eBay expands Circular Fashion Fund to Europe and North America

The online marketplace eBay is expanding its Circular Fashion Fund to companies and start-ups across the EU, Switzerland and Canada for the first time. The funding program will enter its fourth year in 2026 and underlines eBay's long-term commitment to the circular economy in the fashion industry on a global scale.

Funding for start-ups with a focus on circular fashion

As part of the program, eight companies will be selected to each receive 50,000 US dollars in funding and an extensive mentoring program. The aim is to support innovative solutions that extend the lifespan of clothing, promote reuse and reduce textile waste. This applies along the entire value chain from production to the end of a product's life.

One particularly convincing company will also be recognized as a Global Winner and will have the chance to receive a further investment of 300,000 US dollars from eBay Ventures.

Global expansion significantly increases total funding volume

With the opening of the Circular Fashion Fund to new regions, the total global funding volume will increase to 1.9 million US dollars by the end of 2026. The existing program countries, including the UK, Germany, Australia and the USA, will remain part of the initiative. Applications are now open and will run until March 8, 2026.

When we launched the Circular Fashion Fund, we wanted to support companies that are moving the circular economy from ambition to action.

Alexis Hoopes, VP Global Head of Fashion at eBay

Capital, mentoring and access to relevant networks

Since its launch in 2022, eBay has provided over 25 companies with financial support and mentoring. In addition to capital, a key added value of the program is access to relevant industry contacts, partners and networks, which are crucial for young fashion and climate tech start-ups to scale.

Alexis Hoopes, VP Global Head of Fashion at eBay, emphasizes that although many circular business models are technologically mature, they often fail due to a lack of financing and market access. This is precisely where the Circular Fashion Fund comes in.

Success story Refiberd shows scaling potential

Previous participants in the program include the US company Refiberd, which uses AI to analyse the fibre composition of textiles and thus enables precise textile recycling. Refiberd was named Global Winner in 2025 and received additional investment from eBay Ventures to drive commercial scaling.

The current round is once again accompanied by an international panel of experts, including representatives of leading fashion associations from the USA, Germany and Australia. Applications are still open until March 8. Click here for the Circular Fashion Fund