in fashion.”

Fleek’s business model is particularly timely as more consumers and businesses prioritize sustainability. The second-hand fashion market’s growth reflects shifting consumer preferences towards eco-friendly options and the desire to reduce fashion’s environmental impact. Fleek’s platform provides a convenient solution for resellers who aim to meet this demand by offering curated, high-quality second-hand goods that appeal to diverse markets. By digitizing the wholesale process, Fleek bridges the gap between suppliers and resellers, making it easier for businesses to participate in the second-hand economy.

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