case study of entrepreneurs in india

Top 10 Inspiring Indian Entrepreneurs Success Stories: That Will Inspire You!

• December 12, 2023

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Aspiring entrepreneurs in India are always looking for role models and success stories to motivate and guide them. We can count tons of success stories from various websites to join their tribe or affiliate link. But most of the stories don’t mean value to us. We’re looking for real-life success stories that we can learn from to make our own business successful.

As a result, we’ve decided to publish an article for real-life heroes who have carved out their paths with unique business models become role models for other aspiring entrepreneurs, and have their own success stories.

With their incredible adventures, these entrepreneurs have not only achieved enormous success but have also inspired others. Check out this digital marketing course for crafting a digital transformation with a successful blueprint if you’re interested in starting your own business model. 

Read on to learn about their successes and what you can learn from them, and create your own success stories as an entrepreneur.

Top 10 Inspiring Entrepreneur’s Success Stories from India 2024

There’s no shortage of inspiring entrepreneurship stories from India. Despite the immense challenges of starting and running a business in the country, Indians have found ways to persevere and innovate, creating new products and services that have helped lift millions out of poverty. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most inspiring success stories from Indian entrepreneurs, highlighting the key lessons that you can learn from their experiences.

India is home to some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. Despite having to endure numerous challenges, these business owners have found success by persisting and innovating. From e-commerce to technology, these entrepreneurs have made their mark in a variety of industries. Here are ten inspiring Indian entrepreneur’s success stories that will undoubtedly motivate you to achieve your goals and become a successful entrepreneur like other inspiring entrepreneurs in India.

Now, let’s get to know about the top 10 best inspiring success stories from Indian entrepreneurs;

Here is the list of the top 10 Indian entrepreneurs you must know about. After reading this article, you will definitely get inspired by our Youngest Entrepreneurs in India. Now, let’s dive into it. 🏄‍♂️

1. Sachin Bansal & Binny Bansal – Flipkart

Sachin Bansal & Binny Bansal are the #1 Youngest Successful Entrepreneurs in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs .

In a garage, Sachin and Binny Bansal founded Flipkart, a modest eCommerce company, and the rest, as they say, is history. One of India’s most successful business people sold Flipkart to Walmart for $16 billion in 2018. 

▶️ Quote By Flipkart Founder – 1

“ ‘No’ is a very difficult word, and more so in our culture, where people quickly tend to take offence. But a ‘no’ which makes your business and customer say ‘yes’ is worth the while.” — Sachin Bansal

Along with Binny, the IIT graduate used to transport books on his own and pioneered the wave of eCommerce marketing. Sachin was in charge of the company’s SEO, design, marketing, and content. Binny handled the delivery and backend operations well. 

What began as an INR 4,00,000 business gained immediate acclaim and, finally, an incredible bid from Walmart. Bansal created everything from the ground up, starting with the initial iteration of the website. Through his present firm, Navi Technology, he has been investing actively. Flipkart is undoubtedly one of India’s most successful startup success stories.

“Flipkart” – Sachin and Binny Bansal’s path – would be familiar to everyone. Both of them, who graduated from IIT-D and previously worked for Amazon, presented a similar concept to the Indian market. 

▶️ Quote By Flipkart Founder – 2

“For an entrepreneur work is not seen as ‘work’, it is passion, you like it you want to do it.” — Binny Bansal

Flipkart began selling online books only in 2007 and has since expanded to sell practically everything, ranging from home items to personal care products, educational materials, and workplace stationery. According to an article on Yourstory.com, mobile accounts for more than half of Flipkart’s income, and mobile has been at the heart of Sachin’s strategy since the beginning. 

Sachin admitted in an interview that creating Flipkart was the dumbest thing he has ever done and that everyone around him thought he was mad, according to a Quora.com post. However, it has recently purchased Myntra for around INR 2000 crore. Flipkart has now been promoted to the top five-billion-dollar start-up club, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, and it has a valuation of $11 billion. 

Learn more about Flipkart’s Digital Marketing Strategies – A Complete Case Study!

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Sachin Bansal

Twitter – NA Facebook – NA Instagram – @sachin_bansall LinkedIn – NA

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Binny Bansal

Twitter – @binnybansal Facebook – NA Instagram – NA LinkedIn – @binnybansal

2. Bhavish Aggarwal – Ola Cabs

Bhavish Aggarwal is the #2 Youngest Successful Entrepreneur in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

After two years as a Microsoft research team member, Bhavish Aggarwal followed in his iconic footsteps. He started Ola Cabs, a multibillion-dollar company. With his zeal and colourful vision, Bhavish, an IIT Bombay alumnus, set the way for his success. 

▶️ Quote By Ola Founder

“All of us have an entrepreneur in us. Entrepreneurs are not driven by fear; they are driven by the idea to create impact.”

In 2015, Bhavish was the youngest person on Forbes’ list of India’s wealthiest individuals, with co-founder Ankit Bhati. After confronting insufficient and expensive cab services, he created his own cab firm. Ola makes it simple to hire a taxi anywhere in the country. Its popularity grows in minor and major cities, broadening Bhavish’s reach. 

He has since established himself as a successful entrepreneur. Ola Cabs is India’s most successful cab firm, with over a million customers.

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Ritesh Aggarwal

Twitter – @bhash Facebook – @bhavish.aggarwal.7 Instagram – @bhavishaggarwal LinkedIn – @bhavishaggarwal

3. Ritesh Aggarwal – Oyo Rooms

Ritesh Aggarwal is the #3 Youngest Successful Entrepreneur in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Ritesh Aggarwal was never scared to explore new things or take risks. And the success of Oyo Rooms, which he founded in 2013, has rewarded out handsomely. He became the world’s second-youngest billionaire in the year of the outbreak. 

Ritesh did not attend college in the traditional sense. He dropped out of the Indian School of Business and Finance before completing his education. Isn’t it frightening? Ritesh’s lack of a college degree has no impact on his success. The Thiel scholarship was given to Oyo, and he hasn’t worried about the past, and he moved forward. 

▶️ Quote By OYO Rooms Founder

“Hire people not for today but for 2-3 years from now, and let them grow with the company.” — Ritesh Aggarwal

His primary concern was always to provide low-cost accommodation. Oyo continues to offer regardless of location. Oyo has increased in recent years and is estimated to be worth more than $1.1 billion by 2020. Ritesh is only 27 years old, yet he has come a long way.

With over 500 hotels and 50000 rooms, “OYO Rooms” is India’s largest budget hotel brand. It was founded in 2012 by Ritesh Agarwal to provide basic, trustworthy accommodations, and it has since changed the face of the Indian hospitality industry. According to an article on Yourstory.com, the company now partners with 4,200 hotels in over 170 locations, booking up to a million room nights every month. 

