Source: Fortune
Summary
Whatnot, a live shopping app, was founded by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, who met while working at a startup. LaFontaine, who grew up selling Pokémon cards and opened an eBay store in fourth grade, had the idea for Whatnot after realizing that collectors were looking for a more interactive way to buy and sell items. The app, which allows sellers to livestream their products and interact with buyers, has grown rapidly since its launch in 2019 and has become the largest livestream shopping platform outside of Asia. Whatnot has raised $1 billion in funding and has a valuation of $20 billion. The app has also expanded to over 250 product categories and has become a platform for small business owners to grow their brands.
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The numbers tell one story. Whatnot’s valuation has nearly doubled since October 2025, reaching $20 billion. The app’s growth has been fueled by its focus on customer service and satisfaction, as well as its ability to provide a platform for small business owners to grow their brands. LaFontaine’s background as a collector and seller has helped him understand the needs of Whatnot’s users. The app’s use of AI to aid user experience and market research is also a key factor in its success. As LaFontaine said, “It’s going to enable thousands and thousands of businesses on Whatnot to run much more efficiently.” Whatnot’s success is a testament to the power of community-based live shopping.
