The live-shopping sector has attracted fresh funding with $270.5 million raised in Q1 2025 despite general investor concerns about economic stability. This growth reflects a unique context within a generally shaky funding landscape, driven by platforms like Whatnot, which secured $265 million. Palmstreet also raised $25 million recently. While consumer confidence is wavering, many investors remain optimistic due to the increasing gross merchandise volume across live-shopping platforms. Experts highlight the segment's growth potential against broader economic uncertainty, shedding light on shifting consumer behaviors and investment approaches regarding revenue sustainability.
"We've built a really strong business that our users love," Grant LaFontaine, CEO and co-founder of Whatnot, told Modern Retail. "Our investors saw that and are excited about our traction."
At a time in which many consumers are trading down to private-label goods or watching their discretionary spending, "it's been more difficult to assess the stickiness of a brand's revenue and customers," Eric Bellomo, senior e-commerce research analyst at PitchBook, told Modern Retail.
The macro uncertainty really clouds that outlook, which produces a wait-and-see [approach].
With the exception of buzzy fields like artificial intelligence, much of the funding landscape has been shaky over the last few years.
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