The fashion industry has long been under fire for its environmental impact, contributing nearly 10% of global CO2 emissions and over 20% of all water waste. But one startup, Archive, is taking a tech-first approach to tackle the problem at scale.
Founded in 2021 by Emily Gittins and Ryan Rowe, Archive builds software that enables fashion brands to launch their own resale platforms, helping consumers buy and sell secondhand fashion directly through branded experiences. The company has now raised $30 million in Series B funding, led by Energize Capital, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, G9 Ventures, and Bain Capital Ventures, bringing Archive’s total funding to $54 million.
“We’ve debunked the concern that resale cannibalizes full-price sales,” said CEO Gittins. “We’re in scaling mode with many of our brands and are excited to be launching resale businesses for so many new brands in 2025.”
More Than Just a Marketplace
Archive isn’t just another peer-to-peer resale site. It provides an end-to-end resale solution with smart pricing tools, product feed integration, warehouse management, repair and fulfillment options, profit analysis, and seamless data sharing. It already powers resale platforms for over 50 major brands, including New Balance, The North Face, and Oscar de la Renta.
The company’s platform supports resale operations across multiple continents, setting it apart from competitors like Trove and Treet, who also offer white-labeled resale infrastructure but with more limited scope.
Riding the Secondhand Surge
Archive is capitalizing on a booming resale trend. According to ThreadUp, the U.S. secondhand fashion market is projected to reach $73 billion by 2028. Younger consumers are driving the shift toward eco-conscious consumption, while global policy efforts like California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act and similar European regulations further fuel momentum.
With fresh funding, Archive plans to invest in product innovation and deepen brand partnerships, accelerating its mission to make circular fashion mainstream.
As sustainability becomes non-negotiable in fashion, Archive’s blend of technology and environmental consciousness could make it a driving force behind the industry’s transformation.
