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  • SupplyNote Success Story: Helping Food & Beverage Businesses Automate Their Supply Chain Entirely

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations. The content in this post has been approved by SupplyNote.

    The global food and beverages market grew from $6,729.54 billion in 2022 to $7,221.73 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. In businesses specific to the F&B industry, customer service is of the utmost importance. And to offer highly valued services, the F&B industry needs to strengthen its supply chain networks. Thus, there is an upsurge in demand for supply chain management in the F&B industry. Along with advances in technology, the supply chain industry is evolving.

    SupplyNote provides a full-stack platform for the entire supply chain management process. It helps Food and beverage businesses with inventory management, vendor management, and logistics supply chain needs.

    SupplyNote – Company Highlights

    Startup Name SupplyNote
    Headquarters Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
    Industry SaaS, E-Commerce Platform for Food Businesses
    Founder Kushang, Nitin Prakash, Harshit Mittal, and Abhishek Verma
    Founded 2019
    Website supplynote.in

    SupplyNote – About
    SupplyNote – Industry
    SupplyNote – Founders and Team
    SupplyNote – Idea and Startup Story
    SupplyNote – Name, Tagline, and Logo
    SupplyNote – Products and Services
    SupplyNote – USP
    SupplyNote – Business Model and Revenue Model
    SupplyNote – Acquiring Clients
    SupplyNote – Challenges Faced
    SupplyNote – Growth
    SupplyNote – Funding
    SupplyNote – Advisors and mentors
    SupplyNote – Tools Used in The Company
    SupplyNote – Future plans

    About SupplyNote 

    SupplyNote – About

    SupplyNote is a B2B SAAS platform for F&B businesses that provides a platform for end-to-end management of supply chains with an integrated marketplace.

    Talking about the long-term vision of the company, its aim is to become the backbone of the F&B supply chain by evolving into a one-stop solution for all supply chain needs – software, service, and marketplace.

    In the short term, the idea is to provide a marketplace where merchants can discover suppliers for their raw materials and transact with them, orders from which will be fulfilled by SupplyNote.

    SupplyNote – Industry

    The global food and beverages market is projected to reach $9,225.37 billion in 2027, experiencing a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023.

    The industry has been operating its supply chain using traditional methods (pen and paper) and needs a digital transformation, which SupplyNote intends to bring in. Every F&B outlet suffers noticeable losses due to inventory mismanagement, procurement flaws, etc. For a business that runs on major fixed costs, it becomes more important than ever to maintain the margins. Following the major blow from the pandemic, they observed an accelerated tech disruption in the industry. Therefore, they believe that five years down the line, the industry will be completely digitized in terms of operations.

    SupplyNote – Founders and Team

    Kushang - Co-founder and CEO of SupplyNote
    Kushang – Co-founder and CEO of SupplyNote

    The founding team has Kushang (CEO), Nitin Prakash (CPO), Harshit Mittal (CTO), and Abhishek Verma (COO). They are a bold, intrepid, highly passionate group of tech-loving geeks, foodies, change-makers, doers, and entrepreneurs who are committed to empowering F&B businesses with technology & innovation.

    Four friends from IIT Kanpur came together to build SupplyNote, with Kushang leading the idea, Harshit Mittal leading the technological development, Abhishek Verma leading the Business Operations, and Nitin Prakash leading the Product. During the final year, Adcount Technologies Pvt Ltd was incepted (parent company of SupplyNote).

    The company currently has a strength of 75, and they believe in flexible work culture. More than the hours spent in the office, they care about making progress toward the goal. They work as hard as they play. They like people who like to take on challenges and ownership, who are competitive and yet they care about nature. Most of the team comprises foodies. And they love sports.

    SupplyNote – Idea and Startup Story

    SupplyNote was formerly known as Adurcup. AdCount Technologies was originally founded in 2015 by IIT-Kanpur alumni Kushang, Abhishek Verma, Harshit Mittal, and Nitin Prakash with the idea of monetizing paper cups. Over the period, the company built its network of merchants and started dealing in a variety of supplies. The company was using its own software, which was developed in-house, for managing its supply chain, when a client discussed the requirement of such a solution for their inventory management purpose. The team customized the software as per the client’s requirement, and that gave birth to SupplyNote in 2019, a platform that is actively being used across not less than 2000 outlets today.

    SupplyNote Logo
    SupplyNote Logo

    The name itself is made up of two words, Supply-Note, which essentially means noting down the supply. They discovered that inventory management isn’t digitized yet in a major part of the F&B industry in India. As they started the mission of digitizing the supply chain, they came up with the name that means recording the inventory data—SupplyNote, for short.

    The logo of SupplyNote might look like an arrow pointing towards the top (that signifies growth), but it’s more than that. That arrow is made up of two letters, S and N, which are the initials of Supply-Note.

    The tagline of SupplyNote is ‘Fix Your Supply Chain,’ enabling companies to expand into new geographies faster by eliminating the hassle of building supply chains or discovering suppliers. SupplyNote has already solved those challenges for them, making it much easier for companies to scale and explore markets. Hence, the logo represents growth—in numbers, in business, in every aspect.

    SupplyNote – Products and Services

    SupplyNote is an ecosystem of software and services for the management of Supply Chain for F&B businesses. It has 4 products under its umbrella:

    1. The Point of Sale Solution: Having an exclusive strategic partnership with Posify, SupplyNote offers its customers a platform for the management of sales, such as billing, kitchen management, table management, rider tracking, web ordering, and more.
    2. The Inventory Management / Supply Chain Management Software: Integrated with Point of Sale, SupplyNote IMS takes in the data of sales, and its advanced algorithms break down the sold items into the raw material that has been consumed and updates the inventory in real-time. It also helps with the management of suppliers, the generation of purchase orders, sales orders, and more.
    3. The Fulfilment Services: SupplyNote helps merchants and vendors transact with each other without worrying about operational challenges, as SupplyNote offers warehousing and logistic services (dry and cold) to fulfill supply chain needs.
    4. The Marketplace: A product of SupplyNote that helps merchants discover suppliers and transact with them, getting more options and flexibility on price, payment terms, quality options, and more.

    SupplyNote – USP

    SupplyNote is the only full-stack platform for supply chain management, as all the other companies are only solving a part of the supply chain and not the entire supply chain.


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    SupplyNote – Business Model and Revenue Model

    The clients pay a subscription fee for using the SAAS, while they pay per usage for their fulfillment services. In the marketplace model, they only charge for the fulfillment of delivery (storage and transport) currently and do not charge any commissions from either party.

    SupplyNote – Acquiring Clients

    Back in 2015 when the company was incepted, the strategy for the acquisition of clients was Feet-on-Street. The team went from door to door, proposing the offerings of the company at that time and built its network of clients. Later, they got great clients who gave us referrals for other clients and word on the streets picked up gradually. Further, in 2019 when SupplyNote was launched, they already were doing business with over 300 clients that showed interest in the software and some of them even turned out to be the first users.

    SupplyNote is solving various challenges related to the supply chain and they reach out to every F&B business to discuss the problems they are facing, further contemplating how SupplyNote can solve it for them.

    For 100 to 1000, their approach was more linear, with their teammates reaching out to all businesses in the nearby area and pitching them with their propositions. However, as it reached the mark of 1000, they started marketing and taking up branding initiatives, spreading awareness around the significance of digitizing the supply chain, the cost that a good Inventory management software can save, and much more. They are also tying up with companies to provide multiple value propositions to their clients to retain them longer.

    SupplyNote – Challenges Faced

    One of the earlier products of AdCount Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was Adurcup, an e-commerce platform that was supplying various raw materials to F&B businesses. The challenge was the disorganization of the entire F&B industry at the time, and digitization was yet a foreign concept within the Industry. That is why they decided on solving that challenge, and discovering a bigger opportunity.

    SupplyNote – Growth

    Since April 2020, the company has grown 12X in GMV and has become the second-largest F&B Supply Chain Company in India (By GMV).

    SupplyNote – Funding

    SupplyNote has successfully raised a total of $4.7 million in funding across seven rounds from a diverse group of investors. Among the recent investors are Cogniphy and DSP Family Office, and other notable investors include LetsVenture, SucSEED Indovation, Soonicorn Ventures, Venture Catalysts, SOSV, Artesian VC, and more.

    Here are the details of SupplyNote’s funding rounds:

    Date Funding Round Amount Lead Investors
    July 12, 2023 Series A $2.3 million Artesian VC, Venture Catalysts
    October 20, 2022 Series A
    October 28, 2021 Seed Round $1.2 million Venture Catalysts
    October 21, 2021 Seed Round $667K
    September 10, 2021 Convertible Note
    October 21, 2020 Seed Round $600K Artesian VC, SOSV, Venture Catalysts
    February 22, 2020 Seed Round MOX (now Orbit Startups)

    SupplyNote – Advisors and mentors

    SupplyNote Advisors and Mentors
    SupplyNote Advisors and Mentors

    Yogesh Bellani, William Bao Bean, Vikram Upadhaya, and Apporv Ranjan Sharma are the mentors and advisors of SupplyNote.

    SupplyNote – Tools Used in The Company

    They use many tools within the company like- Zira, Asana, and Slack to manage work, and Google Suite for emails, meetings, calendars, docs, slides, and sheets. They use Figma for designing, Hubspot as their CRM, MixPanel, and Google Analytics for data analytics and insights, and more.

    SupplyNote – Future plans

    They are planning to launch a new kind of marketplace in Delhi NCR which they will be expanding across the country shortly.

    FAQs

    What is SupplyNote?

    SupplyNote is a B2B SAAS platform for Food & Beverage businesses that provides a platform for end-to-end management of the supply chain.

    Who is the founder of SupplyNote?

    Kushang, Nitin Prakash, Harshit Mittal, and Abhishek Verma are the founders of SupplyNote.

    When was SupplyNote founded?

    SupplyNote was founded in 2019.

    What is AdUrCup?

    SupplyNote was formerly known as Adurcup – one of the earlier products of AdCount Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

  • Top 12 Best Help Desk Software You Should Use

    The success of any organization relies heavily on customer satisfaction. To enhance customer engagement and satisfaction, it is crucial to promptly respond to and support any customer queries. This is where the help desk comes into play—a suite of software tools designed to provide information and assistance to customers regarding their concerns, complaints, or inquiries about products or services. The help desk serves as a centralized platform, integrating queries from various customer-facing support channels such as live chat, email integration, web contact forms, phone, mobile, and social media.

    By employing help desk or support desk software, the time taken by support agents to resolve customer issues is significantly reduced. Instead of sifting through endless emails, voicemails, messages, texts, and posts, the software organizes tickets from different platforms into one easy-to-use system. This organized approach allows support agents to provide above-and-beyond customer service efficiently and effectively.

    In this blog post, we will delve into the world of help desk software and explore the top contenders for the title of “Best Help Desk Software.” Whether you are a small business owner looking to provide stellar support or a large enterprise seeking to optimize your customer service infrastructure, this guide will serve as your compass in navigating through the multitude of options available.

    How to Choose SaaS Help Desk Software?

    It can be difficult to choose the best help desk software for your company when there is a plethora of options available. To help you make your choice, here are some features to consider when making your decision:

    • Ease of Ticketing: Most importantly, you’ll want to determine whether the process of creating, routing, adjusting and closing tickets is on par with what your business needs and expects. You should be able to create a ticket for a customer and route that ticket to the appropriate team or individual who can best address it. You should also be able to make modifications to the ticket as you gain more information on the customer’s situation. And, once the problem has been fully resolved, you should be able to close the ticket and save it in your records as a resource for future inquiries.
    • Variety of Channels: You could adopt a separate help desk for each support channel you use, but that would be incredibly inefficient, confusing, and wasteful of funds. Rather, you’ll want to find one software that can support all of your communication channels, including email, social media, SMS messaging, and VoIP.
    • Self-Service Portal: Some questions are so fundamental that customers waste time contacting your support team for an answer. This is where it’s helpful to have a self-service portal that gives users get quick answers to simple questions. And, a self-service portal doesn’t just help your customers. It can also be used as an internal help desk, offering agents step-by-step guides to complex inquiries that can be easily copied and sent to customers. Rather than spending time rewriting the same troubleshooting steps, your reps will have a canned response ready to go for almost every service request.
    • App Integrations: Help desk software that can integrate with other apps like scheduling, project management, and internal messaging, is significantly valuable to your organization. Information that’s gained through the help desk should be stored and available on every app that you use. Additionally, all data gained externally should be uploaded to your help desk so that your information is stored in one location.

