Over the past decade, the size and shape of the European B2B marketplace landscape has undergone significant changes.
Before the global COVID-19 pandemic, there were signs of gradual B2B marketplace growth, but progress was slow. However, the pandemic dramatically shifted this trajectory in early 2020. The closure of entire European companies, industries, and traditional sales channels forced businesses to explore alternative procurement methods.
Faced with limited options, European business buyers sought new sources for goods and services. Many turned to industry-specific and commercial B2B marketplaces to meet their needs. As a result, the B2B marketplace sector in Europe has flourished in the post-pandemic years.
European B2B marketplace landscape
Consider the following key metrics:
- Marketplace expansion
Europe now hosts over 300 B2B marketplaces across various industries, a sharp rise from just 20 in 2010.
(Source: Digital Commerce 360, Point Nine) - Fresh players
Every year, 15 to 20 new B2B marketplace businesses are launched in Europe.
(Source: P9, Hokodo, Crunchbase) - Funding growth
Since their inception, 216 European B2B marketplaces have collectively raised about $4 billion in funding.
(Source: P9, Hokodo, Crunchbase) - Initial Public Offerings (IPO)
Europe witnessed its first B2B marketplace IPO in 2021 when Auto1 debuted on the German Stock Exchange.
(Source: P9, Hokodo, Crunchbase) - Investment focus
Although the landscape is growing, only 25 B2B marketplaces have raised more than $20 million in funding.
(Source: P9, Hokodo, Crunchbase) - Continental reach
B2B marketplaces now operate in 30 different countries across Europe.
(Source: P9, Hokodo, Crunchbase)
According to Point Nine Capital partner Louis Coppey, “The UK and Germany represent over 50% of European B2B marketplaces, followed by the Netherlands (11%) and France (9%). These four countries alone account for 76% of the ecosystem. One specific observation we have made is that the best founding teams often come from the epicenter of the industries they aim to digitize, rather than traditional startup hubs.”
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