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Mercado Libre Inc. is the largest e-commerce platform in Latin America, operating in the Services sector, specifically within the Retail (catalog and mail-order) industry.
Founded in 1999 by Marcos Galperin, the company is headquartered in the United States and operates across several Latin American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.
Mercado Libre offers a fully integrated ecosystem of e-commerce and fintech solutions, which includes:
- Mercado Libre Marketplace: An online platform that connects buyers and sellers, allowing transactions across a wide range of product categories, from electronics to fashion and everyday consumer goods. The company generates revenue through commissions on sales made via the platform.
- Mercado Pago: A fintech solution offering digital wallet services, online and in-person payment processing, and credit solutions for both consumers and merchants.
- Mercado Envios: A logistics service that manages product deliveries sold on the platform, including a proprietary fleet of aircraft designed to reduce shipping costs and delivery times.
- Mercado Libre Ads: A digital advertising platform that enables sellers to promote their products through paid ads within the marketplace.
- Mercado Shops: A tool that allows sellers to create personalized online stores fully integrated into Mercado Libre’s ecosystem.
The company has a strong presence in Latin America, with local operations in over 18 countries. Brazil and Argentina are its largest and most strategic markets.
Mercado Libre continuously invests in technology and innovation to enhance its e-commerce and logistics infrastructure, expand its reach, and attract new users.
With a workforce of approximately 9,700 employees, its shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker MELI.
History and Founding of Mercado Libre Inc.
Mercado Libre was founded in 1999 in Argentina by Marcos Galperin while he was completing his MBA at Stanford University.
Inspired by business models such as eBay, Galperin launched the platform in Argentina and, within the same year, expanded into Brazil, laying the foundation for a strong presence in the regional digital market.
In its early years, the company faced challenges related to the adoption of e-commerce in Latin America, which was still a developing market.
To fund its growth, Mercado Libre secured investments from institutions like J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, raising approximately USD 54 million in its first few years of operation.
In the early 2000s, the company began expanding into new Latin American markets and launched key services, including Mercado Pago in 2003.
Mercado Envios, introduced in 2013, streamlined logistics for product deliveries within the platform.
In 2007, the company conducted its initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq, raising capital to expand operations and improve its digital and logistics infrastructure.
Between 2020 and 2024, Mercado Libre invested heavily in innovation, launching its own fleet of aircraft to accelerate deliveries and upgrading its logistics network to reduce shipping times and enhance operational efficiency.
Today, Mercado Libre continues to grow across Latin America, investing in new technologies, artificial intelligence, and financial services to deliver a comprehensive and efficient digital shopping experience for both buyers and sellers.
Additional Information
The Company MercadoLibre Inc (United States), is listed on Nasdaq with a market cap of $ 99.54 Billions, having an equity of $ 6.22 Billions.
With a total of 9.703 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Services and categorized in industry of Retail (Catalog & Mail Order).
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 26.19 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 2.08 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 47.93, a P/BV ratio of 16.01 and in the last 12 months the Company did not pay dividends.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker MELI.
