About us

Welcome to Marketplace Universe - the home for all marketplace people

Why we build the Marketplace Universe

Going the marketplace journey all alone can be a harsh experience. Marketplace Universe was born from a desire to create long-lasting connections and a close-knit community of like-minded individuals. Meaningful connections and the power of the community will make the road through the marketplace jungle easier for everyone.

Our Vision

Marketplace Universe is our way of clearing the jungle and letting the light in. We are dedicated to educating, and connecting European marketplace people, helping them navigate the ever-evolving marketplace landscape with the enlightening information and empowering connections.

We are the keymasters to the European marketplace community

May we open the doors for you?

We are marketplace communicators

We provide the European marketplace community with valuable insights and information which helps marketplace managers working for brands and retailers to make the right business decision – in our podcast, on LinkedIn and on many more channels to come.

We are marketplace matchmakers

We connect marketplace people all over Europe and make sure they meet their perfect match. We match retailers with brands, brands with marketplaces, marketplaces with services providers. Our sole mission: helpful, wholesome connections with a Win-Win for everyone involved.

We are marketplace consultants

Between us we have collected great marketplace knowledge and industry insights, a wide network of marketplace experts and an extensive data treasure on all things marketplace. We make use of that treasure trove to provide our audience with exclusive insights and analytics.

We are marketplace educators

With our “Marketplace-Uni” courses we train marketplace managers at brands, retailers, marketplaces and service providers.

Our Story

It all started with a LinkedIn message. Valerie had read some of Ingrid’s articles and wanted to get on her radar. Ingrid, always seeking diverse and strong female voices, accepted.

Our exchange led to interviews and Valerie speaking at Ingrid’s Marketplace Convention. We quickly realized we were kindred spirits with complementary talents, which led to the co-creation of our podcast “Let’s Talk Marketplace.”

By the end of 2023, when we were both on the lookout for new career horizons, we decided to trust our insticts and found Marketplace Universe together, driven by a shared vision and deep partnership.

That’s us

Valerie Dichtl (Co-Founder)

Networking Queen, Event Roadrunner and Sales Rocket. Would have never launched her newsletter on her own because she’s too damn busy for operative.

Ingrid Lommer (Co-Founder)

News sniff dog, Creative Storyteller and Content Powerhouse. Can’t sell shit on her own but will write about it beautifully.

Voices of the Marketplace Community

The marketplace business is changing at such a rapid pace that it’s almost impossible to keep up all by yourself. Luckily there are people like Ingrid & Valerie who make my life a little easier with their tireless searching (& finding) of the latest, hottest shit. But not only do I stay up-to-date with the help of the various formats of the Marketplace Universe, much more relevant for me are the personal contacts that have already been made. We are all never getting tired of saying “platform business is people business” and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ingrid & Valerie once again for the connections they have made possible. Whether it’s at events, by email, in the podcast or via LinkedIn – these two absolute power women always have a listening ear and at least one good tip or anecdote at hand. I am more than excited to see what else they will come up with.

Giuliana Prinz

Senior Specialist Marketplaces Tom Tailor

A big thank you to you, Ingrid, for the contribution you have made to my personal marketplace learning journey! From the inspiration at your Marketplace Conventions, to great contacts from the industry, to the continuous thirst for more knowledge and entertainment in the podcast together with Valerie. Thank you!

Stephanie Hölzlwimmer

Head of Product Comfort & Wellbeing Bosch Home & Comfort Group

“Marketplace Universe” offers a platform to inform people interested in the marketplace world through podcasts and newsletters. The marketplace quadrants, which provide a comprehensive overview of the most important online marketplaces in Europe, are particularly valuable. The platform also promotes networking within the industry through webinars and live events. This mix of up-to-date information and networking opportunities makes “Marketplace Universe” an important resource for anyone working in the online marketplace sector.

Malte Karstan

Founder Karstan Consultancy E-Commerce

What I appreciate about MU are the precise and substantial info drops such as the quadrant graphics on Linkedin or in the newsletter. I’m always up to date and don’t miss anything.

Michael vom Sondern

Founding Partner Commerce Advisory Network

Marketplace Universe: THE voice for EVERYONE in the marketplace scene. Ingrid and Valerie bring the marketplace community together, provide them with facts and figures and help to create a sense of WE in the marketplace world – whether brand, retailer, platform or service provider – Marketplace Universe is the voice for all of us!