In 2023, global online sales hit a huge $5.8 trillion. This shows the eCommerce market is growing fast. It’s expected to reach $8.0 trillion in sales by 2027.
This growth has opened doors for entrepreneurs. They can start various online businesses, like dropshipping or direct-to-consumer brands.
Now, you can sell almost anything online, from Chinese food to cannabis. These 45 startups show the wide range of products available. They inspire people to start their own online stores, offer subscription boxes, or sell niche products.
If you want to sell on Amazon or start your brand, the eCommerce market is full of chances. It’s a great time to join.
Key Takeaways
- The global eCommerce market is projected to reach $8.0 trillion in sales by 2027, indicating vast growth and opportunity.
- Innovative business models like dropshipping, direct-to-consumer brands, and subscription box services are thriving in the eCommerce space.
- Niche eCommerce markets, such as health and wellness, fashion, and education, present lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs.
- Leveraging platforms like Amazon FBA and building unique digital storefronts can be paths to success in the eCommerce industry.
- Staying ahead of the curve and adapting to eCommerce trends is crucial for entrepreneurs to capitalize on this rapidly evolving landscape.
The Rise of E-commerce in the Digital Age
The ecommerce industry has seen huge growth in recent years. This is thanks to the fast digital change and more people shopping online. In 2023, global ecommerce sales hit a whopping $5.8 trillion. Experts say this number will keep going up, reaching $8.0 trillion by 2027.
Statistics and Growth Projections for the Ecommerce Industry
Ecommerce is becoming more popular in many areas, like food and cars. In 2023, online shopping made up over 19% of all retail sales worldwide. By 2027, it’s expected to hit almost a quarter of all sales.
With over five billion people online, ecommerce is booming. Sales are expected to jump by 39% in the next few years. This growth is thanks to online marketplaces, with Amazon leading the pack.
But, ecommerce faces challenges too. Ad costs have gone up, making it harder for businesses to make a profit. To deal with this, companies are looking at new ways to fund their growth, like revenue-based financing and inventory financing.
Even with these hurdles, ecommerce is a booming and innovative field. More than three-quarters of online shoppers buy from sites in other countries. This shows ecommerce is going global. As the digital world changes, ecommerce businesses need to keep up to grab the big opportunities.
“The rise of ecommerce has changed how we shop and do business online. As more people prefer online shopping, ecommerce companies need to stay quick and creative to meet the demand.”
Vevor: Industrial Equipment and Tools Marketplace
In the fast-changing world of e-commerce, Vevor stands out as a top spot for industrial equipment and tools. It serves both businesses and individuals, offering a wide range of products from kitchen gadgets to woodworking machines at great prices.
Vevor is known for its easy-to-use platform and focus on making shopping smooth. It has a secure payment system, quick shipping, and top-notch customer service. This has led to a 9,500% increase in search growth over the past 5 years. It shows how fast Vevor is growing in the industrial equipment ecommerce, B2B ecommerce platform, and online tools marketplace areas.
| Key Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Wide range of industrial equipment and tools | Caters to diverse business and individual needs |
| Secure payment system | Ensures a trusted and reliable shopping experience |
| Fast shipping | Enables timely delivery of essential equipment and tools |
| Excellent customer service | Provides responsive support and problem resolution |
Vevor’s success shows the growing need for easy and dependable industrial equipment ecommerce options. More businesses and people are turning to online for their tools and equipment. Vevor’s wide selection and easy-to-use site keep bringing in loyal customers.
“Vevor has been a game-changer for our business. The wide selection, reliable shipping, and responsive customer service have made it our go-to source for all our industrial equipment needs.”
For both small business owners and DIY fans, Vevor offers a smooth and full online tools marketplace experience. It’s the perfect place for all your industrial equipment and tools needs.
Neeman’s: Direct-to-Consumer Footwear Brand
Neeman’s is a rising star in the Indian market with its fresh take on sustainable fashion. Since starting in 2018, it has become a top choice for those who care about the planet and want quality shoes. They focus on making shoes from natural fibers.
Embracing Natural Fibers and Sustainable Practices
Neeman’s believes in using natural materials for their shoes. They use merino wool, eucalyptus, and bamboo. These materials make the shoes breathable, moisture-wicking, flexible, lightweight, and odor resistant.
This focus on sustainable fashion attracts eco-friendly buyers. It also makes Neeman’s stand out in the crowded market.
Neeman’s success is clear from its financial growth. In 2023, they saw a 47% increase in revenue from the year before. This shows they’re a big deal in sustainable fashion. With a $26 million valuation and $5.15 million in Series B funding, they’re set to keep growing.