    Best Help Desk SaaS Platforms

    Help desk software lets you manage customer queries, faster. Support is always a key to business success, and choosing the right helpdesk solution can turn frustration into happy customers. It leads to better customer satisfaction. It also helps your support team to handle issues, queries, and feedback promptly. Let’s explore the following available support desk solutions.

    Freshdesk

    Website www.freshworks.com/freshdesk
    Rating 4.5/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Small businesses and Online enterprises
    FreshDesk - Best Help Desk Software
    FreshDesk – Best Help Desk Software

    FreshDesk is a customer support solution to boost the productivity of your support team. Make your customer happy and satisfied by leveraging the benefits of Freshdesk. Some questions are repetitive and time-consuming, provide FAQs and a knowledge base to customers and empower them to solve their queries.
    Bots are assigned to manage the repetitive task and provide the appropriate articles from a knowledge base. Some queries may need discussion with the team. collaborate effectively with the team on any ticket and provide the accurate answer within the specified time.

    Its intelligent ticket assignment system assigns the ticket to the agent based on their skill and workload. Also, whenever you make any reply to an open ticket, the software notifies the customer with an email.

    Features of FreshDesk

    • Categorize and prioritize the tickets to the right agent and make the workflow smooth.
    • Track all the messages from different channels and manage them in one interface.
    • Agent collision detection to ensure every employee works on the unique ticket.
    • Its thank you detector prevents reopening the ticket when a customer says thank you.
    • Assign different customized statuses to the ticket based on their progress.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Free Rs 0 Rs 0
    Growth Rs999/agent/month Rs1199/agent/month
    Pro Rs3599/agent/month Rs4299/agent/month
    Enterprise Rs5699/agent/month Rs6899/agent/month


    Click here to get Freshdesk


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    Zendesk

    Website www.zendesk.com
    Rating 4.4/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For All types of businesses and Customer Experience Management
    Zendesk - Best Support Desk Software
    Zendesk – Best Support Desk Software

    The customer support solution by Zendesk is dedicated to enhancing the experience of both the customer and the support team. Seamless connectivity of multiple channels of communication empowers customers to raise their queries and get help on any communication channel they are comfortable with.

    Easy to create a dedicated help center with relevant FAQ questions and a community forum. This help center will significantly reduce the workload on an employee by answering the most asked questions. It helps to reduce the response time so that your customer doesn’t have to wait.

    Features of ZenDesk

    • One workspace to manage queries from any communication channel.
    • Bots are available to answer basic queries and provide appropriate solutions from the knowledge base.
    • Make the conversation run fast by assigning the tickets to agents based on their workload and availability.
    • Automated questions to gather information about the query and push it to the appropriate agent.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Suite Team $49/agent/month $59/agent/month
    Suite Growth $79/agent/month $99/agent/month
    Suite Professional $99/agent/month $125/agent/month
    Suite Enterprise Custom Price Custom Price

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    Intercom

    Website www.intercom.com
    Rating 4.5/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Making internet business personal
    Intercom - Customer Help Desk Software
    Intercom – Customer Help Desk Software

    Intercom is a comprehensive Customer Service solution that offers a smooth customer experience through automation and human support, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and cost reduction.

    Intercom provides a customizable design that allows you to align your brand and business needs. It also helps engage customers in-context and encourages action throughout their journey in the Intercom Messenger. The ticketing system enables handling complex customer requests through asynchronous tickets designed for cross-functional collaboration.

    Features of Intercom:

    • The system can quickly generate responses, summarize conversations for other agents, and produce new help articles.
    • Colleagues can collaborate easily to solve complex problems and customers can track progress in real time.
    • View all support conversations in a centralized location.
    • Collaborate effectively with colleagues in real time.
    • Increase productivity by utilizing live dashboards, reporting, work management tools, and other optimization techniques.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Price
    Starter $74 / month
    Pro Custom Price
    Premium Custom Price

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    SpiceWorks

    Website www.spiceworks.com
    Rating 4.4/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Free customer support software
    Spiceworks - Help Desk Software
    Spiceworks – Help Desk Software

    Spiceworks provides a cloud-based helpdesk solution that efficiently manages IT tickets and tasks. Because your help desk is stored in the cloud, there is no need to be concerned about server procurement, backups, or maintenance.

    Using Spiceworks, agents are able to efficiently track IT incidents, respond to tickets, make private comments, and promptly close them. It is possible to create custom fields to track additional information that is relevant to your business. A customizable user portal has been created for employees and customers to track the progress of their tickets.

    Spiceworks also offers inventory management functionality, allowing your team to access information about current orders. This helps the staff inform customers if their order will be shipped late.

    Features of Spiceworks:

    • Tickets are assigned to agents automatically and progress is tracked.
    • Collaborate with your team members by sharing support tickets and resolving issues more efficiently.
    • You can generate reports and easily view team performance metrics.
    • Monitor new tickets and determine the time it takes for your initial response.
    • Customers have the opportunity to share questions and ideas with others on the Spiceworks community forum.

    Pricing Plans

    Spiceworks is available free of cost for all users.


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    HappyFox

    Website www.happyfox.com
    Rating 4.6/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Mid sized Companies
    Happyfox - Best Service Desk Software
    Happyfox – Best Service Desk Software

    HappyFox provides a centralized system for managing customer queries and issues from various channels, such as email, live chat, social media, and more. It incorporates a ticketing system that organizes customer requests, allowing support agents to efficiently track, prioritize, and resolve issues.

    Happyfox is loaded with amazing ticketing features that make the task of resolving the ticket much easier. Prioritize the unresponded tickets in the list and ensure timely replies to make customers happy. SLA (service level agreement) is easy to create for your agents to ensure a timely reply and other objectives by setting targets.

    SLA will help to maintain a consistent workflow with targets such as time to first response, time to reach, changing status, and many more conditions. The robust dashboard of Happyfox gives a quick insight into agent activity reports, performance reports, and inflow reports.

    Features of Happyfox

    • Classification of tickets into predefined categories.
    • Solve the customer ticket through collaboration with a team.
    • pre-fill the required and essential information in the ticket with the ticket templates.
    • SLA works during office hours only.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Mighty $29/agent/month $39/agent/month
    Fantastic $49/agent/month $59/agent/month
    Enterprise $69/agent/month $79/agent/month
    Enterprise Plus $89/agent/month $99/agent/month

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    LiveAgent

    Website www.liveagent.com
    Rating 4.7/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Customer Interaction
    LiveAgent - Customer Help Desk Software
    LiveAgent – Customer Help Desk Software

    LiveAgent is a robust and versatile help desk software that empowers businesses to deliver exceptional customer support across multiple channels. It is a comprehensive customer service platform that integrates various communication channels into one centralized system, allowing organizations to effectively manage and respond to customer queries.

    It empowers your support agent with its never-ending features. Omnichannel ticketing, SLA management, and custom fields are just a small portion of the features provided by this software.

    It is Fully-focused software that caters to the needs of businesses in terms of providing the best support to its customers. The interface is easy to use and most of the things are customizable.

    Features of LiveAgent

    • Enjoy flexibility with a cloud-based call centre feature.
    • 200+ other tool integration and 130+ ticketing features.
    • Agent ranking feature to monitor the efficiency of agents, customers can easily rate the service provided by the agent.
    • Audit log that keeps a record of every activity undertaken by the agent.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Small Business $9/agent/month $15/agent/month
    Medium Business $29/agent/month $35/agent/month
    Large Business $49/agent/month $59/agent/month
    Free $0/agent/month $0/agent/month


    Try LiveAgent For Free


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    Zoho Desk

    Website www.zoho.com/desk
    Rating 4.5/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Growing Companies
    Zoho Desk - Customer Service Help Desk Software
    Zoho Desk – Customer Service Help Desk Software

    Zoho Desk is a customer service software that delivers its services to help your support team and manage the queries of customers in a much more efficient way. The insightful dashboard of Zoho Desk gives proper insight into ticket traffic and customers’ happiness rating. By monitoring and analyzing the charts on the dashboard, you can easily predict the performance of your support team.

    With Zoho Desk, users can easily make custom changes to various aspects of the system. They have the ability to rename tabs, create new departments, customize email templates, define business hours, and establish help folders, all of which contribute to a personalized and efficient support environment.

    Features of Zoho Desk

    • Automatic assignment of support tickets to the right person in the right department to fast forward the process of solving a customer’s problem.
    • Smooth integration with the other Zoho software.
    • Workflow automation in ticketing whenever any new ticket meets certain conditions.
    • Manage all your brands in a company with separate help articles and FAQs, and integrate everything using one software in one interface.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Standard Rs 800/user/month Rs 1300/user/month
    Professional Rs 1400/user/month Rs 2100/user/month
    Enterprise Rs 2400/user/month Rs 3200/user/month


    Try Zoho Desk Now


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    JIRA Service Management

    Website www.atlassian.com/software/jira/service-management
    Rating 4.5/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Atlassian customer and flexible ITSM
    JIRA Service Management - Help Desk Software
    JIRA Service Management – Help Desk Software

    Jira Service Management, formerly recognized as Jira Service Desk, is an IT service management solution that leverages the renowned Jira platform. The Jira Service Management was introduced in 2013 by Atlassian that delivers its customer support services to businesses. In the year 2020 Jira service management was launched and merged Jira service desk into it. Now Jira Service Management has features of a service desk along with the additional capabilities of ITSM.

    Ticketing, SLA, knowledge base, and help widgets are the common features, on top of that it provides more IT business-centric support. It is focused on delivering the best software for IT service management.

    Features of Jira Service Desk

    • Empower the business team, Dev, and IT ops to deliver a smooth customer service experience.
    • Categorize the queries based on their department.
    • Focused support solution.
    • Dedicated templates to streamline legal, HR, Facilities, and General service management.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Free $0 $0
    Standard $600/agent/year $21/agent/month
    Premium $1,400/agent/year $47/agent/month
    Enterprise Custom Price Custom Price

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    Kustomer

    Website www.kustomer.com
    Rating 4.5/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web
    Best For Omnichannel messaging and small companies
    Kustomer - Support Desk Software
    Kustomer – Support Desk Software

    Kustomer is a customer service software solution that offers varieties of features in this domain. Connect with customers and solve their problems on any channel. The task of managing customer interaction is much easier with a timeline view. All the previous interaction is placed in chronological order to deliver the best customer experience.

    AI chatbot is available to reduce the workload from support staff and knowledge base to answer the FAQs. Have a quick insight into the performance of your team and individual agents with the robust dashboard of Jira.

    Features of Kustomer

    • Direct integration with social media such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter for instant replies to messages and comments.
    • Actionable data insights like order details, status, and more to serve the customer quickly.
    • Natural language processing detects the customer’s intent and suggests shortcuts to agents.
    • AI to automate repetitive manual work.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Price
    Enterprise $89 per month / per user
    Ultimate $139 per month / per user

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    Gorgias

    Website www.gorgias.com
    Rating 4.7/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Ecommerce business
    Gorgias - Support Desk Software
    Gorgias – Support Desk Software

    Gorgias is e-commerce-focused support software that helps to solve e-commerce-related problems. Communicate with the customer and solve their query by having all your customer data in front of your screen. Manage the orders, refunds, subscriptions, and many things without switching to different tabs.

    As an e-commerce-centric software, it fetches your e-commerce data from your e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, or big commerce and integrates it with the helpdesk. Alignment of all the previous conversations from different channels at the same interface will help you to know the customer’s perspective more efficiently.

    Features of Gorgias

    • 80+ integration options are available to increase the software capabilities.
    • Each ticket is categorized properly based on the channel it comes from, Like email, live chat, social media, SMS, or voice.
    • Automatic response to common questions like order tracking, refund status, and cancellation.
    • Gauge customer satisfaction with feedback and rating.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Starter Only available for monthly subscription $10/month
    Basic $50/month $60/month
    Pro $300/month $360/month
    Advanced $750/month $900/month
    Enterprise Custom Price Custom Price


    Try Gorgias Now


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    Hiver

    Website Hiverhq.com
    Rating 4.7/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Google Workspace
    Hiver - Gmail-based Customer Service Helpdesk
    Hiver – Gmail-based Customer Service Helpdesk

    Hiver is the first Gmail-based helpdesk that makes it unique from any helpdesk software. It brings simplicity to your business and promotes human-to-human conversation by eliminating chatbots. Focused on providing the user with the best problem-solving experience, it leverages the power of Gmail and its features.

