Hyderabad, 11th Feb. 2025:IXP, a Lifesciences VC backed by JV Ventures, has announced the launch of its first fund to invest in early-stage companies. The fund aims to build a portfolio of B2B companies ranging from Pre-seed to Series A stages.
The IXP Lifesciences Catalyst Fund is targeting a corpus of INR 200 crore with a greenshoe option of INR 100 crore. The fund plans to create a portfolio of 20-25 companies addressing gaps in the market for both services and products. Within the Lifesciences sector, the fund will invest across innovation in areas such as pharma, biotechnology, medical technology, specialty chemicals, agrotechnology and nutraceuticals.
IXP Lifesciences Catalyst Fund Snapshot
Industry Focus
Life Sciences (Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, MedTech, Specialty Chemicals, AgriTech, Nutraceuticals)
Investment Stages
Pre-seed to Series A
Target Fund Size
INR 200 crore
Portfolio Size Target
20-25 startups
Investment Approach
Early-stage funding, co-creation of ventures, deep-tech & innovation-driven startups
Website
ixplifesciences.com
Ketki Tulpule, Ph.D., CIO at IXP said, “IXP was born out of a need we saw in the Indian startup ecosystem. In fact, we conducted a pan-India survey to understand the pain points of biotechs from an outside-in perspective. The sector is nuanced and requires investors with scientific expertise, industry knowledge, and operational experience to help biotechs succeed. We are glad to have onboarded industry veterans as council members and advisors who add to the scientific heft of the fund”.
Vishal Goel, Partner at IXP and Co-founder of JV Ventures commented, “The Indian Lifesciences industry is dynamic with large untapped potential. Through IXP Venture Studio, we will co-create companies along with scientists for ideas addressing unmet needs in the market. Unlike traditional VCs, IXP has a hands-on approach through active participation from concept to scale. The Ventureprenuer Program has been designed to transform scientists into founders”.
Jasmeet Chhabra, Partner at IXP and Co-founder of JV Ventures added, “The success of biotech’s hinges on many factors, not just capital. These early-stage companies require access to larger ecosystems for laboratories, networks, and R&D services which we provide through PoweRx, the Lifesciences vertical of JV Ventures. This differentiates IXP from other funds as it leverages synergies within the group to create a winning proposition for portfolio companies.”
About IXP
IXP (an acronym for Innovation Acceleration Platform), is on a mission to support scientists and innovators in their entrepreneurial journey by inducting them into a rich Lifesciences ecosystem. Built by a team deeply rooted in the industry, we understand the capital-intensive and long gestation periods associated with R&D to bring innovative ideas to market. We are not just an investment platform. We are success enablers of biotechs.
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eCommerce is growing like never before. People are preferring to buy online instead of going to the market. On the other hand, brands are providing better offers and exclusive launches online to attract more buyers. It helps the brand to save on many kinds of expenses. However, many small businesses are still not able to afford to ship their products to different places. This makes them lose the opportunity to grow on a global level. This is what Shiprocket visions to solve in India.
If you want to know more about Shiprocket’s Success Story, its founders, history, business model, revenue model, funding and investors, revenue, growth, competitors, and more, then stay glued.
Shiprocket Company Highlights
Company Name
Shiprocket
Headquarters
New Delhi, India
Sector
Ecommerce, Logistics, Supply Chain Management
Founder
Gautam Kapoor, Saahil Goel, Vishesh Khurana and Akshay Ghulati
Shiprocket is a tech-enabled logistic platform that provides affordable plans to MSMEs so that they can come online and sell anywhere they want. Along with logistic services, Shiprocket provides many benefits like warehousing, packaging, and other related services. Moreover, their platform includes many other integrations that help the merchants and sellers to manage the deliveries. The brand delivers to 220 countries and over 27,000 pin codes across India at the lowest rates. Shiprocket uses the software made by its own teams to ensure the smooth flow of the organization’s day-to-day functions.
Serving over 85,000 active Direct Consumer sellers, Shiprocket helps Small and Medium Businesses fulfil end-to-end operations seamlessly with its AI-powered post-order services such as smart packaging, eCommerce fulfilment, and warehousing solutions, hyperlocal deliveries, shipping aggregation, free website development, and much more. Shiprocket aims to help its sellers grow their businesses by providing the widest pin-code serviceability with the help of 17+ reliable courier partners to ensure efficient and timely last-mile deliveries. Today, the company powers 4-5% of all eCommerce in India. With the help of easy Shiprocket API integration, it is easy and convenient, via which the developers can take advantage of the shipping functionalities for their business.
Shiprocket seller login is absolutely free, where the users need to just create their Shiprocket account and log to the same with their Google/Facebook account, their phone number, and other details that are to be filled up.
Shiprocket rates
Shiprocket has 4 different plans operating with varying rates. Here are the plans along with Shiprocket rates:
LITE – Shiprocket LITE is a free shipping plan of Shiprocket that has 0 months as the minimum signup period.
BASIC – The Basic plan of Shiprocket costs Rs 1000 per month. It has 3 months as the minimum signup period.
ADVANCED – The Advanced plan of Shiprocket costs Rs 2000 per month. It has 3 months as the minimum signup period.
PRO – The Pro plan of Shiprocket costs Rs 3000 per month. It has 3 months as the minimum signup period.
Market Details
The current global market value of the logistics industry is over $50,000,000,000 (50 billion), as per recent reports.
Shiprocket – Vision & Mission
Shiprocket’s vision is to be recognized as a leading D2C enabler, helping small and medium merchants grow their business in the eCommerce space. The future plan is to become India’s leading post-order experience platform, encompassing a gamut of tech-enabled services related to logistics and order fulfillment.
To accomplish this objective, we have already launched several AI-powered offerings such as smart packaging (Shiprocket Packaging), eCommerce fulfilment and warehousing solution (Shiprocket Fulfillment), hyperlocal delivery (Shiprocket Saral), full-stack website development (Shiprocket Social) and more. -Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket
Shiprocket’s core belief is aligned with serving small and medium-sized sellers in the country. They have set their vision on helping the Indian SMBs by taking their business online and competing with larger players like Amazon. Since its inception, Shiprocket has always focused on building and innovating for its sellers. Their long-term vision is to become India’s leading post-order experience platform, encompassing a myriad of fulfilment services such as high-quality packaging, eCommerce fulfilment and warehousing, hyperlocal delivery, website development, check-out enhancement, and more.
Saahil Goel, Akshay Ghulati, Gautam Kapoor, Gautam Kapoor and Vishesh Khurana are the co-founders of Shiprocket.
Shiprocket Co-Founders & Team
Saahil Goel, CEO & Co-Founder, Shiprocket
Saahil is an MBA and MS from the University of Pittsburgh (USA). He started his career as a Business Analyst at Max Life Insurance. After this, he started working as a Technology and Process Consultant for SDLC Partners (with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield). He was also a part of the founder’s teams of Kasper Consulting.
Role in Shiprocket – Saahil Goel is fondly referred to as the De facto CPO, given his passion for products, growth hacking and technology. His chief responsibilities include questioning everything that impacts the business, breaking existing barriers, and practicing and developing unconventional solutions from the ground up. Along with the overall management of the company, he actively heads product strategy, user experience, and growth initiatives.
Gautam Kapoor received his BBA in Business from Western International University (USA). He was previously a part of his family business in industrial products import and distribution and worked with several renowned German engineering brands such as Bosch and Sick.
Role in Shiprocket – Gautam is at the helm of running logistics execution, operations, and end-to-end strategy. As the co-founder, he helps define the culture and vision of the company.
Gautam and I are childhood friends, but we were working in different industries back then. I was working with Max Life Insurance as a Business Analyst, whereas Gautam, coming from an operational and commercial background, was working in the industrial automation sector. – Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket
Vishesh Khurana, Head of Growth & Co-Founder, Shiprocket
Vishesh Khurana received his BBA with a specialization in Marketing from Amity Business School. Vishesh previously worked in the capacity of COO and Founder at Mobiz Infotech Pvt. Ltd., and successfully exited his first startup, following an all-cash acquisition.
Role in Shiprocket – Vishesh is actively involved in overseeing seller acquisition for the platform. He is driven to empower India’s burgeoning small and mid-sized merchants by providing a go-to destination for them to launch and manage their business online.
Vishesh joined us 6 months into the company. He was trying to bring business to us as a consultant, and we immediately recognized him as a brilliant salesperson. We wanted to work with him as a team, so we asked him to start selling for us, instead of selling for other people. And that’s how we went from 2 co-founders to 3. – Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket
Akshay Ghulati, Co-Founder, Shiprocket
A graduate of Wharton Business School in Economics, Akshay also received his MBA from Harvard Business School. Previously, he has worked with renowned eCommerce and technology companies like Amazon, AT Kearney, and Parthenon Group. Furthermore, he has also served as the senior manager for the PAN-Europe marketplace at Amazon. Along with being the Co-founder of Shiprocket, Ghulati has also served as a Director of Wigzo Technologies since January 2022.
Role in Shiprocket – Akshay Ghulati leads strategy, marketing, and customer success teams at Shiprocket. His focus is on executing the brand’s vision to make Shiprocket India’s leading fulfillment technology platform for SMEs.
Akshay Ghulati had joined Shiprocket in early 2016 as the Chief Business Officer. Over the years, we could see him truly demonstrating a founder mindset by committing to build Shiprocket into India’s leading logistics platform, right from the start. His persistent dedication and a high level of ownership towards projects resulted in him being elevated to Co-Founder’s status. – Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket.
Shiprocket has hired Tanmay Kumar to make him the CFO of the company, as of January 4, 2022. Kumar has over 22 years of experience in FMCG and retail domains and will look over Investor Relations, Fundraising, and M & A along with leading the finance, legal and secretarial teams at Shiprocket.
Current Company Size – Currently, Shiprocket has over 400 people working in all the departments globally.
