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OnBuy.com
Founded2016 (2016)[1]
FounderCas Paton[2]
Websitewww.onbuy.com

OnBuy is a UK-based online marketplace established by entrepreneur Cas Paton.[3] The platform operates as a third-party marketplace, facilitating transactions between retailers and consumers without holding its own inventory.

History

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Launched in November 2016, OnBuy was designed to support retailers by avoiding direct competition through inventory ownership.[4] It raised £5 million in 2020[5] and £35 million in 2021[6] to support expansion and infrastructure development.

In 2024, OnBuy introduced a £10 million cashback loyalty program aimed at supporting customer retention.[7] In early 2025, it relocated its headquarters from Bournemouth to London, citing challenges in attracting tech talent and insufficient local support. A satellite office was retained in Bournemouth to support hybrid work.[8]

Acquisition of Comet

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In May 2025, OnBuy acquired the rights to the historic British retail brand Comet which had previously closed its 240 stores in 2012.[9] The acquisition was widely covered in national media and marked a significant step in OnBuy’s expansion. The company announced plans to invest £10 million to relaunch Comet as a digital-first marketplace focused on consumer electronics.[10][11]

Business Model

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OnBuy operates as a pure marketplace, listing products from third-party sellers without selling directly. This model aims to create a level playing field for retailers, distinguishing it from competitors that also act as vendors.[12]

Recognition

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OnBuy has been featured in several business growth rankings. It ranked 331st, 25th, and 34th in the Financial Times FT1000 in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively.[13][14][15] It was named the South West & Wales Regional Winner in the Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 in 2021[16] and ranked 11th nationally in 2022 and 2023.[17][18] In 2024, it placed 49th in the Deloitte EMEA Technology Fast 500.[19] In 2025, it was ranked 42nd in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100.[20]


References

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  1. ^ "I started with £80 in my back pocket - now my business is worth £152m". Manchester Evening News. 8 January 2025.
  2. ^ "I started with £80 in my back pocket - now my business is worth £152m". Manchester Evening News. 8 January 2025.
  3. ^ "OnBuy quits Bournemouth headquarters, blaming BCP Council". www.bbc.com. 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  4. ^ Cullen, Patricia (2024-10-08). "A Vision for a Fair Marketplace". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  5. ^ Ruzicka, Angelique (2020-07-14). "Can Dorset-based OnBuy really take on US giant Amazon?". This is Money. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  6. ^ Nazir, Sahar (2021-07-13). "OnBuy raises £35m in latest funding round as it eyes growth - Retail Gazette". Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  7. ^ Laleye, Temie (2023-07-18). "Cashback tools saving spenders thousands as savvy shopper shares her tips". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  8. ^ "OnBuy quits Bournemouth headquarters, blaming BCP Council". BBC News. 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  9. ^ Denton, Jane (2025-05-21). "Popular electronics retailer that collapsed in 2012 to be revived". Mail Online. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  10. ^ Denton, Jane (2025-05-21). "Popular electronics retailer that collapsed in 2012 to be revived". This is Money. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  11. ^ Knuckey, James (2025-05-22). "Iconic high street giant makes UK comeback 13 years after shutting 240 stores". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  12. ^ Robinson, Megan (2023-05-17). "Q&A: OnBuy founder Cas Paton on becoming 'Europe's fastest-growing ecommerce business'". Retail Week. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  13. ^ Kelly, Maxine (2022-03-01). "FT 1000: the sixth annual list of Europe's fastest-growing companies". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  14. ^ Kilby, Nathalie (2023-03-01). "FT 1000: the seventh annual ranking of Europe's fastest-growing companies". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  15. ^ Kilby, Nathalie (2024-03-01). "FT 1000: the eighth annual ranking of Europe's fastest-growing companies". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  16. ^ "Deloitte 2021 UK Fast 50 regional winners". UK Technology Fast 50. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  17. ^ "Error | Deloitte UK". www.deloitte.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  18. ^ "Error | Deloitte UK". www.deloitte.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  19. ^ https://ukpages.deloitte.com/rs/676-RGI-700/images/2024-EMEA-Tech-Fast-500-Report.pdf?version=0&mkt_tok=Njc2LVJHSS03MDAAAAGTgXPrf1MaOAZ67VmVtPqIbxHhbHODp3IcYfUGNU9Il1vErfYimxxPvXUflz0n8DjiaeoAfGxaf4XL6XRYQPX2MHF7PUfdsmVNyFMRq8yLdO2RsjgM3Q
  20. ^ "OnBuy". www.thetimes.com. 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
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