For brands selling from Türkiye to the world, the real challenge is often not making sales, but managing the growing operation in a sustainable way.

Imagine an entrepreneur. He produces handwoven rugs in Gaziantep. His products are good, his designs are unique. He opens his store on Etsy and receives his first order. Then the second, the third, the tenth order follows… Just as everything is progressing exactly as he dreamed, at some point he realizes this: He is now spending most of his time not on production or growing his brand, but on tracking orders, managing shipping processes, and controlling operations across different platforms.

In fact, today, the stories of thousands of businesses engaged in e-export in Türkiye are very similar to one another. The problem is often not the product. The problem is being able to manage the growing operation.

Especially in recent years, with the growth of global marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Shopify, selling from Türkiye to the world has become more accessible than ever. However, as sales volume grows, operational processes become complex at the same pace. Orders coming from different platforms, changing logistics processes, shipping operations, integration management, and customer experience turn into a serious operational burden for entrepreneurs.

For many businesses, making sales is no longer the hardest part. The real challenge is being able to manage the growing operation in a sustainable way. This problem was exactly the starting point of ShipEntegra.

Shipping Was Only One Part of This

ShipEntegra’s starting point was realizing that the real problem in e-export was not only logistics, but operational management. According to the company, shipping was only one part of this process. The real need was to make sales operations growing across different platforms centralized, manageable, and sustainable.

Today, competition in global marketplaces is not won only by producing good products. A brand that cannot manage its operation begins to struggle as it makes sales. Especially for businesses selling through multiple channels, integration capability is now becoming a critical need.

ShipEntegra steps in exactly at this point, bringing operations carried out across different platforms together within a centralized structure. Users can manage their orders from Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Shopify, and other sales channels through a single panel; while simplifying their logistics processes, they can significantly reduce their operational burden. However, what differentiates ShipEntegra is not only its technical integration infrastructure. The company’s approach is based on having learned the real problems of operations from the field.

Making Technology Invisible

Entrepreneurs should not have to spend time on API connections, integration problems, or the technical details of logistics processes. ShipEntegra’s approach is built on making technical complexity invisible for the user and enabling businesses to focus not on operations, but on growth.

This approach creates an important transformation especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Because although there is a very large ecosystem in Türkiye that carries out strong production, many businesses struggle to open up to global markets due to operational barriers.

ShipEntegra’s focus begins exactly here. Today, this software works integrated with many global platforms, especially Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Shopify. At the same time, thanks to the infrastructure it has established with UPS, FedEx, DHL, and different logistics partners, it makes businesses’ shipment processes faster and more manageable.

ShipEntegra’s growth story has become one of the notable examples of the transformation of the e-export ecosystem in Türkiye. Founded by Ali Ceylan in 2019, the company quickly stood out with the strategic partnerships it developed with global platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, eBay, and AliExpress. Today, while ShipEntegra is positioned as Etsy’s first official logistics partner in Türkiye and its official Turkish partner globally, it also operates as one of the first Turkish technology and logistics companies recognized by Amazon. (Türkiye)

Making E-Export More Accessible

One of Türkiye’s greatest advantages is its strong production capacity. There are highly valuable producers, designers, and entrepreneurs all across the country. Today, even a small producer in Anatolia has the potential to sell in global markets when they gain access to the right technology and the right operational infrastructure. However, for many businesses, operational processes still remain one of the biggest obstacles to growth. Especially lack of technical knowledge, logistics complexity, and multi-platform management can make the globalization process difficult for small businesses.

ShipEntegra’s approach is to make e-export accessible not only for large brands, but for everyone. By simplifying operational processes, the company aims to enable entrepreneurs to focus not on technical details, but on their products, brands, and growth strategies.

The Future of E-Export: Artificial Intelligence and Automation

According to ShipEntegra, the biggest transformation in the sector in the coming period will take place in operational technologies. As e-export grows, the sustainability of manual processes decreases; while AI-supported operational management, automation systems, and smart integration technologies are becoming one of the most critical areas of the sector.

ShipEntegra continues to invest in technologies that will make operational processes smarter in line with this transformation. Smart order management, automatic process optimization, and next-generation infrastructures that simplify the user experience are at the center of the company’s future vision.

In ShipEntegra’s approach, the purpose of technology is not to increase complexity, but to make it invisible. The company aims to enable entrepreneurs to focus not on operational burden, but on growth, brand management, and opening up to new markets.

A Global Operational Power Emerging from Türkiye

Today, the e-export ecosystem is entering a new era in which not only large brands, but also small producers, independent designers, and next-generation entrepreneurs can reach global markets. In this transformation, operational technologies are becoming one of the invisible yet most critical building blocks.

