Overview
Meesho, a Bangalore-based startup founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, has emerged as a resounding success story in the Indian e-commerce space. The company’s innovative business model has empowered millions of individuals, especially women, by providing them with a platform to start their own businesses and earn a sustainable income. Meesho’s journey is a testament to the power of technology and entrepreneurship in driving social and economic change.
Meesho – Company Highlights (Wiki)
| Startup Name | Meesho |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Industry | Retail, E-commerce |
| Founders | Sanjeev Barnwal, and Vidit Aatrey |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Valuation | $5 bn (March 2022) |
| Total Funding Raised | $1.1 bn (October 2021) |
| Revenue | $841.5 mn (FY21) |
| Current CEO | Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal |
| Meesho Website | www.meesho.com |
Unique Concept
Meesho began as a small idea aimed at connecting suppliers with resellers through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The founders recognized the untapped potential of leveraging existing social networks for commerce, particularly in India, where the concept of “reselling” had deep cultural roots. They saw an opportunity to create a digital marketplace that would enable individuals to start their own online businesses without the need for significant investment or technical expertise.
Significant Growth
Meesho’s unique concept quickly gained traction, and the startup experienced rapid growth. The company’s user-friendly app allowed resellers to browse and share products, set their own profit margins, and manage customer orders seamlessly. Meesho’s customer-centric approach, combined with its commitment to quality and timely delivery, won the trust of both resellers and customers.
Expansion and Impact
Meesho’s success can be attributed to its commitment to empowering its resellers. The platform primarily focuses on enabling women, homemakers, and small business owners to become entrepreneurs and generate income from the comfort of their homes. This approach has led to a significant positive impact on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in India. With its expanding user base, Meesho attracted the attention of investors. In its early stages, the startup secured funding from renowned venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital, SAIF Partners, and DST Global. These investments not only validated the potential of Meesho’s business model but also provided the necessary capital for scaling operations and technological advancements.
The company’s reach has also expanded beyond traditional urban areas, with resellers from smaller towns and rural areas finding immense value in Meesho’s platform. This has helped bridge the digital divide and create new economic opportunities for individuals in previously underserved regions.
Awards and Recognition
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
Meesho founders, Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, were named in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in the Consumer Technology category.
Economic Times Startup Awards
Meesho won the “Bootstrap Champ” award at the Economic Times Startup Awards, which recognizes startups that have achieved significant success with limited external funding.
Entrepreneur India’s 35Under35
Meesho was recognized in the 35Under35 list by Entrepreneur India, which showcases young entrepreneurs who have made remarkable achievements in their respective fields.
India Digital Awards
Meesho won the “Best Digital Startup of the Year” award at the India Digital Awards, organized by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), which recognizes outstanding contributions in the digital space.
Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India
Meesho was included in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India list, which recognizes the fastest-growing technology companies in India.
Google Play Best of 2019
Meesho was listed as one of the “Best Apps of 2019” on the Google Play Store, highlighting its user-friendly interface and positive user reviews.
ET Startup Awards
Meesho was nominated for the Economic Times Startup Awards in the “Startup of the Year” category, further solidifying its position as one of India’s leading startups.
NASSCOM Emerge 50
Meesho was selected as part of the NASSCOM Emerge 50 list, which recognizes the top 50 emerging startups in India with innovative technology solutions.
KEY POINTS
- Founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal.
- Leveraged social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook for reselling.
- Attracted investments from renowned venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital, SAIF Partners, and DST Global.
- Empowers women, homemakers, and small business owners to start their own online businesses.
- User-friendly app for browsing, sharing, and managing customer orders.
- Strong focus on quality and timely delivery.
- Significant positive impact on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
- Millions of individuals signed up and created successful businesses on the platform.
- Expanded reach beyond urban areas to smaller towns and rural regions.
- Recognized as one of the top Indian startups and innovative e-commerce platforms.
- Aims to strengthen its position in the Indian market and expand globally.
- Investing in technology and logistics infrastructure.
- Diversifying product offerings and exploring partnerships with established brands.
