Uzum Becomes Uzbekistan’s First Unicorn with $1.5B Valuation
In 2025, a company from Uzbekistan did something big. Uzum became the country’s first unicorn a startup worth over $1 billion. Its current valuation? A massive $1.5 billion. This is a proud moment for Uzbekistan and a major step for Central Asia’s tech world.
So, what’s the big deal? Until now, most unicorns came from places like the U.S., China, or India. But Uzum shows that innovation isn’t limited to Silicon Valley. It can come from anywhere even from the heart of Central Asia.
We’ll explore how Uzum got here, what it does, and why global investors are excited. We’ll also see what this means for young entrepreneurs and the future of startups in the region.
What is Uzum?
Uzum is a super‑app from Uzbekistan. It began as Uzum Market in 2022. It quickly added fintech and food delivery. The name “Uzum” means “grape” in Uzbek, symbolizing growth.
Today Uzum combines three main services. The marketplace lets users shop online from local merchants. Uzum Bank issues a co‑branded Visa debit card and offers loans and savings. Uzum Tezkor handles fast deliveries. Together, these services form a unified digital ecosystem.
Uzum now boasts over 17 million monthly users. That is almost half of Uzbekistan’s adult population. The company works with about 16,000 merchants. They operate across over 450 towns and cities. Their logistics network includes more than 1,500 pickup points. Its delivery system handles 200,000 orders per day.
Funding Journey & Valuation
In August 2025, Uzum raised $65.5 million in a new equity round. The round was led by Tencent and VR Capital. FinSight Ventures also joined.
That money pushed their valuation to about $1.5 billion. That is a 30% increase from the previous $1.16 billion valuation reached in March 2024.
Before this, in 2024 they raised $114 million via equity and debt. That was Uzum’s first real unicorn moment.
Investors were impressed. They saw strong user growth. They liked Uzum’s plan to integrate fintech and logistics. And they recognized its role in Uzbekistan’s fast digital shift.
Why Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has changed a lot since 2016. Its government has opened up the economy. It has made reforms to welcome investment. Internet use has also grown fast. Today over 70% of adults use smartphones.
That sets the stage for mobile-first services. It also builds trust in digital payments. In short, Uzbekistan offers high potential for startups like Uzum. Tashkent, the capital, is now the hub of digital policy reforms. It hosts IT Park Uzbekistan and several tech incubators. These moves help startups launch and scale.
Market Opportunity in Central Asia
Central Asia still lacks digital leaders like Gojek or Paytm. Uzum now leads the way. By serving millions, it proves the region’s appetite for tech.
Urban users urgently want ecommerce, fintech, and fast delivery. There is an unmet demand across neighboring countries. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan all present room to grow.
Because Uzum is first, it sets standards. It also builds trust. And it becomes a platform for other local and regional startups.
Challenges Faced by Uzum
Even with success, Uzum faces real hurdles. Poor infrastructure slows deliveries outside major cities. Consumer banking habits remain rooted in cash. Educating users poses a challenge.
Regulation is still changing in Uzbekistan. Data protection and fintech license rules evolve fast. This creates uncertainty for scaling.
Global players may enter soon. Competitors from Russia or Turkey could expand here. Uzum must keep innovating to stay ahead.
Uzum’s Vision and Future Plans
Uzum is already rolling out new fintech products. It plans to launch a deposit saving account in September 2025. Long‑term consumer credit is also on the way. And it will expand its Visa debit card program beyond 5 million users.
It will open its marketplace to international merchants. It aims for up to 15% cross‑border activity from sellers in China and Turkey.
AI is playing a bigger role too. Uzum plans to use machine learning for fraud control. It will embed AI in lending decisions and personalised recommendations.
They expect a Series B round of $250-300 million in early 2026. An IPO may come after that. Possible markets include Nasdaq or London.
What This Means for Uzbekistan’s Startup Ecosystem?
Uzum’s success boosts investor confidence. It sends a clear message: tech in Uzbekistan can scale. This may attract more capital to local seed and growth funds.
Young entrepreneurs now see a homegrown path forward. They know they can succeed without leaving the country.
The government is watching too. They will likely expand tech-friendly policies, fintech licenses, and startup grants. Uzum may partner with IT Park Uzbekistan to share best practices.
Wrap Up
Uzum’s rise to a $1.5 billion unicorn shows what is possible in Uzbekistan. It builds meaningful services on local foundations. It combines local knowledge with global capital.
We believe Uzum’s story is just beginning. It lights the path for other Central Asian startups. It may lead to a new tech hub on the Silk Road. The world is watching and so should we.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Uzum was the first company in Uzbekistan to become a unicorn. It reached a $1.5 billion value in 2025 after growing fast in online shopping and banking services.
Uzum is the unicorn company in Uzbekistan. It offers online shopping, banking, and fast delivery. It serves millions of people and has raised money from global investors.
There is no official news about a third unicorn in Uzbekistan yet. Uzum is the first. Other companies are growing but haven’t reached the $1 billion mark.
A unicorn is a private startup company worth $1 billion or more. This value is based on how much investors are willing to pay during funding rounds.
Disclaimer:
This is for information only, not financial advice. Always do your research.