In the past, selling globally was seen more as an area accessible to large companies. However, today, thanks to technology, a small producer in Anatolia as well as a young entrepreneur who has built their own brand can sell to different countries around the world. This transformation creates an important opportunity in terms of carrying Türkiye’s production power to global markets.

In the coming period, one of the main determinants of competition in e-export will be operational capability. Producing good products alone is no longer enough; it is necessary to be able to move quickly, manage operations correctly, and grow sustainably. In this transformation, technology plays a decisive role.

ShipEntegra is positioned exactly at the center of this transformation. While developing technologies that simplify operational processes and enable entrepreneurs to access global markets more easily, the company also aims to build a strong infrastructure for brands emerging from Türkiye to compete with the world.

Today, for many entrepreneurs, e-export means not only a sales model, but also an opportunity for globalization. ShipEntegra’s vision is to make this opportunity accessible to more businesses.

In the new era in which brands emerging from Türkiye are becoming more visible in global markets, operational technologies will continue to be the invisible yet most critical power of e-export. ShipEntegra, with its approach that brings technology, logistics, and operations together, aims to be at the center of this transformation.

WORLDEF E-Commerce Magazine

Liverpool’s Valuation Could Reach $6 Billion

The planned investment is expected to value the club at approximately $6 billion. A 30 percent stake would correspond to around $1.8 billion at this valuation. FSG acquired the club in 2010 for just £300 million. In 2023, when Dynasty Equity purchased a small stake, the club’s valuation was above $4.5 billion. According to Forbes, Bezos has a net worth of more than $280 billion, while Saverin’s fortune exceeds $32 billion.

It Could Be Bezos’s First Sports Club Investment

If the deal is completed, the transaction would mark the first sports club partnership for the founder of e-commerce giant Amazon. Bezos previously considered potential investments in American football teams the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders but did not pursue those opportunities. In July, FSG confirmed that the consortium led by Bhatia was interested in making a strategic minority investment. The parties have not made any additional statements regarding the timing of the latest talks. (Liverpool)

Fans Ask for Details of the Investment

Supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly asked the club’s management for clarification regarding the potential partnership. The group questioned what level of control and financial rights would be granted to the investors, whether the transaction could be the beginning of a broader sale, and what due diligence had been conducted on the potential investors. It also requested a meeting with the management, stating that the interests of the club and its supporters should be prioritized. (Liverpool)

U.S. Investors Show Growing Interest in British Sports

In recent years, U.S. capital has expanded its presence in British sports clubs. American investors are involved with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Everton, while U.S.-based groups have also turned their attention to rugby, cricket and motorsports. Black Knight Sports and Entertainment’s takeover of Exeter Chiefs and Stonewood Capital Management’s investment in Cornish Pirates are among the latest examples of this trend.

Shopee’s GMV Reaches $38.3 Billion

Revenue from Sea’s e-commerce unit, Shopee, increased 48.9 percent year-on-year to $4.93 billion. Gross merchandise value (GMV), which represents the total value of sales on the platform, rose 28.4 percent to $38.3 billion. The company continues to expand its operations across Southeast Asia through discount campaigns, gamified shopping features, and an extensive logistics network. Artificial intelligence is also being used in product recommendations, seller tools, and customer service.

E-Commerce Profit Target Raised to $1 Billion

Sea raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA forecast for Shopee to $1 billion, up from its previously announced target of at least $880.6 million. Analysts’ average estimate stood at $980.7 million. In the second quarter, the unit’s adjusted EBITDA increased 12.2 percent to $255.4 million. The company’s shares rose between 7.6 percent and approximately 10 percent in premarket trading at different points following the announcement.

Advertising Revenue Rises 70 Percent

Sea has increased its focus on advertising as part of efforts to raise the share of revenue it generates from e-commerce sales. Advertising revenue rose by approximately 70 percent year-on-year in the second quarter. CEO Forrest Li said higher fees charged to sellers also contributed to growth, adding that the company still sees opportunities to increase its take rate.

Sea is expanding its operations in Brazil while competing with TikTok, Lazada, and Temu. The company is also facing potential regulatory hurdles in Indonesia and higher costs stemming from developments in the Middle East.

Artificial Intelligence Investments Expand

Sea has rolled out its generative AI-powered digital assistant, “Migoo,” in several markets, including the United States. Forrest Li said the company expects its artificial intelligence investments to support its next phase of growth. In June, hundreds of positions were also eliminated, representing approximately 8 percent of global developer roles within the e-commerce unit.

