In a VC funding round, which was led by LFE Capital and included return supporters like The Grosvenor Funds, a 2004-founded online marketplace Portero.com has managed to raise a handsome amount of $6.6 million. The funds will go towards the accomplishment of Portero’s aim of becoming an eminent player in the online sales of luxury merchandise.

Portero, based in New York, offers an auction service for renowned and authentic luxury goods, manufactured by over 180 reputed brands. The company’s wide assortment of such branded goods include pre-owned vintage and new goods - particularly handbags, watches, jewelry and accessories – all of which are duly certified ‘authentic’ and more often than not with their original packing intact.

According to Portero, the genuineness of all the goods is verified by the company’s committed team of experts, and even by seeking outside expertise. In a few cases, the company partners directly with the chosen luxury brands - like Kwiat, Lalique, and Robert Lee Morris - for verification of the each of the items that it lists.

Acknowledging that Portero operates in an industry marred by fakes, Leslie Frécon - LFE Capital CEO, and Portero board’s new member - said the company portrays the thrill of online auctions.

Leading Technology and Web2.0 news portal TechCrunch commented, “If Portero manages not to screw up and remain a trusted brand, they’ve got something going for them!”