Tag: 📄Company Profiles

  • Chalo Success Story – How it Tracks Bus Routes and Offers Hassle-Free Travel

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

    When it comes to public transport, buses are the most preferred means of traveling for many people across rural and urban India. While factors like the easy availability of buses and affordable fares are the reasons why most people choose to travel by bus, there is still much scope for improvement in the bus transportation segment in India. From waiting for buses to standing in queues to buy bus tickets, there are many hassles associated with bus travel. Mumbai-based startup ‘Chalo’ was founded in 2014, to do away with these very hassles.

    With the help of technology, Chalo is making traveling in city buses a smooth experience for travelers across 22 Indian cities. We interviewed Chalo Co-founder Dhruv Chopra, to understand more about this innovative startup.

    Here’s the success story of Chalo that will help you learn About Chalo, its USP, Founders, Name and Logo, Chalo Funding, Revenues, Challenges, Awards, Chalo Growth, and more.

    Chalo Highlights

    Startup Name Chalo
    Headquarter Navi Mumbai
    Founders Mohit Dubey, Priya Singh Dubey, Dhruv Chopra, Vinayak Bhavnani, Nikhil Aggarwal (resigned in 2019)
    Sector Public Transportation
    Valuation $290 million (May 2023)
    Founded 2014
    Parent Organization Zophop Technologies Private Limited
    Chalo Website chalo.com

    About Chalo
    Chalo – Industry
    Chalo – USP
    Chalo – Founders and Team
    Chalo – Startup Story
    Chalo – Name & Logo
    Chalo – Business and Revenue Model
    Chalo – Funding and Investors
    Chalo – Acquisitions
    Chalo – Challenges
    Chalo – Awards
    Chalo – Growth
    Chalo – Future Plans

    About Chalo

    Chalo is a technology-driven transport solutions company that aims to make travel by public transport better. The startup’s key focus is on improving the bus services of the cities making them more reliable, easier, more convenient to use, and less time-consuming, thus increasing ridership in these buses.

    Chalo provides the Chalo App, through which a customer can track any bus live and see its live arrival time. This means no more waiting at a bus stop – you can plan to arrive at the bus stop just 1-2 minutes before your bus.

    For a consumer, Chalo provides these products or key tech-led services:

    Chalo Cards

    NFC touch-to-pay card which can store a wallet and multi-trip tickets (e.g. monthly pass). This means no more hassles of carrying change, and in the times of COVID-19, contactless payments increase safety by 20x over.

    Chalo Cards - Chalo Products and Services
    Chalo Cards – Chalo Products and Services

    Chalo Mobile Bus Passes

    Available through the Chalo app, users can buy their bus passes/tickets on the Chalo app and simply scan their QR code to travel. This means no more trips to pass counter again, for the lakhs of students and other passengers who use bus passes to travel. This also adds to safety as there is no contact or exchange of cash with the conductor.

    Chalo Bus Passes - Chalo Products and Services
    Chalo Bus Passes – Chalo Products and Services

    Chalo Tickets

    Chalo offers an innovative facility for the users to buy their tickets in advance and just activate them before they travel.

    Chalo Mobile Tickets - Chalo Products and Services
    Chalo Mobile Tickets – Chalo Products and Services

    Chalo Super Saver

    With Chalo Super Saver, Chalo Mobility doing business as Chalo offers flexible prepaid plans on the Chalo card and Chalo app that helps the users save big on their travels.

    Chalo Super Saver - Chalo Products and Services
    Chalo Super Saver – Chalo Products and Services

    Chalo app is free and readily available on Google Play Store. People can download and start using it right away to track their buses live, and in some cities, they can also buy their bus passes/bus tickets on the mobile app.

    The Chalo team has been spending a lot of time and effort on feedback from the early versions and has continuously improved the app over the last 3 years. On an average, there is a new version released with improvements every 2 weeks. New features like trip planner, emergency SOS, live trip sharing, and multiple languages have all been added over time.

    The most recent update includes a live passenger indicator, which shows users how full the bus is against the recommended capacity in that city. This is especially useful as buses are operating with dramatically reduced capacity due to COVID-19.

    Chalo strives to track the local buses using GPS trackers, thereby offering a service that is crucial for the traffic-clogged roads of the Indian cities. Chalo also helps the riders by showing them the updates of the next bus and thus, minimises the wait times and the anxiety. Chalo partners with the bus operators in order to equip their fleet with tracker-enabled public buses.

    Chalo – Industry

    India’s Shared Mobility market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.73% from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market size of $134.3 billion by 2029. The Public Transportation market is projected to have 1,204 million users by 2029.

    The bus industry of India is huge indeed. India ranks among the top 10 in the world in the bus segment. Over 30,000 vehicles are sold in India every year, say reports.


    List of Top Travel Startups in India | Tourism Startups
    > “The World Is A Book And Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page.” – St. Augustine of Hippo, Philosopher
    Travel and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in India. According
    to government statistics in 2017, the annual growth rate of domestic travelers
    in India stood at 17.2%. It …


    Chalo – USP

    From tracking the bus timings to buying bus tickets, Chalo is not only making life simple for bus travelers, but the startup is also helping bus operators to increase their number of riders.

    The need for improving bus services has already been established, and many city governments and bus operators are looking to bring in technology to improve services. Their main challenge has been the investment needed, and the ongoing maintenance, updates and usage of technology to increase ridership.

    Chalo’s unique business model solves both these problems for them, and by charging only for increased ridership, effectively the bus operator gains by partnering with Chalo, rather than spending money on technology and services.

    Chalo Products
    Chalo Products

    MakeMyTrip Success Story – Founder | Business Model | Revenue
    More Indians are now booking tickets and hotels online than ever before. Nothing
    can beat the comfort of being able to plan a trip from the comfort of your home.
    You can check out the prices and compare them to get the best out of the deal. A company that holds a major share in the Indian online …


    Chalo – Founders and Team

    Mohit Dubey, Priya Singh, Dhruv Chopra, Vinayak Bhavnani, and Nikhil Aggarwal are the founders of Chalo. Nikhil left the company as the COO and Co-founder in October 2019 whereas all the other founding members are still there on the Chalo team.

    Mohit, Priya, and Dhruv had worked together previously to build CarWale and BikeWale, India’s #1 car and bike portals. The trio, like every other urban Indian, was bothered by the congestion and chaos in the roads of the Indian cities due to the increasing number of private vehicles and wanted to find out a solution to this. In 2014, Mohit met Vinayak, (a software developer from IIT Delhi) who too shared similar interests.

    Mohit Dubey

    Mohit Dubey is the Co-founder and CEO of Chalo. Prior to Chalo, Mohit founded and served as CEO at CarWale, BikeWale, India’s #1 automotive portals for cars and two-wheelers respectively, from 2005 to 2017, and CarTrade. He also founded and led Founder & CEO Veracious Solutions Pvt Ltd, a software development startup, from 2003-2005. Dubey started as an Executive assistant to the MD of M.M. Poonjiaji Spices Ltd. and then went on to be the Marketing Head at Cyber Infodev Pvt Ltd., and had eventually headed numerous organizations in his career to date. Mohit had also been the Cofounder and Member Board Of Directors of CarTrade. Mohit Dubey holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA in Finance from Goa University.

    Priya Singh

    Priya Singh is the Co-founder and the Chief People Officer of Chalo. After obtaining a BA and MA in Humanities and Clinical/Medical and Community Social Work, Priya went to complete an Executive Leadership Development from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Priya served as a Mental Health Counsellor at the start of her career. She then became a Guest Lecturer at Barkatullah College, a Block Incharge at CARE India, and eventually moved to become the State Project Officer at the World Food Programme. Priya then became Communication Specialist at Population Services International, and a State Programme Manager – NRHM, MP at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. She finally decided to find Chalo. However, before that, she also served as a Vice President at CarWale, founded Rangrezaaglobal, held the Mumbai Chair – Masoom at Young Indians, and served as the Board of Director of Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools.

    Bringing in “20+ years of diverse leadership experience with Startup, Internet Industry, Development Sector/International NGOs, Public Private Partnership, Government Policies and Implementation”, Priya Singh is nothing less than a vital asset to the company

    Dhruv Chopra

    Dhruv Chopra is known as the Chief Marketing Officer at Chalo. He also served the same designation at CarWale, after he stepped down from the duties of the VP. Chopra also worked as the VP of HSBC prior to that. His previous roles include that of Marketing Sales Executive at Cerebra Integrated Technologies Limited; Games Programmer at Nazara; Partner / Programmer / Business Development at Infoserve; Account Manager at Optimos, and Manager of E-business Sales at Xerago. Dhruv Chopra has a BA in Economics.

    Vinayak Bhavnani

    Vinayak Bhavnani is an IIT Delhi alumnus, who has a dual degree in Computer Science. He is currently known as the Co-founder and CTO of Chalo. Bhavnani was a Software Development Intern at Naukri.com, after which he became a Software Developer at Directi. He then co-founded Zophop Tech, where he also served as the CEO, prior to joining hands with the other co-founders and founding Chalo.

    The team at Chalo believes that a lot of our cities’ problems – congestion, air pollution, long commutes, travel stress, accidents, and even road deaths – are closely linked to the way we travel, and we can have clean, green, and beautiful cities when we change the way we travel, and thus significantly improve the quality of our lives.

    Chalo Founders (L-R): Vinayak Bhavnani, Priya Singh, Mohit Dubey, Dhruv Chopra
    Chalo Founders (L-R): Vinayak Bhavnani, Priya Singh, Mohit Dubey, Dhruv Chopra

    Dhruv Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer, Chalo, overlooks the overall marketing of Chalo with a keen eye for details in all things digital. He takes great interest in substituting cars and bikes with public transport. Furthermore, he believes that we can enjoy happier lives with travel that involves less stress, and will eventually have a lot more time to think about ourselves, what we are doing presently, and our future plans.

    Dhruv was the Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, of CarWale and BikeWale before Chalo was founded. He served as a digital marketing manager at HSBC India (2006 – 2009), run his own IT company, and programmed online video games in the initial days of his career.

    Priya Singh Dubey is the Chief People Officer (CPO) of Chalo. Priya helps the company build amazing talent and helps in cementing the position of the company in order to make further growth possible. Furthermore, she is also responsible for the training and development that goes on across the company, including crew members on Chalo Buses. Priya stood by Chalo since it was established in 2014. She was initially an early investor of the company and eventually took over the role of CPO in 2019.

    Priya served as the Senior Vice President, Talent, and Training, at Carwale. Besides, she was also responsible for other pivotal roles in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Madhya Pradesh, India, and in the World Food Programme. Priya also serves as a board member of the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools.

    Vinayak Bhavnani is responsible for the Product and Technology at Chalo. He has been a part of Chalo since it was founded in 2014. Vinayak is really passionate about using technology, which he thinks, will help make the everyday commute a lot simpler and much more convenient for an overwhelming majority of Indians. Vinayak contributes to the development of all products at Chalo and oversees the work in the department, rendering it efficient for the consumers, bus operators, and regulatory partners – and the entire technology platform, spanning live tracking, ticketing, payments, cards, and more. Chalo has successfully stood as one of the few companies that have managed to build the entire technology stack for public transport operations management. All of these were possible under the guidance of Vinayak.

    Vinayak worked at Directi before Chalo, where he was responsible for building large-scale enterprise-grade chat and voice products. Vinayak’s hometown is Kota. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from IIT Delhi.

    Nikhil Aggarwal was the co-founder and COO of Chalo from 2016 to 2019. He was a student of Delhi University from where he completed his graduation. Nikhil Aggarwal is currently founder and group CEO of Grip Invest.

    Chalo – Startup Story

    Getting stuck in the city traffic is annoying yet something that most of us Indians need to face. Given the heavy traffic jam that is being an increasing bother each day, moving around within the city has turned out to be a challenging task. The increasing numbers of private vehicles is a major reason for this congestion of roads within the city. Chalo co-founders Mohit, Priya, Dhruv, and Vinayak had many discussions on such issues and realized that developed means of public transport can be of much help to get out of this situation.

    “Why are international cities that have equally bad congestion – like Hong Kong, London, New York, and Singapore – still much easier to get around in, and live in? The answer was simple – they have more efficient and highly reliable public transportation, which people prefer to use over their private vehicles. This is eventually the only way to reduce traffic congestion on our roads and make our Indian cities also more livable, with everyone having healthier and better lives.” quotes Dhruv Chopra

    In their research, the Chalo Co-founders realized that, in India, buses are the single largest mode of public transport (48% of all trips) and also have the largest improvement opportunity. While intracity train and metro facilities are present only in a few cities of India (with a limited footprint), local bus services are present in almost every city and cover the length and breadth of a city. However, unreliable and inefficient bus systems mean that people chose private vehicles vs buses. Thus, the team saw a huge opportunity in using technology to make buses more reliable, and improve the passenger experience.

    The name ‘Chalo’ comes from the very core of the startup’s business objective of “making travel easy for everyone”.

    Chalo Logo
    Chalo Logo

    “We wanted the name to be easy to understand and relatable across passenger segments and across the country. Chalo is one of the most common words used for beginning any form of travel and hence is a perfect fit. We also love the fact that we use the word “Chalo” several times in a typical day” says Chalo co-founder Dhruv Chopra explaining the idea behind the startup’s name.

    Chalo – Business and Revenue Model

    Chalo partners with buses and their operators to help the consumers or the end-users. Therefore, it leverages the B2B model to benefit the end-users, thereby wiping off their wait times.

    Chalo deploys live tracking, payment systems, and operations services for bus operators without any upfront investment on their part. This means that the entire capex and initial investments needed in hardware like GPS devices, Electronic ticketing machines, making cards available, are all borne by Chalo.

    Chalo partners with bus operators to increase ridership, and charges operators a share of the increased ridership, thus making it a win-win situation for all.

    Chalo – Funding and Investors

    Chalo has raised total funding worth $143.9 million in a total of 10 funding rounds to date.  Their latest funding was raised on May 22, 2023 from a Series D round where they raised $45 million from Avataar Venture Partners.

    The previous rounds of funding raised by Chalo was the Series C funding round of $40 mn, which the company raised on October 5, 2021. This funding round was led by Lightrock India and Filter Capital along with other existing investors like Raine Venture Partners, WalterBridge Ventures, and more.

    It was a round of $7 mn that Chalo raised prior to that from Raine Venture Partners Series B funding on January 13, 2021. Chalo is currently valued at $365 mn, as of July 11, 2022, and is looking forward to achieving a valuation close to $800 mn.

    Chalo will utilize the latest funds it received to develop better technologies, cement its position in India and expand its business operations internationally.

    Date Stage Amount Investors/Shareholders
    May 22, 2023 Series D $45 million Avataar Venture Partners
    May 22, 2023 Debt Financing $12 million
    April 24, 2023 Series D $26 million
    April 5, 2022 Venture Round $13.9 million Lightrock
    October 5, 2021 Series C $40 million Filter Capital, Lightrock
    January 13, 2021 Venture Round $7 million Raine Ventures
    January 1, 2019 Seed Round Trifecta
    May 27, 2018 Seed Round
    October 16, 2017 Seed Round

    Chalo – Acquisitions

    Chalo has acquired Shuttl on October 26, 2021, for an undisclosed amount, which is the first-ever acquisition for the company. Chalo was rumored to be acquiring Vogo in an all-stock deal as per the reports on November 13, 2021, from sources close to the deal, which finally became real on March 28, 2021. The acquisition of the two-wheeler rental startup was via a share swap deal. The Vogo acquisition is expected to reinforce the company with first and last-mile ride services at major bus stops and other public places.

    Here’s a couple of Chalo acquisitions:

    Company Acquired Date of Acquisition Deal Value
    Vogo March 28, 2022
    Shuttl October 26, 2021

    RedBus – Enjoy a cozy and comfortable bus travel with RedBus!
    With all the buzz that the millennials have with traveling and easy bookings, we
    had to have the online booking portals that are easy as a button. Today from
    airfare booking to bus booking, we have all arrangements for easy and fast
    online booking. One such company that revolutionized the bus travel…


    Chalo – Challenges

    To make bus travel hassle-free, there is not just one but many factors that need to be taken care of, which is quite a herculean task for the Chalo team. Within the first few months of launching Chalo’s live tracking services in Indore, which significantly reduced the wait time at the bus stops, the team realized that live information on when the bus is going to come is only a part of the problem. Aspects such as improving the reliability across the network, ensuring buses were better kept clean, were all equally important.

    On further scrutiny, they found that there were a few inherent issues with the ways bus systems were managed. Barring a few cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, where the entire city routes are managed by a single operator, in most other cities, the bus routes are auctioned to private bus operators. A typical bus operator manages 1-20 buses and owns rights over certain bus routes defined by the government. The service levels across the city are therefore not uniform, leaving a customer dissatisfied. Also, small private operators tend to compete with each other rather than work towards the betterment of the overall network, and their micro-optimizations often result in unreliable bus services for passengers. Research shows that a passenger tends to shift very quickly to other means of transport like a shared auto if buses do not run on time or even purchase their own 2-wheeler if they can.

    To provide a pleasant and a standardized travel experience to the bus riders, the team at Chalo is constantly working on bringing in a systematized management of services across the entire bus network of a city that could impact the way bus services were delivered to passengers and increase ridership.

    The different aspects on which ‘Chalo’ is working includes

    • Delivering the latest technology to bus travelers – live tracking, tap to pay cards, mobile ticketing and passes, etc.
    • Taking ownership for the entire bus experience – from cleaning buses to training bus crew, to ensuring adherence to schedules, etc.
    • Improving bus routes and schedules to suit the changing structure of a city.

    To successfully implement this vision, Chalo partners with existing bus operators, and the various government entities involved in delivering city transport services – for example, the smart city SPVs, city transport SPVs and departments, road transport corporations, etc.

    With the acquisition of Shuttl, which came on October 26, 2021, Chalo is currently aiming to bring in premium bus services and plans to expand internationally, starting from Bangkok, where Shuttl already has its presence.

    Chalo – Awards

    Chalo was featured among India’s Top 50 Start-ups by Nasscom in 2017.

    Chalo – Growth and Revenue

    The first break for Chalo came in 2017, when Indore’s largest bus operator agreed to install Chalo’s GPS devices on their buses, thus enabling users of the app to live track those buses. But this still was not 100% of the city’s buses, so it was not useful for all bus passengers.

    The first city to launch the Chalo App with live bus tracking across 100% of its buses was Bhopal in May 2018. With just a press conference to announce the service, word spread among bus passengers rapidly, and within the first month itself 25% of bus travelers in Bhopal were using the Chalo App to live-track their buses. Today, nearly all bus passengers with a smartphone in Bhopal have installed the Chalo App.

    Chalo has grown rapidly over the last few years. From the first 100% live tracking city of Bhopal in May 2018, to over 51 cities in India and select international markets, which it has expanded to, as of 2023, is an amazing feat, no doubt! Chalo boasts of an incredible pace of growth, in which it grew 1 new city strong each month for 2 continuous years. Also, the product offerings to users/passengers kept expanding. Besides, the company also kept bringing in the latest and best technologies from around the world to improve the passenger experience.

    The Chalo App is currently used more than 10 million times each month. Chalo operates with a fleet of 15,000 buses in around 22 cities, completing over 150 million rides each month, as reported in September 2023.

    “Our company’s core purpose is to “make travel better for everyone”. Having implemented its integrated journey planner – the Chalo app – in 23 cities across India to offer live tracking of buses, and as the pioneer of cashless payments for buses in India, Chalo is the preferred partner of many smart cities in the country, helping them in their mission to increase the adoption of public transport among the residents. The intent of starting Chalo was to make it easier to use public transport in India reliable and pleasant and prefered choice for everyday travel.” quotes Chalo co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Dhruv Chopra emphasizing on the startup’s vision.

    How Chalo Ensured Safety of its Passengers during the Covid times!

    As soon as the nationwide lockdown was announced, all the bus services were halted across the country. Now, when the services resumed, the focus shifted to ensuring safety across the bus network, for each and every passenger and everybody else.

    The Chalo team studied the virus transmission risk in buses and found that 95% of the risk comes from cash exchange in the bus, whereas just 5% comes from passenger-to-passenger transmission and surface transmission.

    The risk of Covid-19 Transmission in a bus arises from the following sources –

    • Cash + Paper Tickets = 3,000 opportunities

    [1 Conductor x 1,000 passengers x 3 opportunities each (giving cash, receiving change, receiving ticket) 95%]

    • Passenger to Passenger = 80 opportunities

    [1 passenger x 40 co-passengers x 2 trips daily (Assuming full bus load of 40 passengers) 3%]

    • Surface Transmission = 70 opportunities

    [1 passenger x 35 surfaces x 2 trips daily (Assuming passenger touches nearly all available surfaces) 2% ]

    Yet, the current efforts around the country focus only on de-congesting the bus, which is the last 5% of the risk.

    Chalo doubled down on implementing contactless payments in buses, which removed 95% of the risk right away, making buses 20x safer. Chalo has also introduced the world’s first “100% trace and contact” system for public transport, which tracks 100% of rides across the network, enables reverse contact tracing, and ensures that 100% of passengers are contactable.

    This means that if any passenger is detected/suspected as infected, each of their co-passengers for the last 2 weeks can be reverse-looked-up and contacted, to enable containment measures.

    This system makes buses safe, even safer than domestic flying.

    Chalo Revenue and Financials

    Chalo’s revenue increased from INR 26.17 crore in 2021 to INR 35.75 crore in 2022, showing limited growth. However, its net loss more than doubled, rising from INR 33 crore in 2021 to INR 66.4 crore in 2022.

    Chalo has registered operational revenue that equals to INR 27.63 crore in FY21, which was INR 27.43 crore in FY20. Its growth was flat during FY21. However, it is important to note that the Chalo losses were also reduced significantly by around 42%, which became INR 33 crore in FY21.

    Chalo – Future Plans

    Chalo aims to boost the use of sustainable e-vehicles, including buses and e-bikes, while enhancing its technology to achieve 100% digitization of buses.

    After the acquisition of Vogo, the CTO and Co-founder of Chalo, Vinayak Bhavani said, “This acquisition offers Chalo key strategic gains. Now we will be able to offer a convenient and cost-effective option for bus passengers to travel to and from bus stops, solving the door-to-door daily commute. This will increase bus ridership and serve our core purpose of making travel more convenient and reliable for all.”

    FAQs

    What is Chalo?

    Chalo is a technology-driven platform that aims to improve public transportation in India. It provides real-time bus tracking, cashless ticketing, and digital passes, making bus travel more convenient and efficient. Chalo partners with bus operators to digitize operations and enhance the overall commuting experience.

    What is Chalo app?

    The Chalo app is a mobile application that helps users track buses in real time, plan their journeys, and check live bus arrival times. It also allows cashless payments for tickets and passes, making bus travel easier and more convenient. The app is part of Chalo’s mission to improve public transportation through technology.

    What is the Chalo live bus tracking app?

