Second-hand designer fashion has become big business online. Just look at the success of Nasty Gal in the U.S. which has done well out of vintage pieces as well as new clothing, shoes, and accessories from independent designers. Videdressing, a social marketplace where people buy and sell second-hand fashion has expanded across Europe. And quite clearly the market is doing well in Germany. Today startup Rebelle, a site for second-hand designer fashion, raised funding from German investor HCS Beteiligungsgesellschaft. Although the exact amount was undisclosed, it was described as being a “medium single digit million euro amount”. German startups – for some reason – have a habit of not releasing fund raising amounts, alas.
The Hamburg-based startup also raised additional funding from existing shareholders, including Hanse Ventures and High-Tech Gruenderfonds. The fresh capital will be used to further develop its business in the German-speaking market and drive its internationalisation.
The Rebelle platform connects bricks-and-mortar retailers, focusing on the trend in so-called “re-commerce” and the growing luxury goods market. Individuals, as well as owners of luxury second-hand shops, can sell used designer items on the site. The twist is that Rebelle assesses the authenticity and quality of all the products.
Launched in August last year, it lists over 7,000 items and 600 brands and founder Cécile Gaulke (pictured) puts its rapid growth down to a high number of repeat customers and its “high-end positioning.”