The shoe industry has seen a rise in specialized online marketplaces. Companies like StockX and Goat Group have both reached valuations of $4 billion by focusing on high demand sneakers.

Beyond sneaker resale, other business models are also finding success. Rothy's has built a $1 billion company on sustainable materials, while TechStyle Fashion Group reached the same valuation with a membership model.

Below is the full list of 4 Shoes unicorn startups at this time.

Top 4 Most Valuable Shoes Unicorns

StockX built an online marketplace that treats high-demand goods like limited-edition sneakers as assets on a stock market. They are widely known for a meticulous authentication system that verifies every item before it is shipped to the buyer.

Valuation$4B (Joined June 2019)
HeadquartersDetroit, Michigan, United States
Year Founded2015
FoundersChris Kaufman, Dan Gilbert, Greg Schwartz, Josh Luber
Funding Amount$690M
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries E
Top InvestorsAltimeter Capital, Tiger Global Management, Battery Ventures, General Atlantic, SV Angel

Goat Group runs a global marketplace for authentic sneakers, apparel, and accessories. They connect buyers and sellers through a trusted verification process, ensuring every item is genuine.

Valuation$4B
HeadquartersCulver City, California, United States
Year Founded2011
FoundersDaishin Sugano, Eddy Lu
Funding Amount$492.6M
Company SizeMajor Organization (1,001-5,000)
Last Funding StatusSeries F
Top InvestorsAndreessen Horowitz, Index Ventures, Franklin Templeton, Accel, New Enterprise Associates

TechStyle Fashion Group operates a portfolio of digital-first fashion brands built on a membership commerce model. They use a proprietary technology platform to deliver personalized shopping experiences for members of brands like Fabletics and Savage X Fenty.

Valuation$1B (Joined August 2014)
HeadquartersEl Segundo, California, United States
Year Founded2010
FoundersAdam Goldenberg, Don Ressler
Funding Amount$336M
Company SizeMajor Organization (1,001-5,000)
Last Funding StatusVenture Round
Top InvestorsRho Capital Partners, KEC Ventures, Matrix, TCV, Trinity Capital

Rothy's designs and creates a line of shoes and accessories using a signature thread spun from single-use plastic bottles. They are recognized for producing stylish, comfortable, and machine-washable goods that advance a sustainable mission in fashion.

Valuation$1B (Joined December 2021)
HeadquartersSan Francisco, California, United States
Year Founded2012
FoundersRoth Martin, Stephen Hawthornthwaite
Funding Amount$519M
Company SizeLarge Team (251-1,000)
Last Funding StatusCorporate Round
Top InvestorsM13, Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, Brian Spaly, Finn Capital Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners