Uzum

Overview

Uzum is an innovative digital platform company based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Founded by Djasur Djumaev in 2022, the company operates across multiple sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, express delivery, and digital banking. With a recently acquired valuation of $1.5 billion, Uzum has emerged as Uzbekistan's first unicorn. The company has raised approximately $137 million in total equity funding, supported by prominent investors like Tencent and VR Capital.

Recent Developments

  • August 2025: Uzum secures a $70 million funding round led by Tencent and VR Capital, reaching a valuation of $1.5 billion. This funding round will support the rollout of new digital lending and deposit products and expand its Visa debit card program.
  • H1 2025: The company achieved a gross merchandise value (GMV) of $250 million, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years. It also issued two million co-branded Visa debit cards.
  • Mid-2024: Uzum posted a net income of $150 million, a 50% increase from 2023. This growth was attributed to the expansion of its ecommerce operations and fintech services.
  • August 2024: The company launched a Visa debit card, integrating an embedded credit limit, reaching two million users within its first year.
  • Q4 2024: Plans to introduce a new long-term credit facility and deposit products in September 2025, along with expanding its merchant base for cross-border sales, particularly targeting markets in China and Turkey.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2022
HeadquartersTashkent, Uzbekistan
FoundersDjasur Djumaev
RevenueNot disclosed
Profits$150 million in 2024
Key InvestorsTencent, VR Capital, FinSight Capital
IndustryE-commerce, Fintech
Number of EmployeesNot disclosed

Early History

Uzum was established in the wake of Uzbekistan's progressive reforms and modern economic policies introduced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The company first launched its e-commerce marketplace, Uzum Market, in 2022. With a strong start, Uzum rapidly expanded its operations to incorporate fintech services, establishing itself as a major player in the digital money transactions space. In 2023, the company ventured into express food delivery, introducing Uzum Tezkor. Through strategic growth and a deep understanding of local consumer needs, Uzum has built a robust digital and physical infrastructure, laying the foundation for its present success.

Company Profile and Achievements

Uzum's business model integrates e-commerce, fintech, and express delivery services, creating a cohesive digital ecosystem. This platform serves over 17 million monthly users and collaborates with 16,000 merchants.

  • Achievements:
    • Became Uzbekistan’s first tech unicorn with a $1 billion valuation in 2024.
    • Achieved an impressive increase in GMV of approximately 1.5x year-on-year by H1 2025.
    • Launched a revolutionary co-branded Visa debit card with embedded credit limits in 2024.
    • Established over 1,500 pickup points across 450 cities and villages.
  • Investments & Growth:
    • With major funding from global entities like Tencent, the company plans further expansion into fintech, specifically targeting underserved areas.
    • Envisions expanding its marketplace to international sellers from China and Turkey, aiming to make up 15% of sales through these new ventures.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, Uzum stands as Uzbekistan’s most comprehensive digital ecosystem, merging commerce with financial services seamlessly. Dominating the fintech sector in Uzbekistan, Uzum Bank is noted as the fastest-growing digital bank in the region. The company’s strategic initiatives include expanding its proprietary fintech infrastructure and product offerings, aiming to support the digitization of the Uzbek economy. The e-commerce arm, powered by Uzum Market, retains a formidable market presence, asserting Uzum's vertically integrated structure as a core strength.

Conclusion

Uzum is a pioneering force within Uzbekistan’s digital landscape. By integrating various digital services into one consolidated platform, it has tapped into the growing demand for innovative financial solutions and e-commerce within the region. As it seeks further expansion into cross-border markets and continuous enhancement of its fintech capabilities, Uzum solidifies its role as a crucial player in connecting traditional markets with new-age technological solutions. With ambitious growth strategies and solid institutional backing, the company appears poised on the brink of wider regional influence, offering a template for future tech innovations in Central Asia.

References

  1. Uzbekistan unicorn Uzum secures $65.5M, hits $1.5B valuation
  2. Uzbekistan's first unicorn Uzum leaps to a $1.5B valuation
  3. Uzum - Provider of online shopping, payments, and business services
  4. Uzum Boosts Net Income 50% in 1H 2024, Prepares for Series B Funding Round
  5. Interview: Uzum - The Uzbek unicorn scaling up in a fast-growing market