London-based luxury online marketplace Farfetch filed for an IPO on Monday and plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker FTCH.
Farfetch’s revenue grew 59 percent to $386 million in 2017, according to the regulatory filing. Losses deepened to $68 million in the first half of this year, from $29 million in the same period of 2017, and the company has yet to turn a profit.
As of December 31, 2017, the company said it had nearly 1 million (935,772) active consumers, with that figure growing 43.6 percent over the year.
“Farfetch is the leading technology platform for the global luxury fashion industry,” Farfetch noted in the prospectus. “We operate the only truly global luxury digital marketplace at scale, seamlessly connecting brands, retailers and consumers. We are redefining how fashion is bought and sold through technology, data and innovation. We were founded ten years ago, and through significant investments in technology, infrastructure, people and relationships, we have become a trusted partner to luxury brands and retailers alike.”
Farfetch is hoping to ride the ongoing luxury boom, citing in its filing data from consulting firm Bain stating that the global market for personal luxury goods would grow from $307 billion in 2017 to $446 billion by 2025.
The filing did not disclose the number of shares being sold or the projected offering price. Sources previously told CNBC the company is aiming for a valuation as high as $5 billion.
Proceeds from the IPO will be used for working capital, including possible acquisitions.
Existing shareholders include China’s JD.com, which invested $397 million in 2017. JD.com has agreed to buy more shares to maintain its stake after the listing.
Other investors include publisher Conde Nast and DST Global, run by Silicon Valley-based billionaire Yuri Milner, who had once backed Facebook and online home rental company Airbnb.
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Allen & Co, UBS, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Wells Fargo, Cowen and BNP Paribas are underwriting the offering.
