Celebrating 5 Years of Whatnot 🎉
December 6, 2024, marks a major milestone—Whatnot’s 5th anniversary! Over these five years, the platform has grown from a small startup into a thriving community that empowers people to transform their passions into businesses. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated sellers, buyers, and team members who make Whatnot what it is today.
To celebrate, we’re spotlighting a few of the sellers and employees who were instrumental in shaping our story.
Reflections from Early Sellers 🌟
A true pioneer on Whatnot, Bigdogdave has been with us from the start. Originally focused on Funko Pops, he made history by selling the platform’s first sports card—an Eric Dickerson rookie. In the early days, the platform was much smaller, with only a few shows each day. Sellers had to manually coordinate with the Whatnot team for tasks like scheduling shows or printing labels.
For Dave, it wasn’t just about sales; it was about building a community. As he watched the platform grow, he saw how camaraderie among sellers and buyers flourished. His advice for newcomers? “Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on building your own following, follow the rules, and be patient. And most importantly, be yourself and have fun!”
Popcouple joined Whatnot in August 2020, bringing their passion for Funko Pops and other toys to the platform. Their first auction lasted four hours, filled with back-and-forth messages with the Whatnot team to ensure everything went smoothly.
Since then, they’ve witnessed Whatnot evolve into a robust platform that supports a wide variety of categories. Today, they stream weekly on Mondays in the designer toy space. Their advice for new sellers? “Sell what you love and know, and focus on building a supportive community. Don’t let negativity or trolls get you down. Growth takes time, but the journey is worth it.”
Mintlycollects began streaming in 2020, right as Whatnot expanded into Pokémon cards. What started as a hobby of sharing pack openings on Instagram and TikTok became a thriving business. In the early days, Mintly streamed from a desk and two shelves in their parents’ garage, engaging with a small but passionate Pokémon community.
Now, they go live daily, averaging 50 viewers per show. Mintly has seen Whatnot grow from a handful of sellers to a vibrant platform with thousands of live streams. Their advice? “Consistency is key. Create engaging content, network with others in the community, and always keep it fun and honest. The rest will follow!”
Insights from the Team Who Built It 🛠️
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Elisha was the first employee hired at Whatnot. Straight out of college, he originally planned to work in professional sports but found himself at a startup that would soon take off like a rocket.
Reflecting on his journey, Elisha shares how he’s been challenged and stretched in ways he never imagined, much like the sellers who come to Whatnot with a dream and see it grow. His three words to describe Whatnot? “Community, challenging, and transformational.”
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As the first woman hired at Whatnot, Elisabeth’s journey has been deeply fulfilling. Though she was hesitant to leave her previous job, a single call with the Whatnot team convinced her to take the leap.
What she values most is the company’s customer-first mindset—a principle that has driven Whatnot’s rapid growth while staying true to its roots. Elisabeth is inspired by how the platform has changed lives, not just for customers but for team members as well.
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As the first iOS engineer at Whatnot, Laura brought a unique perspective, having previously lived in Asia where live shopping was already booming. She saw an untapped opportunity in the U.S. market and joined Whatnot to help bring that vision to life.
One of her proudest achievements? Leading the complete rewrite of the iOS app—a challenge that allowed her to collaborate with brilliant colleagues and contribute to Whatnot’s rapid evolution. Laura describes Whatnot as a company built on doggedness, delight, and commitment.
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Eric joined Whatnot as one of its first employees, drawn to the potential of live-stream shopping and the platform’s mission to create unique experiences.
His work has centered on building and scaling Whatnot’s sports and collectibles categories, helping sellers turn their hobbies into thriving businesses. For Eric, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the platform grow and witness the impact it has on its users.
From the Co-Founders
“As Whatnot celebrates its 5th anniversary, we’re filled with gratitude for the amazing communities that make this platform so special. Our vision has always been to empower people to transform their passions into businesses and bring people together through commerce. Over the past five years, we’ve seen that vision come to life in incredible ways—from lifelong friendships formed on the platform to vibrant communities and businesses growing beyond imagination. We’re excited for what’s ahead, with big plans to further support and amplify the connections, businesses, and experience that make Whatnot truly special.”
Thank You for Five Incredible Years
To our sellers, buyers, and team members: Thank you for being part of this journey. Your passion and dedication have made these first five years unforgettable. Here’s to the future and all that’s ahead! 🚀
