WhatNot
WhatNot is a live selling app that allows users to sell and buy products through live auctions.
Why It Works
The platform leverages the excitement of live auctions, which creates urgency and engages buyers emotionally, leading to increased sales.
Revenue & Traction
WhatNot recently raised funding at a $12 billion valuation, indicating strong investor confidence and growth potential.
Founding Story
Not mentioned in the transcript.
Business Playbook
Utilizes live selling to eliminate the need for traditional e-commerce listing processes, making it easier for sellers to engage buyers directly.
Why this works now
Collectors of vintage toys seeking unique items engage with WhatNot's live auction feature, which creates an immediate buying urgency. The platform first gained traction by targeting niche communities on Discord, where toy enthusiasts gather to discuss and trade collectibles. A risk for WhatNot is its dependency on a consistent influx of sellers; without a steady stream of new products, the auction experience may lose its appeal, leading to decreased buyer engagement.
Additional Information
WhatNot is gaining traction as a more seller-friendly alternative to platforms like eBay.
Source
Podcast: Koerner Office
Episode: The New Best Way to Make Money Reselling Online?!⏐Ep. #245
Creation Date: November 10, 2025
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