Gearsupply

Gearsupply operates as an online marketplace focused on the buying and selling of used professional audio, visual, and lighting (pro AV) equipment. The company was established to address a gap in the market for a trustworthy and streamlined way for businesses to transact used gear, which was previously dominated by less secure, peer-to-peer methods.

Founded by Mendel Rosenberg, the platform emerged from his direct experiences within the concert production industry. His journey began with an early interest in e-commerce, reportedly selling items on eBay as young as ten years old. After studying concert production and working for a production company, he identified an opportunity in managing and selling their used equipment inventory. This led to the creation of Soundsupply, a sister company that purchased used gear in bulk from major production companies. Observing the limitations and needs of sellers who didn't fit the bulk-purchase model, Rosenberg launched Gearsupply.com in 2020 to create a direct peer-to-peer marketplace.

The business operates a dual model. The primary platform is a marketplace where any business or individual can list and sell their pro AV equipment, with Gearsupply facilitating the transaction, including payment processing and logistics, for a commission of around 6%. This allows sellers to set their own prices and connect directly with a targeted audience of buyers. The second part of the business, Gearsupply Direct (formerly Soundsupply), buys gear in bulk directly from companies, typically for transactions over $50,000. The company also offers a unique trade-in program, allowing businesses to exchange their old systems for credit towards new equipment from partner manufacturers like L-Acoustics and JBL.

Gearsupply's client base ranges from large-scale international production companies looking to offload entire rigs to smaller, regional production houses, DJs, and houses of worship seeking affordable, high-quality equipment. By centralizing inventory and providing a secure transaction framework, the platform addresses common issues like payment security and logistical complexities that are prevalent in high-value, specialized equipment sales. The company has received venture capital funding, including a $4 million seed round in January 2024 with participation from corporate investor L-Acoustics.

Keywords: used AV equipment, pro AV marketplace, concert production gear, professional audio, used lighting equipment, event equipment marketplace, Mendel Rosenberg, Soundsupply, video equipment sales, audio visual marketplace, live sound equipment, stage lighting, equipment trade-in, bulk asset disposition, AV gear appraisal, concert sound systems, production gear, Cincinnati startup, used L-Acoustics, JBL used gear