Whatnot

Livestream shopping, a trend booming in China, is rapidly expanding in the U.S. driven by TikTok and platforms like Whatnot, which boasts a $20 billion valuation. Sarah Potempa, CEO of Beachwaver, exemplifies this by generating significant sales through engaging TikTok live streams, even auctioning products and making bold promotional promises. These interactive events are a key driver for Beachwaver’s online sales.

Whatnot has raised $545 million in Series G funding, reaching a $2 billion valuation. The live commerce marketplace has seen rapid growth, with over 650,000 new users weekly and exceeding last year’s GMV. The new capital will be used to empower sellers, enhance technology with AI, and expand globally. This funding round underscores the booming live commerce sector and Whatnot’s significant market presence.