Artnet, the digital platform known for blending art market data, online auctions, and media, released its first-half 2025 results today. The Berlin-based company reported revenues of €9.84 million, down 12% year-over-year, with operating earnings at –€1.3 million.
The art-tech player, however, highlighted strong cash flow improvements, liquidity stability, and momentum in its private sales and technology initiatives — underscoring its role as critical infrastructure in a still-uncertain global art market.
Marketplace holds firm, private sales surge
Artnet’s marketplace revenues slipped just 2.8% to €3.9 million, showing resilience compared to its other divisions. Private sales were the breakout story, climbing 78%, buoyed by headline-grabbing transactions like a Sam Francis work at $400,000, a Cindy Sherman at $250,000, and a Keith Haring at $212,000.
Data and media face pressure
The data segment, historically one of Artnet’s most stable businesses, posted €2.92 million in revenue — a 10% decline, attributed to recurring payment system glitches that have since been fixed.
Media saw the sharpest downturn, falling 24% to €3.03 million, though Artnet News remained the most widely read art publication worldwide, with 25+ million pageviews. Its media arm continued to court luxury advertisers, including Chanel, Cartier, and Range Rover.
Tech bets: AI chatbot and Stripe migration
Beyond financials, the platform onboarded 13 million new users in H1 2025, launched a Discovery Page for smarter marketplace and database searches, and advanced development of its AI-powered chatbot, set to debut in the second half of the year. The company also migrated its payment infrastructure globally to Stripe.