OYO Rooms has been a massive success because it is dedicated to addressing the issue of budget hotel cleanliness, availability, and affordability across the country. OYO works with several hotels to obtain rooms that may be rented out to those who wish to use its services. 

According to a Yosuccess.com post, OYO Accommodations provides tourists with efficient and standardised rooms at low costs, with a current evaluation of approximately 370Cr. 

Twitter – @riteshagar Facebook – @riteshagarwall Instagram – @riteshagar LinkedIn – @riteshagar

4. Nandan Reddy, Rahul Jaimini & Sriharsha Majety – Swiggy

Nandan Reddy, Rahul Jaimini & Sriharsha Majety are the #4 Youngest Successful Entrepreneurs in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs .

Apart from Zomato, Swiggy has quickly established itself as one of the most popular meal delivery services. On the other hand, food delivery did not have a solid footing when it initially entered the market. 

In truth, Reddy and Majesty had intended it to be a Bundle courier service. After meeting Jamini, though, they altered their minds. Swiggy was founded as a result of its strong network building. Swiggy has raised a lot of money since its inception in 2013. 

▶️ Quote By Swiggy Founder

“Growth is about learning and evolving with the different variables and moving parts” — Sriharsha Majety

Providing exceptional customer service has always been a priority for business owners. Swiggy’s efficient logistical procedures also ensure that clients receive their meals on time. 

Swiggy has conquered the difficulty of hiring employees remotely who bring food on time. The unicorn start-up is exploding with the three founders, and the business is successfully running up to date.

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Nandan Reddy

Twitter – @nandanreddy Facebook – NA Instagram – NA LinkedIn – @nandan-reddy-1830659

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Rahul Jaimini

Twitter – @rahuljaimini Facebook – NA Instagram – NA LinkedIn – @rahuljaimini

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Sriharsha Majety

Twitter – @harshamjty Facebook – NA Instagram – NA LinkedIn – @sriharsha-m-563aa217

5. Vijay Shekhar Sharma – Paytm

Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the #5 Youngest Successful Entrepreneur in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Vijay Shekhar established Paytm and continues to lead it. And there’s no denying that Paytm’s trust has fuelled a meteoric surge in digital payments across the country. 

Sharma has a track record of producing brilliance, dating back to his student days at DTU when he founded Indiasite.net. He got $1 million for it. He subsequently founded One97 Communications, which later became Paytm. 

▶️ Quote By Paytm Founder

“There are two kinds of companies in the world one is who BUILD and the second who BUY”. — Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Paytm has revolutionised the face of digital payments, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. As a result, Vijay Shekhar’s popularity continues to soar. 

We all know that we don’t have phones without Paytm money, which shows that Paytm has successfully reached out to people and will continue to do so in the future. 

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Twitter – @vijayshekhar Facebook – @vijayshekhar Instagram – @vssx LinkedIn – @vijayshekhar

6. Sorav Jain – Digital Scholar & echoVME

Sorav Jain is the #6 Youngest Successful Entrepreneur in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Sorav Jain is the founder of echoVME Digital & Digital Scholar. He is also known as India’s top digital marketing influencer, trainer, author, and speaker. Sorav started his career at 17 as an SEO executive and baggage 10 years of knowledge in this digital marketing field which made him become a successful digital marketing and social media marketing expert who started his venture with a small team of 30 members in 2011 in the name of echoVme, a digital marketing agency based out of Chennai.

He has been successfully running his business for the past 11 years, which gives him the courage to take a risk by simultaneously running an agency-style based digital marketing training institute called Digital Scholar in 2019 and the echoVME Digital .

▶️ Quote By Digital Scholar & echoVME Founder

Marketing you’re presence on social media is as important as creating your presence. “The only fashion that never fades: Digital Marketing”. — Sorav Jain

Initially, Digital Scholar invited students to their place and started teaching them how agency-style digital marketing works. But the time of the pandemic turned the tables around, taking Digital Scholar to the rooftop when people began to focus on passions online. Sorav Jain became famous on Instagram as a digital marketing influencer with 306k+ followers within a short period. You can follow his business insights here @Soravjain .

Sorav was named one of the Top Social Media Marketers under 30 by Social Samosa. He was named one of the “ Top 25 Social Media Professionals of India “ by Global Youth Marketing Forum. 

Sorav also works as a corporate trainer for 2020MSL, Hanmer MSL, Times Internet, Genpact, Shriram Value, Bosch India, Preethi Appliances, Hexaware, Communicate India, and a variety of other IT, PR, digital, and advertising firms. 

Sorav runs one of Facebook’s most popular Digital Marketing groups, Digital Marketing Question and Answers on Facebook, which has more than 60,000+ members which is a vast community where you can always participate with questions and answers you have.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Digital Scholar (@digital_scholar)

Digital transformation is what Every business owner looks for, also one who needs a feasible blueprint to understand better how to build a solid digital marketing presence.so, Suppose you are searching for a Digital marketing guru who teaches you to become a digital marketing expert within four months. In that case, you must try his online digital marketing course to upskill in the digital marketing field.

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Sorav Jain

Twitter – @soravjain Facebook – @soravjain & @SoravJainDigital Instagram – @soravjain LinkedIn – @soravjain

🗣️ Sorav Jain’s TEDx Talk

How Sorav turned his Internet addiction into a business empire, and you can do it as well!! In this talk, Sorav Jain shares his highs and lows while choosing an unorthodox career. Sorav Jain is an entrepreneur and one of India’s top digital and social media marketing experts.

He is also a skilled consultant, trainer, author, and speaker. Sorav started his career at 17 as an SEO executive and has about 10 years of Industry experience. Sorav has been listed among the top 25 social media professionals in India under the age of 30. Sorav has trained more than 100,000 professionals. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

7. Deepinder Goyal – Zomato

Deepinder Goyal is the #7 Youngest Successful Entrepreneur in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Foodiebay is a name that no one recalls. Although Deepinder Goyal founded it, he is more known for Zomato, the rebranded version of Foodiebay.

Zomato began as a food-reviewing website. Food bloggers were encouraged to give candid reviews of each restaurant’s service and food quality. It also provided menu cards in high demand among Deepinder’s coworkers, prompting him to launch Zomato. Before launching Foodiebay, he graduated from IIT Delhi and worked at Bain and Company. 