Work Culture – All of Shiprocket’s teams are currently working remotely. And they know that in a remote setup where technology is all they have to connect with each other and get things done, it can be challenging to achieve the perfect work-life balance. Hence, besides the commitment towards office hours, all of their teams are encouraged to give ample time to their personal lives, as well. Also, sometimes, one may feel a bit secluded when not actively working from the office with colleagues. However, their Human Resources department always provides something to look forward to during the week. Especially in the times of COVID-19, they’re sticking together like a team through engaging virtual sessions like group meditation, talent showcase, Zumba, sit-down comedy, home fitness sessions and more.
Hiring Funda – When hiring for any team, Shiprocket ensures that the candidate must synchronously fit with the organization’s working culture. Besides analyzing their skills, education, and experience for a particular role, they also examine their ability and willingness to grow with the company, and whether they are adequately aligned with the vision of the company.
The ideation of Shiprocket was started when Saahil once figured out a gap in the Indian market that keeps MSMEs away from growing more. Saahil, co-founder of Shiprocket wanted to build a technology that will help small businesses to come online without any hassle of logistics. He started it as a part-time venture from the USA with his friend Gautam in India. Saahil later realized that he has to get into it full-time to see actual results so, he shifted to India.
Here is the ideation and startup story of Shiprocket in the words of Saahil Goel, co-founder of Shiprocket:
Even during my first job as a trainee at Max Life Insurance, I was hungry to learn all there was and had decided deep in my mind that entrepreneurship is where I will ultimately lead my career towards. This single-mindedness helped me navigate my professional life in a very different way as compared to some of my peers. I was more interested in strategy and business models as well as learning the width of every organization I worked with. I was more candid in my feedback to my teams and superiors, took more ownership, and delivered more projects much faster so I could move on to the next one. I stayed away from office politics and would always tell myself “when I build my company, here are the things I WON’T DO”. This not only helped me perform better with the organizations I worked, but also prepared me for my life in the future as an entrepreneur. In some ways, the entirety of my “pre-startup” career was an 8-year preparation to start my venture!
So, for the first six months, Gautam set up the office in New Delhi, and I started waking up at 4:00 a.m. (since I was still in the US) to work with him on our startup idea. We would work for 4 hours in the morning and then work some more in the evening. Initially, the process of setting up the business was a bit slow because I was working remotely, and Gautam Kapoor (Co-Founder, Shiprocket) and I were close friends then, but he was in India and I was in the USA. We had been toying with a bunch of ideas, and one day, out of the blue, we thought to ourselves that India has millions of small and medium sellers, and no one is building technology for them. So let’s go and build a technology that can help them go online easily. It was really that simple! We didn’t reach out to any incubators or did our own research because we were sure of the fact that eventually, eCommerce will boom in India.
Gautam was trying to convince his parents to leave the family business to start his own thing. In the first 3-4 months, we drafted a 200-page document talking about the business model, brand name, logo, and more. From there on, we primped up an office to make it look like we had something real going on there, interviewed a candidate, selected him, and had him reject us. That incident, in particular, was very demotivating for us. However, at the same time, I realized that I couldn’t keep doing this part-time. I have to commit to our startup idea full-time, and finally, when I moved back in January, we started recruiting our first engineers.
So basically, we bootstrapped our company, sold services for the first year or so to make salaries for our engineers to build the product, and eventually raised angel funding a couple of years into the startup.
Shiprocket – Name, Tagline and Logo
Shiprocket vision is to move their merchant’s business in the up direction with a high velocity, just like a rocket does. Hence, the name Shiprocket came to fruition.
Shiprocket Logo
Shiprocket – Services & Products
Shiprocket provides efficient and timely doorstep delivery to the customers. Shiprocket Social comes with a pre-integrated logistics dashboard that allows any merchant to ship products across 27,000+ pin codes PAN India and 220 countries globally. To enhance this automated delivery mechanism, this eCommerce logistics solution comes with a choice of 17+ courier partners like BlueDart, FedEx, DHL, Delhivery, etc., and an AI-powered tool, CORE (Courier Recommendation Engine) that makes optimum use of data to suggest the right courier partner to the merchant on the basis of delivery time, cost and the best rated on the list. Besides this, some of the other features that help the merchant to provide an extraordinary delivery experience to their customers and hence, build a proper retail brand are, real-time order tracking, early COD, easy returns, SMS and Email notifications, non-delivery updates, shipping rate calculator, automatic inventory sync and more. The Shiprocket rate calculator is a special add-on by Shiprocket, which allows businesses and individuals to calculate their shipping rates based on the product dimensions and area code.
As a full-stack eCommerce logistics platform, their brand enables sellers to bring their business to an online setup by creating a store and enlisting products free of cost. This can be done using one of their undertakings, Shiprocket Social, which allows any merchant to navigate through the world of social selling with ease through free features like Facebook shop, payment gateways, bulk upload of products, personalized coupon codes, sales tracking dashboard, etc.
To heighten the delivery experience even further for the customer, the merchants can use another one of our offerings, Shiprocket Packaging. It provides high-quality packaging solutions that are accessible to all, regardless of the size of their business. These packaging options are cost-effective, made with the finest material, help reduce weight-related discrepancies and reduce the manual effort of the seller by providing an automated inventory tracking feature.
As opposed to enterprise business, it is quite challenging for a small or medium-sized business to use a proper warehousing model as it can be an expensive function. To address this pain point, they introduced an eCommerce fulfilment and warehousing solution – Shiprocket Fulfillment. It is a flexible offering that helps the seller manage sudden order volume spikes during busy times of the year. With end-to-end automation, there are few chances of manual error. Hence, it reduced weight-related issues and lesser return orders. Moreover, the seller gets to provide faster delivery to their customer and do all of this at a nominal price, with no lock-in period.
Shiprocket also offers intra-city speedy delivery through Shiprocket Saral. Shiprocket Saral is a hyperlocal delivery aggregator, providing the services of expert hyperlocal partners such as Dunzo, Shadowfax, and Wefast within a distance radius of 50 km. This service can be availed in a cost-effective manner, where the merchant gets to offer several payment modes to the customer and provide order tracking for greater transparency.
Shiprocket is a logistics software service provider that follows an asset-light model. Being a logistics aggregation platform, Shiprocket brings multiple logistics service providers together. With this, it aims to help the users (e-commerce sellers) choose the right courier service provider for their needs.
What Shiprocket does is offer an automated interface, which helps connect eCommerce sellers with the right courier service provider. It is important to note here that Shiprocket doesn’t play any part in the actual pickup and delivery of the shipments because that is again taken care of by the courier service provider.
Shiprocket makes money from every shipment that is enabled/moved through its platform. Along with that, it also extends fee-based subscription options for medium-large sellers, which gives them negotiated shipping rates, numerous e-commerce channel integrations, and urgent support.
Shiprocket also provides integration facilities with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and other online or e-commerce store management platforms like Shopify, opencart, and more. Along with these, Shiprocket also offers numerous other fee-based value-added services, which include:
Shiprocket Fulfilment: Shiprocket extends warehousing services/storage facilities for the sellers, which helps them to deliver shipments faster to their consumers.
Early COD: Shiprocket offers an Early COD (cash on delivery) service, which is a paid (fee-based) service via which a seller can get cash remittance as early as just in 2 days from the delivery date of the order.
Packaging Store: Shiprocket also operates an online store along with all the above services. In such a store, the company sells packaging materials.
Shiprocket’s metrics, shipments, revenue, and monthly active merchants have almost 3Xed on a year-on-year basis. The brand is recognized for its lowest shipping rates, where domestic shipping starts at as low as INR 22/500 grams.
The company earns its revenue on every shipment that goes through its network and from the subscription license fees. Also, there are other value-added technology services that the merchants can avail such as warehousing and fulfilment, packaging, fintech, etc., adding to their revenue.
Shiprocket Partnerships
Shiprocket has forged a strategic alliance with Shadowfax Technologies to facilitate same-day and next-day delivery services for D2C brands like boAt Lifestyle, Mamaearth, and MyGlamm. This initiative is slated to launch in India’s top 20 cities by the close of this year, with subsequent expansion into other areas of the nation in October 2022.
Shiprocket, joined forces with India Post in October 2022 to enhance the last-mile delivery services for a diverse array of e-commerce products. Leveraging India Post’s unparalleled global delivery network, this partnership seeks to streamline and optimize the delivery experience for online shoppers.
Shiprocket’s collaboration with drone delivery startup Skye Air on August 17, 2023, is set to revolutionize the shipment process by utilizing drones. This strategic partnership aims to expedite order fulfillment using Skye Air’s autonomous drone logistics solutions, effectively circumventing the challenges associated with urban traffic congestion.
Shiprocket partnered with eBay on March, 23,2023 to integrate eBay Global Shipping (ESG) with Shiprocket X, providing Indian SMEs with cost-effective and seamless cross-border shipping solutions.
Shiprocket – Marketing
The marketing campaigns at Shiprocket are designed to add value to businesses of all sizes, particularly Direct-to-consumer brands. Their brand marketing strategy is inclined towards addressing the pain points of the target market, instead of focusing on the promotion of the product solely.
Moreover, to enable proper dissemination of campaigns at a regional level, a lot of their efforts are put into designing vernacular content that finds its due space in the lives of their audiences. It consequently helps them to enable the growth and expansion of their business. This way, they accomplish customer acquisition and retention at a greater level.
Shiprocket – SHIVIR 2023
Shiprocket SHIVIR 2023 has unveiled its plans for a one-day flagship event on August 4, 2023. This event aims to unite the eCommerce sector for an educational and transformative day-long gathering, serving as a catalyst for the advancement of digital commerce in India, aptly named ‘Unnati Ka Saathi.’
Shiprocket – Launching
While launching Shiprocket, Saahil, and other co-founders faced many problems. Saahil describes his journey as follows:
When I flew back to India from the USA, I had a very demotivating recruitment experience. Finally, I realized that I couldn’t be working on our idea on a part-time basis. I had to move back to India once and for all and give all of my time and hard work into making it a success. So that’s what I did!
