Investors looking to engage with future IPOs from tech giants like OpenAI and Anthropic are facing a unique roadblock: there’s no direct method for the everyday person to buy shares ahead of these launches. In response, some individuals are turning to an unconventional market, purchasing used apparel—such as t-shirts and hoodies—that were originally given to employees or attendees at events, now fetching impressive resale prices.
On platforms like eBay, there's a noticeable increase in demand for merchandise branded by these AI companies. For example, a collection of OpenAI Codex items, which includes a hat and a hoodie, is being listed for as much as $475, while a pre-owned OpenAI sweatshirt recently sold for $246.99. Similarly, an Anthropic pen reached a selling price of $39.99, and an employee t-shirt from OpenAI garnered $120.
Mitchell Brody, who operates an eBay t-shirt business with his daughter, comments, “I believe these will become the vintage concert shirts of the future.” They currently feature an employee-issued OpenAI tee priced at $249.99, with Brody envisioning a future where people proudly share stories about their unique OpenAI merchandise from this era.
Conversations with various sellers reveal a striking trend: items from OpenAI and Anthropic are significantly more valuable compared to merchandise from other tech firms. For instance, an employee tank top from Google is available for only $24.95, and even a SpaceX polo shirt is listed for a mere $11.92.
This trend resembles another recent occurrence when Silicon Valley Bank’s merchandise spiked in value amidst its financial turmoil; however, interest rapidly declined once the situation stabilized. One seller noted that items tied to companies experiencing dramatic highs and lows, like SVB, often create a temporary bubble that eventually bursts.
While a t-shirt or pen won't replace the prestige of company stock or influential titles on a resume, they fulfill a social desire to belong to the unique culture of Silicon Valley. Many buyers hail from regions outside major tech hubs, such as Ohio and upstate New York, where ownership of these exclusive items provides a sense of connection to the tech world.
The real draw for these garments isn’t merely their branding but their association with limited production runs tied to significant product launches or achievements within the companies. To validate authenticity, buyers pay close attention to manufacturing tags and original packaging. Many items, often sourced from thrift stores or gifted by industry friends, carry a narrative of insider knowledge.
“The most sought-after shirts are those issued to employees—they carry an ‘insider’ appeal,” Brody points out, highlighting that shirts tied to specific SpaceX missions, for instance, command higher prices.
Capitalizing on the growing buzz around its merchandise, OpenAI recently launched OpenAI Supply Co., which was initially intended for staff but is now open to the public. This online store offers custom garments and highlights limited-edition items, akin to exclusive sneaker releases, further solidifying the connection between their brand identity and consumer culture.
Historically, interest in Silicon Valley memorabilia has surged during times of company turmoil. From the early days of the dot-com bubble to post-IPO phenomenon items from firms like Theranos and WeWork, many notable tech artifacts have achieved significant resale values. For example, items associated with Apple and its founder Steve Jobs have auctioned for millions—an indication that nostalgia and historical significance have made tech memorabilia a lucrative market.
Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction, describes collectibles from notable technological breakthroughs as "high-end participation trophies," valuing them as tangible connections to pivotal moments in innovation.
Though not every tech company’s merchandise carries equal weight—failed ventures may go unnoticed in history—items from successful firms like Apple remain revered. According to Livingston, it may take decades before AI-related items reach their own recognition in the world of collectibles. Yet, he notes early signs of market enthusiasm, such as signed graphics cards from Nvidia fetching substantial prices.
For those hoping to profit quickly, specialized items, particularly those from Anthropic, tend to be scarce. Buyers like Alejandro Navia have even tailored their plans just to acquire unique pieces, such as the sought-after “thinking” baseball hat from Anthropic, which typically sells for $50 to $100 on resell platforms. Although Navia initially considered selling his hat for profit, he ultimately opted to keep it, valuing the experience and pride it represents within the tech community.
