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Tag: Supply Chain

  • Ninjacart: India’s Largest Fresh Produce Supply Chain Platform

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

    The traditional supply chain is highly inefficient, unorganized, and sees a lot of wastage when it comes to food items. Besides, it has always been discovered that the farmers experience price risk, asymmetry in information about demand, inefficiency when it comes to distribution, and also fall prey to delayed payments. Furthermore, the retailers also face a whole lot of problems pertaining to higher costs, low-quality items, unhygienic produce, volatility of prices, and are spurred to rush to the market regularly even amidst erratic conditions. All of these are reasons why Ninjacart came into being.

    Ninjacart is India’s largest Fresh Produce Supply Chain platform, which is built to improve the supply chain distribution when it comes to fresh produces. The ninjacart company is a pioneer in solving one of the toughest supply chain problems in the world by leveraging innovative technology. The high-quality and hygienically-handled fresh produce ensures healthy food to the consumers along with maintaining transparency among the points of supply chain and distribution. Read more to find out about Ninjacart company details, ninjacart founders, ninjacart revenue, ninjacart business model, etc.

    Ninjacart Company Details

    Startup Name Ninjacart
    Headquarters Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    Industry Logistics, Supply Chain
    Founded 2015
    Founders Ashutosh Vikram, KartheeSwaran KK, Sharath Loganathan, Sachin Jose, Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Vasudevan Chinnathambi
    Website Ninjacart.in

    About Ninjacart and How it Works?
    Ninjacart – Founders and Team
    Ninjacart – Startup Story
    Ninjacart – Mission and Vision
    Ninjacart – Name, Tagline, Logo and its Meaning
    Ninjacart – Business and Revenue Model
    Ninjacart – Shareholding
    Ninjacart – Growth
    Ninjacart – Financials
    Ninjacart – Product And Services
    Ninjacart – ESOPs
    Ninjacart – Partnerships
    Ninjacart – Awards
    Ninjacart – Challenges Faced
    Ninjacart – Funding and Investors
    Ninjacart – Acquisitions
    Ninjacart – Investment
    Ninjacart – Campaign
    Ninjacart – Competitors
    Ninjacart – Future Plans

    About Ninjacart and How it Works?

    About Ninjacart

    Ninjacart is India’s largest fresh produce supply chain company that is solving one of the toughest problems in the world through technology. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Ninjacart company connects producers of food directly with retailers, restaurants, and service providers with the help of in-house applications that drive the end-to-end operations.

    Ninjacart Supply Chain is equipped to move 1400+ tonnes of perishables from farms to businesses, every day, in less than 12 hours. The ninjacart startup currently has a network of more than 200 collection centres and over 1,200 warehouses in the country as of 2022.

    The Ninjacart company is not only a developer of agricultural marketing but also provides a supply chain platform intended to revolutionalize the fresh produce supply chain. The ninjacart app and website leverage data science, infrastructure, and networks to connect farmers directly to businesses and end retailers such as grocery stores, enabling retailers and merchants to source fresh farm produce directly from farmers in less time and in a cost-effective way.

    1. Ninjacart India has eliminated intermediaries by taking control of the Supply Chain by using technology and analytics.
    2. The company has built reliable, cost-effective, and high-speed logistics and infrastructure to solve inefficiencies in the Supply Chain.
    3. On one end, farmers get better prices and consistent demand, and on the other end, retailers receive fresh produce at competitive prices that are delivered to their doorstep.

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    Ninjacart – Founders and Team

    The Ninjacart founders are Ashutosh Vikram, Kartheeswaran KK, Sharath Loganathan, Sachin Jose, Thirukumaran Nagarajan, and Vasudevan Chinnathambi, 2015. The ninjacart company has successfully built a tech-enabled supply chain for fresh farm produce and is able to deliver over 1,400 tonnes of fruits and vegetables daily.

    Founders of Ninjacart
    Ninjacart Founders

    Ashutosh Vikram

    Ashutosh Vikram is the co-founder of Ninjacart. After completing his Btech degree in Computer Science from B.I.E.T Jhansi, Vikram obtained a PGDM from IIM Kozhikode. Ashutosh started by founding Shout App, after which he joined CommonFloor.com as the Associate Product Manager. Again, after a little more than a year and a half, Vikram joined OLACabs as the Associate Product Manager, but he served this role only for 6 months when he decided to co-found Ninjacart. Along with being the co-founder of Ninjacart, Vikram also serves as a Program Manager/Mentor.

    Kartheeswaran KK

    Kartheeswaran is known as the co-founder of Ninjacart, and also serves as the COO of the company. KK completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from the College of Engineering, Guindy and then went for PGP in General Management from IIM Ahmedabad. Kartheeswaran was a Student Director at CEG Tech Forum and he soon joined Microsoft as the Program Manager, but he left the role within 2 months and joined TaxiforSure with the same designation. He left the company a year after his joining and co-founded Ninjacart, where he also served as the CTO of the company.

    Sharath Loganathan

    After obtaining a Mechatronics Engineering Bachelor’s degree from Anna University, Sharath went for a PGDM in General Management from IIM Kozhikode. In his professional life, Loganathan started as the Team Lead at Satyam Computers and Services Ltd., he eventually joined Financial Inclusion Network and Operations Ltd as a Manager after leaving his previous job. Loganathan left his job after a period of a little more than 2 years and decided to pave his entrepreneurial career. He started by co-founding EduRaft Solutions and the Shout Out App. However, he spent around a year at each of the companies after which he joined CommonFloor.com as a Product Manager. However, he left the company in less than 2 years’ time to co-found Ninjacart.

    Thirukumaran Nagarajan

    Ninjacart Co-founder and CEO Thirukumaran Nagarajan was a BE Electrical and Electronics student at the College of Engineering, Guindy. He was then enrolled in a course in Foreign Exchange, and Finance at the Università Commerciale ‘Luigi Bocconi’. Nagarajan again pursued an MBA (PGDM) from the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode logo Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode. Starting with ABB as a Sales and Marketing Executive, Nagarajan then joined Axis Bank after 2 years. After around 1.6 years, he left Axis Bank and joined as an Investment Associate at Aavishkaar. Nagarajan then co-founded EduRaft Private Ltd. A serial entrepreneur now, Thirukumaran Nagarajan went on to found 2 more companies – Shout and Ninjacart. He also worked at TaxiforSure for a brief period of 9 months in between before he founded Ninjacart, where he is presently a Co-founder and CEO.

    Vasu C

    Vasu C is another co-founder of Ninjacart. He had previous experiences serving as a Senior Systems Engineer at Infosys, Product Manager at Firefly E-ventures, and a Product Manager for TaxiforSure, before he co-founded Ninjacart along with the other co-founders. Vasudevan has cites Shanmuga Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy and School of Inspired Leadership as his alma mater.

    Sachin Jose

    Sachin Jose is an Ex-co-founder of Ninjacart. Jose is an alumnus of the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design. CommonFloor was the first company that Jose worked in as an intern and later as a Visual Designer. Sachin then co-founded Shout, where he stayed for less than 6 months before co-founding Ninjacart in 2015. However, he quit the company in September 2017. Jose worked with a range of companies like Verizon, Saiga, Byjus, and Think & Learn and is presently serving as a Product Design Lead at rebuy recommence.

    The startup team of Ninjacart bonded together with Thiru leading the setup, who soon found Sharath as the obvious choice because the two of them have always been partners in crime since the biryani startup days. KK, Vasu, and Ashutosh soon came together to form Ninjacart.

    The Ninjacart team is currently led by Thirukumaran Nagarajan – Ninjakart as the Founder & CEO where Abhishek Agarwal, Prashannth Vijayakumar, Kartheeswaran K K, and Theyagarajan S manage key leadership positions.

    Ninjacart – Startup Story

    Ninjacart startup started operating in 2015 as a hyperlocal grocery delivery platform, and its main aim was to help retailers take their inventory online and deliver quality groceries to consumers in less than 60 minutes from ordering at scale. This was still a novel concept back then.

    The Ninjacart pitch that was to be presented to Accel was an interesting story that Thiru (Founder and CEO of Ninjacart) and Subrata Mitra (Partner at Accel) can clearly remember even after so many years since the launch of Ninjacart. It was a Saturday afternoon when Subrata planned to meet two entrepreneurs at his own house, but to his surprise, he saw five of them showing up at his doorstep. This made Subrata hold the meeting at the dinner table. The Founders of Ninjacart didn’t have any formal pitch ready, so they just wanted to talk about their idea, product and plans. Thiru opened their app and showed how people can order via the same, which impressed Subrata. The Accel Partner was impressed by the quality of the app and the potential opportunity for growth that it had in the market. However, what impressed him the most is the team at Ninjacart.

    But soon Ninjacart founders realized that with little product differentiation, customers were unwilling to pay a premium rate just for the marginal convenience of ordering online, especially for fruits and vegetables. On one hand, kirana partners faced problems regarding tedious procurement processes and proper management of quality, hygiene, price, assortment, and customer understanding. On the other, farmers experienced unfair practices, high food wastage due to a supply-demand mismatch, and lower incomes.

    So, they changed the ninjacart business model and the ninjacart revenue model to an agri-tech platform to solve one of the toughest agricultural supply chain problems at its root, built reliable, cost-effective, and high-speed infrastructure, and enabled retailers and merchants to source fresh produce directly from farmers daily.

    Ninjacart – Mission and Vision

    “Better Lives for Every Agri-Citizen” says the vision statement of the brand.

    The company’s mission is Build the most trusted, efficient, and inclusive agri-trade network.

    Ninjacart – Name, Tagline, Logo and its Meaning

    Ninjacart Logo
    Ninjacart Logo

    Ninjacart introduced a new logo as part of its rebranding, showcasing its dynamic and adaptable nature. The fresh design aims to build trust among farmers, traders, and retailers while highlighting the company’s commitment to strengthening connections in the food supply chain and supporting the entire agricultural community.

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    Ninjacart – Business and Revenue Model

    Ninjacart’s business model is based on removing inefficiencies and intermediate middlemen in the fruits and vegetables supply chain. On one hand, the company helps improve farmers’ incomes and provides a consistent demand and on the other hand, they deliver quality, fresh, and hygienically handled produce to retailers and food service providers. Ninja cart buys from farmers and sells to retailers and food service providers within 12 hours.

    Nagarajan says that more than 25% of the vegetables Ninjacart sells are procured directly from farmers. The ninjacart business model helps the company in engaging farmers in various awareness programs to educate them about the Ninjacart app and the benefits of selling directly to the venture.

    Ninjacart earns from the sales of the fresh goods to the retailers at profitable prices. The company also makes some money via its app. The Ninjacart revenue model aims to further build a farmer ecosystem and has already started its work on creating a fintech platform for the farmers. The ninjacart app will help them get the capital they would need to buy tractors, build greenhouses, and other working capital they need from time to time.

    Ninjacart – Shareholding

    Ninjacart’s shareholding pattern as of March 2024, sourced from Tracxn:

    Ninjacart Shareholders Percentage
    Thirukumaran Nagarajan 9.5%
    Ashutosh Vikram 2.7%
    Vasudevan Chinnathambi 1.8%
    Sharath Loganathan 1.7%
    Kartheeswaran Karandipalayam Kandasamy 1.7%
    Sachin Jose 1.6%
    Tiger Global Management 18.9%
    Accel 13.9%
    Syngenta Group 4.2%
    Entrust Family Office 2.3%
    Qualcomm Ventures 2.2%
    Tanglin Venture Partners 1.9%
    Mistletoe 2.5%
    STIC Investments 3.5%
    Hahn & Company 1.2%
    Steadview 1.2%
    Neoplux 1.1%
    M&S Capital Partners 0.4%
    ABG Capital 0.2%
    NPTK Emerging Asia Fund 1 0.2%
    Trifecta Capital 0.2%
    SIN Capital 0.1%
    GEC3 12.6%
    Flipkart 12.6%
    Angel 5.2%
    Other People 0.4%
    ESOP Pool 5.8%
    Total 100.0%
    Ninjacart Shareholding
    Ninjacart Shareholding

    Ninjacart – Growth

    The company claims to have more than 200 collection centres across the country to procure fresh goods, and 1200+ warehouses to stock them. Valued at over $815 million, Ninjacart is hailed as the highest valued agri-tech startup, as of January 27, 2022. The $815 million valuations of Ninjacart is a decent indicator that the agri-tech startup can easily become the first unicorn in the space ahead!

    Some of the Ninjacart growth highlights are as follows:

    • Ninjacart is hailed as the pioneer of tech-driven supply chain space for fresh produce
    • The company is backed by a wide range of esteemed venture funds and companies including Accel, Qualcomm, Tiger Global, and others
    • The Ninjacart Supply Chain i equipped to move more than 1,400 tonnes of perishables from farms to businesses, every day, and that too within less than 12 hours
    • The Bengaluru-based company proves beneficial to farmers, retailers, and consumers
    • Ninjacart is operating in 150+ markets across multiple agri-commodities

    Ninjacart launched Agri Seed Fund on March 4, 2022. The Agri Seed Fund is a $25 million fund, which is aimed to support the emerging and new-age startups in the agricultural sector. This seed fund would help Ninjacart make “seed investments in startups, entrepreneurs and tech innovators”, who will come up with “unique, sustainable and tech-enabled solutions“, as per the company’s press release.

