Billion Dollar Unicorns: Xiaohongshu Leverages Social Commerce to Join the Club

According to eMarketer, there is an increasing trend of cross-border e-commerce in China. In 2016, 181.2 million buyers are estimated to purchase goods from abroad worth $85.76 billion. By 2020, nearly 291.8 million e-commerce buyers will be making purchases from abroad, either directly or through third party apps. Total spending on cross border e-commerce is estimated to grow to $157.7 billion by the year 2020. Billion Dollar Unicorn Club’s new member Xiaohongshu is facilitating in delivering these high growth forecasts.

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2016 IPO Prospects: Human Longevity Leverages Machine Learning and Analytics to Increase Lifespan

According to a recent Deloitte report, advances in medical science are leading to an increased life expectancy. In 2014, the average life expectancy globally was 72.3 years and that is expected to grow to 73.3 years by 2019. In 2019, 11% of the total population are expected to be aged more than 65 years. Analysts expect that out of the global health spend of nearly $7 trillion, nearly half of the funds are diverted to making sure that this ageing population continues to live longer. >>>

SAP Emphasizing Internet of Things

After the announcement of Brexit last quarter, many were worried about the performance of Europe-based companies. Recently reported second quarter results by ERP leader SAP (NYSE: SAP) appear to have put those concerns to rest. After delivering rather lack luster results in the first quarter, SAP delivered very strong second quarter results that sent the stock soaring to 52-week high levels.

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Alibaba’s Magic Code Appears to be Working

Recent economic results point to an economic downturn in China. Its economy grew 6.7% over the year during the second quarter, the same rate at which it had grown in the first quarter. But growth rate has fallen from the 7% level it had touched a year ago and 7.9% back in 2013. Despite the worries about the economy, China’s e-commerce leader Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) doesn’t appear to be much bothered.

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Priceline Should Buy Yelp

At the beginning of the year 2016, Yelp’s stock (NYSE: YELP) plunged by about 50% after a disastrous quarter, but things are looking up for the local reviews site. It swung to a profit after five consecutive quarters of losses.
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RetailMeNot Ventures into Gift Card Business

According to an eMarketer report published last year, the share of US companies using mobile coupons for marketing purposes is expected to increase from 32% in 2013 to 44.5% in 2016. That share is expected to grow to 48% in 2017, implying that nearly half of the US companies with more than 100 employees will distribute mobile coupons either through SMS, websites, apps, or emails. The report also estimates that the number of US adults who redeemed digital coupons grew 7.6% to 121.3 million in 2015.

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Billion Dollar Unicorns: Airbnb Continues to Soar

A recent report by Research and Markets estimates the global vacation rental industry to be worth $100 billion. The US holds the biggest market share with nearly a 25% market share. The report further expects the global vacation rental market to be worth $170 billion by 2019. Billion Dollar Unicorn Club member Airbnb is already seeing strong growth in this industry.

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Billion Dollar Unicorns: Square Eyeing Large Sellers

According to eMarketer, the number of people in the US using proximity mobile payments is expected to grow 61.8% to 37.5 million by 2016 while mobile payments are estimated to grow 210% to $27.05 billion in 2016 from $8.71 billion in 2015. Mobile payment firm Square, former member of the Billion Dollar Unicorn Club, went public early this year and recently reported second quarter results that beat analyst estimates. >>>

Tableau Faces Increasing Competition

According to Gartner, the business intelligence (BI) and analytics market is in the final stages of a multi-year shift from IT-led, system-of-record reporting to business-led, self-service analytics. Global revenue in the BI and analytics market is forecast to grow 5.2% over the year and reach $16.9 billion in 2016. >>>

Energy Recovery Expands in the Middle East

According to a MarketsandMarkets research report on Water Desalination Equipment Market, the water desalination industry is estimated to grow 9% annually to be worth $15.27 billion by 2018. The report cites that the Middle East region is the largest market for water desalination equipment as it is witnessing the biggest number of activities in utilities, construction, and industrial end-uses in countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. Water desalination vendor Energy Recovery Inc. (ERI) (NASDAQ: ERII) is already benefitting from the contracts out of the region.

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