    Chalo is a free app you can down on Google Play Store that tracks buses live and provides mobile ticketing solutions for bus tickets and bus passes.

    How Chalo app works?

    The Chalo app helps users track buses in real-time, plan routes, and check arrival times. It also allows cashless payments for tickets and passes, making bus travel more convenient and efficient.

    Who are Chalo App founders?

    Initially founded by a team of Mohit Dubey, Priya Singh Dubey, Dhruv Chopra, Vinayak Bhavnani, Nikhil Aggarwal, Chalo bus app now has 4 of its founding members, except chalo app owner Nikhil, who has left the company back in October 2019.

    How does Chalo app work?

    The Chalo startup works in partnership with bus operators to provide passengers with live tracking. They also provide cash-free transaction options for travellers.

    Does Chalo have their own bus service?

    No, as of now, Chalo buses is not a thing. However, Chalo connects with over 15,000 buses.

    Chalo bus is private or government?

    Chalo partners with both private and government bus operators to provide its services. It works to digitize and improve public transportation systems by integrating technology into bus operations.

    Who is Priya Singh at Chalo?

    Priya Singh is the Co-founder and the Chief People Officer (CPO) at Chalo.

  • Bombay Shaving Company Story: Answering All Your Grooming Needs

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

    Men, today, comprehend the significance of appearance; that appearing one’s best instills self-confidence, which is essential in today’s highly competitive environment. Furthermore, media affairs, publicity, front-office professions, sales and marketing, employment in restaurants, television, tourism, modeling, and the fashion sector are all industries where appearance is essential. Other variables that have led to the popularity of male grooming products include exposure and accessibility to television commercials and worldwide patterns or trends.

    A man’s skin is exactly as vulnerable as a female’s and requires the same amount of attention and care. Men, in general, on the other hand, devote more time outside in the sunlight. Exposure to sunlight, air pollution, air conditioning, chlorinated water, and stress, all have an impact on the skin, causing skin issues and accelerating the process of aging. Male skin is also more prone to disorders such as acne. Men require their personal space as well as professional grooming attention and care.

    Bombay Shaving Company is a consumer goods company that specialises in the development of men’s beard and shave care and skincare range of products. Bombay Shaving Company was founded in 2016 as a D2C business for men’s grooming and shaving goods. Since then, the company has grown into a variety of hair removal and hair care categories, including a women’s hair removal line on which it is placing its bets.

    Here’s the success story of Bombay Shaving Company that covers all about the company, the Startup Story and Growth, its history, its Competitors, Revenue, Business and Revenue Model, and more, you can check ahead!

    Bombay Shaving Company – Company Highlights

    Startup Name Bombay Shaving Company
    Headquarters New Delhi, India
    Industry Personal Care Product Manufacturing
    Founders Shantanu Deshpande, Raunak Munot, Deepu Panicker, and Rohit Jaiswal
    Founded 2015

    About Bombay Shaving Company and How It Works?
    Bombay Shaving Company – Industry
    Bombay Shaving Company – Products
    Bombay Shaving Company – Name, Logo, and Tagline
    Bombay Shaving Company – Founders and Team
    Bombay Shaving Company – Startup Story
    Bombay Shaving Company – Mission and Vision Statement
    Bombay Shaving Company – Business Model
    Bombay Shaving Company – Marketing Tactics
    Bombay Shaving Company – Funding and Investors
    Bombay Shaving Company – Growth
    Bombay Shaving Company – Competitors
    Bombay Shaving Company – Challenges Faced
    Bombay Shaving Company – Future Plans

    About Bombay Shaving Company and How It Works?

    Men’s grooming is sometimes viewed as a pointless activity done “for the sake of it.” The Bombay Shaving Company is a company that has sparked progressive changes in the industry. They have changed the way that men’s grooming is done, turning it into an enjoyable pastime. Bombay Shaving Company is a high-end personal care and grooming products firm dedicated to providing exceptional client experiences. The firm gets its blades from the Japanese manufacturer Feather, but everything else is created in-house.

    It began as a firm that provided various products for men’s grooming and skincare but has expanded its product line to include women’s grooming. The firm markets itself as a premium brand, charging Rs 2,995 for a six-piece razor set that consists of a brush, pre-shave cleanse, shaving cream, post-shave balm, and blades. The firm has generally been able to contact suppliers of big FMCG companies by using its investor connections.

    After purchasing a product, customers may subscribe to the blades and creams. The subscription is quite flexible as subscribers may select their items, frequency of replenishment, and pause/restart/cancel at any time. Their product range now consists of eight market segments: Shave, Trimmers, Hair, Beard, Perfumes, Skin, Bath, and Women.

    The beard kit routines seek to increase the development and style of facial hair while the selected shaving product collection concentrates on ultimate precision and softness. With its comprehensive bath collection, the brand has also taken care of one’s bathing needs, and its skincare products aid in creating a positive and healthy regimen.

    The business is committed to giving customers the best possible grooming experience, which is supported by superfoods. Their wide variety of products addresses common grooming issues and assists users in always looking their best.

    A comprehensive, nutritious experience from head to toe is guaranteed by the company, with the recently introduced hair care line, which is led by four hair oil mixes enhanced with superfoods. Superfoods including avocado, honey, turmeric, and coconut extracts are used by Bombay Shaving Company in its personal care and grooming products. These appeal to the increased levels of health concern among customers and are abundant in vitamins and antioxidants.

    Bombay Shaving Company – Industry

    The fourth-largest industry in India is fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), with 50% of revenues in this industry coming from domestic and personal care products. Along with packaged foods and drinks, toiletries, electronics, home appliances, and domestic cleaning supplies, consumer goods also include cosmetics and skin care products.

    India’s Beauty and Personal Care market is expected to make $32.53 billion in 2025. It will grow by 2.84% (CAGR 2025-2029) each year from 2025 to 2029. The biggest part of this market is Personal Care, which will be worth $14.74 billion in 2025.

    The primary growth factors for the industry have been more awareness, better access, and shifting lifestyles. The greatest contributor to the entire income produced by the FMCG industry in India (which accounts for a revenue share of around 55%) is the urban segment. However, compared to urban India, the FMCG market has risen more quickly in rural India during the past few years. The semi-urban and rural populations are expanding quickly, and 50% of all rural expenditure is on FMCG items.


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    Bombay Shaving Company – Products

    The brand has made every effort to improve Indian men’s grooming experiences with goods and ideas that speak to their contemporary worldview. It carefully develops every product, from the quality razors to its extensive selection of men’s face wash, to provide a healthy self-care experience.

    • Shaving – Precision Safety Razor, Preshave Scrub, Shaving foams, and After/Post Shave
    • Beard Grooming – Beard Trimmers, Beard oils, Beard Care Kits, Beard Styling Kits, Beard Growth Kits, and Beard Straightening Kits.
    • Haircare – Hair Oil, Onion and Bhringraj Hair Oil, Avocado Oil, Curry Leaves oil, Advanced Castor oil, Hair styling wax, and Onion or Egg Hair Mask.
    • Skincare – Face wash, face scrubs, and face masks.
    • Bath Care – Soap, Body wash, and Moisturizers.
    • Fragrances – Perfumes, Deos, Body Sprays.
    • Trimmers – Beard, Body, Head, Groin.

    Bombay Shaving Company – Name, Logo, and Tagline

    Bombay Shaving Company Logo 
    Bombay Shaving Company Logo 

    Bombay Shaving Company’s logo comprises a razor, that depicts what the company is established for, to remove the stigma based on men’s grooming. The logo also consists of wings around the razor.

    The Bombay Shaving Company tagline says, “REDEFINING GROOMING FOR EVERY INDIAN MAN.”

    Bombay Shaving Company – Founders and Team

    The Bombay Shaving Company was founded by Shantanu Deshpande, Raunak Munot, Deepu Panicker, and Rohit Jaiswal in the year 2015.

    Shantanu Deshpande

    Shantanu Deshpande - Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, know more on Shantanu Deshpande Wiki
    Shantanu Deshpande – Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company

    Bombay Shaving Company’s founder and CEO, Shantanu, was previously the Engagement Manager of McKinsey & Co. in the USA. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Management in Lucknow with a Master’s in Business Administration(MBA).


    Shantanu Deshpande: Founder of Bombay Shaving Company | Education | Investments | Family | Biography
    Discover the extraordinary journey of the Bombay Shaving company founder, Shantanu Deshpande. Learn about his education, family, career, and more. Shantanu Deshpande wiki.


    Raunak Munot

    Raunak Munot - Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Bombay Shaving Company (ex)
    Raunak Munot – Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Bombay Shaving Company (ex)

    Raunak Munot served as the Chief Marketing Officer of the Bombay Shaving Company till 2019. Currently, he is employed with Trove Experiences as a Co-Founder. He has held positions at GroupM as director of social strategy and at Audi of America as a brand consultant. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai’s Institute of Chemical Technology and a Master of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University.

    Deepu Panicker

    Deepu Panicker - Co-founder and Head of Product Operations at Bombay Shaving Company
    Deepu Panicker – Co-founder and Head of Product Operations at Bombay Shaving Company

    At Bombay Shaving Company, Deepu served as both co-founder and Head of Product Operations. At Times Internet, he is a Product Development and Sourcing employee. He has held positions as Senior Analyst at McKinsey & Company and Senior Manager of Business Operations at Freecultr. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay with a Master’s degree.

    Rohit Jaiswal

    Rohit Jaiswal Bombay Shaving Company
    Rohit Jaiswal – Co-founder and Head of Products at Bombay Shaving Company

    At Bombay Shaving Company, Rohit serves as Head of Products. He has had positions with Emel Group as the Sales and Distribution Manager, UAE Exchange as an MBA Summer Intern, and Crompton Greaves as an Executive. He graduated from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, with a Bachelor of Engineering (EEE) degree and the Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur, with a Master of Business Administration degree.

    Bombay Shaving Company – Startup Story

    In 2015, Shantanu Deshpande, Rohit Jaswal, Deepu Panicker, and Raunak Munot established the Bombay Shaving Company. Shantanu came up with the concept after discussing the expanding men’s grooming market in the USA with a friend and seeing its opportunity for growth in India. When everything began, Shantanu worked as a software engineer for McKinsey in the USA. After a casual encounter with a buddy who was an intern at Harry’s, a New York-based grooming brand, Shantanu’s interest was aroused. After his acquaintance noted how American shaving companies are competing with the likes of Gillette and PRO, Shantanu concluded that India may benefit from a breakthrough in the grooming and shaving industry.

    After several conversations with family members and friends, it became very evident that shaving was perceived as a necessary but unappealing aspect of going to the hair salon and not as anything to look forward to. As a disruptor business, the foursome aimed to target the neglected and nearly monopolized market by concentrating on delivering a pleasant consumer experience.

    The business’s initial 500 customers, according to the proprietors, came exclusively through word-of-mouth recommendations. It is mostly because of their emphasis on the client interface. As a startup, The Bombay Shaving Company had little to say about its origin. They wanted to provide a terrific unwrapping experience for their customers since they understood that they were paying top money for a brand-new product. Buyers’ strategy worked when they began sharing their opinions on social media and other channels, and sales rose as a consequence.

    The quartet simultaneously promoted their businesses by utilizing their connections with the editorial staff at newspapers like India Today. They even made an appearance on the cover of India Today, which gave them much-needed visibility. The business began in 2016 with roughly six goods and has since grown to 32 products in the areas of shaving, bath and body, skin, and beard care. About 20% of its revenue comes from its offline channel, which has over 700 retail contact points across four cities.

    In the upcoming year, the firm hopes to add six more cities. Men’s grooming items are produced by the start-up, including shaving brushes, towels, face cleansers, travel packs, shaving cream, post-shave balms, and razors. Shower gels and single-use razors have been added to the repertoire.


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    Bombay Shaving Company – Mission and Vision Statement

    Bombay Shaving Company’s mission statement states, “At Bombay Shaving Company, we are always dedicated to providing you the ultimate grooming experience, powered by superfoods, without any compromises.”

    Bombay Shaving Company – Business Model

    Raunak has always desired to create a brand from nothing. Rohit was eager to launch an FMCG business and produce top-notch goods. Deepu also has a strong interest in technology and construction. They matched each other well. The Delhi-based firm was established following several calls, Skype sessions, and talks about the mission, business model, and go-to-market strategy.

    Some brand elements are popular worldwide, particularly among the Indian diaspora. First, the spirit behind giving a personalized gift on special occasions, and next, the background of their products’ components. Both superfoods and conventional ingredients are included in their offerings. Thirdly, the business incorporates fascinating micro innovations into its goods to provide clients with a unique experience, particularly in the hair management sector. On these three levers, advertising and brand development have been successful for the company.

    The mission of Bombay Shaving Company has always been to make shaving a fun and luxurious experience. To carve themselves a position in the industry, they have steadily expanded into other areas including hair and skincare. Some of the branding techniques that have helped them become well-known are discussed further.

    Bombay Shaving Company – Marketing Tactics

    Bombay Shaving Company – #Dadlogic series

    • Shaving is a delightful experience because of the shaving kits’ superior packaging, which exudes a sense of elegance.
    • When people shared their unpacking experiences on social media, the premium packaging idea was a huge success. This generated a lot of favorable word-of-mouth for the brand.
    • Indian customers are observed for having a pattern to have a soft corner for customization or personalization. Customers might choose to have their names free of charge etched on the metal blades. The high-end shaving kits made lovely presents for their loved ones.
    • When interacting with people, the company kept in mind that they were not engaging with beings of intellect, but rather with beings of feelings. To portray its products as the ideal present for dads and brothers, Bombay Shaving Company took advantage of holidays like Father’s Day and Rakshabandhan. In the #DadLogic series of short films, they urged viewers to give their fathers a razor that was sharper than his wit.

    Bombay Shaving Company – Funding and Investors

    Bombay Shaving Company has raised funding of $48.8 million over 9 rounds to date.

    Date Round Amount Lead Investors
    April 1, 2024 Debt Financing ₹240M Alteria Capital
    Feb 3, 2022 Series C ₹500M Gulf Islamic Investments LLC (GII)
    Jan 5, 2022 Series C ₹1.6B Malabar Investment Advisors
    Mar 25, 2021 Venture Round ₹150M Sixth Sense Ventures
    Jan 28, 2021 Venture Round ₹450M Reckitt
    Dec 26, 2019 Series B ₹450M Sixth Sense Ventures
    Aug 23, 2018 Series A Colgate Palmolive
    Aug 23, 2017 Seed Round $2.5M Fireside Ventures
    Aug 17, 2016 Seed Round $650K Noshir Kaka, Subramanian Ramadorai

    Bombay Shaving Company – Growth

    Bombay Shaving Company Financials 2023 2024
    Operating Revenue INR 177.3 crore INR 225.9 crore
    Total Expenses INR 262.7 crore INR 295.6 crore
    Profit/Loss INR -80.25 crore INR -62.15 crore
    Bombay Shaving Company Financials 2024
    Bombay Shaving Company Financials 2024

    Bombay Shaving Company’s operating revenue grew by 27.4%, from INR 177.3 crore in 2023 to INR 225.9 crore in 2024. Total expenses increased by 12.5%, from INR 262.7 crore to INR 295.6 crore. Despite this, the company reduced its losses by 22.6%, from INR 80.25 crore in 2023 to INR 62.15 crore in 2024.

    The team worked together on aromas, raw ingredients, production advances, and packaging innovations with well-known specialists and suppliers from around the world. All 500 of the initial customers came via word-of-mouth. The bulk of their products are always being enhanced in response to customer input. For instance, the team created a new razor component and mailed it to consumers for free after they repeatedly asked for a closer and more intense shave.

    Secondly, the Bombay Shaving Company team worked hard to provide its customers with a terrific unwrapping experience, and they delivered. Customers started sharing photographs and videos of their unpacking experiences on social media, which enhanced their image and boosted sales. To give the shaving blades a more personalized touch, the team also gave customers the option of getting their names engraved on them for free. Bombay Shaving Company has garnered $9 million in investment since its founding and today provides over 40 items across eight categories (Shave, Trimmers, Hair, Beard, Perfumes, Skin, Bath, and Women.)

    Bombay Shaving Company – Competitors

    Beardo, The Man Company, Happily Unmarried, LetsShave, Mancaveinc, Marico, Rituels, Harry’s, Beard Band, and Beard Lab are the top 10 rivals in Bombay Shaving Company’s competitive group.


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    Bombay Shaving Company – Challenges Faced

    • Breaking Norms – Habit is the sixth sense that rules the other five senses. It was challenging to persuade Indian consumers who were accustomed to shaving as a daily duty to view grooming as a luxury pastime. The Indian market is driven by the price-value equation, and selling shaving kits for up to Rs 3,000 was unheard of.
    • Logistics – When the company first started, the outer packaging’s inability to support the load of the contents presented an operational and transportation difficulty. The outside boxes were solidified to fix this. Although the goods are produced in India, they are outsourced to best-in-class local producers. The brand controls every step of the supply chain from sourcing to delivery to assure quality.
    • Finding the right product – To produce the final finished product, the company had to work with specialists from a variety of industries, including perfumes, chemical engineering, inventive packaging, and raw materials. Instead of merely selling a product, they were more interested in providing customers with an experience. Since the brand operated under the tenet that “our harshest consumers help enhance our products,” customer input was granted the highest priority.

    Bombay Shaving Company – Future Plans

    Bombay Shaving Company plans to expand its product range with trimmers and shavers for men and women, aiming for 20% of its revenue to come from the women’s grooming segment. The razor market, which the company is entering, is valued at INR 2,000 crore and is growing at a 10% annual rate.

    Shantanu Deshpande, Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company said, “We are delighted to have GII join our cap table. We are singularly focused on building a brand that owns hair removal and personal care. As we scale from Rs 150 crore to 500 crore and 1000 crore, we needed an investor group that could guide us on building an IPO-able company.”

    FAQs

    Is Bombay Shaving Company Indian?

    Bombay Shaving Company is an Indian company founded in New Delhi, in the year 2015.

    Who are Bombay Shaving Company founders?

    The Bombay Shaving Company was founded by Shantanu Deshpande, Raunak Munot, Deepu Panicker, and Rohit Jaiswal in the year 2015.

    Where is Bombay Shaving Company headquarters?

    Bombay Shaving Company is headquartered in New Delhi.

    Who is the CEO of Bombay Shaving Company?

    Shantanu Deshpande is the current CEO of Bombay Shaving Company.

    How much funding has Bombay Shaving Company raised to date?

    Bombay Shaving Company has raised funding of $52 million over 13 rounds to date.

    What is Bombay Shaving Company revenue?

    Bombay Shaving Company reported an operating revenue of INR 177.3 crore in 2023, which grew to INR 225.9 crore in 2024.

    What is Bombay Shaving Company profit?

    Bombay Shaving Company’s operating revenue grew by 27.4%, from INR 177.3 crore in 2023 to INR 225.9 crore in 2024. Total expenses increased by 12.5%, from INR 262.7 crore to INR 295.6 crore. Despite this, the company reduced its losses by 22.6%, from INR 80.25 crore in 2023 to INR 62.15 crore in 2024.

    What are shaving company names?

    Some shaving companies include: 

    • Bombay Shaving Company
    • Gillette
    • Harry’s
    • Joas
    • Rolls Razor
    • Schick
    • Manscaped
  • Paytm: How Is It Transforming the World of Digital Transactions?

    In our daily lives, making bill payments and transactions used to rely solely on handling cash. Nonetheless, the shortcomings of cash-based techniques have been brought to light by the changing needs of the market and the move towards digital transactions.

    Enter Paytm, an innovative digital payment app that has been available in India since 2010 and has completely changed the way that transactions and bill payments are made. Paytm, a smooth substitute, has been important in the transition to digital financial transactions, signifying a noteworthy turning point in India’s payment history.

    In this article, we will delve into the successful journey of Paytm, its founder, history, business model, funding, acquisitions, competitors, and more.

    Paytm Introduction

    STARTUP NAME PAYTM
    Headquarters Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
    Sector FinTech
    Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma
    Founded 2010
    Website paytm.com

    About Paytm
    Paytm – Industry
    Paytm – Founder and Team
    Paytm – Startup Story
    Paytm – Mission and Vision
    Paytm – Name, Tagline, and Logo
    Paytm – Products and Services
    Paytm – Business Model
    Paytm – Revenue Model
    Paytm – ESOPs
    Paytm – Challenges Faced
    Paytm – Funding and Investors
    Paytm – Investments
    Paytm – Acquisitions
    Paytm – Growth
    Paytm – Sponsorship
    Paytm – IPO
    Paytm – Value Proposition
    Paytm – Awards and Achievements
    Paytm – Partnerships
    Paytm – Competitors
    Paytm – Future Plans

    About Paytm

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma launched Paytm, a well-known provider of digital payments and financial services. Paytm was initially designed to make online money transfers easier for consumers and businesses alike, but it has gradually expanded its services. Later, it offers financial services, eCommerce capabilities, and cell and DTH recharging assistance. Indians have come to love this platform since it is so convenient and easy to use. Paytm company was established in 2010.

    With the goal of assisting Indian app developers and entrepreneurs, Paytm has expanded its offerings over time to include stockbroking, the National Pension System (NPS), Paytm First Games, Paytm Insurance, and a mini app store. Paytm’s dedication to provide its users a wide range of easily accessible financial products is reflected in this expansion.

    Paytm – Industry

    According to a Statista study report, the fintech industry in India with the biggest growth potential is expected to be investment tech, which is expected to develop at a rate of 30% between 2022 and 2030. The financial software as a service industry is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27% during the same time frame. Based on an informative analysis by Statista, the country’s fintech business is expected to be valued at over $2 trillion USD in 2030, indicating a dynamic and booming ecosystem.

    Paytm – Founder and Team

    Paytm was founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2010.

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma Co-Founder and CEO of Paytm
    Vijay Shekhar Sharma Co-Founder and CEO of Paytm

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, made significant strides in the business world, earning recognition and accolades for his entrepreneurial prowess. In 2017, Forbes named him the youngest billionaire in India, putting his net worth at $1.3 billion. A notable winner of the Uttar Pradesh government’s highest civilian award, the Yash Bharati, Sharma cemented his standing in the corporate world. He was listed as the 62nd richest person in India by Forbes in 2020.

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma started his academic career at Delhi College of Engineering, where he studied electronics and communications for his B.E. His career path led him through roles such as Business Development at RiverRun Software Group and Tech Head at India Today Group Online. Eventually, he founded One97 Communications Limited, the parent company of Paytm, and further expanded his influence by founding Paytm Payments Bank.

    Sharma’s impressive career path highlights his business savvy and enduring influence on the financial technology scene in India.


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    Paytm – Startup Story

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s entrepreneurial journey commenced in Aligarh, where his middle-class upbringing instilled determination and resilience. Vijay was educated in Hindi, so he had to overcome a language barrier. Nevertheless, he performed well academically and was accepted to Delhi College of Engineering, where he eventually received a B.E. in Electronics and Communications Engineering.