When I came back to India, we bootstrapped our company, spent about 20 days connecting with a few friends and talking to contacts that could help us get engineers to build the product. The thing that worked for us was that we somewhat had a clear idea of what we wanted. We had already started talking to the customers. I was building the initial few websites myself, and that would bring in enough money to pay for rent, our team’s salaries and other utilities, but it wasn’t scalable, as such. We were doing custom work back then, but it was essential to fund our actual product build.
A year later, we had a very localized, highly functional product on our hands, comprising a shopping cart and we saw some success with it, as well. Finally, we had our first 100 merchants on the platform, which was a big deal for us! And the fact that at least 100 people were using our services gave us immense hope.
– Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket.
Shiprocket – Growth and Revenue
The challenges you face in the 100 to 10,000consumedstomers’ journey are very different and require a different mindset and approach. For Shiprocket, the best hack has been to always hire the best people who can help solve these problems at scale. Moreover, they keep their employees always motivated to extract the best results out of their efforts. Shiprocket achieved Unicorn status on August 17, 2022 with a valuation of $1.2 billion, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a company.
As founders, we still have our ear to the ground, but we have to make sure that we have the best people to solve the operational challenges as we take on more strategic roles – Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket.
Here’s a look at some of the prominent growth milestones that Shiprocket has successfully scaled:
It has earned the name of India’s leading eCommerce shipping solution
Shiprocket claims to be one of the fastest logistics brands to turn profitable within 24 months
Shiprocket has been trusted by over 1 lakh brands and entrepreneurs
It boasts of having over 1 lakh satisfied sellers
Shiprocket manages to deliver 2 lakh+ shipments daily
Shiprocket is growing 3X year on year. Some of Shiprocket’s notable clients include Dr. Vaidya’s, MamaEarth, Gillette, Boat, mCaffeine, Nappa Dori, Relaxo, Proline, The Beer Cafe, Bira, Bodycare, Da Milano, Cureveda, and more. The company was valued at $930 mn, when last recorded on February 4, 2022.
Shiprocket – Financials
Shiprocket has shown significant revenue growth over the years, but its losses have also widened due to increased operational and marketing expenses.
Particulars
FY24
FY23
FY22
FY21
Revenue
INR 1,357.8 crore
INR 1,126.7 crore
INR 634.5 crore
INR 365 crore
Expenses
INR 1,708.6 crore
INR 1,422.5 crore
INR 697.8 crore
INR 350.7 crore
Profit/Loss for the Year
INR -595.2 crore
INR -359.3 crore
INR -63.6 crore
INR -12.5 crore
Shiprocket Financials FY24
Shiprocket Revenue:
Revenue has increased from INR 1,126.7 crore in FY23 to INR 1,357.8 crore in FY24, mainly driven by growth in operational revenue.
Revenue Breakdown
FY24
FY23
Revenue from Operations
INR 1,316 crore
INR 1,088.8 crore
Other Income
INR 41.9 crore
INR 37.8 crore
Total Revenue
INR 1,357.8 crore
INR 1,126.7 crore
Shiprocket Profit/Loss:
The company’s losses widened from INR 359.3 crore in FY23 to INR 595.2 crore in FY24 due to higher operational expenses and exceptional losses.
Profit/Loss Breakdown
FY24
FY23
Gross Profit
INR -350.8 crore
INR -295.9 crore
Exceptional Items Before Tax
INR -244.4 crore
INR -63.2 crore
Profit/Loss Before Tax
INR -595.2 crore
INR -359 crore
Profit/Loss for the Year
INR -595.2 crore
INR -359.3 crore
Shiprocket Expenses:
Expenses have risen from INR 1,422.5 crore in FY23 to INR 1,708.6 crore in FY24, primarily due to higher operational and employee benefit costs.
Particulars
FY24
FY23
Cost of Material Consumed
INR 1,007 crore
INR 834.5 crore
Purchases of Stock in Trade
INR 5.6 crore
INR 4.2 crore
Employee Benefit Expense
INR 430.8 crore
INR 343.8 crore
Finance Cost
INR 23.3 crore
INR 9.8 crore
Amortization & Depreciation
INR 76 crore
INR 41.4 crore
Other Expenses
INR 166.2 crore
INR 189.7 crore
Total Expenses
INR 1,708.6 crore
INR 1,422.5 crore
Quick Summary:
Revenue Growth: Increased from INR 1,126.7 Cr (FY23) to INR 1,357.8 Cr (FY24).
Expense Surge: Expenses rose from INR 1,422.5 Cr to INR 1,708.6 Cr, driven by operational and employee costs.
Widening Losses: Losses deepened from INR 359.3 Cr in FY23 to INR 595.2 Cr in FY24 due to exceptional costs.
Business Implication: Despite strong revenue growth, Shiprocket faces profitability challenges due to rising expenses and operational inefficiencies.
The operation during the pandemic has been the biggest challenge for the company in recent times. Since the beginning, they have had a strong office-based work culture. And since they operate out of a single office in Delhi, the team was not prepared for a WFH culture with their employees spread across the country.
Shiprocket almost doubled its team strength during the pandemic. However, it has been a significant challenge for them to hire and onboard so many new people without any physical interaction.
Also, the lack of working in a physical space makes it more challenging for their new hires to understand the company culture and develop a bonding with their colleagues. Nevertheless, they have worked hard to create an environment where the employees can digitally interact.
When Shiprocket was launched, its shopping cart product was for the MSME market in India. The company predicted that as it was trending in the West. However, it later realised that here, the market was quite different and demanded products that came with pure convenience.
2 years of working into the venture, we recognized that the B2B market in India does not work conventionally. For instance, our target market will not read a formal manual or anything like that – it wasn’t that simple. Also, the other thing we identified was that our target audience was more interested in making use of our shipping services and the post-order experience tools, rather than getting the website. Around 30% of our users were buying the shopping cart so that they could use our shipping services! – Saahil Goel, Co-Founder of Shiprocket
For the first 2 years, the company experimented with different features and marketing techniques. However, it finally found its direction to take Shiprocket to the next level.
Shiprocket has received a total of $424.7 million in funding over 13 rounds that it has witnessed. The latest Shiprocket funding round came from KdT Ventures, which was raised on December 29, 2024, from a Series E round.
Funding Date
Name of the Transaction
Money Raised
Lead Investors
December 29, 2024
Series E
$25.6 million
KdT Ventures
October 9, 2023
Series E
$11 million
McKinsey
Aug 17, 2022
Series E
$32 million
Lightrock, Temasek Holdings
December 10, 2021
Series E
$185 million
Zomato, Temasek, Lightrock
November 10, 2021
Corporate Round
$75 million
Zomato
July 7, 2021
Series D
$41.53 million
Bertelsmann India Investments, Info Edge ventures, PayPal Ventures
February 18, 2021
Series C
$27 million
March Tribe, Tribe Capital
May 11, 2020
Series C
$13 million
Tribe Capital
January 1, 2018
Series B
$4.1 million
Bertelsmann India Investments
January 1, 2016
Series B
$8 million
Bertelsmann India Investments
October 1, 2014
Series A
$1 million
Nirvana Venture Advisors
July 1, 2013
Seed Round
$250K
5ideas.in
Shiprocket India currently has around 10 lead investors including Lightrock, Zomato, Moore, and more.
Shiprocket – Shareholding
Shiprocket shareholding pattern as of March 2024, sourced from Tracxn:
Name
Post-Round Holding
Saahil Goel
5.4%
Gautam Kapoor
5.4%
Vishesh Khurana
1.2%
Akshay Ghulati
1.2%
Bertelsmann
23.7%
Tribe Capital
14.9%
Temasek
5.4%
March Capital
4.6%
Lightrock
4.5%
Nirvana Ventures Advisors
5.5%
Info Edge Ventures
1.9%
Moore Strategic Ventures
0.8%
Beenext
0.8%
500 Global
0.6%
DST Global
0.4%
Beenos
0.4%
Agility
0.3%
Innoven Capital
0.2%
9Unicorns
0.1%
Gupta Goyal Revocable Trust
< 0.1%
QED Innovation Labs
< 0.1%
Transaction Square
< 0.1%
5ideas
–
Recruit Strategic Partners
–
Gabelhorn
–
100Unicorns
–
Zomato
7.0%
PayPal
1.8%
Arvind
1.6%
Afos
0.9%
Razorpay
0.1%
Huddle Collective
< 0.1%
Do Moonstone Advisors
< 0.1%
Culture Cap
< 0.1%
Blc and Associates
< 0.1%
Angel
< 0.1%
Other People
3.0%
ESOP Pool
8.1%
Total
100.0%
Shiprocket Shareholding
Shiprocket – Investments
Shiprocket has made 5 prominent investments to date, which are in Bold Care, Logibricks, Evenflow, Perfora and ShoprTV. Here’s a look at them:
Date
Company Name
Funding Round
Deal Value
Lead Investor
Oct 26, 2022
SomeMoreFoods
Grant
–
Yes
Oct 18, 2022
ShoprTV
Seed Round
$1.8 million
–
Jun 22, 2022
Perfora
Seed Round
$894k
–
February 15, 2022
Bold Care
Seed Round
–
–
February 4, 2022
Logibricks Technologies
Seed Round
$1.5 million
Yes
December 14, 2021
Evenflow
Seed Round
$5 million
–
Shiprocket – Acquisitions
Shiprocket has acquired 5 companies to date. Shiprocket completed the acquisition of Omuni, the omnichannel technology business of Arvind, in a combination deal of cash and stock worth Rs 200 crore on July 19, 2022. According to the BSE fillings of Arvind, this acquisition would help the companies with quick and efficient deliveries of shipments from the nearest warehouses and stores. It will thus reduce the delivery timelines and boost customer satisfaction effectively.
It last acquired Pickrr on June 15, 2022, when it picked up an 80% stake in the company in a deal worth $200 mn. Shiprocket also has plans to completely acquire Pickrr, thereby helping the investors exit the startup and absorb the Pickrr team. The Pickrr founders would also be getting undisclosed stakes in Shiprocket.
