Lightstrade
Lightstrade is a Guangzhou-based B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace founded in 2007 that connects Chinese lighting manufacturers with overseas buyers, operating as the official foreign trade platform of the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE).
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersGuangzhou, China
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Lightstrade does
Lightstrade, legally Guangzhou Alighting IoT & Technology Co., Ltd, is a B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace dedicated to the global lighting industry, headquartered in Guangzhou and founded in 2007. The platform connects Chinese lighting manufacturers and exporters with overseas buyers, serving as the official designated foreign trade platform of the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE). The company employs between 101 and 250 people and lists product coverage spanning LED panel lights, desk lamps, and classroom lighting among other categories.
The platform's architecture combines listing and matchmaking functionality with an integrated cross-border trade stack. Logistics is delivered through partnerships with FS International, JNC Line, and a Logistics Partners Network spanning more than ten countries including the USA, Canada, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Payment processing is handled via eTradePay (with a 0.8% transaction fee) and BitPesa for African markets, while an in-platform e-Documentation System supports export paperwork and compliance. Suppliers are listed as members with free buyer registration on the demand side.
The business model is a take-rate marketplace supplemented by membership fees. Lightstrade charges a 1.5% transaction commission plus the 0.8% eTradePay fee (capped at $25 minimum and $75 maximum) on completed transactions, and sells Gold Supplier and Verified Member paid tiers to manufacturers seeking elevated visibility. No funding rounds, revenue figures, or GMV disclosures are available in the supplied material, and the platform does not surface any AI or machine-learning capabilities.
Lightstrade firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lightstrade
- Legal name
- Guangzhou Alighting IoT & Technology Co., Ltd
- Website
- https://nonton.lightstrade.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Lightstrade is a Guangzhou-based B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace founded in 2007 that connects Chinese lighting manufacturers with overseas buyers, operating as the official foreign trade platform of the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE).
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lightstrade industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cross-Border B2B Lighting Marketplace
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513)
- SIC
- Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cross-Border & International Commerce Platforms (BPAMAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cross-border B2B/Wholesale Trade Marketplaces (CRAFAJAC)
Keywords
Where Lightstrade is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Guangzhou
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Lightstrade business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Transaction Commission: Lightstrade charges suppliers a commission of 1.5% of transaction amount for completed sales processed through the platform.
- eTradePay Service Fees: Platform charges sellers 0.8% of order transaction amount with minimum $25 and maximum $75 per order. Additional bank withdrawal fees apply ($15 per USD transaction, 30 CNY per RMB transaction).
- Membership Services: The platform offers Gold Supplier and Verified Member tiers with potential enhanced features. Registration is free but certain paid membership services provide additional benefits.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Transaction-based fee structure for sellers |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Basic registration is free; paid membership tiers available |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Lightstrade product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lightstrade operates a B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace connecting global buyers with verified Chinese lighting manufacturers. The platform facilitates the complete trade cycle including sourcing, negotiation, e-Contract drafting, escrow-style payment processing via eTradePay, logistics coordination with global partners, automated customs documentation, and trade dispute resolution.
Product overview
Lightstrade operates as a B2B cross-border e-commerce platform for the global lighting industry, combining a manufacturer directory with an integrated online transaction system. The core offering includes the Lightstrade.com Platform (the GILE official e-commerce platform), the e-Transaction System for managing online trade workflows, the e-Documentation System for automated customs paperwork generation, and the eTradePay payment gateway for secure settlement. Value-added services include supplier qualification verification, pre-shipment inspection, customs clearance assistance, trade dispute resolution, and logistics visibility tracking. The platform also features a Post Buying Request system for buyer-initiated RFQs and a comprehensive product catalog spanning light sources, fixtures, components, materials, and testing equipment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lightstrade.com Online Marketplace Web-based B2B marketplace enabling global buyers to source lighting products from verified Chinese suppliers, supporting full transaction lifecycle from negotiation through customs clearance. Designated official foreign trade platform of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE).
- eTradePay Payment Service Integrated escrow-style payment processing service for cross-border transactions, handling international payments with multi-channel support and milestone-based fund releases.
- Value-Added Trade Services Optional fee-based services providing supplier qualification verification, pre-shipment inspection and counting, and destination customs clearance assistance for cross-border lighting trade transactions.
- e-Documentation System Automated documentation system generating customs declarations, packing lists, commercial invoices, and bills of lading directly from transaction data, with cross-checks between supplier packing lists and logistics cargo receipts.
- Gold Supplier and Verified Member Membership Subscription-based membership tiers providing verified supplier status, enhanced platform visibility, and ability to respond to buyer Buying Requests (RFQs).
