Zulily

Zulily was founded in 2009 by Mark Vadon and Darrell Cavens in Seattle, Washington. The idea for the company was born out of Vadon's personal experience as a new father, struggling to find unique and affordable baby products. This inspired the creation of an online retail platform that offered flash sales on a wide range of products for mothers and children, providing a unique shopping experience.

The company quickly gained traction, appealing to a niche market with its curated selection of products and limited-time sales. Zulily's business model focused on creating a sense of urgency and excitement among shoppers, which helped drive rapid growth.

In 2013, Zulily went public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) that valued the company at $2.6 billion. This marked a significant milestone, as the company reported $331 million in revenue and had 2.6 million active customers at the time. The IPO provided Zulily with the capital needed to expand its operations and enhance its platform.

Two years later, in 2015, Zulily was acquired by Liberty Interactive, the parent company of QVC and HSN, for $2.4 billion in cash and stock. Despite the acquisition, Zulily continued to operate under its own brand, maintaining its unique approach to online retail. This acquisition allowed Zulily to leverage Liberty Interactive's resources and expertise, further solidifying its position in the e-commerce market.

Today, Zulily remains a prominent player in the online retail space, known for its innovative approach to flash sales and its commitment to providing customers with special finds at incredible prices.