It previously acquired Glaucus Supply Chain Solutions on February 14, 2022. Shiprocket is also planning to acquire the Indian business of Shyplite, and is currently in the final stages of the acquisition, as of June 15, 2022. Here’s take a deep look at the Shiprocket acquisitions:
Company Name
Date
Deal Value
Omuni
July 19, 2022
$25.03 mn
Pickrr Technologies
June 15, 2022
$200 mn
Glaucus Supply Chain Solutions
February 14, 2022
–
Rocketbox
January 14, 2022
–
Wigzo Technologies
January 7, 2022
–
Shiprocket – Advisors and Mentors
The investors of Shiprocket play an important role in mentoring them through the startup journey.
Key mentors of Shiprocket are:
Pankaj Makkar from Bertelsmann India Investments
Rajan Mehra from Nirvana Ventures
Arjun Sethi from Tribe Capital
Teruhide Sato from Beenext
Shiprocket – Awards & Recognitions
Shiprocket was recently awarded the BW Businessworld Techtors Award for being the ‘Top Tech Companies to Watch Out for’ Under the “Aggregator/Listing” category.
Shiprocket – Competitors
Shiprocket has quite a few competitors operating in the same space out of which the company has already acquired its rival Pickrr. Some other Shiprocket competitors include:
Shiprocket’s head office is based in New Delhi. Their undertaking, Shiprocket Fulfillment, an eCommerce fulfillment and warehousing solution for small and medium sellers, has its storage hubs actively operating across 5 major cities: Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Shiprocket’s future plans focus on using AI to enhance predictive analytics, enabling more accurate shipping predictions. The company aims to automate additional workflow processes, increasing efficiency and reducing manual tasks. In addition, Shiprocket is set to expand into international markets, broadening its reach and capabilities. A key goal is to continuously improve the customer experience, ensuring smoother and more reliable service for businesses and their customers.
Shiprocket is currently planning some new strategic initiatives, including hyperlocal delivery services, growing courier partnerships, fulfillment networks, and global expansion, which will be starting from West Asia. It has also started funding for the same.
Conclusion
Shiprocket is a tech-enabled logistics platform connecting merchants, consumers, and supply chain partners through its eCommerce shipping solutions. All of their offerings aim to make the merchants’ online selling experience as seamless as possible. By making the best use of AI and data, Shiprocket helps to provide maximum cost efficiency per shipment. It helps their sellers’ ventures to remain lucrative and perpetually head toward expansion.
FAQs
What is Shiprocket?
Shiprocket is a tech-enabled logistic platform that provides affordable plans to MSMEs so that they can come online and sell anywhere they want.
What does Shiprocket do?
Shiprocket, founded in 2017 provides many benefits like warehousing, packaging, and other related services. Moreover, their platform includes many other integrations, which help the merchants and sellers to manage the deliveries.
What is the founder of Shiprocket?
Saahil Goel, Akshay Ghulati, Gautam Kapoor and Vishesh Khurana are the co-founders of Shiprocket.
What is the use of Shiprocket?
Shiprocket provides its customers the liberty to schedule pickups from anywhere in the country. There is also an option to add multiple addresses and select a different pickup address for every shipment.
Can individuals use Shiprocket?
If you are wondering, “can I use Shiprocket for personal use?” then it is important to know that every individual can use the Shiprocket service but not for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.
Does Shiprocket do packaging?
Shiprocket has an innovative packaging solution for SMEs to optimise fulfilment with quality packaging material and a data-backed platform. Map SKUs with packaging material and reduce weight discrepancies for simplified order management.
Who are Shiprocket owner?
Shiprocket was founded by Saahil Goel, Vineet Jain, and Suraj Saharan.
Who are the Shiprocket delivery partners?
The Shiprocket delivery partners include reputed courier companies like:
Shiprocket sign up is a process that the users need to go through before they can start using Shiprocket services. The Sign Up process is absolutely free for all.
What is Shiprocket price rate calculator?
Shiprocket rate calculator or Shiprocket price calculator as it is commonly referred to is a rate calculator that helps the users calculate their shipping rates easily just with the help of their area code and the product dimensions. The Shiprocket rate calculator is really effective for Shiprocket e-commerce websites and companies that are eager to know their shipping rates and budget accordingly.
What is Shiprocket business model?
Shiprocket is a logistics aggregator that connects e-commerce sellers with courier partners, enabling fast and cost-effective shipping. It earns revenue from delivery fees, subscription plans, and value-added services like fulfillment and warehousing.
How does Shiprocket work?
Shiprocket helps e-commerce businesses ship products by connecting them with courier partners. It handles shipping, tracking, and returns automatically.
StartupTalky presents Recap’24, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2024 and discuss their vision for the future.
Digital lending market in India is experiencing quick growth, followed by high demand for accessible financial solutions. By 2029, this sector is going to see potential expansion, driven by in AI-driven credit assessments and a shift toward paperless, hassle-free lending experiences.
In this article of Recap’24, we feature BharatLoan, a fintech company revolutionizing digital lending for salaried professionals. StartupTalky had the privilege to chat with Mr. Amit Bansal, Founder of BharatLoan, who shared insights into the company’s growth— simplifying the loan approval process to leveraging AI/ML for great customer experiences. Bansal chatted on BharatLoan’s growth, milestones, and vision for the inclusive financial ecosystem. It includs new offering like Green Loans and self-employed financing solutions.
StartupTalky: What inspired the creation of BharatLoan, and how does it address the financial needs of salaried professionals in metro cities?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan was inspired by the need to provide salaried professionals in metro cities with quick access to emergency funds. The platform simplifies the borrowing process through a hassle-free, 100% digital experience, offering loans even to those with less-than-perfect credit scores. By focusing on speed, convenience, and accessibility, BharatLoan effectively addresses the financial pressures faced by this demographic.
StartupTalky: What has been BharatLoan’s biggest milestone in 2024, and what factors contributed to its rapid growth?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan’s biggest milestone in 2024 is becoming the fastest NBFC to surpass 1 million app downloads in June and the company has now achieved over 5 million app downloads. This achievement reflects its strong customer adoption, driven by a seamless, 100% digital loan process, an inclusive approach to lending, and leveraging AI/ML-powered solutions to streamline loan approvals and enhance customer experience.
StartupTalky: How does your 100% digital and paperless loan process differentiate BharatLoan from traditional lenders and other fintech platforms?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan’s fully digital and paperless process eliminates cumbersome paperwork, long approval times, and complex procedures commonly associated with traditional lenders. Its streamlined app-based approach ensures faster approvals and disbursals, offering salaried professionals immediate access to funds. This innovation sets it apart from other platforms by prioritizing speed, convenience, and user experience.
StartupTalky: What challenges did BharatLoan face while entering the traditional lending ecosystem, and how were they overcome?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan navigated challenges such as building credibility in a competitive and highly regulated market, earning customer trust, and seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into traditional lending frameworks. These obstacles were transformed into opportunities through unwavering adherence to regulatory compliance, the creation of a secure and trustworthy ecosystem, and the strategic use of AI/ML technologies to provide faster, more reliable, and inclusive loan services.
StartupTalky: AI and ML play a significant role in your operations. How do these technologies enhance customer experience and decision-making?
Mr. Amit Bansal: AI and ML enable BharatLoan to automate credit risk assessments, provide personalized loan offerings, and ensure faster approvals. These technologies help predict borrower behavior, streamline operations, and enhance customer satisfaction by delivering tailored solutions quickly and accurately.
StartupTalky: What new services or loan categories are you planning to introduce and how do they align with your vision of a sustainable future?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan is committed to expanding its portfolio with services that align with its vision of creating a sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem. Recently, the platform introduced Green Loans, designed to provide affordable financing for solar energy solutions and electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also makes renewable energy and eco-friendly transportation more accessible to individuals and businesses, contributing to a greener future.
In addition to Green Loans, BharatLoan is planning to launch Self-Employed Loans aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners. By addressing the unique financial needs of the self-employed segment, these loans will foster economic growth and support individuals in achieving their business aspirations. Together, these offerings reflect BharatLoan’s commitment to driving sustainability and inclusivity while ensuring access to financial products that create a positive impact on both the environment and society.
StartupTalky: Customer satisfaction is critical in the financial services industry. What steps does BharatLoan take to ensure a smooth and positive borrowing experience?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering a seamless digital application process, transparent terms with no hidden fees, and quick loan disbursals. It also ensures 24/7 customer support and uses data-driven insights to address customer needs effectively.
StartupTalky: What marketing strategies have been key to achieving over 1 million app downloads? Can you share any specific growth hacks that worked well?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan’s marketing success stems from a combination of targeted digital advertising, referral programs, and strategic partnerships. Data-driven campaigns on social media and search engines ensured visibility among salaried professionals, while affiliate programs bring in new customers. engaging content marketing, and festive campaigns further drove downloads and user engagement.
StartupTalky: What trends and opportunities do you see in India’s financial lending industry in the next 2-3 years, and how do you plan to capitalise on them?
Mr. Amit Bansal: BharatLoan foresees opportunities in expanding digital lending services to underserved markets, such as Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and offering environmentally focused financing solutions. The company plans to capitalize on these trends by enhancing its AI/ML capabilities, introducing new products like Green Loans, and targeting a broader audience with inclusive and accessible lending solutions.
Growth Hack: BharatLoan fostering higher user retention and encouraging organic sharing. This approach significantly boosted app downloads and customer loyalty
StartupTalky: For aspiring fintech founders, what one piece of advice would you share from your journey with BharatLoan so far?
Mr. Amit Bansal: The key advice is to focus on customer-centric innovation while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements. Build trust through transparency and leverage technology to create seamless and inclusive financial solutions that address real customer challenges.
India’s most valuable unicorn is a transformed ride-hailing firm called Ola, with Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati establishing the company way back in 2010 through a new approach and bold strategy in marketing. It later on became the top app out of several ride-hailing applications that appear in India and has also ventured to more than 250 cities of India, New Zealand, Australia, as well as the United Kingdom. Ola is the biggest on-demand transportation platform in the country, with more than 7,000 employees and working with 1.5 million driver partners.
