Vinted, the online resale platform founded in Lithuania, has introduced its own venture capital division in a strategic move that could redefine the UK’s rapidly growing re-commerce sector. Named Vinted Ventures, the new fund will focus on growth-stage startups throughout Europe, including the UK, with investment plans set between €500,000 (£425,000) and €10m (£8.5m).
The firm joins an increasing number of large digital platforms venturing into the sphere of venture capital as a means to foster related innovations within their ecosystems. Through this new initiative, Vinted seeks to boost the development of companies operating within the re-commerce value chain—specifically those innovating in logistics and payment solutions—to transform both consumer purchasing habits and product offerings.
A representative for Vinted informed City A.M. that the organization recognizes the strategic significance of supporting businesses that align with its vision: “We’re in constant discussions with intriguing companies: it’s about pinpointing the optimal strategic alignment and investing in top-tier start-ups that can gain from us as a strategic ally.”
Based in Vilnius, Vinted has gained popularity across Europe as consumers increasingly gravitate towards secondhand marketplaces amid persistent inflation and heightened environmental concerns. The UK secondhand and re-commerce market is now estimated to be worth around £7bn, according to current industry assessments.
Platforms like Depop—acquired by Etsy for $1.6bn in 2021—and By Rotation have also prospered by catering to Gen Z customers who prioritize sustainability and slow fashion. London has particularly emerged as a vibrant hub for circular economy startups—those committed to extending product lifecycles to reduce waste—making it a natural focus for Vinted’s venture goals.
The company has not confirmed if any members of its investment team will be based in the UK, but indicated that the Vinted Ventures team is currently situated across various European locations: “It’s too early to make remarks on future staffing,” the representative remarked.
Vinted’s decision to launch a venture capital arm follows a highly successful year of expansion, highlighting its ability to scale profitably. The platform reported revenues of €813.4m (£691.8m) for 2023, with a net profit of €76.7m (£65.2m)—a remarkable 330% increase compared to the previous year. This success is partly attributed to Vinted’s broader presence in Europe and the expansion of its logistics and payment frameworks.
Establishing a venture capital arm is rare for scale-ups of Vinted’s magnitude, yet it reflects similar ventures from tech giants like Coinbase, which runs Coinbase Ventures to fund blockchain enterprises. Like Coinbase, Vinted asserts that its venture initiative is not solely focused on financial returns. Instead, it hopes its support will cultivate the overall re-commerce ecosystem.
CEO Thomas Plantenga underscored this mission-driven perspective: “Vinted illustrates that it’s feasible to scale a tech enterprise that is both impactful and financially stable. The re-commerce sector offers immense potential, which is why we are eager to invest in and develop start-ups that will ultimately thrive from the expansive market.”
Vinted has yet to reveal the initial beneficiaries of its venture capital, but the organization states it is actively engaging in discussions throughout the sector.
With the re-commerce trend continually gaining momentum—and sustainability increasingly at the forefront of consumers’ minds—Vinted Ventures could emerge as a significant new influence in shaping the next wave of retail technology startups in Europe.
