Whatnot is a live-stream shopping platform where users can buy and sell in online video auctions.
History
Whatnot was founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head. Before expanding to host a more diverse range of products, the platform started as a marketplace for Funko Pop figurines. In 2020, Whatnot began hosting live shows in which sellers would promote products and field questions from potential customers. This soon became an important part of the company's business model. In 2024, sellers using Whatnot sold $3 billion worth of goods via live sales and Whatnot received $265 million in a Series E funding round that valued the company at $4.97 billion. A Series F funding round conducted in October 2025 raised another $225 million and valued the company at $11.5 billion. This funding round was co-led by DST Global and CapitalG and included investments from Greycroft, Andreessen Horowitz, and Sequoia Capital.
Operations
Whatnot functions as a remote-first company with co-located hubs in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, and Germany. The platform uses live-streamed auctions. Whatnot generates revenue through fees charged to sellers and collaborations with influencers and brands to promote products on the platform.