Uzbekistan’s digital ecosystem company, Uzum, is preparing to raise new capital through a private investment round before the end of 2026. The move is intended to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory as it lays groundwork for a possible stock market debut in the medium term.
According to founder and chief executive Djasur Djumaev, the additional funding will help sustain expansion plans.
He indicated that while an initial public offering remains a longer-term prospect, potentially within a two- to three-year window, the immediate priority is securing private capital this year to support ongoing development.
As first reported by Bloomberg, Uzum has established itself as a key player in Central Asia’s emerging digital economy.
Founded in 2022, the Tashkent-based company operates an integrated platform that combines e-commerce, logistics, digital banking, and financial services.
Its core offerings include Uzum Market, a large-scale online marketplace with nationwide delivery; Uzum Tezkor for faster local deliveries; Uzum Bank, a fully digital banking service; and related fintech tools such as buy-now-pay-later options and business solutions.
The company has benefited significantly from Uzbekistan’s strong economic momentum and its young, tech-savvy population.
It now reaches more than 20 million monthly users, representing over half of the country’s population, and has become the nation’s first technology unicorn.
Earlier funding rounds have already propelled substantial growth. In 2025, Uzum secured approximately $70 million in equity financing led by Tencent Holdings and VR Capital, with participation from FinSight Ventures, pushing its valuation to around $1.5 billion.
A subsequent strategic round in early 2026, anchored by sovereign investors from Oman and involving existing backers, referenced a $2.3 billion pre-money valuation.
These investments have enabled Uzum to expand its infrastructure, broaden product offerings, and strengthen its position across Uzbekistan’s regions.
The platform’s emphasis on localized logistics, accessible financial services, and support for small businesses aligns with broader national efforts to digitize the economy and improve financial inclusion.
Djumaev’s comments signal continued momentum.
By pursuing another private round before year-end, Uzum aims to maintain its aggressive scaling pace without rushing into public markets.
Industry professionals note that such pre-IPO financing is common among high-growth technology companies seeking to optimize timing and valuation ahead of a listing.
The planned capital raise comes at a time when investor interest in Central Asian technology and fintech opportunities remains elevated.
Uzbekistan’s combination of demographic advantages, regulatory progress in digital finance, and improving connectivity has attracted attention from global players, as evidenced by Tencent’s involvement.
Uzum’s strategy appears focused on deepening its ecosystem, enhancing user engagement, and potentially extending its reach beyond Uzbekistan.
With a proven track record of steady user adoption and successful fundraising, the company is positioning itself as a benchmark for digital innovation in the region.
If executed successfully, the upcoming funding round could provide the resources needed to further integrate services, invest in technology, and prepare for eventual public market entry. For now, the focus remains squarely on executing growth initiatives while capital markets conditions and company performance continue to evolve in 2026.