It involves a discussion not of merely transporting people but the comfort and affordability of these modes with the option to range across all types, whether that is bicycles, autos, taxis, or an autonomous vehicle. That array allowed Ola to cater to varied clients, allowing people from cities to different regions to just simply move around seamlessly.
In this article, we will analyze the marketing and growth strategy that has enabled Ola to attain the leading position within its industry. We will subsequently explore how the company’s innovative marketing strategies, customer-centric approach, and strategic expansions have led it to become a household name. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges Ola faces in sustaining its position at the top and the measures it intends to take to overcome these challenges in the future.
Really diversified in its target groups, it is among other commuters relying on it every day to get around. This will provide a very good understanding of how the user applies the application, particularly with its carpool feature, by performing surveys and interviews. Nearly sixty percent of respondents have utilized the carpool option when booking a ride. The survey indicated that forty percent of those surveyed would contemplate sharing a ride with their neighbors, while thirty percent expressed uncertainty, and another thirty percent rejected the notion of carpooling.
Furthermore, 40% of respondents indicated that carpooling rendered their commute more manageable, 20% expressed uncertainty, and 40% stated that it would not.
However, many users are already open to carpooling but are still wary. This is important for Ola as it tries to perfect its offerings and solve users’ problems with carpooling and other features.
Ola Cabs offers various services to meet the different needs of customers. The ride-hailing service is the core product that lets users book a cab through a user-friendly mobile app. Ola’s product range doesn’t end with regular cabs; it also offers a range of options – Ola Mini, Ola Sedan, Ola Prime, and Ola Share – depending on the price point and customer preference. The company has even developed electric vehicle rides with Ola Electric, which shows that it is in the process of becoming sustainable. Ola has also expanded its service offerings by introducing Ola Outstation for inter-city travel and Ola Rentals for long-distance travel, making life easier for customers.
Price
Ola uses a dynamic pricing strategy with algorithms to price its rides based on demand, time of day, distance, and traffic conditions. This approach enables the company to balance customers’ wants with what drivers are available. Ola is often competitive, offering several pricing options for different income segments, from budget-friendly to premium services. Promotional pricing, such as discounts and offers, is part of Ola’s strategy to attract new customers or keep existing ones. During peak hours, the company often uses surge pricing to ensure rides are available, which leads more drivers to sign up for the platform.
Place
The convenience of accessibility is the place strategy of Ola Cabs. The service is available in various cities in India and several international markets, making the coverage area-wide. Users can book a ride through its mobile application, and Ola operates through that. The app provides accurate time ride tracking, driver information, and payment options, making the customer’s experience even more convenient.
Promotion
Ola uses several promotional strategies to increase brand visibility and customer engagement. Digital marketing is a massive part of the company, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and app-based promotions. Ola often runs discounts, promo codes, and referral bonuses to attract users to use the app and invite others to use the app. The company also promotes cashless payments through its ‘Ola Money’ platform, offering customers special offers. The company uses traditional media, such as television and radio ads, to reach a broader audience and invests in outdoor advertising, especially in key urban centers. Promotions for Ola are usually part of a big event or holiday, so they aren’t forgotten.
Ola Marketing Strategies
But Ola has done well in positioning itself as one of India’s top ride-hailing services, and its marketing strategies have helped the company proliferate and become very popular. So, across different channels, the company uses various methods to create brand awareness, attract new customers, and keep its users. Below are some of the key marketing strategies that Ola uses:
Product Differentiation and Innovation
Ola’s product differentiation strategy is to provide a wide array of transportation services to meet various customer needs. Ola Rentals, Ola City, and Ola Outstations are all different use cases. Ola offers multiple options and attracts price-conscious customers with low-cost options and customers with higher-end needs.
Ola has also been keen on investing heavily in technology and innovation through its efforts as Ola Electric, a brand that stands out for being forward-thinking and eco-friendly. In addition to satisfying customer needs, these innovations have a strong brand identity that distinguishes Ola from other ride-hailing competitors.
Strategic Partnerships
To increase its visibility and customer base, Ola has partnered with leading brands. One notable partnership is with MakeMyTrip, one of India’s biggest travel portals. With MakeMyTrip, Ola is able to expand its reach, and now users can directly book rides through the MakeMyTrip App. Such collaborations allow Ola to reach out to newly tapable customer segments and make bookings, increasing its growth and revenue.
Ola’s Partnership with MakeMyTrip
Content Creators Collaboration
Ola has adopted creative marketing strategies together with content creators and media platforms. In 2016, it joined The Viral Fever (TVF), integrating Ola services into its popular show The Permanent Roommates. This integration enabled Ola to get ahead of the game as the show’s characters used the ride-hailing service, which helped Ola get a lot of visibility. The collaboration worked well to make Ola a convenient and reasonably priced urban commuter, which unfortunately branded itself and helped it get recognition.
Ola’s Collaboration with The Permanent Roommates
Social Media Marketing and Campaigns
Ola uses Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to interact with its audience and make a brand aware. Ola promotes its product through creative content, engaging visuals, and influencer marketing to its target audience and capitalizes on customer acquisition.
Besides this, the company has also launched many successful hashtag campaigns, like #ChaloNiklo, #FarakPadtaHai, #HeroesOfOla, and #OlaHaina, which are relatable to users and have been popular. Instead of speaking about the brand, these campaigns essentially create a brand and community and build a base of loyal customers.
Customer-Centric Marketing
Ola remains continuously focused on improving the customer experience and providing services to its diverse audience. The base for Ola’s attractions ranges from economy rides and prime to electric. As a brand offering a technologically-driven response in terms of ride tracking in real time plus easy payment, it makes sure its clientele finds ease and hassle-free service.
Ola’s Marketing Campaigns
Ola is one of the largest ride-hailing companies in India, and it has harnessed effective, innovative marketing campaigns for better brand awareness and customer engagement and has built its market position. Below are some of the most notable and impactful campaigns by Ola:
Ola #FarakPadtaHai Ad Campaign: United Savers was launched in 2017. This campaign was centered on social issues such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation and appealed to the youth of India. It has seen ride-sharing promoted as a sustainable solution to individual car ownership. It was launched on World Environment Day with TV ads and offline activities. It spoke to young people who wanted to do their part to cut pollution without dealing with traffic.
Ola’s Campaign – #FarakPadtaHai
The April Fool’s Day “Ola AirPro” Campaign: In 2021, Ola had a creative and funny take on April Fool’s prank. The company announced the launch of ‘Ola AirPro,’ an electric flying car. The campaign was aimed at engaging the audience with what seemed like an entirely groundbreaking innovation. Though it was a prank, Ola’s knack for getting noticed and maintaining a solid connection with its audience through humor and innovation was on display.
Offline Taxi Kiosks Campaign: To cater to customers without smartphones, Ola had taxi kiosks in different cities in India. These kiosks tapped into a new customer base, as customers could quickly book rides without needing the Ola app. Ola leveraged this campaign to gain more reach and brand presence in areas where smartphone penetration was low.
Ola “Ab Khulenge Naye Raaste” Advertisement Campaign: The campaign was meant to promote Ola Bike, a micro-mobility service in over 150 cities. Its focus was affordability and convenience for short-distance travel. Ola’s video ads, which were humorous and relatable, positioned it as an accessible and efficient mode of transport for daily commuters.
Ola #MomsOnTheMove Advertisement Campaign: To celebrate mothers and their ability to face the challenges of today’s world, Ola launched this campaign. The idea was to empower mothers because they had done so much and, at the same time, encourage Ola as a mode of transport that mothers could rely on. This emotionally driven campaign enabled the brand to reach out to all segments of society, and Ola’s commitment to supporting all segments is being demonstrated.
Ola’ Campaign – #MomsOnTheMove
Conclusion
Innovative marketing platforms, service diversification, and a customer-centric approach have been Ola’s success mantras in the ride-hailing sector. This is the underlying philosophy for its product differentiation strategy, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships that facilitate delivering varied products and services and offering satisfaction to various classes of customers without diluting the brand strength.
Humor-filled April Fool’s pranks, socially conscious initiatives, and more have resonated with India’s diverse audience and helped the brand stay ahead of the competitive ride-hailing curve. Through constant efforts to remain relevant to the customer’s needs and strategic use of digital and traditional media, Ola has become a household name in India and around the globe. Ola remains at the forefront of the cab-hailing industry as it continues innovating and expanding.
Ola uses dynamic pricing based on demand and location. They frequently offer discounts, coupons, and promotional offers to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
New Delhi [India], February 10: Happy Pet, India’s biggest pet tech company is transforming the fast-growing pet industry by making it accessible to pet parents across India and the globe. Happy Pet is spearheading a digital transformation of the sector through cutting-edge technology solutions for pet businesses.
Headquartered in Bangalore, Happy Pet is dedicated to connecting and empowering the pet ecosystem. The company operates a comprehensive B2B and B2C platform – www.happypet.care – that provides pet parents with the right information and connects them with services for their dogs, cats, birds, and fish. Happy Pet differentiates itself by being available across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities in India.
Happy Pet envisions every pet having a loving family. The company aims to empower each pet parent with access to services and tools that make it an enriching experience for the pet and the parents.
Why Happy Pet?
Happy Pet was born from founder Anil Reddy’s previous experience as a design and tech entrepreneur and his lifelong love for animals. His journey with pets began as a child when he convinced his mother to foster four Indie dogs. “Nothing is better than being welcomed home by slobbering kisses and wagging tails,” says Anil.
Today, he is a proud pet parent of two dogs. However, when researching for the perfect dog to suit his lifestyle, home, and family, Anil realized that there wasn’t a single India-specific pet information portal. This sparked an idea—one that evolved into Happy Pet.