    It is important to note here that with this new seed fund initiative, Ninjacart will invest in teams who have great technical abilities but may lack a particular solution or the right idea at the moment. This development comes as part of the agri-tech giant’s larger effort to boost the Indian agricultural landscape. The Agri Seed Fund is focused on strengthening innovation and accelerating disruption across the agriculture sector with the help of seed investments over the next two years.

    Ninjacart – Financials

    Ninjacart has shown significant revenue growth over the years, reaching INR 2,081.5 crore in FY24, but continues to operate at a loss. Expenses have also increased, affecting profitability.

    Particulars FY24 FY23 FY22 FY21 FY20
    Revenue INR 2,081.5 crore INR 1,212.3 crore INR 991 crore INR 776.9 crore INR 509.1 crore
    Expenses INR 2,341.2 crore INR 1,538.7 crore INR 1,298.9 crore INR 1,799.9 crore INR 993.6 crore
    Profit/Loss INR -259.6 crore INR -326.4 crore INR -307.9 crore INR -1,023.1 crore INR -484.4 crore
    Ninjacart Financials
    Ninjacart Financials

    Revenue increased from INR 1,212.3 crore in FY23 to INR 2,081.5 crore in FY24, but losses narrowed slightly from INR 326.4 crore to INR 259.6 crore.

    Ninjacart Revenue

    Revenue has grown significantly, up 71.7% YoY from INR 1,212.3 crore (FY23) to INR 2,081.5 crore (FY24).

    Revenue Breakdown FY24 FY23
    Revenue from Operations INR 2,002.7 crore INR 1,153.5 crore
    Other Income INR 78.8 crore INR 58.9 crore
    Total Revenue INR 2,081.5 crore INR 1,212.3 crore

    Strong revenue growth, mainly from core operations, with other income also increasing.

    Ninjacart Profit/Loss

    While losses continue, they reduced by 20.4% from INR 326.4 crore in FY23 to INR 259.6 crore in FY24. Despite rising revenue, losses remain, though they are decreasing.

    Ninjacart Expenses

    Expenses increased by 52.2% YoY, mainly due to higher stock purchases and operational costs.

    Expense Breakdown FY24 FY23
    Purchases of Stock-in-Trade INR 1,930.8 Cr INR 1,085.6 Cr
    Employee Benefit Expense INR 237.6 Cr INR 246.8 Cr
    Finance Cost INR 9.1 Cr INR 1.1 Cr
    Depreciation & Amortization INR 15.1 Cr INR 22.1 Cr
    Other Expenses INR 155.8 Cr INR 180.8 Cr
    Total Expenses INR 2,341.2 Cr INR 1,538.7 Cr

    Expenses increased mainly due to higher purchases, but employee costs slightly reduced.

    Quick Summary (FY24 vs FY23)

    • Revenue: Grew 71.7% to INR 2,081.5 crore.
    • Expenses: Increased 52.2%, mainly due to higher stock purchases.
    • Profit/Loss: Loss reduced by 20.4% from INR 326.4 crore to INR 259.6 crore.
    • Business Impact: Growth in revenue is promising, but reducing losses further is key to long-term profitability.

    Ninjacart – Product And Services

    Export import agricultural platform

    Ninja Global, a platform for agricultural export-import companies in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, has been introduced by Ninjacart on November, 2022. It will make it possible for importers and exporters to establish networks with reliable companies, get access to new markets, and grow their companies successfully on a global basis.

    Agri Next

    Ninjacart stated in August of 2023 that its “Agri Next” concept would be launched in the future. Ninjacart is demonstrating its dedication to revolutionizing agriculture through the modernization of agri spaces and the promotion of digital solutions throughout the agricultural value chain with this ground-breaking project.

    Ninjacart – ESOPs

    Ninjacart crossed the $800 million mark in valuation when it raised its Series D round of funding in December 2021. This also led the company to increase the size and value of its ESOP pool. According to the regulatory filings, as of April 29, 2022, Ninjacart passed a special resolution to increase its share options from 2444 to 3156, the ESOP pool of which is currently valued at around Rs 170 crore.

    The last ESOP news of Ninjcart was heard when the company announced its ESOP buyback last in January 2022, when a buyback worth Rs 100 crore ($13.33 mn) was announced from its workforce, which also included MSOPs.

    The ESOP pool of Ninjacart, an agritech business financed by Walmart, has increased by more than 100%. On August 18, 2022, the Bengaluru-based business had an extraordinary general meeting whereby a resolution was voted to expand the size of its ESOP pool to 6,522 shares from the current 3,156 shares.

    Ninjacart – Partnerships

    Ninjacart mainly partners with the farmers and the retailers of the country to ease things in the supply chain. The company has earlier partnered with Flipkart in 2019, which went into a strategic partnership to find a reliable supplier of fresh produce.

    Kilofarms

    The company has partnered with agri-tech platform Kilofarms and has made the production of residue-free tomatoes easy.

    Avant Finance

    Together, Ninjacart and Avanti Finance formed a collaboration in April 2022, with the goal of facilitating simple access to financial products and utilizing special technological resources and capabilities to support the agri-value chain community.

    Garuda Aerospace

    In order to deliver disruptive tech innovation to India’s agriculture sector, Garuda Aerospace partnered with Ninjacart in March of 2023. Through a collaborative partnership, both businesses will provide farmers with short-term financing choices so they may purchase the newest drone technology.

    Arado

    Arado, originally Clicampo, is a Brazilian agriculture marketplace. Ninjacart has announced a partnership with Arado on September, 18, 2023. Through this partnership, the Brazilian market will be exposed to Ninjacart’s technology platform, supply chain management solutions, and consultancy services.

    Ninjacart – Awards

    Hailed as the largest B2B fresh produce supply chain company in India, Ninjacart has been awarded several awards and recognitions throughout the years. The company recently been awarded the ‘Startup of the Year- 2021’ by Agriculture Today magazine on October 22, 2021. The company has also been recognized as the ‘Overall Supply Chain Solution of the Year’ in the Agtech Breakthrough Awards 2020.

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    Ninjacart – Campaign

    Ninjacart Campaign

    #BetterLives

    Ninjacart’s campaign, “Behtar Kal ka Saathi,” or “Partners for a better tomorrow,” highlights the company’s dedication to improving lives, generating opportunities, and fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for all parties involved in the value chain. This campaign embodies the brand’s vision of creating “Better Lives for Every Agri citizen.”

    Ninjacart – Challenges Faced

    “It’s been a crazy journey, we encountered a lot of problems and we solved every small issue we met on the way with the help of technology and right now we move at least 1,000 tonnes of vegetables and fruits across seven cities,” says Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Ninjacart founder and CEO of Ninjacart.

    The journey of any startup does not begin with immediate success. What once appeared to be problems may not actually create that much of an impact on the overall market, but something else completely unexpected could crop up. Thirukumaran Nagarajan (ninjacart founder and CEO) initially expected to scale up to 50 tonnes of fruits and vegetables from the get-go. It was only when the team first confronted the behemoth of Indian agri-trading that the importance of effectively understanding the real problem and pivoting the startup’s problem statement came into play. But this is not the only time startups should focus on pivoting, according to Thirukumaran.

    The founder of ninjacart states, “Many entrepreneurs struggle to scale once a startup enters the growth stage. When you are a small size company, your needs and the problems you look to solve are completely different. Once you start growing, the business demands changes. For instance, we started with a supply of 1 or 2 tons of farmer produce. But today, we have grown to almost 300 tons of supply — in a day. Of course, we faced many problems related to scaling, like managing the large supply of the produce, keeping away from frauds, and hiring the right people.”

    The major challenges that Ninjacart and the country faced earlier were associated with:

    • The farmers experience price risk, asymmetry of information about demand, distribution inefficiency, and often received late payments.
    • The retailers often face problems with higher costs, unhygienic produce, which often turns out to be of low quality, along with other problems of high-price volatility and the hassles of going to market each day.
    • Besides, the traditional supply chain had also been declared highly inefficient and unorganized, with a high rate of wastage of food.

    However, Ninjacart has brought effective solutions to dodge the challenges that the industry and its representatives faced earlier. Fueled by the latest technologies and services, Ninjacart has eliminated the role of the intermediaries and has controlled the supply chain commandingly. It has built cost-effective, reliable, and efficient logistics and infrastructure to wipe out the inefficiencies in the Supply chain. Ninjacart has evolved into an organization that looks up to the farmers who now get better prices and consistent demands, while the retailers receive the fresh produce that they wanted and at competitive prices, which are also delivered to their doorsteps.

    Ninjacart – Funding and Investors

    Ninjacart has received $367.8 mn in funding as of May 2022. The company received fresh funds worth $9.6 mn (Rs 75 cr), as per the news dated May 18, 2022. In this fresh funding round, STIC and Mainstreet Digital both invested Rs 37.5 crore each.

    The previous funding that Ninjacart received came in on December 13, 2021, when the company mopped up $145M in funding led by Flipkart and Walmart. The company has seen 15 funding rounds in total and the company has been backed by around 22 investors till now.

    Date Round Amount Lead Investors
    May 18, 2022 – $9.6M STIC and Mainstreet Digital
    Dec 13, 2021 Series D $145M Flipkart and Walmart
    May 21, 2021 Venture Round $9.5M Syngenta Ventures
    Oct 12, 2020 Corporate Round $30M Flipkart, Walmart
    Dec 11, 2019 Series C $10M Flipkart
    Nov 15, 2019 Debt Financing $4.2M Trifecta Capital Advisors
    Jul 18, 2019 Series C $402K –
    Jun 21, 2019 Series C $10M –
    Apr 24, 2019 Series C $90M Tiger Global Management
    Dec 12, 2018 Series B $33.5M Accel, Syngenta Ventures
    Jul 30, 2018 Series A $4.9M Accel, NRJN Trust
    Mar 5, 2018 Debt Financing $1.1M Trifecta Capital Advisors
    Apr 11, 2017 Series A $5.7M Accel

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    Ninjacart – Acquisitions

    Ninjacart has acquired Tecxprt, a SaaS-based end-to-end solutions provider, which is designed to help businesses streamline their operations, on March 10, 2022. With this maiden acquisition of Tecxprt, Ninjacart will now be able to help expand the opportunities for the participants to make them flourish both individually and collectively. This will greatly boost the Agri–ecosystem.

    Company acquired Date of acquisition Amount
    Tecxprt March 10, 2022 –

    Ninjacart – Investment

    Ninjacart has invested in two companies to date.

    Below is the details:

    Company Name Date Funding Stage Amount
    Produze Aug 9, 2022 Seed Round $2.6M
    Fyllo May 13, 2022 Seed Round $2M

    Ninjacart – Competitors

    The top Ninjacart competitors are

    • DeHaat
    • WayCool
    • Farmioc
    • Chilibeli
    • AgroStar
    • FarmLead

    Ninjacart – Future Plans

    Ninjacart plans to enhance its technology by using blockchain for better supply chain transparency. It aims to boost customer engagement through social media and mobile apps, focusing on brand loyalty. The company is strengthening partnerships with farmers, logistics providers, and tech firms to expand its market reach. It also plans to grow internationally and support FoodTech and AgTech startups through dedicated programs.

    Ninjacart looks forward to a future that will be driven by data and technology. The company has a database of around 40 different markets in terms of arrivals, supply, price, etc. According to Thirukumaran (the ninjacart owner and CEO), they can predict the prices of vegetables and fruits, and production output in the future. The ninjacart Bangalore is the head office of the company, while it is also present in Chennai.

    According to Vasu, Ninjacart wants to focus on small vendors, mom-and-pop stores, and unorganized provision stores — a segment it currently caters to and where the efficiency of its model lies. Ninja cart has 20,000 customers, including restaurants.

    “In the past three years, we have built a template for the business which is creating value for all stakeholders,” said Kartheeswaran K K, chief operating officer and one of the six founder of ninjacart. “Our focus is how we can take this to 1 million farmers in 10-15 cities across India and make it into an alternative supply chain for fruits and vegetables,” he said.

    Ninjacart founder and CEO, Thirukumaran Nagarajan has revealed that the company is looking to build a fintech platform for the farmers that would help them with the necessary capital that they would need to set up greenhouses, buy tractors, and more such investments. He further added about ninjacart that this will be a key component of the farmer ecosystem that they are working on!

    FAQs

    What is Ninjacart and what does Ninjacart do?

    Ninjacart company is India’s largest fresh produce supply chain company that is solving one of the toughest problems in the world through technology.

    Who’s the CEO of Ninjacart?

    The ninjacart founder, Thirukumaran Nagarajan is the current CEO of Ninjacart.

    Who are Ninjacart founders?

    The Ninjacart founders are Ashutosh Vikram, KartheeSwaran KK, Sharath Loganathan, Sachin Jose, Thirukumaran Nagarajan and Vasudevan Chinnathambi.

    How does Ninjacart make money?

