Buywander, an auction marketplace for returned and overstocked retail inventory, announced a $21 million Series A funding round on September 15, 2026. The round was led by Madrona Venture Group and Inspired Capital, bringing the company's lifetime funding to $28 million. The Seattle-based company will use the capital to support national expansion, technology investment, and leadership growth.
Funding Will Accelerate National Expansion
Buywander currently operates eight locations and has recently launched in Denver and Chicago, with Minneapolis planned as its next opening. The new capital will allow the company to enter additional cities more quickly while investing in warehouse operations and reverse logistics. Co-founder Brock Kowalchuk said the funding lets the company build infrastructure ahead of demand so each new market opens with consistent reliability.
Leadership Team Strengthened for Scale
Buywander has expanded its executive team with several new appointments, including Chief Operating Officer Laura Sasser and Chief Product Officer Mani Sundaram. Additional hires include Daniel Kiepfer as Vice President of Data and AI, Abu Marcose as Senior Director of Warehouse Technology, and Roger Ling as Director of Marketing. These leaders join an existing team that already includes Chief Technology Officer Srinivas Paluri and Vice President of Merchandising Rett Clevenger.
Technology and Data Investments
The company also plans to deepen its technology stack, including data and artificial intelligence capabilities under new leadership. Daniel Kiepfer joins as Vice President of Data and AI, while Abu Marcose has been appointed Senior Director of Warehouse Technology. The appointments form part of Buywander's broader investment in technology and operational infrastructure as the company scales.
Board Additions Bring Strategic Expertise
As part of the funding round, Buywander added Scott Jacobson, Alexa von Tobel, and Greg Greeley to its board of directors. Charlotte Ross joined as a board observer. The new board members bring experience in venture capital, consumer platforms, and retail operations to support the company's next phase of growth.
Tapping Into the Returns Economy
Retailers are sitting on billions of dollars in returned and overstocked inventory every year, and Buywander provides a local auction channel for that supply. Every item starts bidding at $1 in a timed online auction, and each purchase is backed by a seven-day return policy. Buyers collect their items in person at a nearby warehouse, removing the need for shipping and extending the lifecycle of returned products.
Investor Perspectives on Market Fit
Alexa von Tobel, founder and managing partner at Inspired Capital, said Buywander is addressing a problem that continues to grow as retailers face mounting returns. She noted the model has already found strong traction in every market it has entered. Scott Jacobson of Madrona added that affordability has shifted from a discount habit to a mainstream shopping behavior, and Buywander serves that demand effectively.
Company Momentum and Market Reception
Buywander's model has resonated because it connects local buyers with inventory from major retailers that would otherwise go to waste. The company's timed online auctions begin every item at $1, creating an accessible entry point for bargain seekers. Its recent launches in Denver and Chicago, along with the upcoming Minneapolis opening, reflect steady demand for the marketplace.
Buywander was founded in 2023 by Jordan Allen and Brock Kowalchuk and works with vetted retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Home Depot. With lifetime funding now at $28 million, the company is positioned to scale its local warehouse auction model across the United States. More details about upcoming locations and auctions are available at buywander.com.