    Vijay’s entrepreneurial journey began when he created indiasite.net while still a college student in 1997. His ambition persisted even after selling the website after two years. He established One97 Communications in 2000 and provides services for mobile content. This business endeavor served as an introduction to Paytm, which began operations in 2010 in Noida with a $2 million initial investment. Under Vijay’s inspiring direction, Paytm quickly changed from a distributor of mobile entertainment to a pioneer in digital payments in India.

    Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s startup story not only encapsulates his personal journey of overcoming challenges but also mirrors the transformative growth and impact of Paytm on India’s fintech landscape.

    Paytm – Mission and Vision

    Mission: The company mission on its website is “We will bring Half-a-Billion Indians to the Mainstream Economy.”

    Vision: The company vision is to become India’s leading payments App.

    Paytm Logo
    Paytm Logo

    Paytm is a venture under the umbrella of its parent company, One 97 Communications.

    Paytm – Products and Services

    Paytm Mall Launch (February 2017): Paytm introduced Paytm Mall in February 2017 as part of a calculated effort to break into the eCommerce space. Alibaba provided an initial $200 million capital infusion to Paytm Mall, which was then able to maintain steady backing from Ant Financial and Alibaba in order to strengthen the Paytm wallet.

    Contactless In-Store Ordering Innovation (April 2020): Paytm introduced the concept of ‘contactless in-store ordering’ to promote minimal physical contact in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to redefine the retail experience and enhance safety measures.

    Paytm Contactless Ordering
    Paytm Contactless Ordering

    Mini App Store Introduction (October 5, 2020): In an attempt to counter the Google Play Store’s hegemony in the digital space, Paytm launched a micro app store to assist Indian app developers and entrepreneurs.

    Card SoundBox Design Launch (July, 2023): Paytm unveiled the Card Soundbox, a revolutionary device empowering merchants to seamlessly accept mobile and card payments across various networks, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and RuPay. The device simplifies transactions with a convenient ‘tap and pay’ feature, showcasing Paytm’s commitment to innovative payment solutions.


    How to provide contactless expeirence to customers| contactless market
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    experience


    Paytm – Business Model

    Pioneering India’s QR and mobile payments revolution, Paytm’s business model centers on advancing financial inclusion through a broad spectrum of payments and financial services. The key components of this model can be summarized as follows:

    Comprehensive Payments Ecosystem: The core of Paytm’s business model is to attract merchants and customers by offering a wide range of payment options. With UPI acting as a low-cost acquisition channel, the platform cross-sells high-margin banking and merchant services by utilizing insights.

    Empowering Customers: In addition to Paytm Payment Instruments, Paytm offers a variety of third-party payment choices, such as cards and online banking, to empower its users. They make it easier to pay for things online, promoting convenience with the Paytm app and allowing QR code-based in-store and third-party app transactions.

    Subscription-Led Ecosystem for Merchants: Paytm provides its partners with technology tools so they may take payments using a variety of methods. Reconciliations are made easier by subscription-based devices, and beginning merchants can accept payments using a free mobile QR code, mostly using Paytm Payment Instruments or UPI.

    Merchant Growth Through Platform Engagement: When customers use the platform’s payment options, it encourages merchants to sign up as well, which feeds back into itself and results in a high volume of repeat business. Significant consumer stickiness and retention are fueled by this combination.

    Paytm – Revenue Model

    Paytm generates revenue through a diversified set of streams, some of the prominent one are listed below:

    • Profitable UPI Use: Paytm makes money through the widely-used Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
    • Monetization avenues: Paytm makes money on its platform through selling of loans and payment devices, as well as from subscription revenue, payment processing fees, and marketing services it offers to other companies via its Commerce and Cloud business.
    • Co-Branded Credit Cards: Co-branded credit card partnerships with banks such as SBI and HDFC generate income from upfront distribution and lifetime usage fees.
    • Diverse Revenue Streams: Paytm’s strong business strategy guarantees profits from non-UPI and UPI transactions, resulting in a steady and stable flow of income.

    Paytm – ESOPs

    As of August 15, 2021, 166 former and current workers of Paytm who exercised their options under the ESOP Scheme 2008 and ESOP Scheme 2009 have received approximately 10,11,582 equity shares valued at Rs 189 crore. This action is a component of Paytm’s continuous dedication to appreciating and thanking its employees. Employee incentives were further enhanced by the company’s May 2022 grant of stock options valued estimates at Rs 222 crore under the ESOP plan.

    Furthermore, Paytm revealed the granting of 17,06,829 stock options through the ‘One 97 Employees Stock Option Scheme 2019’ to eligible employees. By providing perks to qualified workers, this program seeks to increase their involvement in the expansion of the business.

    Based on the stock prices of One97 Communications of July, 2023, Fintrackr has estimated that the total value of the new ESOPs given by the company is around Rs 145 crore. Paytm’s attempts to promote employee involvement and connect their interests with the company’s long-term development are in line with this strategic allocation of equity shares.

    Paytm – Challenges Faced

    Paytm has encountered a series of challenges as it sought to reshape the cultural landscape of India, where both internet access and smartphones were once deemed unaffordable. The company has faced hurdles included critical issues such as transaction glitches, advertising missteps, and even a trademark infringement case against the Paytm brand.

    In 2018, Paytm faced a significant challenge when its e-commerce arm, Paytm Mall, allegedly experienced a major data breach on August 30. Firefox Monitor reports state that the hacked data included sensitive information such phone numbers, email addresses, and dates of birth for approximately 3.4 million clients. However, according to reports dated July 28, 2022, Paytm denied these allegations and insisted that all users’ data was secure.

    On September 18, 2020, the Google Play Store abruptly removed the Paytm app, purportedly for breaking rules regarding unlicensed gambling apps.

    As for 2022, on August 1, 2022, reports surfaced that three Paytm employees had burned PhonePe QR codes in bulk. This presented a new challenge. PhonePe responded by reporting the incident to the police.

    When the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ordered Paytm Payments Bank to stop accepting new clients owing to supervisory concerns, the bank faced a major obstacle in the regulatory environment of 2022.

    Ultimately, Paytm made strategic steps to optimize costs in 2023 in response to financial concerns. On December 25, 2023, a news source stated that the corporation has started a workforce reduction program, with at least 1,000 employees being let go from a variety of divisions. This action showed the company’s dedication to solving problems by maximizing staff expenses.

    In the wake of the Reserve Bank of India’s proceedings against Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm is facing regulatory issues. Because of continuous non-compliance and supervisory concerns, the RBI has prohibited fresh deposits from March 15, 2024, as per news report of February 18, 2024. This emphasizes how important it is for the fintech industry to follow regulations.

    Paytm – Funding and Investors

    The company has raised funding of around $3.54 billion over 15 rounds of funding.

    Here are some of the most prominent funding rounds for Paytm:

    Date Stage Amount Investors
    November 2019 Series G $1 billion T Rowe Price
    August 2018 $356 million Berkshire Hathaway
    February 2017 Funding Round $29.64 million Vijay Shekhar Sharma
    March 2015 Secondary Market
    February 2015 Private Equity Round
    January 2014 Series A

    Paytm – Investments

    Paytm has invested in 19 companies to date. The Indian fintech unicorn further revealed on May 21, 2022, that it would be investing a total of Rs 950 crore in Paytm General Insurance Limited (PGIL) in multiple tranches over the next 10 years.

    Here’s a list of the prominent investments in Paytm:

    Company Name Funding Amount Funding Round Lead Investor Date
    Fable Fintech Series A June 2, 2021
    Rooter $1.7 million Seed Round Yes May 4, 2020
    HungerBox $12 million Series C December 17, 2019
    Infinity Infoway Corporate Round Yes December 3, 2019
    HungerBox $8.1 million Series C August 20, 2019
    TapChief $650K Seed Round June 26, 2019
    HungerBox $15 million Series C Yes May 27, 2019
    Paytm Entertainment $9 million Venture Round Yes June 26, 2018
    Paytm Money $1.3 million Venture Round Yes June 6, 2018
    Paytm Payments Bank Rs 122 crore Venture Round November 23, 2017

    Exit

    The company has exited from four companies: Little, CreditMate, TapChief, and AbhiBus.

    Paytm – Acquisitions

    Here are the notable acquisitions made by Paytm:

    Acquired Date Amount
    CreditMate October 4, 2021
    Balance August 9, 2018
    NightStay July 3, 2018 $20 million
    Cube26 June 19, 2018
    TicketNew May 23, 2018 $40 million
    Nearbuy November 13, 2017
    Little November 13, 2017
    Insider.in June 20, 2017 $5.42 million
    Shopsity November 11, 2016
    Edukart September 26, 2016

    Paytm – Growth

    Since its establishment in August 2010, Paytm has firmly established itself as the most popular payments app in India, routinely ranking among the top UPI apps in the nation.

    Furthermore, as per the company’s records with the Registrar of Companies, Paytm has rebranded itself as “Pai Platforms” in a calculated move, according to news dated February 9, 2024. This development is consistent with the company’s resolve to innovate and adjust to the changing Indian digital market environment.

    Some of the prominent company’s growth highlights are:

    • Paytm monthly active users surpasses 10 crore as per the news report of January 23, 2024.
    • As of January 2024, Paytm boasts over 300 million wallets and 30 million bank accounts, reflecting widespread adoption.
    • Paytm revealed that merchants’ Gross Merchandise Values (GMV) increased by an astounding 39% year over year to Rs 1.47 lakh crore as per news report of August 2023.
    • Merchant subscriptions experienced substantial growth, reaching 82 lakh, with an addition of 41 lakh new subscriptions as per news report of August 2023.
    • The number of monthly users on the platform increased significantly by 19%, to an astounding 9.3 crore as per news report of August, 2023.
    • The user base of Paytm exceeded 58 million account holders as of March 2022, highlighting its continuous growth and popularity in the digital payments landscape.
    • Paytm became India’s first payment app to cross 10 crore app downloads in 2017, which was a major milestone.

    Paytm Quarterly FY25 Financials

    Paytm Quarterly FY25 Financials Q3FY24 Q3FY25
    Operating Revenue INR 2850 crore INR 1828 crore
    Total Expenses INR 3216 crore INR 2220 crore
    Profit/Loss INR -222 crore INR -208 crore
    Paytm Quarterly FY25 Financials
    Paytm Quarterly FY25 Financials

    In Q3FY25, Paytm reported an operating revenue of INR 1828 crore, down from INR 2850 crore in Q3FY24. Total expenses also reduced from INR 3216 crore to INR 2220 crore. As a result, net loss improved slightly from INR 222 crore in Q3FY24 to INR 208 crore in Q3FY25.

    According to the news report of January 19, 2024, the company’s income from operations increased by 13.2% to INR 2,850.5 crore in the third quarter of the fiscal year that ends in March 2024, from Rs 2,518.6 crore in Q2 FY24. When compared to Rs 2,062.2 crore in Q3 FY23, the operating revenue grew by 38.2%.

    Comparing Q3 FY24 to Q2 FY24, the company’s overall expenses increased to INR 3,216.3 crore from INR 2,936.7 crore. Interestingly, Paytm’s losses in Q3 FY24 dropped to INR 221.7 crore from INR 291.7 crore in Q2 FY24, a 24% decrease.

    Expenses Breakdown FY22-FY23

    Paytm Expenses Breakdown FY22 FY23
    Payment Processing Rs 2,454 crore Rs 2,958 crore
    Employee Benefits Rs 2,432 crore Rs 3,788 crore
    Marketing and Promotions Rs 855 crore Rs 1,076 crore
    IT Infrastructure Rs 500 crore Rs 694 crore
    Others Rs 1,360 crore Rs 1,624 crore

    EBITDA FY22-FY23

    Paytm FY22-FY23 FY22 FY23
    EBITDA Margin -38.95% -14.54%
    Expense/Rs of Op Revenue Rs 1.53 Rs 1.27
    ROCE -15.67% -12.66%

    Paytm – Sponsorship

    • Paytm has emerged as the official sponsor of the 37th National Games, which took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, South Goa, The competition was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    “We are excited to be the official sponsor for the National Games in Goa. As pioneers of mobile payments in India, we have been working towards our mission to bring half a billion Indians into the mainstream economy. From our leadership in in-store payments, empowering merchants with digitalization of their business to enabling users with seamless and accessible payments, we are championing Digital India.” said Abhay Sharma, Chief Business Officer.

    • BCCI awards Paytm the company its title sponsorship rights for BCCI International and Domestic seasons between 2019 and 2023. However, Paytm asked to pull out of the deal, and Mastercard replaced Paytm, as per the reports dated July 26, 2022.
    • Paytm was the associate sponsor of the Sony TV network, which was awarded the telecast rights of IPL.

    Paytm – IPO

    One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, filed a draft red herring prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India in July 2021, indicating its intention to begin an initial public offering (IPO), which was a big step toward becoming public.

    Then, in November 2021, Paytm pulled off a successful IPO, raising a whopping Rs 18,300 crore (US $2.3 billion) and reaching a US $20 billion valuation. This accomplishment represented a turning point in the business’s history, demonstrating the trust of investors and adding to the changing Indian financial market environment.

    Paytm – Value Proposition

    Paytm’s primary service proposition was initially centered around recharging, which remains a prominent aspect of its business. Over time, the company diversified its services, introducing the Paytm Wallet, e-commerce vertical, Digital Gold, and more.

    Paytm creates value for Merchants

    The company adds value to businesses by providing a variety of digital payment methods, encompassing traditional options like debit and credit cards and innovative solutions like QR codes, email links, text messages, and its digital wallet. Additionally, Paytm supplies the necessary hardware for in-store purchases and integrates payment services into its Smart Retail platform, offering retailers a comprehensive solution for managing payments, analytics, inventory, and customer engagement.

    Paytm creates value for individuals

    Paytm garnered recognition for empowering customers to go cashless without the hassles of opening a bank account, generating value for consumers in a nation where cash payments have historically been the norm.

    Paytm – Awards and Achievements

    Paytm has won numerous accolades. Following is a list of a few of the well-known ones:

    • 2012: Paytm received the ‘Most Innovative Startup of the Year’ Award from Franchise India.
    • 2013: The company was recognized with the Knowledge Fabre Best Mobile Wallet Program Award.
    • 2014: Paytm achieved ‘Gold Winner’ at the MMA Smarties in the Mobile App category and was the winner of the Indian Express IT Award.
    • 2015: Paytm secured the Best Digital Wallet Award at IAMAI India Digital Award.
    • 2016: Paytm was the winner of the FT Future of Fintech Award and also received the ET Brand Equity Most Trusted Brand of the Year.
    • 2017: Paytm was honored with the Diamond SABRE Award in the Company of the Year category at SABRE Awards.

    Paytm – Partnerships

    • October 22, 2018: Paytm has collaborated with Softbank Group and Yahoo Japan to launch its e-wallet service in Japan called PayPay.
    • Paytm was also announced as the official partner of the Mumbai Indians.
    • June 22, 2020: Paytm partnered with Tata Starbucks on June 22, 2020, which is a pan-India partnership for a contactless dining solution.
    • February 26, 2021: Paytm and Ola partnered with IndusInd Bank and applied to the RBI for the NUE license.
    • April 19, 2021: Paytm saw a partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India to help facilitate digital payments.
    • July 19, 2021: Paytm partnered with IndusInd Bank to enable payments from the fixed deposit accounts held by the users of the latter.
    • August 23, 2021: Paytm partnered with HDFC Bank to provide solutions across payment gateways, POS machines, and other credit products.
    • September 27, 2021: Paytm brings real-time international remittances into the Paytm mobile wallet by partnering with Ria Money Transfer.
    • December 3, 2021: Paytm partnered with PMS Bazaar with a view to helping manage the portfolio of HNIs, who have a minimum investment of Rs 50 lakh.
    • November 15, 2023: Paytm has partnered with Amadeus, and for the next three years, it will include the travel technology company’s platform into search, booking, and payment processes.

    In August 2024, Zomato acquired Paytm’s movie and event ticketing business for $244.2 million (20.5 billion rupees). This deal allows Zomato to expand its services beyond food delivery into ticketing. Paytm customers can still use their tickets for current and future events.


    For $244 Million, Zomato Purchased Out Paytm’s Entertainment Ticketing Division
    Zomato is going to buy out Paytm’s movie and ticketing division. The deal has been in the works between the two businesses for three months now.


    Paytm – Competitors

    Some of the top competitors for Paytm are:

    Paytm – Future Plans

    Paytm, an Indian digital payments company, is focusing on strengthening its core payment business, using new technologies like AI, and rebuilding trust with investors and regulators. It plans to cross-sell financial services, apply for a payment aggregator license from the RBI, and focus on distributing financial services for long-term growth. Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma emphasized a compliance-first approach for the company’s future success.

    The company, known for its innovative financial services platform, is set to extend its footprint to the global market, signaling a significant leap in its reach and influence.

    Notably, Paytm envisions not only broadening its geographical presence but also aspiring to become a leader in AI technology within the financial services sector.

    FAQs

    What is Paytm?

    Paytm is an Indian digital payments and financial services company. It offers services like mobile payments, online shopping, ticket booking, and financial services such as loans and insurance. Founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm aims to simplify financial transactions for consumers and businesses.

    Who is the current owner of Paytm?

    Paytm is owned by the Indian company One97 Communications Ltd.

    Is Paytm a Chinese company?

    Paytm is an Indian company, but one of its major investors is Ant Financial, which is a major Chinese investor. Resilient Asset Management, wholly controlled by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, received a 10.3% shareholding in the Noida-based business from Ant Financial in 2023.

    What is Paytm launch date in India?

    Paytm was launched in 2010.

    Why was Paytm banned?

    Paytm was banned from the Play Store for allegedly violating its gambling policies.

    Is Paytm for businesses free?

    Yes, there are no charges for setting up your Paytm for Business account.

    What is the Paytm CEO’s name?

    The name of the Paytm CEO is Vijay Shekhar Sharma, who has been the founder and CEO of the company since it was founded back in 2010.

    What is vision of Paytm?

    Paytm vision is to become India’s leading payments App.

    What is Paytm origin country?

    Paytm is an Indian fintech company that specializes in digital payments and ecommerce and comes with the facility of digital wallets.

    Paytm operates in how many countries?

    Paytm currently operates in India, where the Paytm payments bank was founded, and in two other countries, namely Canada and Japan, as of now.

    Which country made or developed the Paytm app?

    Paytm is developed in India, and the development of Paytm and its processes happens internally. Therefore, even the Paytm app and numerous other things associated with the brand and its functioning are developed internally by the brand itself.

    Is Paytm profitable?

    In Q3FY25, Paytm reported an operating revenue of INR 1828 crore, down from INR 2850 crore in Q3FY24. Total expenses also reduced from INR 3216 crore to INR 2220 crore. As a result, net loss improved slightly from INR 222 crore in Q3FY24 to INR 208 crore in Q3FY25.

    What are the countries where Paytm is available?

    Though Paytm is an Indian company, it supports international payments from over 200 countries with the help of all major international cards, even without any additional API integration.

  • Inshorts: Get Your Daily Dose of News in 60 Words or Less

    It may seem like a pleasant task to carve out time in our busy life to relax and keep up with the latest happenings, especially when our schedules are so full with activities and lengthy work hours. Nevertheless, even in the midst of all the activity, taking time for ourselves and keeping up with world events brings us a certain kind of happiness.

    In addition to providing us with a chance to unwind, this activity keeps us aware of the environment around us and encourages participation and awareness even in the middle of our hectic schedules.

    So, are you someone who used to read news articles daily but now is missing out on the most important news? Guess what Inshorts has a solution for you. They have built a news app that delivers news in under 60 words, with the most important information, and it has no room for opinion or narration.

    In this article, we will delve into the story of Inshorts, its Founders, History, Tagline, Logo, Business Model, Funding, Revenue, Competitors, Growth, and more.

    Inshorts – Company Highlights

    STARTUP NAME INSHORTS
    Headquarters Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
    Sector Digital Media, Internet, Mobile App, News
    Founders Azhar Iqubal, Deepit Purkayastha, and Anunay Arunav
    Founded 2015
    Website inshorts.com

    Inshorts – About
    Inshorts – Industry
    Inshorts – Founders and Team
    Inshorts – Startup Story
    Inshorts – Mission and Vision
    Inshorts – Name, Tagline, and Logo
    Inshorts – Products and Services
    Inshorts – Business Model
    Inshorts – Revenue Model
    Inshorts – Challenges Faced
    Inshorts – Funding and Investors
    Inshorts – Mergers and Acquisitions
    Inshorts – Growth
    Inshorts – Marketing Strategy
    Inshorts – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
    Inshorts – Competitors
    Inshorts – Future Plans

    Inshorts – About

    Inshorts, one of the most popular Indian news app aggregates news, infographics, and blog posts into a 60-word summary. It began as a Facebook page and was formed by 3 IIT dropouts in 2015. This firm is situated in Noida and specializes in information access and distribution. The app has been accessible to Android smartphones and iPhones.

    Inshorts – Industry

    As per Statista report, India’s digital newspaper and magazine market is expected to develop significantly, with revenues expected to reach US$1,128 million in 2025. This indicates a strong trajectory and presents a big opportunity for the sector.

    The market is predicted to continue expanding strongly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 3.41%, translating into a projected market volume of US$1,290 million by 2029. The continuous increase highlights the growing potential and importance of digital media consumption in India.

    Inshorts – Founders and Team

    Inshorts was founded by Azhar Iqubal (Co-Founder and Chairman), Deepit Purkayastha (Co-Founder and CEO), and Anunay Arunav in 2015.

    Azhar Iqubal

    Azhar Iqubal, Co-Founder and Chairman of Inshorts
    Azhar Iqubal, Co-Founder and Chairman of Inshorts

    The Co-Founder and Chairman of Inshorts, Azhar Iqubal, is a trailblazing businessman who began his career after quitting IIT Delhi’s Mathematics and Computer Science programs. His inspiring leadership has been crucial to the development and growth of Inshorts, a ground-breaking digital journalism platform. Azhar Iqubal, who served Inshorts as CEO for 11 years stepped down from his position in April 2024 after 11 years. He is now the company’s new chairman, while fellow co-founder Deepit Purkayastha took over as the new CEO.

    Additionally, he has also joined Season 3 of Shark Tank India as a Shark, where his knowledge and experience are certain to have a big impact on the startup and investment worlds.


    Success Story of Azhar Iqubal: Co-Founder and Chairman of Inshorts
    Dive into the Shark Tank India sensation, Azhar Iqubal, the visionary behind Inshorts, the news app disrupting the media landscape, and discover his entrepreneurial journey.