Companies that use Lightstrade
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Lightstrade technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
Feature3 records
Lightstrade partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- FS InternationalcorePrimary logistics partner providing comprehensive logistics and sourcing services. Established in Hong Kong since 1989 with branch offices in Shanghai, Tianjin, Ningbo, Qingdao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Offers freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and distribution with network across 50+ countries worldwide.
- JNC Line (S) Pte LtdminorSingapore-based logistics partner for sea freight and distribution services, operating from Keppel Distripark, Singapore.
- Logistics Partners NetworkminorNetwork of logistics partners across multiple countries including USA (Carson, CA), Australia (Melbourne), Netherlands (Rhoon), France (Le Havre), UK (Tilbury), Nigeria (Lagos), Kenya (Nairobi), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), and UAE (Dubai). Services include multi-transportation channels (sea freight LCL/FCL, air freight, courier), flexible CND/FOB modes, customs clearance, counting and inspection.
- eTradePaycorePayment processing partner providing escrow-style payment services for platform transactions. Supports multiple payment channels including bank transfer, credit card (Visa, MasterCard), and BitPesa for African markets. Manages fund transfers and settlement between buyers and sellers.
- Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE)coreOfficial designated foreign trade platform of GILE, the major international lighting exhibition. Platform integrates high-quality exhibitors from the exhibition.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Lightstrade competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- ThomasNet: Long-established North American B2B industrial sourcing platform. Comparable as an industrial B2B marketplace serving professional buyers, though focused on North American suppliers.
Direct peers
- Made-in-China: Major Chinese B2B cross-border platform focused on connecting domestic manufacturers with global buyers. Highly comparable in business model and target customer base, with extensive lighting product categories.
- ECVV: Shenzhen-based cross-border B2B platform providing supplier verification, escrow payments, and trade services. Closely comparable as a Chinese-originated B2B marketplace with integrated trade assurance.
- Global Sources: Hong Kong-based B2B sourcing platform with strong presence in electronics and lighting categories. Comparable as a cross-border B2B marketplace with integrated trade services and long industry heritage.
- Alibaba.com: The dominant global cross-border B2B e-commerce marketplace, connecting Chinese manufacturers with international buyers. Directly comparable as a generalist cross-border B2B platform that also hosts lighting suppliers and competes for the same buyer base.
- DHgate: Chinese cross-border B2B e-commerce platform serving small and medium buyers globally with integrated payment and logistics. Comparable in cross-border B2B marketplace model serving Chinese manufacturers.
- EC21: Korean-headquartered global B2B e-commerce marketplace serving buyers and suppliers across multiple product categories including lighting. Comparable as a generalist cross-border B2B platform with similar marketplace dynamics.
- TradeKey: Pakistan-headquartered global B2B marketplace focused on connecting buyers with suppliers in emerging markets including China. Comparable as a cross-border B2B marketplace serving similar buyer segments.
Regional players
- HKTDC Marketplace: Hong Kong Trade Development Council's B2B sourcing platform with strong lighting industry presence through the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair. Comparable as an institutional cross-border B2B platform with exhibition-based supplier sourcing.
Others
- eTradePay: Cross-border payment processing partner that powers Lightstrade's eTradePay system. Comparable as a B2B cross-border payment gateway and ecosystem enabler for Chinese export trade.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Lightstrade social profiles
Digital presenceLightstrade financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lightstrade leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Lightstrade funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lightstrade M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lightstrade
What does Lightstrade do?
Lightstrade operates a B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace connecting global buyers with verified Chinese lighting manufacturers. The platform facilitates the complete trade cycle including sourcing, negotiation, e-Contract drafting, escrow-style payment processing via eTradePay, logistics coordination with global partners, automated customs documentation, and trade dispute resolution.
Is Lightstrade a public or private company?
Lightstrade is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Lightstrade founded?
Lightstrade was founded in 2007. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Lightstrade based?
Lightstrade is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, in the Asia region.
How does Lightstrade make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Transaction Commission is the primary driver. The others are eTradePay Service Fees and membership Services.
Who are Lightstrade's main competitors?
ThomasNet is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Made-in-China, ECVV, Global Sources, Alibaba.com, DHgate, EC21 and TradeKey. HKTDC Marketplace is listed as a regional player. eTradePay is listed as an others.
Does Lightstrade have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lightstrade.
What industry is Lightstrade in?
Lightstrade's product category is Cross-Border B2B Lighting Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMAGAI, Cross-Border & International Commerce Platforms, with a secondary code of CRAFAJAC, Cross-border B2B/Wholesale Trade Marketplaces. Its NAICS code is 33513 and its SIC code is 3640.