    Ninjacart’s business model is based on removing inefficiencies and intermediate middlemen in the fruits and vegetables supply chain. It makes a considerable amount of money from the sale of fruits and vegetables and the sale of staples and other products.

    When was Ninjacart started?

    Ninjacart was founded in 2015.

    What kind of company is Ninjacart?

    Ninjacart startup is a popular fresh produce supply chain company.

    Is Ninjacart a startup?

    Yes, Ninjacart is a startup that is growing strong in the agritech space. In terms of scale, Ninjacart is probably the biggest Indian agritech startup. It is helping solve one of the toughest supply chain problems in the world by leveraging innovative technology.

    What is Ninjacart business model?

    Ninjacart is a B2B agritech platform that connects farmers directly with retailers and businesses, cutting out middlemen. It uses technology, data analytics, and blockchain to optimize supply chains, ensure fast deliveries, and reduce wastage. The company earns through commissions and logistics services while expanding partnerships with stores and e-commerce platforms.

    What is Ninjacart networth?

    According to Tracxn, as of May 17, 2022, Ninjacart was valued at $756 million. 

  • Moglix Business Model | How Moglix Makes Money?

    Moglix provides a comprehensive digital marketplace for a wide range of industrial and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) items with the goal of revolutionising the supply chain and procurement processes for enterprises. The platform offers a wide range of items from different manufacturers to meet the demands of industries like manufacturing, construction, automotive, and more.

    About Moglix
    Moglix Business Model
    How Moglix Makes Money?
    Moglix USP
    Moglix SWOT Analysis

    About Moglix

    About Moglix (CEO Rahul Garg)
    About Moglix (CEO Rahul Garg)

    Rahul Garg established the Indian e-commerce platform Moglix in 2015 with the goal of offering business-to-business (B2B) solutions for procurement and industrial supplies. products like MRO, fasteners, electrical, hardware, pneumatics, safety items, power tools, and office supplies are all sold on Moglix.com. In addition to providing supply chain solutions, online selling, and vendor management, Moglix is a business-to-business e-commerce company that specialises in the procurement of indirect materials, including MRO, fasteners, hardware, electrical, lighting, and safety shoes. Automotive, oil and gas, construction and infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, power, telecom, and hospitality are just a few of the industries it supports.

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    Moglix Business Model

    Facilitating smooth B2B transactions for industrial items is at the heart of Moglix’s business strategy. Through its platform, Moglix links suppliers, manufacturers, and companies, facilitating effective product buying and selling. By charging a commission or fee for enabling successful transactions on its platform, the business generates income through a transaction-based business model. Additionally, Moglix might make money by offering value-added services like supply chain optimisation, vendor finance, and bulk discounts.

    Moglix has established itself as a major participant in the industrial procurement industry thanks to its dedication to improving procurement efficiency and offering a trustworthy and transparent marketplace. It was a pioneer in the digital transformation of B2B commerce in India.

    How Moglix Makes Money?

    How Moglix Makes Money?
    How Moglix Makes Money?

    Moglix combines various business concepts to generate revenue.

    • Generating Revenue through traded goods – Industrial goods such as power tools, hand tools, adhesives, safety and security, and electrical equipment are among Moglix’s main sources of revenue.
    • Generating Revenue through online sales commission – Moglix receives a commission from purchases made online
    • Generating Revenue through information technology services – Moglix gets revenue from support and IT services

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    Moglix USP

    Controlled expenses and a spike in other revenue allowed Moglix to cut its losses by 16% to INR 189 crore ($22.5 million) in FY24 from INR 225 crore ($26.8 million) in FY23, despite the scale growth being unchanged. It had an EBITDA margin of -1.5% and a ROCE margin of -4.82%.

    Moglix SWOT Analysis

    Strengthens

    • A robust web presence with an intuitive user experience
    • Numerous goods serving a range of industries
    • Cultivated connections with several manufacturers and suppliers
    • Effective delivery network and logistics
    • Pricing that is competitive and draws in enterprises

    Weakness

    • Low brand awareness in comparison to more established rivals
    • Reliance on digital channels, which leaves it open to technological disruptions
    • Possible challenges in inventory control for a wide variety of products
    • Problems with customer service because of the large number of enquiries
    • Problems with customer service because of the large number of inquiries

    Opportunities

    • Capitalise on increasing demand in the business-to-business market for e-commerce solutions.
    • Entry into foreign markets and areas experiencing rapid industrial development.
    • Possibility of expanding product offers to include more specialised goods.
    • Alliances and collaborations with other tech-driven businesses.

    Threats

    • Fierce rivalry between new and old competitors.
    • Economic swings have an impact on purchasing power and the industrial supply chain.
    • Changes in regulations that affect internet sales methods.
    • Rapid advances in technology necessitate constant adaptability.

    Conclusion

    Despite obstacles like customer service requirements and brand recognition, Moglix has a strong foundation thanks to its supplier ties and technological strengths. Significant growth prospects are presented by the changing e-commerce scenario, especially in international markets and sustainable product offerings. However, with cybersecurity issues and challenges from intense competition looming big, vigilance is essential. Moglix may improve its market position and take advantage of new developments that will shape the industrial supply sector’s future by carefully utilising its strengths and navigating its flaws.

    FAQ

    How does Moglix make money?

    Moglix makes money through the following methods:

    • Generating Revenue through traded goods
    • Generating Revenue through online sales commission
    • Generating Revenue through information technology services

    Who is the CEO of Moglix?

    Rahul Garg is the founder and CEO of Moglix.

    What does Moglix company do?

    Moglix is a B2B e-commerce platform specializing in industrial products, supply chain management, and procurement solutions.

  • Amrit Acharya: The Visionary Behind Zetwerk’s Manufacturing Revolution

    Amrit Acharya, co-founder and CEO of Zetwerk, is an innovative leader driving one of India’s fastest-growing manufacturing marketplaces. His entrepreneurial journey led Zetwerk from a SaaS startup to a global B2B marketplace. An avid angel investor, Mr. Acharya supports fintech and design-focused startups. This article explores Amrit Acharya’s inspiring journey from IIT Madras to co-founding Zetwerk, a $2.7 billion global manufacturing powerhouse transforming India’s industrial landscape.

    Learn about Amrit Acharya, his education, career, family, Zetwerk, and more from this article.

    Amrit Acharya – Biography

    Name Amrit Acharya
    Birthplace Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    Born 01 Jan 1970
    Nationality Indian
    Education Electrical Engineering from IIT-Madras
    MBA from HAAS School of Business, University of California
    Position Co-founder & CEO of Zetwork
    Net worth INR 3730 crore (Feb 2024)
    Website Zetwerk.com

    Amrit Acharya – Early Life and Education
    Amrit Acharya – Career
    Amrit Acharya – Personal Life
    Amrit Acharya – Zetwerk
    Amrit Acharya – Journey So Far!
    Amrit Acharya – Investments
    Amrit Acharya – Unknown Facts / Interesting Facts
    Amrit Acharya – Top Quotes

    Amrit Acharya – Early Life and Education

    Amrit Acharya’s academic path blends technology and business, shaping the foundation of his career. He kicked off his studies at BJB Junior College, focusing on Science from 2004 to 2006. From there, he dove into Electrical Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, earning his Bachelor of Technology degree in 2010. But he didn’t stop there—he decided to broaden his business acumen by pursuing an MBA at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, graduating in 2016. This combination of technical knowledge and business insight has played a key role in his professional journey.

    Amrit Acharya – Career

    Amrit Acharya began his career in India with ITC after graduating from IIT Madras in 2010. He later moved to the U.S. to pursue an MBA, where he expanded his expertise in business. During his time in the U.S., Amrit spent over three years working at McKinsey’s Palo Alto office, as well as other firms, gaining valuable insights and experience across various industries.

    Amrit Acharya – Personal Life

    Amrit Acharya hails from a family deeply rooted in education and social impact. His mother, Dharitri Dwivedy, leads Women Education and Environment, a nonprofit empowering rural women entrepreneurs in India. His father, Dr. Arabinda Acharya, is a professor at the College of International Security Affairs at National Defense University, Fort Bragg, N.C., and an accomplished author on international studies. Amrit met his wife, Sharanya Nedungadi Haridas, while both were students at IIT Madras. Their shared journey culminated in marriage on December 21, 2018. Their relationship, which started in the academic halls of Chennai, continues to thrive today.

    Amrit Acharya – Zetwerk

    Srinath Ramakkrushnan and Amrit Acharya
    Srinath Ramakkrushnan and Amrit Acharya

    Amrit Acharya and Srinath Ramakkrushnan, two visionary IIT graduates have been redefining manufacturing in India through their groundbreaking company, Zetwerk. Zetwerk initially envisioned as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) venture, recognized the need for a strategic pivot to thrive in the market. Amrit Acharya and his co-founders transformed the business into a B2B manufacturing marketplace. This bold shift has propelled the company to a valuation of $2.7 billion today, making it a Unicorn.

    Zetwerk took root almost six years ago, initially targeting the capital equipment sector.

    Srinath explains, “We zeroed in on a specific industry challenge—ensuring predictability and reliability for our clients.”

    This focused approach not only laid a solid foundation but also opened doors to diverse industrial opportunities.

    Reflecting on their leap from secure corporate jobs in the U.S., Amrit shares the passion fueling their journey: “Our mission is clear: to transform India into a manufacturing powerhouse.”

    Their unwavering dedication is paving the way for significant change in the manufacturing landscape.

    To conclude, Zetwerk has officially entered discussions with JP Morgan and other top bankers as it gears up for its initial public offering (IPO). The rapidly growing manufacturing startup is positioning itself to join the ranks of Indian unicorns seeking to go public, signaling a new chapter in its expansion strategy.

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    Amrit Acharya – Journey So Far!

    Amrit Acharya’s journey began in an unexpected yet formative way at ITC, where he was tasked with building a new factory fresh out of college. Despite knowing little about factory construction, Amrit found himself managing a team of seasoned professionals, some in their 40s and 50s, which taught him the importance of leadership, innovation, and adaptability. This experience sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, especially as he witnessed the wave of innovation sweeping through India in the early 2010s. It was during this time that Amrit realized the need to be at the forefront of this transformation.

    After spending some time in the U.S., optimizing for practicalities like visas and teams, Amrit made a pivotal decision: to return to India and contribute to the country’s entrepreneurial boom. He teamed up with Srinath, a long-time friend and co-founder and together they launched Zetwerk with a clear vision—to revolutionize procurement and supply chain management. Drawing on Amrit’s early experience of managing small manufacturers through spreadsheets and manual processes, they wanted to build software that could streamline and optimize procurement at scale.

    Amrit envisions Zetwerk as a catalyst for socio-economic change, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity throughout India focusing on creating job opportunities in rural areas, detailing Zetwerk’s commitment to utilizing technology and skill development to empower underserved communities. Amrit aims to pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future by prioritizing empowerment and inclusivity.

    Amrit Acharya – Investments

    Amrit Acharya is an Angel Investor based in Bengaluru, focusing on transformative sectors like Design, Fintech, and Software. His notable investments include:

    Date Organization Name Funding Round Money Raised
    August 22, 2023 Boxs Seed Round $1.6 million
    May 25, 2022 Nakad Seed Round $7 million
    April 4, 2022 Agrizy Seed Round $4 million
    August 17, 2021 Yojak Seed Round INR 282 million

    Amrit Acharya – Unknown Facts / Interesting Facts

    Amrit Acharya’s passion for cricket began at a young age. In January 2001, he proudly represented the Orissa State Cricket Team at the all-India level in under-14 tournaments.

    Amrit Acharya – Top Quotes

    💡
    Wake-up.Work.Sleep.Repeat – Freedom!

    FAQs

    Who is Amrit Acharya?

    Amrit Acharya is the Co-founder and CEO of Zetwerk.

    What is Amrit Acharya Education?

    Amrit Acharya did Electrical Engineering from IIT-Madras and an MBA from HAAS School of Business, University of California.

    What does Zetwerk do?

    Zetwerk is a supply chain management company that engages in connecting with manufacturers to give customized results.

    Who is Amrit Acharya wife?

    Sharanya Nedungadi Haridas is the wife of Amrit Acharya.

  • Exploring the Benefits of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

    This article has been contributed by Atul Anand, Director – Business Strategy (Industrial & Logistics), XRE Consultants.

    First thing First, how I see blockchain is as a collection of blocks (because it is a collection, hence it is called blockchain) which are encrypted in a particular manner and are irreversible (means you can add but can’t amend or delete), and these blocks are stored at multiple locations at the same time in the network. This way records become tamperproof. This is a boon for supply chains that need pointed information for every step in the journey of product/information.

    Revolutionary & Transformative

    Blockchain technology adoption in the supply chain is bringing revolutionary & transformative changes in supply chain management. Drawing from my experiences in India and the broader APAC region, I have seen firsthand the profound impact this technology can have on enhancing transparency, efficiency, curbing fakes, and building trust within supply chains. Blockchain is making the supply chain more resilient than ever.

