We Built the Platform That Private Sellers Deserved
DealerDraft was founded on a simple observation: private car sellers were being systematically underserved. Dealers had all the tools, all the data, and all the leverage. We set out to change that.
Eliminate the Information Asymmetry in Private Car Sales
When a private seller walks into a dealership, they're negotiating blind. The dealer has access to auction data, condition reports, market comps, and years of pricing experience. The seller has a Kelley Blue Book estimate and hope.
DealerDraft levels the field. We give sellers the same inspection data, the same market analysis, and the same competitive bidding environment that dealers use to buy from each other — but designed specifically for the private seller experience.
The result: sellers consistently receive 7–12% more than traditional trade-in offers, with full transparency at every step and escrow protection that eliminates fraud risk entirely.
"The wholesale market was never designed for private sellers. We didn't just build a better interface — we rebuilt the entire trust architecture of the transaction."
Our Core Values
Every product decision, every hire, every policy traces back to these four principles.
Trust by Design
Every feature we build starts with the question: does this make the transaction safer? Escrow, inspection, licensing verification — trust is the product.
Radical Transparency
Sellers see every offer. Dealers see the full inspection report. No hidden fees. No surprise deductions. What you see is exactly what you get.
Data Over Gut Feel
Our inspection scoring, price prediction, and market analysis are built on millions of data points — not guesswork. Better data means better outcomes for everyone.
Seller-First
Private sellers have always been the underdog in automotive transactions. We built DealerDraft specifically to give them the leverage, information, and protection they deserve.
From Idea to Industry Standard
Founded in Austin, TX
Marcus and Priya quit their jobs to solve the private-to-dealer gap. First $1.2M seed round closed in 60 days.
First 100 Dealers
Launched in Texas with 100 licensed dealer partners. Completed 847 transactions in the first year with zero escrow disputes.
National Expansion
Expanded to 38 states. Crossed $50M in transaction volume. Launched the certified inspector network with 200+ inspectors.
Series A — $18M
Raised $18M Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz. Crossed 2,000 dealer partners and $100M in cumulative transaction volume.
2,400+ Dealers · $180M+ Transacted
Now operating in all 50 states with 340+ certified inspectors, 2,400+ licensed dealer partners, and a 4.9★ seller rating.
Built by Industry Veterans
Our team has collectively processed over 5 million vehicle transactions across Manheim, ACV Auctions, ADESA, Carvana, and CarMax.
Marcus Chen
Former VP of Product at Manheim. 12 years in automotive remarketing. Marcus saw firsthand how private sellers were consistently underserved by dealer-facing platforms and set out to build the bridge.
Priya Nair
Ex-engineering lead at ACV Auctions. Built the inspection data pipeline that processed 2M+ vehicles annually. Priya architected DealerDraft's inspection scoring system from the ground up.
James Whitfield
20-year veteran of wholesale automotive. Built dealer networks at ADESA and Manheim. James manages our 2,400+ dealer relationships and ensures every buyer on the platform is properly licensed.
Sofia Reyes
Certified ASE Master Technician and former regional inspection manager. Sofia built and trains our nationwide network of 340+ certified inspectors, maintaining a 98.7% accuracy rating.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Join thousands of sellers who've already discovered what it feels like to sell a car with full transparency, real competition, and zero risk.