User:Debtradesparq/sandbox

Tradesparq is a Shanghai-based business-to-business trading platform aiming to provide buyers and suppliers with a more efficient way to verify potential trade partners.

Tradesparq is a start-up aiming to get ahead of Alibaba, envisioning a new online marketplace where “Alibaba meets LinkedIn” , a social networking site for trade professionals.

Tradesparq has a unique business model in the global market. The company is doing so-called “social sourcing”.

Tradesparq is co-founded in 2010 by Michael Kleist and Brian Hager who are now based in Shanghai. Both Michael Kleist and Brian Hager were former employees of Global Sources.

Tradesparq has raised $500K in seed funding. The company’s backers include Siemer Ventures, Ed Haynes, the CFO of China Omnicom Media, and founder of Wangyou.com, an early Chinese social network.