eBay Inc. is the current owner of Depop, the popular fashion resale marketplace. The acquisition was officially announced in February 2026, marking a significant shift in the global recommerce landscape. eBay purchased Depop from its previous owner, Etsy, Inc., for approximately $1.2 billion in an all-cash transaction. This move integrated Depop’s highly engaged younger user base with eBay’s extensive global logistics and financial infrastructure, though Depop continues to operate as a standalone brand headquartered in London.

The Details of the 2026 eBay Acquisition

The agreement between eBay and Etsy reached its definitive stage on February 18, 2026. The $1.2 billion deal was structured to allow eBay to aggressively expand its footprint in the "pre-loved" fashion sector, a category that has seen exponential growth among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. According to the terms of the acquisition, Depop retains its distinct brand identity, its existing management structure led by CEO Peter Semple, and its community-focused operational style.

For eBay, the purchase was not merely an expansion of inventory but a strategic entry into social commerce. Depop had reported annual gross merchandise sales (GMS) of approximately $1 billion in 2025, with nearly 60% year-over-year growth in the United States alone. By acquiring the platform, eBay gained immediate access to seven million active buyers, nearly 90% of whom are under the age of 34. This demographic has historically been more difficult for traditional e-commerce giants to capture through conventional marketplace models.

Strategic Motivations for eBay Buying Depop

The acquisition of Depop represents a core component of eBay’s broader "recommerce" strategy. While eBay has been a pioneer in the second-hand market since its inception in 1995, it faced increasing competition from niche apps that prioritized social interaction and curated aesthetics.

Capturing the Gen Z Demographic

One of the primary drivers for the acquisition was Depop’s unique hold on the younger generation. Unlike traditional listing sites, Depop functions similarly to a social media platform, with a user interface modeled after Instagram. This "social-forward" approach encourages discovery through following individual sellers and influencers rather than just searching for specific items. eBay recognized that by owning Depop, it could bypass the years of brand repositioning required to make the main eBay platform appeal to teenage and twenty-something fashion enthusiasts.

Operational Synergies and Scaling

While Depop remains independent, it now benefits from eBay’s global scale. Key areas of integration include:

  • Financial Services: Utilizing eBay’s internal payment processing systems to reduce transaction friction.
  • Shipping Infrastructure: Providing Depop sellers with access to more robust shipping solutions and discounted rates through eBay’s logistics partners.
  • Authenticity Guarantee: Expanding eBay’s trusted authentication services to Depop’s high-end designer and vintage categories to combat counterfeit goods.
  • Global Visibility: Opportunities for cross-listing items between the two platforms to increase liquidity for sellers and selection for buyers.

Why Etsy Decided to Sell Depop

Etsy’s decision to sell Depop in 2026 came five years after it originally purchased the company for $1.6 billion in 2021. The divestment was part of a strategic pivot by Etsy to focus exclusively on its core marketplace, which specializes in handmade and unique creative goods.

Under Etsy’s ownership, Depop grew significantly in terms of user numbers and global recognition. However, as the post-pandemic e-commerce market stabilized, Etsy’s leadership determined that the capital and operational focus required to take Depop to its next level of scale were better suited to a company with eBay’s specific logistics and fashion-market expertise. The $1.2 billion sale allowed Etsy to return capital to shareholders and reinvest in the core Etsy.com experience, while ensuring Depop moved to a parent company where fashion is a primary vertical.

The History of Depop Ownership Since 2011

To understand who owns Depop today, it is essential to look at the platform's evolution from a niche Italian project to a multi-billion dollar global subsidiary.

The Foundation by Simon Beckerman

Depop was founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman at H-Farm, a technological incubator in Italy. Beckerman’s original vision was born from his work with Pig, a fashion and culture magazine he co-founded. He wanted to create a digital space where readers could buy the items they saw in the magazine. This concept evolved into a peer-to-peer marketplace that combined the feel of a flea market with the connectivity of a social network.

In the early years, the company was supported by various venture capital firms. In 2012, the headquarters moved to London to tap into the city’s vibrant fashion and tech scenes. Early investors included Paolo Barberis, Nana Bianca, and later, Balderton Capital and HV Capital, who provided millions in funding to fuel international expansion.

The Rise to Global Prominence

By 2019, Depop had become a cultural phenomenon. It raised $62 million in a Series C funding round led by General Atlantic. This capital was used to solidify its presence in the United States, which quickly became its largest market. The platform’s ability to turn "reselling" into a viable career for young entrepreneurs attracted massive attention from corporate suitors, eventually leading to the 2021 acquisition by Etsy.

How Depop Functions Under Corporate Ownership

Despite changes in its parent company, Depop’s business model remains centered on the community. The platform earns revenue through a combination of marketplace fees and payment processing charges.

The Shift in Fee Structures

In a major strategic shift in mid-2024, while still under Etsy, Depop removed selling fees for users in the United States and the United Kingdom. This was designed to encourage more listings and increase the volume of the second-hand market. Instead, the platform implemented a "marketplace fee" for buyers. This model was intended to make selling more accessible while maintaining the revenue necessary to support the platform’s technology and safety features. Under eBay’s ownership, these regional fee structures are expected to be refined to better compete with other European and American rivals.

The Social Shopping Experience

What sets Depop apart from its parent company eBay is the "Explore" page and the "Style Edit." These features use algorithmic matching and human curation to show users items that fit their specific subculture, whether it be Y2K, "gorpcore," vintage luxury, or streetwear. This editorialized approach to shopping is what maintained Depop’s brand value through two major corporate acquisitions.

The Future of Depop Within the eBay Ecosystem

Industry analysts view eBay’s ownership of Depop as a signal of the "consolidation phase" in the fashion resale industry. As the market becomes crowded with players like Vinted, Poshmark, and ThredUp, the backing of a giant with $80 billion in annual gross merchandise volume provides Depop with a significant competitive advantage.

eBay’s CEO, Jamie Iannone, has emphasized that fashion is a "focus category." By positioning Depop alongside eBay’s existing sneaker and luxury watch businesses, the company aims to own the entire lifecycle of a fashion item—from its first resale as a "hype" item to its eventual status as a vintage collectible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depop Ownership

Is Depop owned by eBay?

Yes, as of February 2026, eBay Inc. is the owner of Depop. It acquired the company from Etsy for $1.2 billion.

Who was the previous owner of Depop?

Prior to eBay, Depop was owned by Etsy, Inc., which purchased the platform in 2021 for $1.6 billion.

Who founded Depop?

Depop was founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman in Italy.

Is Depop still a standalone app?

Yes, even though it is owned by eBay, Depop continues to operate as a separate app and website with its own branding and community.

Where is Depop’s headquarters located?

Depop remains headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in New York and Manchester.

Summary of Depop’s Ownership Evolution

The journey of Depop from an Italian startup to a subsidiary of eBay reflects the broader maturation of the digital resale market. Founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, the platform spent a decade as a venture-backed disruptor before being acquired by Etsy in 2021 during the height of the e-commerce boom. The 2026 transition to eBay ownership marks the latest chapter, where Depop serves as the social-forward arm of a global commerce leader. This ownership structure allows Depop to retain its unique cultural identity while leveraging the massive logistical and financial power of eBay to secure its future in the circular fashion economy.