Vivlio presents as an Amazon or Kobo equivalent, gaining traction in Europe
In the heart of Paris, France, a new contender emerged in the world of digital literature in 2019. Welcome to Vivlio, a company with ambitious goals to establish a prominent position in Europe's e-book market.
Vivlio's journey began in 2011, initially as an online platform for Decitre, a popular French bookstore chain. Over the years, the company has expanded its horizons, transforming into a bookstore-agnostic e-book platform, fostering partnerships with various independent bookstores across Europe.
The company's lineup of e-book readers, currently consisting of three models - the Vivlio Light, Vivlio Light HD, and the flagship Vivlio InkPad 4 - are designed with the reader's comfort in mind. The InkPad 4 boasts a larger 7.8-inch display, enhancing the reading experience for users.
As the interest in e-books continues to rise, Vivlio finds itself in a favourable position for growth. The company's strategic positioning and diverse business model offer multiple entry points into its ecosystem, setting it apart in the market.
Users can log in to their bookstore accounts directly on their Vivlio e-readers, with all purchases automatically synchronized between the device and Vivlio's cloud storage. This seamless integration is a testament to Vivlio's commitment to providing a user-friendly experience.
Vivlio positions itself as a neutral player in the e-book industry, with hundreds of thousands of active users. The company prides itself on leaving most of the sales margin to the resellers, unlike some competitors, a move that has earned it respect in the industry.
However, Vivlio faces challenges, particularly with Digital Rights Management (DRM). Publishers require assurance that their books won't be susceptible to hacking, a concern that Vivlio addresses by contributing to Readium LCP, an open-source DRM solution. This solution, which does not require an Adobe account or third-party credentials, is gaining popularity, with numerous companies and public institutions adopting it, signalling a shift in the landscape.
Vivlio has also formed partnerships with PocketBook to integrate e-book readers into its offerings, further strengthening its position in the market. One of its notable partnerships is with Cultura, one of the largest booksellers in France, who became a shareholder in Vivlio. The company has also forged partnerships with Decitre, Leclerc in France, Standaard Boekhandel/Club in Belgium, and Casa del Libro in Spain.
As Vivlio continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to providing a platform that caters to the needs of both readers and bookstores, aiming to carve out a significant space in Europe's e-book ecosystem.
