Link: Whatnot, which lets users sell comics and other items through live videos, raised a $265M Series E at a $4.97B valuation, and says its annual GMV passed $3B (Lauren Forristal/TechCrunch)

Livestream shopping app Whatnot has raised $265 million in a Series E funding round, boosting its valuation to nearly $5 billion.

The funding highlights the growing interest in livestream shopping, especially for collectible and niche items like trading cards and sneakers.

With new capital, Whatnot is set to broaden its product categories and enhance seller tools, facilitating easier inventory and order management.

The company plans to expand its market presence in Australia and across Europe, building on its existing availability in several Western countries.

Whatnot differentiates itself with unique features like "sudden death" auctions and flash sales, adding excitement to the online shopping experience.

Co-led by notable firms including Avra and DST Global, the round brings Whatnot's total raised funding to about $746 million. #

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