> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.ivault.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.ivault.io/market-analysis/market-opportunity-shareconomy.md).

# Market opportunity: shareconomy

## **The global sharing economy is growing in size, potential, and value**

In 2014, the US sharing economy was valued at $14 billion. With household names like Uber and Airbnb in the mix, **the sharing economy is expected to hit $335 billion in the US alone by 2025**. (Source: [pwc](https://www.pwc.com/hu/en/kiadvanyok/assets/pdf/sharing-economy-en.pdf))

ivault taps into this market. Soon, borrowing a barbecue from a neighbor will be cheaper, more convenient, and more rewarding than browsing and buying from a traditional retailer.

## A breakthrough solution for cost-of-living pressures, supply chain disruptions and out-of-control consumption

As a better alternative to buying new, ivault helps lessen the impact of **post-COVID supply chain disruptions**. Empty shelves in shops and long wait lists for spare parts are no longer a problem when a used option is available nearby – at the tap of a button.

Political instability and economic uncertainty means global trade and supply problems are set to continue. **World inflation is expected to hover around 4.1% in 2024** (source: [IMF](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO#:~:text=Global%20inflation%20is%20forecast%20to,to%204.1%20percent%20by%202024.)). Everyday items are more expensive and harder to buy, which makes sharing the things we already have – or recouping their cost through renting – even more appealing. 

## Taps into second-nature behavior

Today, it’s natural to take a vacation in a cabin we found on Airbnb, or catch a lift in an Uber. ivault will tap into habits that are second-nature in a huge portion of the world, and make them radically better with the blockchain.

Since 2020, around half a billion people across the US, UK, China, Germany, France, and the UAE shared possessions or services to make money. More than 680 million have consumed these sharing economy assets or services in the same period. (Source: [Gitnux](https://blog.gitnux.com/sharing-economy-statistics/))

**China is the stand-out market**. 73% of its online population are consumers in the sharing economy, and 55% supply goods and services to it. Uniquely, China is the only market where all age groups participate to broadly the same level. In other markets, there is a strong skew to younger generations. (Source: [Gitnux](https://blog.gitnux.com/sharing-economy-statistics/))


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