“My background in design & tech led me to the idea of connecting the entire pet ecosystem. Keeping technology, data, AI, and empathy for pet parents as cornerstones of Happy Pet, we’re building a world-class platform that seamlessly connects pet parents with services such as grooming, boarding, training, veterinary care, and more – right at their fingertips. At the same time, the platform empowers service providers with streamlining their businesses through www.happypet.tech,” he explains.
“Adding to that, Happy Pet has also come up with a pet parent app that helps keep all records – may it be food, walks, meds, or a monthly budget – in one place at the tap of a button. No scampering for prescriptions or records anymore,” he enthused.
Meet the Founder: Anil Reddy
A visionary design entrepreneur, Anil Reddy previously founded Lollypop Design Studio in 2013. Under his leadership, Lollypop became India’s largest design studio and a globally recognized brand before he successfully sold it in 2019.
“My journey as a designer and tech entrepreneur has spanned over 25 years. I have helped many Indian startups like Myntra, Upstox, Swiggy, and Paytm achieve Unicorn status while taking Lollypop to global heights over the last decade,” Anil shares.
He met his childhood friend and Pet Warehouse co-founder Manjunath Reddy at the latter’s farm outside Bangalore. A casual conversation, surrounded by happy, well-looked-after dogs, turned into a pitch that led to Anil joining Pet Warehouse as an investor and a mentor thus starting his journey into the pet industry.
Innovative Solutions for a Booming Pet Industry
“When we started in early 2024, our goal was to inform, educate, and assist pet lovers in navigating the booming pet industry within a year through happypet.care. We not only surpassed that milestone but also launched SaaS platforms with happypet.techto help service providers streamline their operations and expand their reach,” Anil proudly states.
Happy Pet has ambitious goals: to connect 32 million pet parents across India with the best available pet services. By pushing boundaries and setting new standards, the company aims to lead India’s pet industry towards worldwide recognition.
Check Out Happy Pet
Committed to creating a seamless experience for pet parents and businesses alike, Happy Pet Tech is redefining the future of India’s pet care industry which is projected to reach $3 billion by 2025.
To learn more about Happy Pet Tech, visit www.happypet.tech
its second fund, targeting a total corpus of INR 240 crores ($28 million), which is more than 5x larger than its first fund. This fund will continue to maintain a strong focus on B2B Tech and tech-enabled services and aims to drive innovation while backing high-potential startups in these sectors.
Triton Fund I successfully invested across Enterprise SaaS, AI, B2B marketplaces, and marketing services, supporting transformative businesses in India’s tech landscape. As Fund I nears completion with strong returns and high investor confidence, Triton is well-positioned to execute its ambitious vision for Fund II.
Fund I details-
Company
Description
Year Founded
Industry
Location
Funding Stage
Investors
Revenue (in Cr)
Bizom
Provider of retail intelligence platform for brands and B2B retailers
2008
Retail, Consumer Goods
Bengaluru
Series B
–
64
ZingHR
Cloud-based suite solutions for HR management
2002
Enterprise Applications
Mumbai
Series B
–
59
Recykal
Online platform offering marketplace solutions for waste
2015
Environment Tech, Recycling
Hyderabad
Series A
–
55
CamCom
AI-powered vehicle inspection solutions for automotive industry
2018
Auto Tech, AI
Bengaluru
Seed
–
47
Jumboking
Chain of limited service restaurant serving vegetarian burgers
2001
Food and Agriculture
Mumbai
Series A
–
31
Ethinos
Provider of digital marketing services
2017
Business Services
Mumbai
Funding Raised
–
–
Pradyumna Dalmia, Managing Partner at Triton, expressed his excitement, stating: “Triton Fund II reflects our dedication to driving innovation in B2B Tech and supporting the next generation of transformative companies in India. With the strong performance of Fund I, we are well-positioned to build on our success and create significant value for both our investors and portfolio companies.”
With shifting market dynamics, Dev Raman, Partner at Triton, highlighted: “With the funding euphoria behind us, we are now seeing high-quality founders adopting a more prudent approach to capital. We believe this will lead to a new wave of companies with strong economic foundations. At Triton, we aim to provide patient capital and strategic support to help these businesses scale and succeed.”
Triton Fund II will invest in pre-Series A and Series A rounds, with initial investments ranging from INR 8–16 crores per company. The fund will maintain its core focus on B2B Tech and tech-enabled services, prioritizing sectors such as Enterprise SaaS, SMB Tech, Agentic AI, DeepTech, and Tech-enabled Services.
Headquartered in Mumbai, Triton has built a strong reputation for its deep expertise in technology-driven enterprises and a nuanced understanding of the Indian startup ecosystem. The firm prides itself on achieving a 100% success rate i.e. no delinquency across its portfolio—an exceptional feat in the investment landscape.
About Triton
Triton is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs B2B Tech and tech-enabled businesses with high-growth potential. With a strong investment philosophy and a hands-on approach, Triton has supported companies like Recykal, ZingHR, CamCom, and Bizom, among others.
As Triton embarks on this next chapter, Fund II is set to empower visionary entrepreneurs, accelerate growth, and drive meaningful impact in India’s tech ecosystem.
“Finding love is not always easy, but it’s always worth the journey”
Finding love can be a complex and challenging process, as it involves many factors. Dating plays a crucial role in getting to know potential partners, which is a critical step in finding a compatible match.
In times gone by, one would have to bask in the presence of one beloved to uncover one’s likes, dislikes, and everything in between. But with the advent of technology, dating has taken on a new form, making it easier and more convenient to connect with potential partners from the comfort of one’s own home.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the best dating apps in India to help you find your perfect match this Valentine’s Day! So get ready to find your perfect match with the help of the best dating apps in India. But before that, let’s examine the present state of the dating app industry in India.
Overview of the Dating App Market in India 2025
The dating app market in India has seen significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of people turning to these platforms to find love. According to recent studies, there are over 82.4 million users in India (which is a 293% increase from 20 million five years ago) who are actively using dating apps, with the majority being young, urban-dwelling individuals. The market is expected to continue growing in the coming years as more and more people embrace online dating.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dating Apps in India
When choosing a dating app, it’s important to consider several key factors that can impact your success in finding a match and your overall experience using the platform. The factors that one needs to consider while choosing dating apps are:
User Base: The user base refers to the size and demographics of the platform’s user pool. A large user base can increase the chances of finding a match, while a more diverse user base can cater to different preferences and needs.
User Experience: User experience refers to the ease of use and functionality of the app, as well as its user interface and features. A well-designed app can make the process of finding a match much smoother and enjoyable.
Privacy and Security: Privacy and security are crucial factors to consider when using dating apps, as personal information and sensitive data are often shared on these platforms. It’s important to choose an app that has robust security measures in place to protect your privacy and keep your data safe.
Cost: Cost is also an important factor to consider when choosing a dating app, as some platforms require a paid subscription for access to certain features. It’s important to choose an app that offers good value for money, with a balance between features and affordability.
Global Online Dating Market
Now, let’s look at some of the popular dating apps that will help you get the type of person you have always dreamed of:
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps in India, known for its simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interface. With a large user base, the app offers a high chance of finding a match. Its unique “swipe right” feature allows users to indicate their interest in potential matches quickly and easily, making the process of finding a match fast and easy.
In 2021, Tinder was not only the most installed dating app worldwide, with 67 million annual downloads but also considered the best dating app in India. It was launched in 2012 by Hatch Labs as a joint startup between IAC mobiles and Xtreme Labs.
You must set up your profile, make it discoverable, and select your preferences to find your valentine. And you are good to go. You just need to swipe right to like and left to pass.
Tinder Key Statistics:
Tinder made $1.9 billion in revenue in 2023, a 7% increase on the year prior
It had 75 million monthly active users and 10.9 million subscribers in 2022
60% of Tinder’s users are under 35 years old
Three-quarters of Tinder’s users are male
Yearly subscription plans for Tinder:
Plan
Tinder Plus
Tinder Gold
Tinder Platinum
Pricing
$2.67/month
$8.33/month
$10/month
2. Truly Madly
Truly Madly – Best App for Dating
Truly Madly is an example of a good, simple dating app that was developed by Crescere Technologies Private Limited in 2013. dating app that was developed by Crescere Technologies Private Limited in This app takes compatible match-making and profile verification very seriously, and it may ask for identification documents before setting up your live profile.
After your profile is set up, all you need to do is select your suitable preference filters and get swiping! The one good thing about this app is that it provides you with a trust score for all the data that you get verified.
The higher the trust score, the more genuine the profile. Though it provides good service, it’s not as popular as Tinder, so you may not have a wide range of results to choose from. Subscriptions range from INR 699 weekly to INR 1,799 for a 20-week period. Paid subscribers receive extra perks, such as increased visibility and the ability to check compatibility before expressing interest in a profile.
Unlike other apps that use location in a general sense to find matches, Happn matches users with people they may have seen recently.
Founded by Didier Rappaport and developed by FTW and Co., it was launched in 2014. It is compatible with Android, Apple, and Windows devices. According to the reports, the app had around 100 million members in January 2023. Happn is one of the best dating app in India.
Its unique feature provides the user the ability to connect with the person they saw on their way. Users can check if the person is on Happn, and then they can like their profile and wait for a match. The Happn app gives you the platform to approach someone whom you couldn’t talk to because you didn’t have the courage at that moment.
This unique way of approach is what sets it apart from other dating apps. The app is for those who fall short of words while approaching someone.
Pricing Plans for Happn:
Plan
One Month
Six Months
Twelve Months
Pricing
$24.99/month
$14.99/month
$10/month
4. Woo
Woo – Best Online App for Dating
Woo is a popular dating app in India geared towards urban, educated professionals. With a focus on meaningful connections and a user-friendly interface, the app is an excellent option for those looking for a more serious relationship.
Additionally, Woo’s unique “ice-breakers” feature makes it easier to start conversations and break the ice with potential matches. First released in 2014, it became the most popular dating app in India, the same place it originated. After becoming popular in India, it showed a steady increase in popularity throughout the world.
