What is Rares?
Rares operated as a specialized fintech platform designed to allow retail investors to purchase fractional shares of cultural assets. By lowering the barrier to entry for high-value collectibles, the company sought to disrupt traditional asset management models. However, the firm recently announced a strategic wind-down, prioritizing the return of capital to its user base. All existing investments have been refunded to user wallets, with remaining balances processed through automated withdrawals or designated as unclaimed property, marking a definitive end to its market presence.
How much funding has Rares raised?
Rares has raised a total of $4M across 1 funding round:
Angel/Seed
$4M
Angel/Seed (2021): $4M with participation from Gaingels, MaC Venture Capital, and Cake Ventures
Key Investors in Rares
Gaingels
Gaingels is a prominent investment syndicate focused on supporting LGBTQ founders and inclusive teams across various sectors, providing both capital and board-level advisory services.
MaC Venture Capital
MaC Venture Capital is a seed-stage firm that leverages cultural trends and behavioral shifts to identify and accelerate category-defining technology startups.
Cake Ventures
Cake Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage firm that invests in companies addressing demographic shifts, focusing on products that serve the evolving needs of global internet users.
What's next for Rares?
Following the decision to cease operations, the focus for Rares has shifted entirely to the orderly dissolution of its platform. The company has prioritized transparency by ensuring that all user funds are accounted for and returned, effectively closing the chapter on its venture-backed lifecycle. While the platform will no longer facilitate new trades, the legacy of its attempt to bridge the gap between cultural appreciation and financial investment remains a notable case study in the volatility of niche alternative asset marketplaces.
See full Rares company page