    Since live chat is used widely by customers to ask questions, Hiver has integrated it into Gmail to maintain a seamless workflow. Agents do not need to switch between tools to solve problems. Team collaboration is made easier with features like transcript sharing. It helps other agents know the chat history and context of the problem.

    Features of Hiver

    • Top-notch email management without logging in separately.
    • Monitor the workload on agents in real time and redistribute it in a single click.
    • Empower your agents to solve the query of customers anywhere, anytime through the Hiver iOS and Android app.
    • Get help from any specific agents utilizing the feature @mention.
    • Harvey bot prevents the conversation from reopening by identifying a response like “Thank you”.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Lite Rs800/user/month Rs1100/user/month
    Pro Rs2200/user/month Rs2800/user/month
    Elite Rs3300/user/month Rs4000/user/month

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    Help Scout

    Website www.helpscout.com
    Rating 4.7/5
    Free Trial Available
    Platform Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Emails and Live Chats for Growing Companies
    Help Scout - Best Helpdesk Software
    Help Scout – Best Helpdesk Software

    Help Scout helps to provide support to your customers by utilizing its intuitive interface and features. Loaded with all the primary and essential features, it also offers some additional functionalities like instant notification on the browser, custom CSS, custom domain, article suggestions, and much more.

    Providing customers with the best support experience is the primary focus of any help desk software, this tool offers all the essential features to hook the customer throughout the problem-solving journey. It suggests the knowledge base articles to users based on the page URL. In simple words, it offers all the features you need to provide the best customer experience.

    Features of Help Scout

    • iOS and Android apps to manage queries on the go.
    • Search and insert the knowledge base article link without leaving the chat screen.
    • Organize your inbox and assign different tasks to different teams in their inbox.
    • Chat when your team is online and provide other options when they are not.

    Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Standard $20/user/month $25/user/month
    Plus $40/user/month $50/user/month
    Pro $65/user/month Annual only


    Try Help Scout Now


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    Conclusion

    Effectively managing customer support is always a challenging task. However, with the assistance of a cloud-based helpdesk solution, achieving customer satisfaction becomes more attainable. In today’s market, numerous tools are available, making it overwhelming to find the right one. Instead of being swayed solely by the features of different tools, it is essential to focus on their functionalities and determine if they align with your specific needs.

    To gain insights into a tool’s performance, reading user reviews and evaluating real-life scenarios can be immensely helpful. Additionally, taking advantage of free trials offered by vendors allows you to experience the tool firsthand before making a final decision. By following this approach, you can carefully select the perfect tool that suits your requirements and embark on a successful customer support journey.

    FAQs

    What is support desk software?

    Support desk software is a software product that customer service and IT teams use to serve employees or customers. Its core functions are to help service teams systematically manage support requests, provide self-service options, track and report performance and more.

    What are the best Support Desk Softwares?

    The following are the Best Support Desk Software

    • Freshdesk
    • Zendesk
    • HappyFox
    • Intercom
    • SpiceWorks
    • LiveAgent
    • Zoho Desk
    • Jira Service Desk
    • Kustomer
    • Gorgias
    • Hiver
    • Help Scout

    What are the benefits of Support desk software?

    You can organize support requests, collaborate with customers and teammates, automate repetitive tasks, improve overall customer experience Customize and rebrand to suit your business.

    Who can you Support Desk Software?

    Support Desk Software can be used by both big organisations as well as small firms. Support Desk Software helps you to manage customers in one place and Manage your customers in one place.

  • SEO Copywriting: How to Write Content For People and Optimize For Google?

    In the 1950s, Howard Gossage (“The Socrates of San Francisco”) had once quoted,

    Nobody reads ads. People read what interests them. Sometimes it’s an ad.

    This quote is significant in the present times, as the world of copywriting and content is ruling the digital platforms.

    The most vital aspect for every content creator is SEO Copywriting. For many of them, attracting a large part of the audience is to build content that creates a lasting impression. It is the generation of digital content and online marketing, and both rely heavily on SEO copywriting.

    For starters, SEO copywriting might sound like typing complex codes but is quite easy once you understand the art of doing it. The key is to understand what your audience wants to read and create copy that connects with the audience.

    This article further explains what SEO copywriting is and how you can create content for people and search engines like Google.

    Understanding SEO Copywriting and Its Importance

    SEO Copywriting
    Why Is It So Important to Have Effective SEO Copywriting?
    The Six Key Elements to Master SEO Copywriting

    Understanding SEO Copywriting and Its Importance

    To understand SEO copywriting, we must first understand SEO and Copywriting.

    Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

    The practice of improving a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) by optimizing the website and its content is known as SEO. SEO uses a variety of tactics and methods to draw organic (non-paid) traffic from search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

    Furthermore, SEO comprises two components; On-Page SEO and Off-Page SEO.

    On-Page Optimisation includes; Keyword research and optimization, HTML Tags, Site structure and navigation, Page load speed, and Content Optimisation, while Off-Page Optimisation includes External factors like Social Signals, Link Building, and Online reputation management.

    To stay up-to-date with changes to search engine algorithms and shifting user behavior, SEO is an ongoing process that needs constant monitoring, analysis, and adaptation.

    Give your organic rankings the desired boost with the Help of 99Outreach SEO Services

    Why Choose Team 99Outreach?

    Guaranteed Satisfaction | In-house content creation | Team of experts

    Get Started


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    Copywriting

    Copywriting is the art and ability to create captivating and persuading information, sometimes referred to as “copy,” to persuade readers or viewers to perform a particular action. Making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, registering for a service, or achieving any other goal might be the action. It is frequently linked to marketing and advertising since its main objectives are to engage, convince, and convert the target audience. It involves writing compelling copy, conveying the advantages and worth of a good or service, and encouraging the reader to take the desired action.

    When it comes to copywriting, several factors need to be taken into account to make it effective. These factors include the needs, desires, emotions, and challenges of the intended audience. Effective copywriting often employs persuasive techniques such as compelling language and storytelling to evoke emotions in the audience and establish trustworthiness.

    Copywriting can be used in various forms of media such as commercials, websites, landing pages, email campaigns, sales letters, and social media posts. A skilled copywriter understands the art of persuasion, communicates effectively, and tailors their writing style to resonate with the intended audience. The result is achieving marketing goals by eliciting the desired actions from the target audience.


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    SEO Copywriting

    Google is the mastermind behind the concept of SEO Copywriting. If your objective is to create relevant content while simultaneously maintaining your rank in Google, in that case, you have to think about the main element of Google’s Ranking Algorithm.

    In SEO copywriting, the content is created and optimized for search engines while still being valuable and readable to human readers. To do effectively in search engine results pages (SERPs) for particular keywords or phrases entails producing high-quality, educational, and entertaining content that is properly optimized.

    As a digital marketer, it is essential to know that the main objective of SEO copywriting is to create a balance between meeting the needs of search engine algorithms and giving your target audience useful information. To increase exposure and draw organic visitors, you must include pertinent keywords, arrange the material efficiently, and optimize on-page components.

    SEO copywriting aims to create content that appeals to both readers and search engines like Google. By selecting and using keywords that match the search queries of the target audience, the website is more likely to appear in the search engine results for those queries. This optimization helps search engines recognize the website’s relevance to specific topics, improving its visibility in organic search results.

    Why Is It So Important to Have Effective SEO Copywriting?

    Wendy Piersall says, Google only loves you when everyone else loves you first.

    The importance of having effective SEO Copywriting is that you can improve the ranking of your content in search engine results pages (SERPs), it is as simple as that. Using SEO copywriting techniques, like using relevant keywords and optimizing on-page elements like meta tags and headings can help search engines better understand and index your content. As a result, your website gains greater visibility, leading to increased organic traffic and exposure.

    Additionally, effective SEO Copywriting can give you an edge over your competitors. In comparison to rivals who haven’t invested in SEO copywriting, you can stand out in search results by producing excellent and optimized content. You can also develop authority in your industry and get more organic visitors.

    Content Writing for SEO: How to Create Content that Ranks in Google

    The Six Key Elements to Master SEO Copywriting

    Certain elements of SEO Copywriting contribute to the overall visibility of your business website. Google will only focus on your website when it has fulfilled several factors. One of the most important factors according to Google is quality content and user experience. However, there are a few key components that can help you write content for your audience and Google in particular. Below we have listed some tips to help you write content that is optimized for search engines while still providing value to your audience:

    Understand Your Audience

    To start your writing journey, it’s important to know who your intended audience is. Figure out what they want, what they’re interested in, and what kind of information they’re seeking. This understanding will help you create content that meets their needs.

    Keyword Optimisation

    SEO copywriting is the process of strategically using relevant keywords and phrases throughout the content. By selecting and targeting keywords that match the search queries of the target audience, the website can increase its chances of appearing in search engine results. This optimization helps search engines recognize the website’s relevance to particular topics, resulting in better visibility in organic search results. Using tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can help you find relevant keywords with search volume and competition data. Choosing keywords that are relevant to your content can result in a reasonable search volume.

    Have a Compelling Headline & Meta Tags

    The headline of your content is the first thing that catches the reader’s eye. It is important to make it captivating and interesting while also including your target keyword naturally. A well-written headline can increase the number of clicks and encourage readers to go through your content. Craft attention-grabbing headlines and meta titles that honestly represent your content and include targeted keywords. Your meta description should provide a brief and compelling summary that intrigues readers to click on the search result.

    Write High-quality Content

    Content is the crucial element when it comes to having effective SEO copywriting. When creating content, prioritize providing value and information that addresses your audiences’ concerns and issues. Use clear and concise language that is easy to comprehend. Divide the text into sections using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make it easier to scan. In addition, modern SEO writing is not only focusing on keyword targeting and posting but rather having to deliver the right emotion through ads. Modern SEO writing is all about stimulating a storyline that bridges the gap between you as a brand and your audience.

    Having high-quality backlinks from reputable and relevant websites is an essential factor in ranking. SEO copywriting can help attract backlinks naturally by producing valuable content that other websites consider worth referencing and linking to. Page links let Google know that you’re connected, and social and that you have valuable information that other people can access. This information may be original to you or it may come from another website or author. Besides this, backlinks not only enhance visibility but also boost the website’s authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines.

    Focus on User-Experience

    Google carefully evaluates user experience while calculating rankings. It values only those websites that offer a good user experience. Your goal should be to provide interesting, helpful, and valuable content that meets user needs. Make sure your site’s navigation is simple and your information is easy to find. Your website is more likely to be viewed, shared, and linked to when it offers high-quality content that caters to user demands. This will eventually help in increasing the website’s exposure and authority in the eyes of search engines.

    While the above-mentioned elements help in offering effective SEO Copywriting, it must also be kept in mind to regularly monitor and analyze your website’s performance. As a result, you will be informed about organic traffic, bounce rates, and keyword rankings to identify areas for improvement and to track the effectiveness of your SEO copywriting efforts. For monitoring, use tools such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console.

    Key Takeaways

    To boost your website’s visibility, SEO copywriting focuses on improving user experience, on-page components, and content. However, it’s important to find the right balance between optimizing for search engines and providing valuable content for your readers. By using SEO copywriting, you can increase your website’s ranking, attract more clicks, and generate organic traffic. Additionally, by aligning with Google’s algorithms, you can enhance your online presence by meeting user expectations.

    FAQs

    What is SEO?

    The practice of improving a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) by optimizing the website and its content is known as SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

    What does On-page optimization include?

    On-page Optimisation includes; Keyword research and optimization, HTML Tags, Site structure and navigation, Page load speed, and Content Optimisation.

    What is the importance of having effective SEO Copywriting?

    The importance of having effective SEO Copywriting is that you can improve the ranking of your content in search engine results pages (SERPs).

  • The Role of Learning Management Systems in Startup Growth

    In this era of rapid digital technology advancement and global connectivity, startups are charting new territories to find pathways to success. One essential tool gaining increasing recognition in this quest is the learning management system (LMS). It serves not just as a digital platform for education but as a growth catalyst, enabling startups to develop, retain, and nourish a skilled and talented workforce.

    Among various LMS platforms, some options, such as the Totara learning management system, stand out due to their unique blend of flexibility and adaptability. These systems transcend their roles as tools to become strategic partners, forging potent opportunities for startups to surge ahead.

    Read on to delve into ways LMS can contribute to your startup’s success and learn actionable strategies to maximize its benefits.