Here, you get features like Tag Search, Voice Intro, Questions and Answers, and Direct messaging. This also offers voice call features where women can place a voice call without revealing their number. By using the right settings, women on this platform can opt not to share their name, location, and number. It gives the same feature of liking and passing as in all other dating apps, i.e. you can swipe left or right as per your choice, and it also provides a premium membership where you can review the profiles you have skipped.
Woo Dating has matched over 3 million single women and men and is a leading app for searching for love or romantic interests in the USA, UK, Canada, Dubai, India, etc.
Bumble is another popular dating app in India, known for its empowering approach to online dating. The app allows women to make the first move, breaking down traditional gender roles and promoting a more equal dynamic in relationships. You can find your partner online on this app.
With its user-friendly interface and unique features, Bumble is a great option for those seeking a fun and inclusive dating experience.
This app was developed by the co-founder of Tinder, Whitney Wolfe Herd after her previous company sued her. In 2020, Bumble had 100 million users worldwide, and in 2021, Herde became the youngest woman billionaire at 31 years old.
Bumble Key Statistics:
Bumble generated $694 million in revenue in 2022, a 30% increase on the previous year.
In 2022, Bumble reported a net loss of $80 million, a significant drop from its $280 million profit in 2021.
Bumble has 58 million active users, with 2.4 million subscribers to the app’s premium features.
The App makes sure that the ladies don’t keep the men hanging as the match expires within 24 hours of no conversation. It has the same style of swiping left and right and lets you have video calls, send photos, and play games in case of a match. It also has premium plan options that will give you better results and better visibility on the app.
Pricing Plans of Bumble:
Bumble Boost
One Week
One Month
Three Months
Six Months
Pricing
$8.99/week
$16.99/month
$33.99/month
$54.99/month
Bumble Boost
One Week
One Month
Three Months
Lifetime Subscription
Pricing
$19.99/week
$39.99/month
$36.99/month
$229.99
6. OkCupid
OkCupid – Best App for Dating
OkCupid is a highly-regarded dating app in India, known for its in-depth matching algorithm and data-driven approach to finding love.
With a focus on deep personal connections, the app asks users a series of questions to help determine their personality and preferences, making it easier to find compatible matches.
This app was founded by four Harvard students: Chris Coyne, Christian Rudder, Sam Yagan, and Max Krohn. It is currently owned by the company Match Group, which also owns Tinder and Hinge.
You can improve your search results by setting the right filters from a vast range of filtering options. You can also set your dating preferences in your search tray for better profiles. This app also gives significant priority to privacy and safety. You can hide your profile, un-match it, or block someone whenever you want.
Hinge is a more relationship-oriented app that focuses on finding deeper connections. It is free to use, but users can pay for premium services to access additional features.
It was founded by Justin McLeod in 2012. When launched, this app promised to work on matching profiles, keeping in mind the long-term effects on people’s relationships. The Hinge app was launched in February 2013. The 2019 US presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg revealed that she met her husband on Hinge. The Company ‘Match Group’ made huge investments in Hinge in September 2017, owning 51% of the company in June 2018 and a total of 100% ownership in the first quarter of 2019.
This app uses your Facebook profile as a source to connect with the friends of your friends and their friends, too. So you don’t need to send them a friend request as people traditionally used to do; rather you can search them over Hinge.
This app lets you make a dating profile by asking you to upload some photos and ,a few questions to which you must provide answers. Anyone on this platform will have the option to like something on your profile, and that will be immediately notified to you.
Pricing Plans for Hinge:
Plans
One Month
Three Months
Six Months
Pricing
$34.99/month
$21.66/month
$16.66/month
8. Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel – Best App for Dating
Coffee Meets Bagel is also a decent dating app to try. It was launched in New York City on April 17, 2012, by three sisters: Arum Kang, Dawoon Kang, and Soo Kang. Later it was launched in Boston in May 2012 and then in San Fransisco in October 2012.
It is mostly recommended for women as it gives them an upper hand while matching with someone. In this app, Women receive suggestions based on the guys who have previously matched with them. On the other hand, Guys can only like or pass.
This app provides a certain number of suggestions once a day, so you don’t need to keep swiping over a large number of profiles, which may exhaust you in the whole process. This app takes a couple of considerations before providing you with any suggestions.
You just need to get online once a day, like the profiles you are interested in, and if there’s a match, you will get suggestions.
Let’s understand the Pricing plan for Coffee Meets Bagel:
Aisle is also one of the unique apps in the store for Indian users. It focuses more on serious relationship-buildingrather than wasting time on casual hookups.
The Bengaluru-based dating app, Aisle, was founded in July 2014 by Able Joseph, the current CEO of the Bengaluru-based dating app. The CEO, in one of his interviews, stated that Aisle was an alternative solution for those who are in search of something meaningful but not into any sort of arranged marriage.
To log in, you need a Facebook or LinkedIn profile, fill in the answers for a large questionnaire, and submit it for verification. If you are in search of meaningful dates and not casual hookups, this app is the one for you. It is free, but at the same time, it also provides VIP membership for more premium features.
Badoo is also a popular app for finding dates, founded by Russian entrepreneur Andrey Andreev. It was launched in 2006, and now it has expanded to over 190 countries and is available in 47+ languages, which makes it the world’s most popular dating network. It was once the most downloaded dating app in 21 countries. After going viral on Facebook for its popular social games and quizzes, it was ranked among the fastest-growing Facebook apps.
It offers the same features as Tinder but gives you a bigger range of options for setting dating preferences and interests. The app uses these preferences to find results that are most suitable for you.
To log in, you need to enter your email and set a password. You can also add your social media profiles if you want. It will need your phone number to be verified, and then you can add your photos, live stream, or open a video chat that other users can join.
It also provides a “near me” option, which will show you profiles that are nearby to your location. In this app, you can also send virtual gifts to each other in case of a match.
11. Mingle2
Mingle2 – Best App for Dating
Mingle2 is for both dating and making friends. You can use it on your phone or computer, which many dating apps don’t offer. It lets you chat freely with your connections. The ‘Mutual Match’ feature helps you find people with similar interests. The app has no limits on messaging, making it easy to interact. It’s a simple way to meet new people and build connections.
12. QuackQuack
QuackQuack – Best App for Dating
QuackQuack is an Indian dating app designed for singles to find meaningful connections. It focuses on genuine profiles and safe interactions, with strict verification to reduce fake accounts. Users can chat, match based on interests, and build relationships. The app is popular for its simple interface and local matchmaking. It also offers different membership plans for added features like unlimited messaging. With millions of users, QuackQuack helps people connect easily in a secure environment.
Let’s hear what users of these unique dating apps in India say about their experience.
“Tinder has a large user base and the interface is easy to use. I have had some great matches through the app!” says Priya, a user of Tinder.
“Bumble has been a game-changer for me. I love the fact that women make the first move, which takes the pressure off of men and allows for more equal conversations. The app’s user interface is easy to navigate, and the features are fun and unique.” – Emily, 25
Final Words
In conclusion, the dating app market in India is rapidly growing and offers a wide range of options for individuals seeking a romantic match. When choosing a dating app, it is important to consider factors such as user base, user experience, privacy and security, and cost. The top dating apps in India offer unique features, packages and prices, and user reviews can provide valuable insights into the app’s overall experience.
This article aimed to provide an overview of the best dating apps in India to help individuals find their Valentine’s. Whether you are looking for a serious relationship or a casual date, there is an app to suit your needs. So, make the most of this Valentine’s Day and find your match with the help of these dating apps.
FAQs
Which is the most popular dating app?
Tinder is currently the most popular dating app across the world. It is simple to use, and there are many users, making it easy for people to find their matches.
Can we get real dates by using these apps?
Yes, you can get real dates by using these apps. These apps were made for businesses in the match-making field, creating new possibilities for users to connect with people. So yeah, you can connect with people in real life and can even have virtual dates if you wish, but that is only available in certain apps and not all.
Is online dating free?
Most of dating apps offer free services. They also provide premium plans, which will charge you a basic fee for using some premium features and having better visibility in the dating app. This is a fundamental marketing scheme for the company’s and its users’ mutual benefit.
In an era of rapid economic shifts and digital transformation, The Times Group’s, ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025 is set to ignite powerful conversations on the future of business and policy. This landmark gathering will bring together visionary leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the next phase of global growth.
As the architect of India’s economic and global resurgence, Prime Minister Modi will deliver a keynote that will provide critical insights into India’s expanding global footprint, sustainable economic progress, and the role of collaboration in an interconnected world. As the architect of India’s economic resurgence, his words will not only reflect on the country’s remarkable journey but also offer a vision for the future—one that businesses and investors will keenly watch.
Under the theme “Evolve, Emerge, Expand,” the 2025 summit – which will be held at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi, is more than just a high-powered gathering—it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and strategic growth in a world that is constantly redefining itself. With global CEOs, policymakers, and leading thinkers in attendance, discussions will dive deep into business transformation, policy shifts, and the economic forces shaping tomorrow.
A flagship initiative of The Times Group, ET NOW Global Business Summit has earned its place as Asia’s premier thought leadership platform, where the most influential voices come together to drive change.
At a time when industries are redefining their trajectories, PM Modi’s presence will set the stage for bold ideas, visionary dialogues, and strategies for a future-ready economy. The summit is not just about conversations—it is about actionable insights, meaningful collaborations, and game-changing perspectives that will shape the next decade.
Among names in the Indian stock market, Dolly Khanna is one of the highly celebrated names for her unparalleled ability to identify high growth potential in mid-cap or small-cap stocks. Most retail investors and market fans trace her investment portfolio, giving a glimpse into her highly analytical skills and deep grasp of market dynamics. Years of experience have made this finance personality a beacon of inspiration in the financial world that goes on to show how cautious bets and strategic approaches can well lead to consistent success in the long run.
Dolly hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and was a very curious and analytical child from a very early age. Not being professionally trained in finance or investment, she came out successful just by having an eye for detail and understanding the business model.
She did her graduation in Home Science, an area of study far from the intricacies of the financial markets. However, her passion for understanding businesses and industries grew alongside her husband, Rajiv Khanna, who has played a significant role in shaping her investment philosophy.
