EBAY CIRCULAR FASHION FUND

eBay, through its Circular Fashion Fund competition, is committed to fostering innovative ideas that will transform the fashion industry towards sustainability and a circular economy. The FCG acts as a strategic partner in this endeavor. Young designers and established brands, as well as startups and tech companies with ideas on how to sustainably impact the fashion industry, are all eligible to apply. In Germany, a total of €100,000 in prize money will be awarded, distributed among three winners: first place receives €50,000, and second and third place each receive €25,000. In addition to the financial incentive, the Circular Fashion Fund offers the winners a comprehensive mentoring program. Through individual support and industry-specific expertise, the winning ideas will be further developed responsibly and for the long term.

For the first time, the fund took place simultaneously in four countries in 2024/2025: Australia, Great Britain, the USA, and Germany. Following a successful application process, the eight most promising companies or projects were selected. These were invited to pitch to a high-caliber jury comprised of leading industry experts.

• Eirik Frøyland Rime (Founder & CEO, Tise)

• Eva McGeorge (Head of Marketing & Communication, Lenzing)

• Henri Jaanimägi (Global head of eBay Ventures, inorganic & strategic partnerships)

• Julia Kirschner (Impact & Innovation Director, Armed Angels)

• Kirsten Siegler (Co-founder & Managing Director, vbc Agency)

• Kirsty Keoghan (GM Global Fashion, eBay)

• Mandy Krüger (Head of Fashion, eBay)

• Scott Lipinski (CEO, FCG)

• Silke Friedrich (Publisher, Berliner Zeitung)

• Prof. Dr. Thomas Gries (RWTH Aachen)

Following intensive workshops in spring 2025, the Circular Fashion Fund entered its final selection phase. From the strong field of applicants, three outstanding start-ups were chosen: Repair Rebels , Nineyes and MOOT .

The three finalists presented their revised pitches to the jury. The concepts were evaluated based on four key criteria: innovation, circular economy, scalability, and sustainability. The German winner, MOOT, impressed with its creative upcycling approach and was awarded first place. In addition to prize money and mentoring, the Berlin-based startup subsequently represented Germany at the international competition in London.

The title “eBay Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year 2025” and an investment of US$300,000 by eBay Ventures went to: Refiberd – a pioneer in the field of textile-to-textile recycling, whose business model convinced the jury.