    Boosting Employee Skills and Knowledge
    Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Application
    Cultivating Innovation Through Learning
    Enhancing Workforce Retention
    Actionable Steps for LMS Implementation

    Boosting Employee Skills and Knowledge

    In the dynamic startup environment, leveraging knowledge is essential to attaining a competitive edge. A well-integrated LMS acts as an accelerator, enhancing the intellectual capital within your team. It promotes continuous learning, empowering team members to adapt to changing market trends, and fueling startup growth.

    Here are the primary ways an LMS enhances skill development:

    • Customized Learning Pathways: You can customize the learning content based on each team member’s role, needs, and skill gaps. This customization promotes effective skill enhancement.
    • Collaborative Learning: An LMS can convert learning into a shared experience. Features like discussion forums, chats, and virtual study groups foster a collaborative learning environment, honing technical and soft skills.
    • Culture of Lifelong Learning: By consistently providing fresh and relevant content, an LMS helps build a culture of lifelong learning. This enhances productivity, fosters creative thinking, and fuels startup growth.

    Accordingly, an LMS doesn’t merely disseminate knowledge but transforms your startup into a learning organization, evolving it from a fledgling venture into a potential industry frontrunner.

    Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Application

    Knowledge acquisition is merely the first step in the learning journey. The actual power of learning emerges through its practical application, delivering significant outcomes for your startup.

    Here are some ways an LMS helps in this transition:

    • Practical Simulations: An LMS provides simulation opportunities, allowing your team to practice new skills in a controlled, risk-free setting, making learning more engaging and interactive.
    • Project-Based Learning: Assigning projects within the LMS reflecting real-world problems enables your team to apply their learned concepts, reinforcing their comprehension.
    • Instant Feedback: As your team interacts with learning material and undertakes assessments, they receive real-time feedback on their performance, facilitating prompt identification of improvement areas and corrective actions.
    • Gamification: Features like leaderboards, badges, and points gamify the learning experience, motivating employees to participate actively and apply their knowledge.

    An LMS is more than a knowledge repository; it’s a platform promoting knowledge application, delivering tangible results for your startup’s growth.

    Cultivating Innovation Through Learning

    Innovation is the lifeblood of startups, and nurturing an environment that encourages creative thinking is paramount. An LMS serves as a conduit for cultivating innovation within your startup, fostering a mindset of continual learning and growth.

    The following are some ways an LMS fuels innovation:

    • Access to Diverse Knowledge Resources: An LMS provides diverse and dynamic learning resources. Your team gains exposure to a broad array of knowledge, encouraging them to think outside the box and foster creative solutions.
    • Collaborative Learning: By facilitating a shared learning environment, an LMS promotes idea exchange and collaboration, potentially sparking fresh insights and innovative problem-solving approaches.
    • Continuous Learning Environment: With an LMS, learning isn’t restricted to fixed schedules. Your team can access content anytime, allowing them to learn at their own pace and keeping their minds open to new ideas and concepts.

    Through these avenues, an LMS becomes a powerful tool to foster innovation. By facilitating access to diverse knowledge, promoting collaboration, and keeping your team abreast of the latest trends, it paves the way for innovative ideas to sprout and influence your startup’s growth trajectory.

    Enhancing Workforce Retention

    Workforce retention is a critical factor in startup growth. A high turnover rate can inhibit progress, cause instability, and escalate recruitment costs. Conversely, retaining talented employees facilitates the construction of a stable, skilled team capable of driving your startup forward.

    Here’s how an LMS can improve workforce retention:

    • Employee Engagement: Enhancing employee engagement is a critical function of an LMS. When you deliver personalized learning experiences using an LMS, it’s more likely that team members will find the content engaging and relevant. This increased engagement, in turn, strengthens their commitment to your startup, contributing to workforce retention.
    • Career Development: An LMS provides resources for skill enhancement and professional growth. By investing in your employees’ career development, you demonstrate their value, increasing loyalty and reducing turnover.
    • Recognition and Reward: Gamified learning and badges for course completion within an LMS can deliver a sense of achievement and recognition. These reward mechanisms can motivate team members, making them feel appreciated and inspiring them to stay.

    By focusing on these areas, an LMS can significantly contribute to employee retention, creating a strong and dedicated team ready to propel your startup to new heights.

    Actionable Steps for LMS Implementation

    Implementing an LMS can be a game-changer for your startup, but the process requires thoughtful planning and execution.

    Here are some specific steps to help you effectively utilize this powerful tool:

    • Define Your Learning Goals: Clearly outline your goals with the LMS. Your objectives could range from skill development to fostering a learning culture or driving innovation. Clear goals guide the implementation process and help measure your LMS’s success.
    • Choose the Right LMS: All LMS platforms aren’t equal. Choose one that aligns with your startup’s needs, offers flexibility, and can scale with your growth. Consider features, user-friendliness, and customization options as essential factors.
    • Encourage Employee Ownership: Foster an environment where employees take charge of their learning. Encourage them to set personal learning goals, explore diverse resources, and actively engage in the learning process.

    Remember, the successful implementation of an LMS is a journey, not a destination. Regular evaluation and adjustments will ensure your LMS continues to contribute to your startup’s growth effectively.

    Conclusion

    Integrating an LMS into your startup’s operations can catalyze growth, foster innovation, and cultivate a robust learning culture. It’s more than just software; it’s a strategic asset for empowering your workforce and positioning your company for sustained success. Now is the time to leverage this technology to its full potential. Take the first step today and watch your startup thrive.


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  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part IV

    Finally reaching the last part of our series, we take a look at three more companies that have journeyed through the years and navigated the winding road to success.

    Apeejay Surrendra Group
    TVS Group
    Bajaj Group

    Apeejay Surrendra Group

    Group Apeejay Surrendra Group
    Founder Lala Pyare Lal
    Founded 1910
    Industry Conglomerate

    Apeejay Surrendra Group
    Apeejay Surrendra Group

    The Indian business conglomerate was founded in the year 1910 by Lala Pyare Lal in the city of Jalandhar, which was then relocated to Kolkata in the year 1951. The company was first set up to manufacture steel goods for the domestic agricultural market. Slowly and steadily, it grew and expanded into the shipping business in 1948.

    A scarcity of steel and steel goods in the 1950s proved to be the turning point of success for the conglomerate as it turned to non-traditional sources of steel and began importing from countries like USSR, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, East Germany, and China. The imports included products for construction and infrastructure building. This led to the group’s expansion in diverse international markets that included steel, finished steel products, coal, and machinery. The Apeejay Surrendra group successfully set up India’s most advanced steel mill and was among the first in the country to manufacture stainless steel.

    With time and globalization, the group has ventured into other diversified businesses and proven its mettle by turning those businesses into international successes. Some of the group’s businesses include hotels, real estate, construction, tea estates, logistics, knowledge parks, and pharmaceuticals.

    Apeejay Tea Ltd

    The company was incorporated in the year 1995 and has a long association with Assam through its tea plantations and the Kharjan estate.

    Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd.

    The Park Hotels are pioneers in luxury boutique hotels operating for over 50 years

    Apeejay Shipping Ltd.

    Beginning operations in the year 1948, the company operates a fleet of modern dry bulk carriers globally.

    Apeejay Oxford Bookstores Pvt. Ltd.

    True to its name, the company operates retail outlets offering books and other related items to its customers.

    Apeejay Infralogistics Pvt. Ltd.

    The company is dedicated to having an integrated approach to creating and developing support facilities like parking yards, business centers, office parks, food courts, weighbridges, security services, etc.

    Apeejay Insurance Broking Services Pvt. Ltd.

    The company was incorporated in the year 2004 and operates worldwide. They provide expert services in underwriting commerciality, coverage and responsiveness, policy administration, and claims. Their general services portfolio includes services like insurance portfolio analysis, risk assessment, and post-placement services.

    TVS Group

    Group TVS Group
    Founder T. V. Sundaram Iyengar
    Founded 1911
    Industry Conglomerate

    TVS Group
    TVS Group

    The TVS Group, aptly named after its founder, T. V. Sundaram Iyengar was founded in the year 1911, with Madurai’s first bus service. The company’s main business was in the transportation sector as it owned and operated a large fleet of trucks and buses under the name Southern Roadways.

    As the company grew and expanded its business operations, the group established a new company called Sundaram Clayton in the year 1962 in collaboration with Clayton Dewandre Holdings of the United Kingdom. The company established its plant in the year 1976 in Hosur that manufactured mopeds. It was in the year 1980 that India’s first ever two-seater moped, TVS 50, rolled out of this factory. Following this, the company began commercially producing motorcycles in the year 1989 after another collaboration with the Japanese auto giant Suzuki Ltd., in the year 1987. The TVS Group successfully operates more than 50 subsidiary companies, 9 of which are publicly listed.

    TVS Motor Company

    This is the flagship company of the group and manufactures motorcycles. In terms of revenue, it is the third-largest motorcycle company in India.


    TVS Motor – India’s Multinational Two-wheeler Company
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    Sundaram Fasteners Ltd.

    Established in the year 1966, the company now operates globally and manufactures critical high-precision components for the automotive, windmill, and aviation sectors.

    Sundaram Clayton Ltd.

    Founded in 1962, the company is based in Chennai and makes aluminum and magnesium castings for the automotive industry.

    TVS Srichakra Ltd.

    The company began in the year 1982 and is a leading manufacturer of tires and tubes for two and three-wheelers in the country. It also has a large program of Off-the-road tires for the export and domestic market.

    Wheels India Ltd.

    As the name suggests, the company is a global player in the auto components industry. It manufactures wheels for cars, UVs, commercial vehicles, tractors, and construction and earthmover equipment.

    India Motor Parts & Accessories Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1954, the company’s business operation includes the distribution of automobile spare parts and accessories.

    India Nippon Electricals Ltd.

    The company was incorporated in the year 1984, it manufactures electronic ignition systems for two-wheelers.

    TVS Electronics Ltd.

    The company which began in the year 1986 designs, manufactures, and distributes IT products, dot-matrix printers, point-of-sale terminals, printer supplies, keyboards, mobiles, mouse, uninterruptible power supplies, and set-top boxes.

    Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd.

    Founded in 1976, the company manufactures automotive, non-automotive, railways, and industrial friction materials.

    TVS Real Estate (Emerald)

    This is the real estate arm of the TVS Group and is into residential and commercial real estate.

    TVS Success Story| Indian Motorcycle Company

    Bajaj Group

    Group Bajaj Group
    Founder Jamnalal Bajaj
    Founded 1926
    Industry Conglomerate

    Bajaj Group
    Bajaj Group

    Founded by Jamnalal Bajaj in the year 1926, the Bajaj Group’s core business operation was in the two-wheeler industry. His son, Kamalnayan Bajaj expanded the business by branching into the manufacture of scooters, three-wheelers, cement, alloy casting, and electricals.

    The Bajaj Group’s flagship company, Bajaj Auto has been ranked as the world’s fourth largest two and three-wheeler manufacturer. Over the years, the group has evolved and expanded to comprise 40 companies and subsidiaries that operate under the Bajaj Group umbrella. The conglomerate’s various businesses span various industries including automobiles (two and three-wheelers), home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel, and finance.

    Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1945, the company is an automotive manufacturer of scooters, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws.

    Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd.

    The company began its business operations in 1930 in the consumer care sector with hair care products.

    Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    This non-banking financial company began its operations in the year 1987 and is headquartered in Pune. It is an investment and credit company and a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd.

    Bajaj Electricals Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1938, the company manufactures electrical equipment like lighting, luminaries, appliances, fans, LPG-based generators, etc.

    Bajaj Ventures Ltd.

    The company operates under the Bajaj Group umbrella manufacturing power tools, household appliances, and other related accessories.

    Bajaj Healthcare Ltd.

    The pharmaceutical arm of the Bajaj Group, the company was established in the year 1993 and is a bulk manufacturer that serves various pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food industries globally.

    Other notable companies that successfully operate under the Bajaj Group are Bajaj Finserv Ltd, Bajaj Energy, Bajaj Hindustan, Bajaj Steel Industries Ltd., Mukand, and Bajaj Holdings & Investments.


    Bajaj Group Of Companies | StartupTalky
    All You Need To Know About Bajaj Group Of Companies, History And Origin, Their Flagship Companies & CSR.


    Conclusion

    The corporate world of today is fast, evolving and a continual challenge to entrepreneurs. A look at these companies and the way they have traversed through time accepting varied obstacles and challenges, and negotiating through them with intelligence, understanding, and insight, provides inspiration and strength.

