Avant Arte
Avant Arte is an Amsterdam-based online platform founded in 2015 that sells limited edition prints and sculpture editions directly to collectors worldwide, serving a community of 3.5 million across 100+ countries through time-limited releases, draw-based allocation, and museum fundraising partnerships with institutions including Guggenheim, Tate, and LACMA.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Avant Arte does
Avant Arte is an Amsterdam-headquartered, private online art-collecting platform founded in 2015 that sells limited edition prints, drawings, and sculptures by contemporary artists directly to a global consumer base. Its catalogue spans 919 works from 313 listed artists, with prices ranging from roughly €400 for entry-level prints to €35,000 for premium sculptures. The platform operates a proprietary time-limited edition model in which edition size is constrained by release window rather than predetermined quantity, paired with a draw-based allocation system for high-demand works. Product is distributed exclusively through avantarte.com, with global shipping to 100+ countries and a multi-rail payment stack including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Crypto.com, iDEAL, and Klarna BNPL.
The company is supported by a vertically integrated production footprint: the Make-Ready specialist printmaking studio in London (described as the world's largest fine art printmaking studio) produces limited edition prints in collaboration with artists, a bespoke framing studio outside Amsterdam handles finishing, and the Insights content platform publishes guides, essays, and artist videos to educate collectors. The commercial model rests primarily on one-time direct sales of limited edition works, supplemented by fundraising partnerships with 16+ major museums — Guggenheim, Tate, National Gallery, LACMA, Dia Art Foundation, The Broad, MCA Chicago, Brooklyn Museum, and others — where a portion of proceeds flows to institutional endowment and programs. Authorized estate collaborations (Lucian Freud Archive, Man Ray Trust, Josef & Anni Albers Foundation, William Blake Estate) add a deeper secondary revenue stream and broaden the catalogue into historic-artist editions.
The customer base centers on Millennial and Gen Z collectors (over 70% of whom buy to support artists rather than for financial returns), with museum patrons and first-time collectors as adjacent segments. The company is led by co-founders Mazdak Sanii (CEO) and Christian Luiten, with additional co-founder Curtis Penning listed. It is venture-backed, having closed a 2019 seed round led by LocalGlobe with EXOR participation and a 2022 growth round led by Bessemer Venture Partners with EXOR, Exor Ventures, Latitude, and Motier Ventures. Community reach is reported at over 3.5 million across 100+ countries, anchored by Discord, Instagram, and an ambassador programme.
Avant Arte firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Avant Arte
- Legal name
- Avant Arte
- Website
- https://avantarte.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Avant Arte is an Amsterdam-based online platform founded in 2015 that sells limited edition prints and sculpture editions directly to collectors worldwide, serving a community of 3.5 million across 100+ countries through time-limited releases, draw-based allocation, and museum fundraising partnerships with institutions including Guggenheim, Tate, and LACMA.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Avant Arte industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Limited Edition Art Prints
- NAICS
- Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures (7114), Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (71151), Graphic Design Services (54143)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Publishing (2741), Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Art & Drafting Supplies Retail (CRALABAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Illustration) (EDAAAGAA), Creator Talent Management & Representation (MPAAAHAB)
Keywords
Where Avant Arte is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Amsterdam
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Avant Arte business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Limited edition print sales: Direct sale of limited edition prints, sculptures, and drawings created in collaboration with contemporary artists. Primary revenue stream with prices ranging from €400 to €35,000 per work. All works available through e-commerce platform.
- Sculpture editions: Sale of limited edition sculptures in various materials including bronze, resin, and marble. Higher price point offerings complementing print editions.
- Institutional fundraising partnerships: Collaborations with museums (Guggenheim, LACMA, Dia Art Foundation, Tate, National Gallery) on print sales that generate fundraising revenue. Museums receive proceeds from specific edition sales. Platform has raised millions of dollars for institutions.
