The RealReal
Independent, listed on Nasdaq (REAL) · United States
The RealReal is a San Francisco based online marketplace for authenticated, consigned luxury goods. It is an independent company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker REAL. It matters as the largest listed luxury resale platform and a reference for authentication and circularity in luxury.
| Founded | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Julie Wainwright |
| Chief executive | Rati Sahi Levesque (since October 2024) |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Listing | Nasdaq: REAL |
| Segment | Digital-native and DTC brands |
| Website | therealreal.com |
What is The RealReal?
The RealReal is an online marketplace for buying and selling authenticated luxury goods on a consignment basis. It was founded in 2011 by Julie Wainwright and is headquartered in San Francisco. Wikipedia also names Rati Sahi Levesque as a co-founder. Levesque was named chief executive on 28 October 2024.
Business model and distribution
Under the consignment model the company handles authentication, pricing, photography, listing, shipping, payments and customer service for sellers. Sellers can use in home pickup, boutique drop off, expert meetings or direct shipping. The company also operates 17 Luxury Consignment Offices, of which 14 are open to shoppers, according to Wikipedia.
The RealReal and technology
Wikipedia reports that pricing uses AI and machine learning and that the company has added AI to its authentication process. It also notes that critics have questioned how thorough the authentication is.
History and listing
The company went public on Nasdaq on 28 June 2019, raising 300 million US dollars in its initial public offering. In Earth Month 2025 it published its first Resale Report on circularity.
Why it matters
The RealReal brought trust and process to luxury resale by combining expert authentication with a managed consignment service, and it is closely watched as luxury brands respond to the growth of the secondhand market.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded The RealReal?
The RealReal was founded in 2011 by Julie Wainwright. Rati Sahi Levesque, named chief executive in October 2024, is also described as a co-founder.
Is The RealReal a luxury brand?
It is a resale marketplace rather than a brand, and it sells authenticated luxury goods from other houses. Items are consigned by sellers and verified by the company.
