The Stage | Matt Barker, Founder & CEO, MPB

Why It Matters

MPB’s growth validates a robust secondary market for creative gear, giving creators liquidity and prompting consolidation in the equipment‑trading sector.

Key Takeaways

• MPB is world’s largest platform for used photo/video gear.
• Founder leveraged eBay arbitrage while studying economics at Warwick.
• Company grew from 20 staff in 2016 to 550 globally.
• Current annual growth rate stands at 28% across markets.
• Investing in proprietary tech to expand international arbitrage opportunities.

Summary

Matt Barker, founder and CEO of MPB, outlines the company’s evolution from a student‑run eBay arbitrage side‑hustle to the world’s largest marketplace for buying, selling and trading used photography and videography equipment.

MPB now serves over one million content creators, has raised four venture‑capital rounds, and expanded its workforce from 20 employees in 2016 to roughly 550 worldwide. The firm reports a 28% year‑over‑year growth rate, driven by investments in technology, data analytics, and internationalization.

Barker emphasizes the role of “information arbitrage” and “proprietary technology” in creating cross‑border pricing efficiencies. He notes that the platform’s scale enables creators to monetize gear more effectively than on generic marketplaces.

The company’s rapid scaling signals a maturing secondary‑market ecosystem, offering creators a reliable outlet for equipment resale and positioning MPB as a strategic acquisition target for larger tech or media firms.

Original Description

What started as a student side hustle is now the world’s largest platform for buying, selling and trading used photo and video equipment.

In this episode of The Stage, Matt Barker, Founder & CEO of MPB, shares how curiosity, data, and long term investment in technology helped scale MPB to serve over a million creators globally.

About 'The Stage'

The Stage, a new video series that celebrates the people behind the markets. Produced by the London Stock Exchange, each episode will feature an industry thought leader sharing insights, milestones, and stories that shaped their business journey. Whether you're a CEO, founder, or financial industry voice, The Stage is your platform to connect with a global audience of investors, issuers, and market participants.

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