    FAQs

    When was the Apeejay Surrendra group formed?

    The Indian business conglomerate was founded in the year 1910 by Lala Pyare Lal in the city of Jalandhar.

    Who was the founder of the TVS group?

    The TVS Group, aptly named after its founder, T. V. Sundaram Iyengar was founded in the year 1911, with Madurai’s first bus service.

    Which is the flagship company of the Bajaj group?

    The Bajaj Group’s flagship company is Bajaj Auto which has been ranked as the world’s fourth largest two and three-wheeler manufacturer.

  • Dunzo – The Trendsetting Journey of the Product Delivery Startup in India

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.

    We yearn to enjoy hassle-free lives and smartphones have a major role to play in achieving this dream. Mobile apps have given us the kind of freedom and the opportunity to leverage the same, which was hard to imagine even a decade back. Product delivery is one such thing that has been streamlined with the radical innovations in mobile apps. However, pick-and-drop services in India were rather expensive, chaotic, and troublesome, dominated by unorganized players until Dunzo came up with its promising delivery services at nominal charges.

    Founded in 2015, Dunzo has been a blessing for many out there when it comes to delivery-related tasks.

    The kind of features Dunzo offers will indeed make you slouch on your couch. With thousands of positive reviews and admiration from investors, Dunzo is in the process of creating an impact.

    Read on to find out more about Dunzo’s Startup Story, Founders and Team, Business Model, Revenue Model, Funding and Investors, Growth, Logo, Tagline, Competitors, Challenges, and more.

    Done Company Highlights

    Dunzo – About and how Dunzo works
    Dunzo – Founders/Owners and Team
    Dunzo – Startup Story
    Dunzo – Mission and Vision
    Dunzo – Name, Tagline, and Logo
    Dunzo – Business Model and Revenue Model
    Dunzo – Growth and Revenue
    Dunzo – Funding and Investors
    Dunzo – Partnerships
    Dunzo – Awards
    Dunzo – Startup Challenges
    Dunzo – LayOffs
    Dunzo – Competitors
    Dunzo – Future Plans


    Dunzo – About and how Dunzo works

    Dunzo is a hyper-local on-demand delivery service in India. It delivers anything and everything as and when needed with minimum delivery charges. For instance, if you forget some documents at home, Dunzo can get them to your office. Besides, if you are in a situation where you would like to buy a t-shirt from a mall but are not in a position to go there and purchase it, Dunzo will get it for you.

    Dunzo also has tie-ups with some restaurants, clothing stores, and a few general stores as well. It is currently providing services in the following cities – Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurugram, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Noida and Hyderabad. Dunzo is helpful for people who do not want to go out, cannot go out for some reason, and want to buy or send over some product/item.

    Dunzo Digital Private Limited is the parent company of the hyper-local demand delivery service startup Dunzo. It was incorporated on July 8th, 2014, and is registered at the Registrar of Companies, Bangalore.

    Dunzo – Founders/Owners and Team

    Kabeer Biswas, Ankur Agarwal, Dalvir Suri, and Mukund Jha are the founders of Dunzo.

    Kabeer Biswas

    Kabeer Biswas ideated Dunzo. At the age of 28, he decided to save people’s time and initiated the plans for Dunzo. He is an engineer who graduated from Mumbai University and completed his Master’s at the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management in Mumbai. In 2007, he started working with Airtel as a product and sales manager. Kabeer subsequently served in the New Product Development and the Product divisions of Y2CF Digital Media and Videocon Telecommunications respectively before founding Dunzo. Kabeer is currently appointed as the CEO of Dunzo.

    Dunzo owner
    Co-Founders of Dunzo

    Ankur Agarwal

    Ankur Agarwal, a computer science graduate from IIT Roorkee, is the co-founder of Dunzo. Ankur worked with the third co-founder Mukund Jha at Google and the duo also started an HR tech company named ‘Filter‘.

    Mukund Jha

    Mukund Jha is the Co-founder and CTO of Dunzo. After completing his BTech., Computer Science from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Jha pursued his Master’s in Computer Science from Columbia University, where he also served as a research assistant before moving on to join Google as a software engineer. He served as a software engineer for a little less than 3 years before founding Wisdom.ly and Habet, which he founded in 2013 and 2014. Dunzo was the third company that he co-founded with Ankur, Kabeer, and Dalvir in 2015.

    Dalvir Suri

    Dalvir Suri was another co-founder of Dunzo and is a BE in Information Technology graduate from the Sardar Patel Institute of Technology at Mumbai University. Dalvir had previously worked at IBM as an application developer and a security and privacy consultant. Next, he went on to be the Head of Operations and Delivery at Cybrilla Technologies before co-founding Dunzo in May 2015.

    Dalvir Suri left the company on October 2, 2023, amid financial strain and layoffs, according to numerous sources familiar with the development.

    Dunzo – Startup Story

    Kabeer Biswas got bored in six months after shifting to Bengaluru. He decided to test a new business idea based on a self-completing, to-do-list product. This was the core idea behind Dunzo. His small room in a duplex became the headquarters of Dunzo. He then started spreading the word about the concept to his friends, which began to spread fast. Kabeer soon started running errands for people on bikes and completed deliveries all by himself. People dropped a message on his WhatsApp number and he ensured their task was done.

    To help him in this initiative, he hired a few people from an NGO on a part-time basis. This team completed 70 deliveries in just one day in June 2015. This gave Dunzo a popularity boost and in the next three months, the startup received its first major investment. Due to the surge in demand, the WhatsApp-based business and service were transformed into an app in 2016. Other co-founders stepped in and made the Dunzo app a huge success.

    Dunzo- Startups in India | Startup Story

    Dunzo – Mission and Vision

    Dunzo’s mission is “to be the logistics layer of every city.” The vision of the company is to expand all across the country and emerge as the go-to delivery service provider of each of the cities.

    Dunzo is a slang abbreviation that refers to ‘do, over, and finished’. The company kept the name Dunzo to finish the work that people had pending or wanted to delegate. The idea behind the logo and the brand is to be quick, reliable, and bold. Dunzo is about being constantly on the move.

    “Just Dunzo it!” says the Dunzo tagline.

    Dunzo Logo
    Dunzo Logo

    Dunzo – Business Model and Revenue Model

    Dunzo functions through an app and a website. It provides on-demand concierge services in the hyper-local market. Dunzo offers many features under one roof, i.e., its app suffices for all possible needs. Home groceries, food, medicines, pet supplies, health and wellness, gifts, bike rides, pick and drop, laundry delivery, and various other categories/services are provided by Dunzo.

    Dunzo works through a data-driven platform that connects a delivery person to the nearest user. The activity of this person can be tracked throughout the delivery. When there are any purchases to be made, the users can even use the chatbox, send relevant images of the specific product, and communicate accordingly. Dunzo also provides Dunzo cash and other digital payment options. Dunzo uses Artificial Intelligence with its platform to give users a satisfactory and smooth experience.

    Dunzo – Growth and Revenue

    Initially starting in 2015 on Whatsapp, when the users typed their needs and Dunzo used to deliver the same promptly, to now, when Dunzo is hailed as an all-in-one 24X7 delivery ecosystem to significantly deliver anything and everything within the city, the growth is right in front of us. Furthermore, it is important to note that Dunzo has its headquarters in Bengaluru and is now serviceable in 8+ cities in India, which entered Chennai in 2018 after starting its operations in Hyderabad in the same year.

    Dunzo Daily

    The company has last launched its new dark store named Dunzo Daily, which started in Bengaluru and claims to be designed as a grocery delivery service. As per the recent updates, Dunzo Daily has also been launched in Pune in February 2022 and will have its stores set up in over 10 Indian cities during the first half of 2022. Dunzo Daily has entered Mumbai, as per reports dated April 7, 2022, Dunzo’s service will also operate in the satellite towns of Navi Mumbai and Thane. This makes Dunzo Daily operable in 4 cities – Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and, Pune, and is aiming to be launched in Hyderabad and Delhi NCR later in April 2022.

    The fresh fruits and vegetable delivery service arm of Dunzo is now aiming to have 200 mini-warehouses, have 30,000+ delivery partners, and have set a target of completing 2 lakh orders daily by June 2022.  

    The word “Dunzo” has grown from just the name of a startup to a verb in the real world, where people prefer to just dunzo things.  

    Here’s a glance at the growth highlights of Dunzo:

    • The company is spread across 9 of India’s Cities
    • Dunzo is backed by none other than Google and Reliance Retail
    • The company also has a bike taxi service in Gurugram
    • Dunzo boasts of a whopping 40X growth in the last 2 years, as reported in March 2021
    • Google-backed Dunzo scaled its revenue by 1.6X in FY21 and has prominently reduced its expenses by 43%
    • Dunzo fulfilled 1 million orders monthly.
    • It has acquired 30,000+ merchants.
    • The company has 40,000 delivery partners

    Dunzo Digital as part of the Drone Vaccine Delivery Initiative in Telangana

    Dunzo Digital has currently been called upon along with Skye Air, a part of the Dunzo MedAir consortium for the Government of Telangana’s ‘Medicines from the Sky’ project to enable faster and more efficient healthcare logistics. Soon after, permission was granted to the Telangana government to use drones within the visual line of sight (VLOS) for the experimental delivery of COVID-19 vaccines from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for one year, the state government tied up with Dunzo Digital.

    The trials of the delivery of the vaccines are scheduled to begin on September 20, 2021, and will start from Vikarabad, Telangana, as per the reports dated September 18, 2021. They are expected to continue till September 25, 2021. The Dunzo Digital and Skye Air duo will demonstrate numerous healthcare logistics-related use cases as part of the trials.

    Financials

    Dunzo Financials
    Dunzo Financials

    Dunzo Financials FY23 FY22
    Operating Revenue Rs 226 crore Rs 54 crore
    Total Expenses Rs 2,054 crore Rs 532 crore
    Profit/Loss Loss of Rs 1,801 crore Loss of Rs 464 crore

    Expenses Breakdown

    The company’s total expenses in FY22 were Rs 532 crore , and in FY23 it is Rs 2,054 crore.

    EBITDA

    The company’s EBITDA margin declined from -643% to -677% during FY22 and FY23, a symptom of considerable operating losses. Due to rising costs, the expenses per unit of operational revenue went from Rs 9.85 to Rs 9.09.

    FY22- FY23 FY22 FY23
    EBITDA Margin -643% -677%
    Expenses/Rs of operation revenue Rs 9.85 Rs 9.09
    ROCE -32%

    Dunzo – Funding and Investors

    Dunzo has raised a total funding of $476 Million in over 19 rounds of funding. Dunzo raised $75 million from a funding round led by Google on April 6, 2023.  

    Reliance Retail is the major shareholder in Dunzo with a 25.8% stake. Google, in contrast, owns a somewhat lower ownership interest of under 20%. In an effort to take advantage of the changing e-commerce and delivery trends in the market, Reliance Retail and Google have made this strategic investment, demonstrating their interest in the quickly expanding hyperlocal delivery market.

    Dunzo funding details are as follows:

    Date Amount Investors Series
    November 2016 $1.18 Million Aspada Investment Series A
    December 2017 $12.3 Million Google, Blume Ventures, Aspada Investment Series B
    November 2018 $1 Million Alteria Capital Debt
    February 2019 $3.1 Million Blume Ventures, Lakshmi Narayanan, Raintree Family Office, Monika Garware Modi Series C
    February 2019 $0.4 Million Series C
    April 2019 $9.4 Million Google, Blume Ventures, Alteria Capital, Patni Wealth Advisors Corporate Round
    May 2019 $0.6 Million Kalpavriksh Fund Venture Round
    June 2019 $0.4 Million Belltower Fund Group Ltd Series C
    August 2019 $2.8 Million Alteria Capital Debt
    October 2019 $45 Million Lightbox Ventures, 3L Capital, STIC Investment, STIC Ventures and Google Series D
    February 2020 $11 Million Alteria Capital Debt
    September 2020 $28 Million Google, Lightstone Fund Series E
    January 2021 $40 Million Google, Lightbox, Evolvence, Hana Financial Investment, LGT Lightstone Aspada, and Alteria Series E
    January 6, 2022 $240 Million Reliance Retail, Lightbox, Lightrock, Alteria Capital Venture Round
    November 30, 2022 $6.2 Million BlackSoil Debt Financing
    April 6, 2023 $75 Million Google Convertible Note

    Dunzo – Partnerships

    Dunzo have some prominent partners:

    Pepsico

    Dunzo partnered with PepsiCo. With this partnership that was announced on May 26, 2020, Dunzo now delivers four different food products produced by the PepsiCo subsidiary brand Frito-Lay, which are Lay’s, Kurkure, Doritos, and Quaker.

