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Rocket Internet to launch 10 more startups in 2015

German e-commerce investor already launched seven startups this year and plans to get three more off the ground before the end of 2014.

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Don Reisinger
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Foodpanda is an important property for Rocket Internet. FoodPanda/Rocket Internet

German e-commerce investor Rocket Internet is set to expand rapidly in the next year, the company announced on Monday.

Rocket Internet will launch "at least ten new startups in 2015," CEO Oliver Samwer said in an earnings statement for the first-half of the year. So far, Rocket Internet, which aims to build online companies that can provide services to "underserved" markets, has launched seven startups this year and plans to get three more off the ground by the end of the year.

The company says it evaluates the online marketplace for key trends and data and then launches companies in emerging markets that feed a need for the particular service. Founded in 2007, Rocket has helped start dozens of online companies -- including Russian shopping site Lamoda and online payment service Paymill -- as it aims to replicate the success of e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba. Rocket's companies employ over 25,000 people around the world and serve a wide range of markets, including India, Southeast Asia and others.

One of the more popular Rocket Internet properties is foodpanda, a food ordering and delivery service available in more than 40 countries. Rocket Internet said Monday that foodpanda would graduate from the "Emerging Stars" level of its portfolio to "Proven Winners," signaling it expects high growth from the startup.

Looking ahead, Rocket Internet said travel-focused Internet companies will be a major point of focus as it looks to expand its portfolio. Rocket believes that the growing middle class in emerging markets will allow for "a significant growth opportunity."

Rocket Internet did not immediately respond to a request for comment.