- Artist estate collaborations: Partnerships with estates and foundations (Lucian Freud Archive, Man Ray Trust, Josef & Anni Albers Foundation) to create authorized limited editions, with proceeds supporting the foundations' work.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level prints from emerging artists |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mid-tier prints from established artists |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium prints from major artists |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sculpture editions |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Avant Arte product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Avant Arte is an online platform that sells limited edition prints, sculptures, and drawings created in collaboration with contemporary artists. It operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model featuring time-limited releases, draw-based allocation for high-demand works, and a London-based specialist printmaking studio (Make-Ready) for production. Works are priced from €400 to €35,000 and shipped globally to a community of more than 3.5 million across 100+ countries.
Product overview
Avant Arte is an online art collecting platform offering limited edition prints and sculpture editions from contemporary artists worldwide. The core offering consists of time-limited and traditional limited edition releases of silkscreen prints, drawings, and sculptures created in collaboration with over 250 artists. Supporting services include the Make-Ready specialist printmaking studio in London, a bespoke framing studio in Amsterdam, the Insights content platform with guides and essays, and a public art programme. The platform serves over 3.5 million collectors across more than 100 countries, with partnerships with major institutions for fundraising.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Make-Ready: Specialist printmaking studio based in London, described as the world's largest fine art printmaking studio. Works closely with artists to craft limited edition prints.
Products and services
- Limited Edition Prints Exclusive limited edition silkscreen prints and drawings created in collaboration with world-renowned contemporary artists, featuring time-limited releases and limited edition runs, available globally through the avantarte.com e-commerce platform.
- Sculpture Editions Bronze and resin sculpture editions by leading contemporary artists, including collaborative works and artist-specific editions, priced from €1,000 (resin) to €35,000 (marble).
- Time-Limited Editions Releases where edition size is limited by time rather than predetermined quantities, allowing broader collector access to works by prestigious artists while maintaining exceptional production standards.
- Artist Collaborations Ongoing partnerships with 250+ contemporary artists including James Jean, Carrie Mae Weems, Mickalene Thomas, George Condo, Lee Ufan, Cai Guo-Qiang, Barry McGee, and William Mapan, resulting in exclusive limited edition releases.
- Estate Collaborations Authorized limited edition prints created in partnership with artists' estates and foundations including Lucian Freud Archive, Man Ray Trust, Josef & Anni Albers Foundation, and William Blake Estate, with proceeds supporting the foundations' work.
- Gift Cards
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 70% of next-gen collectors buy specifically to support artists
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Avant Arte
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Avant Arte technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature3 records
Avant Arte partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- LACMAcoreFundraising partnership through print sales. Avant Arte collaborates with LACMA on limited edition releases that generate revenue for the museum's operations and public programs.
- Guggenheim MuseumcoreInstitutional partnership including Alex Katz debut print collaboration. The partnership supports Guggenheim's fundraising efforts and engages next-generation patrons.
- Dia Art FoundationcoreGeorge Condo collaboration raised vital funds for Dia Art Foundation in their 50th anniversary year. Partnership described as deeply grateful by foundation director Jessica Morgan.
- TatecoreMajor endowment campaign partner. Collaborates with National Gallery on collection sharing frameworks and joint initiatives.
- National Gallery (London)corePartnership with Tate on collection sharing and endowment campaigns. Joint framework for collaborative initiatives between the institutions.
- National Portrait GallerycoreElizabeth Peyton's 'Mai' acquired for permanent collection. Artwork displayed at the gallery demonstrating institutional validation of Avant Arte collaboration quality.
- Make-Ready Printmaking StudiocoreLondon-based specialist printmaking studio, described as world's largest fine art printmaking studio. Expert artisan printmakers work closely with artists to craft limited edition prints of highest quality. Used for all major print collaborations.
- The Estate of Lucian Freudcore8 artist collaborations including quartet of limited edition prints. David Dawson, Lucian Freud's assistant and friend, reflects on the enduring legacy through video content.
- Man Ray Trustcore3 artist collaborations including trio of limited edition prints authorized by the trust.
- The Josef and Anni Albers FoundationcoreFirst silkscreen prints authorized in foundation's history - each an edition of 250. Executive Director Nicholas Fox Weber praised the tenacity and technical skill achieving prints 'fully up to the standards of Anni and Josef Albers.' Funds support work improving lives in rural Senegal.
- The BroadmajorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations supporting public access to art.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern ArtmajorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations.