    Transparency

    Transparency, a somewhat illusionary word in supply chain, is now finding its true meaning where the users can see complete transparency & visibility by adopting blockchain technology and thus removing the mistrust from the stakeholders. Blockchain addresses the transparency challenge by creating a decentralized and immutable ledger that records every transaction. This transparency ensures that all stakeholders have access to the same information, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

    In overly complex & fragmented supply chain like in India, the implementation of blockchain has been a notable change. For example, Blockchain technology has affected positively, the agricultural sector by enabling farmers to track their crops from the farm through the consumer’s table. Such advanced traceability guarantees the delivery of fresh and genuine products to the consumers thereby improving their confidence in what they consume. Furthermore, it provides farmers with useful information concerning the market requirements and prices of its products and thus helps make the right decisions and improve performance.

    Blockchain Users Around the World
    Blockchain Users Around the World

    Automation

    Blockchain automates processes which reduces the need for human intervention, eliminating human errors that result in a reduced need for manpower, administrative cost is reduced, transactions become efficient, and automation streamlines operations & thus overall efficiency increases & cost reduces.

    In the APAC region, for example in the electronics industry supply chains span multiple countries and many a time use intermediaries, adoption of blockchain in procurement reduces lead times, lowers procurement costs, reduces lead times & eliminates the need for intermediaries, real-time visibility increases efficiency & lowers the cost.

    Trust & Security

    Trust being a critical part of any supply chain’s robustness is a winning block brought upon by blockchain with conviction. The distributed database characteristic of blockchain ensures that no single one can muffle &  has control over the entire supply chain, thus reducing the risk of fraud and manipulation. Each transaction is securely recorded and cannot be altered, providing an irreversible record of the product’s journey.

    In India, fake & counterfeit goods are a great concern, blockchain has proven valuable apparatus in combating fakes and counterfeits. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, blockchain has been used to track the movement of drugs from manufacturers to consumers, ensuring that only genuine products reach the market. This not only protects consumers but also helps legitimate businesses keep the trust of the customers & their reputation and business volumes.

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    Bonhomie & Collaboration

    Blockchain technology brings great bonhomie & collaboration among the stakeholders in the supply chains. Being the source of truth for a particular supply chain instance, blockchain ensures that all collaborators have access to the same information, eliminating misunderstandings and disputes. This improved collaboration leads to more efficient and effective supply chain operations.

    Supply chains often involve multiple stakeholders with varying levels of technological sophistication because of geography positioning, and technology adoption of blockchain has helped better collaboration. For example, in the automotive industry, blockchain has been used to coordinate the production and delivery of components, ensuring that all parties are aligned and working towards the same goals. This has resulted in smoother operations and improved product quality.

    Blockchain in Supply Chain- Challenges & Way Forward

    In the future, blockchain technology has the potential to become an “Operating System” for supply chains but it is not free of challenges. There are several issues on regulatory compliances, scalability & interoperability to make blockchain technology widely accepted & adopted. However, the sun is shining bright on blockchain technology as more technological advancements are coming along & awareness about blockchain technology is increasing exponentially.

    Let me touch on some of the concerns of blockchain technology. For me, many of the challenges are easily resolvable & superficial to an extent. However, listening to the critique makes technologies robust and going forever.

    The ability to handle Mammothness of transactions in the future is a cause of concern as it is feared it might result in slower processing times & higher associated costs. However, it will be sorted by enhancing the technology to build blockchains.

    Integrating blockchains is not easy with different systems & platforms. It is a cause of concern because different partners in blockchain use different systems & protocols. It makes integration complex, time-consuming & costly. However, as we see large benefits of blockchain technology, in the future, I hope to see some common protocols that will make integration easy.

    Regulatory hurdles as countries don’t have standard regulations & complicate the implementation of blockchain in international supply chains.

    High Consumption of energy in blockchain technology adoption raises concerns about the environmental impact & there is a need to work on this front to take this negative notion about blockchain.

    Like every other data, data privacy & security is a rightful concern. Putting the ever-evolving layers of security on data is of paramount importance.

    Lack of knowledge about the benefits of blockchain among the stakeholders creates doubts about blockchain technology and this results in a lack of adoption.

    In conclusion, blockchain technology has the potential to transform supply chain management by enhancing transparency, efficiency, trust, and collaboration. Drawing from my experiences in India and the APAC region, I have seen how this technology can address the most pressing challenges in supply chain management. As we continue to explore and harness the power of blockchain, we can look forward to a future where supply chains are more transparent, efficient, and resilient.

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  • How AI is Revolutionizing Supply Chain Management: A Deep Dive

    This article has been contributed by Atul Kumthekar, Co-Founder, 3-F Software – a Design Thinking Company.

    The use of artificial intelligence in various fields is increasing day by day. In this context, the supply chain does not fall behind. The supply chain is simply a distribution network that connects brands and consumers through distributors. In this article, let’s learn more about what a supply chain is, areas where AI can be used in the supply chain, how AI can be useful in enhancing the supply chain, and more.

    What Is A Supply Chain
    Problem And Approach So Far
    Areas Where Ai Be Used In Supply Chain?
    What Is Ai From Technological Standpoint?
    How Can Ai Be Useful In Supply Chain?

    What Is A Supply Chain

    If you are a living being, you are part of some supply chain! There is no escaping! Essentially it is a distribution network. From Brand to Consumers via Distributors Products and goods move from Brand to Consumer and Money flows in the reverse order. This is the best simplistic definition of supply chain that I have ever come across.

    This brings in a lot of complexities and the challenges thereby. Complexity is at multiple levels and scale because of various challenges:

    • Scale and affordability at various layers mean plethora of different solutions used from start to end. From excel sheet to SAP like expensive ERP
    • International nature of today’s world
    • Prediction of demand to meet supply in time
    • Management of unsold in case of retail chain
    • Inventory management at various levels
    Supply Chain Management
    Supply Chain Management

    Problem And Approach So Far

    Various integrations and APIs helped intercommunication between Tally like software to SAP and Excel both People have addressed various issues using the latest technologies of the day. Blockchain being a recent example especially for global trade. The blockchain technology proved that the documentation time saving is possible and also that assurance of quality and source can be guaranteed beyond doubt.

    But these technologies and solutions did not address more complex problems like demand predicting, analyzing vast data.

    Now Artificial Intelligence is the new kid in town to help ease out these complexities a bit!

    Areas Where Ai Be Used In Supply Chain?

    Now that we know what was possible so far and some clue to unsolved problems, let us look into the problem areas little more closely. I got following response when I enquired on ChatGPT which was pretty accurate! So, I am going to reproduce the same with my elaborations on interesting ones –

    1. Demand Forecasting: AI algorithms can analyze historical data, market trends, weather patterns, and other variables to predict demand more accurately. This helps in optimizing inventory levels and reducing stockouts or overstock situations.
    2. Inventory Management: AI-driven systems can optimize inventory levels by analyzing factors like lead times, demand variability, and supplier performance. This ensures that inventory is maintained at optimal levels, reducing carrying costs while ensuring products are available when needed.
    3. Route Optimization: AI algorithms can optimize delivery routes considering factors like traffic patterns, weather conditions, and delivery windows. This reduces transportation costs, improves delivery times, and minimizes fuel consumption.
    4. Supplier Relationship Management: AI can analyze supplier performance data to identify trends, assess risk, and predict supplier behaviour. This helps in making informed decisions about supplier selection, negotiation, and risk management.
    5. Warehouse Management: AI-powered systems can optimize warehouse operations by automating tasks such as picking, packing, and sorting. This improves efficiency, reduces errors, and lowers operational costs.
    6. Quality Control: AI can analyze sensor data and visual inspections to detect defects in products or packaging. This ensures that only high-quality products are shipped, reducing returns and improving customer satisfaction.
    7. Supply Chain Visibility: AI can provide real-time insights into the entire supply chain, allowing businesses to track inventory levels, monitor supplier performance, and identify potential bottlenecks or disruptions.
    8. Predictive Maintenance: AI can analyze equipment sensor data to predict when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime and preventing costly equipment failures.
    9. Risk Management: AI can analyze various risk factors such as geopolitical events, natural disasters, and supplier financial stability to identify potential risks to the supply chain. This enables businesses to develop contingency plans and mitigate risks proactively.
    10. Sustainability: AI can optimize supply chain processes to minimize environmental impact, such as reducing carbon emissions through optimized transportation routes or minimizing waste through better inventory management.

    But before I add my elaborations let us peek a bit into what are typical AI techniques

    What Is Ai From Technological Standpoint?

    The word artificial intelligence typically deals with large data. I used to mock AI saying this is our Ajji’s (Grandmother’s) wisdom! What a person gathers over years or our ancient culture have already noted down. But that’s more or less about how humans behave, individually Vs in masses. But let’s not divert there!! May be in some other blog

    It is impossible to make ANY sense out of the vast data that is flowing in today. The producing brands (Manufacturers) need to listen to those in a meaningful way, in order to save any costs and time. You can employ men (and women) power in all the countries you deal with. That is one possible solution. But then there is issue of miscreants and malicious feeds. And even any number of these will not match the scale and capability of technology today. So why not technology, if that is one way?

    The AI basically started with machine learning which rests heavily on statistics. Let’s say you have an excel sheet of student’s marks. And you want to know the distribution. Most likely you will get a Gaussian curve. Meaning most students near about average and few below and few above, the curve tapering down both directions. This is understandable.

    Gaussian Curves Example
    Gaussian Curves Example

    But now consider the problem – can I find out if students have copied? I will leave this problem to you and get back to me on any thoughts!

    Ah ha! Welcome to machine learning.

    A typical approach in machine learning is give enough sample data, ask the algorithm to understand the pattern and apply this learning to test data and judge the output and then think about improving output. Yes, you probably have guessed it right, that the output is probabilistic. You need to get comfortable with this! (And we are not going to quantum mechanics as yet)

    The above paragraph is the essence of Artificial Intelligence. The major differential between machine learning and AI started emerging with Large Language Models (LLM) which started putting chatGPT like tools into public hands. How do they work? Are they the advanced versions of Google search? Well, basically they can address much much much more parameters to analyze. From few hundreds to millions! That is amazing. Even our brains may not be doing so. Take a look at Hugging Face and you will get the picture. The company started with chatbot application and with multiple rounds of funding reached at LLM models. And if you care to read “Attention is all you need” mentioned in references at the end, you will need to look at Transformer architecture (see diagram below)

    Transformer ArchitectureTransformer Architecture - Source: http://rpradeepmenon.medium.com/
    Transformer Architecture – Source: http://rpradeepmenon.medium.com/

    With this, let’s get back to Supply chain problems.

    How Can Ai Be Useful In Supply Chain?

    Let us look at some of the problems mention in the earlier section (“Areas where AI be used in supply chain?”).

    Demand Forecasting is definitely the one. This is not humanely possibly and achievable by employing any number of employees in any number of countries. Will LLM be useful here? Definitely. This is because it fits into the criteria of what LLM kind of models can work on. Basically, millions of parameters.

    Inventory Management is related to Demand Forecasting. For a big brand, it is not just about warehouse but localized inventory to supply quickly to local market. You may have seen Duzo like B2C supplier having small storage locations nearby your area with many biker riders picking things from there and delivering in 10 minutes! What inventory to maintain at such local locations can be better judged only by AI models.

    Route Optimization a well-known problem in industrial engineering and operations research (Traveling salesman problem) The solution to this was once modelled as Simplex algorithm (Narendra Karmarkar) The large parametrization that is possible with LLM models will throw and interesting solutioning scenarios of solving this problem.

    Supplier Relationship Management also known as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is an important area where sales and support are managed. Salesforce the world leader in this domain is funding good amounts for the growth in Artificial Intelligence and LLM (Large Language Models). Pretty soon we will see a day to day usable output from these efforts.

    Quality Control is an important area. During Covid days, this gained importance and quality people could not reach work location. The usual technique was to deploy cameras, send images which could be checked using AI with possible false positives but reducing the overall load. Radiology is one good example where this is used today.

    Predictive Maintenance is also undergoing big impact due to AI. More the historical data, better is the prediction and preventive measures, which save bigtime in repairs cost. You can send your support technicians for preventive maintenance in time than to fix things! I had personally developed and delivered an IOT solution for X-ray manufacturer to send technician based on number of X-rays taken instead of earlier method of end of year. No AI but you can sense where the next step could be!

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    Important!

    Having seen all this, you must have realized that AI is not a magic wand. Also, it is not an overnight solution. One needs to select an existing model, if not develop a new one, then customize it, play with it and most importantly mature it to predict better and better. All this happens asymptotically. Meaning the gap between actual solution and reality will keep reducing slowly but surely. Keep in mind the dynamics of reality is also dynamic! So, something that worked well may not work equally well in future.

    More importantly…

    All AI solution providers stress importance of human touch. The solution needs to be looked at from human perspective. This means that the output is not harmful to certain section of community, or simply very negative etc. And even in this space there are tools and datasets evolving to improve solution from this perspective.

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  • Emerging Agritech Companies Are Reshaping the Logistics Industry

    The agricultural sector has always been troubled by logistical challenges. India just cannot afford to lose food supplies due to logistical issues at this point because of its quickly expanding population. An estimated 194 million people in India experience daily hunger, as reported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). According to the organization, the huge amount of food that goes to waste each year—roughly $14 billion worth—in India is the main cause of this problem. In reality, according to the UN, supply problems cause almost 40% of India’s food to be wasted before it reaches the customer. Fortunately, a plethora of entrepreneurs have stepped up to the plate, offering tech-driven ways to cut down on food waste.