“Neeman’s is leading the charge in the DTC footwear brand market, offering consumers a unique and sustainable alternative to traditional shoes.”
As the DTC footwear brand market grows, Neeman’s is at the forefront. They’ve hit the mark with their focus on natural fiber shoes and sustainable fashion. Their innovative products and strong financials make them a leader in the industry.
OnBuy: Thriving E-commerce Marketplace
OnBuy, a UK-based online retail platform, is making big waves in e-commerce. It offers safe transactions, great prices, and lots of products. Since 2016, it has become a top choice for shoppers and sellers in the UK.
The UK is a hotspot for online shopping, with almost everyone online. People spend about 10.26% of the country’s GDP on online marketplaces and stores. This shows how big e-commerce is in the UK.
OnBuy is a big name in this booming industry. It focuses on helping buyers and sellers succeed without selling itself. This approach has earned it a spot as the 11th fastest-growing tech company in the UK for three years running.
In mid-2021, OnBuy got £35M in funding, showing its growth and potential. It’s known for safe and fair shopping, making it a trusted online retail platform in the UK.
“OnBuy’s success shows the growing need for safe, reliable, and affordable e-commerce in the UK. As more people shop online, OnBuy is set to shape the future of retail.”
OnBuy is a leading UK ecommerce marketplace that’s ready to grow with the shift to online retail platforms. It focuses on safe transactions and good prices.
Leaflink: Wholesale Cannabis E-commerce Platform
The cannabis industry is growing fast, thanks to changing laws. Leaflink, a wholesale cannabis e-commerce platform, is leading the way. It connects cannabis retailers with brands.
Leaflink is a key player in the B2B market. It serves over 50% of the U.S. wholesale cannabis industry across 30 markets. With more than 8,400 retailers and 3,700 brands and distributors, it’s a big name in cannabis e-commerce.
In early 2023, Leaflink got a big $100 million investment. This came from CPMG, L2 Ventures, and Nosara Capital. This money will help Leaflink grow and stay a top choice for cannabis e-commerce.
Leaflink is changing the game in the wholesale cannabis market. It has processed over $1 billion in payments since starting. Now, it offers a new pricing model that includes payment tools, logistics, and marketplace access for a monthly fee. This has made it popular among cannabis businesses looking to save money and streamline their operations.
| Key Leaflink Metrics | Data |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Cannabis Market Coverage | 52% of the United States’ cannabis supply chain |
| Retailer and Brand Customers | Over 8,400 retailers and 3,700 brands and distributors |
| Payment Solutions Processing | Over $1 billion in transactions since inception |
| Recent Funding Round | $100 million Series D led by CPMG, L2 Ventures, and Nosara Capital |
Leaflink is a key player in the evolving wholesale marketplace. Its partnerships and innovations make it a leader in the B2B cannabis retail space. With its wide range of solutions and growth plans, Leaflink is set to shape the future of cannabis e-commerce.
Jungle Scout: Amazon Seller Solutions
In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, Jungle Scout stands out as a key player. It helps entrepreneurs tap into the vast potential of Amazon. As a top Amazon seller tools provider, Jungle Scout offers tools that make product research and inventory management easier.
Facilitating Product Research and Inventory Management
Jungle Scout’s tools help sellers find profitable products and understand market trends. It offers deep ecommerce research tools. These include keyword research and competitor analysis to guide sellers in choosing products and setting prices.
But Jungle Scout does more than just research. It also helps with inventory management. Sellers can track stock, predict demand, and improve their supply chain. This keeps them ahead and meets customer needs. With Jungle Scout, sellers can run smoother operations, avoid stockouts, and increase profits on Amazon.
| Key Jungle Scout Features | Benefits for Amazon Sellers |
|---|---|
| Product Research | Identify profitable product opportunities, analyze market trends, and evaluate competition |
| Keyword Research | Discover high-performing keywords to optimize product listings and drive more traffic |
| Inventory Management | Monitor stock levels, forecast demand, and optimize supply chain for improved profitability |
| Competitor Analysis | Gain insights into competitor strategies, pricing, and sales performance |
| Supplier Sourcing | Identify reliable suppliers and negotiate better terms for your products |
As ecommerce grows, Jungle Scout keeps leading the way for Amazon sellers. It gives them the tools and insights to succeed in this fast-changing market. By using Jungle Scout’s solutions, sellers can find new growth, streamline their work, and beat the competition.
Klarna: Revolutionizing Online Payments
In today’s digital world, the growth of e-commerce has changed how we shop and pay. Klarna, a Swedish fintech unicorn, is leading this change. It has made online payments easier with its buy now, pay later software. This has changed how online stores offer financing options.
