GlobeIn.com today launched the beta of a vanguard online marketplace that connects shoppers to artisans and handmade goods from around the world. While shopping on GlobeIn consumers have an opportunity to buy unique personalized products directly from artisans, even if these artists don't have access to the Internet. This is made possible by GlobeIn's unique offline network of representatives and volunteers. GlobeIn is launching online with nearly a hundred artists and over a thousand products available from lands ranging from Russia and Uzbekistan to Kenya and Mexico.

Today GlobeIn is announcing an initial seed-round investment of $1.1 million from a group of seasoned entrepreneurs who are interested in building successful businesses that also make a positive impact on the world. Investors include former MCI Chairman Bert Roberts, AnchorFree CEO David Gorodyansky and Rick Roth, former CEO of Ogilvy Action.

GlobeIn's online shopping destination offers a range of ethnically diverse, one-of-a-kind, handmade goods created by professional artists, including jewelry, bags, clothes, rugs, housewares, furniture, and bath and beauty products.

The mission of GlobeIn is to make a difference in the lives of local artisans by connecting them with the global economy, and to enable consumers to purchase goods that carry a fingerprint of a far-away culture. Every purchase on GlobeIn helps build connections to artisans, makes an impact, and helps a family.

"GlobeIn connects shoppers to a new category of sellers previously only reachable through exotic and remote travel," said Vladimir Ermakov, CEO of GlobeIn. "More important, each purchase on GlobeIn makes a measurable difference in the lives of an artisan and their community."

"GlobeIn opens the doors to opportunity," comments GlobeIn Board member and investor David Gorodyansky, CEO of AnchorFree, which has enabled online safety and freedom of speech throughout the world through its Hotspot Shield application. "Billions of people are currently excluded from access to the global economy and the Internet. GlobeIn is a powerful instrument to utilize the web for global ecommerce, with each purchase creating a meaningful impact on families around the world."

GlobeIn opens the global economy to everyone who wants to participate. It also offers an inclusive social platform that enables artisans to share their products and their stories directly with buyers around the world. The company will be quickly expanding its roster of countries, artists and products in the coming months.

How it Works
GlobeIn makes it easy and safe to find wonderful and unique products. Additionally, shoppers meet the artisans by watching video interviews, browsing photographs, and reading their stories. This unique media content enriches the experience and educates shoppers about a remote culture and its artistic traditions, making GlobeIn a living atlas of craft. Once an order is placed, artisans benefit from the transaction. Artisans are discovered and assisted by artisan helper volunteers and regional staff members.

About GlobeIn
GlobeIn (http://www.globein.com) operates an online marketplace that connects local artisans with the global economy. GlobeIn was founded by social entrepreneurs Vladimir Ermakov, David Gorodyansky and Anastasia Miron, who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of artisans and their communities around the world. Today GlobeIn offers hand-made goods from artisans in Russia, Kenya, Ukraine, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Moldova, Malawi, and Kyrgyzstan.