eBay has announced the global expansion of its Circular Fashion Fund that’s designed to help fashion start-ups scale circular solutions, from production to end-of-life, including rental and repair services. 

Applications are open until 15 November with the firm inviting “innovative tech start-ups and small businesses” to apply via its website. 

The fund, which is supported by the British Fashion Council, first launched in the UK in 2022 and has so far helped 15 businesses scale their circular solutions. They include care and repair expert The Seam, and at-home fashion recycling programme for unwearable clothing RCYCL.

It’s now launching in the US and Germany after it “successfully” expanded to Australia last year. 

eBay said the expansion of the CFF “extends its reach to invest in businesses that bring new technology and services to the market and help people think and shop differently. eBay is transforming the buying and selling experience so that more brands, sellers and buyers can participate in circular fashion”. 

So what are the details? The CFF will provide a global investment of $1.2 million to start-ups in the relevant markets by the end of 2025, and over 200 hours of mentoring and networking support for applicants from industry experts. 

eBay Ventures will also pick one winner from the global selection of finalists to become ‘Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year’ and receive an investment of $300,000. 

In the UK specifically, the winner will receive a £50,000 cash prize, while the two runners-up will receive £25,000 each. All three finalists will receive bespoke mentoring sessions, educational workshops and networking opportunities.

Judges there will include industry leaders such as BFC chief Caroline Rush, The Fitting Room founder/MD Charlotte Mair, My Wardrobe HQ chair Jane Shepherdson and others.

Kirsty Keoghan, Global GM of Fashion at the US-based e-tail giant,  who’s also a judge, 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.”

And last year’s UK winner, Vicky Fuller, co-founder of Swoperz (which hosts a child-run swapping service for clothing) added:“Winning the Circular Fashion Fund has been transformative. It enabled us to partner with new organisations and helped us bring sustainable fashion education to classrooms nationwide and host swap shops at 500 schools.”