▶️ Quote By Zomato Founder

“Everything is solvable. You have to put your mind to it.” “Focus on building a business that solves a real problem.” “You can’t say that If I don’t have access to capital, I can’t build a company.” — Deepinder Goyal

Deepinder’s has become one of India’s most well-known food-entrepreneur success stories in the previous decade. Other than India, the corporation has operations in Portugal, New Zealand, and Qatar. Zomato also bought Urbanspoon and launched a meal delivery business in the United States and Australia. 

When they first started Zomato, they didn’t have enough money, but as they say, hard work pays off. Zomato is a big success nowadays, as we all know. 

According to an article on Yosuccess.com, it is the largest of such media in Asia and one of the greatest globally, having a solid & single presence in over 10,000 cities across 22 countries.

Zomato has also ventured into the world of digital marketing. It enables firms to expand without incurring new expenditures. 

One of the most significant advantages of Zomato is its marketing campaign, as we all know. Once the notification gets on, you will be getting full urge messages in your mother tongue, which will significantly support the company’s growth in the future too.

This online restaurant platform was founded in 2008 to assist Indians in discovering new tastes in a variety of meals. “Zomato” is a one-stop shop for all your appetites, whether for food, drinks, or alcohol. It’s an online restaurant guide that includes home delivery, cafés, and nightlife! 

Learn more about Zomato’s Digital Marketing Strategies – A Complete Case Study on it!

Twitter – @deepigoyal Facebook – @deepigoyal Instagram – NA LinkedIn – @deepigoyal

8. Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh – Mama Earth

Founder of Mama Earth – Varun Alagh Co-founder of Mama Earth – Ghazal Alagh

Varun and Ghazal are the #8 Youngest Successful Entrepreneurs in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Varun and Ghazal are the trailblazers behind Mamaearth; not only that; they are real-life partners. Mamaearth is the online-first game plan that relies upon posting offers on the D2C stages like Amazon, Flipkart, etc., and their inescapable arrangements, close by the proposal of things displayed at actual standard stores.

Story Behind the StartUp

Varun and Ghazal understood that the childcare products they ran over harmed their baby’s skin and that there could have been no other safe choices since they got a child youngster to manoeuvre carefully.

Since they couldn’t find reliable things in India, the couple chose to import trustworthy childcare items made elsewhere, all else equivalent.

▶️ Quote By Mama Earth Founders

“How you drive growth is more important than anything else” — Varun Alagh “Success only comes to those who can stick through crazy times. As long as you persevere, things eventually fall in place.” — Ghazal Alagh

Later, the gathering started mentioning things from the US, yet they ended up being costly and inadequately planned. So the partners joined together and started creating their own childcare items under the brand name Mamaearth.

Mamaearth Product and Competence

Mamaearth, in a roundabout way, rivals MNCs like Himalaya and Johnson and Johnson, as well as online electronic business areas like Nykaa. Mamaearth items contend straightforwardly with a couple of deeply grounded and new organizations, selling an assortment of youngster-related things like frills, clothing, and toys.

Mamaearth Achievement and Benefit

• Mamaearth products revenue reached 110 crores in 2020.
• Mamaearth product beat revenue of RS 500 crores in 2020.
• Mamaearth outright pay expanded by 101% to INR 952.4 Cr in 2022 from INR 472.1 Cr as we compare from the past year.

Learn more about Mamaearth’s Digital Marketing Strategies – A Complete Case Study on it!

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Varun Alagh

Twitter – @VarunAlagh Facebook – @varun.alagh Instagram – @varunalagh LinkedIn – @varunalagh84

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Ghazal Alagh

Twitter – @GhazalAlagh Facebook – @ghazal.alagh Instagram – @ghazalalagh LinkedIn – @ghazal-alagh-9755a0128

9. Falguni Nayar – Nykaa

Falguni Nayar is the #9 Youngest Successful Entrepreneur in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Falguni Nayar established Nykaa, one of India’s biggest magnificence and design organisations. The pioneer and President of Nykaa are prestigious as the most extravagant independent lady in India and is positioned tenth among the world’s most extravagant independent ladies.

▶️ Quote By Nykaa Founder

“Women need to allow the spotlight of their lives to be on themselves. I hope more women like me dare to dream for themeselves.” — Falguni Nayar

Falguni’s total assets may vary by around Rs 57 crore in a hurry in a year. They gained the audience with The organisation’s slogan, “Your Beauty, Our Passion,” which quickly grabbed women’s and youngsters’ eyes.

We are mindful that Nykaa reached this success through their successful campaign assets for acquiring consideration through dispersing enormous and persuading offers.

Let’s see the story of Nykaa and how they accomplished 32 billion bucks in 2022.

Story of Nykaa

Everything began in 2012 when Nykaa was established. On the journey for a promising business opportunity in India, Falguni Nayar found an irregularity in the magnificence beauty products market in India, which was not on pace with the beauty item’s extension in different nations, despite critical interest, attributable to an absence of item accessibility in numerous districts.

This incited her to help establish Nykaa with her significant other, Sanjay Nayar. Starting as a web-based association, the stage ultimately changed to an omnichannel partnership with Amazon, Flipkart, and many more.

Falguni worked in the corporate area for more than 25 years before setting out on her pioneering venture when Nayar was moving toward 50.

Even though initially they faced so many hurdles in marketing and campaign, now they have a pillar foundation of digital marketing and campaign success.

Nykaa Profit and Revenue

The benefit of the beauty care products monster Nykaa has accomplished 32 billion out of 2022, where the business details hope to arrive at twofold the CAGR in the future.

Learn more about Nykaa’s Digital Marketing Strategies – A Complete Case Study!

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Falguni Nayar

Twitter – NA Facebook – @falguni.nayar.5 Instagram – @falguninayar LinkedIn – @falguni-nayar-845065a0

10. Girish Mathrubootham and Shan Krishnasamy – Fresh Works

Founder of Fresh Works – Girish Mathrubootham Co-founder of Fresh Works – Shan Krishnasamy

Girish and Shan are the #10 Youngest Successful Entrepreneurs in India out of other Indian Entrepreneurs.

Freshworks Girish Mathrubootham and Shan Krishnasamy launched the organisation in Chennai in 2010, offering several product suites to meet client needs. Representative objectives, including deals with CRM programming, enrollment gadgets, client assistance helpdesk programming, and many more wanted top sass products, are delivered by Fresh Works.

▶️ Quote By Fresh Works Founders

“It’s not the software. It’s about the way software is supposed to be built, the way it’s supposed to be delivered, implemented and consumed.” — Girish Mathrubootham

Both coworkers had previously worked for Zoho Corp, one of India’s most excellent SaaS businesses. Zoho Corp and Freshworks are both rivals and essential players in this industry.

