La caída de Merqueo, la ‘startup’ que pasó de levantar US$66 millones a ‘quemar’ US$4,5 millones al mes

Tienda física de Merqueo en Bogotá. Foto: César Melgarejo/ El Tiempo

La caída de Merqueo, la ‘startup’ que pasó de levantar US$66 millones a ‘quemar’ US$4,5 millones al mes

TL;DR

  • Merqueo announced its definitive closure in July 2025 after a pandemic-induced financial crisis and a relaunch of its business model.
  • Andrés Escobar, former director of Merqueo, cited a monthly cash burn of $4.5-5 million and selling below cost as major issues.
  • Aggressive pricing was used to gain users, not necessarily loyal customers, with margins and cash flow being overlooked until funding dried up.
  • Grupo Olímpica acquired Merqueo's brands and technology, leading to Escobar's move to Ísimo.
  • Key learnings include the importance of diverse teams with varied backgrounds, prioritizing practical operational experience over academic qualifications, and maintaining a strong sense of financial responsibility.