ShopSpot

ShopSpot emerged in 2012 as a mobile-first marketplace targeting the Thai and Singaporean markets, founded by Natsakon Kiatsuranon. The initial concept, born in 2011, aimed to simplify online commerce, allowing users to easily sell items by taking a picture and posting it directly from their smartphones. This idea gained traction after winning second place at Startup Weekend Bangkok in 2011, which led the Thai-based founders to join the JFDI (Joyful Frog Digital Incubator) accelerator program in Singapore.

The company initially operated on a consumer-to-consumer (C2C) model, functioning as a mobile platform for individuals to buy and sell goods, with a focus on fashion and lifestyle items. By 2013, ShopSpot pivoted its strategy to a business-to-consumer (B2C) marketplace, creating a platform for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) brands to connect with a broader customer base. Over the years, the platform evolved by integrating content and community features alongside commerce, creating a more engaging user experience that responded to shifting consumer behaviors.

The business generated revenue through commissions on sales and offered services including digital media strategy and influencer marketing to help brands grow their market reach. In 2017, the company underwent a significant structural change, entering into a collaboration with King Power Group. This partnership led to the development of King Power Click and transformed ShopSpot into a holding company that managed multiple platforms beyond its original app, such as ShopSpotter, a content site for trends and lifestyle, and 'His', a curated e-commerce and content site for men.

In July 2017, LINE Corporation acquired a majority stake in ShopSpot (Thailand) Co., Ltd., integrating it into its expanding e-commerce and business platform. This acquisition was part of LINE's broader strategy to enhance its social commerce capabilities in Thailand, a market where the practice accounts for a significant portion of e-commerce. Following the acquisition, ShopSpot ceased its standalone operations as its services and team were integrated into LINE's offerings.

Keywords: mobile marketplace, e-commerce platform, Thai startup, social commerce, fashion marketplace, lifestyle products, C2C marketplace, B2C platform, SME brands, Natsakon Kiatsuranon, King Power Group, LINE acquisition, Startup Weekend Bangkok, JFDI, online retail, digital marketing, influencer marketing, ShopSpotter, King Power Click, Southeast Asia e-commerce