Story of Verishop: Online Marketplace for Curated Everyday Luxury Brands across Fashion, Beauty, Home
Story of Verishop:
The Spark of an Idea
In 2018, Imran Khan, the former Chief Strategy Officer at
Snap, and his wife Cate Khan, who earlier led Amazon’s Quidsi business, decided
to build something new together. They saw how online shopping was booming but
felt there wasn’t a platform that blended everyday luxury with accessibility.
This vision gave birth to Verishop, an online marketplace built for
modern consumers.
A Strong Foundation
From the very beginning, the founders shaped Verishop to
focus on quality over quantity. Instead of listing everything, they
wanted to carefully curate fashion, beauty, and home products that people could
trust. With their background in big companies—Imran from Snap and Cate from
Amazon—they combined strategy and execution to bring credibility to the
startup.
Opening Doors to Shoppers
By 2019, Verishop officially launched its platform.
Customers found not just fashion but also home décor, beauty, and wellness
products for men, women, and kids. The company also introduced special
collections, including plus-size clothing, ensuring inclusivity and
personal style. Their goal was simple: make Verishop the go-to marketplace for
lifestyle goods.
Building Partnerships
As the platform grew, Verishop focused on partnering with digitally
native and global brands. These were companies born online that resonated
with modern shoppers. By giving them a trusted space, Verishop positioned
itself as the bridge between customers who wanted authentic, stylish products
and brands that needed visibility.
Recognition and Growth
In just a couple of years, Verishop began to stand out in
the crowded e-commerce space. Its unique approach attracted attention from both
consumers and investors. With a growing team of around 61 to 100 employees,
the company built its headquarters in Santa Monica, California, and started
expanding operations.
Story of Verishop: Online Marketplace for Curated Everyday Luxury Brands across Fashion, Beauty, Home#startup#entrepreneur#networth#investor#Verishop
Fueling the Dream
To support this growth, Verishop raised significant funds.
Early investments came from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alumni Ventures,
and Calm Ventures, boosting their ability to scale. Later, they secured $40
million in Series B funding, led by Lion Capital. Altogether, Verishop’s
funding reached around $153 million, giving the startup a solid
financial foundation.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Like many startups, Verishop had to face the competitive
nature of online retail. Giants like Amazon dominated the space, but Verishop’s
curated, lifestyle-driven approach helped it stand apart. The founders leaned
on their experience—Imran’s time guiding Snap’s growth and Cate’s e-commerce
expertise—to steer the company forward.
A Mark of Success
By 2023, Verishop earned a spot on Forbes’ list of
America’s Best Startup Employers, ranking at #497. This recognition was
proof that the company wasn’t just growing in revenue but was also creating a
strong culture for its employees. It showed that Verishop’s focus on quality
extended to both its products and its workplace.
The People Behind the Brand
The founders’ personal stories continued to inspire
Verishop’s journey. Imran Khan, once a top banker who played a key role in
Alibaba’s IPO, brought his financial and strategic expertise. Cate Khan, with
her sharp operational insights from Amazon, ensured the marketplace was built
to scale efficiently. Together, they balanced vision with execution.
The Road Ahead
Today, Verishop continues to grow as a luxury e-commerce
marketplace. With its curated products, inclusive collections, and strong
investor backing, it aims to cement its place as the trusted destination for
lifestyle shopping. From its launch in 2018 to its recognition in 2023, the
company’s story is still unfolding—driven by a vision to bring everyday luxury
into the lives of millions.
Verishop Timeline
- 2018
– Founded by Imran Khan (ex-Snap CSO) and Cate Khan (ex-Amazon executive).
- 2019
– Marketplace launched; positioned as a lifestyle destination for fashion,
beauty, and home essentials.
- 2019–2021
– Raised $153M in Series B funding, including a $40M round led
by Lion Capital.
- 2020
– Expanded categories to beauty, wellness, and home décor; introduced
inclusive collections (e.g., plus-size).
- 2023
– Featured in Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers, ranked #497.
- 2024–Present
– Operating with 61–100 employees; headquartered in Santa Monica,
serving global customers.
