Half

San Jose, United States Founded: 1999 • Age: 27 yrs Acquired By eBay
Hosts a digital marketplace for buying and selling used books and media.
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About Half

Half is a company based in San Jose (United States) founded in 1999 by Sunny B Rao was acquired by eBay in June 2000. It operates as a B2C. Half has raised $17 million across 1 funding round from investors including eBay, Ventures and Comcast Ventures. Half operates in a competitive market with competitors including Alibris, HipComic, Comics Price Guide, BooktoCash and Leafless, among others.

  • Headquarter San Jose, United States
  • Founders Sunny B Rao
  • Sectors
    Retail
  • Phone
    *********
  • Website
    *********
  • Social
    *********
Operational Areas
Retail → E-Commerce Platforms & Marketplaces
Key Metrics
  • Annual Revenue
  • Net Profit
  • EBITDA
  • Total Equity Funding
    $17 M (USD)

    in 1 rounds

  • Latest Funding Round
    $17 M (USD), Series B

    Jan 24, 2000

  • Investors
    eBay

    & 4 more

  • Employee Count
    Employee Count
  • Acquired by
    eBay

    (Jun 13, 2000)

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People of Half
Headcount 10000+
Employee Profiles 793
Board Members and Advisors 13
Employee Profiles
People
Qihua Yang
Software Engineer 3
People
Cathy Foster
VP, Global Government Relations
People
Julio Nobrega Netto
Senior Engineering Manager
People
Kripanshu Mathur
Strategic Manager - Seller Programs

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Board Members and Advisors
people
Shripriya Mahesh
Board Member
people
Paul Pressler
Chair of the Board
people
Mohak Shroff
Board Member
people
Pierre Omidyar
Founder & Director Emeritus

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Funding Insights of Half

Half has successfully raised a total of $17M through 1 strategic funding round. The most recent funding activity was a Series B round of $17 million completed in January 2000. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

  • Total Funding
  • Total Rounds 1
  • Last Round Series B — $17.0M
  • First Round

    (24 Jan 2000)

  • Investors Count 4
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jan, 2000 Amount Series B - Half Valuation

investors

Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Investors in Half

Half has secured backing from 5 investors, including venture fund and institutional investors. Prominent investors backing the company include eBay, Ventures and Comcast Ventures. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.

All
Venture Fund
Institutional
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
-
Founded Year Domain Location
Comcast Ventures is focused on investing in technology startups.
Founded Year Domain Location
-
Founded Year Domain Location
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
Founded Year Domain Location
Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
Founded Year Domain Location

Investments & Acquisitions by Half

Investments
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016

Financial Statements - Half

Tata Steel revenue growth over time
Tata Steel profit and loss trends over time
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Half Comparisons

Employees
+
Add Comparison
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Competitors of Half

Half operates in a dynamic and competitive business environment, facing competition from various established players and emerging companies in the market. The competitive landscape includes prominent companies such as Alibris, HipComic, Comics Price Guide, BooktoCash and Leafless, among others. This competitive environment drives innovation, market differentiation, and strategic positioning as companies strive to capture market share and deliver value to their customers. Understanding the competitive dynamics is crucial for assessing market positioning, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating the challenges inherent in a competitive marketplace.

Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Books, music, and movies are offered via an online marketplace.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Online platform for buying, selling, and auctioning comic books and collectibles.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Serves as an online marketplace for buying and selling comics.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Provides an online platform for selling used books.
domain founded_year HQ Location
An online bookshop dedicated to self-publishing and book sales.
Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.

Latest news on Half

RIP, Half.com - eBay Closes Media Marketplace
Ecommercebytes8 years ago
eBay Closes Half.com This Week, Sellers Prepare
Ecommercebytes8 years ago
eBay is shutting Half.com
Tamebay8 years ago

Frequently Asked Questions about Half

When was Half founded?

Half was founded in 1999 and raised its 1st funding round 1 year after it was founded.

Where is Half located?

Half is headquartered in San Jose, United States. It is registered at San Jose, California, United States.

Is Half a funded company?

Half is a funded company, having raised a total of $17M across 1 funding round to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series B of $17M, raised on Jan 24, 2000.

What does Half do?

Half hosts a digital marketplace for buying and selling used books and media through operating online marketplaces, engaging in retail operations, books and media, and used goods. Prioritizing client-centric approaches, it ensures high-quality outcomes, innovation, and sustainable practices in its field.

Who are the top competitors of Half?

Half's top competitors include Alibris, BookThatBook and HipComic.

Who are Half's investors?

Half has 5 investors. Key investors include eBay, Ventures, Comcast Ventures, VIMAC Ventures, and Novitas Capital.

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