Revenue from Sea’s digital financial services unit, operating under the “Monee” brand, increased 58.9 percent to $1.40 billion. The unit provides payment processing, digital wallet, and lending services.

The order comes amid an ongoing dispute between Amazon and the Maharashtra FDA over the suspension of the warehouse’s licence.

Court Orders Scientific Disposal

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed Amazon to prepare an inventory of all expired and perished products at the Bhiwandi facility and transfer them to the concerned FDA officer.

The FDA will oversee the disposal process in accordance with applicable regulations, while Amazon will bear the associated costs.

The court has also directed the Maharashtra FDA to file its response to Amazon’s plea challenging the suspension of its warehouse licence by August 27.

Dispute Over Warehouse Operations

The case follows regulatory action against Amazon’s Bhiwandi facility in Maharashtra after the FDA alleged that expired food products had entered the retail market instead of being properly destroyed.

The High Court had previously criticised the FDA for what it described as an excessive approach toward the warehouse, urging the authority to implement enforcement measures in a more systematic manner.

The latest directive provides a temporary arrangement for handling the expired inventory while the broader legal dispute over Amazon’s warehouse licence continues.

Implications for E-Commerce Fulfilment

The case highlights the growing importance of inventory control, product traceability and regulatory compliance in e-commerce fulfilment operations, particularly for food and other perishable products.

As online retailers continue to expand their fulfilment networks, ensuring that expired or damaged inventory is identified, segregated and disposed of in accordance with local regulations remains a critical operational and consumer-safety responsibility.

The Bombay High Court’s decision puts the immediate focus on the safe disposal of Amazon’s expired inventory while the court considers the company’s challenge to the regulatory action.

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The slowdown is particularly visible on the China-Europe trade lane, which plays a major role in supporting cross-border e-commerce. Changes to the EU’s import framework are adding pressure to a market already facing shifts in consumer demand, shipping patterns and logistics costs.

Stricter EU Rules Affect Cross-Border Shipments

The European Union has been tightening its approach to low-value imports as the volume of e-commerce parcels entering the bloc continues to grow.

For air cargo operators and e-commerce logistics providers, these regulatory changes can influence shipment volumes, customs processes and delivery economics. The impact is particularly significant for businesses relying on high-frequency, low-value shipments from major Asian e-commerce markets.

As import requirements become more stringent, some shipment flows may be consolidated or adjusted, potentially reducing the number of individual air cargo movements.

China-Europe Air Cargo Under Pressure

China remains one of the most important origins for European e-commerce imports. The continued decline in demand on the China-Europe lane therefore highlights the broader impact that regulatory changes can have on international e-commerce logistics.

The latest figures also point to a more challenging environment for air freight operators, as demand is becoming increasingly sensitive to both regulatory developments and changes in cross-border shopping patterns.

For logistics providers, this could accelerate efforts to optimize networks, consolidate shipments and develop more flexible delivery models.

What It Means for E-Commerce Logistics

The developments underline the growing connection between e-commerce regulation and logistics performance.

As European authorities introduce stricter import requirements, retailers, marketplaces and logistics companies will need to adapt their cross-border supply chains. This may include improving customs compliance, changing fulfilment strategies and reassessing the economics of air transportation for smaller parcels.

The trend also reinforces the importance of building flexible logistics networks capable of responding quickly to regulatory changes.

For the global e-commerce industry, the coming months will show whether the decline in European air cargo demand represents a temporary adjustment or a longer-term shift in cross-border shipping patterns.

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The company enables consumers to sell used books, CDs and DVDs directly through its platform. The Netherlands launch comes after Momox identified strong demand from Dutch customers who were previously purchasing and selling products through international marketplaces.

Dedicated Dutch Platform

With its new local operation, Dutch consumers can scan the barcode of eligible products through the Momox app and receive an immediate purchase offer. Once an offer is accepted, sellers can send their items free of charge through DHL or PostNL.

Momox then checks the products before completing the payment process.

The company had already been active in the Netherlands through marketplaces such as Amazon and Bol. According to Momox, the strong response from Dutch consumers created an opportunity to establish a dedicated local platform.

Strengthening Recommerce in Europe

The Netherlands expansion is part of Momox’s broader international growth strategy and reflects the increasing demand for second-hand products across Europe.

The company is particularly focusing on sourcing Dutch-language books locally. By purchasing used products directly from Dutch consumers, Momox aims to keep more books in circulation while expanding the selection available to second-hand shoppers.

Founded in Germany in 2004, Momox has built its business around the circular economy by purchasing used products from consumers and reselling them through its own platforms and other marketplaces.