    Deepit Purkayastha

    Deepit Purkayastha, Co-Founder and CEO of Inshorts
    Deepit Purkayastha, Co-Founder and CEO of Inshorts

    Deepit Purkayastha is a Co-Founder and CEO of Inshorts, a digital platform that revolutionized news consumption. After serving as the Chief Strategy Officer for around 11 years, he was appointed CEO. He holds a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, having completed both BTech and MTech from IIT Kharagpur. Additionally, he served as a Summer Research Scholar at Charles University in Prague and gained experience as a Summer Employee at Goldman Sachs.

    Along with Azhar Iqubal and Anunay Arunav, began developing Inshorts during their last year at the institute. Deepit’s tech background and entrepreneurial spirit have been pivotal in reshaping how people access news in the digital age. He was the Chief Strategy Officer for about 11 years and now he is the CEO.

    Anunay Arunav

    Inshorts, Co-Founder of Inshorts
    Inshorts, Co-Founder of Inshorts

    Anunay Arunav, Co -Founder of Inshorts, is an accomplished professional with a background in Integrated MTech in Mathematics and Computing from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. In addition to his academic successes, his internship at SparkTG has given him real-world experience.

    Inshorts – Startup Story

    The idea for Inshorts originated from the astute observations of three forward-thinking people who saw the rising gap between Indian youth and the conventional, long-form news formats. As a minimal viable product (MVP), they established a Facebook page with news summaries in the “Shorts” format, realizing the difficulties young people experience in keeping up with daily news.

    The trio decided to take a risk by quitting education and dedicating themselves entirely to their new business after receiving encouraging feedback from the market and validation. 2015 saw the launch of Inshorts, an entrepreneurial venture that was greatly aided by a seed round of funding provided by Times Internet and a consortium of angel investors that included the Flipkart founders.

    This marked the beginning of Inshorts’ remarkable trajectory in revolutionizing news consumption for the dynamic and fast-paced lives of the youth.

    Inshorts – Mission and Vision

    The mission of the company is to “provide seamless access to personalized and concise informative content locally and globally.”

    The vision of the company is “to be the global leader in digital information delivery.”

    Inshorts Logo
    Inshorts Logo

    The tagline of the company is stay informed. The parent company of Inshorts is Inshorts Group.

    Inshorts – Products and Services

    Inshorts products and services are listed below:

    Inshorts App

    The dynamic news app Inshorts distinguishes itself by selecting the most recent and pertinent news from a variety of domestic and international sources. Its distinctive method of distilling intricate tales into brief, readily absorbed 60-word summaries—tailored to each person’s tastes in Hindi or English—is what makes it stand out.

    Because of its tailored content delivery, the app is a go-to source for timely and effective updates, keeping users informed without the burdensome aspect of traditional news consumption.

    Public App

    Public, the location-based social network, has rapidly achieved significant user growth within just six months of its beta launch, making it the fastest-growing Indian social app to reach this milestone. Because of the platform’s unique feature, users particularly those living in Tier II and Tier III cities—can record and share real-time local updates.

    By producing a significant amount of films each month, Public encourages community involvement and gives people the tools they need to stay informed and connected. This incredible rise highlights how the app’s immediate, location-specific updates help to promote a sense of community and connectivity.

    Inshorts – Business Model

    Inshorts operates on a straightforward and effective business model centered around providing users with quick, engaging, and personalized news updates. The website compiles content from many sources and distills it into concise 60-word synopses featuring attention-grabbing headlines.

    Given the contemporary difficulty of time limits, Inshorts wants to grab users’ attention and persuade them to dedicate a brief amount of time each day to their app. Because of the high level of user involvement, the app’s cleverly placed adverts are the main source of revenue. With a user-friendly layout, navigating the platform is a breeze, while customizable tools ensure that users receive news tailored specifically to their interests.


    Inshorts: Redefining News Delivery with Unparalleled Speed and Reach
    Inshorts summarizes news in 60-word bites for readers. It specializes in internet, IT, digital media. This article gives overview of Inshorts’ Circulation and rapid news model


    Inshorts – Revenue Model

    Inshorts make revenue from different sources; some of the most prominent ones are listed below:

    • Types of Advertising: To increase the variety of revenue streams, brands use display ads and sponsored content, among other forms of advertising on Inshorts.
    • Performance Metrics: Advertisers pay according to how well their campaigns perform, and metrics like impressions (views) and interactions (likes and shares) are important in gauging how effective their ads are.
    • Annual Contracts: In order to guarantee a consistent and predictable revenue flow for Inshorts, advertisers sign annual contracts.

    Inshorts – Challenges Faced

    Inshorts company encountered challenges in the evolving landscape of vertical video formats, being among the early adopters alongside giants like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Even though the first-mover advantage was significant, there were particular difficulties because of the growing demand for this ad style. At first, Inshorts struggled to innovate by trying to develop extensively without timely debuts.

    As a result, they spent a year developing a product that was never marketed or published. They were cut off from market dynamics by this strategy, which made it clear how crucial it is to strike a balance between development initiatives and consumer demands. An important turning point came when they realized they were developing a service rather than a product, highlighting the necessity of strategically matching innovation with consumer needs.

    Inshorts – Funding and Investors

    Inshorts company has secured $164.9 million in funding across 9 rounds, with the latest round (Venture – Series Unknown) raised on July 15, 2021.

    Here are the funding details:

    Date Stage Amount Lead Investor
    Jul 15, 2021 Venture Round $60 million Vy Capital
    Mar 23, 2021 Venture Round $41 million A91 Partners
    Sep 30, 2020 Venture Round $35 million Addition
    Dec 8, 2017 Venture Round $5 million Tiger Global Management
    July 9, 2015 Series B $20 milion Tiger Global Management
    Feb 15, 2015 Series A $4 million Tiger Global Management
    Jul 14, 2014 Seed Round
    Nov 15, 2013 Seed Round
    Sep 1, 2013 Pre-Seed Round $20k

    Inshorts – Mergers and Acquisitions

    Betaglide, a Bangalore-based web analytics startup, was acquired by Inshorts in October 2015. Retention.ai was designed by the firm to track application uninstallations to improve client retention, and the software was then incorporated into Inshorts.

    Inshorts – Growth

    The company has achieved remarkable growth, and some of the highlights are:

    • The company’s presence is in 660+ districts as of January 2024.
    • Inshorts delivers 1 million+ video local updates as of January 2024.
    • The company has shared 1 billion+ stories as of January 2024.
    • It has 12 million active users.
    • The company has more than 100 million users on its platform as of January 2024.
    • It is available in all major languages as of January 2024.

    Financials

    Inshorts Financials 2023 2024
    Operating Revenue INR 180.9 crore INR 181.4 crore
    Total Expenses INR 492.1 crore INR 411.2 crore
    Employee Benefit Expenses INR 78.8 crore INR 90.1 crore
    Advertising & Promotional Expenses INR 135.2 crore INR 47.2 crore
    Miscellaneous Expenses INR 217.2 crore INR 174.9 crore
    Net Loss INR 309.7 crore INR 227.8 crore
    Inshorts Financials
    Inshorts Financials

    Inshorts recorded an operating revenue of INR 180.9 crore in 2023 and INR 181.4 crore in 2024. Total expenses decreased from INR 492.1 crore in 2023 to INR 411.2 crore in 2024, leading to a reduced net loss of INR 227.8 crore in 2024, compared to INR 309.7 crore in 2023.

    Expenses Breakdown

    Inshorts, total expenses decreased from Rs 492 crore in FY23 to Rs 411 crore in FY24.

    EBITDA

    The EBITDA margin was at 79% for FY24.

    Inshorts FY22-FY23 FY22 FY23
    EBITDA Margin -133% -143%
    Expenses/Rs of Op Revenue Rs 2.40 Rs 2.72
    ROCE

    Inshorts – Marketing Strategy

    Inshorts distinguished itself with a unique marketing strategy, some of them are listed below:

    • User-Focused Criteria: User experience was given precedence by Inshorts over traditional measures like time spent on the platform or the virality of the content.
    • User-Friendly Interface: By removing prompts and giving the user control, the app made sure that users had a good experience with short stories that did not contain links.
    • Personalization for User Preferences: Inshorts enabled personalization by providing relevant and targeted news based on user preferences, acknowledging the variety of user needs.
    • Strategic Data Analysis: Inshorts made wise decisions based on deduced data to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, directing decisions in areas like as product releases and editorial focus. They efficiently used data.
    • Customer-Based Approach: Understanding local variations, Inshorts designed its app to accommodate distinct information-gathering habits in various urban areas.

    Inshorts – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

    Inshorts – Campaign

    In a strategic move to resonate with urban news consumers aged 18-35, particularly those who prioritize brevity and time, Inshorts launched a brand campaign on YouTube. The video ad, which was produced by Cheil India, imaginatively centers on a bomb squad commando who finds himself in a precarious situation and is anxiously waiting for vital orders from his superior.

    But the story deftly highlights the commando’s anger at being inundated with pointless details before ultimately pointing him in the direction of the crucial action. This familiar and interesting scenario clearly conveys Inshorts’ dedication to provide clear, pertinent information in a world where there is an abundance of data.

    Inshorts – Competitors

    Several e-newspaper apps exist, but they aren’t as efficient or time-saving as Inshorts. Dailyhunt, TOI, and others are among Inshorts’ rivals. Dailyhunt has always been its biggest rival.

    Inshorts – Future Plans

    During its beta phase, the platform gained over 200 paying customers from the US, Europe, and India. It now aims to onboard over 10,000 startups globally by 2025, providing scalability, reliability, and ongoing support.

    In its quest for growth, Inshorts is not only focused on enhancing its news services but also aims to broaden its reach to encompass additional local dialects. Recognizing the potential for increased ad revenue through a more diverse language spectrum and a broader user base, Inshorts is strategically positioned to aggregate more views.

    Looking ahead, global diversification is a prospective avenue, contemplating a shift beyond local news. Concurrently, the expansion of Public’s clientele is on Inshorts’ agenda, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to sustained growth and impact.

    FAQs

    Who Inshorts founder?

    The founders of Inshorts are Azhar Iqubal, Deepit Purkayastha, Anunay Arunav.

    What is Inshorts?

    Inshorts is a news aggregation app that provides concise news summaries in 60 words or less. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, technology, entertainment, and sports, presenting news in an easy-to-read format. Founded in 2013, it targets a young, digital-savvy audience, delivering quick and reliable news updates through its mobile app and website.

    What is Inshorts business model?

    Inshorts operates on an advertising-based business model. It generates revenue by offering brands promotional space through short-form content, sponsored stories, and in-app advertisements, targeting a young, digital-savvy audience.

    How Inshorts make money or explain Inshorts revenue model?

    Inshorts makes money primarily through advertising. It earns revenue by featuring sponsored content, in-app ads, and brand collaborations within its news feed. These ads are seamlessly integrated into its short-form content, targeting its large, digital-savvy audience.

    What is Inshorts net worth?

    As of its last funding round in July 2021, Inshorts valuation is approximately $550 million.

    What is Inshorts profit?

    Inshorts recorded an operating revenue of INR 180.9 crore in 2023 and INR 181.4 crore in 2024. Total expenses decreased from INR 492.1 crore in 2023 to INR 411.2 crore in 2024, leading to a reduced net loss of INR 227.8 crore in 2024, compared to INR 309.7 crore in 2023.

  • Glance: Revolutionizing Smartphone Experiences, One Lock Screen at a Time

    Glance, a trailblazing innovation by the InMobi Group is redefining smartphone engagement through its revolutionary lock screen technology. With its presence on over 400 million smartphones, Glance transforms the lock screen into a gateway for immersive experiences, granting users instant access to real-time updates, entertainment, and dynamic content—all without the need to open multiple apps.

    Central to Glance’s innovation is its AI Wallpaper feature, a state-of-the-art application of artificial intelligence that creates personalized and ever-changing backgrounds. Unlike traditional static wallpapers, AI Wallpaper dynamically adapts to user preferences, curating a visual journey that resonates with individual interests. From breathtaking landscapes to iconic cultural landmarks and celebrated sports personalities, the lock screen evolves into a vibrant canvas of tailored content, refreshing with every glance.

    This seamless integration of personalization and functionality exemplifies Glance’s commitment to enhancing user experiences. Whether it’s delivering engaging content, stunning visuals, or a quick snapshot of the latest news, Glance ensures that the smartphone lock screen is no longer a static barrier but a dynamic, engaging touchpoint. By merging cutting-edge AI with intuitive design, Glance continues to captivate users and set new benchmarks in mobile technology.

    This post provides you with information about how Glance startedits Startup Story, History, Tagline, Logo, Business Model, Funding, Revenue, Competitors, Growth, and more.

    Glance – Company Highlights

    Name Glance Smart Lock Screen
    Headquarters Bengaluru, India
    Sector Artificial Intelligence
    Founder Naveen Tewari, Abhay Singhal, Mohit Saxena and Piyush Shah
    Founded 2019
    Website Glance.com

    Glance – About
    Glance – Industry
    Glance – Founders and Team
    Glance – Startup Story
    Glance – Mission and Vision
    Glance – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Glance – Business Model
    Glance – Revenue Model
    Glance – Challenges Faced
    Glance – Funding and Investors
    Glance – Investments
    Glance – Mergers and Acquisitions
    Glance – Growth
    Glance – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
    Glance – Awards and Achievements
    Glance – Competitors
    Glance – Future Plans

    Glance – About

    Glance revolutionizes the smartphone experience with its smart lock screen, delivering personalized content, news, and entertainment directly to users without the need to unlock their phones or download additional apps. It transforms the lock screen into a dynamic space for discovery and engagement.

    In addition to curated content, Glance offers Glance Games, a free gaming service that includes popular titles like Fruit Chop, Bubble Shooter, and Snake vs Block. With these games accessible right from the lock screen, users can enjoy quick, entertaining breaks anytime, enhancing their overall smartphone experience. Glance transforms your smartphone lock screen into an engaging, personalized experience. With visually stunning content and interactive features, Glance ensures every time you unlock your phone, something is exciting waiting for its user.

    A standout feature is Glance Games, offering a wide range of options—from mind-stimulating puzzles to adrenaline-pumping adventures. These games provide a quick escape and a fun way to recharge during a busy day. Plus, Glance uses advanced algorithms to curate content and games tailored to individual preferences, ensuring your lock screen reflects your interests and passions, and making every interaction both entertaining and meaningful.

    Glance transforms mobile lock screens into a smart, interactive hub for content management and advertising. The platform delivers personalized, real-time content in the user’s preferred language, offering everything from news updates and short videos to gaming experiences. This direct, user-first approach makes Glance a standout player in the mobile ecosystem.

    As part of InMobi, Glance combines cutting-edge technology with innovative monetization strategies, setting a new standard for how content and commerce intersect on mobile devices.

    Glance – Industry

    India’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry is on a rapid growth trajectory. The AI market, valued at $8 billion in 2025, is expected to surge to $17 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 25-35%. Demand for AI talent is also rising, with a projected 15% CAGR, and India boasts the second-largest AI talent pool globally, with 420,000 professionals. Companies are increasingly adopting AI with structured frameworks and dedicated leadership driving innovative use cases.

    Glance – Founders and Team

    Naveen Tewari - Founder and CEO of Glance and InMobi
    Naveen Tewari – Founder and CEO of Glance and InMobi

    Naveen Tewari is the Founder and CEO of Glance and InMobi. Naveen Tewari is an accomplished entrepreneur with a Bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Tewari has been instrumental in shaping Glance and InMobi into globally recognized companies at the forefront of innovation in mobile technology and advertising.

    Piyush Shah

    Piyush Shah - Co-founder of InMobi, President & COO of Glance
    Piyush Shah – Co-founder of InMobi, President & COO of Glance

    Piyush Shah is the Co-founder of InMobi and President & COO of Glance. Piyush Shah brings extensive expertise in strategy and product development. He holds an MBA in Strategy and Marketing from the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering. Shah previously led InMobi’s Marketing Cloud and played a pivotal role in building its performance advertising business and developer platforms.

    Mohit Saxena

    Mohit Saxena - Co-founder and CTO of InMobi and Glance
    Mohit Saxena – Co-founder and CTO of InMobi and Glance

    Mohit Saxena is the Co-founder and CTO of InMobi and Glance. Mohit Saxena has a deep background in technology and telecommunications. Prior to InMobi, Saxena worked at Virgin Mobile and AT&T, where he contributed to innovative solutions and filed several telecommunications patents. His technical acumen drives InMobi and Glance’s tech-forward strategies.

    Abhay Singhal

    Abhay Singhal - Co-founder and CRO of InMobi
    Abhay Singhal – Co-founder and CRO of InMobi

    Abhay Singhal is the Co-founder and CRO of InMobi. Abhay Singhal is a visionary entrepreneur with a Bachelor’s degree from IIT Kanpur, where he was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2013 for his excellence in entrepreneurship. At InMobi, Singhal oversees global revenue strategies, having previously spearheaded the company’s expansion in Europe and led HR initiatives. His career reflects a passion for growth and innovation.

    Glance – Startup Story

    Glance, conceptualized in 2015 and officially launched in 2017, emerged after extensive iterations to perfect its product-market fit. Over the years, InMobi has played a pivotal role in shaping Glance’s trajectory across four critical domains: product development, content curation, OEM partnerships, and team building.

    Designed with the Indian consumer in mind, Glance integrates unique features catering to regional language preferences, ensuring accessibility and relevance for its diverse user base. Employing advanced algorithms, Glance delivers a personalized array of “glances” tailored to individual user preferences, much like the curated experiences found on platforms such as Twitter now X, Facebook, and Instagram.

    While Glance has already captured the attention of millions with its innovative lock screen experience, the platform remains in an exploratory phase regarding monetization strategies. 


    InMobi | Indian Mobile Advertising Tech Company | Company Profile
    InMobi was founded in 2007(as mKhoj) by Naveen Tiwari, Mohit Saxena, Amit Gupta and Abhay Singhal in Bengaluru. Know more about its company profile, etc.


    Glance – Mission and Vision

    Their Purpose

    Glance focuses on reinventing how users find and interact with content. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning, they deliver curated, relevant updates that save time and enhance engagement—ensuring users get what they need when they need it.

    Their Vision

    They strive to make content a tool for empowerment rather than a source of distraction. Glance helps individuals enjoy an effortless flow of information while making it easy to step back and reconnect with the real world, promoting a healthier balance between digital and physical life.

    Glance is more than just a platform—it’s a gateway to a smarter, more thoughtful way of experiencing content, designed to enrich life without overwhelming it.

    Glance Logo
    Glance Logo

    The vibrant yet balanced color palette symbolizes energy, creativity and focus. Together, these elements make the logo memorable and reflective of the brand’s ethos—delivering value at a glance.

    Tagline: “Content in a Snap”—this tagline captures the essence of Glance’s offering. It emphasizes how users can access meaningful content instantly without unnecessary clutter.

    Glance’s name, tagline and logo come together to represent a dynamic and user-centric platform, redefining how people connect with digital content.

    Glance – Business Model

    Glance has carved out a unique niche in the mobile ecosystem by leveraging lock screens as a dynamic space for both content delivery and advertising. Here’s a closer look at its business model and how it works:

    • Content: Glance curates a rich variety of content in multiple languages, ranging from real-time news updates to engaging short videos and interactive gaming experiences. The content is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, ensuring it is personalized and relevant to each user’s preferences and behavior.
    • Advertising: Advertising forms the backbone of Glance’s business, contributing a significant 76% of its operating revenue in FY23. By delivering ads directly on the lock screen, Glance provides brands with a unique and highly visible platform to connect with users in an unobtrusive yet effective manner.
    • Lock Screen Innovation: The lock screen is Glance’s core touchpoint, transformed into a “smart surface” that offers curated experiences aligned with the user’s intent. By meeting users directly on their phones—without requiring app downloads or additional steps—Glance maximizes engagement and creates valuable opportunities for advertisers.

    Glance – Revenue Model

    Glance, a B2C unit of the advertising technology giant InMobi, has built a robust revenue model centered around three primary streams:

    • Mobile Advertising: The cornerstone of Glance’s revenue is mobile advertising, contributing a significant 76% of its operating revenue in FY23. By leveraging its lock screen platform, Glance provides advertisers with a unique, high-visibility space to engage users directly, delivering targeted ads alongside personalized content.
    • Creator- or Influencer-Driven Commerce: Glance taps into the power of creators and influencers to drive commerce. By seamlessly integrating product promotions and collaborations into the platform, Glance creates opportunities for users to discover and purchase items endorsed by trusted voices.
    • Digital Commerce: In addition to influencer-driven sales, Glance also generates revenue through direct digital commerce initiatives. The platform’s curated content and interactive experiences serve as a springboard for engaging users in online shopping activities.

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    Glance – Challenges Faced

    Maintaining Moderation and Appropriateness

    As a platform hosting diverse and dynamic content, Glance faces the challenge of ensuring all material aligns with high standards of appropriateness. To address this, Glance employs a hybrid moderation model:

    • AI Moderation: Automates content screening at scale, detecting potentially inappropriate or harmful material swiftly.
    • Human Oversight: Complements AI by leveraging human judgment for nuanced and context-sensitive decisions, ensuring the integrity of content standards.

    This dual approach allows Glance to balance efficiency with accuracy, catering to the varied expectations of its audience.

    Scalability and Personalization

    Glance’s ability to handle massive user engagement while delivering tailored experiences is driven by its robust AI infrastructure:

    • Advanced Techniques: Utilizes distributed programming, clustering and machine learning algorithms to manage enormous volumes of user data and interactions.
    • Experienced Team: Engineers with expertise from global ad networks have developed sophisticated systems to ensure seamless scalability and personalization.

    User-Centric Content Creation

    Glance’s content strategy starts with a deep understanding of its users, ensuring that personalization is both relevant and engaging. By leveraging AI-driven insights and user behavior patterns, the platform creates experiences that resonate, while maintaining a strict focus on appropriateness and quality.

    Glance – Funding and Investors

    Glance has secured funding from prominent investors, to drive its growth, innovation and expansion in the smart lock screen and content delivery ecosystem.

    Announced Date Transaction Name Money Raised Lead Investors
    Feb 14,2022 Series D $200M Reliance Jio
    Dec 22, 2020 Series C $145M Google
    Sept 10, 2019 Venture Round $45M Mithril Capital

    Glance – Investments

    Glance invested in Collective Artists Network on October 25, 2021, to strengthen its content ecosystem and creator-driven commerce capabilities.

    Glance – Mergers and Acquisitions

    Glance strengthened its ecosystem through strategic acquisitions

    Acquiree Name Announced Date
    NostraGamus Mar 24, 2022
    Shop 1 Jun 4, 2021

    Glance – Growth

    Fiscal Year Operating Revenue Total Expenses Profit/Loss
    FY23 INR 325 crore INR 1,448 crore INR -1,094
    FY24 INR 614 crore INR 1,569 crore INR -929
    Glance Financials FY24
    Glance Financials FY24

    In FY23, the company reported an operating revenue of INR 325 crore, total expenses of INR 1,448 crore, and a loss of INR 1,094 crore. In FY24, revenue increased to INR 614 crore, while expenses rose to INR 1,569 crore, resulting in a reduced loss of INR 929 crore.

