Rocket Internet, a Germany-based start-up incubator and private equity investor, has invested once again in Airu, a Brazil-based e-marketplace for handmade and vintage goods. Rocket has invested an additional $2.5m (R$5m) in the company. The latest series B investment puts Rocket’s investment to date in the company at around $5m, according to news reports.
The funding will be used to accelerate Airu’s $20m (R$40m) sales target by the end of 2013. It will concentrate on expanding its offer in fashion and accessories to sustain and increase its 30% monthly growth rate.
It offers small independent sellers a platform to sell their products online and give buyers access to unique products available in only small quantities. Currently, the Airu platform features around 200,000 products from over 10,000 independent business owners and retailers. The site is attracting close to two million visits each month.
Jaques Weltman, founder and chief executive officer of Airu, said in a Startupi news report that the latest investment will enable the business to compete against similar startups active in the their business segment including, Elo7, which acquired Argentina-based e-commerce site Bixti last year.