Online Business in Emerging Markets

Why now is the time to start

Jordan BoshersChief Digital Strategist@jordanboshers

Emerging Markets Rapidly Growing Online

More Potential Growth Online

Example: • Arabic Language had fastest online growth in

2013• Only 100 million Arabic Speakers online now• 350 million Arabic speakers in the world• That’s another 250 million Arabic speakers to

go

Similar examples can be found with other emerging markets

More Potential Growth in Ecommerce

• Ecommerce is saturated in many developed markets• In emerging markets people are just opening up to Ecommerce• This means the next decades will be filled with incredible

Ecommerce growth in these markets

Online Breaks Down Traditional Challenges

• Online allows for new business models• More freedom with online businesses• Can establish an online presence w/o physical country presence• Many online businesses can avoid tariffs, taxes, difficult legislation,

etc.

The Rocket Internet Model

• Copy online businesses• Implement them in new markets• Adapt to new markets• Localized Website Language• Local imagery• Cash on Delivery• Return Policy

Rocket Internet’s Emerging Market Sites

Early Movers Have the Advantage

• Waiting until conditions are perfect to invest will cost you ground

• Remember few online business were successes overnight

• Early movers will see opportunities others will miss

How to get started

• Match your skills with an untapped market

• Partner with a local experts

• Test the waters first, start small

• Determine if there is demand for product or service

• Once you have proved the market invest big and fast

Questions?