Recommerce Market Continues to Grow

Momox’s entry into the Netherlands comes as European consumers increasingly turn to second-hand and recommerce platforms. Rising interest in affordability, sustainability and circular consumption is creating new opportunities for retailers and marketplaces to extend the life cycle of products.

For Momox, the Dutch launch represents another step in building a broader European recommerce network and strengthening its position in the growing second-hand e-commerce market.

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The online flagship store will feature more than 300 products and will serve as Alo’s exclusive e-commerce channel in mainland China. Through the partnership, the brand will gain access to Tmall’s customer base, including more than 62 million 88VIP members.

Online-First Strategy

The launch marks the latest step in Alo’s entry into the Chinese market. The brand established its presence in mainland China in June through WeChat and Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.

Alo has since expanded its local digital ecosystem by introducing an event-booking platform through a WeChat Mini Program and appointing Chinese K-pop star Ningning of Aespa as a brand ambassador.

The company’s decision to prioritise e-commerce allows it to build on existing social media momentum while testing consumer demand and product preferences before making larger investments in physical retail.

According to Maggie Xie, associate director at S&P Global Ratings, an online-first approach can help Alo enter the market with lower upfront capital expenditure compared with opening physical stores.

Competing in China’s Athleisure Market

Founded in 2007, Alo has developed a strong following among younger consumers through its California-inspired aesthetic and celebrity partnerships, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.

The brand is entering an increasingly competitive Chinese athleisure market, where international and domestic sportswear companies are competing for consumers seeking premium athletic and lifestyle products.

By combining social media, influencer marketing and a Tmall flagship store, Alo is building a digital-first route into the Chinese market while gaining an opportunity to understand local consumer behaviour.

The strategy highlights the growing importance of marketplaces and social commerce in helping global brands test new markets before committing to extensive physical retail networks.

For Alo, Tmall provides not only a sales channel but also an entry point into one of the world’s largest and most competitive e-commerce markets.

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Startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) raised $172.6 million across 45 funding deals in July 2026, according to the latest funding report from Wamda. The figure represents a 16% increase from June, but remains 78% below July 2025, highlighting the continued caution among investors.

The increase was also driven largely by debt financing. Debt accounted for 56% of total startup funding in July, compared with 11.5% in June and only 2% in July 2025. This suggests that while capital availability improved from the previous month, equity investment has yet to see a significant recovery.

Saudi Arabia Reclaims the Funding Lead

Saudi Arabia returned to the top of the regional startup funding rankings after not leading during the first half of 2026.

Startups in the Kingdom raised $106.6 million across 16 transactions, representing nearly 62% of all MENA startup funding in July. The UAE recorded the same number of deals but attracted $46.6 million, placing it second by total funding.

Syria ranked third with $10.16 million, while Egypt recorded $7.25 million across eight deals. Morocco and Qatar followed with smaller funding volumes.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE together accounted for almost 89% of all capital raised across MENA during the month, underlining the continued concentration of startup investment within the region’s leading ecosystems.

E-Commerce Takes the Largest Share

E-commerce was the leading sector by funding in July, attracting 55% of total investment. However, Wamda noted that the result was driven by a limited number of sizeable transactions rather than broad-based funding activity across the sector.

Govtech ranked second, supported by a $15 million funding round for Whiteshield, while super apps ranked third after two startups in Syria and Morocco collectively raised $12 million.

Fintech remained the most active sector by deal count, recording nine transactions worth a combined $10.9 million. Proptech followed with eight deals totaling $11.9 million.

The figures highlight an interesting contrast: fintech continues to generate significant investor activity, while e-commerce is currently attracting the largest amounts of capital through fewer, larger transactions.

Early-Stage Startups Continue to Attract Capital

July also showed continued investor interest in early-stage companies.

A total of 33 early-stage startups raised $49 million, while no mega deals or late-stage funding rounds were announced during the month.

The absence of large late-stage transactions contributed to the relatively modest overall funding total. At the same time, continued activity at the early stage indicates that investors remain willing to back new companies, although with smaller capital commitments.

B2B Models Dominate Funding

Business-focused startups captured the majority of investment in July.

B2B startups raised $136 million across 33 transactions, representing nearly 79% of all capital deployed during the month. Consumer-focused startups raised $13.3 million across five deals, while startups serving both businesses and consumers attracted $23.3 million through seven transactions.

The strong performance of B2B companies reflects investors’ continued preference for business models with clearer revenue visibility and more predictable customer economics amid an uncertain funding environment.

