MercadoLibre

MercadoLibre, Inc. is an Argentine multinational technology company that operates online commerce and financial technology platforms focused on Latin America. Its core offerings include the Mercado Libre e-commerce marketplace and Mercado Pago, a digital payments platform. The company also provides related services such as logistics and merchant tools, creating an integrated ecosystem for buyers and sellers across multiple countries. It is one of the largest e-commerce and payments players in the region.

MercadoLibre was founded in 1999 in Buenos Aires by Marcos Galperin. It began as an online marketplace and expanded into payments and financial services, growing into a regional technology group. The company went public on the NASDAQ in 2007 under the ticker MELI. Over the years it broadened its footprint through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the 2020 acquisition of OLX Group’s Latin American classifieds business to enhance its classifieds presence.

Business model and services: The company operates through two principal lines—an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, and Mercado Pago, a digital wallet and payments platform. Additional services include Mercado Envios for logistics, Mercado Shops for merchants, and Mercado Crédito, which offers consumer and merchant financing. Revenue derives from marketplace commissions, payment processing fees, advertising, and financial services.

Markets and governance: MercadoLibre conducts operations across numerous Latin American and Caribbean countries, with significant activity in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The company is headquartered in Buenos Aires and is listed on the NASDAQ. Its leadership includes founder Marcos Galperin as chief executive.