YouTube acquires the e-commerce startup Simsim

 

It was recently announced that YouTube has made a new acquisition which will increase its capabilities in the e-commerce field.

The video streaming company acquired the social commerce firm Simsim. While the details of the deal were not disclosed by either party, two officials involved in the matter advanced that the startup was valued at more than $70 million.

Founded two years ago, the company had raised approximately $17 million before the announcement and in its 2020 Series B financing round, it was valued at $50.1 million. Based in India, it helps small businesses in the country to transition to e-commerce by using the power of video and creators. It acts as a platform to connect local businesses, influencers and customers.

Why is Simsim successful? Rohan Malhotra of Good Capital advanced that “micro-influencers are more effective at building a targeted audience (growth), creating entertaining experiences (retention), building trust (higher value) and personalising messaging (conversion).”

Thanks to this acquisition, YouTube will be able to help small businesses and retailers in India reach new customers in even more powerful ways. The video streaming service has more than 450 monthly million users in the country. It said that it does not plan to make any immediate startup to Simsim and that it will keep operating independently.

Photo Credit: stux from Pixabay


YouTube ventures into the Indian e-commerce market

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