What is Material World?
Founded in 2012, Material World operates as a sophisticated platform for the resale of luxury women's apparel, footwear, and accessories. By facilitating a seamless exchange of high-end goods, the company effectively addresses the growing demand for sustainable fashion alternatives. Its business model is predicated on the reduction of manufacturing waste and the promotion of a circular economy, positioning the brand at the intersection of retail technology and environmental stewardship. As a high-end second-hand retailer, Material World leverages its unique market position to capture value from the lifecycle of luxury items, providing a curated experience for both sellers and buyers who prioritize quality and sustainability.
How much funding has Material World raised?
Material World has raised a total of $13M across 4 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$780K
Private Equity
$1M
Private Equity
$2.2M
Series B
$9M
Angel/Seed (2012): $780K with participation from Great Oaks VC and SunBridge Global Ventures
Private Equity (2013): $1M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2014): $2.2M, investors not publicly disclosed
Series B (2016): $9M featuring Nissay Capital
Key Investors in Material World
Nissay Capital
Nissay Capital Co Ltd operates as a venture capital company. It runs start up investments, early stage investments, expansion investments, growth capital investments, and other investment businesses. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.
Great Oaks VC
Great Oaks Venture Capital operates as an early-stage investment firm focused on identifying and supporting founders building transformative companies. The firm deploys capital across Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A funding rounds, working closely with entrepreneurs who are solving meaningful problems across multiple sectors.
SunBridge Global Ventures
SunBridge Global Ventures Inc is a company that operates in the Finance industry. It employs 10to19 people and has 1Mto5M of revenue. The company is headquartered in Ebisuminami, Tokyo, Japan.
What's next for Material World?
Looking ahead, the infusion of capital is expected to accelerate Material World's operational capabilities and market penetration. The company is well-positioned to leverage this strategic backing to enhance its digital infrastructure and refine its inventory management systems. As the secondary market for luxury goods continues to mature, Material World's focus on mindfully reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact provides a compelling value proposition for long-term growth. Future initiatives will likely center on scaling its logistics network and deepening its engagement with a demographic that increasingly values the intersection of luxury consumption and ecological responsibility.
See full Material World company page