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Valued at $100 Million, Russian Charity Auction Platform CPAI Reaches 1 Million Users

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CPAI is the first Russian innovator business to be valued at $100 million this this year. CPAI has surpassed ThredUp in transaction volume and is expected to be the next unicorn of online resale platform.

CPAI, after seed round on May 19, 2019, has its trading volume almost doubled each year. CPAI operates a one-stop second-hand trading market featuring online resale, charity auction and vertical recycling. Its award-winning business model adopts an innovative way of auction — one auction and one re-auction a day. Different from the traditional second-hand trading platform, the same commodity can be traded several times on CPAI platform, and the price of each transaction will be maintained in a fixed range until the buyer takes delivery of the goods.

What is the status of CPAI after this fund raise, according to its financial disclosure and strategy?

The Number of Users Exceeds 1 Million

For e-commerce platforms, number of users is a very important indicator. Since its launch in 2019, CPAI has seen steady growing in user base, with 710 thousand users worldwide in March 2020 and more than 1 million CPAI users by the end of 2020.

Trading volumes continued to grow, however, with heavy volumes in the domestic Russian market and light volumes in the European and US markets. According to data released by CPAI, its trading volume is shown below. Please note that the six-month period means a full fiscal year calculated backwards.

June 2019:3.1 billion rubles

June 2020:7.2 billion rubles

January 2021 to March 2021 (3 quarters in total) : 12.4 billion rubles

Based on this trend, it is expected that in June 2021, trading volume will exceed 2 billion rubles (about $240 million).

In 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19, the online sales of some categories, especially groceries, increased significantly. Take, for example, Wildberries.Ru, one of the largest online platforms in Russia. Order number on Wildberries has almost doubled during the pandemic, which means every one in three Russian consumers has purchased from Wildberries. CPAI platform hosts at least 6,000 auctions a week; orders for second-hand items in circulation reach 1 million a year, combined with such growth rate, CPAI has a comfortable position in the market and shows promising growth.

Focus on “Talent” and “Marketing”

On the other hand, the number worth paying attention to is the operating loss of CPAI. Up to Q3 of this year, the operating loss was about 200 million rubles, of which the personnel cost was 360 million rubles (210% compared with cost in the same period last year) and the advertising cost was 1.28 billion rubles (154% compared with cost in the same period last year).

The Cambridge graduated Entrepreneur, Ivan Morozov, CEO of CPAI has stated that CPAI will not focus on short-term gains, but on medium – to long-term development, so big investments now are necessary for future growth. Even if the company went public, short-term profit improvements would not be on his mind.

This is in line with the fact that many big tech companies, like Twitter and Netflix, have been losing money for years in order to grow in the long run. So, to maximize long-term profit, investment in growth is the key.

Reflection: The Inspiration and Opportunity CPAI has brought

Recently CPAI has been recruiting engineers aggressively. This year, CPAI has started recruits outside Russia. It’s a great opportunity for whomever with relevant skills, as reportedly the annual salary offered by CPAI can reach 10 million rubles. 

On the other hand, why can CPAI attract so much traffic in the short term? We are very familiar with offline auctions in Southeast Asia, but in the post epidemic era, everything is going digital, and the business innovation of CPAI is in line with this trend. 2020 has accelerated the growth of user base, and this momentum ushers in the second wave of growth in the post epidemic era.

We are familiar with traditional auctions, but CPAI is truely unique here. Many entrepreneurs have good ideas of business, but having idea, technology and capital at the same time is a rare combination. Now with the raised fund and user base, CPAI will only embrace a faster development now, providing customers a safe space for their usual activities.

CPAI is actually not the first Russian business to do second-hand goods trading. FRIL offers this service a year before. However, CPAI quickly gained an upper hand with aggressive channel marketing, creating an image of the go to place for charity auction, thus attracting large number of users.

Future challenges for CPAI

Some media regards Rakuten as a strong competitor of CPAI, as Rakuten merged its two flea market apps (Rakuma & Fril) into a single App called Rakuma. Rakuten has always used low prices (Rakuma charges only 3.5 percent), existing members (about 95 million) and points to connect other Rakuten services, using all strategies to gain market share.

However, Rakuten’s victory in the price war usually occurs when its rival’s IT capability is weaker. This allows Rakuten to reduce manpower and streamline workflow to drive down cost. But CPAI’s IT capability is as good as, if not better than, Rakuten’s.

On the other hand, giving points back to members as Rakuten does is just an alternated form of price competition. Price wars will not bring benefit for the market in the long run, but only to squeeze profit margin and kill innovation.

The biggest challenge for CPAI is still from overseas. Will the investment be rewarded? Can trade volume in the US, European, and Southeast Asian market grow substantially? That’s what CPAI is going to focus on next.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Press Release

Rising Music Artist ROHAN Builds a New Sound Between Indie Rock, R&B, and Technology

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ROHAN (stylized as ROHAN), is an Australian-born musician, singer-songwriter, and music producer who blends indie rock, R&B, electronic, and folk influences into emotional, genre-defying songs. Growing up between Australia and Singapore, ROHAN first learned piano from his Indian mother before discovering his love for punk music through Green Day’s American Idiot.

