Who Owns Etsy

Etsy operates as a publicly traded corporation with no single controlling owner. Institutional investors hold the majority of shares, led by BlackRock and Vanguard, which together control over 25% of the company.

The Brooklyn-based marketplace recorded $2.7 billion in revenue for 2024, maintaining its position as a leading platform for handmade and vintage goods. The company’s distributed ownership structure reflects standard public market dynamics where large asset managers accumulate significant positions through index funds and active strategies.

Recent executive changes signal strategic priorities as Etsy prepares for its next phase. The incoming CEO brings experience from digital commerce platforms, particularly in international expansion and marketplace optimization.

Who Owns Etsy?

Etsy functions as a publicly traded entity on NASDAQ without a controlling shareholder. Ownership distributes across institutional investors, retail shareholders, and company insiders.

The top 25 institutional holders control 82.44% of shares according to recent SEC filings. These firms purchase stakes through various vehicles including passive index funds, actively managed portfolios, and quantitative strategies.

BlackRock leads institutional ownership at 14.2%, followed by Vanguard at 11.5%. Similar to other e-commerce platforms, Etsy maintains separation between ownership and operational control.

The board of directors provides governance oversight while management executes strategy. This structure characterizes most modern public corporations where shareholders elect directors who then oversee executive performance.

Individual retail investors hold the remaining 17.56% through brokerage accounts and retirement plans. This ownership base fluctuates daily as shares trade on the open market.

Largest Shareholders of Etsy

Top Institutional Positions

BlackRock holds 14.2% of Etsy shares valued at $693.3 million as of recent filings. The investment firm maintains this position across multiple funds including iShares index products and actively managed strategies.

Vanguard controls 11.5% worth $561.9 million through passive vehicles tracking major benchmarks. The firm’s long-term approach creates stable ownership unlikely to shift based on short-term performance.

Pacer Advisors increased its stake to 5.36% during 2024, now valued at $261.8 million. Renaissance Technologies holds 5.06% worth $247.5 million through quantitative models analyzing market patterns.

Activist and Impact Investors

Elliott Management owns 4.67% valued at $228.3 million and takes an activist stance on corporate strategy. The hedge fund secured board representation through portfolio manager Marc Steinberg in February 2024.

Impactive Capital maintains 4.1% with focus on environmental and social criteria alongside financial returns. State Street Global Advisors controls 3.55% primarily through index products.

Shareholder	Ownership %	Value (USD)
BlackRock, Inc.	14.2%	$693.3 million
The Vanguard Group	11.5%	$561.9 million
Pacer Advisors	5.36%	$261.8 million
Renaissance Technologies	5.06%	$247.5 million
Elliott Management	4.67%	$228.3 million

Investment Strategies

Passive investors like Vanguard typically vote with management recommendations and maintain positions regardless of quarterly results. Activist investors push for operational changes or strategic shifts.

Quantitative funds adjust positions based on algorithmic signals and market data. Impact investors evaluate companies through multiple lenses including governance practices and social responsibility metrics.

History of Etsy Co-founders

Launch and Early Development

Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik launched Etsy in June 2005 from a Brooklyn apartment. Kalin identified a market gap where artisans lacked dedicated online venues for handmade goods.

The founders built the initial platform with limited capital but clear differentiation from mass-market e-commerce sites. The name emerged from internal discussions seeking memorable branding for the marketplace concept.

Kalin served as CEO until 2008, establishing community principles alongside commercial infrastructure. The platform attracted sellers valuing its focus on unique crafted items rather than manufactured products.

Transition to Public Markets

The founding team gradually transitioned from operational roles as Etsy scaled. The company raised venture capital from firms including Union Square Ventures and Accel Partners.

Etsy completed its initial public offering in April 2015 at $16 per share, raising $237 million. The IPO transformed the company from founder-led startup to investor-owned corporation competing with major e-commerce platforms.

None of the original founders remain in operational positions. Their vision for a marketplace celebrating individual creativity continues shaping the platform’s identity and strategic direction.

Who Is on the Board of Directors for Etsy?

Board Leadership

Fred Wilson chairs the board after joining in 2007 as an early investor through Union Square Ventures. He assumed the chairman role in 2017 following years as lead independent director.

Josh Silverman serves as CEO and board member through December 2025. He joined the board in 2016 and became CEO in 2017, bringing experience from American Express, Skype, and shopping.com.

Technology Leadership

Andrew Ballard joined in 2021 as CEO and co-founder of Wiser Solutions. His background includes positions at Hellman & Friedman and Bain Capital. Ballard serves on the Domino’s Pizza board.

David Rosenblatt joined in March 2025 after leading 1stDibs as CEO. He previously ran DoubleClick before its Google acquisition and served as President of Global Display Advertising at Google.

Marketing and Consumer Experience

Gary Briggs joined in 2018 following marketing roles at Facebook, Google, and eBay. He currently advises political campaigns and serves on the PetcoHealth & Wellness board.

Melissa Reiff joined in 2015 after serving as CEO of The Container Store Group. Her retail operations background complements the e-commerce platform’s strategic needs.

Financial Expertise

Michele Burns joined in 2014 with experience as CEO of Mercer LLC and Chair of the Retirement Policy Center. She serves on boards for Anheuser-Busch InBev and Goldman Sachs.

Margaret Smyth joined in 2016 after serving as CFO of National Grid. She holds credentials in sustainability accounting and serves on boards for Frontier Communications and Remitly Global.

Strategic Investment

Marla Blow joined in 2021 as President and COO of the Skoll Foundation. Her background includes founding FS Card Inc. and positions at Mastercard.

Marc Steinberg joined in February 2024 representing Elliott Management’s position. He focuses on technology investments and serves on the Pinterest board.

FAQ

Is Etsy a publicly traded company?

Etsy trades on NASDAQ under ticker ETSY. The company completed its IPO in April 2015, transitioning from venture-backed startup to publicly traded corporation.

Who founded Etsy?

Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik founded Etsy in June 2005 in Brooklyn, New York, creating a marketplace for artisans selling handmade goods.

What percentage of Etsy do institutional investors own?

Institutional investors control 82.44% of Etsy shares. BlackRock and Vanguard represent the largest positions at 14.2% and 11.5% respectively.

Does Amazon own Etsy?

Amazon does not own Etsy. Etsy operates independently as a publicly traded company with separate management, board of directors, and shareholder base.

Who will be Etsy’s CEO in 2026?

Kruti Patel Goyal becomes CEO on January 1, 2026. She currently serves as President and Chief Growth Officer after leading Depop.