Burda bets on fashion e-commerce
Burda, which has previously invested in fashion e-commerce (including Etsy.com and Mytheresa.com), aims to leverage its international experience and resources to support the platform’s growth on new markets. Fabrizio D’Angelo, CEO of Burda International, commented on the investment: “Over the two years since our first investment in SHOWROOM.PL, we have become convinced that SHOWROOM.PL is one of the best fashion e-commerce platforms in Europe. Now, with our increased stake, we want to quickly start launching it on new markets.”
One million euro for expansion from ProSieben
“Burda International’s investment is a sign that our concept has worked. Now we want to quickly launch similar sales platforms on selected European markets.” – says Michał Juda, one of the platform’s founders. The expansion will also utilize the prize, won by SHOWROOM.PL at the 7 Ventures Pitch Day in late 2014 – a 1 million euro advertising budget sponsored by the German TV network ProSieben. These funds will be used to promote the German version of the platform, SHWRM.DE.
Polish designers and the market for authorial fashion
Parallel to international growth, the company plans continued expansion in Poland, strengthening its market leadership, and supporting the entire authorial fashion market. “We believe Polish designers have huge potential both domestically and abroad. We want to grow together with them, actively support Polish fashion, and achieve ambitious goals alongside our partners.” – says Jasiek Stasz, co-founder of SHOWROOM.PL.
Burda International takes control stake in SHOWROOM.PL
Over three years of operation, SHOWROOM.PL has built a recognized brand, proprietary technology, and a sales management system. “This is the success of the entire team – without the great people who build our company every day, we would never have come this far,” the founders add. Krzysztof Kowalczyk, managing Hardgamma Ventures, is also satisfied with the transaction: “For the Hardgamma Ventures fund, this is another successfully exited investment. We are also pleased to know that new financial resources and international expertise will enable the SHOWROOM.PL team to continue growing.”