Funding Gap for Female Founders Persists

The funding data also highlighted the persistent gender gap within the MENA startup ecosystem.

Startups founded solely by women raised only $1.7 million across four transactions, representing less than 1% of total funding in July. Male-founded startups received 97% of all capital, while mixed-gender founding teams raised approximately $3 million.

The figures indicate that greater participation by female founders has yet to translate into a proportional share of venture capital across the region.

A Cautious Start to the Second Half of 2026

July’s funding figures point to a modest improvement in MENA’s startup investment environment, but they do not yet signal a broad recovery.

Funding increased from June, Saudi Arabia reclaimed its regional leadership, and e-commerce emerged as the largest funded sector. Yet the heavy reliance on debt, the absence of mega and late-stage rounds, and the concentration of capital in Saudi Arabia and the UAE show that investors remain selective.

As the second half of 2026 progresses, the return of larger equity rounds and a wider distribution of funding across countries, sectors and founder profiles will be key indicators of whether MENA’s startup ecosystem is moving toward a stronger recovery.

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For the quarter ended June 30, eBay reported $3.13 billion in revenue, up 15% year over year on an as-reported basis and 14% on an FX-neutral basis. GMV also increased 15% to $22.4 billion, marking another strong quarter for the global marketplace. 

eBay’s Q2 Performance

The company reported $552 million in GAAP net income, compared with $369 million a year earlier. GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $1.21, while non-GAAP diluted EPS was $1.60. 

eBay’s advertising business also continued to expand. Advertising revenue reached $596 million, representing a 23% increase from the prior year, as the company continued to strengthen monetization across its marketplace. 

The company said its strategic focus categories and recommerce activities remained important growth drivers. Categories including fashion, collectibles, luxury and motors are helping eBay attract high-intent shoppers and enthusiast buyers.

Depop Adds Momentum to Recommerce Strategy

eBay’s recently completed $1.4 billion acquisition of Depop, the fashion resale marketplace previously owned by Etsy, is also becoming an important part of its growth strategy.

Depop gives eBay greater exposure to younger consumers and the expanding resale economy. The platform’s active users increased to approximately 9 million, up from 7 million previously. 

The acquisition is expected to contribute to eBay’s GMV growth during the second half of 2026, further strengthening the company’s position in the recommerce market.

eBay Raises Its 2026 Outlook

Following the stronger-than-expected quarter, eBay raised its full-year outlook.

The company now expects 2026 revenue growth of approximately 11%-12%, compared with its previous forecast of 7%-7.5%. It also expects GMV growth of approximately 11.5%-12.5%. 

For the third quarter, eBay expects revenue between $3.07 billion and $3.12 billion, above analysts’ expectations at the time of the announcement. 

The results suggest that eBay’s strategy of concentrating on higher-value categories, strengthening advertising and expanding recommerce is gaining traction, while the integration of Depop could provide an additional growth engine for the remainder of the year.

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Consumer spending reached SR425 billion ($113.3 billion) in Q1 2026, representing a 6.8% year-on-year increase, according to consultancy Knight Frank. The growth highlights the continued strength of Saudi Arabia’s consumer economy and its growing impact on the country’s retail property market.

Consumer Spending Strengthens Retail Demand

The increase in consumer spending is providing a strong foundation for retailers and landlords as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its modern retail infrastructure.

Higher household expenditure is contributing to demand for shopping centres, retail destinations and other commercial spaces, particularly as consumer activity remains an important driver of the Kingdom’s broader real estate market.

The trend also reflects the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s consumer landscape, where changing lifestyles, population growth and expanding retail offerings are creating new opportunities for brands and property developers.

Retail Real Estate Gains Momentum

The relationship between consumer spending and retail property is becoming increasingly important as Saudi Arabia develops large-scale mixed-use and commercial destinations.

Strong spending levels can encourage retailers to expand their physical presence, while developers benefit from greater demand for high-quality retail locations. This creates a cycle in which stronger consumer activity supports retail expansion and new retail destinations, in turn, provide additional opportunities for brands.

Saudi Arabia’s retail market is also being shaped by the Kingdom’s wider economic diversification strategy, which places greater emphasis on tourism, entertainment, hospitality and consumer-focused industries.

A Positive Signal for the Saudi Retail Market

The Q1 figures provide a positive signal for retailers, investors and real estate developers operating in Saudi Arabia.

With consumer spending rising by 6.8% year-on-year to SR425 billion, the Kingdom continues to demonstrate significant retail market potential. As new commercial and mixed-use developments progress, sustained consumer demand could remain a key factor supporting the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s retail real estate sector.

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