- MCA ChicagomajorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations.
- Brooklyn MuseummajorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations.
- Contemporary Art SocietymajorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations.
- ICA LondonmajorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations.
- Sir John Soane's MuseumminorInstitutional partner for fundraising collaborations.
- The Estate of William Blakeminor3 artist collaborations through the estate.
- Human Rights WatchminorJaume Plensa UTOPIA print released in support of Human Rights Watch, demonstrating charitable giving component of platform.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Avant Arte competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Artsy: Artsy is the largest online art marketplace connecting collectors with galleries and auction houses globally. Both Avant Arte and Artsy operate digital-first platforms that lower barriers to art collecting, though Artsy functions as a broader aggregator for galleries rather than producing its own editions.
- Saatchi Art: Saatchi Art is an online art gallery offering original artworks and limited edition prints from emerging and established artists worldwide. Direct competitor in online limited-edition print sales with a similar target customer base of younger, first-time collectors.
- 1stDibs: 1stDibs is a leading online marketplace for luxury items including art, furniture, and jewelry. Comparable as a curated online marketplace targeting affluent collectors with vetted offerings, though 1stDibs has a broader luxury-goods scope.
- Artspace (by Phaidon): Artspace is an online art marketplace offering limited edition prints and original works from contemporary artists, owned by Phaidon. Direct competitor in the limited-edition print segment with similar target market of younger collectors seeking accessible contemporary art.
- Artnet: Artnet is an art market platform combining auction listings, gallery networks, and price databases. Comparable as a digital infrastructure layer for the art market, though more focused on price discovery and secondary market data than primary sales.
- Singulart: Singulart is an online art gallery selling original works and limited editions from contemporary artists globally, founded in Paris. Comparable marketplace model with similar international collector base and artist-led positioning for contemporary art sales.
Broad incumbents
- Sotheby's: Sotheby's is the world's largest art auction house with deep artist relationships, authentication expertise, and an aggressive digital transformation push. Represents an incumbent threat at Avant Arte's higher price points and a potential acquisition target for catalog IP and prestige.
- Christie's: Christie's is the world's second-largest art auction house, also rapidly expanding its digital channels and online-only sales. Direct competitor at the upper end of Avant Arte's price band and a benchmark for authentication standards in the secondary art market.
Emerging players
- Masterworks: Masterworks is a fintech platform that fractionalizes investment-grade artworks for retail investors. Adjacent in democratizing art collecting for younger/wealth-building audiences, but competes on the financial-investment angle rather than the curated-collecting angle.
- Rise Art: Rise Art is an online gallery specializing in contemporary art prints and originals curated for new collectors. Direct competitor in the entry-to-mid print market with a similar mission of making contemporary collecting accessible to non-traditional buyers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Avant Arte social profiles
Digital presenceAvant Arte financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Avant Arte leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Avant Arte funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Avant Arte M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Avant Arte
What does Avant Arte do?
Avant Arte is an online platform that sells limited edition prints, sculptures, and drawings created in collaboration with contemporary artists. It operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model featuring time-limited releases, draw-based allocation for high-demand works, and a London-based specialist printmaking studio (Make-Ready) for production. Works are priced from €400 to €35,000 and shipped globally to a community of more than 3.5 million across 100+ countries.
Is Avant Arte a public or private company?
Avant Arte is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Avant Arte founded?
Avant Arte was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Avant Arte based?
Avant Arte is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does Avant Arte make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Limited edition print sales are the primary driver. The others are sculpture editions, institutional fundraising partnerships and artist estate collaborations.
Who are Avant Arte's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Artsy, Saatchi Art, 1stDibs, Artspace (by Phaidon), Artnet and Singulart. Broad incumbents are Sotheby's and Christie's. Emerging players are Masterworks and Rise Art.
Does Avant Arte have an API?
No public API is recorded for Avant Arte.
What industry is Avant Arte in?
Avant Arte's product category is Limited Edition Art Prints. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALABAG, Art & Drafting Supplies Retail, with a secondary code of EDAAAGAA, Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Illustration). Its NAICS code is 7114 and its SIC code is 2741.