The company was founded in Berlin in 2007 by three brothers: Marc, Oliver and Alexander Samwer.[7] and was once also connected to the European Founders Fund, an associated company
In 2008 Rocket Internet founded Zalando,[8] inspired by US online retailer Zappos.com.[9]
On July 1, 2014, Rocket Internet changed its legal form from a GmbH (private limited company) to an AG (public limited company).[10] The initial public offering took place on October 2, 2014 at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company is listed in the Entry Standard. On March 18,
2015 the company changed its legal form into an SE (Societas Europaea).[11] In mid-April, Global Founders held 38.1% in Rocket Internet, Kinnevik 13.2%, United Internet 8.3%, Baillie Gifford 6.8%, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company 6.1% and Access Industries 6.0%. Holtzbrinck Ventures held a 1.8% share, with main investors holding shares of 3.4%; 16.3% was held in free float.[12]
The company’s market value was approximately 8 billion euros in April 2015.[13]
In 2015 Rocket Internet announced to move into a new Berlin headquarter designed by Sauerbruch Hutton, for which they received a Stirling Prize nomination in 2000.