    Leadsquared

    Dunzo next partnered with LeadSquared to bring greater efficiency in its process of onboarding new retailers on the platform. Besides, this partnership that materialized on June 23, 2020, will also be empowering them with a wider reach and local delivery services. It also partnered with Zee5 and Alt Balaji in September 2021 to push Dunzo Daily.

    Alliance Insurance Brokers

    Dunzo partnered with alliance insurance brokers in February 2023 to give its nationwide network of delivery partners insurance coverage.

    Shield

    The company partnered with Shield in April 2023 to enhance its ability to prevent fraud activities in real-time.

    Parinaam Foundation

    Dunzo partnered with the Parinaam Foundation in May 2023, and with this partnership, they aim to support the financial literacy of women delivery partners and store executives.

    Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

    The seller division of Dunzo joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in August 2023, and with this alliance, the company hopes to sign up over 20,000 merchants from a variety of industries.

    One-Tap

    Dunzo partnered with OneTap in September 2023 to pay employees’ salaries for August, as the company had previously missed multiple deadlines and failed to pay staff members’ August salaries.

    Dunzo – Awards

    • Dunzo was listed in the LinkedIn Top Startups of the Year in 2021.
    • It has won the Digies Award for both consecutive years (2019 and 2020).
    • The company won the Mommy Awards in 2020 and 2021.

    Best Courier & Delivery Franchise Businesses in India 2021
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    Dunzo – Startup Challenges

    Like every other startup, Dunzo also faced many hiccups and challenges. The major pain points for the company were an inefficient delivery system, the time taken by the runners to complete the deliveries, website and mobile application management, and major financial losses.

    Dunzo Threatens Staff

    Some of the Dunzo staff allegedly received messages from Dunzo on July 27, 2022, which threatened them with permanent suspensions if they were found guilty of supporting strikes.

    The message that Dunzo staff have received allegedly on July 26, 2022, read, “It is to inform you that any ID found at the location of a strike will be permanently suspended. Please don’t be a part of a strike or support a strike either.”

    Data Breach Issue

    Dunzo suffered a data breach issue in July 2020, when the company said that the Dunzo website, which had the users’ information, email addresses, and more, was hacked by the hackers. The exact amount of user data that was accessed was not known then but the payment information of the users was not been accessed by the hackers. The technical team at Dunzo updated the security pattern after that incident, which is now stronger. Dunzo had initiated an internal investigation into this case. The investigation eventually came up with the suggestion that the unauthorized access to the database could have followed a break in the servers of a third party. While speaking on this issue after the data breach, Dunzo CEO Mukund Jha published a post and said that his company has taken “swift action” to fix the security problems and has also, “added additional layers of security protocols” to fix the issue.

    The company also claimed they have enhanced the old logging and tracing mechanism to monitor any such incidents, which will help the users receive an alert when there will be any doubtful activity in the future.

    Jha said, “While our best teams are working on resolving and strengthening our security efforts, we’re also engaged with leading cyber security firms and experts to further strengthen our efforts,”

    The Case of Drugs

    Both Dunzo and Rapido delivery agents were arrested in Bengaluru, as a part of the ongoing crackdown on narcotics, which included two men. Police busted two delivery agents who were found delivering huge amounts of drugs around the city. Police, however, said that the food delivery services at Twitter Pany “cannot be blamed” for their employees being involved in crime.

    In one of their biggest hauls of marijuana and other synthetic drugs, the Bengaluru Police have seized 240 kgs of ganja (marijuana), MDMA tablets, MDMA crystals, weed oil, brown sugar, and much more. The seizure is part of Bengaluru Police’s continuing crackdown on narcotics and its wide networks.

    “This bust is not just one place but from across Bengaluru,” Bengaluru police commissioner Kamal Pant said.


    According to the top police officials, marijuana is being sourced from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Further investigation is underway and the police are hopeful of making more arrests. The local police are heading the investigation but they are cooperating with other state police and central agencies.

    Dunzo – LayOffs

    On July 21, 2023, Dunzo fired 300 people, representing 30% of the workforce. The layoffs are being done because of cash flow problems. According to several media sources, the corporation has also postponed paying half of the employees’ June salary due to a cash shortage, and the senior leadership would be most affected.

    Dunzo, however, has let go of up to 400 people over the past nine months as a result of being compelled to downsize its consumer-facing business, Dunzo Daily, and shift its emphasis to the B2B vertical, Dunzo Merchant Services.

    Dunzo fired 150–200 people in its third round of layoffs on September 27, 2023, to cut costs. According to many news reports, the pending payouts for June and July for the employees will be cleared in November.

    Dunzo – Competitors

    The prominent competitors of Dunzo are:

    • Swiggy Go
    • Bigbasket
    • Zomato
    • Jugnoo
    • Jhutpat
    • Meratask
    • Apart from Meratask in Delhi and Jugnoo in Chandigarh, it also has rivals emerging out of metro cities like Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru. The logistics industry in India is huge and intense competition is inevitable.

    Dunzo – Future Plans

    Dunzo has garnered massive popularity in the cities it presently operates in. The company has made the lives of people easy and stress-free. Shortly, the company is aiming to strengthen product searches on its app by partnering with different merchants and vendors. The team at Dunzo wants to expand its coverage of physical retail stores on the mobile application. Dunzo is also in the process of expanding its outreach to different tier-two cities.

    Dunzo Founder and CEO, Kabeer Biswas spoke at an event, where he mentioned the company’s growth plans to deliver essentials to customers in just 15-20 minutes. He also revealed that in the next 24 months, Dunzo will be rolling out the daily category across the country to 20 cities, and digitizing the same for the company’s TAM of 50 million customers.

    Dunzo is planning for an IPO in 2-4 years as per various news reports of January 2022.  

    Kabeer the Founder said ” We were looking forward to a partnership that would allow us to be able to do that, and we have been able to agree and work very closely with the Reliance team towards this goal.”

    The company is planning to raise a fund of $ 35 million in funding from existing investors like Reliance Industries and Google as well as new investors.

    FAQs

    What is Dunzo used for?

    Dunzo is a hyper-local on-demand delivery service in India. It is a delivery company that delivers anything and everything on demand with minimum delivery charges.

    How much does Dunzo cost?

    Dunzo approximately charges INR 40 for 4 km, INR 80 for 8 km, and INR 120 for distances greater than 8 km.

    What does Dunzo mean?

    Dunzo is a slang abbreviation that refers to do, over, and finished.

    Who is the CEO of Dunzo?

    Kabeer Biswas is the founder and CEO of Dunzo.

    How long does Dunzo take to deliver?

    The entire delivery cycle approximately takes 35-45 minutes.

    Is Dunzo reliable?

    Delivering an exceptional customer experience for its platform’s users is Dunzo’s main motto. Hundreds of positive reviews speak for Dunzo’s reliability.

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part III

    Welcome to part – III of our four-part series on the oldest businesses in India and their journey over the years. All these businesses have journeyed through the murky waters of both world wars and have emerged victorious. Join us as we continue giving our readers a deep insight into how these businesses have grown and enfolded newer technologies within their business operations as well as evolving internally in every facet of their organization to embrace the changing corporate scenario.

    Kirloskar Group
    Godrej Group
    Murugappa Group

    Kirloskar Group

    Group Kirloskar Group
    Founder Laxmanrao Kirloskar
    Founded 1888
    Industry Conglomerate

    Kirloskar Group
    Kirloskar Group

    The holding company, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., was established in 1888 by Laxmanrao Kirloskar and is headquartered in Pune. It was one of the earliest industrial groups in the engineering industry in the country and the manufacturer of the country’s first modern iron plough.

    However, it was under his son Shantanurao Laxmanrao Kirloskar’s leadership that the company achieved one of the highest growth rates in the country’s history recording 32401% asset growth between 1950 and 1991. It was in the year 1974 that the Kirloskar Group began manufacturing tractors in cooperation with the German firm Deutz-Fahr, which has now ceased. The group is engaged in manufacturing centrifugal pumps, engines, compressors, screw and centrifugal chillers, lathes, and electrical equipment like electric motors, transformers, and generators. The Kirloskar Group exports its products to more than 70 countries in most of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

    Through the years, the company’s core business has gotten stronger and it has expanded its business operations foraying into various other sectors in a bid to stay relevant and successful in highly competitive and emerging markets.

    Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd.

    The company was founded in 1991 to transform the high-quality pig iron and grey iron casting industry.

    Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd.

    The company is engaged in manufacturing diesel engines and generator sets for all commercial and residential usage.

    Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd.

    One of the core group companies, it was founded by Shantanurao in 1958 as the manufacturer of air compressors and pneumatic tools. It has since diversified into air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, marine HVACR, Process Gas Systems, and Hydraulic Power Transmission Machinery.

    Kirloskar Electric Company

    Established in 1946, the company first brought in the indigenous electrical manufacturing industry in India. Currently, the company makes more than 70 products under 8 different product groups that cater to core sectors like power generation, transmission and distribution, transportation, renewable energy, sugar, steel, cement, and allied industries.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.

    A joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and Kirloskar Group, the company manufactures and sells Toyota Cars in India.

    Kirloskar Investments and Finance Ltd.

    Incorporated in the year 1983, the company has been engaged in undertaking lease, hire purchase, bill discounting and portfolio investments, and other fund-based activities.

    Kirloskar Chillers Pvt. Ltd.

    A leading player in the HVAC&R space for the past 25 years, the company designs innovative solutions for comfort and process cooling and heating applications.

    Corporate film: Kirloskar Brothers Limited

    Godrej Group

    Group Godrej Group
    Founder Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej
    Founded 1897
    Industry Conglomerate

    Godrej Group
    Godrej Group

    Ardeshir Godrej and Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej founded the Godrej Group in the year 1897. The company’s core business was manufacturing locks with lever technology. In the year 1902, the company made India’s first safe backing it up with incorporating Godrej Soaps Limited in the year 1918. A little over 30 years later, the company produced India’s first indigenous typewriter.

    Over the years, the company has diversified and entered into various businesses relevant to the market and the consumer. Headquartered in Mumbai, the conglomerate successfully entered and operated businesses in sectors including real estate, consumer products, industrial engineering, home appliances, furniture, security, aerospace, infotech, and agricultural products. The Godrej group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies include Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Properties, and the private holding company Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

    Founded in the year 2001, the company’s product repertoire includes soap, hair color, toiletries, and liquid detergents.

    Godrej Infotech Ltd.

    As the name suggests, the company is a software services and consulting company. It was, formerly, an IT division of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    Godrej Properties Ltd.

    The company was established in 1990 and has been instrumental in the construction of residential, commercial, and township projects.

    Godrej Agrovet

    The company is a food and agricultural conglomerate that is dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields.

    Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    This is the flagship company of the Godrej Group which is privately held. The company is engaged in engineering and construction projects.

    Godrej Aerospace

    The company is the sole manufacturer of liquid engines for space launch vehicles for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).


    Godrej Success Story: Journey to become a global conglomerate
    Check out how a small security product company from India became a giant conglomerate that serves multinational markets


    Murugappa Group

    Group Murugappa Group
    Founder A. M. Murugappa Chettiar
    Founded 1900
    Industry Conglomerate

    The Murugappa Group foundation was laid by Dewan Bahadur A. M. Murugappa Chettiar when he established a money-lending and banking business in the year 1900. It was first set up in Moulmein, Burma (now Myanmar). It then spread to British Malaya, Ceylon, Dutch East Indies, and French Indo-China. The business was then moved to India in the 1930s. Over the years, the Murugappa group established many companies across various industry sectors that include abrasives, auto components, bicycles, sugar, farm inputs, fertilizers, plantations, bioproducts, and nutraceuticals.

    The Murugappa group is headquartered in Chennai and boasts 28 businesses under the group’s umbrella, 9 of which are listed on the BSE and NSE. Some of the well-known brands of the Murugappa group include BSA, Hercules, Montra, Mach City, Ballmaster, Ajax, Parry’s, Chola, Gromor, Shanthi Gears, and Paramfos.

    Carborundum Universal Ltd.

    The company was founded in 1954 and is engaged in manufacturing and developing abrasives, ceramics, refractories, aluminum oxide grains, machine tools, polymers, adhesives, and electro minerals.

    Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Ltd.

