aVenture · Feb 2024
Recent company research profile reiterates Flip’s 2014 founding, sneaker-auction model, and a reported $300k seed round; it also estimates a small team size.
Public company, workplace, funding, and market signals
Updated Jul 29, 2026
FLIP (PILF, Inc.) is an Oakland-based, private sneaker marketplace that uses mobile-only 90-minute auctions, authentication checks, and a guaranteed-sale model for rare and limited-edition sneakers in the U.S.
Primary product
Mobile-only sneaker resale marketplace with 90-minute auctions and guaranteed-sale fulfillment.
Founded
2014
Headquarters
Oakland, California, United States
Team size
1-10
Work style
Onsite
Industry
Software Development
Sub-industry
E-commerce / sneaker resale marketplace
Offices
14 jobs at Flip
Business model
Leadership
Founder/CEO
Brand messaging emphasizes a community-driven, trust-first marketplace with authentication, fast sales, and ease of use for sneaker enthusiasts.
Work style
Onsite
Pricing
Marketplace take-rate / commission on completed auction sales; unsold items may be purchased by FLIP.
Differentiators
Technology
Customers
Competitors
Estimated revenue
Less than $1M
Estimated monthly visits
1.4K
aVenture · Feb 2024
Recent company research profile reiterates Flip’s 2014 founding, sneaker-auction model, and a reported $300k seed round; it also estimates a small team size.
Lightspeed Venture Partners · Mar 2023
Lightspeed’s company page identifies a 2017 seed investment in Flip and describes the business as a 90-minute auction-based sneaker marketplace.
Marc Randolph podcast · Sep 2021
Podcast discussion with Kemar Newell about growing the peer-to-peer sneaker marketplace and the customer problem Flip was built to solve.
Nylon · Sep 2017
Notes Y Combinator support and that Newell secured an investment from Lightspeed Venture Partners in 2017.
Coveteur · Apr 2017
Explains how Newell arrived at the product idea and how Flip's guarantee and auction format were meant to improve sneaker liquidity.