Freshworks sold 28.5 million regular offers on September 22, achieving an intraday high of $48.75 in the market.

So, what is the story of these two important Indian entrepreneurs who have eternally influenced Indian entrepreneurs with their backtalk sass business?

The Story Behind the Progress of FreshWorks,

Girish and Krishnamoorthy first met through Zoho. They have comparable frequency and the knowledge to start another backtalk organisation by communicating customer care by selling customer support solutions since the choice Zendesk is raising its expense where even an organisation has experienced major shock with the cost change.

He managed to move on with this fantastic idea. So, Girish and Krishnamoorthy left Zoho to start their own Sass organisation with only six people in 2010.

It took around eight years of hard labour for the organisation to increase its revenue to $100 million. Freshdesk was soon rebranded to Freshworks, the success of which followed and supported it in establishing its base camp in the United States, afterward carrying the organisation more like a greater portion of its user base.

Challenges they Faced

Freshworks and Zoho’s dispute took a severe turn in 2020 when Zoho filed a claim alleging that Freshworks used private data to build a business. The backup company Zoho has also accused Freshworks of poaching its employee’s and customers’ confidential details. The battle is still ongoing.

Freshworks Success and Profit

According to their website, the profit of this mysterious Sass company this year at 2022 is $493.0 – $497.0 million.

❇️ Social Media Accounts of Girish Mathrubootham

Twitter – @mrgirish Facebook – @rathnagirish Instagram – @girish.mathrubootham LinkedIn – @girish1

Hello, readers! So, this article showcased ten inspiring Indian entrepreneur’s success stories who have achieved success in such a short span of time. These success stories are sure to motivate and inspire you to achieve great things in your life and career.

Indian start-ups are on the rise, and there’s no stopping them now. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or have an existing business, it is time to get inspired by these success stories and work even harder to achieve your own goals.

“Wishing you the best in creating your own inspiring success stories!” Today, I’d like to talk about something inspiring: creating your own success story. No matter what your background is or what you’re doing now, it’s always possible to achieve great things. All it takes is hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. So, go out there and make it happen! I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to help you set up or grow your business and also help you in becoming a successful entrepreneur, so you can have your own success stories and inspire the upcoming generations.

Thanks for reading our success stories!

1. Who is India’s No. 1 Entrepreneur?

According to Forbes magazine, Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal are among India’s most successful young entrepreneurs.

2. Why do Indians Succeed in Business?

Indians usually find the possibility, opportunity, and risk factors in any sector and start developing their own business journey. If you need any impressions check out the list of successful entrepreneurs’ stories on this blog.

3. Who is India’s Most Successful Entrepreneur?

The most affluent businessman in the twenty-first century is Mukesh Ambani. However, more aspiring business owners are on the list, competing against one another in this cutthroat industry. For inspiration, read this story on the most successful Indian entrepreneur.

4. Who is the Youngest Millionaire in India?

The founder of Zepto, Kaivalya Vohra, is regarded as the youngest Indian to appear on the Hurun Rich List and has a net worth of more than Rs 1,000 billion.

5. Who is the Most Valuable Startup in India?

echoVME, founded by Sorav Jain, has shaken up the Indian start-up scene with its unique approach to digital marketing. The company’s focus on digital marketing is driven by data which provides valuable digital marketing services to its clients across the globe. This has resulted in echoVME fast becoming one of the most valuable startups in India.

Written By Digital Scholar

Digital Scholar is a premier agency-styled digital marketing institute in India. Which offers an online digital marketing course and a free digital marketing course worldwide to elevate their digital skills and become industry experts. Digital Scholar is headed by Sorav Jain and co-founder Rishi Jain, who are pioneers in the field of digital marketing. Digital Scholar’s blogs touch upon numerous aspects of digital marketing and help you get intensive ideas of different domains of digital marketing.

Comments on “ Top 10 Inspiring Indian Entrepreneurs Success Stories: That Will Inspire You! ”

Really motivated by these real stories , you all inspire us from within and help us to work even more harder and to achieve our goals.

Many thanks to all, Poornima S B

Absolutely amazing inspirational stories. Thanks a lot

Thank you Pallavi.

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• Case Studies

Meesho Case Study, Empowering Entrepreneurs and Transforming E-Commerce in India

In a world where e-commerce giants dominate the digital marketplace, one Indian startup dared to challenge the status quo and rewrite the rules of online selling. Meet Meesho , a game-changer in the world of social commerce, where entrepreneurship knows no bounds, and dreams come to life with just a smartphone and a vision.

Imagine a platform where anyone, from homemakers seeking financial independence to students looking to earn extra income, can effortlessly step into the realm of online entrepreneurship.

Meesho has not only turned this vision into reality but has also ignited a revolution, empowering individuals to become their bosses and redefine the way we buy and sell products in the digital age.

From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Meesho’s tale is a testament to the power of determination, technology, and the unwavering belief that anyone can be an entrepreneur in the digital era.

Step into the world of Meesho Case Study, where the future of e-commerce is being shaped, one reseller at a time.

Table of Contents

The Birth of Meesho

The story of how Meesho started is a fascinating journey of two young entrepreneurs who identified a pressing need in the Indian e-commerce landscape and set out to address it. Meesho was founded by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal , both graduates of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. 

Here’s a detailed look at how Meesho came into existence:

1. Identifying the Problem:

Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal started their entrepreneurial journey while working at a logistics startup in 2015. During this time, they observed a significant challenge faced by small-scale entrepreneurs and individuals in India. 

The e-commerce industry was booming, but it was dominated by big players, making it difficult for small businesses and individuals to compete. These potential entrepreneurs lacked the infrastructure, resources, and know-how to start their own e-commerce businesses.

2. The Idea Takes Shape:

Vidit and Sanjeev realized that there was a vast untapped market of people, especially women, homemakers, and students, who were looking for ways to earn extra income but lacked the means to do so. 

They saw an opportunity to create a platform that would empower these individuals to start their online businesses with minimal investment and technical knowledge. This idea was the seed that would eventually grow into Meesho.

3. Building the Business Model:

With a clear vision in mind, Vidit and Sanjeev set about building the business model for Meesho. They recognized that social networks like WhatsApp and Facebook were already being used extensively by Indians for communication and sharing. 

Leveraging these platforms as a means of selling products seemed like a logical and cost-effective approach.

The business model that emerged was based on the concept of “ social commerce .” Meesho would partner with wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers, who would list their products on the platform. 

Individuals, who would become resellers, could then browse these products, personalize listings, and promote them to their social networks.