    • FY24 Key Metrics: Glance’s ROCE was -1191% and its EBITDA margin stood at -134.9%.
    • Efficiency Improvement: The company spent Rs 2.55 to earn Rs 1 of revenue in FY24, reflecting an improvement in operational efficiency compared to FY23.

    Glance – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

    JUNG-E GLANCE: A Breakthrough Esports Campaign

    JUNG-E GLANCE: A Breakthrough Esports Campaign
    JUNG-E GLANCE: A Breakthrough Esports Campaign

    Glance’s latest advertisement campaign, “JUNG-E GLANCE,” made waves in the esports community by showcasing an exciting esports league featuring a lineup of popular games. Titles such as Valorant, Grand Theft Auto 5, Clash of Clans, Call of Duty, Freefire Max and Apex Legends were among the highlights of this groundbreaking initiative.

    The campaign was powered by BattleXO, a homegrown Indian e-gaming platform, bringing an authentic and localized touch to the event. Launched on September 17, 2022, the league was streamed live on Glance’s website, drawing significant attention and engagement.

    A Resounding Success

    The esports league captivated India’s vibrant gaming community, attracting numerous young gamers nationwide. This successful campaign not only reinforced Glance’s position as an innovative advertising platform but also demonstrated its ability to connect with the ever-growing gaming audience in India.

    Glance – Awards and Achievements

    Award-Winning Campaigns

    1. American Tourister: A creative and engaging campaign that leveraged Glance’s smart lock screen to captivate audiences and elevate the brand’s visibility.
    2. Kuku FM: Showcased Glance’s strength in driving personalized content experiences, helping Kuku FM reach its target audience effectively.
    3. Nerolac: An impactful campaign that utilized Glance’s unique platform to deliver immersive advertising experiences, enhancing brand engagement.

    Glance – Competitors

    Glance faces competition from players like the following which also provide personalized content and entertainment experiences on smart devices.

    • My LiveChat
    • GiosgBold
    • Chat

    Glance – Future Plans

    Glance is set to revolutionize content delivery with the upcoming Glance Developer Platform, designed to offer developers significant opportunities to craft premium, immersive experiences for users.

    Initial Rollout and Success

    • Glance TV, the first phase of this initiative has already launched on over 1 million Airtel Xstream devices, showcasing impressive engagement metrics.
    • Users are spending an average of 200 minutes across three sessions daily, reflecting the platform’s strong resonance with audiences.

    Future Expansion Plans

    • Glance aims to extend its reach to 4 million devices in India by June 2025, solidifying its presence in the domestic market.
    • Global ambitions are also in sight, with plans to expand the platform to select international markets, paving the way for a broader impact.

    This initiative underscores Glance’s commitment to empowering developers while enhancing user experiences, further positioning itself as a leader in the content and advertising ecosystem.

    FAQs

    What does Glance do?

    Glance is an Indian technology company known for its lock screen content platform, delivering personalized news, entertainment, games, and shopping experiences directly on smartphone lock screens.

    Who are Glance founders?

    The founders of Glance are Naveen Tewari, Abhay Singhal, Mohit Saxena, and Piyush Shah.

    Who are the competitors of Glance?

    The main competitors of Glance include:

    • My LiveChat
    • GiosgBold
    • Chat
  • Crafting Timeless Success: The Titan Story

    Titan Company Limited, a pioneer in lifestyle retail, has firmly established itself as a leader in multiple verticals, blending innovation, craftsmanship, and customer-centric strategies.

    Born from the Tata Group’s vision, Titan has grown from a watch manufacturer to a diversified powerhouse with a presence in jewelry, eyewear, accessories, and technology. With its commitment to redefining industries, Titan continues to embrace modernity while upholding traditional values, appealing to a broad demographic of consumers. The company’s innovative approach to design, backed by robust technological advancements, has led to iconic product lines and memorable campaigns that resonate with customers globally.

    This post provides you with information about How Titan Company Limited startedits Startup Story, History, Tagline, Logo, Business Model, Funding, Revenue, Growth, and more.

    Titan Company Limited – Company Highlights

    Name Titan Company Limited
    Headquarters Bengaluru
    Sector Jewellery
    Founder Xerxes Desai
    Founded 1984
    Website Titancompany.in

    Titan Company Limited – About
    Titan Company Limited – Industry
    Titan Company Limited – Founders and Team
    Titan Company Limited – Startup Story
    Titan Company Limited – Mission and Vision
    Titan Company Limited – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Titan Company Limited – Business Model
    Titan Company Limited – Revenue Model
    Titan Company Limited – Challenges Faced
    Titan Company Limited – Investments
    Titan Company Limited – Mergers and Acquisitions
    Titan Company Limited – Growth
    Titan Company Limited – Advertisements and Social Media
    Titan Company Limited – Awards and Achievements
    Titan Company Limited – Future Plans

    Titan Company Limited – About

    Beginning its journey in 1984 with just one product, today, Titan stands as a powerhouse in India’s lifestyle industry, employing over 8,000 people directly and supporting around 38,000 individuals across its ecosystem. With 16 iconic brands and a sprawling network of over 2,000 retail stores, Titan continues to pursue growth that is both profitable and responsible, keeping its stakeholders at the heart of its mission.

    Known as one of India’s most admired and respected companies, Titan leads the way in Jewellery, Watches, and eye care, earning trust through exceptional brands and customer-centric experiences. But they didn’t stop there—Titan has ventured into emerging categories like Wearables, Indian Dress Wear, Fragrances & Fashion Accessories. By understanding and anticipating customer preferences, they have carved a distinct identity in these competitive lifestyle segments.


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    Titan Company Limited – Industry

    India’s jewelry industry continues to shine, boasting a remarkable market size of USD 85.52 billion as of 2023. This growth trajectory is further fueled by key investments, such as the Malabar Group’s announcement in September 2023 to invest INR 1,000 crore (US$ 120 million) by 2025.

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also played a significant role in shaping the sector. Between April 2000 and March 2024, cumulative FDI inflows in diamond and gold ornaments reached an impressive US$ 1,276.52 million.

    India’s export numbers reflect its global dominance in the gems and jewelry space. Between April and June 2024, exports hit US$ 6.87 billion, with June alone contributing US$ 1.91 billion.

    Globally, India holds the top position in exporting cut and polished diamonds. It also ranks second in gold jewelry, silver jewelry, and lab-grown diamonds, showcasing its stronghold across diverse jewelry categories.

    Titan Company Limited – Founders and Team

    Xerxes Desai – The Visionary Founder

    Xerxes Desai – Founder, The Titan Company
    Xerxes Desai – Founder, The Titan Company

    Xerxes Desai, Titan’s first Managing Director, played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s legacy. A graduate of Elphinstone College and Oxford University, Desai joined Tata Administrative Services in 1961. During the 1970s, he proposed the idea of a watchmaking venture to Tata, which ultimately led to the founding of Titan in 1986 as a joint venture between Tata and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).

    Desai’s visionary leadership extended beyond watches. He also established Tanishq, now one of India’s most iconic jewelry brands. His innovative thinking and ability to align strategy with opportunity laid the foundation for Titan’s success. Desai passed away in 2016.

    Mr. C. K. Venkataraman – The Dynamic Managing Director

    C. K. Venkataraman - Managing Director, The Titan Company
    C. K. Venkataraman – Managing Director, The Titan Company

    Mr. C. K. Venkataraman, Titan’s current Managing Director, brings over three decades of expertise in driving growth and innovation in the lifestyle industry.

    Growing up in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Mr. Venkataraman pursued a Bachelor’s in Mathematics before earning his PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad in 1985. He joined Titan in 1990 as Advertising Manager and excelled in various roles in the Watches Division for 14 years. Transitioning to the Jewellery Division in 2005, he headed the division for another 14 years, steering it to new heights.

    In October 2019, he was appointed Managing Director of Titan, leading the company with a focus on excellence and strategic growth. Acknowledged for his exceptional leadership, Mr. Venkataraman was honored as the Business Leader of the Year at the Corporate Excellence Awards.

    Ms. Suparna Mitra – The Transformative CEO of Watches and Wearables

    Suparna Mitra – CEO, Titan Watches and Wearables
    Suparna Mitra – CEO, Titan Watches and Wearables

    Suparna Mitra, CEO of the Watches and Wearables Division, is a trailblazer with three decades of experience in lifestyle and retail marketing. An electrical engineer from Jadavpur University and an MBA from IIM Calcutta, she began her career as a management trainee at Hindustan Unilever Limited before joining Titan.

    In her first stint with Titan, Suparna held various marketing roles, both domestically and internationally. Her career then took her to Talisma Corp. as Director of Product Marketing and Arvind Brands Ltd. as Business Head for Lee. Rejoining Titan in 2006, she served as the Global Marketing Head for Titan, Regional Business Head for South India, and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Watches and Wearables.

    Now leading Titan’s Watches and Wearables division, Suparna drives innovation and growth, particularly in the post-pandemic era. She also contributes to broader industry development, serving on the Board of Governors for IIM Kozhikode and previously on the board of Tata Power Solar.

    Titan Company Limited – Startup Story

    Xerxes Desai: The Pioneer Behind Titan’s Legacy

    Xerxes Desai’s journey is one of vision, perseverance, and resilience, as he shaped Titan into a brand that became synonymous with aspiration for Indian households. After graduating from Elphinstone College and Oxford University, Desai joined Tata Administrative Services in 1961, where he worked across several Tata Group companies like Tata Press and Taj Hotels.

    The idea for Titan first came to Desai in the 1970s. At the time, watches were either smuggled, state-supplied by HMT, or simply unavailable in the open market. Owning a watch involved a bureaucratic process: submitting an application, receiving departmental approval, and finally picking up the watch weeks later.

    Desai recalled this scarcity vividly: “One had to write an application to HMT to get a watch. You couldn’t just buy it. It was a long process that reflected the frugal and restrictive times we lived in.”

    Desai’s proposal to J. R. D. Tata in the late 1970s to start a watchmaking company was well-received. However, navigating the bureaucratic and regulatory hurdles of a closed economy delayed the project’s fruition until 1986. With support from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), Titan Watches Limited was formally launched in Hosur.

    Overcoming Challenges to Build an Icon

    Desai’s vision faced numerous obstacles, from struggling to find collaborators to the Swiss abruptly curbing exports of crucial components before meetings. India’s closed economy posed another challenge, as government approvals for manufacturing and marketing were entangled in red tape.

    “One couldn’t start making and marketing watches unless we manufactured the movement—the heart of the watch. With foreign imports banned, we had to search relentlessly for a partner,” Desai shared.

    The breakthrough came in the mid-1980s, as Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government revived Titan’s stalled application, ushering in a new era for Indian enterprise. By the time liberalization policies were rolled out in 1991, Titan had already carved a niche, introducing India to its first quartz watches.

    Launched in Chennai on July 26, 1984, Titan Watches Limited quickly gained attention for its superior quality and innovative designs. By 1987, Titan’s first print advertisement showcased its wide range of watches, marking its entry into the Indian market with a bold statement.

    The 1990s saw Titan emerge as a household name, symbolizing aspiration and modernity. Exports began in 1991 and by the mid-1990s, Titan was a trusted brand both domestically and internationally. Today, Titan stands as the world’s fifth-largest manufacturer of timepieces, continuing the legacy of precision, innovation, and design excellence that Desai set in motion.


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    Titan Company Limited – Mission and Vision

    Vision

    To shape transformative experiences that inspire individuals and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities and industries they serve.

    Mission

    Titan thrives on a foundation of bold innovation and a values-driven culture. Their goals are to:

    • Continuously push the boundaries of creativity.
    • Achieve excellence in every performance metric.
    • Maintain world-class standards in all aspects of their operations.

    With these principles, Titan goes beyond creating products—it delivers experiences that redefine expectations and drive meaningful change.

    Titan Company Logo
    Titan Company Logo

    Name: Titan Company Limited

    • Tagline: “Be More”The remarkable success of Titan Company Ltd. reflects their unwavering dedication to excellence and their relentless drive to exceed customer expectations, perfectly encapsulated in their slogan, ‘Be More.’
    • Logo: The Titan logo is aquamarine and white, with the word “Titan” in grey on a white background.

    Rebranded as Titan Company Limited, the organization introduced its new logo, the ‘Titan Star.’ This emblem symbolizes their dedication to fostering innovation, nurturing talent, delivering value, and delighting customers while upholding the highest global standards.

    Titan Company Limited – Business Model

    Titan Company Limited operates with a customer-centric business model designed to cater to diverse consumer needs. Their strategy focuses on several key pillars:

    • Diverse Product Portfolio: From watches and eyewear to wearables, Indian ethnic wear, fragrances, and accessories, Titan offers an extensive range of products to serve a variety of customer preferences.
    • Expansive Retail Network: With a robust presence across exclusive brand outlets, multi-brand stores, and e-commerce platforms, Titan ensures seamless access to its products.
    • Commitment to Quality: Renowned for delivering value for money, Titan prioritizes superior craftsmanship and reliable quality in all its offerings.
    • Exceptional Customer Support: By offering comprehensive product assistance and after-sales services, Titan builds lasting relationships and cultivates brand loyalty.
    • Innovative Research & Development: Continuous investment in R&D drives product innovation, ensuring Titan stays ahead in the lifestyle and technology markets.
    • Strategic Collaborations: Partnerships with designers and industry experts enable Titan to offer unique and trendsetting products.
    • Sustainability Efforts: Titan emphasizes eco-conscious practices, including renewable energy use, water recycling, and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
    • Social Responsibility: Safety and community-focused initiatives remain at the heart of Titan’s corporate ethos, reflecting its commitment to making a positive impact.

    This comprehensive approach solidifies Titan’s position as a leader in the lifestyle industry, combining innovation, responsibility, and customer satisfaction.


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    Titan is India’s one of the most popular watchmakers. Let’s look at its business model to understand how it generates revenue.


    Titan Company Limited – Revenue Model

    Titan Company Limited - Tanishq, Titan Watches, Titan Eye+
    Titan Company Limited – Tanishq, Titan Watches, Titan Eye+

    Jewelry Business (Tanishq)

    The jewelry segment, led by Titan’s flagship brand Tanishq, is the company’s primary revenue generator, contributing approximately 82% of total earnings. Tanishq is a trusted name, offering an extensive range of jewelry for diverse occasions, from weddings and festivals to daily wear. With a strong focus on high-value gold and diamond pieces, Tanishq caters to the premium market. Sub-brands like Mia target workwear and everyday jewelry needs, while Zoya specializes in luxury and bespoke offerings, addressing various consumer preferences.

    Watches

    Historically the foundation of Titan, the watches division now accounts for about 13% of the company’s revenue. It encompasses a diverse portfolio of brands, including the affordable Sonata, youth-centric Fastrack, elegant Titan Raga, and premium collections like Xylys and Nebula. Titan has also expanded into smartwatches and fitness wearables through collaborations with global tech firms, staying relevant in a tech-driven market. While the segment’s revenue share has decreased, watches continue to enhance Titan’s brand identity both in India and internationally.

    Eyewear (Titan Eye+)

    The eyewear division, branded as Titan Eye+, contributes around 2% of revenue. It offers a variety of products such as prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. With growing consumer interest in eyewear as both a functional and fashion accessory, this segment has been experiencing consistent growth, even though it represents a smaller part of Titan’s overall portfolio.

    Titan Company Limited – Challenges Faced

    E-commerce Order Processing and Fulfillment

    Titan Company faced significant hurdles in managing the seamless processing of orders through its backend systems. Specifically, the integration between the order management system (OMS) and the warehouse management system (WMS) created inefficiencies in fulfilling customer orders placed across various online marketplaces and websites. These complexities in handling diverse digital touchpoints impacted the efficiency of their operations. To address these challenges, Titan sought assistance from Qualitest, leveraging their expertise to design and implement a robust testing strategy that ensured end-to-end (E2E) functional flows on their new digital platform were reliable and scalable.

    Economic and Geopolitical Challenges in FY 2023-24

    The fiscal year 2023-24 presented its own set of challenges, including geopolitical tensions, rising gold prices, and persistent inflation, all of which dampened consumer sentiment. These macroeconomic factors had the potential to derail growth; however, Titan countered these obstacles by delivering compelling customer value propositions across its various business verticals. By staying attuned to consumer needs and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence, Titan successfully navigated these headwinds while delivering a robust financial performance.

    Titan Turbo Ambition and Strategic Vision

    In the fiscal year 2022-23, Titan’s leadership undertook its periodic five-year strategic planning exercise, an approach that has guided the company for over two decades. This forward-thinking engagement led to the articulation of the Titan Turbo Ambition and Strategy, aimed at setting new benchmarks of excellence across all its business verticals and subsidiaries. This bold vision was designed to elevate Titan to the next level, pushing the boundaries of innovation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive market. The challenges and strategic focus outlined in this plan reflect Titan’s commitment to sustained growth and leadership in the industry.

    Titan Company Limited – Investments

    Titan drives growth and innovation through strategic investments across its brands, emerging businesses, and global markets.

    Date Organization Name Funding Round Amount
    Sept 9, 2024 T1 (aka t1 Protocol) Pre-Seed Round $2.5M
    Aug 9, 2023 CaratLane Secondary Market Rs. 46.2B
    March 11, 2022 Great Heights Corporate Round $20M
    Nov 21, 2017 KaHa Pte Venture Round $4.5M
    Jul 20, 2015 Innoviti Series A Rs.300M

    Titan Company Limited – Mergers and Acquisitions

    Titan strengthens its portfolio through strategic mergers and acquisitions, enhancing its market presence and diversifying its offerings.

    Acquiree Name Date Price
    Noise Mar 9, 2022
    Hug Innovations Feb 11, 2020
    CaratLane May 6, 2016

    Titan Company Limited – Growth

    Titan’s growth is driven by relentless innovation, strategic expansion, and a commitment to excellence across its diverse portfolio.

    Fiscal Year Operating Revenue Total Expenses Profit-Loss
    FY22 INR 27,210 crore INR 25,037 crore INR 2,173 crore
    FY23 INR 38,270 crore INR 38,270 crore
    FY24 INR 47,600 crore INR 44,298 crore INR 2,816 crore
    Titan Company Limited Financials
    Titan Company Limited Financials

    In FY22, Titan Company Limited reported an operating revenue of INR 27,210 crore, total expenses of INR 25,037 crore, and a profit of INR 2,173 crore. In FY23, revenue increased to INR 38,270 crore, matching the total expenses, resulting in no profit or loss. By FY24, revenue rose further to INR 47,600 crore, with expenses at INR 44,298 crore, achieving a profit of INR 2,816 crore.

    Titan Company Limited – Advertisements and Social Media

    Campaigns – #MOMentsTogether

     #MOMentsTogether Campaign - Titan
    #MOMentsTogether Campaign – Titan

    Titan’s #MOMentsTogether campaign encourages kids to give moms a break from endless questions by using Titan’s Ask A-आई Chatbot. The campaign created a buzz with playful posts of moms holding signs demanding “time off,” followed by reels, memes, and user-generated content. Prateek Gupta, Titan’s brand communication head, emphasized the campaign’s message: “Celebrate moms by giving them a much-needed breather from constant responsibilities.”

    #IDidIt Campaign

    Tanishq #IDidIt Campaign
    Tanishq #IDidIt Campaign

    Tanishq’s #IDidIt campaign, in collaboration with the Jaipur Literature Fest, celebrates women’s success stories. Women across India are invited to share their journeys, with select stories featured in an anthology introduced by publisher Urvashi Batalia. Launched on Tanishq’s social media, the campaign highlights empowerment, independence, and resilience, offering women a platform to inspire and celebrate their achievements.


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    Titan Company Limited – Awards and Achievements

    Titan and its brands have garnered prestigious accolades, including sustainability rankings, product design awards, and recognition as India’s most desired and globally acclaimed retail brands. Some of the many are as follows:

    2014

    • Best Employer for National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the Government of India.
    • Ranked among Asia’s 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by Channel News Asia Sustainability Ranking.
    • Red Dot Award for “Best Product Design of the Year – Watches & Jewellery” for Skeletal Edge.
    • Bronze Medal at the Indian Effies for Fastrack.

    2023

    • Ranked as “India’s Most Desired Brand” by TRA’s Most Desired Brands Report.
    • Tanishq won the Global Awards for Excellence in Quality Management & Leadership by the World Quality Congress.
    • Tanishq became the first Indian brand to enter the top 30 Best Retail Brands in the Asia Pacific, ranking #13, according to Interbrand.

    Titan Company Limited – Future Plans

    Titan’s Expansion Plans

    Titan has ambitious plans to expand its retail network both in India and internationally. Its flagship jewelry brand, Tanishq, will open 45 new stores across India and six stores each in the United States and the Middle East. Meanwhile, CaratLane is set to grow its presence to 425 stores in over 200 towns. Mia, another Titan brand, aims to double its revenue within the next three years, reflecting its focus on scaling operations.

    Growth in Emerging Businesses

    Titan plans to triple the volumes of its emerging businesses, which include wearables, women’s handbags, and ethnic wear. Additionally, Titan is set to launch its exclusive ladies’ handbag brand, Earth, later this year, further diversifying its portfolio.

    Jewelry and Eyewear

    The company is aggressively expanding its jewelry footprint. In its eyewear division, Titan is targeting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% in the coming years, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its presence in this segment.

    Innovation and Sustainability

    On the sustainability front, the company is improving its Environmental, Social, and, Governance (ESG) performance through initiatives focused on energy efficiency, a circular economy, and responsible partnerships.

    Titan Engineering & Automation Limited (TEAL)

    Titan’s technology and manufacturing subsidiary, TEAL, is working towards establishing a significant niche for itself on the global stage. This underscores Titan’s commitment to technological advancements and innovation across its business verticals.

    FAQs

    What are the brands that come under Titan Company Limited?

    Titan Company Limited has Tanishq, Titan Watches, and Titan Eye+ under its umbrella.

    Who is the founder of Titan Company Limited?

    Xerxes Desai founded Titan Company Limited in 1984.

    What was the revenue of Titan Company in 2024?

    Titan Company Limited generated an operating revenue of INR 47,600 in FY24.

  • Affordable Quality, Nationwide Reach: Vishal Mega Mart’s Success Story

    Vishal Mega Mart, one of India’s leading value retail chains, has emerged as a dominant player in the affordable retail sector by focusing on providing quality products at competitive prices. With a robust presence across 30 states and union territories, the company has built a reputation for catering to the evolving needs of India’s middle- and lower-middle-income groups. Its extensive product portfolio, ranging from groceries and personal care to apparel and electronics, ensures that customers can find everything they need under one roof. The company’s focus on semi-urban and rural markets has also allowed it to tap into underserved regions, further driving its growth. Recent initiatives, such as piloting a quick commerce model and enhancing its e-commerce platform with two-hour delivery, highlight its commitment to adapting to modern retail trends.

