FA vs REAL Comparison

First Advantage Corp is a provider of software and data in the Human Resources technology industry. The company provides end-to-end identity solutions, criminal background screening, credential verifications, drug and health screening, and continuous risk monitoring. It combines AI-powered proprietary technology platforms with proprietary data, primary source data, and third-party data. Its reportable segments are First Advantage Americas, First Advantage International, and Sterling. The company generates maximum revenue from the Sterling segment, which provides similar services as compared to First Advantage's Americas and International segments on a global basis. Geographically, the company generates the majority of its revenue from the United States.

The RealReal is the largest pure-play luxury resale platform in the US, generating $1.8 billion in 2024 gross merchandise volume and addressing a niche (personal luxury resale) that had previously been serviced by inefficient upscale boutiques and local pawn shops. The company generates revenue via consignment and first-party sales on its online marketplace, and through a small volume of direct sales. With a hands-on approach that actively sources inventory and authenticates every item on its platform, The RealReal is able to justify much higher take rates than peers, working out to roughly 36% of net merchandise value in 2024, which excludes returns, cancellations, and first-party sales.