4. The Launch of Meesho:

In 2015, Vidit and Sanjeev officially launched Meesho as a mobile app . The app’s user-friendly interface allowed resellers to easily discover products, set their own profit margins, and share product listings on their social media accounts. 

Meesho handled the order fulfillment process, including packaging and delivery, freeing resellers from logistical challenges.

5. Early Challenges and Growth:

Like any startup, Meesho faced its fair share of challenges in its early days. Convincing suppliers to come on board and building a network of resellers were initial hurdles.

However, the founders persisted, continuously refining their platform based on user feedback and market dynamics.

6. Funding and Scaling:

Meesho’s potential did not go unnoticed by investors. Over the years, the company secured funding from various investors and venture capitalists, including Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, and Facebook, among others. This funding allowed Meesho to scale rapidly and expand its operations.

Social Media and Influencer Marketing of Meesho

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce and digital marketing, the role of social media and influencer marketing cannot be overstated. Meesho, the Indian social commerce platform , has recognized the significance of these two strategies and has leveraged them effectively to propel its success. 

The key strategies that have contributed to its prominence in the industry.

1. Utilizing Social Media as a Sales Channel:

Meesho’s core model revolves around the use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram as channels for selling products. 

Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, Meesho embraces social media as a primary means of reaching customers. Here’s how it works:

• Reseller Empowerment : Meesho provides a user-friendly app that enables resellers (often individuals, homemakers, or students) to easily browse a catalog of products and share them with their social media networks.
• Personalization : Resellers can personalize product listings by adding their profit margins, making it easy to market products to their specific audience.
• Ease of Communication : Meesho simplifies the communication process by integrating messaging and order management directly into the app, allowing resellers to engage with customers and complete transactions seamlessly.

By integrating social media directly into its business model, Meesho capitalizes on the widespread use of these platforms and leverages the personal networks and relationships of its resellers to drive sales.

2. Influencer Collaborations:

Influencer marketing is a potent tool in the world of digital marketing, and Meesho has recognized its potential. 

The platform collaborates with influencers to promote its products, gain visibility, and attract a wider audience. Here’s how Meesho approaches influencer marketing:

• Identifying the Right Influencers : Meesho identifies influencers who resonate with its target audience and brand values. These influencers can be macro-influencers with large followings or micro-influencers with niche appeal.
• Authentic Partnerships : Meesho focuses on building authentic and long-term partnerships with influencers. This approach ensures that influencers genuinely believe in the platform and the products they promote, which resonates better with their followers.
• Content Collaboration : Meesho collaborates with influencers on content creation, allowing them creative freedom while aligning with the brand’s messaging. This leads to more organic and engaging content.
• Tracking and Analytics : The platform closely monitors the impact of influencer collaborations through metrics such as engagement rates, website traffic, and conversions.

By partnering with influencers who have a strong online presence and credibility, Meesho is able to tap into the influencers’ follower base, gaining access to potential customers who are more likely to trust product recommendations from someone they follow and admire.

3. Community Building:

Meesho places a significant emphasis on building a community among its resellers. This sense of community extends to social media, where resellers often form groups and networks to support each other, share strategies, and celebrate successes. Meesho actively encourages this community building through:

• Training Programs : Meesho conducts training programs, both online and offline, to educate resellers on effective social media marketing strategies.
• Support Networks : The platform provides support groups on various social media platforms, where resellers can seek advice, share experiences, and learn from each other.
• Recognition and Rewards : Meesho recognizes and rewards top-performing resellers through various means, including social media shout-outs and exclusive events.

This sense of community not only fosters loyalty among resellers but also creates a network effect as successful resellers inspire and mentor others to join the platform.

4. Content Creation and User-Generated Content (UGC):

Meesho encourages its resellers to create original content showcasing the products they sell. 

This content, often in the form of images, videos, and reviews, serves as valuable social proof and authentic marketing material. 

Meesho features user-generated content on its social media channels and website to:

• Build Trust : UGC helps build trust among potential customers by showcasing real people using and endorsing Meesho products.
• Drive Engagement : Content created by resellers generates engagement, including likes, comments, and shares, which increases the visibility of Meesho’s products.
• Inspire Others : When resellers see their peers successfully promoting products, it inspires them to do the same, leading to more resellers and a wider social media presence.

Meesho Business Model

Meesho’s business model revolves around the concept of “social commerce.” Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, Meesho leverages social media networks like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram as channels for selling products. Here’s how it works:

1. Supplier Network:

Meesho partners with wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers who list their products on the platform. These products range from clothing and accessories to household items and electronics.

2. Reseller Network:

Meesho’s primary user base consists of resellers, most of whom are homemakers, students, or individuals looking to earn extra income. These resellers browse through the catalog of products on the Meesho app and select items they wish to sell.

3. Personalization and Promotion:

Resellers can personalize their product listings, add their profit margins, and promote these listings on their social media accounts. They can also share product catalogs with their network of friends and family.

4. Orders and Fulfillment:

When a customer places an order through a reseller, Meesho takes care of the entire order fulfillment process, including product packaging and delivery. This allows resellers to focus solely on sales and customer engagement.

5. Commission:

Resellers earn a commission on each sale they make, and this commission is paid out by Meesho. The platform also offers various incentives and bonuses to motivate resellers.

Meesho’s Business Model Impact on Entrepreneurs

Meesho’s innovative business model has had a profound impact on entrepreneurs in India, particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities. Here are some key aspects of its impact:

• Empowering Women : Meesho has been instrumental in empowering women by providing them with a platform to start and grow their businesses from the comfort of their homes. Many women who were previously homemakers have become successful entrepreneurs through Meesho.
• Financial Inclusion: Meesho enables individuals with limited financial resources to become business owners. It eliminates the need for significant capital investment, making entrepreneurship accessible to a broader audience.
• Skill Development: Resellers on Meesho learn valuable skills such as marketing, sales, and customer service. This knowledge not only helps them succeed on the platform but also equips them for future endeavors.
• Income Generation: For many, Meesho is a source of supplementary income. Resellers can earn money while managing other responsibilities, making it a flexible and convenient source of livelihood.
• Social Impact : Meesho’s success stories have a ripple effect in communities, inspiring others to explore entrepreneurship and financial independence.

The Secret to Meesho’s Success

Meesho’s rapid rise and sustained success can be attributed to several key factors:

• User-Centric Approach: Meesho places a strong emphasis on understanding the needs and challenges of its users, which has allowed it to continuously refine its platform and offerings.
• Seamless User Experience: The Meesho app is user-friendly and caters to a wide range of users, including those with limited technological proficiency.
• Strategic Partnerships: Meesho has formed strategic partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms, logistics providers, and payment gateways, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
• Technology and Data: Meesho leverages data analytics and technology to provide personalized recommendations to resellers, optimize logistics, and improve the overall user experience.
• Community Building: Meesho has fostered a strong sense of community among its resellers through training programs, support networks, and recognition of achievements.