Klarna has grown a lot since it started. By September 2020, it was Europe’s most valuable fintech unicorn. In mid-2022, it raised $800 million, making its value $6.7 billion. It’s also planning a big IPO with US banks, showing its aim to grow worldwide.
| Key Klarna Statistics | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| 30 million US users | 60% brand awareness in the US |
| 49 of the top 100 US retailers as partners | 105% YoY increase in GMV in growth markets |
| $1 billion in annual gross profit in Europe | 70% YoY GMV growth in the UK in H1 2022 |
| 0.4% credit loss rate in the UK | 24% YoY revenue growth to $950 million |
Klarna’s success comes from meeting the needs of shoppers and merchants online. It offers buy now, pay later options that help customers manage their money better. At the same time, it gives merchants a way to stand out in the crowded online market. As more people want flexible payment options, Klarna is leading the way in online payment solutions.
“Klarna’s innovative buy now, pay later software empowers online merchants to offer their customers flexible financing options, revolutionizing the ecommerce financing landscape.”
Lunya: Modern Sleepwear and Loungewear Brand
In the world of women’s fashion, Lunya stands out as a leader in sleepwear and loungewear. Ashley Merrill founded this brand, which has grown to over $25 million in sales yearly. It’s a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand focusing on women’s sleepwear and loungewear.
Lunya knows its customers well and offers modern designs that meet their needs. It has a unique identity in the DTC fashion market. The brand focuses on the feelings and experiences it gives through its products.
Lunya cares about the planet and uses recycled materials in its products. This includes packaging and the materials for its loungewear. Its washable silk robes and other items mix comfort with style, perfect for those looking for better sleepwear.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Lunya Washable Silk Robe | $198 |
| The Sleep Code Floral Long Pajama Set | $158 |
| Lake Weekend Bundle | $148 |
| Eberjey Gisele Piped Pajama Set | $138 |
| Gap Modal Pajama Top | $19 |
Lunya’s marketing has helped it grow. The brand uses PR and sponsorships to get noticed and understand its customers better. By working with micro-influencers and having an ambassador program, Lunya has grown its brand without spending a lot. This has built a loyal customer base.
As the women’s sleepwear and loungewear market changes, Lunya stays ahead. Its innovative designs, focus on sustainability, and customer-first approach make it a top choice in DTC fashion.
Snackpass: Online Food Ordering Platform
In the fast-changing e-commerce world, one startup stands out by changing how college students order food. Snackpass, a mobile online food ordering platform, has become a big name in the college town delivery market.
Started in 2017, Snackpass was created by Yale University students who saw a need for a more social and easy way for students to order food. Their focus on mobile ordering and pickup has hit the mark with their audience.
Snackpass quickly made a big impact, grabbing 80% of the Yale University market right after starting. This success led to a $70 million Series B funding in mid-2021. Now, Snackpass is in 13 college towns and serves about half a million customers, making it a key player in the online food ordering field.
Its focus on college towns has been a big plus, reaching young, tech-savvy students who want convenience and social interaction in their food ordering. As Snackpass grows and adds new features, it’s a startup to keep an eye on in the online food ordering world.
“Snackpass’s innovative approach to college town delivery has disrupted the traditional food ordering model, catering to the unique needs and preferences of the college demographic.”
| Key Metrics | Snackpass |
|---|---|
| Total Funding Raised | $93.1 million |
| College Town Markets Served | 13 |
| Customer Base | Around 500,000 |
As e-commerce grows, startups like Snackpass that focus on specific consumer groups are set to succeed. By meeting the needs of college students with innovative mobile ordering solutions, Snackpass has found a successful spot in the online food ordering market.
Hawkers: Social Media-Driven Sunglasses Brand
In the world of sunglasses ecommerce, Hawkers stands out with its social media-centric approach. It was started in Spain by Saldum Ventures. Hawkers is now a big name, competing with big brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban.
Hawkers got big thanks to its smart social media marketing and working with famous people. They have over 3 million followers on Facebook and spent up to €10,000 a day on ads. Stars like Luís Suárez, Dani Alves, and DJ Steve Aoki helped spread the word about Hawkers.
“Hawkers transformed into a digital-first brand under Alejandro Betancourt López’s leadership, leveraging social media platforms to connect with their audience.”
Hawkers’ marketing strategy worked well, making €40 million a year. They quickly changed their focus to indoor eyewear during the pandemic. This move helped them stay strong and grow.