    Founded in 1949, the company’s business operations include products and services in financial services, insurance, and other allied services.

    Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Ltd.

    It was in the year 1978 that the company was established and as the name suggests, offers products and services in the investment and finance sectors including vehicle finance, home loans, mortgage loans, and wealth management.

    Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company

    Founded in the year 2001, the company is a joint venture between the Murugappa Group and a Japanese insurance company Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, the company’s business operations include offering general insurance to individuals.

    Coromandel International Ltd.

    The company was established in the year 1961 and is an Indian crop protection corporation. The company’s original name was Coromandel Fertilizers and it makes fertilizers, pesticides, and specialty nutrients.

    Coromandel Engineering Company Ltd.

    Established in the year 1947 as a part of the Murugappa Group, the company is engaged in the field of construction and property development.

    Eid Parry India Ltd.

    The company’s business is in the manufacturing sector making sugar and nutraceuticals. It is present in the farm inputs business that includes bio-pesticides.

    Parry Agro Industries Ltd.

    The company is one of the leading producers of CTC, Orthodox, Organic, and Green teas in the country.

    Tube Investments of India Ltd.

    Founded in the year 1959, the company is an engineering and manufacturing business that specializes in bicycles, metal-formed products, and chains.

    With many other businesses operating successfully under its parent umbrella, Murugappa Holdings, the group is currently led by MM Murugappan, Executive Chairman.


    List of all the Companies of Murugappa Group | Subsidiaries
    Murugappa Group is one of the leading business conglomerates in India. Lets check out all the Subsidiaries of Murugappa Group that made it successful.


    The Journey Continues…

    As we are inching towards the last part of this series, we look at three more home-grown companies that are a continued source of inspiration to all upcoming entrepreneurs…..

    FAQs

    Who is the founder of Kirloskar Group?

    Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. was established in 1888 by Laxmanrao Kirloskar and is headquartered in Pune.

    Name the subsidiaries of the Godrej group.

    The Godrej group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies include Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Properties, and the private holding company Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

    Who founded Murugappa Group?

    The Murugappa Group foundation was laid by Dewan Bahadur A. M. Murugappa Chettiar when he established a money-lending and banking business in the year 1900.

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part II

    We continue this foray to gain insight into the Indian businesses that have not only sustained through the years but have successfully stayed relevant in a continuously changing market scenario. This is a brief look at those Indian companies and the feeling of pride they instill in the citizens of this country.

    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited
    Tata Group
    Dabur Ltd.

    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited

    Group Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited
    Founder Pallonji Mistry
    Founded 1865
    Industry Conglomerate

    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Ltd
    Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Ltd

    Touted as one of India’s most valuable private enterprises, it was founded as a partnership firm by the name of Littlewood Pallonji in 1865. The firm’s first-ever project was to construct a pavement on Girgaum Chowpatty in the city of Mumbai. This was swiftly followed by being a part of reservoir construction on Malabar Hill. This reservoir has supplied water to the city of Mumbai for over a century. Over the years the company went on to build the famous Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi as well as the Mumbai Central Railway Station. Shapoorji Pallonji has also built the Barakhamba Underground Station in Delhi and Providence Stadium in Guyana.

    A company that began its business operations as a construction firm has now grown to include real estate, textiles, engineered goods, home appliances, shipping, publications, power, and biotechnology. It has expanded its footprint to more than 50 countries across Europe, America, and Australia. It also has a significant presence in the Middle East and Africa. It now delivers end-to-end solutions in Engineering and Construction, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Water, Energy, and Financial Services.

    The Shapoorji Pallonji Group has two listed companies – Forbes & Company Ltd and Gokak Textiles. Apart from these, the Group also operates various other subsidiaries and companies under its umbrella.

    Forbes & Company Ltd

    Erstwhile Forbes Gokak Limited was established in 1767, and the management of the company eventually moved into the hands of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. It is an engineering company and listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange since the year 1919.

    Gokak Textiles  

    Established in the year 1887, the company is a specialist manufacturer of grey yarn and one of India’s largest exporters. It also supplies bamboo textile towels including other products.

    SP Engineering & Construction

    The company’s business operations include end-to-end solutions in engineering and construction within India.

    Shapoorji Pallonji Business Empire (150+ Years) | How big is Shapoorji Pallonji Group?

    Eureka Forbes Limited

    A well-known household name, the company is engaged in making water purification devices, vacuum cleaners, air purification systems, and home security products.

    SP Investment Advisors

    This company is a synergistic expansion to the group’s existing real estate development and contracting businesses. This business allows the group to offer services as a fully integrated real estate development and investment advisory platform.

    SP Oil & Gas Pvt. Ltd.

    The company is a designer, fabricator, owner, and operator of cutting-edge floating technologies within the country.

    SP Real Estate

    The company is a well-known and well-regarded business operator within the real estate sector of India. Its business operations include creating opulent skyscrapers, affordable housing, and functional workspaces.

    Apart from these, the other subsidiary companies include Shapoorji Pallonji Ports Ltd, Afcons Infrastructure, Forvol International Services, Sterling & Wilson, SD Corporation, Oman Shapoorji Co., and NextGen Publishing.


    Journey of Cyrus Mistry | Former Chairperson of the Tata Group
    Cyrus Pallonji Mistry was an Indian-born Irish businessman. He was the sixth chairperson of the Tata Group, the Indian Conglomerate, for nearly five years.


    Tata Group

    Group Tata Group
    Founder Jamsetji Tata
    Founded 1868
    Industry Conglomerate

    Tata Group
    Tata Group

    Jamsetji Tata, sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of Indian Industry’ founded the Tata Group in 1868, headquartered in Mumbai. Its beginning was as a humble trading house. A few years later, in 1874, he established a textile mill in Nagpur, which was the turning point for him and the business. This was followed by Jamsetji building the famous Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba in 1903, which became the first hotel with electricity in British India. Tata Steel, erstwhile TISCO, was established by Dorabji Tata in 1907.  The year 1932 also saw the founding of Tata Air Services which was later renamed as Tata Airlines.

    Over the years, the company recognized the changing market and consumer scenario as well as advancing technology and re-invented its business operations to include and expand into newer ventures. It has slowly and steadily grown to become India’s largest conglomerate with products and services in more than 150 countries. The group’s business operations span 100 countries across 6 continents. With the group’s annual revenue recorded as USD 128 billion in FY 2021-22, each of the Tata Group companies functions individually under its board of directors and shareholders. The philanthropic trust, Tata Trust controls 66% of the holding company Tata Sons.


    Tata Group: An Indian Multinational Conglomerate Company
    Case study on Tata Group an Indian global aggregate holding organization headquartered in Mumbai, established in 1868 by Jamsetji Tata. Read More!


    Of the Tata Group’s many and varied companies, 29 companies are publicly listed with a combined market capitalization of USD 311 billion as of March 2022. The affiliated companies of the Tata Group include –

    Tata Advanced Systems

    The company is engaged in the Aerospace and Defense sector

    Tata International Group

    This company’s business operations include leather products and global trading through various subsidiaries

    Tata Consultancy Services

    This is the information technology arm of the group

    Tata Elxsi

    Similar to TCS, this is also the information technology arm of the group

    Tata Steel

    The name of the company is self-explanatory as to the nature of the business

    Tata Electronics

    The business operations include Electrical and Electronics

    Tata Power

    This company too operates in the Electrical and Electronics sector

    Tata Projects & Tata Consulting Engineers

    Both these companies individually operate in the engineering space

    Tata Housing, Tata Realty & Infrastructure, and Hemisphere Props  

    The Real Estate arm of the Tata Group is handled by these three companies.

    Tata Motors

    The company is engaged and operates in the automotive sector

    Tata Chemicals, Tata Consumer Products, Voltas, Trent & Titan Company Ltd.

    These companies are big players in the consumer and retail markets.

    Tata Capital, Tata Asset Management, Tata AIG, Tata AIA Life, and Tata Investment Corp

    These companies work in the financial services sector.

    Indian Hotel Company, Taj Air, Air Asia India, Air India Limited, and Vistara

    These companies operate in the Travel and Tourism sector.

    Tata Communications, Tata Teleservices, Tata Play –

    The telecom and media sector is successfully traversed by these companies.

    Tata International, Tata Industries Ltd., And Panatone Finvest

    These are the companies that are engaged in the trading and investments business.

    Tata Digital

    It operates in the digital space.

    Over the years, the Tata Group has also acquired many businesses within the group’s fold and has helped establish and finance several research, educational, and cultural institutes within the country. Some of these institutes are the Indian Institute of Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, National Center for Performing Arts, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Cancer Hospital, etc.


    List of All the Companies Owned by Tata Group 2022
    Tata Group of industries is an Indian multinational conglomerate founded by Jamshedji Tata. Here’s a list of all companies owned by Tata Group.


    Dabur Ltd.

    Group Dabur Ltd.
    Founder S.K. Burman
    Founded 1884
    Industry Consumer Goods

    Dr. S. K. Burman founded Dabur Ltd., in the year 1884. He was a qualified physician and an Ayurvedic practitioner who formulated Ayurvedic medicines for illnesses like cholera, constipation, and malaria. He went on to mass-produce his ayurvedic formulations and sell them under the brand name Dabur, a name he earned from his patients.

    It was C. L. Burman who first set up the company’s Research and Development unit and his grandson G. C. Burman moved the company’s headquarters from erstwhile Calcutta to Delhi due to an unpleasant workers’ unrest. The company was among one of the first businesses in India that separated family ownership from management as they successfully handed over the management of the company to professionals in the year 1998. In the year 1997, the company set up a wholly-owned consumer goods subsidiary called Dabur Foods. Under Dabur Foods, the group launched the popular fruit juice brand Real. Dabur Ltd. also acquired a 51% stake in the Indian spices company Badshah Masala. In the year 2003, it also demerged its pharmaceutical business and established it as a separate company called Dabur Pharma Ltd.

    The current chairman Dr. Anand Burman and the vice-chairman Amit Burman are the fifth generation of the family at the helm of the company. Dabur Ltd., is one of the largest FMCG companies in the country that records 60% of its revenues from the consumer care business, 11% from the food business, and the remaining from its international business unit. The Dabur Group operates three subsidiaries called Dabur Research Foundation, Aviva India, and H&B Stores Ltd and also drives its corporate social responsibility initiatives through Dabur’s Sustainable Development Society (Sundesh).


    Success Story of Dabur: An Indian Born Multinational Company
    Dabur is a multinational consumer goods manufacturing company that is well recognized for its Ayurvedic medicine and natural consumer products.


    The Journey Continues….

    Indian industrial history is as rich and deep as its culture and tradition. The country’s homegrown brands have traveled a long and winding road through the years and emerged successfully into a world that is driven by technology, information, and data. Part III of this article covers more indigenous brands and their journeys….

    FAQs

    Who is the founder of Tata Group?

    Jamsetji Tata, sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of Indian Industry’ founded the Tata Group in 1868.

    Who are the current chairman and vice-chairman of Dabur Ltd.?

    The current chairman Dr. Anand Burman and the vice-chairman Amit Burman are the fifth generation of the family at the helm of the company.

    What is Gokak Textiles about?

    Established in the year 1887, the company is a specialist manufacturer of grey yarn and one of India’s largest exporters. It also supplies bamboo textile towels including other products.

  • Oldest Indian Businesses and Their Current Operations: Part I

    The concept of entrepreneurship in India can be traced to the early age of ancient Indian civilization. The Harappan civilization had established a commercial connection with the Mesopotamian society due to their trading culture of exchanging hand-crafted products like toys, pots, utensils, etc. This was known as the barter system, which was highly prevalent before money was invented.

    With the passage of time, business and commerce evolved and just prior to interaction with the Western world, Indians were organized in a specific form of economic and social organization that was known as a village or a community. It was the British who introduced the industry culture in India, mainly through establishing private sector industries. Many Indian entrepreneurs set up businesses during that time which remain successful even today, having traversed through the years and staying relevant through them.

    We, at StartupTalky, are bringing you a list of such business houses that have traveled through time and have consistently reinvented themselves over the years and are not only relevant today, but are providing tough competition to newer businesses.