How can anyone start earning with Meesho?

Starting to earn with Meesho is a straightforward process, and it’s designed to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, including homemakers, students, and anyone looking to supplement their income. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how anyone can begin earning with Meesho:

1. Download the Meesho App:

The first step is to download the Meesho app from the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store (for iOS devices). The app is free to download and use.

2. Create an Account:

Once you have the app installed, open it and create a Meesho account. You’ll need to provide some basic information and set up your profile.

3. Explore the Product Catalog:

After creating your account, you can browse Meesho’s product catalog. The catalog includes a wide range of products in categories like fashion, accessories, household items, electronics, and more.

4. Select Products to Resell:

Browse through the catalog and choose the products you’d like to resell. You can filter products based on your interests and target audience.

5. Personalize Product Listings:

Once you’ve selected products, you can personalize the listings by adding your profit margin. This margin represents the commission you’ll earn on each sale.

6. Share Products on Social Media:

The core of Meesho’s model involves sharing product listings on your social media accounts like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. You can create posts, send messages, and engage with your network to promote the products.

7. Build Your Customer Base:

As you share products, you’ll start to build a customer base. Engage with potential buyers, answer their questions, and provide excellent customer service.

8. Receive Orders and Earn Commissions:

When customers place orders through your product listings, Meesho takes care of the order fulfillment process, including packaging and delivery. You earn a commission on each sale, which is the difference between the selling price (including your profit margin) and the supplier price.

9. Track Your Earnings:

Meesho provides a dashboard within the app where you can track your earnings, sales, and order details in real-time. This helps you keep tabs on your progress and income.

Meesho Organic Competitors

In the competitive landscape of social commerce and e-commerce platforms in India, Meesho has several organic competitors that offer similar services or operate in the same space. These competitors also cater to individuals and small businesses looking to start their online selling journey. Here are some of the organic competitors of Meesho:

Shop101 is a social commerce platform that allows users to start their online businesses. It provides tools and support for reselling products through social media channels. Similar to Meesho, it focuses on empowering individual entrepreneurs.

GlowRoad is another social commerce platform in India that enables individuals to become resellers and earn income by selling products through social networks. It offers a wide range of product categories for reselling.

Kraftly is an e-commerce platform that caters to small sellers and boutique owners. It allows individuals to set up their online stores and sell unique and handmade products. While it’s different from Meesho in some aspects, it shares a focus on empowering small-scale entrepreneurs.

Wooplr (Now acquired by Meesho):

Wooplr was initially a fashion discovery and social commerce platform that allowed users to discover and shop for fashion products. Meesho acquired Wooplr, which indicates that it might have been considered a competitor or complement to Meesho’s services.

Milmila is a B2B e-commerce platform that connects manufacturers and wholesalers with retailers and resellers. While it primarily targets bulk buyers, it has elements of social commerce, and some resellers use the platform to source products.

Zepo is an e-commerce platform that enables individuals and small businesses to set up their online stores. It provides tools for inventory management, payment processing, and order fulfillment, making it suitable for those looking to establish independent online businesses.

Challenges and Future Prospects Of Meesho

While Meesho has achieved remarkable success, it also faces challenges and competition in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Some of the challenges include maintaining the trust and engagement of resellers, addressing logistical and operational complexities, and adapting to changing market dynamics.

However, Meesho’s future prospects appear promising. The platform has ventured into new product categories, expanded its geographical reach, and is exploring international markets. It also continues to invest in technology and data-driven solutions to enhance the user experience and drive growth.

Some Related Posts

Wrapping up.

Meesho’s journey from a simple idea to a pioneering social commerce platform in India is an inspiring case study of entrepreneurship and innovation. By empowering individuals, especially women, to become entrepreneurs and earn a livelihood, Meesho has not only transformed e-commerce but has also made a significant social impact. 

Its user-centric approach, seamless technology, and commitment to fostering a supportive community have been key to its success. As Meesho continues to evolve and expand, it will likely remain a significant player in the Indian e-commerce landscape, shaping the future of online entrepreneurship in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. what is meesho.

Meesho is a social commerce platform based in India that enables individuals to start their online businesses by selling products through social media channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

2. How does Meesho work?

Meesho partners with wholesalers and suppliers who list their products on the platform. Resellers, who are usually individuals, select products from Meesho’s catalog, personalize listings, and promote them on their social media accounts. When a customer makes a purchase, Meesho handles order fulfillment, including packaging and delivery.

3. Who can become a reseller on Meesho?

Meesho is open to a wide range of individuals, including homemakers, students, and anyone looking to earn extra income. The platform is known for empowering women entrepreneurs, but it’s accessible to anyone interested in starting an online business.

4. Do I need to invest money to start as a Meesho reseller?

No, one of the unique features of Meesho is that it allows resellers to start their businesses with minimal investment. You can begin by simply downloading the Meesho app and creating an account.

5. How do resellers earn money on Meesho?

Resellers on Meesho earn money through commissions on each sale they make. They can set their profit margins when listing products, and the difference between the supplier price and the selling price is their commission.

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Failed Startups In India - Case Study of 20 Promising Indian Startups That Tanked

Lakshya Singh , Akash Kushwaha

Sustaining a startup is perhaps the most difficult phase for any entrepreneur. While everyone advocates entrepreneurship as a shortcut to mint money and get rich scheme, the uncertainty and constant pressure to perform is a huge responsibility even for the toughest of individuals. The team at StartupTalky decided to analyze some unsuccessful startups in India.

According to a 2019 report, more than 5 million startups are founded every year. However, only 10%, i.e., 500,000 of these startups, succeed in the long run.

The case study discussed below will give you insights into the failure of some Indian startups that were destined to reach new heights . Learn from the mistakes these Indian ventures did so that you don't end up repeating the same.

Serving home-cooked food is becoming a trend among today’s startups. Yumist was one such venture. It was launched in 2014 to cover the daily-meals segment in India, a largely untapped market. The founders were Alok Jain and Abhimanyu Maheshwari who managed to raise nearly $3 million in funding.

Reason for failure : A business model with a high burn rate that required extensive capital beyond Yumist’s reach for achieving growth. Enough funding was also not available to run the startup. So the startup had to shut down. The Yumist case study is often mentioned when one talks about famously failed startups in India.

