Another niche that the Covid-19 crisis has helped strengthen is online marketplaces.
Like other online services, they experienced a significant boost during the period of self-isolation. In recent years, marketplaces have evolved from mere intermediary services into fully functional platforms capable of addressing consumer needs from start to finish, offering a comprehensive range of services.
The end of November marked a very successful IPO launch for Ozon on both the Moscow Exchange and in New York.
In the first hours of trading, Ozon's shares surged by 40%, raising $990 million during the IPO, with the valuation by investors exceeding $6 billion, significantly surpassing expectations.
Another eagerly anticipated listing by investors worldwide is Airbnb, the online platform for short-term rental bookings. Despite a devastating year for the tourism industry, the company aims for a valuation of $35 billion and seeks to raise $2.6 billion.
The online marketplace segment still holds considerable space for startups, and even in areas dominated by large players, newcomers can make headway by offering exceptionally user-friendly services. This is particularly true for the Russian market. As such, the prospects (as well as the risks) for investors appear quite broad.