Hawkers is getting bigger and offering more products. Their smart use of social media marketing and celebrity collaborations keeps them ahead in the sunglasses ecommerce market.
Scalapay: Buy Now, Pay Later E-commerce Solution
Scalapay is a top BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) solution for online shopping. It offers interest-free payment plans. This helps merchants make shopping better and increase sales.
Started in 2019, Scalapay quickly grew big, becoming a unicorn with a $1 billion value in February 2022. It has seen a 48% jump in average basket size and a 11% higher checkout conversion rate for its merchants.
Expanding into Europe through Strategic Partnerships
Scalapay is growing in Europe by teaming up with Marqeta, a top card issuing platform. This partnership will help Scalapay use Marqeta’s advanced tech to improve its services. It will reach more customers across Europe.
Scalapay is growing fast, with over 3,000 merchant partners in 9 European countries. It has a 95% approval rate and a 64% repeat purchase rate. This makes Scalapay a trusted BNPL option for both merchants and shoppers.
“Scalapay is changing online shopping with its easy and flexible payments. It’s working with merchants and customers in Europe, showing its innovative and customer-focused approach.”
The global BNPL market is growing fast, expected to hit $3.98 trillion in 10 years. Scalapay is set to lead in this growth. With its focus on innovation, customer happiness, and partnerships, Scalapay is a top choice for BNPL in Europe and beyond.
| Key Scalapay Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Increase in Average Basket Size | 48% |
| Increase in Conversion Rate | 11% |
| Number of Merchant Partners | 3,000+ |
| Repeat Purchase Rate | 64% |
| Approval Rate | 95% |
| Global BNPL Market Projection (10 years) | $3.98 trillion |
best e commerce business to start in 2022
The ecommerce industry is booming, offering many chances for entrepreneurs to start successful online businesses in 2022. When picking the best ecommerce business, think about market demand, competition, ease of starting, and growth potential.
Some top best ecommerce businesses to look into this year are:
- Niche apparel and fashion brands, tapping into the $1 trillion global online fashion market by 2025.
- B2B industrial equipment and tools sales, entering the $356.5 billion light-duty automotive aftermarket.
- Dropshipping models, using the convenience and low costs of this profitable online stores approach.
- Eco-friendly baby products, answering the call for sustainable, biodegradable, and toxin-free items.
- Handcrafted and artisanal goods, meeting the demand for unique, locally-made new ecommerce trends.
Choosing the right best ecommerce businesses means being flexible and ready to adapt to new ecommerce trends. This is key for success in the fast-changing digital world.
“The future of retail is e-commerce, and the future of e-commerce is mobile.” – Puneet Mehta, CEO of MobileDevMemo
By looking at market data, knowing your audience, and using the right tools and strategies, you can set your best ecommerce businesses up for growth in the future.
Nykaa: India’s Leading Online Beauty Destination
Nykaa is a big name in India’s e-commerce world. It was started in 2012 by Falguni Nayar. Now, it’s the top online spot for beauty and wellness in India. It offers a wide range of quality beauty, health, and fashion products to millions.
Nykaa is known for its innovative approach and focus on customer happiness. It has over 2,000 brands, from budget-friendly to luxury, for all kinds of customers. The site is easy to use, gives personalized advice, and has a strong beauty community, making it popular in India.
In 2020, Nykaa became a unicorn, valued at over $1 billion. It was the first Indian company run by a woman to hit this mark. Its growth was boosted by a successful IPO in 2021, raising a lot of money and making it a top player in Indian ecommerce.
Nykaa keeps growing by adding new products and brands. It launched Nykaa Man for men’s grooming and bought fashion brands like Pipa Bella and Dot & Key. These moves show Nykaa’s skill in spotting and using new trends in online beauty retail. Nykaa is set to lead the beauty community in India, meeting the changing needs of its customers.
“Nykaa’s mission is to redefine how beauty is experienced in India, making it accessible, aspirational, and empowering for every Indian woman.”
– Falguni Nayar, Founder and CEO of Nykaa
| Key Highlights | Data |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 2012 |
| Ownership | 53.5% owned by the Nayar family |
| Revenue (FY 2024) | ₹6,386 crore (US$770 million) |
| Net Income (FY 2024) | ₹40 crore (US$4.8 million) |
| Employees (2021) | Over 2,000 |
| Funding | Raised ₹100 crore (US$12 million) from Steadview Capital in 2020 |
| Expansion | Launched Nykaa Man in 2020, acquired 20Dresses.com in 2019, and Pipa Bella and Dot & Key in 2021 |
| Valuation | Achieved unicorn status in 2020 with a valuation of $1 billion, went public in 2021 with a valuation of $7.4 billion |
Nykaa’s success story shows the huge potential of Indian ecommerce, especially in online beauty retail. As it keeps innovating and growing, Nykaa is set to stay a top player in the beauty community. It’s also inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in India’s startup world.
