The Inspiring Success Story of Delhivery | India’s Logistics Unicorn
Delhivery’s journey from a small startup to a leader in the logistics industry is nothing short of inspiring. With a strong focus on innovation, customer service, and expansion, Delhivery is poised to continue shaping the future of logistics in India.
Introduction
Logistics has always been a crucial industry for any country, including India. However, the sector saw a revolutionary shift with the introduction of Delhivery.
Founded in 2011, this company rapidly grew to become a backbone of the Indian logistics landscape.
Over time, it has proven itself as one of the leading logistics service providers in India, offering an extensive range of services.
Delhivery – Company Highlights
Startup Name | Delhivery |
---|---|
Headquarters | Gurgaon, India |
Sector | Logistics |
Founders | Kapil Bharati, Sahil Barua, Suraj Saharan, Mohit Tandon (Exited March 29, 2021), and Bhavesh Manglani (Exited March 29, 2021) |
Founded | May 2011 |
Parent Organization | Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. |
Valuation | $4.77 billion |
Website | www.delhivery.com |
Services and Growth
It is a prominent courier services and logistics solutions provider. Its headquarters are located in Gurugram, Haryana, and it serves a wide variety of clients, including individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises.
The company offers services such as last-mile delivery, warehousing, reverse logistics, payment collection, and vendor-to-customer shipping.
From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a unicorn startup, achieving a valuation of $1.5 billion in 2019.
As of May 2024, it was valued at a whopping $4.77 billion, marking its success in transforming India’s logistics industry.
How Delhivery Works
It operates with three key responsibilities: fulfillment, omnichannel, and data services. These pillars support its goal of delivering top-notch service to its customers. The company uses innovative technologies, proprietary network designs, and strategic partnerships to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Its streamlined business model ensures that it serves over 10,000 customers with unparalleled cost-effectiveness.
Its services make life easier for businesses by simplifying the shipping process, offering nationwide reach, and reducing time and distance in logistics.
The company aims to create a “smaller world” for its customers by making goods delivery faster and more reliable.
Impact on the Logistics Industry
India’s logistics industry, valued at around $160 billion, is projected to grow at a 10% annual rate, reaching $215 billion within two years.
Before its arrival, the sector was fragmented with many unorganized players. However, its innovative approach has disrupted this space.
The company has a vast reach, covering more than 1,400 pin codes and offering over 19,990 square feet of warehouse space in major cities like Delhi and Bangalore.
Its partners with e-commerce giants such as Flipkart, Amazon, and Snapdeal, helping businesses expand their reach and provide faster deliveries.
The Founders and Team Behind
It was founded by five engineers: Bhavesh Manglani, Kapil Bharati, Mohit Tandon, Sahil Barua, and Suraj Saharan.
Each brought a unique set of skills to the table, helping the company grow into the logistics powerhouse it is today.
- Sahil Barua, an IIT graduate, is the CEO and co-founder of Delhivery. He has played a key role in steering the company toward success.
- Kapil Bharati, co-founder and CTO, previously worked with Hindustan Times and SapientNitro before joining Delhivery.
- Bhavesh Manglani, another co-founder, played an important role until his departure in 2021.
- Mohit Tandon, an IIT Kanpur graduate, was a key consultant before co-founding the company.
- Suraj Saharan, also from Bain & Company, co-founded Delhivery alongside his peers.
Today, it employs over 66,000 people, reflecting its rapid growth and the dedication of its team.
The Startup Journey
Its story began one evening in 2011 when co-founders Sahil Barua and Suraj Saharan were inspired by a delivery experience. They were talking to a delivery person about the struggles of unemployment and the risks faced by small businesses.
This conversation sparked the idea of starting a delivery service that would serve these businesses. They decided to help by launching this, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Name and Logo
Its name is simple yet memorable, reflecting its core mission of delivering goods efficiently.
The company’s tagline, “Small World,” emphasizes its vision of shrinking distances through fast, reliable deliveries.
Mission and Vision
Its mission is clear: to simplify the movement of goods. The company aims to become the operating system for commerce in India by combining world-class infrastructure, high-quality logistics operations, and cutting-edge engineering.
Business Model and Revenue
Its business model focuses on providing flexible services without high upfront costs. It does not charge setup fees or subscription charges which makes it accessible for small businesses. The company operates in three main areas:
- Warehousing: Offering flexible warehousing across 40+ cities.
- Transportation: Providing nationwide reach to over 19,000 pin codes and 2,500 cities.
- E-commerce: Enabling easy integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.
Its approach has made it one of the largest logistics providers in India, with an extensive customer base.
Growth
Its growth has been remarkable. From a small team of five people, the company now boasts over 66,000 employees.
As of 2024, it has shipped over 2.8 billion parcels and operates in more than 18,700 pin codes. The company has expanded its logistics network to cover 18 million square feet, serving over 26,500 businesses across India.
The company’s vast network includes more than 7,000 drivers, 5,000 trucks, and major trucking terminals in key cities. Its efficiency allows it to process over 1.5 million parcels per day across 2,300 towns and cities.
The Rise of Shares
Its shares have performed well since its public listing, with their value rising by 6.34% in June 2024.
The company reached an all-time high in stock price at INR 683.35 in July 2022. This performance helped it enter the ranks of the top 100 Indian companies by market capitalization.
Innovation: Delhivery One
Its introduced “Company One,” a digital shipping platform designed to help small businesses. This platform allows businesses to ship products globally without a minimum order requirement.
With a partnership with FedEx, it has expanded its reach to more than 220 countries.
Financial Performance
In the second quarter of FY25, it reported a revenue of INR 2,189 crore which marks it a 12.8% growth from the previous year.
The company also posted a profit of INR 10.2 crore, reversing a loss from the same period in FY24.
Partnerships
It has formed strategic partnerships with companies like Volvo and FedEx. These collaborations strengthen its network and expand its capabilities, offering better services to its customers.
Competition in the Market
Despite its success, it faces stiff competition from other logistics companies such as Ecom Express, DotZot, and Ekart Logistics.
However, the competitive environment ensures that customers benefit from improved service quality and options.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, it plans to invest up to INR 300 crore in expanding its fleet and trucking infrastructure.
The company is also focusing on drone technology and digital innovation to further streamline operations.
Delhivery FAQs
What is Delhivery?
Delhivery is a logistics company that delivers goods and provides services like warehousing, payment collection, and shipping across India.
When was Delhivery founded?
Delhivery was founded in 2011 by five engineers.
Where is Delhivery’s headquarters?
Delhivery’s headquarters is in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
What services does Delhivery provide?
Delhivery offers services like last-mile delivery, warehousing, reverse logistics, payment collection, and shipping for businesses.
How many people work at Delhivery?
As of 2024, Delhivery has over 66,000 employees.
What makes Delhivery special?
Delhivery uses technology to make shipping faster and cheaper, and it serves over 10,000 customers across India.
Which companies does Delhivery work with?
Delhivery works with major companies like Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal, and more.
How has Delhivery grown?
Delhivery has grown from a small startup to a company valued at $4.77 billion in 2024, delivering billions of parcels each year.
What is Delhivery One?
Delhivery One is a platform that helps small businesses ship products globally without needing a minimum order.
What are Delhivery’s future plans?
Delhivery plans to invest in expanding its fleet, use drone technology, and continue improving its digital services.