Etsy Inc. is an American e-commerce company that provides a platform for artists, craftsmen, and collectors to sell their handmade or vintage goods. The company was founded in 2005 by Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik, who were inspired by the idea of creating an online marketplace for unique and handmade items. Etsy has grown rapidly since its inception, with over 4.4 million active sellers and 90 million registered users as of 2021.
The Etsy platform is primarily used by small businesses and individual artists who create handmade or vintage items, as well as craft supplies and tools. The company offers a wide range of products, including jewelry, clothing, home decor, toys, and art. In addition to its marketplace, Etsy offers a range of seller tools and resources to help sellers manage their online stores, including marketing and promotional tools, analytics, and customer support.
Etsy's mission is to "keep commerce human," and the company has been known for its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. The company has implemented initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including offsetting its shipping emissions and promoting sustainable packaging. Etsy also supports a range of social and environmental causes, including women's empowerment, racial justice, and environmental protection.
Etsy has been focused on expanding its services to better support its sellers and buyers. The company has introduced a range of new features, such as Etsy Ads, which help sellers promote their products, and Etsy Payments, which provides a streamlined payment process for buyers. Etsy has also expanded its international presence, with a growing number of sellers from outside the United States and localized platforms for international markets.