German Startups backs Auctionata

The VC stated that Auctionata will be one of the 10 core holdings within its portfolio. The business, which had a turnover of €80m in 2015, plans to go public this year. This matches the strategy of German Startups, which stated that flotation is a preferred exit route for its investments.

In parallel to the Auctionata investment, German Startups increased its holdings in Rebuy and TV Smiles. Both have been backed by the VC since 2013.

Previous funding
In March 2015, Warsaw-based MCI Management led a €42m series-C funding round for Auctionata. New backers Hearst Ventures, Kreos Capital and Yuan Capital also participated in the round alongside existing investors Earlybird, e.ventures, Kite Ventures, Raffay Group, TA Ventures, Bright Capital, Ren Invest and Holtzbrinck Ventures.

In April 2014, Auctionata raised its €21.5m series-B funding round from Holtzbrinck Ventures, e.ventures and Earlybird.

In 2012, it raised around $20m from e.ventures and Holtzbrinck, with Russian VC Bright Capital's digital arm investing approximately $2.5m. Earlybird committed a similar amount in April 2013.

Company
Launched in May 2013, Auctionata live streams weekly auctions of art, antiques and collectibles. It also offers valuation, authentication, curation and related services. More than 300 experts worldwide are available to assess each object before it is auctioned. Auctions take place from its Berlin headquarters and its New York office. The company has additional offices in London, Zurich, Rome and Madrid.

People
Auctionata – Alexander Zacke (founder and CEO).
German Startups Group – Christoph Germinger (CEO).

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• Topics
• Expansion
• DACH
• Consumer
• Venture
• Germany