    It is now more important than ever to manage agricultural inputs and outputs, such as farm produce, due to the present unfavorable circumstances in which the entire world is experiencing an economic crisis. According to official statistical data, several research on India’s fresh produce and seafood have shown a loss percentage of 8–18% recently. Currently, farmers are facing numerous challenges, including a shortage of labor, low returns on their crops, and disruptions in the supply chain. They are hopeful that the IT sector will solve these problems.

    To tackle these problems, numerous agro startups have been introduced to the market. According to the information provided by Data Labs, over a thousand startups are engaged in the agriculture sector. Many of these businesses are helping to solve problems in the industry by combining cutting-edge technology with fresh, original thinking.

    What Led to the Interruption?
    Connecting Farmers With Their Market
    By Combining Traceability With AI, Providers Can Go the Extra Mile
    Wasted Food Is Lessened Through End-To-End Monitoring

    What Led to the Interruption?

    Although the agriculture sector’s supply chain was already weak before the COVID-19 epidemic, it became much worse thereafter. The government made its position on not wanting to disrupt agri-business quite apparent when it classified agri-business as an essential commodity. However, the local authorities were the first to cause confusion by not distinguishing between agri-supply and other supply chains. As a result of the increased uncertainty caused by the states’ tug-of-war, the supply chain was impeded.

    Startups came in to clear things up with their new tech-driven solutions. Even though farmers and others in this industry still have a long way to go before they can master technology abilities, these young entrepreneurs blew it out of the park by making their goods so easy to use that a child could do it.

    Agricultural Technology (Agtech) Market Value Worldwide From 2020 to 2025
    Agricultural Technology (Agtech) Market Value Worldwide From 2020 to 2025

    Connecting Farmers With Their Market

    Startups have emerged with the sole purpose of reversing the traditional market dynamics and bringing large markets to farmers. To provide farmers with options, businesses like AgriBazaar, Oxen Farm Solution, Agribolo, Trringo, etc. have carved out this concept.

    It has been a long-standing challenge for farmers and agro-business owners to get a fair price for their goods. There have been numerous reports of farmers and businesses tossing their products on roadways due to meager prices, which prevent them from recouping their production costs. In response, AgriBazaar established direct connections between farmers, state governments, and procurement firms.

    Indian agritech entrepreneurs have a chance to prove themselves by coming up with novel and inventive solutions to the current predicament. We developed our project with the ever-present problem of logistics in the agro-industry in mind, and it has brought us great joy to see our product meet the needs of both farmers and procurement businesses, stated Amith Agarwal, cofounder and CEO of AgriBazaar. 

    At AgriBazaar, farmers can list their products and themselves on the website or app. Then, the business connects them with businesses that are looking to buy their goods. The practicalities of collecting the grain from the farmer’s doorstep and delivering it to the purchasers’ godown or warehouse are taken care of by the startup once the deal is finalized.

    Similarly, Farmpal has opened a distribution center in Wadgaon Sheri, East Pune, and a fourth collecting center in Kopargaon, close to Shirdi. Using their distribution facilities, the corporation buys produce directly from farmers and then sells it to large traders. To ensure a seamless supply chain, the corporation uses its logistical chain to pick up the goods from the farmers’ station.

    We have chosen to purchase directly from the growers to maintain a robust supply chain. One thing that sets us apart is that we buy whatever the farmers are selling. They can either deliver their fruit to our centers or even help us select it ourselves. The reason behind this is that, due to the current recession, customers are being less selective, stated Puneet Sethi, Director and Co-founder of Farmpal.

    By Combining Traceability With AI, Providers Can Go the Extra Mile

    Companies like these often promise farmers 15% greater prices than what local agents would pay because they don’t have to pay commission. This is how they get farmers to join their network. The amount of demand for a crop, the current pricing provided, and other facts are communicated to farmers through apps or SMS.

    Better pricing, timed deliveries, and quality assurance are all available to wholesale clients and retailers who use an app to place purchases. Produce can be traced because it is monitored at every step.

    In addition to procurement, these businesses have access to AI technology, which allows them to readily forecast demand by analyzing data that they have acquired. As a result, the fruit has a longer shelf life and there is practically no chance of food waste. Therefore, suppliers and traders can now more easily move goods to greater distances.

    The farmer goes through a lot just to get his harvest to market, negotiate a price with middlemen, and then return home with a handful of pennies. He is responsible for covering all logistical costs and food waste in the event that the produce does not sell. We are able to go the extra mile to supply it because we buy it directly from farmers and equip it with our AI and traceable technology. Everybody wins in this scenario: farmers get good returns, while merchants obtain fresh produce that can now be delivered anywhere in the nation, said Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Co-Founder and CEO, Ninjacart.

    Wasted Food Is Lessened Through End-To-End Monitoring

    Food waste can be significantly reduced with end-to-end monitoring of produce while it is in transit. From a practical standpoint, it appears a little bit excessive, but when combined with technology, it becomes a reality. Many new businesses have focused on this one area of weakness and developed products to address it, with an emphasis on end-to-end monitoring.

    Otipy, a new offering from farm-to-retail agritech startup Crofarm, is based on an end-to-end supply monitoring system that allows businesses to link their reselling partners with customers directly. More than 50,000 customers are already taking advantage of the company’s services, and it has partnerships with 500+ resellers around the Delhi-National Capital Region.

    Otipy scours its partners for fresh goods and then delivers them right to customers’ doors thanks to its robust end-to-end supply chain network. In this business-to-consumer sphere, the firm not only aids its business associates in cutting down on food waste, but it also supplies customers with nutritious, freshly grown food.

    Another agritech business situated in Mumbai, FarmLink focuses on the entire supply chain for produce. With this new business-to-business analytical tool, consumers can monitor their food’s journey from farm to fork, and farmers can rest easy knowing that their money is safe. Gramco Infratech is another company that provides services to rural areas and concentrates on the grain supply chain. From inputs and contract farming to financing and procurement, their services span the whole value chain.

    These new businesses have already begun connecting farmers and traders so that everyone can win. When coupled with cutting-edge technology, fresh perspectives and ideas can have a profound impact in a country like India, which boasts a large and growing population. The only remaining concern is how these companies want to educate Indian farmers about their trading models; after all, the majority of farmers in this country lack sufficient knowledge of technology and current trends. Even more so, these new businesses are strapped for cash and can’t afford to spend much on ads (print, electronic, online, radio), thus it’s tough for them to consistently expand their nexus while running their day-to-day operations. 

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  • United Parcel Service – Shipping with Confidence

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

    United Parcel Service is the world’s premier package delivery company and a leading provider of global supply chain management solutions. They deliver packages each business day for millions of shipping and delivery customers in over 220 countries and territories.

    United Parcel Service – Company Highlights

    Company Name United Parcel Service
    Headquarters Sandy Springs, Georgia
    Primary Industry Courier
    Founders James E. Casey
    Founded In 1907
    Website Ups.com

    United Parcel Service – About
    United Parcel Service – Industry
    United Parcel Service – Founders and Team
    United Parcel Service – Startup Story
    United Parcel Service – Mission and Vision
    United Parcel Service – Name, Tagline, Logo
    United Parcel Service – Business Model
    United Parcel Service – Revenue Model
    United Parcel Service – Employees
    United Parcel Service – Challenges Faced
    United Parcel Service – Acquisitions
    United Parcel Service – Competitors
    United Parcel Service – Awards and Achievements

    United Parcel Service – About

    United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global and the largest package delivery company in the world. It is also the largest express carrier and provider of logistics services. UPS has built a global transportation infrastructure to offer its comprehensive portfolio of guaranteed delivery services to customers around the world. As a global provider, UPS offers supply chain and chain management solutions, as well as large package transportation services for businesses of all sizes. With its extensive network and reliable service, UPS is one of the leading companies in package delivery and supply chain management worldwide.

    United Parcel Service – Industry

    The courier industry in the US has been growing steadily as a result of several reasons. The commerce market is one of the biggest drivers, with increasing technological developments and significant penetration of digital commerce. This has stimulated growth in demand for delivery services for both businesses and consumers alike. Drone delivery services are also becoming increasingly popular, offering quick and efficient local delivery services to customers. Furthermore, locker delivery systems have gained traction among customers who prefer convenient home deliveries.

    United Parcel Service – Founders and Team

    Claude Ryan and Jim Casey - Founders, UPS
    Claude Ryan and James E. Casey – Founders, UPS

    James E. Casey was an American businessman who found the American Messenger Company, which is now commonly known as UPS. He found the company originally in Seattle, Washington as a 19-year-old young boy. He was the president and CEO of his newly founded company and Claude Ryan was his partner. He made his brother George and other teenagers his messengers. The only motto of the new venture was “best service and lowest rates”.

    United Parcel Service – Startup Story

    Founded in 1907, UPS began as a regional parcel delivery service and now its operations encompass the delivery of packages and documents to more than 220 countries. Its small package operations include both domestic and international package delivery services for letters, documents, and packages up to 150 pounds. UPS also provides palletized freight services for heavier items as well as customized supply chain solutions. With an extensive ground fleet, air fleet, and global logistics network, the company’s operations provide delivery of packages between points within the same country or across international borders. As a major player in the delivery industry, UPS is committed to meeting customer needs with cost-effective solutions that ensure their shipments are delivered on time.

    United Parcel Service
    United Parcel Service

    In 1913, it changed its name to United Parcel Service and began offering parcel post services. By 1919 they had expanded their operations to include delivery services throughout the United States and beyond. This made them one of the first international delivery firms in history. In 1975, UPS became an alternative to traditional post office services by providing affordable parcel delivery options for individuals and businesses alike. Today, UPS is a global logistics and supply chain powerhouse. With its vast network of air, ground, and freight services, UPS works with customers to provide tailored solutions for their shipping needs. The UPS Supply Chain Solutions division offers complete end-to-end supply chain management solutions in over 220 countries and territories. The company also has specialized services for large-volume shippers such as UPS Freight, which provides truckload brokerage services throughout North America. In addition to its core shipping business, the company also offers financial services through its subsidiary, UPS Capital.

    History of UPS

    United Parcel Service – Mission and Vision

    In the beginning, the motto of the company was to send messages to people at better prices. Later the company expanded its mission and vision of the company broadened and here go the statements. The mission of UPS company is “To provide solutions and world-class customer service by ensuring our retailers are supported in the over 5,000 communities we serve”.

    The vision of the company is, “Passionately support the small businesses in our neighborhoods because their community is our community”.

    UPS - Logo
    UPS – Logo

    The company was first founded as American Messenger Company which was later renamed United Parcel Services and it concentrated only on courier services earlier. The tagline briefs the motto of the company which is Customer First, People Led, Innovation Driven.

    The company has made a stable and reliable color palette for the logo which is gold and brown. The shiningly embraced key symbol on the logo depicts more sustainability and strength of the brand.

    United Parcel Service – Business Model

    United Parcel Service (UPS) is the largest package delivery company in the world. Its service includes UPS Freight, parcel delivery, and global supply chain solutions. UPS operates distribution centers and truckload transportation services across the US Domestic, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions. It has established a strong presence in over 220 countries and territories around the world. The company provides customers with domestic package delivery services as well as international parcel shipping solutions. Additionally, it offers UPS supply chain services including contract logistics, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage to help customers manage their global supply chains. is a global delivery company with a business model that includes various supply chain and logistics solutions. It provides distribution services, freight distribution, and package delivery services to businesses and consumers worldwide.

    United Parcel Service – Revenue Model

    United Parcel Services (UPS) is one of the leading parcel service companies in the world. Its business and revenue model is based on its package reporting segment, which includes domestic carriers, package delivery services, and cargo handlers. UPS offers small package operations, air cargo services, and palletized freight delivery systems to customers across the globe.

    With its vast network of more than 200 countries and territories, it provides customers with timely delivery solutions for their parcels. UPS is constantly innovating its package delivery system to meet customer demand efficiently. Its advanced technology allows customers to monitor their packages at all times through its website or mobile app which makes it easier for them to track their shipments in real time. Additionally, UPS has been expanding into other segments such as 3PL logistics, supply chain management services, and e-commerce fulfillment solutions to stay competitive in the marketplace. The company has also been investing heavily in research & development as well as new technologies such as drones which can be used for more efficient deliveries of smaller packages or goods over short distances within urban areas where traditional ground transportation might not be feasible or cost-effective due to traffic congestion or distance traveled per mile etc.

    United Parcel Service – Employees

    UPS believes in the strength of the employees which constantly drives the success of the company. UPS helps its employees to pursue great career and personal development. UPS also encourages its employees towards a positive culture and provides opportunities to learn and grow. The benefits also include competitive pay, healthcare including dental, medical, vision, retirement benefits, career growth, paid time off, employee discounts with top retailers, a variety of work shifts, adoption assistance, and also discounted employee stock purchase plans.