    With aggressive expansion plans and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction through innovative loyalty programs and targeted advertising, Vishal Mega Mart is well-positioned to sustain its leadership in value retail. Its impressive stock market debut underscores investor confidence in its growth trajectory and long-term potential.

    This post provides you with information about How Vishal Mega Mart startedits Startup Story, History, Tagline, Logo, Business Model, Funding, Revenue, Competitors, Growth, and more.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Company Highlights

    Name Vishal Mega Mart
    Headquarters Gurugram, Haryana
    Sector Fashion-centric hypermarket chain
    Founder Ram Chandra Agarwal
    Founded 2001
    Website Vishalmegamart.com

    Vishal Mega Mart – About
    Vishal Mega Mart – Industry
    Vishal Mega Mart – Founders and Team
    Vishal Mega Mart – Startup Story
    Vishal Mega Mart – Mission and Vision
    Vishal Mega Mart – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Vishal Mega Mart – Business Model
    Vishal Mega Mart – Revenue Model
    Vishal Mega Mart – Challenges Faced
    Vishal Mega Mart – Growth
    Vishal Mega Mart – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
    Vishal Mega Mart – Awards and Achievements
    Vishal Mega Mart – Competitors
    Vishal Mega Mart – Future Plans

    Vishal Mega Mart – About

    With over 400 stores nationwide, it’s a shopping hub that’s hard to miss. What began in 2001 as a small initiative by Ram Chandra Agrawal, offering primarily ready-made clothing, has transformed into a retail giant. Vishal Mega Mart is one of India’s largest retail chains offering a wide range of products, including clothing, groceries, household items, electronics, and more, at affordable prices. It operates as a value-focused hypermarket, targeting middle-income customers. With numerous outlets across India, Vishal Mega Mart aims to provide quality goods at competitive prices, catering to both urban and semi-urban areas.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Industry

    Market Size

    India’s fashion retail sector was valued at a whopping INR 6 trillion in 2022. By 2027, this figure is projected to nearly double, reaching over 11 trillion rupees.

    Leading Players

    Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited (ABFRL) leads the pack as India’s first billion-dollar fashion retailer. With a vast retail footprint of 11.9 million square feet, it has set the benchmark for large-scale operations in the industry.

    • Performance Struggles: Established brands are grappling with inconsistent growth and struggling to maintain their dominance.
    • Competition from New Entrants: Digitally native brands, designed to cater to evolving consumer preferences, are outpacing traditional players.
    • Fast Fashion’s Boom: Fast fashion now makes up 60% of mass-market sales, climbing from 56% pre-pandemic, signaling a growing demand for trendy, affordable clothing.
    • Tier II and III Cities Rising: Organized retail is rapidly expanding into smaller cities, unlocking untapped markets and boosting growth.
    • Changing Urban Preferences: Urban shoppers are increasingly prioritizing experiences and luxury goods, shifting their spending away from traditional apparel purchases.

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    Vishal Mega Mart – Founders and Team

    Ram Chandra Agarwal

    Ram Chandra Agarwal - Chairman & Managing Director, V2 Retail Ltd
    Ram Chandra Agarwal – Chairman & Managing Director, V2 Retail Ltd

    Ram Chandra Agarwal is the Chairman & Managing Director of V2 Retail Ltd. He is a trailblazing entrepreneur whose vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on India’s retail landscape. Starting his business journey in 1994 with Vishal Garments in Kolkata, Agarwal laid the foundation for what would become a retail revolution. By 1997, he had established Vishal Retail and in 2001, he took on the role of Chairman and Managing Director, guiding the company through its transformative journey.

    Recognized as a pioneer in value retailing, Agarwal introduced the concept to India, reshaping how millions shop. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, he is celebrated for challenging conventional wisdom and spotting untapped opportunities with remarkable agility.

    For his groundbreaking contributions, Agarwal has been honored with numerous awards, including recognition from Ernst & Young, underscoring his role as a visionary leader and game-changer in the business world. Under his leadership, V2 Retail Ltd continues to thrive, embodying the innovative spirit he brought to the industry.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Startup Story

    Ramchandra Aggarwal’s story is one of grit, ambition, and relentless determination. It all started in 1986 when he borrowed money to open a humble photostat shop. While it wasn’t much, it was a beginning. His entrepreneurial journey soon took a turn as he ventured into the clothing business, managing a small shop in Kolkata for 15 years.

    Driven by a bigger vision, Ramchandra relocated to Delhi in 2001 to lay the foundation for Vishal Retail. His dream of creating a retail empire took shape and what began as a single store quickly blossomed into Vishal Mega Mart—an iconic name in India’s retail landscape. The company even made its debut on the stock market, signifying a major milestone.

    However, success didn’t come without its trials. The 2008 stock market crash brought his business to the brink, plunging him into debt and testing his resilience. Yet, Ramchandra refused to give up. With unwavering determination, he rebuilt the business, transforming it into an INR 1000 crore retail giant.

    Ramchandra’s journey, from running a small shop to leading one of India’s largest retail brands, is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and vision.


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    Vishal Mega Mart – Mission and Vision

    Mission

    Vishal Mega Mart’s mission is to make aspirations affordable for everyone. By offering an extensive selection of the latest fashion, general merchandise, and grocery items at competitive prices, the brand aims to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Every product on the shelf reflects a commitment to delivering value without compromising on quality, ensuring that every shopper enjoys a fulfilling and budget-friendly experience.

    Vision

    Vishal Mega Mart envisions itself as the ultimate destination for quality and value. With a focus on providing customers with a unique shopping experience, the company strives to blend affordability with excellence. Through innovation and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, it aims to redefine retail in India and set new benchmarks in the industry.

    Vishal Mega Mart Logo
    Vishal Mega Mart Logo

    Vishal Mega Mart Tagline: “Making Aspirations Affordable.” Vishal Mega Mart ensures that every shopper can fulfill their needs and desires while enjoying great value for their money. This promise has made it a trusted destination for millions across India.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Business Model

    Vishal Mega Mart thrives on a discount retail model, offering quality products at low prices by purchasing in bulk and passing on the savings to customers. This approach focuses on high-volume sales and affordability, making it a go-to destination for budget-conscious shoppers. Here are the key elements of its business model:

    • Diverse Product Range: Catering to a variety of needs, Vishal Mega Mart offers everything from groceries and personal care products to clothing, home essentials, and electronics. This one-stop-shop concept ensures convenience for customers by fulfilling multiple requirements under one roof.
    • Private Label Strategy: The retail chain manufactures and sells its own private-label brands exclusively in its stores. These products are priced lower than national brands, helping customers save money while boosting the company’s profit margins.
    • Focus on Non-Metro Markets: A significant part of Vishal Mega Mart’s success lies in targeting smaller cities and rural areas. By tapping into the increasing purchasing power of these regions, the brand has established itself as a key player in underserved markets.
    • Franchise and Ownership Model: Vishal Mega Mart operates through a mix of company-owned and franchise stores. This hybrid model allows for rapid expansion while minimizing capital investment, enabling the brand to grow its footprint efficiently across India.

    With over half of its revenue coming from general merchandise, Vishal Mega Mart’s business strategy combines affordability, variety, and accessibility, ensuring its strong presence in the competitive retail market.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Revenue Model

    Vishal Mega Mart stands out in the retail sector due to its focus on high-margin segments, with general merchandise (GM) and apparel contributing approximately 72.5% of its total sales. This focus contrasts sharply with competitors like Avenue Supermart, which derives only 23.5% of revenue from these categories.

    The emphasis on general merchandise and apparel works to Vishal Mega Mart’s advantage, as these segments typically deliver higher profit margins compared to groceries, food, and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). This strategic revenue mix not only enhances the company’s profitability but also positions it well for long-term growth. By capitalizing on these high-margin categories, Vishal Mega Mart can maintain a competitive edge and drive future success in an increasingly crowded retail market.


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    Vishal Mega Mart – Challenges Faced

    Quick Commerce Competition

    Quick commerce is disrupting the retail landscape, fueled by the demand for instant delivery and convenience. Platforms like Zomato and Swiggy Instamart are expanding aggressively, introducing services such as large-order deliveries, white goods, and deep discounts. While Vishal Mega Mart’s reliance on in-house brands and high-margin items like apparel provides a buffer, the company must closely monitor this sector to adapt and stay competitive as consumer preferences shift rapidly toward speed-driven shopping experiences.

    Slowing Sales Growth in Modern Trade

    The growth of modern trade sales in groceries, personal products, and home care items has slowed significantly, marking a four-year low. This decline is attributed to a shift in consumer behavior toward online channels, especially quick commerce, and the closure of hundreds of stores by retailers aiming to boost profitability. With modern trade sales growing only 3.2% in July-August compared to 24% the previous year, Vishal Mega Mart faces pressure to navigate this challenging environment while maintaining its growth trajectory.

    Balancing Traditional and Evolving Models

    While quick commerce poses a significant challenge, Vishal Mega Mart operates on a unique model focused on affordability and high-margin products. This model may shield it from the immediate threats of quick commerce; however, the company must ensure it evolves in tandem with market trends. Striking the right balance between its traditional strengths and the need for innovation will be critical to sustaining its leadership position in the competitive retail space.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Growth

    Vishal Mega Mart has steadily grown into one of India’s leading retail chains, driven by strategic expansions, value-driven offerings, and a strong focus on affordability.

    Fiscal Year Operating Revenue Total Expenses Profit/Loss
    FY22 INR 7586 crore INR 7155 crore INR 431 crore
    FY23 INR 7618.7 crore INR 7188.36 crore INR 321.27 crore
    FY24 INR 8911.9 crore INR 8324 crore INR 461.90 crore
    Vishal Mega Mart Financials

    In FY22, the company reported an operating revenue of INR 7,586 crore, total expenses of INR 7,155 crore, and a profit of INR 431 crore. In FY23, revenue slightly increased to INR 7,618.7 crore, with expenses rising to INR 7,188.36 crore, resulting in a reduced profit of INR 321.27 crore. By FY24, revenue grew significantly to INR 8,911.9 crore, while expenses reached INR 8,324 crore, leading to a profit of INR 461.90 crore.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

    Vishal Mega Mart - Advertising Strategy
    Vishal Mega Mart – Advertising Strategy

    Advertising Strategy

    Vishal Mega Mart (VMMG) places significant emphasis on advertising across multiple platforms to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement:

    • Print Media: Long-term advertisements in newspapers such as those under BCCL (Times Group) are utilized. This includes a five-year agreement covering print publications and other media outlets like the Internet, radio, and television.
    • Television: Campaigns featuring Tina Parekh aim to reach a broad audience.
    • Outdoor Advertising: Billboards and roadside advertisements enhance visibility in strategic locations.
    • Agency Collaboration: Cheil India has been engaged in integrated advertising solutions, offering expertise in creative, media, data, activation, and retail strategies.

    Promotional Activities

    Vishal Mega Mart employs a robust category management system (VRPL) to optimize promotions and ensure customer satisfaction:

    • Weekly Promotions: Regular promotional schemes help drive foot traffic and boost sales.
    • Slow Mover Strategy: Special promotional plans are created to improve sales of slow-moving inventory.
    • Store Layout and Visual Merchandising: The store layout, product positioning, and merchandise displays are strategically designed to attract customers and improve the shopping experience.

    Co-Branded Card

    In collaboration with SBI Cards & Payment Services Private Limited, Vishal Mega Mart introduced a co-branded card to enhance customer loyalty. Key features include:

    • An INR 250 discount voucher upon signing up
    • Reward points for every INR 100 spent

    Sales Promotion Techniques

    Vishal Mega Mart uses various promotional strategies to appeal to value-conscious consumers:

    • Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO): Offers and combo packs are frequently employed to boost sales.
    • Psychological Discounting: Pricing items at INR 99 or INR 49 influences customer perception of affordability.
    • Special Event Pricing: Discounts and special deals are rolled out during festivals like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year.

    E-Commerce

    Vishal Mega Mart’s eCommerce platform offers added convenience with features such as:

    • Two-hour delivery service
    • Flexible time slots to accommodate customer preferences

    This multifaceted approach ensures Vishal Mega Mart remains competitive and relevant in the dynamic retail landscape.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Awards and Achievements

    Vishal Mega Mart has consistently earned accolades for its innovative loyalty programs and commitment to societal change, showcasing its excellence in the retail industry.

    International Loyalty Awards

    • 2024: Won the “Best Loyalty Programme of the Year – Food Retail and Non-Food Retail” category.
    • 2023: Named the “Regional Winner Asia,” covering the Indian subcontinent and regions to the east.

    Singapore’s Loyalty and Engagement Awards (2023)

    • Secured Gold in the category “Best Loyalty Strategy – Retail,” highlighting its customer engagement excellence.

    Jagran Achiever Awards

    • Recognized for “Excellence in Value Retail – Bringing Societal Change through Advertising,” reflecting its impact on community welfare and value-driven retail strategies.

    NCPDEP – Mindtree Hellen Keller Award (2020)

    • Honored for its efforts in creating an inclusive environment, showcasing a strong commitment to diversity and social responsibility.

    Vishal Mega Mart – Competitors

    Vishal Mega Mart faces competition from retailers that cater to similar value-conscious customers in India’s retail market, like the following: 

    Vishal Mega Mart – Future Plans

    • Store Expansion: Vishal Mega Mart is aggressively expanding its footprint, with plans to add 80–100 stores annually. While already present in 30 states and union territories, the company aims to deepen its presence in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
    • Quick Commerce: The company is piloting a quick commerce initiative within a 7–10 kilometer radius of its stores. Customers can log into the Vishal Mega Mart app to view and purchase items directly from the inventory of their nearest store.
    • Affordable Retail: Catering to India’s middle- and lower-middle-income groups, Vishal Mega Mart emphasizes affordability by aligning its product offerings with consumer aspirations and leveraging its private-label brands to meet market demands effectively.
    • Stock Market Debut: Vishal Mega Mart made a stellar debut on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) on December 18, 2024, with shares listing at INR 110 on the BSE—a 41% premium to the issue price of INR 78—and at INR 104 on the NSE. The company reported a profit of INR 4.6 billion ($54 million) on revenue of INR 89.1 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2024.

    FAQs

    What is Vishal Mega Mart?

    Vishal Mega Mart is one of India’s largest retail chains offering a wide range of products, including clothing, groceries, household items, electronics, and more, at affordable prices.

    Who is the founder of Vishal Mega Mart?

    Ram Chandra Agarwal founded Vishal Mega Mart in 2001.

    Who are the main competitors of Vishal Mega Mart?

    The main competitors of Vishal Mega Mart include Reliance Retail, DMart, Trent, and others.

    What was the revenue of Vishal Mega Mart in 2024?

    Vishal Mega Mart earned an operating revenue of INR 8912 crore in 2024 at the profit of INR 462 crore.

  • Bewakoof: Allowing the Youth to be Fashionably Silly

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

    Bewakoof is a fashion destination that proudly celebrates the art of being fashionably silly, leaving a rebel in the mix amidst a sea of fashion portals preaching the gospel of elegance and classy. Upon perusing the typical options, Bewakoof sticks out as it provides not just clothing but also an energetic way of life that appeals to your inner free-spirited millennial.

    Bewakoof, which was founded in 2012 by the dynamic pair Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot, doesn’t just follow trends—it creates them. Get ready to explore a world where your unabashed sense of style meets vibrant, eye-catching designs. Welcome to the revolution, where the standard of fashion is highly variable.

    This post provides you with information about How Bewakoof started, Bewakoof’s Startup Story, History, Tagline, Logo, Business Model, Funding, Revenue, Competitors, Growth, and more.

    Bewakoof – Company Highlights

    Startup Name Bewakoof
    Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    Sector Fashion, eCommerce
    Founder Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot
    Founded 2012
    Website bewakoof.com

    About Bewakoof
    Bewakoof – Industry
    Bewakoof – Founders and Team
    Bewakoof – Startup Story
    Bewakoof – Mission and Vision
    Bewakoof – Name, Tagline, and Logo
    Bewakoof – Marketing Strategy
    Bewakoof – Business Model
    Bewakoof – Revenue Model
    Bewakoof – Challenges Faced
    Bewakoof – Funding and Investors
    Bewakoof – Growth
    Bewakoof – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
    Bewakoof – Competitors
    Bewakoof – Future Plans

    About Bewakoof

    Founded in 2012, Bewakoof is a lifestyle fashion brand that makes creative and top-notch apparel for trendy, contemporary Indians. Bewakoof was launched on the principle of creating impact through innovation, honesty, and thoughtfulness. It has become one of the most sought-after fashion brands of millennials and Gen Z. The lifestyle brand has created a new niche in the fashion and apparel market with its innovative and interesting ideas and captivating catalog.

    Bewakoof is hands-down amazing when it comes to creating light-hearted, fun, and quirky everyday outfits and other products (like mobile covers). Bewakoof quotes are some of the most intriguing things that the company offers along with its merchandise. Furthermore, the Bewakoof shirts, t-shirts, and other Bewakoof.com products are available at pocket-friendly prices. Moreover, its unique name is enough to turn heads.

    Bewakoof.com, which sells apparel and mobile phone covers, is better known for creating head-turning catalogs like its ‘Ghanta’ collection of t-shirts for college students with messages like ‘Ghanta Engineering/Ghanta MBA’; the collection was a big hit and was tagged as ‘best-seller’ by the company. Bewakoof primarily caters to the age group of 16–34 years.


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    Bewakoof – Industry

    Fashion and lifestyle is the second-largest consumer category in India, with a huge worth of $110 billion, in the country’s bustling consumer environment. The global fashion market generated a revenue of approximately $1.7 trillion in 2024.

    Projections show that the fashion industry’s digital wave will continue to rise rapidly in the future. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%, the online fashion business is expected to reach a stunning $35 billion by the fiscal year 2028 (FY28). These findings highlight the revolutionary move in India’s fashion industry toward internet platforms, which presents enormous prospects for companies and customers alike.

    Bewakoof – Founders and Team

    Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot are the founders of Bewakoof.

    Prabhkiran Singh

    Prabhkiran Singh - Co-Founder and CEO of Bewakoof
    Prabhkiran Singh – Co-Founder and CEO of Bewakoof

    Prabhkiran is a civil engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, much like his co-founder, who interned at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., after which he decided to found khadke gLASSI. Prabhkiran started his lassi venture outside his college and named it khadke gLASSI. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that well and closed down soon. After his brief stint with the former, he went to found Bewakoof in April 2012.


    Prabhkiran Singh: The Visionary Behind Bewakoof’s Quirky Revolution | Education | Net worth |
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    Siddharth Munot

    Siddharth Munot - Co-Founder of Bewakoof
    Siddharth Munot – Co-Founder of Bewakoof

    Siddharth Munot is the co-founder of Bewakoof. Munot is a B.tech engineer from IIT Bombay who started his career as a teacher at PACE Institute. Siddharth then started his entrepreneurial career by co-founding Munot Networks LLP before co-founding Bewakoof. Siddharth left the company in March 2021 after 10 years with the company. Along with being a co-founder of Bewakoof Siddharth is also the co-founder of Machau Bamboo Products Pvt. Ltd.

    Bewakoof – Startup Story

    Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot, the founders of Bewakoof, were sitting outside their campus and brainstorming possible ideas for their venture. The idea of t-shirt printing was finalized as it resonated with their mission of bringing the humor factor into the lives of college students.

    Prabhkiran and Siddharth began researching the latest youth trends and lifestyles. They started designing quotes that would then be printed on t-shirts. And that’s how Bewakoof came into existence. Back in 2010, when Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot were searching for a domain name for their newly started t-shirt printing business, they came across Bewakoof.com and purchased it immediately.

    It so happened that April was about to start, and April Fool’s Day was around the corner. The name Bewakoof is humorous, witty, and sits well with the youth. Bewakoof and April Fool’s Day went hand in hand and the decision to purchase the domain name made complete sense. The website was launched in 2012, though. The target audience for Bewakoof.com was college students. The t-shirts with humorous designs depicted the various scenarios of a college goer’s life.

    About Bewakoof Brand
    Bewakoof’s Secret to Success

    Bewakoof – Mission and Vision

    Bewakoof, mission is to “redefine the fashion landscape by making style not just a luxury but an everyday accessible delight”. The company was started with the vision to create an impact through innovation, honesty, and thoughtfulness.

    Brand recall is at its highest with Bewakoof because of its cool and trendy name. The founders finalized this name because ‘Bewakoof’ (stupid in English) is what the society considers people who perform silly stunts and ‘out of the box’ activities; actions that don’t adhere to the society’s norms and methods.

    Bewakoof Logo
    Bewakoof Logo

    These ‘Bewakoof logs‘ make this world a better and wonderful place to live in. Hence, the founders thought that it would be a great name. The decision surely acted in their favor, given the popularity Bewakoof.com has achieved.

    Bewakoof – Marketing Strategy

    Bewakoof primarily relied on Facebook to market and promote its products in the initial stages. It worked so well for the brand that in just a few months, its Facebook page had more than 75 thousand users. Apart from the social media channels, the startup also created some dynamic college campaigns where it asked students to spread ‘Beewakoofy’ around the college campus in return for free tees from the company.

    Moreover, the company also aggressively promoted its products by tying up with top eCommerce sites like Snapdeal, Indiatimes Shopping, and Seventymm to sell its appealing apparel range and other products.

    The marketing team drove website traffic through two Facebook pages: “2 Min Aaya Yaar Raste Mei Hoon” and the company page “bewakoof.com”. These pages were well-received by the target audience. They kept the millennials occupied with memes and trolls which were also used to promote the apparel catalog on Bewakoof’s website.

    It doesn’t come as a surprise that the strength of the company lies in the appealing and trendy quotes printed on its range of t-shirts and various other products. The merchandise certainly seems to attract the viewer at first glance. Bewakoof is also loaded with user-friendly plans like COD (cash on delivery) and replacement options. Customers are bound to have a great shopping experience with Bewakoof.com.

    Celebrity Engagement with Rajkummar Rao

    On June 11, 2021, Bewakoof’s first celebrity engagement: Rajkummar Rao came on board to promote the Bewakoof brand across all digital platforms.

    Brand Campaign with Sidharth Malhotra & Fatima Sana Shaikh

    On November 10, 2021, Bewakoof set its digital campaign live with the cool student of the year, Sidharth Malhotra, and Dangal star Fatima Sana Shaikh. The theme of the campaign is Never Change.

    Prabhkiran Singh, Founder CEO, Bewakoof, says, “We are the market leaders in the fashion industry and have built our business without any godfathers. When we thought of rolling out our new campaign centered around Never Change, Sid and Fatima were our obvious choice because, as a brand, we identify with them. In our early days, we were ridiculed for our brand name, business model but we didn’t change nor did we give up. As a brand, we see these disruptive qualities in both Sid and Fatima.”