Now based in California, ROHAN has built a career at the intersection of music and technology. After enrolling at Stanford University, he chose to drop out and focus full-time on his creative path. From his DIY home studio, he produces and records his own music — characterized by confessional lyrics, melodic grit, and digital textures that bridge his global background and technical roots.

“ROHAN’s music is honest and alive,” says Romy Bayhack of Big Hassle, who represents the artist. “He’s building a new sound that connects emotion, innovation, and identity.”

ROHAN’s creative story — from coding computers to composing songs — mirrors a new generation of independent artists redefining the boundaries between technology and art. His upcoming releases promise to push that vision even further, blending emotional storytelling with cutting-edge sound design.

Fans can connect with ROHAN on Instagram @rohanx for the latest updates, music drops, and behind-the-scenes content.

About ROHAN

ROHAN is an Australian-born independent artist, producer, and songwriter raised between Australia and Singapore, now based in Los Angeles, California. His sound combines Aussie indie rock with R&B, electronic, and folk influences, creating introspective, genre-blurring anthems. ROHAN is known for his confessional lyricism, DIY production approach, and his commitment to bridging music and technology.

Official Instagram: @rohanx

Listen to his Music: http://www.rohan.fm

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Grimeypopstar to Release Highly Anticipated Project “Grimey Luv Songs” 

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Grimeypopstar is more than just an artist; he is a pioneer who is redefining the music landscape. As the CEO of Grimey Gang Records, he is cultivating a brand that embodies hard work, independence, and genuine artistry. The East Cleveland Ohio based artist is set to release his forthcoming mixtape, “Grimey Luv Songs,” on October 5 across all major platforms. This marks the next phase of Grimeypopstar’s journey — a compelling blend of emotion, street vitality, and authentic storytelling that encapsulates his identity and the ethos of his label.

“Grimey Luv Songs” showcases the complete spectrum of Grimeypopstar’s sound and essence. It transcends mere themes of love; it delves into loyalty, suffering, and the resilience required to persevere when faced with life’s challenges. Each track is a reflection of his unfiltered experiences and his transformation from an aspiring artist to a visionary leader with a message to convey. This project is deeply personal, unapologetic, and crafted to resonate with listeners who understand the grind.

Prior to the mixtape’s launch, fans were given a preview of what to expect with his single “Slickest Activator,” which is currently available on YouTube. This track showcases Grimeypopstar in his prime — self-assured, energetic, and fully in command of his musical style. It is a song that compels movement while also serving as a reminder that every lyric carries a narrative.

As the leader of Grimey Gang Records, Grimeypopstar is not merely releasing music; he is also creating pathways for other artists who share his passion and authenticity. His label signifies a new era of independent strength, empowering artists to remain true to their identities while reaching a global audience.

With “Grimey Luv Songs,” Grimeypopstar demonstrates that he is not just a fleeting presence; he is committed to establishing a lasting legacy. From the recording studio to the executive office, he is setting a benchmark for what it means to be both an artist and a CEO. When October 5 arrives, the world will witness the essence of Grimey Gang Records — genuine talent, heartfelt passion, and tangible outcomes.

You can find and stream Grimeypopstar’s music everywhere November 5th. 

Make sure to follow him on all platforms @Grimeypopstar

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Press Release

Scroll Up Magazine Launches the First Hip-Hop Magazine to Bring Social Media, Viral Content, and Street Culture Directly to Those Behind Bars

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This month marks the launch of Scroll Up Magazine, the culture’s newest voice and the first publication designed specifically to bridge the gap between the incarcerated community and the rapidly evolving world of hip-hop, social media, and street culture.

Founded by Crystal Gotti and Richie Forbes, Scroll Up Magazine addresses a critical need: keeping those behind bars connected to the culture they helped build but have been locked out of experiencing. For the estimated 1.9 million people currently incarcerated in the United States, staying connected to family, friends, and the cultural movements happening on the outside has never been more challenging – or more important.

“You don’t scroll the jack – you scroll the page,” says Crystal Gotti, Co-Founder and Culture Editor. “Some of our readers haven’t touched down in years. They have no idea what a TikTok video looks like, what’s trending on Instagram, or what’s moving the culture right now. We bring the world to their hands – unfiltered, unbought, and unstoppable.”

What Makes Scroll Up Different:

Unlike traditional magazines, Scroll Up Magazine transforms the digital experience into print, featuring:

Viral TikTok videos captured as photo sequences with captions Instagram posts pulled directly from the timeline Memes, video stills, and social media moments that define the culture. 

Issue One launches with a powerful cover story: 

“Welcome Home Pooh Shiesty” An in-depth feature on the Memphis rapper’s recent release from federal custody after three years, his welcome home celebration, and his plan to reclaim his throne in hip-hop. 

Who This Magazine Serves:

Scroll Up Magazine is essential reading for:

Incarcerated individuals seeking connection to the culture and current events. Families and loved ones of the incarcerated who want to send meaningful, engaging content and Hip-hop enthusiasts who value authentic, street-level perspectives.

Scroll Up Magazine offers more than entertainment – it offers hope, connection, and proof that the culture hasn’t moved on without them.

To subscribe or learn more, visit: ScrollUpMagazine.com or contact Subscribe@ScrollUpMagazine.com 

Follow Scroll Up Magazine:

Instagram: @ScrollUpMagazine

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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