Ensogo

Ensogo, once a prominent daily deals and e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, was originally established as iBuywe in 2009 by Patrick Grove. Grove, an Australian entrepreneur and co-founder of the Catcha Group, aimed to replicate the success of flash sales models in the region. The company rapidly expanded, acquiring competitors like Dealguru in Malaysia and LivingSocial's operations in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, rebranding them under the Ensogo name.

The business operated on a flash-sale model, offering discounted vouchers and products across various categories, including dining, travel, beauty, and consumer goods. Its target market was the burgeoning online consumer base in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of members through its website and mobile applications. Revenue was primarily generated by taking a commission from the merchants whose deals were featured on the platform. At its peak, Ensogo was a significant player in the regional e-commerce landscape and was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the ticker E88.

Despite its initial success and aggressive expansion, Ensogo faced intense competition and challenges in sustaining its business model. The company underwent several strategic shifts, attempting to pivot from a daily deals site to a more traditional e-commerce marketplace. However, these efforts were not enough to overcome mounting financial difficulties. In June 2016, Ensogo announced the closure of all its marketplaces and the cessation of its business operations across Southeast Asia, marking a significant end to its chapter in the region's e-commerce history.

Keywords: e-commerce, daily deals, flash sales, Southeast Asia, online marketplace, discount vouchers, LivingSocial, Catcha Group, ASX, marketplace closure