    Oldest Indian Businesses

    The Wadia Group
    The RPG Group
    Aditya Birla Group

    The Wadia Group

    Group The Wadia Group
    Founder Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia
    Founded 1736
    Industry Conglomerate

    The Wadia Group
    The Wadia Group

    Founded by Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia in 1736, The Wadia Group is the oldest conglomerate operating successfully in the country. It operated by securing contracts to build ships and docks in Mumbai from the British East India Company, eventually resulting in Bombay’s erstwhile city becoming a strategic port for the British Colonial undertakings in Asia. The first dry dock in Asia was built by Lovji and his brother Sorabji in 1750 in Mumbai. HMS Minden, HMS Cornwallis, and HMS Trincomalee were some of the historical ships built by The Wadia Group. The company is headquartered in Mumbai. The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of The Wadia Group, was established in 1863, making it the oldest publicly traded Indian company.

    With the passage of years, The Wadia Group continued its growth and expansion trajectory keeping up with time and technology. Bombay Dyeing was established in the year 1879, followed by Britannia Industries, established in 1918, and National Peroxide Limited which was established in the year 1999. All these four companies are listed on the Indian stock exchanges and continue to witness success year after year.

    Apart from the above-mentioned companies, some other firms that are operating under The Wadia Group Umbrella are:

    Gladrags

    A fashion magazine, established in the year 1959, that was of particular interest to Maureen Wadia who was a former air hostess herself.

    Wadia Techno-Engineering Services Ltd.

    A civil engineering firm that was established in 1960, it offers services like pre-feasibility services, procurement, project management, and technical advisory.   The company serves various Indian sectors like textile, industrial plants, commercial complexes, and transportation.

    Go First

    Founded as GoAir in the year 2005, it was an ultra-low-cost airline that reached its success pinnacle as the fifth largest airline in India in 2017 with an 8.4% passenger market share.

    Punjab Kings

    This cricket team is one of the ten franchisee teams playing in the India Premier League (IPL). It was established in the year 2008.

    Bombay Realty

    The company was established in the year 2011 as a real estate developer with a wide range of commercial and residential properties.

    As of the current year, 2023, The Wadia Group’s CEO, Nusli Wadia’s estimated net worth is approximately USD 3.9 billion.


    Case Study of Wadia Group and the list of companies under the group
    Wadia Group ships have been in business since 1736 and are one of the oldest Conglomerate in Indian Business. Currently, it is varied in several Wadia group subsidiaries.


    The RPG Group

    Group The RPG Group
    Founder Ramdutt Goenka
    Founded 1820
    Industry Conglomerate

    The RPG Group
    The RPG Group

    The roots of the RPG Group can be traced through history to the enterprising Ramdutt Goenka, who founded it in the year 1820. It was his nephew Keshav Prasad Goenka, however, under whose leadership the group expanded by acquiring Duncan Brothers, Octavius Steel, and many other businesses making the company a conglomerate. The commonly known name, RPG Enterprises was founded in the year 1979 by Ram Prasad Goenka, Keshav Prasad Goenka’s son. The group initially comprised the Phillips Carbon Black, Asian Cables, Agarpara Jute, The Indian Express, and Murphy India. Mumbai is the city where the conglomerate has its headquarters.

    Staying true to innovation and relevance, the conglomerate has ventured into various businesses over the years, presently boasting over fifteen companies operating in various areas of infrastructure, tires, technology, and specialty.

    CEAT Tyres

    With a wide presence in the global markets, CEAT Limited was established in 1924 in Turin, Italy. It is the flagship company of RPG Enterprises and the largest exporter of tires in India.

    KEC International

    One of the largest power transmission engineering-procurement-construction companies in the world, it has developed power infrastructure in more than 70 countries. KEC International is also increasing its footprint in sectors like railways, civil, urban infrastructure, solar infrastructure, and oil and gas cross-country pipelines.

    Zensar Technologies

    Belonging to the Information Technology sector, the company is a services and business process outsourcer. Having a global marketing presence in the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South Africa, its service areas include application support and development, testing, enterprise collaboration and content management, enterprise application integration, business intelligence, and data warehousing.

    Raychem RPG Limited

    The company is engaged in engineering products and services that cater to the infrastructure segments such as power, telecommunications, hydrocarbon, oil and gas, and water.

    RPG Life Sciences

    A pharmaceutical company of the conglomerate, its three main business operations include manufacturing and marketing of bulk drugs, pharmaceutical formulation & fermentation, and biotechnology.

    Harrisons Malayalam Ltd.

    This is an agricultural business arm of the RPG Group with a history spanning 150 years. It is the largest producer of pineapples in India apart from rubber and tea. It also produces bananas, cardamom, cocoa, coffee, coconut, pepper, and vanilla.

    RPG Ventures

    The venture capital business operation of the RPG Group invests in innovative startups in sectors like health and wellness, technology, automotive, infrastructure, and project management.

    Aditya Birla Group

    Group Aditya Birla Group
    Founder Shiv Narayan Birla
    Founded 1857
    Industry Conglomerate

    Aditya Birla Group
    Aditya Birla Group

    Shiv Narayan Birla founded the Aditya Birla Group in 1857. However, it was Ghanshyamdas Birla’s leadership that catapulted the Aditya Birla Group to its success pinnacle today. During World War I, he set up a jute trading business in response to the increased demand for gurney bags.

    With time, the group expanded its operations and footprints and currently has a presence across 36 countries, deriving almost 50% of its annual revenue from its global operations. Its business has expanded across various industry sectors that include, metals, cement, fashion and retail, financial services, telecom services, IT services, renewables, fiber, textiles, chemicals, real estate, trading, mining, and entertainment.

    The Aditya Birla Group has seven publicly listed companies with a total market capitalization of USD 70 billion as of March 2022.

    Hindalco Industries Limited

    Founded in the year 1958 by GD Birla, Hindalco is the group’s metals flagship company. It is an industry leader in aluminum and copper.

    UltraTech Cement

    Founded by Kumar Mangalam Birla in the year 1983, the company is the largest manufacturer of grey cement, ready-mix concrete, and white cement.

    Novelis Inc.

    An independent subsidiary of Hindalco and operating in America, Novelis is a producer of rolled aluminum and an aluminum recycler.

    Aditya Birla Group | The Journey

    Grasim Industries

    A well-known name, the company is a textile producer and has diversified into textile raw materials like viscose staple fiber and viscose filament yarn, chemicals, and insulators.

    Aditya Birla Capital

    Founded in the year 2007 operating under the parent company, Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Capital enjoys a strong presence offering services like protecting, investing, and financial solutions.

    Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail

    The Indian fashion retail company was founded in the year 1997. It has a strong store network of more than 3400 stores, 25000 multi-brand outlets with over 6500 points of sales department stores across the country.


    Aditya Birla Group Case Study | Revenue & Growth Strategy
    Aditya Birla Group is a remarkable business in India. Read about Aditya Birla group Case study, Kumar Mangalam Birla, history, revenue, & growth.


    The Journey Continues….

    The Indian private sector boasts some of the oldest businesses in the country which have, over time, evolved and reinvented themselves to answer the constantly changing market needs. Not only that, these businesses have marched forth confidently into the new world of information technology and embraced new and emerging technologies proving that these businesses are confident in their approach and ready and willing to adapt themselves to stay relevant in the current competitive scenario. Read Part – II of this continuing article to know more about such old business houses….

    FAQs

    Which is the oldest conglomerate operating successfully in India?

    Founded by Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia in 1736, The Wadia Group is the oldest conglomerate operating successfully in the country.

    Name a few companies owned by the RPG Group.

    CEAT Tyres, KEC International, Zensar Technologies, Raychem RPG Limited, RPG Life Sciences, Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., and RPG Ventures are the companies owned by the RPG Group.

    When was the Aditya Birla Group founded?

    Shiv Narayan Birla founded the Aditya Birla Group in 1857.

  • Effective Strategies for Customer Engagement and Retention in D2C and E-Commerce

    This article has been contributed by Sanjay Kalirona, CEO and Co-founder, Gizmore.

    In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) and e-commerce models has revolutionized the way companies connect with their customers. These digital platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for businesses to engage with their target audience directly and create lasting relationships.

    However, with intense competition and an abundance of choices available to consumers, it has become more important than ever to implement effective strategies for customer engagement and retention. The success of D2C and e-commerce ventures hinges on their ability to engage customers effectively and retain their loyalty, ultimately driving growth and profitability.

    Loyalty Programs
    Seamless Customer Service
    Social Media Engagement
    User-Generated Content
    Email Marketing
    Post-Purchase Follow-up
    Continuous Improvement

    Loyalty Programs

    Loyalty programs are an effective tool for customer retention. By providing incentives and rewards for repeat purchases, businesses can foster a sense of loyalty and encourage customers to continue buying from them. Loyalty programs can take the form of points-based systems, tiered membership levels, additional discounts, pre-booking of smartwatches at exclusive pricing, or exclusive benefits.

    To design an effective loyalty program, businesses need to ensure that the rewards and incentives offered align with their target audience’s expectations. Customers should perceive the program as valuable and worthwhile. Additionally, the program should be simple and user-friendly, ensuring easy participation and redemption of rewards.

    Seamless Customer Service

    Exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of customer engagement and retention. Businesses must prioritize providing prompt and effective support across multiple communication channels. Customers should be able to reach out for assistance easily and receive timely responses to their inquiries or concerns.

    Offering live chat support, responsive email communication, and dedicated customer support phone lines is essential for building strong relationships. Additionally, employing chatbots and automated systems can ensure 24/7 availability and provide immediate assistance for common queries.

    Social Media Engagement

    Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become powerful tools for customer engagement. Businesses can actively engage with their customers through these channels, respond to comments and messages, and address customer queries or issues publicly. Social media also provides opportunities for running contests, polls, and interactive campaigns to encourage customer participation and foster a sense of community around the brand.

    By maintaining an active social media presence and engaging with customers authentically, businesses can create a positive brand image and build strong relationships.

    User-Generated Content

    User-generated content plays a significant role in building trust and credibility in the D2C and e-commerce space. Customers trust the opinions and experiences of their peers more than any advertisement. Encouraging customers to share their experiences through reviews, testimonials, and public posts can generate valuable content that showcases the brand’s value and authenticity.

    Businesses can actively seek customer reviews and testimonials, leveraging them on their websites and social media platforms. Providing incentives or running campaigns to encourage customers to leave reviews can help increase participation. By highlighting positive customer experiences through UGC, businesses can attract new customers and reinforce loyalty among existing ones.

    Email Marketing

    Email marketing remains a powerful tool for customer engagement and retention. By regularly communicating with customers through personalized emails, businesses can provide updates on new products, exclusive offers, and valuable content. Segmenting the email list based on customer preferences and purchase history ensures that the messages are relevant and targeted.

    An effective email marketing strategy involves crafting compelling subject lines, designing visually appealing templates, and delivering valuable content that resonates with the audience. Personalizing the emails based on the customer’s past interactions and preferences can significantly increase open rates and click-through rates. By staying connected through email, businesses can nurture customer relationships, encourage repeat purchases, and drive engagement.

    Post-Purchase Follow-up

    The post-purchase phase provides a valuable opportunity to engage with customers and foster long-term relationships. Sending a personalized follow-up message to express gratitude, check for satisfaction, and gather feedback demonstrates that the business values the customer’s experience beyond the transaction. It also provides an opportunity to address any potential issues or concerns the customer may have.

    Asking for reviews and ratings is an effective way to encourage customers to share their experiences and provide social proof. By actively engaging with customers after a purchase, businesses can reinforce loyalty, resolve any concerns, and gather insights for continuous improvement.

    Continuous Improvement

    To ensure long-term customer engagement and retention, businesses must continuously seek customer feedback and act upon it. Analyzing customer data, conducting surveys, and listening to customer suggestions are vital for understanding evolving needs and preferences. By actively seeking feedback, businesses can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to their products, services, and overall customer experience.

    Demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement builds trust and shows customers that their opinions matter. Communicating the changes made based on customer feedback reinforces the value placed on their satisfaction. By consistently striving to enhance the customer experience, businesses can retain customer loyalty, attract new customers through positive word-of-mouth, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

    Summing Up

    In the D2C and e-commerce landscape, customer engagement and retention are critical for success. Engaging customers on a personal level, providing exceptional support, and leveraging digital platforms for interaction are key to building brand loyalty.

    By incorporating these strategies, businesses can not only increase customer retention but also foster brand advocacy, drive revenue growth, and establish a competitive edge in the D2C or e-commerce space. Embracing customer-centric approaches is crucial to navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape and creating a strong foundation for long-term success.


    Brand Positioning Strategies for Business | How to Make Customers Loyal
    Are you struggling to position your brand in front of your target market? These strategies will help you to position your brand and make customers loyal.