    United Parcel Service – Challenges Faced

    Due to the increased online sales, UPS is forced to invest in the infrastructure which ends more than capital spending. The covid has also collapsed courier services by mixing and matching the deliveries.

    United Parcel Service – Acquisitions

    UPS is a global leader in logistics and supply chain management. It offers a wide range of delivery services, from UPS Truckload and UPS Freight to air, package, forwarding, and SurePost services. Through its acquisition of companies such as Marken and Coyote Logistics, UPS has been able to enhance its capabilities in freight forwarding and business-to-business distribution. With the acquisition of Quantum View Data Services and Mail Boxes Etc., it has become an even bigger player in the parcel delivery industry. The company also recently acquired Kiala to expand its presence in Europe. In addition, it offers warehousing solutions through its Supply Chain Solutions division as well as international shipping through its Global Forwarding division. All these acquisitions have allowed UPS to provide a comprehensive suite of services that meet the needs of all types of businesses across multiple industries around the world.

    United Parcel Service (UPS) has been a major international shipper for many years. In recent years, the company has acquired several other companies to expand its delivery solutions and global supply chain capabilities. UPS acquired Fritz Companies in 2018 and Tiger International in 2020, while FedEx bought Tiger in 2018 as part of a stock swap agreement. These acquisitions have helped UPS become one of the top players in the overseas shipping war. UPS provides innovative delivery solutions that help businesses streamline their supply chain operations and improve customer service levels around the world. As a result, it is now one of the most recognized names when it comes to parcel services worldwide

    United Parcel Service – Competitors

    The courier industry is filled with new ventures from small ones to bigger unicorns. The topmost competitor of UPS currently is FedEx. The other top competing companies include the United States Postal Service, Australia Post, Ryder System Inc., DPDgroup UK ltd., and XPO logistics.

    United Parcel Service – Awards and Achievements

    • Ken Finnerty (UPS vice president, enterprise data & analytics) receives Informatica Chief Data Officer Analytics Champions Award
    • Carol B. Tomé recognized on the Top 50 CEOs for Diversity list
    • UPS China wins Chinese government sustainability awards
    • UPS named to Top 50 Companies for Diversity list
    • UPS named to Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list
    • UPS receives America’s Top Corporations for Women Business Enterprises award
    • UPS was rated one of the “World’s Most Admired” companies and the No. 1 company in the delivery industry in an annual survey conducted by FORTUNE magazine

    FAQs

    Will UPS deliver without a signature?

    Shipments that do not require a signature can be left in a safe place.

    How many days does UPS take to deliver?

    UPS usually takes 3 days to deliver the package.

    Does UPS charge by weight or size?

    Rates are based on the total actual weight or the total dimensional weight of all packages in a shipment, whichever is greater.

    How do I calculate UPS shipping costs?

    1. From any page on ups.com, select the Shipping tab.
    2. Select Calculate Time and Cost.
    3. Follow the directions, noting the required fields.

    How long does it take for UPS to clear customs?

    Typically, it can take minutes or hours for a package to clear customs. However, if there is a problem, it can take days or even weeks.

  • Amazon Agritech | How Amazon Enters Agritech to Help Farmers?

    Amazon has set high standards in e-commerce as well as in many other fields. But the Agritech sector is a new sector on which Amazon is focussing right now due to many different reasons. And also, when it comes to agriculture, you cannot ignore India. Amazon also has big plans for the Indian Agri sector. The Indian agriculture sector is currently experiencing a lot of influence from private players. Amazon is trying to Invest in the Agritech space in India to make some modern changes. This may secure the farm produce in the Indian agricultural sector. Let’s jump into the topic to know more about it.

    How will Amazon help farmers?
    How is Amazon Entering Agritech?
    Benefits of Amazon Agritech
    Government Plans For The Agritech Sector
    Conclusion
    FAQs

    How will Amazon help farmers?

    Amazon retail is trying to help farmers in India by launching its agronomy services which will notify the farmers about important crop-related data. These early notifications and information will help the farmers to make the necessary decisions for their crops. Now, this whole process takes place through an application through which necessary information is conveyed to the farmers related to crops, and it’s production. Amazon has entered the Agritech sector to secure farm produce. This farm produce yields two-thirds of the country’s $1 trillion retail spendings. Also, in India, many crops are not grown throughout the year. The government aims to bring in the private players to improve the farm work by yielding good results from suitable technology available. Amazon is a private giant which can invest a nice amount of money in reforming the agricultural sector.

    Reactive and proactive plant programs supported by Amazon will provide cutting-edge technology to farmers and other crop growers. The dedicated mobile application will provide farmers with real-time advice and information on crop data and insights. As a Private company, Amazon tends to stretch its boundaries in different sectors, and the Agritech sector is perhaps one of the most developing sectors in the current time. Also, crop data needs critical analysis to be processed, and farmers will proceed accordingly, which will improve the crop produce. Private players could fulfill these factors in a better way if they cooperate with the government.

    How is Amazon Entering Agritech?

    Agronomy services launched by Amazon retail is a new footprint by a private company in the Agritech field of Indian agriculture. This system will provide early guidance and advice to farmers on crop production and other insights. Also, Amazon focuses on machine learning to improve productivity and build a more convenient supply infrastructure. According to Amazon’s Indian senior officials, this technology will improve the quality of crop production and will yield good results.

    Also, with this launch, the Amazon Agritech solutions have created an ecosystem through agronomist-powered field interventions. Also, tools were added to track down these field interventions. But every step requires huge support from the farmers on the field. Amazon needs to deliver good quality services with an agreement to supply vegetables and fruits of desired quality. Supply chain is a big challenge for Amazon. Old supply chains may damage the product, which will result in loss of trust and money. As a private giant, it’s not that difficult for the company to invest a big amount in the modernization of the supply chain.

    Benefits of Amazon Agritech

    Amazon Agritech
    Amazon Agritech

    This system makes sure that farmers make accurate decisions about their crops on time. The instructions and timely advice help the farmers to get early data on how to manage crop production and increase farm produce. Also, the supply chains can be processed properly now with the interface as well as farmers will get informed about rotten or damaged fruits and vegetables. This will improve the quality of fruits and vegetables, which will reach millions of customers. The government is also aiming to harness profit through suitable technology available. India is a developing nation, so the agricultural sector must get proper reforms.

    Also, farmers are showing interest in tech-led innovation in the field of farming. Smart farming methods will make it more profitable for the farmers to grow proper quality crops without much wastage. This technology will improve the results of the farming process and will deliver better. Amazon retail has also planned a proper temperature-controlled supply chain. This will ensure proper and safe transportation of the produce from the farm to the processing centers. After this, the packing process will take place with proper monitoring and will be dispatched to Amazon stores near customers. The Advancement in technology will help in upgrading the older ways of supplies and gathering farming data.

    Government Plans For The Agritech Sector

    The government of India is seeking a partnership of private giants to revolutionize the Indian agricultural sector. The technology provided by Companies such as Amazon will help to increase the farm yields. As a developing nation, India may see huge reforms in the agricultural sector in the next decade from a more modern perspective. The introduction to machine learning and artificial intelligence with modern supply chains and better advice on crop production are some of the examples. Some of these have already arrived in India,  as the Amazon Agritech.

    The aim is to increase profit revenue by increasing the farm produce. Also, time delays in supply chains can now be corrected, saving valuable time and capital. Farmers will get early warnings and important updates about the crops, which will help them to work more efficiently in the fields.

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    Conclusion

    The government and private entities will work together to bring suitable reforms to the sector that employs half of India’s population. Also, the agricultural sector contributes highly to India’s GDP, which is why it needs a good amount of investment too. Private companies have huge capital reserves to invest in technologies which can be helpful for the government to bring reforms. But the end decision must stay with the farmers who will work day and night in the crop fields to feed the entire nation.

    FAQs

    What is Amazon Kisan store?

    Amazon India’s Kisan Store help farmers with agriculture inputs like seeds, farm tools & accessories, plant protection, and many other agricultural products at competitive prices.

    What is amazon agronomy service?

    Amazon’s agronomy services empower farmers. It helps in following ways:

    • It gives them timely advice on farming.
    • It enables them to make proper decisions on actions needed for their crops.
    • It introduces machine learning technology for better production.
    • It helps in building a robust supply chain infrastructure.

  • How does Amazon Manage its Supply Chain and Logistics?

    Amazon is now the world’s largest e-commerce company in the world. Many small and medium-scale businesses benefit a lot from Amazon. If you are a curious person and are entrepreneurial in nature, you might wonder very often how Amazon supply chain works. The logistics of Amazon are fairly complex and quite vast. Over the years Amazon has improved its supply chain operations and many other things. Today Amazon’s supply chain is one of the most sophisticated ones.

    Warehousing Strategy
    Sophisticated Delivery Network
    Use of Robots
    Third-party procurement and Self-manufacturing
    Cost-Effective Supply chain
    High-level Automation
    Outsourcing Inventory Management and Insourcing Logistics
    Push-Pull Strategy for Supply Chain Success
    FAQ

    So, Lets look at the Complete process of Supply chain management of Amazon

    The supply chain of Amazon is one of the most sophisticated complex supply chains in the world. It is because of its supply chain, it has achieved such great heights. So, let’s look at the basics of how Amazon manages its logistics? and some of the advanced optimization Amazon does in order to work more efficiently.

    Warehousing Strategy

    Amazon Warehouse
    Amazon Warehouse

    Amazon is one of the influential e-commerce companies because of its advanced warehousing strategy. It has a strategy by which it can locate the desired product properly. All the products are placed strategically so that they can be found easily. The products are segregated infrequently demanded and rarely demanded. Warehouses are optimized really well so that goods can be procured faster.

    They do demand forecasting and keep the products of high demand ready to be deployed. Apart from that they also follow certain quality control rules depending on the product so that the customer gets the best quality product.

    Sohpisticated Delivery Network

    Amazon Drone Delivery
    Amazon Drone Delivery

    The delivery system of Amazon is very sophisticated in nature. The supply chain is very well planned which will help the company to deliver the product properly. For members who have a Prime subscription, their products need to be delivered to them within 2 hours or next day depending on the location. Amazon has put in place a number of techniques that can arrange and pack your product and send it to your home.

    Amazon has deployed a number of drones, robots, and other logistics technologies to help the goods reach your house faster. There are also many other delivery robots through which they are delivering the goods to their customer.

    Use of Robots

    Amazon Kiva Robots
    Amazon Kiva Robots

    Amazon employs technology in its Warehousing to improve its efficiency. It uses a number of robots in its warehouse which helps in arranging the goods, moving them from one place to another.

    Amazon had acquired an automation company called Kiva Systems. It was renamed Amazon robotics after acquisition. These robots decreased human intervention and improved the delivery speed.

    Amazon also implemented drones so that they can deliver their goods where logistics companies could not reach. Amazon has also deployed many small delivery robots which deliver goods to other people. These technologies enhance the delivery speed and make the whole process very easy.

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    Third-party procurement and Self-manufacturing

    Amazon Manufactured Products
    Amazon Manufactured Products

    Amazon is not just a retail e-commerce website now where it sells products from 3rd party. It is a company that ultimately focuses on customer satisfaction. In due course of time, Amazon has looked into possible ways of decreasing the cost of products.

    With time, Amazon started manufacturing its own products like Earphones, iPhone chargers and many other things. These goods were much cheaper than the 3rd party manufacturers.

    The product quality is also much better as the quality control is done by Amazon themselves. This leads to a lot of simplifications and decreases a lot of complications on the part of Amazon.

    Cost-Effective Supply chain

    Amazon has kept the cost of its supply chain very low. Due to its huge economies of scale, it was able to keep its cost very low. The per-unit supply is very cost effective. Amazon has several warehouses of its own and it has automated to a great extent. This is why they have a lot less operation cost than other companies.

    High-level Automation

    Amazon Delivery Robot
    Amazon Delivery Robot

    From its warehouses to delivery, Amazon has deployed a lot of robots to automate it. There are robots that would move and arrange the goods in the warehouse and also packaging the goods. For the delivery, Amazon has deployed drones, delivery robots, to deliver the product to the customer’s house. This decreases human involvement and thus decreases the cost of operation.

    Outsourcing Inventory Management and Insourcing Logistics

    Amazon outsources its inventory management to third parties wherever they see it’s feasible. Outsourcing helps them reduce costs and reduce the unnecessary expansion of the supply chain.

    The third party stores the goods in their local storage and it is not stored in an Amazon warehouse. These third-party warehouses are generally located at special places and are supplied with those goods which are in high demand in that area.

    Push-Pull Strategy for Supply Chain Success

    Amazon implements a push-pull strategy in its warehouse management. The warehouses owned by Amazon are located in more strategic locations. While the Warehouses belonging to the third party are located at other places. So in the case of Amazon’s warehouse, it implements a push strategy and in the case of a third-party warehouse, it implements a pull strategy.

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    Conclusion

    Amazon has designed a supply chain in which it can optimize any part of it. It has introduced high-level automation using robots to decrease human employment. This helps them decrease the cost. From warehouse to delivery it has deployed several robots to arrange pack and deliver the product to the customer’s house. The supply chain and logistics of Amazon is one unique entity in the whole world.

    FAQ

    Does Amazon have the best supply chain?