2. Dial-A-Celeb

Let’s be honest, a chance to talk with your favorite celebrity is on everyone’s bucket list. Banking on this wish, Dial-A-Celeb was a short-lived yet exciting concept founded in 2016 by Gaurav Chopra and Ranjan Agarwal. In addition to video chats with actors and celebs, the platform also allowed customers to get autographed items such as toys and diaries. However, the startup closed its doors within a year.

Reason for failure : The major reason for Dial-A-Celeb's failure was that celebrities were coming up with their own apps to interact with fans. This trend resulted in immense competition for Dial-A-Celeb and a direct impact on profitability. Dial-A-Celeb was shut in 2017. Know your rivals well and also brace yourself for competition that may arise in the future.

3. Stayzilla

Once on the path to becoming the largest homestay network in India, Stayzilla is reminiscent of a riches-to-rags story. With around $33.5 million in funding and establishing itself in the hotel-rental segment, this brainchild of Yogendra Vasupal, Rupal Yogendra, and Sachit Singhi started crumbling after it failed to repay vendors. The troubles were then aggregated and in February 2017, Yogendra Vasupal officially announced the closure of Stayzilla's operations.

Reason for failure : Stayzilla was way ahead of its time when launched. People were not ready for such Hi-Fi technology. However, the company somehow managed some time on the funding it received. But when people started becoming familiar with online booking, new competitors emerged with better discounts and deals. Stayzilla was unable to provide the same due to the unavailability of funds. Additionally, legal disputes and a lack of focus on growing the business destroyed Stayzilla.

Inter-city travel has become a mainstream requirement— traveling 100 km or more every day is deemed as just another day to some. The reason may be anything: office location, excursion, meeting a friend, etc. These journeys can burn a hole in the pocket. Roder (earlier known as Insta Cabs) was founded by Abhishek Negi, Ashish Rajput, and Siddhant Matre in 2014 to ease inter-city rides. One of Roder's highlights was offering one-way rides at nearly half the market price.

Reason for failure : The inability to cope with customer acquisition costs and not keeping up with the user retention rates. Moreover, increased competition from experienced ventures like Ola and Uber added to Roder's woes. Having a bigger competitor that is more aggressively funded makes the entrepreneurs lose their zeal. And this is one of the major causes of entrepreneurial failure.

5. Turant Delivery

The B2B startup was an intra-city logistics provider that was launched in 2015 to bring a new flavor to the Indian logistics industry. The algorithm followed by Turant Delivery permitted it to offer services at a price as much as 15% less than what fellow competitors charged for the same trip (as per the endeavor’s claim).

Reason for failure : The company did not have the funds to sustain itself in the long run. A logistics service provider needs intensive cash flow to run. Hence, funding is essential for any logistics startup .

6. Finomena

Students are the new target audience when it comes to offering small loans. Acting on this, Finomena came out with an app that provided ‘EMI without cards’. The aim was to allow students to purchase mobile phones and other electronics on a loan. In March 2016, Finomena raised its seeding funding and then made quick strides before going down in 2018.

Reason for failure : Finomena is counted amongst those Indian startups that failed unexpectedly despite having enough funding. It was a fintech startup that focused on providing loans, a segment already dominated by established players before its entry. Fierce competition from rivals like ZestMoney was the major reason behind Finomena's failure. Also, burning cash where it was not needed was another cause. Before you launch your startup, check if the target segment has reached its saturation levels. Also, use your funding wisely!

MrNeeds was a grocery delivery startup founded by Hitashi Garg, Yogesh Garg, Ravi Wadhwa, and Ravi Verma. It provided a subscription-based grocery delivery service. People could easily pay for their subscriptions and receive their groceries on the set date. MrNeeds, a Delhi-based startup , did well with more than 10,000 deliveries in Noida alone.

Reason for failure : MrNeeds was a subscription-based startup. Hence, turnover might not have been that great given how frugal Indians usually' tend to be. So it is possible that the startup had a lack of funding to sustain itself. The entry of funded grocery delivery startups like Grofers and Big Basket can also be another reason for MrNeeds' failure.

8. CardBack

A fintech platform founded by Nidhi Gurnani and Nikhil Wason, CardBack lets credit and debit cardholders with multiple cards know which card provider would offer the best rewards and points on transactions. The venture was funded by famous angel investors such as Alok Mittal and Sunil Kalra and managed to raise $170k in five years.

Reason for failure : CardBack could not secure funds after 2014, and the number of multiple cardholders in India was less than what the fintech startup had expected. Hence, the main reason for CardBack's failure was its over-expectation of market growth. The plan to shift the headquarters to Singapore, where the multiple credit card culture abounds, also failed. The failure to move to Singapore was the final nail in the coffin for CardBack.

9. Overcart

Overcart was the first Indian fintech player to provide a platform for purchasing refurbished, overstock, and pre-owned items. It was founded in 2012. People could buy and sell their electronic devices on the website. Overcart received substantial angel investment; however, the company failed to capitalize on it.

Reason for failure : Overcart did not seem to be very focused on its business. Unsatisfactory services such as late delivery, poor quality of purchased items, and bad customer service led to customer rebuke, thereby causing Overcart to shut down in 2017.

10. RoomsTonite

Last-minute hotel bookings usually end up in a mess and utter disappointment. RoomsTonite was launched to deal with this issue. It received around $1.5 million in funding and ceased functioning by September 2017. The startup rose and crumbled within three years!

Reason for failure : Having strong rivals in the form of Makemytrip and OYO was one reason for RoomsTonite's failure. The credit crunch also added to RoomsTonite's woes. Facing a sudden reduction in the loan's availability is called a credit crunch. Roomstonite faced a credit crunch in 2016 which didn’t allow it to flourish.

11. Doodhwala

Founded in 2015, Doodhwala was a subscription-based platform that delivered milk and grocery items directly to the customer's doorstep. Founded by Ebrahim Akbari and Aakash Agarwal, Doodhwala claimed to complete about 30,000 deliveries in a day.

Reason for failure : According to experts, lack of funds and tough competition from the big shots like BigBasket, Milkbasket, and SuprDaily caused Doodhwala to shut down. It is a prime example of startups that failed in India that failed due to strong competitors.

Russsh was founded in 2012 by Bharat Ahirwar. Russsh offered both first-mile and last-mile on-demand delivery services to individuals and businesses. The company claimed to have a database of over 50,000 loyal clients and completed 500,000 transactions. However, on June 3rd, 2019, the company announced its closure.