Dolly Khanna – Family
Dolly is married to Rajiv Khanna, an engineer from IIT Madras. Together, they form one of the most formidable combinations in the investment world today. While Rajiv was more of a technocrat, with strategic insights into what had been done before, Dolly brings forth the face of that portfolio, with stock picking as her forte.
Dolly has made a significant amount of money, yet she still leads a modest and balanced life. In her free time, she enjoys reading and tending to her garden, embodying the ethos of minimalism and focus.
Dolly Khanna – Career Highlights
It was in the mid-1990s when her husband, Rajiv, sold their manufacturing business in Chennai, Kwality Milk Foods. She utilized this amount as seed money for the stock market journey. Caution marked their beginning; however, slowly the duo’s portfolio picked up substantially as a traditional value investor with an intuitive ability to spot nascent opportunities.
The undervalued stocks with great growth potential, especially in mid-cap and small-cap, form the crux of Khanna’s investment strategy. Her portfolio indicates a keen interest in sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing, consumer goods, and technology. Some of her investment principles include:
Fundamentals First: Prioritizing companies with strong fundamentals, robust cash flows, and minimal debt.
Patience is Key: Dolly holds onto her investments for the long term, allowing them to compound and deliver substantial returns .
Sectoral Focus: Identifying under-researched sectors poised for growth and diversification.
Dolly Khanna – Stock Investments
Dolly Khanna has made several investments that have yielded exceptional returns, making her portfolio a subject of intense scrutiny by retail investors. Here are a few notable examples:
Dolly Khanna feels that one should give back to society and contribute to the good of all. She has supported many charitable causes for years, which include:
Education: Provide scholarships for needy children and support infrastructures at the school.
Health Care: Giving hospitals and clinics in rural areas financial aid to make healthcare accessible for everyone.
Sustainability: Funding environmental conservation projects and advocating for sustainable development.
Dolly Khanna – Awards and Recognition
While Dolly Khanna would hate being put in the public eye, her feats on the stock markets haven’t escaped everybody’s notice. People commend her efforts at contributing toward value investing as well as empowering the average investor.
Dolly Khanna – Legacy and Impact
Dolly Khanna has been a homemaker-turned-investor of tremendous success in India, thereby proving that determination and calculated risk-taking can pay off. Her story inspires hundreds to believe in themselves and push for their financial goals.
Dolly has changed the retail-investing landscape of India and has shown that anybody if approached in the correct manner with the right mental setup, can do phenomenally well in the equity market. Dolly’s investment philosophy continues to drive new generations of investors to remain patient, do extensive homework, and look for longer-term investments.
Dolly Khanna – Facts
Dolly’s investment journey began with the capital from selling a dairy business in Chennai.
Her portfolio is updated quarterly, and her stock picks are closely monitored by market analysts.
She invests in sectors with significant potential for growth but avoids highly speculative or volatile markets.
Despite her financial success, Dolly remains grounded and focuses on living a minimalist lifestyle.
Dolly Khanna is a well-known Indian investor based in Chennai, recognized for her successful stock picking, particularly in small and mid-cap companies.
What is Dolly Khanna’s investment style?
Dolly Khanna focuses on fundamentally strong companies, often in small and mid-cap sectors, with growth potential and undervalued stocks. She typically holds investments for the long term.
When did Dolly Khanna start investing?
Dolly Khanna and her husband Rajiv Khanna began investing in the stock market in 1996, initially in smaller stocks before gaining a reputation for successful mid-cap investments.
A world where machines can think, learn, and make decisions just like humans? It’s not science fiction anymore. It’s the reality of artificial intelligence. As AI continues to shape our future, more and more people are eager to dive into this fascinating field. We at StartupTalky understand the buzz around AI and how it’s changing the game for businesses and individuals alike. So, you’re interested in riding the wave of AI but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The internet is brimming with artificial intelligence courses that cater to beginners and experts alike. From Google’s AI essentials to Stanford’s healthcare-focused AI program, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to boost your career or simply satisfy your curiosity, these online AI courses offer a chance to learn from industry leaders and top universities.
Google AI Essentials is a self-paced artificial intelligence course designed to help individuals across various industries boost their productivity using AI tools. In under 10 hours, learners gain practical skills to apply AI in real-world scenarios. The course covers essential topics such as using AI for idea generation, content creation, and effective prompt writing. It also emphasises responsible AI use by teaching learners to identify potential biases and avoid harm. This AI course is accessible to everyone, requiring no prior technical experience, and is structured to fit into busy schedules.
Course Overview
The course comprises five modules: Introduction to AI, Maximising Productivity with AI Tools, Discovering the Art of Prompt Engineering, Using AI Responsibly, and Staying Ahead of the AI Curve. Through a mix of videos, readings, and interactive exercises, participants learn to use generative AI tools, create effective prompts, and select appropriate AI tools for various work needs. The hands-on approach allows learners to immediately apply their newly acquired skills to workplace tasks.
IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate
Course
IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate
Price
$49 per month on Coursera
Course Length
Approximately 6 months
IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate – Best AI Training Courses
The IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate is a comprehensive online programme designed to equip learners with practical skills in AI development. This self-paced course, offered through Coursera, can be completed in about six months with a commitment of 4-10 hours per week. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to enhance their AI skills.
Overview
This certificate programme covers essential aspects of AI, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Learners engage in hands-on projects and labs, gaining real-world experience in building AI models and applications. Upon completion, participants receive a professional certificate from IBM, a globally recognised leader in AI and technology.
DeepLearning.AI’s Deep Learning Specialisation – Best AI Training Courses
Deep Learning Specialisation is a comprehensive artificial intelligence course that equips learners with foundational skills in deep learning. This programme, led by AI pioneer Andrew Ng, offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The specialisation comprises five courses, covering neural networks, optimisation techniques, and advanced topics like convolutional and recurrent neural networks.
Specialisation Course Structure
The specialisation is structured into five courses:
Neural Networks and Deep Learning
Improving Deep Neural Networks
Structuring Machine Learning Projects
Convolutional Neural Networks
Sequence Models
Each course builds upon the previous one, providing a logical progression through the field of deep learning.
Udacity’s Artificial Intelligence Nanodegree
Course
Udacity’s Artificial Intelligence Nanodegree
Price
$399/month.
Course Length
Approximately 3 months.
Udacity’s Artificial Intelligence Nanodegree – Best AI Training Courses
This one is designed to equip learners with essential skills in AI development. This programme offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making it an excellent choice for those looking to start or advance their careers in AI.
Programme Structure
The nanodegree is structured into two terms, each lasting three months. Students are expected to dedicate approximately 15 hours per week to complete the programme successfully. The curriculum
covers a wide range of topics, includingmachine learning, probabilistic reasoning, robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing.
edX’s Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate
Course
edX’s Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate
Price
$447 total for the certificate program.
Course Length
Approximately 6 months.
edX’s Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate – Best AI Training Courses
It is a course that equips learners with essential skills in AI development. This professional certificate program covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques in machine learning.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes courses on supervised machine learning, unsupervised learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. Students learn to apply common operations to datasets using Python, explain various learning models, and implement algorithms using Scikit-learn.
Skills Gained
Participants gain practical skills in data preprocessing, plotting, and analysing factors that impact algorithm performance. They also learn to optimise machine learning pipelines, implement clustering techniques, and train deep neural networks for classification and regression tasks.
MIT OpenCourseWare’s Artificial Intelligence
Course
MIT OpenCourseWare’s Artificial Intelligence
Price
Free
Course Length
Self-paced, varies by user
MIT OpenCourseWare’s Artificial Intelligence – Best AI Training Courses
This artificial intelligence course, offered by MIT OpenCourseWare, provides a comprehensive introduction to AI fundamentals. Led by Professor Patrick Henry Winston, it covers essential concepts in knowledge representation, problem-solving, and learning methods.
Course Structure
The course comprises lectures, recitations, and tutorials, offering a well-rounded learning experience. It delves into three major areas: Search, Machine Learning, and Knowledge Representation and Inference. Students engage with topics such as graph search, neural networks, and natural language processing.
Key Concepts
Learners explore AI applications in rule chaining, heuristic search, and constrained search. The course also covers decision trees, SVMs, and other learning paradigms, equipping students with practical skills in developing intelligent systems.
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
Course
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
Price
Free
Course Length
Approximately 15 hours
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course – Best AI Training Courses
This one is all about a practical introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning. This free AI course comprises over 30 exercises, 25 lessons, and takes approximately 15 hours to complete. Taught by Google researchers, it provides real-world case studies and interactive visualisations of algorithms in action.
Crash Course Overview
The course covers fundamental machine learning concepts, including supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, classification, and neural networks. It’s designed for both beginners and those with some programming experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their AI skills.
Key Topics
Key topics include linear regression, logistic regression, neural networks, and working with numerical and categorical data. The course also delves into advanced subjects like large language models and ML fairness, ensuring learners gain a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Practical Exercises
Practical exercises run directly in the browser using the Collaboratory platform, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in a hands-on manner. These exercises cover various aspects of machine learning, from basic concepts to more advanced topics, helping students build practical skills in AI development.
End Note
We at StartupTalky believe that staying ahead in the AI game is crucial for success in the 21st century. No matter who you are – a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, these courses offer a chance to level up your skills and stay competitive. And hey, if you’re a founder looking to partner or work with experts in the startup world, don’t hesitate to reach out to the StartupTalky team at shubham@startuptalky.com for all things ‘startups’. When every day is a beginning, so why not start your journey today?
edX’s Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate
MIT OpenCourseWare’s Artificial Intelligence
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
Can I learn AI in 3 months?
Yes, you can gain a basic understanding of AI in three months through focused online courses, especially covering foundational topics like machine learning, data science, and neural networks.
Is AI hard to study?
Studying AI can be challenging due to its technical concepts like machine learning, algorithms, and data analysis, but it’s manageable with dedication and consistent practice.
Kinnary Nensee
