Fab.com Founder Lands At eBay

Investor Pushes eBay To Drop StubHub, Classifieds

A business failing today just doesn’t hold the same gravity as it used to. Whereas careers used to be ruined, they’re just set back temporarily in the age of the fast-evolving startup. Case in point: Bradford Shellhammer is back.

The enigmatic cofounder of Fab.com and recently shuttered Bezar.com announced on Thursday (March 24) in a Facebook post that he would be joining eBay’s “innovation team heading up Curation and Merchandising.” While his role at the online marketplace is still a bit unclear, Shellhammer explained that it was a decision made out of mutual attraction.

“So, in a way, it’s sort of a homecoming to me, as eBay is the world’s biggest and best marketplace for people like me: passionate collectors searching for unique finds at amazing prices. When I met the eBay team, I knew I’d found a team of comrades, inspired people dedicated to building innovative new ways to shop and empowering sellers all over the globe,” Shellhammer explained on Facebook. “My role at eBay will be focused on building new initiatives within the company, centered around telling stories, spotting trends, curating unique goods and delighting customers. EBay was the first online place I ever shopped. I am thrilled to be part of the team.”

The admittedly vague title of “Curation and Merchandising” doesn’t quite explain what Shellhammer’s role with eBay will be, but Re/code noted that his two prior ventures heavily relied on flash sales of tailored content to build interest and revenue. However, what gave rise to Fab and Bezar also proved to be their undoings. Fab buckled under unsustainable growth, and Bezar was sold after funding dried up.

Will Shellhammer’s cycle of booming growth and rapid decline repeat itself at eBay? Or might the resources and structure of a larger company meter his obvious talents into a more moderate and sustainable business model?