Have you heard of Meituan Dianping, the Chinese start-up with a valuation of $100 billion? From meal delivery to bike and travel reservations, this all-purpose app is one of the most expensive start-ups in the world. Zoom in on this "super-app".

Meituan Dianping: China's Uber Eats

Founded in 2010 by businessman Wang Xing and largely unknown to the European public, Meituan Dianping is nevertheless one of China's largest companies. Created from the merger of Meituan.com and Dianping.com, two major companies in China's e-commerce sector, the company's business model is based on the platform economy. Indeed, the company has set up an application that enables consumers to order meals from local restaurants. The equivalent of the American Uber Eats. 

Meituan Dianping vs. Alibaba 

Since its creation, Meituan has adopted a strategy of geographic expansion across China. In this way, it has succeeded in establishing itself in many of China's major cities, becoming the leader in home meal delivery.

But its growth doesn't stop there! In addition to geographic expansion, the Chinese "super-app" has diversified its offering. In fact, it has extended its activity to a whole range of services: car-sharing, hotel and travel reservations, and self-service bicycles.

A diversified offering, an extensive geographical presence, the acquisition of strategic partnerships... all this forms an explosive mix that has enabled Meituan to establish itself as a real player on the Chinese market and compete with e-commerce giants such as Alibaba.

An IPO at $52.8 billion

Meituan Dianping's IPO was a major event in the company's history. Indeed, listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2018, the company achieved record figures. Raising $4.2 billion in funds and reaching a valuation of $52.8 billion.

This places the company as the third-largest IPO in Hong Kong in 2018, behind telecoms operator China Tower ($6.9 billion) and smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi ($5.4 billion). 

Since its IPO, the company's value has doubled, enabling it to reach a valuation of $100 billion. This is 4 times more than American companies Snapchat ($25 billion) and Twitter ($26 billion). 

Meituan Dianping: key information 

By 2021, the company will have 600,000 employees across its divisions and operations in China.

In 2022, Meituan generated sales of 219.95 billion Chinese yuan, equivalent to just over 28 billion euros. 

In September 2018, the Chinese company was listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange for $4.2 billion. An IPO that took the company to a valuation of $52.8 billion.

Thanks to its platform economy business model, Meituan Dianping has extended its services to many Chinese cities and diversified its offerings beyond meal delivery. What's more, its ability to handle a high volume of transactions and adapt to changing user needs testifies to its scalability and market leadership in China. 

" We strive to create an exceptional experience for our users by offering convenient and innovative services. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of Chinese consumers through technology and innovation. " - Wang Xing, CEO of Meituan Dianping.

We're talking about them!

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Le Monde.fr : Meituan, the Chinese "super-app" worth 45 billion euros