eBay has expanded its Circular Fashion Fund with fresh investment for start-ups

eBay’s Circular Fashion Fund was designed to help fashion start-ups “effectively scale circular fashion solutions” across the production journey to end of life as well as rental and repair services.

eBay has collaborated with leading fashion industry councils including the British Fashion Council to extend the fund, which is in its third year in the UK and second year in Australia.

The CFF is also launching in both the US and Germany for the first time this year, with applications open online until November 15, 2024.

The total investment by the end of next year is expected to be allocated to “successful start-ups” across the markets and the expansion extends its reach to invest in businesses bringing new technology and services to the market.

As well as the funding, eBay will offer more than 200 hours of mentoring and networking support from industry experts to applicants.

In the UK the winner will receive a £50,000 cash price and the two runner-ups will be given £25,000 each.

The panel of judges who will select the winners includes British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush, British Vogue senior sustainability and features editor Emily Chan and eBay head of UK fashion Jemma Tadd, among others.

eBay global general manager of fashion Kirsty Keoghan said: “The Circular Fashion Fund is a catalyst for collaboration by combining the global scale and power of established companies like eBay with the creativity and innovation of nimble start-ups.

“We’re not only helping to scale circular solutions, but also bringing together the most knowledgeable and respected experts in the industry. Together, we’re making a positive impact on the circular economy and truly reshaping the future of fashion.”

Rush added: “Building on the success of the past two years, we remain focused on boosting excellence and innovation in the British fashion community.

“Small businesses are integral to building an ecosystem that can create specialised solutions and we want to help them scale.

“The Circular Fashion Fund has been a game-changer and we are thrilled to support the new ideas and entrepreneurial spirit from this next cohort. Together, we’re making the fashion industry more sustainable, one step at a time.”