Lazada
acquired by Alibaba GroupSingapore, SG · Founded 2012 · 5 known investors
Acquired by Alibaba Group April 2016 · terms undisclosed
Lazada operates an e-commerce marketplace serving Southeast Asia, connecting shoppers and retailers through its technology, logistics, and payments infrastructure. The platform also offers tools for businesses to scale and sell online across the region.
Founders & leadership
Lazada was founded in 2012 by Magnus Ekbom, Martell von Hardenberg, Maximilian Bittner, and Pierre Poignant.
ME
Magnus EkbominCo-FounderSwedish executive based in Singapore. His LinkedIn and Crunchbase list him as a Lazada co-founder from 2012 through Alibaba integration; he left in late 2022. Later CEO of SEAI Technologies (acquired by Kyber Commerce) and BCG senior advisor.
MV
Martell von HardenberginCo-FounderFormer Rocket Internet Global Venture Development Director. His LinkedIn says he co-founded Lazada in 2012 and ran country roles including CCO Vietnam, CCO Indonesia, and CEO Singapore. Later investor at Antler Elevate. Not listed on Wikipedia’s founder line, which names Bittner only.
MB
Maximilian BittnerinFounder & former Group CEOMcKinsey and Morgan Stanley veteran who founded Lazada inside Rocket Internet in March 2012 and was Group CEO until March 2018, when Alibaba installed Lucy Peng. Later chairman/CEO of Vestiaire Collective. Wikipedia and CNBC name him as founder; Rocket Internet is the incubator.
PP
Pierre PoignantinCo-Founder, former COO & later Group CEOMcKinsey veteran who joined at founding as COO (2012–2018) and succeeded Lucy Peng as Group CEO (December 2018–June 2020). LinkedIn and Crunchbase list him as co-founder.
AC
Alan Chanin
Investors · 5
Frequently asked questions
- What does Lazada do?
- Lazada operates an e-commerce marketplace serving Southeast Asia, connecting shoppers and retailers through its technology, logistics, and payments infrastructure. The platform also offers tools for businesses to scale and sell online across the region.
- Who founded Lazada?
- Lazada was founded by Magnus Ekbom, Martell von Hardenberg, Maximilian Bittner, Pierre Poignant in 2012.
- Who are Lazada's investors?
- Lazada's investors include Rocket Internet SE, Access Industries, Global Founders Capital, Kinnevik, Summit Partners.
- Who acquired Lazada?
- Lazada was acquired by Alibaba Group.
- Where is Lazada headquartered?
- Lazada is headquartered in Singapore, SG.