    Yes, Amazons supply chain is counted as one of the most efficient supply chains in the world.

    What is the revenue of Amazon?

    The revenue of Amazon of 2020 was 21.33 billion U.S. dollars.

    What are the tasks that Amazon Outsources?

    Product Listing and Optimization., Product Photography Services, Managing Sponsored Ads/ PPC, and Customer Support Services are some of the tasks that are outsourced by Amazon.

  • Zipaworld Startup Story – The Logistics E-Mall of India

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations. The content in this post has been approved by AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd., the parent company of Zipaworld.

    The Indian logistics market is one of the most significant ones in the global logistics and supply chain market which is worth $4.3 trillion. The growth of the logistics and supply chain sector is phenomenal and contributes to more than 14% of India’s GDP. Zipaworld is a logistics engine or can be called a marketplace, or an e-Mall that exclusively caters to the logistics services needs of the market and customers. Zipaworld happens to be the most unique digital logistics platform where e-booking and other transactions can be done related to air freight, ocean freight, and surface freight all from one platform.

    Zipaworld has already managed to bring multi-modal transportation and logistics like air freight, ocean freight, road freight into one platform just within a span of 9 months since its launch in September 2020. Over the past few months, it has grown organically with partnerships and associations with various vendors and other players within India, in the Gulf countries, Europe, and the USA. It managed to have associates in over 35 countries across the world providing logistics services.

    StartupTalky interviewed the core team @ Zipaworld to know the Startup Story and the roadmap of the organization. Get insights on How Zipaworld started, its business & revenue model, founder, parent company, what Zipaworld does, its growth/expansion plans, and more…

    Zipaworld – Company Highlights

    Startup Name Zipaworld
    Founders Dr. Ambrish Kumar
    Founded September 2020
    Headquarters Noida
    Industry Logistics and Supply Chain
    Parent Organization AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd.
    Website zipaworld.com, aaa2innovate.com

    Zipaworld – About and What it does
    Zipaworld – Logistics & Supply Chain Industry
    Zipaworld – Founders and Team
    Zipaworld – Ideation Journey
    Zipaworld – Products/Services & USP
    Zipaworld – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Zipaworld – Business Model and Revenue Model
    Zipaworld – Startup Launch and Growth Hacks
    Zipaworld – Challenges Faced
    Zipaworld – Growth Status
    Zipaworld – Funding
    Zipaworld – Advisors/Mentors
    Zipaworld – Acquisition & Investment
    Zipaworld – Competitors
    Zipaworld – Recognition and Achievements
    Zipaworld – Future/Expansion Plans
    Zipaworld – FAQs

    Zipaworld – About and What it does

    Zipaworld is a logistics service provider but the digital way, or a digital logistics platform. The team calls Zipaworld – The Logistics E-mall. The concept of E-mall is applied here, that is, a single-window portal that displays several catalogs, products, or vendors providing their products and services. The idea is to provide a single-window solution to the customer who is otherwise required to go from pillar to post for their requirements.

    In the logistics arena, there has been a dire need for the centralization of processes and single window sources, as currently, the customer must go to various vendors and service providers. The concept of e-Mall for logistics was coined by the founder, Dr. Ambrish Kumar, and named Zipaworld. As the name suggests, Zipaworld provides various logistics services to the numerous zip codes of the world. This includes multi-modal transportation, other freight forwarding services through air, ocean, rail, road freight along with the other aspects of the supply chain.

    Zipaworld is an online platform that provides automated solutions for domestic and international courier services, air freight, ocean freight, road/ rail freight, door-to-door services, first/ last mile pick-ups and deliveries, express services, warehousing services, customs brokerage services, and other logistics services. Zipaworld offers a seamless digital experience with features like freight query management, freight rate comparisons, online booking, prompt freight forwarding, automated freight documentation, live tracking, instant invoicing, online payment gateways, e-dockets for storing and archiving e-documents, and so on.

    Zipaworld
    Zipaworld Integration Process

    The vision for the next few months is to integrate more than 25000 zip codes of India into the platform and integrate the same with the global zip codes connecting them using the various modes of cargo transportation. The idea is to provide a seamless convenience to the end consumers like manufacturers, distributors, exporters, importers, traders to avail transparent logistics services at their own ease without much interference by the multiple mediators. The concept of delivering anything and everything will be achieved by the end of this year. The company plans to expand outside India on a large scale in the coming couple of years and become a global player with a virtual presence in more than 150 trading countries. It plans to create a huge network in the supply chain integrating all stakeholders for smooth movement of trade.

    The long-term vision of Zipaworld is to use the latest technology like Machine Learning, AI, IoT to automate the complete logistics processes and bring in blockchain technology in the logistics and supply chain. The idea is to turn the tables for the supply chain bringing in sheer visibility, mitigating risks, reducing the demand and supply gap, consequently reducing the logistics cost which is currently very high.

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    Zipaworld – Logistics & Supply Chain Industry

    The logistics and supply chain sector in India is the second-fastest-growing sector after e-commerce. The growth of the sector is phenomenal and contributes to more than 14% of the GDP. The worth of the sector stands at USD 170 billion currently and is expected to grow up to USD 250 billion at a CAGR of 10.5% in the next 5 years. This was the prediction pre-COVID, but the prediction has not changed much post-COVID as well. As the global trade is increasing and the dependency of the various nations on one another is also increasing, logistics is a sector that is getting benefitted. The Indian logistics market is one of the most significant ones in the global logistics and supply chain market which is worth $ 4.3 trillion.

    Also, India is set to become a global investment hub for production and manufacturing, warehousing, and a potential trans-shipment hub and gateway for trade movement from the nearby countries. The supply chain and logistics sector in India is also the largest employment provider, with more than 8 million people employed across India. However, there are several drawbacks that keep the logistics cost at 14% of the GDP.

    The major reason being the unorganized, disintegrated, and fragmented processes and players across the whole supply chain ecosystem. Only 15% of the players have an organized and integrated working model. Other reasons include the under-developed infrastructure of ports, cargo terminals, not up to the mark road and rail network, an uneven network of warehouses, lagging cold-chain facilities, lack of multi-modal transportation, issues pertaining to first and last-mile connectivity, decentralized customs procedures, and most of all non-availability of centralized and single-window logistics platforms.

    Zipaworld – Founders and Team

    AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd, the parent startup company, and Zipaworld were founded by Dr. Ambrish Kumar. The core team comprises of his co-companions from his previous company, some experts of the supply chain & technology sectors, fresh young minds aspiring to kick-start a career in logistics and supply chain and IT fields of work, and those seeking to grow with the growth of the start-up. The core team that is taking the concept forward consists of personnel from the shipping line, airline, ports and terminals, freight forwarding, technology backgrounds.

    AAA2 Innovate Pvt Ltd. Logo

    About Dr. Ambrish Kumar | Founder, Zipaworld

    Dr. Ambrish Kumar is a renowned name in the logistics and supply chain fraternity. He has been the brain behind the award-winning Indian startup LogYcode that revolutionized the Air Freight logistics ecosystem a couple of years back. The concept coined and implemented by Dr. Ambrish Kumar turned out to be one of the initial movers to launch a mobile app for Logistics services. Dr. Ambrish holds the acumen of more than 16 years of experience in stalwart diverse combinations in the domains of Logistics, Freight Forwarding, CFS, Operation, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing & Evaluating New Project Movements.

    He has held senior management pedestals of different reputed organizations like APM Terminals India Pvt. Ltd., Eastern Cargo Carriers India Pvt. Ltd, Group CEO of S.A. Consultants and Forwarders Pvt Ltd (SA Group) and LogYcode Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd (Founder).

    He has an affluent academic background, having attained P.HD. in Economics, with his thesis on ‘Industrial Policy and Industrial Growth’. Also, his qualifications include M. A. in Economics and MBA in International Trade and is also SAP qualified. There is an innovation involved in every action of Dr. Ambrish and his team whether it is designing the office space of the start-up or designing a digital gateway to revolutionize the logistics sector.

    Team and Work Culture

    AAA2 Innovate Pvt Ltd. – Office Reception Area

    The startup is gradually growing which started with a team of 6 core members and now has a team of more than 30 members in the direct payrolls. In addition, the start-up has also managed to acquire stakes in a domestic transportation company by the name of Radiant X-Ways Logistic Pvt Ltd, which has offices in more than 40 locations across India.

    The startup has formed a vibrant work culture and the office resonates an aura that every employee looks forward to every day. The startup follows a circular hierarchy rather than the usual vertical or horizontal hierarchy, where any member of the team can approach any other member or senior without any hurdles or protocols.

    • There are only mentors and no reporting managers. The company promotes working from home as the processes are fully digitized.
    • Anyone can use the office space any time with sheer flexibility in timings.
    • There are no strict office hours to be followed as the company has aligned its work partners with its vision and everyone feels responsible towards their work.
    • The office encourages leisure and fun with an in-house chill-out and gossip area with couches, bean bags, and recliners, reading nooks, Table-Tennis, and other activities to keep its people engaged with more than just work.
    • The startup focuses on the happiness index of its workforce with policies and norms molded to justify this factor.
    • The startup has done its best in supporting the team members and their families during the crisis hours and the pandemic.
    Zipaworld
    AAA2 Innovate workspace

    Hiring and Head-hunting

    While head-hunting, the company looks for partners in their crime and not employees. The aspirants who wish to be an integral part of the team, who are responsible themselves, and who wish to grow with the growth of the company. The startup is highly instrumental in campus recruitments and offering internships to freshers and thereafter rendering them opportunities to make a career in the company itself.

    Zipaworld’s Ideation Journey – How it Started

    The founder of Zipaworld, Dr. Ambrish Kumar is a hardcore logistics professional who has grown from ground level and held senior-level positions in various levels of the supply chain like, ports and terminals, shipping lines, freight forwarders, etc. He is also SAP qualified and always was inclined towards technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and human development. As he has experienced several loopholes in the conventional logistics processes that still exist with manual workflows and heavy paperwork, he realized that automation and integration are the need of the hour.

    He, along with a team of logistics and IT experts had developed a prototype model of a logistics platform in his previous company where he held the position of CEO. However, since the company was only into freight forwarding, the scope of the digital platform was only limited to the B2B model and could not explore the larger supply chain. So, he planned to start his own venture by the name of AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd which was launched during the pandemic in July 2020.

    While the industry and most businesses were apprehensive of taking any new risks during the pandemic, Dr. Ambrish and his team found the pandemic as an opportunity to capitalize and bring about a digital transformation which was the need of the hour. During the unexpected and prolonged lockdowns, many conventional enterprises of the logistics sector suffered as they could not carry out their operations due to dependency on manual working, and businesses were badly affected. Zipaworld was launched within a record time of three months in September 2020 and started with automated processes for air freight transactions. This turned out to be a boon to many exporters and importers, traders of pharmaceuticals, and also to small freight forwarding enterprises as they could carry out their logistics transactions like checking competitive pricing options, book shipments, get automated freight documents, pay the freight online, track their shipments, get deals and discounts, and much more, all round the clock at their convenience.

    Within a month’s time, it managed to get more than 20 customers and 30 vendors onboard the platform. There are some other reasons that rendered an impetus to Dr. Ambrish Kumar and his ambitious team to develop Zipaworld. The increasing logistics and supply chain cost which is almost 14.5% in India, compelled for integration and digitalization of the processes offering single-window solutions. Another major reason is the improving Government policies and initiatives to encourage the logistics industry and draw global trade opportunities and investments.

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    Zipaworld – Products/Services & USP

    Zipaworld is a logistics engine or can be called a marketplace, or an e-Mall that exclusively caters to the logistics services needs of the market and customers. Zipaworld happens to be the most unique digital logistics platform where e-booking and other transactions can be done related to air freight, ocean freight, and surface freight all from one platform. Not just that, Zipaworld can be used to book both international and domestic air freight. The platform integrates multi-modal transportation. The customer can just feed their zip codes for the origin and destination and Zipaworld offers an end-to-end solution and booking options. Zipaworld has now also reached the doorsteps of people across India by getting into the B2C concept with its newly launched domestic and international Courier product, where it is even providing doorstep pick-up services from more than 2000 pin codes across India.

    Hence, the customer does not need to go to various vendors for various services like transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and so on. The portal negates conventional delays caused by time zone differences, as the price quotes and the processes are fully automated and are available 24×7.

    Moreover, the whole process moves in a simple ‘Previous-Next’ model, which makes the user comprehend the flow easily. The portal logs and records stage-wise updates and send push messages and notifications to the customer thereby keeping utmost transparency of the transactions.

    Zipaworld is developed keeping in view the end customer or a layman. So the user interface of Zipaworld and its flow are easily understandable by even a layman. The portal simplifies the complexities of logistics and renders an easy gateway to book cargo just like booking travel or vacation. While the platform provided end-to-end logistics services like door-to-door logistics, but it does not use complex terminologies like the Incoterms or confusing documentation names. The platform has simple-to-understand terminologies that anyone can use without any training or demonstration. Moreover, the platform does a single invoicing for multiple services availed for a single shipment. There are various analytics and reporting available for the users to assess the trends and anticipate seasonal fluctuations based on historical data.

