Scythia

About Scythia

Scythia is a UK-based e-commerce aggregator founded in late 2020 that specializes in acquiring and scaling digitally native brands. The company operates within the growing market of Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and direct-to-consumer aggregators, a business model that gained significant traction around 2020. Scythia's strategy involves purchasing successful small to medium-sized online businesses, particularly those on platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy, and leveraging its operational expertise to foster growth. The leadership team is composed of seasoned professionals with deep experience in e-commerce and finance. Co-founders Chris Lindsay and Alex Walker are central to the company's operational strategy. Lindsay previously served as a Senior Category Leader during a nine-year tenure at Amazon UK, while Walker, a serial entrepreneur, was a Senior Product Manager at Amazon Marketplace. Their combined experience of over 40 years in e-commerce and retail provides them with an insider's perspective on navigating and succeeding within the Amazon ecosystem and beyond. The team also includes private equity professionals and advisors like Brian McBride, the former UK CEO of Amazon and Chair of ASOS. Scythia's business model focuses on creating bespoke acquisition solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The firm engages with entrepreneurs to understand their journey and can structure deals that may include future payouts as the acquired brand grows, rather than a simple cash exit. While deeply rooted in the Amazon marketplace, Scythia's strategy extends to multichannel e-commerce brands, aiming to build a diverse portfolio not narrowly focused on FBA. The company utilizes third-party logistics providers for both Amazon and direct-to-consumer channels. In 2022, Scythia acquired four UK-based brands: The FoundryMan (home decor), Conscious Consumer Co. (gardening), BundleBean (baby and wheelchair accessories), and Muggz (personalized mugs). These acquisitions highlight the company's interest in diverse categories, which also include musical instruments, toys and games, sports, and DIY. Scythia is backed by private equity, family offices, and angel investors.