From market vision to multi-million exit
Helping a start-up launch their business through to sale by providing a bespoke technical system.
The challenge
After working on Patina, a system that tracked classic car ownership, we were engaged to deliver something more ambitious - The Market, the first digital auction house for vintage vehicle sales.
The challenge was multifaceted. They had the vision but no technical capability to build it. They needed to move fast to establish themselves as market leaders. And the technical complexity was significant - real-time auction mechanics, secure transactions, and infrastructure that could handle scale reliably.
To be successful, The Market needed a mobile-friendly responsive design, rigorously secure transactions, and resilient infrastructure. Real-time elements were essential - updating leading bids, implementing countdown timers, and enabling proxy bidding mechanisms allowing buyers to set maximum values. Our goal was to provide the technology needed to make this new idea a reality and launch the business to the industry.
Our approach
We recognised the solution lay in websockets for real-time auction mechanics. This would give users instant feedback as auctions unfolded - critical for creating the excitement and urgency that drives competitive bidding. Combined with cloud-native architecture, this approach provided the sturdy foundation they needed whilst enabling rapid feature development.
What we did
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01
Built the platform using Laravel and Vue.js, with websockets heavily integrated to deliver real-time feedback during live auctions.
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02
Designed a custom architecture combining MongoDB for pre-existing unstructured vehicle data and MySQL for auction data, giving flexibility where needed and structure where it mattered.
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03
Created an API adhering to the JSON API specification, consumed by a mobile application developed by a separate team.
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04
Took an API-first approach to support composable front-end experiences while future-proofing backend evolution.
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05
Took technical leadership of all overarching platform decisions, developing regular feature updates and providing critical support to internal teams and end users.
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Technical stack
- Laravel
- Vue.js
- MongoDB
- MySQL
- Websockets
The results
We rolled out and launched a successful MVP in just six months from project start in 2015. To meet the unique requirements of real-time vehicle auctions, we designed a bespoke architecture built specifically for that purpose.
We took the technical lead on all overarching platform decisions while maintaining regular feature development, and provided critical support to internal teams and end users throughout the platform's growth.
The impact
The Market established itself as the UK's most sophisticated and successful classic car auction platform. Over five years, they utilised an augmented Jump24 developer within their team, reflecting the value and trust built through the partnership.
We played a key role in the platform's success, which culminated in The Market being acquired by Bonhams in 2021 - with the infrastructure supporting the platform's growth throughout, from launch through to acquisition, as transaction volumes and user activity increased.
What they say
Jump24 have been instrumental in the success of themarket.co.uk. As our core development partner, they have helped us to create the UK's most sophisticated and successful Classic Car Auction platform.
Work that speaks for itself.
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