Licious: Transforming Meat and Seafood Delivery
Licious is a top food delivery startup from Bengaluru that’s changing the game in India’s meat and seafood market. Since starting in 2015, it has grown fast, becoming India’s first D2C unicorn and the 29th unicorn overall in 2021. Its unique way of getting, making, and sending out top-notch meat and seafood has won over investors and customers.
Licious works in many cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR. It has more than 1 million unique customers, with each order averaging INR 700. This shows how much people want its services. The company’s growth got a big boost with a $150 million funding round from Temasek and Multiples Private Equity.
Licious stands out for its quality, ease, and focus on making customers happy. It gets 50% of its meat from its own farms, ensuring top quality and knowing where it comes from. Licious also cuts waste from 40% to just 3% in Bangalore with smart analytics. With the Indian meat and seafood market expected to hit $65 billion by 2022, Licious is set to lead in the D2C food space.
FAQ
What are some of the best ecommerce businesses to start in 2022?
Choosing the best ecommerce business in 2022 involves looking at demand, market saturation, execution difficulty, and growth prospects. You can consider niche apparel brands, B2B industrial product sales, dropshipping, reselling, or digital downloads.
How has the ecommerce industry grown in recent years?
The ecommerce industry has seen rapid growth, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2023, global online sales hit .8 trillion. This growth is expected to continue, with sales reaching .0 trillion by 2027.
What is Vevor and how has it grown?
Vevor is an ecommerce platform focusing on industrial equipment and tools for businesses and individuals. It has seen a 9,500% increase in search growth over five years, showing its rapid growth and popularity.
How does Neeman’s embrace sustainability?
Neeman’s is a DTC footwear startup using natural fibers for their shoes. These materials make the shoes breathable, moisture-wicking, flexible, lightweight, and odor resistant. They focus on sustainable practices by using natural materials.
What are the key features of the OnBuy ecommerce marketplace?
OnBuy is an online marketplace offering safe transactions, competitive prices, and a wide product range. It prioritizes the success of buyers and merchants by not selling products itself.
How does LeafLink serve the cannabis industry?
LeafLink is a B2B wholesale cannabis ecommerce startup. Their marketplace, covering over 30% of the US wholesale cannabis market, helps retailers and brands streamline their operations.
What solutions does Jungle Scout offer for Amazon sellers?
Jungle Scout is an ecommerce platform helping entrepreneurs sell on Amazon. It provides solutions for managing inventory, researching products, finding suppliers, and more.
How has Klarna revolutionized online payments?
Klarna’s payment software lets online sellers offer buyers installment payments. By September 2020, Klarna became Europe’s most valuable fintech unicorn. They are also planning a billion IPO with US banks.
What makes Lunya’s sleepwear and loungewear unique?
Lunya offers modern sleepwear and loungewear for women. Founded by entrepreneur Ashley Merrill, the company has grown to M in revenue. It aims to provide quality sleep options for women.
How has Snackpass found success in the online food ordering space?
Snackpass is a platform for online food ordering focusing on pickup orders. It started at Yale University, capturing 80% of the campus as customers. Now, it operates in 13 college towns and serves around half a million customers.
How has Hawkers leveraged social media and celebrity collaborations?
Hawkers is an ecommerce sunglasses brand using social media, word-of-mouth, and celebrity partnerships for marketing. Alejandro Betancourt invested M in 2018, gaining more control over the company.
How is Scalapay expanding its buy-now-pay-later offerings?
Scalapay is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) ecommerce software. In October 2023, they partnered with Marqeta to expand into Europe, showing their strategy to grow across the continent.
What are some key considerations when starting an ecommerce business in 2022?
When starting an ecommerce business in 2022, consider demand, market saturation, execution difficulty, and growth prospects. Successful models include niche apparel, industrial products, dropshipping, and digital downloads.
What is the story behind the growth of Nykaa, India’s leading online beauty destination?
Nykaa is a Mumbai-based online beauty startup offering a budget for high-end beauty and wellness products, a beauty community, and a helpline. By March 2021, they planned to go public by 2022, showing their growth and potential.
How has Licious transformed meat and seafood delivery in India?
Licious is a Bengaluru-based food delivery startup focusing on quality meat and seafood in India. In July 2021, they raised nearly 0M to grow their D2C food brand internationally.