Uzbekistan: Uzum received investments from Tencent and VR Capital, the company's valuation reached $1.5 billion.

Uzum, Uzbekistan's largest digital ecosystem, has attracted $ 70 million in investment from international strategic partners, including Chinese technology holding Tencent and VR Capital investment group. The transaction also took place with the participation of FinSight Ventures, the lead investor of the first round of financing, completed in March 2024.

According to the announced data, according to the results of the investment round, Uzum's market capitalization reached $ 1.5 billion, which puts the company in the category of "unicorns" - startups with a billion-dollar valuation. This investment marks the first technology deal by Chinese company Tencent in the Uzbek market, underscoring the growing interest of global players in Uzbekistan's fast-growing digital landscape.

Uzum is actively developing a multi-service platform that combines e-commerce, payment solutions, logistics, marketplace and financial services. The company's strategy focuses on building a sustainable digital infrastructure focused on both mass consumers and small and medium-sized businesses.

Attracting international investment in the context of the transformation of the Uzbek economy indicates growing confidence in the local technology sector and its institutional maturity. The participation of such structures as Tencent and VR Capital creates not only financial support, but also opens up access to international expertise, technological solutions and new markets.

The deal also fits into the general trend of increasing investment activity in Central Asia, where Uzbekistan demonstrates a dynamic development of the digital economy, actively attracting venture funds, multinational corporations and strategic partners in key industries — from fintech to e-commerce and telecommunications.