eBay Expands Circular Fashion Fund to Start-ups, Delivering $1.2 Million Investment by the End of 2025

• New for the 2025 cohort, eBay Ventures, eBay's venture capital arm, will reward one 'Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year' with an extra investment of $300,000

• Since starting in 2022, the CFF is set to deliver a total investment of $1.2 million by the end of 2025 as it expands in the UK, Germany, the US and Australia

• eBay partners with leading fashion industry councils the British Fashion Council, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Fashion Council Germany and the Australian Fashion Council, to extend the CFF's impact across the globe

eBay, a leading destination for new and pre-loved fashion and luxury, has announced today the global expansion of its Circular Fashion Fund. The fund is designed to help fashion start-ups scale circular solutions, from production to end-of-life, including rental and repair services. Applications are open from now until 15th November 2024, and innovative tech start-ups and small businesses can apply via eBay's website here.

Since it launched in the UK in 2022, the CFF has helped 15 businesses scale their circular solutions, including The Seam, which allows businesses to offer garment care & repair services at scale to extend the life of clothes, and RCYCL, creators of the innovative at-home fashion recycling program for unwearable clothing. Now in its third year in the UK, the CFF is set to launch in the US and Germany for the first time having successfully expanded to Australia last year.

As part of eBay's commitment to the circular economy, the global expansion of the CFF extends its reach to invest in businesses that bring new technology and services to the market and help people think and shop differently. eBay is transforming the buying and selling experience so that more brands, sellers and buyers can participate in circular fashion.

The CFF will provide a global investment of $1.2 million to start-ups in the global markets by the end of 2025, and over 200 hours of mentoring and networking support for applicants from industry experts. Past judges have included Hugo Adams, CEO Kelpi Sustainable Materials and KITX Founder Kit Willow. To further amplify its impact, eBay Ventures will select one winner from the global selection of finalists to become "Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year" and receive an investment of $300,000.

Kirsty Keoghan, Global GM of Fashion at eBay, commented: "The Circular Fashion Fund is a catalyst for collaboration by combining the global scale and power of established companies like eBay with the creativity and innovation of nimble start-ups. We're not only helping to scale circular solutions but also bringing together the most knowledgeable and respected experts in the industry. Together, we're making a positive impact on the circular economy and truly reshaping the future of fashion."

Topic:Announcements