    Sidharth Malhotra is known for his layered acting which translates into strong storytelling. Sidharth represents the aspirations of the youth with a clear message that if you believe in something and then follow your approach with grit and rigor, you will emerge a winner. On his association with Bewakoof, he says, “Bewakoof has uber-cool clothes which you can easily add to your wardrobe. It was a fun collaboration & friendly Masti vibe wearing their quirky outfits.”

    Fatima, who started her career with cameos, won well-deserved accolades for her work in Dangal. She has been unstoppable since then. Her work in multi-starrers movies like Ludo, Suraj pe Mangal Bhari, and Ajeeb Dastans, proves that she can stand her ground even among some of the most successful actors just like Bewakoof stands tall among other D2C brands in India. Commenting on her engagement with Bewakoof, Fatima says, “Bewakoof’s journey has been similar to mine. This got me interested in associating with the brand as I could identify with the expressions, language, and styling they promote. The comfort level with the brand and the products that I tried won me over.”

    Bewakoof teamed with Sanya Malhotra

    Bewakoof teams up with the brand ambassador of the brand, Sanya Malhotra to launch a new campaign in July 2021, which was titled “Bewakoof banti hai.”

    Ordering from Bewakoof made easy

    Bewakoof – Business Model

    Bewakoof is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) powerhouse in the fashion industry, with a unique business approach. The Mumbai-based company has a full 360-degree strategy, handling every aspect of the business from end-to-end production and internal warehousing to designing and merchandising. Being the only company with a single brand is what makes Bewakoof stand out from other standard eCommerce sites that only sell goods made by other people.

    Catering to the youth demographic, Bewakoof exudes a dynamic and trend-focused approach. The brand actively incorporates trends into its tactics rather than merely following them. Bewakoof has cultivated a unique and stylish brand among young people by adhering to viral social media material and putting well-known punchlines on t-shirts. The brand’s timely introduction of new designs reflects its pulse on current fashion and lifestyle trends. Furthermore, Bewakoof actively seeks feedback and ideas from its community of social media followers, fostering a collaborative and trend-setting experience for the brand’s vibrant audience.


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    Bewakoof – Revenue Model

    Bewakoof generates revenue from a variety of resources. Here are a few of them:

    • Product Sales: Bewakoof’s primary source of income is the direct sale of a wide variety of goods that are offered on its platform. These goods include t-shirts, shirts, dresses, joggers, shorts, shoes, purses, and accessories for mobile devices.
    • Subscription Services: Bewakoof sells subscription services to augment its income.
    • Commissions from Brands: Bewakoof generates income by serving as a venue for joint marketing and advertising initiatives with other brands.
    • Advertising and Campaigns: Another revenue stream for Bewakoof involves income from advertising and campaign collaborations.

    Bewakoof – Challenges Faced

    Bewakoof has previously faced difficulties with supply concerns, protracted process cycles, and a lack of strategic alignment with vendors. These obstacles were successfully overcome by developing long-lasting connections and solid alliances with a small number of key suppliers.

    However, in the years 2020 and 2021, the landscape of sourcing from Bangladesh witnessed changes. The benefits from this area have become less significant when compared, mainly because cotton fiber is now more expensive. Bangladesh imports a large amount of its yarn from India, and historically, Bangladesh has benefited from lower yarn prices worldwide. However, this advantage has diminished. This change is a result of the increased price and scarcity of cotton, which brings new dynamics and difficulties to Bewakoof’s sourcing procedure.

    Bewakoof – Funding and Investors

    Bewakoof has raised a total of $49.3 million in eight rounds of funding. Aditya Birla’s TMRW acquired a majority stake of 70-80% in Bewakoof by investing INR 200 crore in the company in December 2022. As of February 15, 2023, Bewakoof Brands is now a step-down subsidiary of Aditya Birla’s TMRW.

    Bewakoof’s funding details are as follows –

    Date Stage Amount Investors
    December 01, 2022 Series B INR 270.56 crore Aditya Birla Digital Fashion Ventures
    December 27, 2021 Debt Financing Klub
    August 25, 2021 Series B $8.08 million Investcorp
    March 18, 2021 $4.04 million IvyCap Ventures
    August 26, 2020 Convertible Note $1.07 million Aarti Corporate Services
    October 14, 2019 Venture Round $10.77 million Investcorp Gulf Investments
    March 8, 2018 Seed Round $75.4K
    January 8, 2015 Venture Round Snapdeal, Kunal Bahl, Rohit Bansal

    Bewakoof boasts of Kunal Bahl, Rohit Bansal, Snapdeal, IvyCap Ventures, and Investcorp Gulf Investments as its investors.


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    Bewakoof – Growth

    Bewakoof, a prominent player in the fashion industry, boasts an impressive track record. As of December 2023, it had 45 SKUs and over 5 lakh users. The brand has sold over 1 crore products to date thanks to its dedication to style and quality.

    With over 60 lakh app downloads, Bewakoof’s digital presence is impressive and a testament to its broad appeal. The company had served a sizable customer base, with over a lakh new users joining each month, and it had reached 6 million subscribers.

    On July 13, 2021, Bewakoof opened Cosmos Beauty as part of its effort to expand its product line and diversify. Cosmos Beauty began its journey with 43 items, which included bath salts, day and night creams, serums, and more, all inspired by natural ingredients and minerals. This growth demonstrates Bewakoof’s dedication to providing its ever-expanding clientele with a comprehensive and fashionable lifestyle experience.

    Financials

    Bewakoof Revenue
    Bewakoof Financials 2023
    Bewakoof Financials FY23 FY22 FY23
    Operating Revenue INR 160.2 crore INR 147.1 crore
    Total Expenses INR 240.5 crore INR 241.8 crore
    Cost of Procured Material INR 87.4 crore INR 85.6 crore
    Employee Benefit Expenses INR 40.1 crore INR 59 crore
    Advertisement Expenses INR 33.7 crore INR 28 crore
    Net Loss/Profit INR -30.1 crore INR -12.7 crore

    In FY23, Bewakoof’s revenue decreased from INR 160.2 crore to INR 147.1 crore in FY22. They reported a net loss of INR 30.1 crore in 2022 and INR 12.7 crore, due to total expenses remaining high at INR 241.8 crore in 2023. Key costs included materials, employee benefits, and advertising.

    EBITDA

    Bewakoof FY21-FY22 FY21 FY22
    EBITDA Margin -10.22% -45.52%
    Expense/Rs of Op Revenue Rs 1.17 Rs 1.42
    ROCE -25.16% -127.48%

    Bewakoof – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

    Bewakoof Campaign

    Introducing Rashmika Mandanna as their new brand ambassador and face of the ‘All Eyes On You’ campaign, Bewakoof is full of pride. Rashmika will serve as a spokesperson for the brand’s vast women’s line, which includes a wide range of stylish shirts, hoodies, joggers, and accessories. ‘All Eyes On You,’ the brand’s newest campaign, was introduced on December 3, 2023, with Rashmika Mandanna at first.

    Bewakoof – Competitors

    Bewakoof faces direct competition from eCommerce portals such as:

    These are some eCommerce platforms that also target fashion online to name a few. Peachmode.com, Globus, Chumbak, Seafolly, Jenny Bird, Infinity Motorcycles, and Buttercups also give stiff competition to Bewakoof.

    Bewakoof – Future Plans

    Bewakoof is eyeing to achieve sales of around INR 2,000 crores in the next four years. The D2C brand witnessed some celebrity collaborations where the company has roped in actors like Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, and Farhan Akhtar. It plans to continue roping in more A-list actors onboard. They are also expanding their product range and improving their brand and technology. They plan to introduce new categories, including innerwear, activewear, and personal care products.

    FAQs

    Who is Bewakoof founder?

    Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot are the founders and Bewakoof brand owner.

    What is Bewakoof?

    It is a lifestyle fashion brand that makes creative and distinctive fashion apparel for the trendy, contemporary Indian.

    Who is the CEO of Bewakoof?

    Prabhkiran Singh serves as Bewakoof’s CEO and Co-Founder.

    When did Bewakoof start?

    It was launched on 1 April 2012 by Prabhkiran Singh and Siddharth Munot.

    Where is Bewakoof located?

    Bewakoof Brand Pvt. Ltd., is registered in Thane, Mumbai.

    How much is Bewakoof’s Net worth?

    Bewakoof is a Rs 482 crore fashion apparel brand as of November 2022.

    Is Bewakoof Indian Brand?

    Yes. Bewakoof is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

    What is Bewakoof business model?

    Bewakoof is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand targeting millennials and Gen Z with trendy, affordable clothing and quirky, pop-culture-inspired designs. It sells products online via its website and app, leveraging in-house production for quality and cost control. The brand uses social media and influencer marketing to reach its audience and offers a membership program, “Bewakoof Tribe,” for exclusive discounts.

    Who is Bewakoof owner?

    Bewakoof was acquired by Aditya Birla’s TMRW for INR 200 crore.

    What is Bewakoof profit margin?

    Bewakoof generated an operational revenue of INR 147 crore at a loss of INR 12.7 crore in 2023.

    What is Bewakoof owner net worth?

    The net worth of Bewakoof’s founders is INR 152 crore as of Apr 13, 2022 as per Tracxn.

    What is Bewakoof turnover?

    As per Statista, Bewakoof’s operating revenue for FY23 stood at over 1.4 billion Indian rupees, reflecting an 8% decline compared to the previous year.

  • Netmeds Success Story: How it is Leading India’s Online Pharmacy Segment

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

    The e-commerce industry has garnered immense popularity in India in a really short span of time. It has allured the younger generation specifically. Consumers have become choice-savvy because online retail has redefined the concept of the shopping catalog; there are thousands of search results for every item you could possibly imagine. Why should medicines be left out when everything, from apparel to real estate, can be purchased online?

    Medicines have long been a market dominated by unorganized players that were distanced from online business concepts. However, it is with the emergence of medicine eCommerce that the problems of shopping for medicines from traditional physical stores are likely to be alleviated. Netmeds, a Chennai-based company, is one of the promising medicine eCommerce service-based companies that are here to help you through its online pharmacy.

    StartupTalky covers the success story of Netmeds in this post. Know all about how Netmeds works, its revenue model, business model, parent company, history, funding, founder, owner, startup challenges & more.

    Netmeds Company Details

    Startup Name Netmeds
    Headquarters Chennai
    Founder Pradeep Dadha
    Sector Pharmaceutical
    Founded 2010
    Valuation $125 million
    Parent Company/Owner Reliance Industries
    Website netmeds.com

    About Netmeds
    Netmeds – Target Market Size
    Netmeds – Founder and Team
    Netmeds – Startup Story | How It Was Started
    Netmeds – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Netmeds – Mission and Vision
    Netmeds – Products and Services
    Netmeds – USP and Innovation
    Netmeds – Business Model and How It Works
    Netmeds – Franchise
    Netmeds – Revenue Model
    Netmeds – Growth / Revenue
    Netmeds – Valuation, Funding and Investors
    Netmeds – Acquisitions
    Netmeds – Marketing Campaigns
    Netmeds – Startup Challenges
    Netmeds – Competitors
    Netmeds – Awards
    Netmeds – Future Plans

    About Netmeds

    Netmeds is one of the top online pharmacies in India that deals with a wide range of healthcare products like high-quality prescription medicines, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, general healthcare products, Ayurvedic medicines, and homeopathic medicines. It has delivery facilities across India. Netmeds is a subsidiary of Dadha & Company, one of India’s most trusted pharmacy brands possessing over 100 years of experience in dispensing quality medicines. Pradeep Dadha founded the company in 2010, and it is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Netmeds’ parent company is Reliance Industries.

    Netmeds – Target Market Size

    It is estimated that more than 250 online pharmacies have sprung up in India in recent years, cornering INR 1,000 crores ($140 million) of the Indian drug market. The country’s overall drugs and medicines retail market is worth over INR 1.2 lakh crores.

    Netmeds – Founder and Team

    Pradeep Dadha is the founder and CEO of Netmeds.

    Pradeep Dadha, Founder and CEO, Netmeds
    Pradeep Dadha, Founder and CEO, Netmeds

    Pradeep Dadha

    Pradeep, the founder of Netmeds, was born and raised in the Chennai suburb of Royapettah. He worked in his family’s business—Dadha & Company—and later set up its online presence. Along with being the Founder and CEO of Netmeds, Dadha also runs the Pradeep Dadha Group of Companies, a private holding company, and is the chairman of its subsidiary—Notch Media.

    The other core member of the team is Bruce Schwack. Bruce is the Chief Communication Officer at Netmeds. The company strength is currently estimated 1500 plus employees.

    Bruce Schwack left Netmeds in April 2023 and assumed the role of Director of Marketing and Business Development at SHAI. Prior to this, he had a long and accomplished tenure at Netmeds, where he served as the Chief Communication Officer for approximately eight years.


    Pradeep Dadha: The Visionary Behind Netmeds and a Pioneer in Digital Healthcare Accessibility | Career | Philanthropy
    Pradeep Dadha is an Indian entrepreneur and founder of Netmeds, a leading online pharmacy. Learn about his career, achievements, and business journey.


    Netmeds – Startup Story | How It Was Started

    Pradeep’s family was steeped in the pharmaceutical retailing business since 1914 and forayed into the manufacturing sector of drugs in 1972. It was the manufacturing unit of Tamil Nadu Dadha Pharmaceuticals Ltd (TDPL) that the family of Pradeep Dadha managed when it was acquired by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd in 1997. TDPL then merged with Sun Pharma. S. Mohanchand Dadha, Pradeep’s dad and founder of the family business is on the board of Sun Pharma. Pradeep Dadha, CEO of Netmeds, started Netmeds.com to take advantage of e-retail and add a new dimension to his father’s efforts.

    Netmeds – Mission and Vision

    The mission of Netmeds is to “provide the people of India with convenient and affordable access to their everyday medicines”.

    The vision of Netmeds is built around the idea of providing “access to a full range of genuine medicine and reliable healthcare products to the consumers,” said the company founder Pradeep Dadha.

    Netmeds’ tagline reads as India Ki Pharmacy.

    Netmeds Logo
    Netmeds Logo

    Netmeds – Products and Services

    Netmeds’ platform offers an impressive selection of both prescription drugs and non-prescription products (OTC).

    Ordering medicines online at Netmeds.com is as easy as ABC; browse for the product, add it to your cart along with your prescription (if required), and proceed to make payment. Netmeds offers a wide range of products. It deals with prescription-based medicines for all major and minor ailments, ayurvedic, Unani, and homeopathic medicines, health foods, drinks, supplements, personal care products, and equipment such as orthopedic devices, surgical accessories, etc.

    Products are sourced from more than 200 Indian manufacturers. The top 25 among these manufacturers are listed on the Netmeds website. These include Sun, Ranbaxy, Cipla, Dr. Reddy, and many other pharmaceutical companies. The company also has a diagnostics service that provides customers with expert advice from medical professionals.

    The company also provides the following value-added services:

    • Automated refill reminders.
    • Loyalty programs.
    • Expense analytics.
    • Digital copy of prescriptions.

    It uses data analytics to predict demand with high accuracy. This enables Netmeds to improve its inventory management setup and ensure the availability of stocks during unforeseen situations like changing seasons and epidemics.

    It normally takes just one day to deliver in metro cities. In general, the delivery time may vary depending on the location. No delivery charges are imposed on orders above INR 1000. For orders below this value, shipping charges are from INR 25 to INR 50.

    Netmeds – USP and Innovation

    Netmeds banks on the following USPs:

    • Over 100 years of service in the Pharma industry.
    • Delivery all over India.
    • Pharmacy of choice for more than 3 million Indians.
    • High-quality, genuine medicines.
    • A team of highly experienced pharmacists.
    • State-of-the-art warehouses.
    • A large inventory of medicines/35000+ SKUs.
    • The customer gets to know the expiry date of the medicines while ordering.

    The company also has an app that makes it convenient for users to find and order medicines, track orders, and make payments. It is available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. The app offers benefits such as amazing discounts on shopping, online consultation, free access to healthcare and medicine-related information, and timely medicine refill reminders.


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    Netmeds – Business Model and How It Works

    Netmeds sells prescription-based medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related products online. Furthermore, the company also has certified pharmacists who screen the prescriptions uploaded by the customers before dispatching their orders.

    The company is considering a B2B business model through which it will offer medicines to pharmacies at wholesale rates. At present, the company offers up to 20% discount to its customers on prescribed medicines. Netmeds is currently evaluating the B2B business model’s potential.

    Netmeds founder Pradeep says, “It would work like a B2B business, we will be doing wholesale business with them”.

    Netmeds – Franchise

    Netmeds is also taking the franchise route to expand its presence in India. The company is planning to open a minimum of 1000 franchise stores within the next five years. Besides publicizing the brand name, it will use this model to assist franchise partners with inventory planning, stock-keeping, IT infrastructure, and marketing efforts. Netmeds is also attempting to partner with banks to provide loans to applicants eligible for a franchise.

    To be eligible for a franchise, one is expected to have a 300 sq. ft. store on the ground floor located on the main road of any neighborhood. Anyone meeting these conditions and willing to invest around INR 20 lakhs can tie up with the company to set up a Netmeds store. One can contact Netmeds for franchise-related queries through the contact details available on its site.

    “With the selection of the right location and stock availability, we expect about 100 footfalls a day. Indicative break-even period is 12-18 months”, netmeds owner Pradeep tells.

    The company opened its first franchise store in Nanded (Maharashtra) in 2018. In 2019, Netmeds opened its first retail store in Karnataka’s Belgaum. It plans to open 20 more such retail stores in Karnataka by 2020.


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    Netmeds – Revenue Model

    Netmeds’ revenue model is divided into 3 parts: commission, marketing, and shipping charges. Of these, commission is the largest contributor as the company earned INR 4.46 crores from commissions in FY18.

    Our revenue model caters to the chronic segment, which represents patients across India and totals about $10 billion a year. Thus, we provide medicines to those patients who take the same medication regularly with a dependable online resource. It helps them accessing their medication and having them delivered to their home without any hassle on time. We also offer a wide range of OTC (over the counter) and FMCG products. So like the typical US Walgreens, CVS or Boots, customers will come for the prescription drugs, available at great prices, while they fill the basket with other needed items – Pradeep Dadha, Netmeds owner said.

    Netmeds – Growth / Revenue

    Netmeds has quickly established itself as a leading name in the online pharmacy segment. Some growth milestones achieved by the company are:

    • Netmeds India provides prescription medicines and healthcare products to more than 3,000,000 patients across India, serving over 19,000+ pin codes.
    • It has seen double-digit growth rates month-on-month since inception. In FY 2018, its revenue grew 2.5 times. In 2017, it earned a revenue of INR 3.94 crores while in 2018, its turnover increased to INR 10.05 crores.
    • It has around 35,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) across various tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities.
    • Netmeds claims to have eight fulfillment centers in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Raipur, and Kochi.
    • The company currently has 13 warehouses.

    The company plans to expand its presence soon by setting up warehouses through tie-ups in 16 metro and non-metro cities. Netmeds will be focusing on building its infrastructure to improve overall efficiency.

    Netmeds Revenue/Financials

    Netmeds Financials 2023 2024
    Operating Revenue INR 145.31 crore INR 67.24 crore
    Total Expenses INR 135.40 crore INR 60.83 crore
    Profit/Loss INR 11.23 crore INR 7.97 crore
    Netmeds Financials

    In 2023, Netmeds reported an operating revenue of INR 145.31 crore and total expenses of INR 135.40 crore, resulting in a profit of INR 11.23 crore. In 2024, its operating revenue dropped to INR 67.24 crore, with total expenses reduced to INR 60.83 crore, leading to a profit of INR 7.97 crore.

    In FY21, Netmeds’ revenue from operations amounted to INR 13,423.42 lakh and decreased to INR 10,776.96 lakh in FY22. Simultaneously, the company’s profit surged from INR 104.77 lakh in FY21 to INR 1,057.69 lakh in FY22.

    Expenses Breakdown

    Expenses FY23-FY24 FY23 FY24
    Employee Benefits Expense INR 3148.66 lakh INR 1,822.16 lakh
    Finance Costs INR 44.15 lakh INR 0.07 lakh
    Depreciation and Amortisation Expense INR 202.14 lakh INR 94.90 lakh
    Other Expenses INR 10141.63 lakh INR 3921.65 lakh

    In FY23, employee benefits expenses were INR 3,148.66 lakh, which dropped to INR 1,822.16 lakh in FY24. Finance costs saw a sharp decline from INR 44.15 lakh in FY23 to just INR 0.07 lakh in FY24. Depreciation and amortisation expenses also decreased from INR 202.14 lakh to INR 94.90 lakh. Other expenses significantly reduced from INR 10,141.63 lakh in FY23 to INR 3,921.65 lakh in FY24.

    In the fiscal year 2022 (FY22), Netmeds saw a reduction in several key expenses compared to FY21. Employee benefits expense decreased to Rs 2,268.13 lakh, finance costs decreased to Rs 144.12 lakh, and depreciation and amortization expenses were reduced to Rs 134.19 lakh. Additionally, other expenses also decreased to Rs 7,544.59 lakh in FY22, reflecting the company’s efforts to manage its operational costs.

    Netmeds – Valuation, Funding and Investors

    Netmeds has raised $99 million in funding over 3 rounds. The latest round of funding was in September 2018 when it raised $35 million from the Southeast Asian business conglomerate Daun Penh Cambodia Group (based in Singapore).

    Here is a list of funding rounds of Netmeds:

    Date Stage Amount Investors
    September 1, 2018 Series C $35 Million Sistema Asia Fund, Tanncam Investment, and Daun Penh Cambodia Group
    October 31, 2017 Series B $14 Million Sistema Asia Fund, Tanncam Investment
    October 26, 2015 Series A $50 Million OrbiMed

    Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Chennai-based online pharmacy Netmeds. As part of the deal, Reliance may integrate $130-$150 million for the asset through one of its subsidiaries along with a fresh infusion of capital in Netmeds to expand the operations.

    It’s worth noting that Netmeds recently launched its grocery delivery service via RIL-owned Reliance Retail.

    Reliance Industries Ltd acquired a majority stake in Netmeds for approximately $83 million (INR 620 crore) in cash. This investment secured 60% ownership in Vitalic Health’s equity share capital and 100% ownership of its subsidiaries.


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    Netmeds – Acquisitions

    Netmeds has acquired 3 organizations.

    Acquired Date
    KiviHealth March 2019
    JustDoc September 2018
    Pluss App October 2016

    Pluss is an on-demand medicine, healthcare, and wellness products delivery app, which standardizes your experience irrespective of your location and the store from where your medicines come. JustDoc is one of the largest global online doctor consultation platforms that provide better healthcare services via audio, video, and chat. KiviHealth is a health-tech startup that aims to provide an affordable, patient-centric, digital health information management system.


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    Netmeds – Marketing Campaigns

    Netmeds’ multi-crore TV, digital, and print advertising campaigns have made it a household name with the backing of a large customer base. The company launched a TV commercial featuring actors Krushna Abhishek and Sudesh Lehri in its initial days.

