Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsSourcingMay 20, 2024
2 Business-to-Business Platforms Secure Millions in Funding
Nivoda and Liquid Diamonds both have big plans for the new capital.
From left to right, Nivoda CFO Bas Lustenhouwer, CPO James Morgan, co-founder and CEO David Sutton, and co-founder and COO Andre Woons. The tech company raised $30 million in a recent round of Series B funding.
New York—Two business-to-business jewelry marketplaces recently announced that they have secured millions of dollars in funding.
London-based Nivoda, which operates a diamond and gemstone marketplace, raised $30 million in a Series B funding round.
It was led by Avenir Growth Capital and joined by existing investors Headline and Abstract Ventures, with the addition of Canaan Ventures.
“We’re on a mission to create a one-stop shop for jewelers, and this funding represents a crucial milestone in achieving that vision,” said David Sutton, co-founder and CEO of Nivoda.
Andrew Sugrue, partner at Avenir Growth Capital, highlighted the platform’s unique position in the market.
“We are thrilled to back Nivoda as they build the largest global marketplace for the jewelry industry. Nivoda serves a huge unmet need in the market, evidenced in their best-in-class retention characteristics,” he said.
Taylor Brandt, principal at Headline, described the company as “a staple to both suppliers and diamond buyers around the world with countless opportunities for expansion."
In announcing this latest round of funding, Nivoda highlighted recent milestones, including a 140 percent year-over-year increase in revenue in December.
Its active customer base has been expanding, up 162 percent year-over-year, while its order count grew 124 percent.
Nivoda has plans for the new funding, including customer growth, market expansion, global outreach, and category expansion.
It also wants to enhance the customer experience through product enhancements and fulfillment optimizations.
Recently, the company debuted Nivoda Express, a new fulfillment service which enables two- to three-day delivery on select stones.
It has another project in the works, Memo/Appro, which would allow retailers to display and sell jewelry items in their stores without buying them outright from suppliers. It’s expected to be available sometime this year.
To support these goals, Nivoda said it plans to double the size of its team over the next year.
Related stories will be right here …
London-based Nivoda, which operates a diamond and gemstone marketplace, raised $30 million in a Series B funding round.
It was led by Avenir Growth Capital and joined by existing investors Headline and Abstract Ventures, with the addition of Canaan Ventures.
“We’re on a mission to create a one-stop shop for jewelers, and this funding represents a crucial milestone in achieving that vision,” said David Sutton, co-founder and CEO of Nivoda.
Andrew Sugrue, partner at Avenir Growth Capital, highlighted the platform’s unique position in the market.
“We are thrilled to back Nivoda as they build the largest global marketplace for the jewelry industry. Nivoda serves a huge unmet need in the market, evidenced in their best-in-class retention characteristics,” he said.
Taylor Brandt, principal at Headline, described the company as “a staple to both suppliers and diamond buyers around the world with countless opportunities for expansion."
In announcing this latest round of funding, Nivoda highlighted recent milestones, including a 140 percent year-over-year increase in revenue in December.
Its active customer base has been expanding, up 162 percent year-over-year, while its order count grew 124 percent.
Nivoda has plans for the new funding, including customer growth, market expansion, global outreach, and category expansion.
It also wants to enhance the customer experience through product enhancements and fulfillment optimizations.
Recently, the company debuted Nivoda Express, a new fulfillment service which enables two- to three-day delivery on select stones.
It has another project in the works, Memo/Appro, which would allow retailers to display and sell jewelry items in their stores without buying them outright from suppliers. It’s expected to be available sometime this year.
To support these goals, Nivoda said it plans to double the size of its team over the next year.
Another business-to-business platform connecting suppliers and retailers, Liquid Diamonds, has raised additional funding.
Liquid Diamonds, a New York-based diamond sourcing platform, secured $1.1 million.
The funding round was led by select members of the New York Angels, a group of New York-based financiers who “believe the diamond industry has been left behind compared to other industries, such as automotive, finance, and pharmaceuticals,” said the company.
Liquid Diamonds said its goal is to bring price transparency and liquidity to diamonds, letting diamond buyers buy at fair market value while suppliers can liquidate their inventories.
Its reverse auction system gives retailers access to global suppliers, sourcing stones from small diamond manufacturers in India and Botswana.
“Our vision is to democratize the diamond market, where buyers always get a fair market value regardless of whether they are buying five or 500 diamonds,” said Kashyap Mehta, CEO of Liquid Diamonds.
“This enhanced focus on retailers is an exciting evolution not only for Liquid Diamonds, but for the industry as a whole. Our team worked to streamline the platform for greater usability, and we are happy to report we are already seeing an increase in both time spent on the platform as well as a strong ROI in terms of new retailer clients taking advantage of our diamond buying services.”
Donna Redel, a member of the New York Angels and Liquid Diamonds’ board of directors, said she is “optimistic about the future of the diamond industry, as modern technology is slowly being accepted by a dated industry that is not currently data-rich.”
Technology and data can benefit every part of the value chain, she said.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards WinnersAt the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsThe FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at BonhamsThe Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida JewelerJohn Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
