The Power of Networks: Why a Strong Ecosystem is Key When Selecting Marketplace Software
Jun 2nd, 2025
In today’s digital-first economy, marketplaces are not just another channel. They are the cornerstone of growth for businesses looking to scale. From B2C to B2B commerce within many industries, a successful marketplace can unlock new revenue streams, expand geographic reach, and deliver unparalleled value to customers.
But success doesn’t just depend on building a marketplace itself; it depends on selecting the right technology foundation.
As marketplace software options multiply, it’s easy to focus on feature checklists or upfront costs. However, savvy business leaders recognize that the true differentiator isn’t just the software itself, it’s also in the strength of the network ecosystem surrounding it.
In this blog, Fabian Berkhof of Berkhof Digital will explain why this matters.
What is a marketplace network ecosystem?
A marketplace ecosystem includes the third-party services, integrations, partnerships, and communities built around a software platform. This ecosystem extends the capabilities of the marketplace far beyond its native functionality to empower businesses to grow faster and more efficiently.
For example, an ecosystem might include:
- Pre-built integrations with commerce platforms, logistics solutions, payment providers, integrators, PIM, AI, retail media, or ERP systems.
- A robust partner network for implementation and strategy support.
- A seller network that can be easily connected with a marketplace
- APIs and developer tools to customize and innovate.
- Knowledge-sharing communities of businesses that solve problems together.
In essence, the ecosystem is what turns marketplace software from a tool into a growth engine.
Why does a strong ecosystem matter?
1. Accelerated time-to-market
Launching a marketplace is a time consuming adventure. A well-developed network ecosystem reduces the friction of implementation by offering ready-made integrations and specialized service providers.
For example, a connection with a commerce platform or a payment service provider within the ecosystem enable businesses to seamlessly connect the marketplace engine to your commerce platform, while pre-integrated payment gateways ensure a secure, compliant checkout process and pay-outs towards sellers. The less time you spend building from scratch, the sooner you can start generating revenue.
2. Future-proof scalability
Marketplaces evolve, and your software needs to evolve with them. A strong ecosystem ensures that your marketplace can scale without expensive, custom solutions.
Whether you’re adding international sellers, new product categories, or subscription models, the right ecosystem partners ensure you can scale while staying agile.
3. Competitive advantage through innovation
Innovation thrives in ecosystems. Access to a wide range of APIs and third-party tools empowers businesses to experiment and customize.
Whether it’s leveraging AI to personalize customer experiences or integrating sustainability features like carbon-offset tracking, a strong ecosystem gives businesses the freedom to differentiate in ways competitors can’t.
4. Enhanced seller and buyer experience
A thriving marketplace depends on happy sellers and buyers. A robust network ecosystem ensures sellers have the tools to succeed like data analysis, retail media, order management, or financing solutions. Buyers benefit from streamlined experiences like flexible payment options, real-time inventory visibility, and superior customer support.
5. Risk mitigation through community
Finally, ecosystems aren’t just about technology, they’re about people. A strong community of users, developers, and partners fosters collaboration and problem-solving. When challenges arise, you’re not tackling them alone; you’re part of a network that’s been there before and can guide you to solutions.
6. Operational efficiency
Operational efficiency within an e-commerce company significantly improves when supported by an optimal (technical) ecosystem. As a company, you can effectively use resources such as time, money, people and technology to deliver high-end products and services. It’s about maximizing output while minimizing input.
Key questions to ask when evaluating marketplace software ecosystems
When assessing marketplace software, don’t just look at the platform’s core features. Evaluate the ecosystem with these critical questions:
How extensive is the partner network? Does the platform have partnerships with industry leaders for payments, commerce platforms, logistics, and other critical services?
What integrations are available? Are there pre-built connections to your existing tech stack, or will you need custom development?
Is the ecosystem open? Does the software support APIs and customization, or is it a closed system with limited flexibility?
How active is the user community? Are there forums, user groups, or events where you can connect with others and share best practices?
What’s the innovation pipeline? Does the ecosystem actively invest in new features and partnerships that will keep your marketplace ahead of the curve?
Case study: ecosystem-driven success
Take the example of ANWB’s marketplace launch, which recently earned recognition for its speed and innovation. By leveraging marketplace software with a mature ecosystem, ANWB integrated seamlessly with third-party providers and payment gateways, enabling a quick and efficient go-live.
Their ecosystem’s flexibility allowed them to adapt to market needs while maintaining a top-tier customer experience, proving that a strong network is as important as the technology itself.
Conclusion: don’t just buy software, invest in an ecosystem that helps you to accelerate your marketplace
Selecting marketplace software isn’t just a tech decision, it’s a strategic choice that will shape your business’s future. A strong network ecosystem is the difference between building a marketplace that works and one that thrives.
By prioritizing platforms with mature ecosystems, businesses can reduce risk, increase speed, and create a foundation for long-term growth. In the fast-evolving world of digital commerce, it’s not just about choosing the right tool, it’s about joining the right network.
Choose wisely
Looking to navigate the complexities of marketplace software selection? Berkhof Digital can help you in this adventure to select (100% independent) the best suitable marketplace software for your business.
Together, we can build a marketplace strategy that sets you up for sustainable success.