    Netmeds has signed MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador. The commercial starring Dhoni has garnered more than 34 million views to date.

    Netmeds.com – India ki Pharmacy!

    Netmeds – Startup Challenges

    Buying medicines online brought a new paradigm shift. Convincing and educating consumers to adopt this shift and think beyond traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies was a challenge for Netmeds.

    Like any other e-commerce company, dealing with the logistics of a country so vast has not been easy. The typical chronic patient may be taking as many as six medicines a month and sometimes more. Netmeds has to quickly source and deliver the required prescription-based medicines and over-the-counter products in one basket.

    The need for a medical prescription for ordering from Netmeds may seem awkward and unnecessary for many. But by doing so, it is encouraging people who have avoided hospital visits to finally see a doctor.

    Netmeds Startup Story
    Netmeds – Challenges faced

    Netmeds – Competitors

    Netmeds competes in a segment filled with well-funded rivals. Major competitors include:

    • 1mg
    • PharmEasy
    • mChemist
    • Myra
    • BigChemist
    • Care on Go
    • Click on Care
    • Lybrate.

    Netmeds – Awards

    Netmeds bagged the Health Tech Start-Up of the Year at the NDTV Unicorn Start-up Awards 2016. It was selected as ‘Asia’s Most Promising Brand 2018’ by Int+ WCRC International.

    Some other awards and recognitions that Netmeds received are:

    • Netmeds was declared as ‘Asia’s Most Promising Brand 2018’ by Int+ WCRC International
    • Announced as the ‘Best Digital Healthcare Start-up’ by ET’s Now World Health and Wellness Congress in 2019
    • Conferred upon the title ‘Digital Healthcare Company of the year’ in 2019 by ET Now World Health and Wellness Congress
    • Voted as one of the 50 Most Influential e-Commerce Professionals of India by E-commerce Summit and Awards 2019
    • Received the Global Adjustments’ India Living Award where it was named as ‘Business Innovator of the Year’ 2018
    • Declared as the winner of the Zee Business Dare to Dream Award where it was named as the ‘Emerging company of the year’ in 2018
    • Obtained the title ‘Game changer of India ’ by Economic Times in 2018
      Named as ‘Asia’s Most Promising Brand’ WCRC in 2018

    Netmeds – Future Plans

    Netmeds plans to grow by offering more telehealth services and using AI for personalized healthcare. It will work with insurance companies to provide complete healthcare solutions and expand into smaller cities and rural areas in India. Netmeds also aims to add more products like wellness items, supplements, and personal care products. It will partner with healthcare providers for extra services and use technology to improve customer engagement with recommendations, loyalty programs, and interactive features.

    FAQs

    What is Netmeds?

    Netmeds is an online pharmacy in India, founded in 2015. It offers medicines, healthcare products, and teleconsultations. Reliance Industries acquired it in 2020.

    Which is Netmeds parent company?

    Reliance Industries is the parent company of Netmeds.

    Who is the Founder of Netmeds?

    Pradeep Dadha is the founder and CEO of Netmeds.

    Who is the Owner/Parent Company of Netmeds?

    Reliance Industries Ltd. It has acquired a majority stake in online pharmacy Netmeds for about $83 million.

    How much is Netmeds Revenue?

    In 2023, Netmeds reported an operating revenue of INR 145.31 crore and total expenses of INR 135.40 crore, resulting in a profit of INR 11.23 crore. In 2024, its operating revenue dropped to INR 67.24 crore, with total expenses reduced to INR 60.83 crore, leading to a profit of INR 7.97 crore.

    Who are the top competitors of Netmeds?

    1mg, PharmEasy, mChemist, Myra, BigChemist, Care on Go, Click on Care, and Lybrate are the main competitors of Netmeds.

    What is Netmeds founder net worth?

    Pradeep Dadha’s net worth as of 2023 is between $6-$9 million.

    Is Netmeds profitable?

    Yes, Netmeds is a profitable company.

    Which is the best online medicine app?

    Some of the best online medicine apps include Netmeds, 1mg, Pharmeasy, mChemist, Myra, and more.

    Is Netmeds safe?

    Yes, Netmeds is safe to use. It is a trusted Indian online medical store.

  • Snapdeal: Streamlining Ecommerce with Focus on Growth and Efficiency

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

    ECommerce has transformed shopping, which provides unparalleled ease and a wide selection of products with only a few clicks. With this change, the retail industry has entered a new era marked by increased speed and simplicity in the digital marketplace.

    At the forefront of this dynamic eCommerce realm stands Snapdeal, a platform that has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital retail landscape. Since its founding in February 2010 by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, Snapdeal has been a leading source of coupons, discounts, and exclusive offers, giving customers an exciting new way to purchase online. This Indian eCommerce behemoth, with its headquarters in Gurgaon, has effectively carved out a niche for itself by providing a wide variety of products, radically changing how we browse and purchase goods in the digital age.

    Here’s learning about Snapdeal Online India, its Founders and Team, Business Model, Revenue Model, Funding, history, Acquisitions, Growth Competitors, and more.

    Snapdeal – Company Highlights

    STARTUP NAME SNAPDEAL
    Headquarters Gurgaon, Haryana, India
    Sector E-commerce
    Founder Kunal Bahl, Rohit Bansal
    Founded 2010
    Website snapdeal.com

    About Snapdeal
    Snapdeal – Industry
    Snapdeal – Founders and Team
    Snapdeal – Startup Story
    Snapdeal – Mission and Vision
    Snapdeal – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Snapdeal – Business Model
    Snapdeal – Revenue Model
    Snapdeal – ESOPs
    Snapdeal – Challenges Faced
    Snapdeal – Funding and Investors
    Snapdeal – Investments
    Snapdeal – Mergers and Acquisitions
    Snapdeal – Partnerships
    Snapdeal – Growth
    Snapdeal – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
    Snapdeal – Awards and Achievements
    Snapdeal – Competitors

    About Snapdeal

    Founded in 2010 by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, Snapdeal stands as India’s premier pure-play value eCommerce platform, ranking among the top online lifestyle destinations. Snapdeal comes under AceVector Group. With a commitment to provide high-quality products at competitive prices, Snapdeal wants to make shopping enjoyable and dependable for the people of Bharat. Because of its dedication to providing excellent customer service, suppliers can offer premium goods at competitive costs, which helps the platform maintain its leading position in the Indian eCommerce market.

    Snapdeal targets most middle-class, value-seeking non-metros customers; their logistics network reaches more than 96% of India’s pin codes. With this wide reach, order delivery is guaranteed to over 2,500 towns and cities, demonstrating Snapdeal’s dedication to democratizing value commerce across the country. The company aims to serve Bharat consumers at every stage of their offline to online purchasing journey. Jasper Infotech Private Limited is the owner/parent organization of the company.

    Snapdeal – Industry

    According to Mordor Intelligence, the Indian eCommerce market is expected to increase significantly, from its anticipated value of USD 112.93 billion in 2024 to USD 299.01 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate of 21.5%. Smartphone use and greater internet accessibility are two of the elements driving this trend. The report highlights the potential for businesses to prosper through innovation and adaptation to changing consumer patterns, underscoring the critical role that eCommerce has played in transforming India’s retail scene.

    Snapdeal – Founders and Team

    Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal are the founders of Snapdeal.

    They started as high school friends and then went on to become business partners when they launched Snapdeal. Believe it or not, together, this duo walked away from a merger deal offered by Flipkart and envisioned and adopted an evaluated focus on the 400 million value-conscious Indian consumers.

    Kunal Bahl

    Kunal Bahl, Co-founder - Snapdeal
    Kunal Bahl, Co-founder – Snapdeal

    Kunal is the co-founder of Snapdeal. Bahl was a student at the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed a degree in Systems Engineering. He is also an alumnus of The Wharton School where he studied Marketing and Operations Strategy and also did Executive Program in Marketing from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management.

    Bahl was also there in the Jerome Fischer M&T Program. In his professional career, Kunal started as an Independent Director of Piramal Enterprises Limited before co-founding Snapdeal in 2010. Bahl also co-founded Titan Capital in 2011 and AceVector Group in June 2022. Thus, Kunal can be summed up as an investor and entrepreneur who aims to create impact through entrepreneurship.

    Kunal Bahl is the newest shark on Shark Tank India season 4, replacing Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal. He will join the show alongside other investors like Ritesh Agarwal, founder of OYO; Namita Thapar, executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals; Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt; and Anupam Mittal from People Group.

    Before this, Kunal Bahl appeared on Prime Video’s reality show Mission Start Ab, where 10 founders competed for mentorship and funding.

    Rohit Bansal

    Rohit Bansal, Co-founder - Snapdeal
    Rohit Bansal, Co-founder – Snapdeal

    Rohit Bansal is the co-founder of Snapdeal. Bansal has a BTech. and an MTech. degree in Computer Science from IIT Delhi, after completing which Rohit co-founded Snapdeal with Kunal. Rohit Bansal is also a co-founder of Titan Capital and AceVector Group. He has also worked part-time at FICCI. Bansal is recognized for his impressive skills in Team Management and Business Development.

    The total employee strength of the company has been listed between 501-1,000, as per the Snapdeal LinkedIn profile.


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    Snapdeal – Startup Story

    Back in 2010, when the founders, Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, wanted to start their venture, they came up with an offline couponing business, which was named MoneySaver. This company sold around 15,000 coupons in three months, and that’s exactly when it was time to notch this business to a level-up. And hence, Snapdeal was founded on February 4, 2010.

    When it launched, it was primarily a daily deals platform, and then later in 2011, it expanded to become an online marketplace. Since then, Snapdeal has grown to become one of the largest online marketplaces in India.

    Kunal Bahl has illuminated Twitteratis and others about the story of how Snapdeal got its first angel investor and how it proceeded toward an era of growth. Here’s the insight:


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    Snapdeal – Mission and Vision

    The mission of Snapdeal is to become the leading value lifestyle omni-channel platform in India.

    The vision is to enable Bharat’s consumers to purchase with confidence and value so they can happily fulfill their dreams. Driven by state-of-the-art technology and a personalized, bilingual interface, Snapdeal is committed to reinventing innovative and reasonably priced shopping experiences in India.

    Snapdeal Logo
    Snapdeal Logo

    Snapdeal rebranded itself with a new logo in September 2016.

    Rohit Bansal, co-founder, said, Our new logo is visualized from the perspective of the happiest moment for an online buyer i.e. when she receives her ‘box’. We understand that every box that we deliver contains not just a product but represents a new opportunity, an aspiration or the start of a journey for our consumers. Our entire new brand identity right from the brand mark to its extensions, reflects the box – a representation of untold potential and possibilities.

    Snapdeal – Business Model

    Snapdeal, founded in 2010 operates the digital B2C (Business-to-customer) marketplace, which allows third-party sellers to sell their products on the website directly to customers. The company operates a portfolio business model. Snapdeal, at its core, operates a matchmaking business model, where it connects online sellers directly to online buyers. It also offers complimentary products such as delivery and logistical support to businesses to help encourage the use of its matchmaking platform.

    Snapdea has made a change to its business model. As updated on July 21, 2021, the eCommerce company has flipped its business model and started to target audiences that are value-conscious. The company is no longer selling high-end brands but targeting audiences who believe in getting value out of the affordable range of products.

    “In the last couple of years, we have very sharply focused on the value eCommerce segment and our strategy going forward too is to keep building for this segment,” Kunal Bahl, co-founder at Snapdeal, said.

    Snapdeal – Revenue Model

    Snapdeal has a diverse revenue strategy, but its main source of income is commissions from sellers, which are calculated as a percentage of the products sold on the platform. This commission-based strategy guarantees a win-win partnership with sellers by directly linking their performance to Snapdeal’s income. Additionally, Snapdeal uses marketing campaigns to augment its revenue.

    Snapdeal creates extra revenue streams by giving companies the chance to highlight their goods through targeted advertising and promotions. This all-encompassing approach establishes Snapdeal as a strong participant in the Indian eCommerce market.

    Snapdeal – ESOPs

    Snapdeal has significantly increased its Employee Stock Option (ESOP) pool by 151%, as reported on October 13, 2021. Shareholders approved a resolution to boost the Employee Stock Option Scheme 2016 from 1,98,890 to 5,00,000. This move highlights Snapdeal’s commitment to employee engagement and positions the company strategically for future growth. The additional 3,01,110 ESOP options, exercisable into equity shares valued at Rs 1 each, underscore the company’s proactive approach to financial structuring ahead of its entry into the public market.

    Snapdeal – Challenges Faced

    Every company faces its unique set of challenges, and Snapdeal is no exception. Before Amazon’s $3 billion investment and entry into the Indian market in 2016, Snapdeal, which was ranked as the second-best online shopping destination behind Flipkart, faced a significant change in the market. This was the start of a very difficult battle for Snapdeal as it battled to deal with the increased competition caused by the massive eCommerce company.

    Snapdeal struggled to secure more funding and dealt with internal disagreements in the face of external challenges. The company carried out cost-cutting measures, stopped several procedures, and regrettably had to reduce staff to improve financial stability.

    Notwithstanding obstacles, Snapdeal investigated the possibility of merging with Flipkart; however, the proposal was turned down. Plans for an IPO valued at INR 1,250 crore were simultaneously shelved, complicating the company’s financial plan. These difficulties highlight the complex terrain that Snapdeal traversed and provide insight into the elements that have contributed to its difficulties in the ever-changing eCommerce space.

    Snapdeal – Funding and Investors

    Snapdeal has raised a total of $1.8 billion in funding over 16 rounds. Here is a list of all the funding rounds for Snapdeal:

    Date Stage Amount Investors
    July 23, 2019 Venture Round Anand Piramal
    May 29, 2017 Venture Round $17 million Nexus Venture Partners, Kunal Bahl, Rohit Bansal
    August 26, 2016 Secondary Market $21 million Clouse SA
    February 14, 2016 Secondary Market $200 million Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Iron Pillar, Brother Fortune Apparel
    January 1, 2016 Series J
    August 18, 2015 Venture Round $500 million Alibaba Group, Foxconn Technology Group, SoftBank Telecom Corp
    October 27, 2014 Venture Round $627 million SoftBank Telecom Corp
    August 27, 2014 Venture Round Ratan Tata
    May 20, 2014 Series E $100 million BlackRock, Myriad
    February 26, 2014 Series D $133.7 million eBay
    August 2013 Venture Round $75 million SoftBank Capital
    April 2013 Series C $50 million eBay, Recruit Holdings, Intel Capital, ru-Net, Saama Capital
    September 2011 Series B $40 million Bessemer Venture Partners, IndoUS Venture Partners, Nexus Venture Partners
    January 2011 Series A $12 million IndoUS Venture Partners, Nexus Venture Partners

    Snapdeal – Investments

    Snapdeal has invested in 9 companies and later has exited from five companies.

    Here are the investment details:

    Date Funding Round Amount Company
    September 7, 2017 Venture Round $23.7 million Vulcan Express
    August 1, 2017 Venture Round $5.8 million Vulcan Express
    May 18, 2017 Series D Rs 22 crore FreeCharge
    January 9, 2017 Series D $57 million FreeCharge
    October 7, 2015 Venture Round $20 million GoJavas
    September 29, 2015 Series B $36 million PepperTap
    September 29, 2015 Series B $36 million NuvoEx
    September 7, 2015 Venture Round $100 million Shopo
    January 8, 2015 Venture Round Bewakoof

    Snapdeal Exit

    Snapdeal has exited from five companies, which are Bewakoof, Shopo, FreeCharge, Vulcan Express, and NuvoEx.

    Snapdeal – Mergers and Acquisitions

    Snapdeal has made a total of 11 acquisitions to date. Following are the details of Acquisitions made by Snapdeal over the years:

    Acquired Date
    TargetingMantra May 5, 2016
    Reduce Data September 15, 2015
    Fashiate August 24, 2015
    RupeePower May 31, 2015
    MartMobi Technologies May 26, 2015
    Exclusively February 18, 2015
    Wishpicker December 12, 2014
    Doozton April 15, 2014
    Shopo May 30, 2013
    Esportsbuy April 3, 2012
    Grabbon June 2010

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    Snapdeal – Partnerships

    Snapdeal has seen an array of partnerships since it was founded. Here’s a list of some prominent ones:

    • Snapdeal partnered with the online dispute resolution platform Samaon on June 17, 2021, to deal with consumer complaints. It has already witnessed a success rate of 50% in the initial pilot
    • Snapdeal collaborated with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on December 17, 2020, to help its users make QR code-based payments smoothly on the arrival of the orders
    • Snapdeal has partnered with Medlife on May 6, 2020. This will help the users of the former to avail themselves of the facilities of health checkups from the comfort of their homes, order diagnostic tests, and order medicines online to be delivered to their doorstep
    • Phonepe is another association of Snapdeal and as a result of the collaboration, the latter lets the users pay directly from their Phonepe accounts without any hassles. This partnership was announced on December 11, 2018
    • In March 2015, Snapdeal brought Bollywood’s famous actor, Aamir Khan for the promotion of its website in India
    • Also, in November 2019, the company joined the International Trademark Association (INTA) to support the protection of intellectual property on online marketplaces

    Snapdeal – Growth

    Once valued as a unicorn, among the first of the Indian companies with a billion-dollar valuation, Snapdeal’s dreams seemed to take a nightmarish turn in the summer of 2017 amidst funding issues and an impending merger deal with Flipkart that too at a fraction of $6.5 billion, the highest valuation of the company. However, the founder duo didn’t lose hope and stayed strong and independent, which is why Snapdeal is among the Indian eCommerce startups that are still strongly reigned by its founders. Besides, Snapdeal is notably improving its status, focusing on adding value to its customers.

    The company has reportedly achieved numerous milestones. Some key highlights that speak of the growth of Snapdeal are:

    • It has more than 25 million monthly active users per month as of September 2023.
    • Snapdeal boasts over 200 million installed app users.
    • Snapdeal covers over 96% of pin codes across the country.
    • It has done order deliveries to more than 2,500 towns and cities and expanding.
    • Snapdeal joined ONDC in July 2022 and achieved full integration in March 2023, becoming the sole Indian eCommerce company to merge its buyer and seller platforms on ONDC, as per the news report of March 2023.
    • Snapdeal has taken pride in having 50.37 million customers shop using its website/app since FY19, among them, around 14.82 million customers are annual transacting customers as per a news report of December 2021.
    • Resisted the blows of three major conditions in 2013, 2017, and the pandemic period.
    • All of this growth that the company is continuing to witness is part of a revolution commonly referred to as Snapdeal 2.0

    Snapdeal conducted its “Kum Mein Dum Diwali sale” in October 2020. In this extensive sale, the platform witnessed tremendous growth in traffic and buyers.

    “The extent and depth of orders received and shipped from non-metros cities illustrates the accelerated growth of online commerce in recent months,” said Snapdeal.

    Snapdeal Financials

    Snapdeal Financials 2023 2024
    Operating Revenue INR 371.96 crore INR 379.76 crore
    Total Expenses INR 687.93 crore INR 540.76 crore
    Profit/Loss INR -282.20 crore INR -160.38 crore
    Snapdeal Financials FY24
    Snapdeal Financials FY24

    In FY24, Snapdeal’s operating revenue grew by 2.1%, rising from INR 371.96 crore in FY23 to INR 379.76 crore. Total expenses dropped by 21.4%, decreasing from INR 687.93 crore to INR 540.76 crore. As a result, losses reduced by 43.2%, improving from INR -282.20 crore to INR -160.38 crore.

    Snapdeal – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns

    Snapdeal Campaign

    In a Snapdeal campaign, real-life husband and wife team Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh are paired with Bollywood actors. With the slogan “Brand waali quality, bazaar waali deal,” Snapdeal aims to increase the number of Indian customers. With a strong focus on value-conscious consumers, the campaign seeks to strengthen Snapdeal’s standing in the industry and provide consumers across the country with enticing bargains.

    Snapdeal – Awards and Achievements

    Snapdeal has been honored with a multitude of awards, some of the most notable recognitions are:

    • Editor’s Choice Award was given by ET Edge in Mumbai at the Datacon2023 event.
    • E-Commerce Legal Team of the Year 2019: Legal Era presented the Legal Team with this prestigious award at the Indian Legal Awards.
    • E-Best Employee Engagement 2019: At the Third Edition of the Employee Engagement Leadership Awards, Snapdeal received recognition for exceptional employee engagement in the B2B/B2C sector.
    • Snapdeal’s dedication to innovation was recognized with the Golden Peacock Award for Innovative Product/Service in 2015.
    • Winner of the International Service Excellence Award: Honored by CSIA with the Australian Service Excellence Award of the Year 2015.
    • 2015’s Best Company to Work For in Retail: Snapdeal received recognition from the Retailers Association of India for offering a first-rate workplace.
    • Innovation in Recruitment: Snapdeal’s innovative recruitment practices were celebrated at the 9th RASBIC Awards in 2015.
    • Star Retailer Award 2014: Acknowledged at the 9th Awards for Excellence in Retailing under the category ‘Retail Campaign of the Year.’
    • Buzziest Brands of India 2014: Recognized in Afaqs’s Annual Buzz-making Poll.
    • e-Retailer of the Year 2012: Snapdeal was awarded for its excellence in eCommerce.
    • Red Herring Top 100 Asia 2011: Featured in the list of Most Innovative Companies, showcasing Snapdeal’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge solutions.

    Snapdeal – Competitors

    Snapdeal directly competes with:

    • Amazon
    • Flipkart
    • Myntra
    • Shopclues
    • Club Factory and many such companies have gone on to take a great market standing in the online shopping sphere.

    FAQs

    What is Snapdeal?

    Founded in 2010 by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, Snapdeal stands as India’s premier pure-play value eCommerce platform, ranking among the top online lifestyle destinations. Snapdeal comes under AceVector Group. With a commitment to provide high-quality products at competitive prices, Snapdeal wants to make shopping enjoyable and dependable for the people of Bharat.

    What is the revenue of Snapdeal?

    Snapdeal has reported a revenue of Rs 380 crore in FY24.

    What is Snapdeal valuation?

    The market valuation of Snapdeal once stood at $6.5 Billion (Rs 47 Thousand Crores) in 2016, however, the company has faced heavy competition in its league, which had a heavy toll on its operations, total net worth, and overall revenues. Snapdeal was last valued at over $800 million in 2021.

    Who is Snapdeal owner?

    Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal are the founders of Snapdeal. Jasper Infotech Private Limited is the owner/parent organization of the company. Snapdeal is not acquired by any company.

    When was Snapdeal India founded?

    Snapdeal was founded in February 2010.

    Who is the CEO of Snapdeal?

    Himanshu Chakrawarti is the CEO of Snapdeal.

    Who are the competitors of Snapdeal?

    The competitors of Snapdeal include:

    • Amazon
    • Flipkart
    • Myntra
    • Shopclues