In today’s Spotlight On, Valerie Dichtl shares her journey from marketplace manager to co-founder of Marketplace Universe, her mission to connect the industry, and her vision for the future of cross-border e-commerce.
"The main reason I left Amazon was that I couldn't stand the way they treated and dealt with their vendors," Valerie shares. She transitioned to a vendor side role at a fashion brand, pioneering their wholesale and marketplace business. "It was challenging because no one else knew about marketplaces. I felt pretty much alone."
That feeling inspired her next move: starting her own consulting business as a marketplace expert. "I wanted to connect people in the industry, especially as a female founder where representation is often lacking," she says.
Through her consulting work, she quickly recognized the gaps in marketplace education and the lack of networking opportunities for professionals facing similar struggles. "Many people feel isolated in their roles, and I wanted to change that," Valerie explains.
Her journey led her to connect with Ingrid Lommer, former journalist for Internet World Business. Their collaboration started with a simple LinkedIn message, starting “Let’s talk marketplace” and grew into founding Marketplace Universe. "We realized people already thought we worked together, so we made it official," Valerie laughs.
"We don't just want to be a media company; we want to create a real community where marketplace professionals feel seen, heard, and valued."
Valerie emphasizes that Marketplace Universe is not only about information but about building lasting relationships across the marketplace ecosystem.
"Our goal is to bring the marketplace community together, inform, and empower," she explains. "And secretly, we also aim to bring more women on stage."
Valerie reflects on their beginnings: "It started with an idea to connect people who often felt isolated in their marketplace roles. Today, it has evolved into a platform that not only shares knowledge but actively shapes the future of the marketplace industry."
Marketplace Universe focuses on two main services:
Media Visibility: Helping marketplaces and marketplace service partners increase brand awareness through LinkedIn, webinars, podcasts, and interviews. “We work with marketplaces like Bol.com, eBay, Kaufland, writing about their expansion plans on LinkedIn, hosting webinars & events and promoting them through our multiple channels.”
Brand Community: A new initiative bringing Marketplace decision makers of brands together in the Marketplace Leaders Circle. We create a circle of trust divided by categories in an online mastermind format for 6 months to foster connection, exchange and learn from each others experience.
In addition, Marketplace Universe regularly hosts networking events and educational webinars designed to spark collaboration and idea-sharing across industries.
"We don’t focus on just one industry," Valerie explains. "We target brands and sellers from various sectors like fashion, DIY, and consumer electronics."
Each co-founder brings different expertise to the table: "My background is fashion and sports, while Ingrid can speak deeply about DIY and consumer electronics."
This diverse background enables Marketplace Universe to create tailored content and networking opportunities that resonate across sectors. "It’s about understanding the unique needs of each vertical and delivering real value," Valerie adds.
Selling on marketplaces isn’t always easy. Valerie points out that staying profitable is one of the biggest struggles—especially with how fast things change. Another issue is internal alignment. Many teams inside a company don’t really get how marketplaces work, which leads to confusion and delays.
Expanding to new marketplaces is also complex. Every platform has different requirements, and adapting quickly can be difficult. Valerie also highlights that marketplaces often don’t get the attention they deserve inside companies.
And then there are the growing regulations. From sustainability laws to new compliance rules, brands need to stay on top of changes or risk falling behind.
"Know your numbers," Valerie advises. "And build a network. Having people you can ask for advice saves you from repeating mistakes." Learning from others who’ve already walked the path is crucial for navigating the complexity of marketplaces.
Valerie also encourages brands to stay curious and agile. "The marketplace world changes fast. Stay informed, be ready to pivot, and never stop learning."
While many talk about TikTok Shop, Valerie is skeptical. "It might work for categories like beauty and low-cost jewelry, but not for everyone."
Instead, she stresses diversification: "Don't rely on one or two big players. Markets shift fast."
She also points out that different industries experience different trends. "DIY sees new marketplaces emerging, while fashion sees consolidation."
Emerging technologies like live shopping, AI-driven customer experiences, and eco-friendly marketplaces are also trends she advises brands to monitor closely.
Looking ahead, Valerie shares her ambition: "We want to be the heart of the marketplace industry in Europe," she says. "We envision Marketplace Universe as a platform that shapes the conversation, nurtures professional growth, and supports brands and sellers in a dynamic environment."
She highlights plans to introduce international leadership circles, enhanced training programs tailored to specific verticals, and partnerships with other industry media to broaden their reach. "We believe education and connection are the twin pillars for future success," Valerie explains. "Connecting people, sharing insights, organizing more events, and growing our community."
Currently active mainly in Germany, they plan to expand with more physical events in cities like Berlin and Cologne, in collaboration with major players like Kaufland and MediaMarkt.
Valerie concludes, "We are just getting started. The potential for marketplace professionals to connect, learn, and grow together is enormous, and we’re here to make that happen."
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