The article discusses Vivlio, an e-book platform that offers a unique approach to digital reading. Here are the key points:
Unique features:
- Vivlio is an e-book platform that allows users to borrow books from public libraries and read them on their device.
- The company has partnered with German library services, allowing users to access a vast collection of e-books for free.
- Vivlio also offers digital lending options, which is another form of e-book reading.
Business model:
- Vivlio estimates that it has hundreds of thousands of active users, but acknowledges that this number may not be comparable to larger e-book platforms like Amazon or Rakuten.
- The company’s capital structure includes a handful of minority shareholders from the industry, including Divibib, which works with public libraries in Germany.
Growth prospects:
- Vivlio recognizes that it will never reach the same scale as Amazon or Rakuten, but sees room for growth in the e-book market.
- The company believes that its differentiated positioning and entry points into the ecosystem provide a strong foundation for future growth.
Hardware integration:
- Vivlio has partnered with PocketBook to offer e-readers that are integrated with the platform’s digital lending options.
- This partnership provides users with a seamless reading experience, allowing them to borrow books from public libraries and read them on their device.
Overall, Vivlio is an innovative e-book platform that offers a unique approach to digital reading. By partnering with public libraries and offering digital lending options, the company has created a differentiated positioning in the market. While it may not reach the same scale as larger players like Amazon or Rakuten, Vivlio sees room for growth and is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for e-books.