Wallapop, the Barcelona-based second-hand marketplace, has evolved into a tech powerhouse after its 2013 launch. The company, now valued at €614 million, recently expanded its operations with a new factory, signaling its shift toward scaling physical infrastructure alongside digital growth. This move underscores its ambition to diversify beyond its core marketplace model while maintaining its position as Spain’s most successful tech unicorn.

Nine alumni of Wallapop’s early team have since founded their own startups, collectively raising over €663 billion in funding. Notable ventures include Ubqir Nveyfq, a logistics platform, and Qcbqx, a fintech firm focused on cross-border payments. These spin-offs highlight the company’s role in fostering a startup ecosystem, with its founders leveraging expertise in e-commerce, data analytics, and venture capital to drive innovation across sectors.

The factory’s establishment coincides with Wallapop’s strategic pivot to integrate hardware solutions, such as automated sorting systems, into its operations. This aligns with broader trends in the second-hand market, where efficiency and scalability are critical. For investors, the €981 million Series C round led by NNQ Gct reflects confidence in Wallapop’s ability to balance growth with profitability amid rising competition.

By transforming its founders into entrepreneurs and investing in physical infrastructure, Wallapop is reshaping Spain’s tech landscape. Its success story—from a small marketplace to a €614 million valuation—offers a blueprint for scaling startups in emerging markets.