A Fresh Wave of Funding
Ghost, a B2B marketplace specializing in surplus inventory, has made a triumphant return with a substantial $30 million Series B funding round. This comes just a year after its inception, where it started with a robust $20 million Series A capital.
The Visionaries Behind Ghost
Founded by Josh Kaplan and Dee Murthy, Ghost’s members-only marketplace was designed to assist brands and retailers in discreetly managing their surplus merchandise. The platform, powered by an advanced data engine, facilitates better discovery and conversion for a plethora of items, including fashion, beauty, footwear, and home goods.
A Year of Remarkable Growth
In just a year, Ghost has witnessed exponential growth. The company doubled its team size and expanded its membership base to over 1,000 members. The inventory uploaded to the marketplace saw a 500% increase, and its year-over-year gross merchandise value run rate grew by more than tenfold.
Innovative Features for Enhanced User Experience
Ghost recently introduced a Chrome extension, allowing buyers to quickly check if a product available on consumer websites is also listed on Ghost. If not, they can directly request the product, enhancing the platform’s user experience.
The Investors Driving Ghost Forward
The Series B round, which concluded in July, was led by Cathay Innovation. Existing investors, including Union Square Ventures, Equal Ventures, and Eniac Ventures, also participated. This latest funding round brings Ghost’s total venture capital to an impressive $68 million. As part of the investment, Cathay’s partner, Simon Wu, will be joining Ghost’s board of directors.
Future Plans: Expansion and Product Enhancement
With the fresh capital, Ghost’s co-CEOs, Kaplan and Murthy, plan to expand their team, focusing on product, engineering, and design roles. They also aim to broaden their reach within the U.S. and venture into European and Asian markets. A significant portion of the funds will be allocated to product development, with a focus on automation and personalization. The goal is to leverage AI to offer curated dashboards for every buyer and optimize sales margins.
Conclusion: Ghost’s Promising Journey Ahead
Ghost’s recent funding round and its consistent growth trajectory highlight its potential to redefine the B2B inventory marketplace. With its innovative approach and commitment to providing tailored solutions, Ghost is poised to lead the charge in transforming how brands and retailers manage their surplus inventory.
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