Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Rocket Internet-Backed Global Fashion Group Raises $364 Million

Rocket Internet SE, Germany’s highest-profile startup investor, contributed 68 million euros to a 330-million-euro funding round for its startup Global Fashion Group, completing a deal first announced in April.
Rocket Internet management board | Source: Courtesy
By
  • Bloomberg

BERLIN, Germany — Rocket Internet SE, Germany's highest-profile startup investor, contributed 68 million euros to a 330-million-euro ($364 million) funding round for its startup Global Fashion Group, completing a deal first announced in April.

The financing values Global Fashion Group at 1 billion euros, less than half what the holding was worth last year. Rocket said three months ago that it planned to invest more in the startup at the lower valuation.

As part of its investment, Rocket converted financing it had previously contributed to Global Fashion Group, leaving the Berlin-based company with a 20.4 percent holding. Demand from existing investors increased the amount of the round by 30 million euros from 300 million euros announced in April. Rocket held 23.2 percent of Global Fashion Group at Dec. 31, according to a company filing.

The 68 million euros doesn't include any investment by Rocket Internet Capital Partners, a related financing vehicle controlled by Rocket CEO Oliver Samwer. Rocket Internet Capital Partners also contributed to the latest Global Fashion round, as did Swedish investment firm Kinnevik AB.

ADVERTISEMENT

The deal comes at a time when Germany’s highest-profile internet company is trying to prove life as a listed startup investor can pay off for its shareholders. Rocket, which holds dozens of startups in areas including food delivery, furniture and fashion, went public in 2014 but has seen its shares tumble 48 percent in the past year as some of its startups have faltered. Analysts have questioned its ability to wring profitable growth out of companies that operate in commodity sectors in unproven markets.

In May Rocket said it shrank first-quarter losses at some key startups by 40 million euros ($45 million) while its HelloFresh and Westwing businesses struggled in Germany.

Shares of Rocket fell 5.2 percent to 17.53 euros at 11:16 a.m. in Frankfurt Friday.

By Aaron Ricadela and Stefan Nicola; editors: Anthony Palazzo and Nate Lanxon.

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Technology
Analysis and advice on how technology is disrupting fashion and creating new opportunities.

Meeting Consumer Expectations Through Augmented Reality, In-Store and Online

Zero10 offers digital solutions through AR mirrors, leveraged in-store and in window displays, to brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Coach. Co-founder and CEO George Yashin discusses the latest advancements in AR and how fashion companies can leverage the technology to boost consumer experiences via retail touchpoints and brand experiences.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024