Stout announced that its client, Mädchenflohmarkt, one of the largest online second-hand retailers in Germany, has successfully completed its funding round led by Christian Wegner, founder of the leading European re-commerce platform Momox. Vorwerk Ventures and Catalpa also participated in the round.

The Stuttgart-based start-up, founded in 2012, offers approximately one-million items for sale via its online second-hand marketplace. On Mädchenflohmarkt, consumers can sell their pre-owned clothing directly to other fashionistas. For those who find this too time-consuming, one can use the company’s concierge service, which charges a fee for taking over processes such as placing and shipping the goods. Mädchenflohmarkt's team is currently comprised of 150 employees across Europe.

The company achieved break-even status in August, becoming economically sustainable. Sales in the fiscal year 2021 are expected to increase between 60% and 80%, to a double-digit million-euro amount. Co-founder Maria Spilka attributes the sharp growth to re-commerce becoming one of the top trends in the German e-commerce sector, seen by the likes of billion-dollar fashion retailers such as Zalando, About You, and H&M entering the German space within just a few months. The boom was further fueled by the second Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

"Christian Wegner's investment in Mädchenflohmarkt is a real stroke of luck. For me, there is no one in Germany who has shaped the sector of re-commerce as much as he has," says co-founder Peter Ambrozy. “We would like to thank Stout for their great support and unique re-commerce expertise on this transaction and their trusted advice throughout the process,” he added.

“Mädchenflohmarkt already plays a significant role in the re-commerce market. We share a common vision, and I am very happy to accompany them on their journey forward,” says Christian Wegner about his investment decision.

“We are excited to have worked with Mädchenflohmarkt on this breakthrough transaction, in light of this operational milestone,” added Mathis Wilke, Managing Director at Stout, who led the transaction. “With the deep consumer tech know-how of Vorwerk Ventures, the unique fashion experience of Catalpa, and the unparalleled second-hand expertise of Christian Wegner, Mädchenflohmarkt has now assembled a unique all-star team for the next growth chapter.”

Stout’s Director Kevin Kissner assisted on the deal with further support from Associate Nansi Nistorova.