    Zipaworld is a web and cloud-based platform that makes it readily handy for anyone with a smartphone or laptop to use. It is developed in such a way that people located in remote areas can also carry out their logistics and supply chain transactions from one gateway without having to go through the otherwise puzzling processes and documentation formalities.

    While discussing the pain areas that have been addressed by Zipaworld, let us first highlight the pain areas of the customers seeking logistics services –

    • The logistics sector is largely disintegrated and fragmented. This causes the end customer or the owner of a consignment, to suffer the most.
    • Currently, not just in India, but across the world, there are very few single-window gateways that offer all logistics and multi-modal transportation services from one gateway.
    • Hence, the end customer must go to various disintegrated vendors for various services, like a vendor for warehousing, another for transportation, another for freight forwarding, and so on.
    • Moreover, the customer is required to manage the pricing, invoicing, and payments separately for each vendor.
    • This calls for not just wastage of time and energy, heavy paperwork, multiple authorizations, etc., but also fetches high-cost factors as there are many players and mediators involved.

    In a nutshell, the uniquely designed Zipaworld portal addresses the pain areas and optimizes cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and service efficiency.

    Significance of Name ‘Zipaworld’

    The name ‘Zipaworld’ signifies the various zip codes of the world. As Zipaworld is a centralized platform that is involved in 3PL/ 4PL services, the name justifies the service portfolio encompassing all logistics services from origin zip code to destination zip code from a single window, anywhere in the world.

    Notion Behind Zipaworld’s Logo Design

    The logo shows speeding lines with Zipaworld written, which shows fast and prompt service.

    Zipaworld Logo

    Zipaworld’s Tagline

    The tagline ‘The Logistics E-Mall of India’ again means a one-stop e-marketplace that offers all logistics services.

    Logo & Tagline of Zipaworld’s Parent Company

    AAA Logo

    The logo of the parent company AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd is a pencil with a tree growing on top of it. This denotes writing and starting innovation and flourishing into various levels and fields of work. As the startup is into various other services like software (ERP, SaaS) development, digital marketing, cloud and server services, Trading and sourcing, financial management services, logistics consultancy. The tagline of the parent company is ‘Innovation is our addiction’, resonating with the innovative addictive impetus that each team member carries with them.

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    Zipaworld – Business Model and Revenue Model

    Zipaworld is an online marketplace from where the customers can choose and book one or more logistics services as per their requirement. Zipaworld offers options to pick and choose services with instant pricing quotes available for air freight, ocean freight and express services thereby optimizing the turnaround times. For air or ocean consignments, just like booking a travel ticket, one needs to insert some basic information like origin, destination, date of materialization, number of packages, weight and dimensions, and commodity type, checking the requisite services from the checkboxes.

    The portal flashes instant live market pricing options with all-inclusive cost options to view cost break-up. The customer may choose based on service levels and cost, and e-book the consignment. Upon booking, the Airway Bill, Bill of Lading, or other freight documents get automatically created after which the online payment can be made. The pricing is fetched real-time from the various contracted vendors and carriers, thereby making the pricing realistic and competitive.

    Zipaworld’s revenue comes from the incentives, performance-linked bonuses and volume-based contracts, and commitments with vendors and carriers. The margins levels and service/ convenience fees and commissions have always been kept on the lower side as the bigger aim is to cater with a competitive and reliable gateway for the service seekers.

    Zipaworld – Startup Launch and Growth Hacks

    The company was launched during the pandemic which was a time of disillusionment for most businesses. However, the team saw it as an opportunity and looked forward to launching the platform for prospective customers from the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. The idea was planted rightly and they started getting pharmaceutical customers on board just within a fortnight of the launch. The first customer to be on board with the company was a pharmaceutical manufacturer and trader. The customer located in Mumbai could easily access the portal and e-book shipments on their own which helped them during the pandemic when they could not rely on their vendors who were mostly closed.

    Earlier people had to approach multiple vendors like transporters, warehouse providers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, which was hectic and they could not focus on their core business. Also, they had to chase the vendors for freight documentation, trade-related authorizations, billing invoices which was a painstaking hassle. Also, they did not get proper information regarding the status of the processes and shipments. Zipaworld portal helped them improve their supply, procurement, exports, and distribution turnaround time to less than 1/4th of what it was before. They were able to focus on their core business more and maximize the production and distribution activities during the COVID time.

    It initially managed to multiply the customers through existing customers who suggested Zipaworld to other exporters of pharmaceuticals, mostly they were from western Indian cities. Hence it can be stated that the initial customer onboarding was through word-of-mouth and traditional sales and marketing drives.

    Zipaworld started carrying out digital marketing activities through social media, news media, and email marketing which further enhanced the reach of Zipaworld to other parts of India and also globally. It managed to get recognition from customers from the Middle Eastern countries and Europe as well. Gradually the startup managed to gain more than 100 customers within 4 months of the launch of the Zipaworld portal.

    By the first quarter of 2021, Zipaworld started witnessing a huge influx of visiting customers and prospects through the Zipaworld portal which could be used for price comparison purposes without logging in or registration process. The launch of the Ocean Freight Module in early Feb 2021 saw an increasing demand for ocean freight inquiries through the portal mostly from the western Indian regions.

    Further, the team managed to leap ahead investing stakes in Radiant X-ways Logistic Pvt Ltd, a 10-year-old Indian domestic logistics giant renowned for express distribution, catering to the first and last-mile transportation by air and road to a huge client base that consisted of electronics, spare parts, and pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. This helped it gain access to catering to the international logistics requirements of the customers.

    Zipaworld – Challenges Faced

    The Logistics sector still follows an orthodox working model. If one compares the air freight forwarding process with the passenger air travel industry, the latter is fully automated for almost 15 years with e-booking platforms and smooth paperless transactions.

    In the logistics and freight forwarding sector, the fraternity is still accustomed to using e-mails and phone calls for inquiries with paper-based transactions galore. The team at Zipaworld faced an initial reluctance from the prospects to cling to a new digital means to carry out the transactions. However, they started getting overwhelming penetration and recognition amongst its customers within a month as the need of the hour was a digital single window gateway during the pandemic. The customers started understanding the dire need for automation of processes, accuracy, transparency, visibility thereby reducing turnaround time and following best practices. The idea of saving time, cost, and manpower and rather using these elements for more productive works has been comprehended by the customers.

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    Zipaworld – Growth Status

    Zipaworld is a digital portal that can be accessed from across the world, hence the idea is to be virtually omnipresent in all parts of the world. Over the past few months, it has grown organically with partnerships and associations with various vendors and other players within India, in the Gulf countries, Europe, and the USA. It managed to have associates in over 35 countries across the world providing logistics services.

    The complete logistics market of India is worth $170 billion and is growing at a CAGR of 10.5% to reach $ 250 billion in the next 5 years. For assessment, the startup takes into consideration only the exports market from the top 8 cities of India, which as per its study from the DGCA data, stands at approx. 1020 tons.

    With the kind of centralized and multimodal platform developed, Zipaworld has considered a modest 5% of the total volumes handled from the origin. This is only an instance of the exports market, however, its scope includes imports, domestic market, express and courier, and other logistics services.

    The team at Zipaworld expects the payback period of the initial investment in 2.5 years as per the growth trend and assessment of volumes, revenues, and cost.

    The Zipaworld has an average of more than 5000 visitors daily which forms the base for the visiting customers. This is in addition to the already registered 250+ regular customers availing of logistics services across the world. The popularity of the Zipaworld website (zipaworld.com) has been growing phenomenally with the website being ranked 70000 among the global websites and 7200 among the Indian websites in just within a span of 9 months on Alexa ranking and various other popularity measures.

    Zipaworld – Funding

    The startup has remained self-funded and bootstrapped till now and has managed to successfully stay above the breakeven. The team shall look for the funding when it is the right time and have encompassed most of the supply chain activities within the online platform.

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    Zipaworld – Advisors/Mentors

    The concept and the idea are formulated and mentored by the founder of the company, Dr. Ambrish Kumar who leads from the front to propel the ventures to achieve the larger vision and mission.

    However, it has several IT consultants and mentors guiding to use the right technology, switch gears whenever required to stay abreast with the market requirements. Zipaworld has a robust team of logistics professionals who keep the workflows up to the mark with the present standards also adhering to the trade norms and protocols. It has reliable and renowned vendors and partners associated who provide the most competitive and transparent pricing options.

    Zipaworld – Acquisition & Investment

    It invested a stake in Radiant X-ways Logistic Pvt Ltd, a 10-year-old Indian domestic logistics giant renowned for express distribution, catering to the first and last-mile transportation by air and road to a huge client base that consisted of electronics, spare parts, and pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

    The company has a presence in over 27 states across India with more than 40 offices and warehouses. The direct control over own and fixed transport fleet of specialized vehicles enabling reach to the remotest part of the country makes Radiant commit pick-up from and delivery to any corner of India.

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    Zipaworld – Competitors

    There are several traditional logistics players embracing technology to automate processes and a lot of startups entering the supply chain arena to bring innovative solutions to the pain areas. However, one fact to be noted is that most of the digital transformations are taking place at the entity or enterprise level. That is, the automation is taking place to simplify a particular process and not integrating the complete end-to-end workflow.

    For instance, there are enterprises and startups that have come out with solutions for first and last-mile connectivity, there are others that have brought solutions for warehousing, some others with ocean freight booking platforms. However, until the integration between these players happens with more single-window solutions, the loopholes in the supply chain ought to remain and the end customer will suffer.

    If looked at the competition, it can be stated that there are very few online platforms across the world that offer multi-modal freight options in one dashboard. However, there are ocean freight platforms like Cogoport, FreightBro, air freight platforms like Freightos, and other logistics platforms like Far-eye, Shipsy, etc.

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    Zipaworld – Recognition and Achievements

    • The growing popularity of the Zipaworld website across India and around the globe is the most significant recognition for the team.
    • Zipaworld has been in the news for all the good reasons that have been highlighted and praised by the various media that have covered the endeavors of Zipaworld in addressing the pain areas, especially during pandemic times.
    • The team has seen enterprises and organizations showing interest and getting associated with them over the past few months from the Middle-east, Europe, and the USA.
    • The parent company AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd is registered with DPIIT (Start-up India), is MSME registered, and is a member of the global logistics trade network 7Connetwork.

    Zipaworld – Future/Expansion Plans

    • Zipaworld will be soon having its Partner program for registering on-board the aspirants who wish to carry out a logistics business from their convenience and location and be a part of the logistics ecosystem.
    • The online portal is all set to integrate more than 25000 zip codes across India with extensive global connectivity in the remainder of the year 2021, thereby resolving the first and last mile connectivity issues pertaining to the sector.
    • Zipaworld will soon be introducing a fleet of more than 150 Electronic/battery-operated transport vehicles along with its partner companies in their drive to reduce carbon footprint and also to reach out to cover the remotely commercial and non-commercial locations across North India.
    • Further ventures this year include integrating goods transportation and drivers to the Zipaworld application and connecting them with the manufacturers, exporters, shippers, traders, bookings through Zipaworld App. The concept of delivering anything and everything will be achieved by the end of this year.
    • Zipaworld plans to expand outside India on a large scale in a coming couple of years and become a global player with a virtual presence in more than 150 trading countries. It plans to create a huge network in the supply chain integrating all stakeholders for smooth movement of trade.
    • The long-term vision of Zipaworld is to use the latest technology like Machine Learning, AI, IoT to automate the complete logistics processes and bring in blockchain technology in the logistics and supply chain. The idea is to turn the tables for the supply chain bringing in sheer visibility, mitigating risks, reducing the demand and supply gap, consequently reducing the logistics cost which is currently very high.

    Zipaworld – FAQs

    What is Zipaworld?

    Zipaworld is an online platform that provides automated solutions for air freight, ocean freight, road/ rail freight, door-to-door services, first/ last mile pick-ups and deliveries, express services, courier, warehousing services, customs brokerage services, and other logistics services.

    Who founded Zipaworld?

    AAA 2 Innovate Pvt Ltd, the parent startup company, and Zipaworld were founded by Dr. Ambrish Kumar.

    What is AAA2 Innovate?

    AAA2 Innovate Pvt Ltd is the parent company of Zipaworld. It is into various other services like software (ERP, SaaS) development, digital marketing, cloud and server services, Trading and sourcing, financial management services, logistics consultancy.

    How does Zipaworld make money?

    Zipaworld is an online marketplace from where customers can choose & book one or more logistics services as per their requirement. Zipaworld’s revenue comes from the incentives, performance-linked bonuses and volume-based contracts, and commitments with vendors and carriers.

    What is Zipaworld’s USP?

    Zipaworld is a logistics engine or can be called a marketplace, or an e-Mall that exclusively caters to the logistics services needs of the market and customers. Zipaworld happens to be the most unique digital logistics platform where e-booking and other transactions can be done related to air freight, ocean freight, and surface freight all from one platform.

    When was Zipaworld launched?

    Zipaworld was launched in September 2020, amidst the pandemic.

    Is Zipaworld an Indian Company?

    Yes. Zipaworld is an Indian Company headquartered in Noida.