Reason for failure : The major reason for Russsh's failure was the lack of funds. It was a self-funded startup and in the absence of enough funds, Russsh was unable to resist the intense competition from its rivals. Bharat Ahirwar also admitted that being a single-founder venture and the absence of a strong team were equally responsible for Russsh's shutdown.

Rakesh Yadav, Rahul Raj, and Aditya Naik founded Koinex in August 2017, and in no time the company established itself as India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. With a user base of over 1 million, Koinex claimed to have a trading volume of over $3 billion and the successful execution of 20 million+ orders.

Reason for failure : Koinex suspended its services on 27th June 2019. The cryptocurrency trading business has seen many ups and downs in India and this instability affected Koinex. The founders stated the lack of a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in India to be a major deterrent that prevented them from running Koinex's operations smoothly.

14. DocTalk

Founded in 2016, by Krishna Chaitanya Aluru, Akshat Goenka, and Vamsee Chamakura, Doctalk connected doctors with patients. Through the Doctalk app, one could find good doctors in the vicinity and after just one in-person visit, the patient could connect to the doctor through the Doctalk app for further consultation and queries.

The patients had to pay a subscription fee, whereas the doctors were charged an initiation fee. In 2018, Doctalk pivoted to a new business model wherein it built an electronic medical record (EMR) solution to help doctors write digital prescriptions on customized prescription templates. The EMR business was launched under a new brand name 'Pulse' and was sold to the doctors as a tool that let them digitalize the entire consultation, and share the same with the patients.

Reason for failure: Doctalk's pivot from its initial business model into the electronic medical record solution (EMR) business was not successful; it is often cited as the cause of DocTalk's closure by company insiders.

15. LoanMeet

P2P lending platform LoanMeet was started in 2015 by Ritesh Singh and Sunil Kumar to help small businesses grow through ultra-short-term loans (for 15, 20, or 30 days) for buying inventories. LoanMart's services included B2B marketplace financing, working capital financing, cash credit line, and channel financing in the range of Rs 5,000 to 5 lakh for a period of 15 days to 9 months. The company claimed to have an average lending ticket size of Rs 50,000 at around an 18% interest rate.

Reason for failure: LoanMeet raised funding from Chinese investors Cao Yibin and Huang Wei in 2017 but failed to secure any funding after that. LoanMart's shutdown is attributed to the lack of funds and tough competition from players like Capital Float, Loan Frame, and Happy Loan.

16. Houseparty

Houseparty was a social media and video chat application that was founded in 2016 by Ben Rubin, Sima Sistani, Itai Danino, and Scott Ahn. The app gained popularity for its unique feature that allowed users to connect with friends in group video calls and play games together in real time.

Reasons for failure : Houseparty’s closure was influenced by multiple factors, including the decline of the pandemic, insufficient funding, and Epic Games' prioritization of other areas.

17. Dark Sky

Dark Sky was a weather forecasting app that provided hyperlocal weather information and accurate forecasts to users. It was founded in 2011 by Adam Grossman and Jack Turner. Dark Sky gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and precise weather predictions, which were based on real-time data and advanced algorithms.

Reasons for failure: Sky announced that it had been acquired by Apple and would be discontinued on other platforms, including Android. The acquisition by Apple led to the dissolution of Dark Sky as an independent entity, and its features were integrated into Apple's own weather services.

Amit Sharma and Apoorva Jois founded the startup, which had secured a total funding of $56.4 Mn from multiple rounds since its inception. The startup had received backing from prominent investors, including Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and Fung Investments.

Reasons for failure   In  August, the B2B e-commerce startup operated by 10i Commerce Services had to close its operations and file for bankruptcy. In a filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), the startup informed its board that it faced challenges in generating sufficient cash flow or raising new capital through the sale of stakes.

19. Lido Learning

Lido Learning was a Mumbai-based Indian educational technology (EdTech) startup that focuses on providing online education. February 2022, Lido Learning made headlines as the first tech startup to lay off more than 150 employees, using the term "pink-slipped," which raised concerns about the company's employment practices.

Reasons for failure Lido Learning faced a concerning situation when payments to their teachers and employees were not being adequately taken care of .

20. Amazon Food, Distribution

In May 2020, Amazon Food entered the competitive Indian food delivery market. However, after trying it out for more than two and half years, Amazon decided to shut down its food delivery platform, which was being piloted in Bengaluru, India, by 29 December 2022.

Reasons for failure Amazon Food failed in India due to stiff competition from established players like Zomato and Swiggy, localization challenges in catering to diverse culinary preferences, operational complexities in building a reliable network of restaurants and delivery partners, and broader cost-cutting measures undertaken by Amazon in a challenging economic environment.

List Of Other Failed Startups In India

Main Reasons why Startups Fail in India

The above-mentioned examples shed light on major issues that are responsible for the failure of nearly 90% of the emerging startups in India:

• Lack of funds: On close observation, it is evident that insufficient funding or the lack of it caused most of the startups to shut down.
• Highly anticipated model, not in sync with the nature and lifestyle of the Indian population: Some of the startups listed above failed because their highly anticipated models were not appropriate for Indians. Startups should either wait for the right time or educate their future consumers about their technology in advance. Also, the company should pivot only after a thorough market study.
• Poor customer service and sub-par quality of the products offered: Be it an online startup or a brick-and-mortar store, customer service is of utmost importance. Some startups compromise on customer service and the quality of their products; the compromise always results in the closure of business.
• Lack of focus and legal disputes: It is imperative for any startup to focus on building a solid foundation and then growing it further. Entrepreneurs should also focus on the legalities which may cause disruptions in the future. What if you ignore these two factors? You cease to operate like Stayzilla.

You can read more about reasons for startups failures here .

How to Bounce back from your Startup's Failure

Panic doesn’t help in failure; relaxation and progressive thinking will prove to be useful. Successful people have seen failures and have overcome all challenges.

Here are some tips to bounce back from your startup's failure:

Share Your Feelings

Don’t think that life ends after a failure. Don’t spend time criticizing yourself or anyone else, but feel proud of the takeaways from that failure. Keep in touch with friends, family, and relatives to stay calm and relaxed in times of failure. Find a mentor or a group of experienced people. Learn from them. Seek guidance and mental support from mentors and entrepreneurs who have seen both success and failure.

Find Different Sources Of Income To Recover Your Loss

Failures will lead to financial difficulties. So work on expanding your income stream. Contact mentors and entrepreneurs for suggestions on income generation. Do not get depressed because money is meant to come and go. Calculate how long your savings will last and plan accordingly. It will be great if you already have a secondary source of income. If not, spend some time creating a source of income through freelancing or consulting.

Prepare And Plan With Consciousness

A lot of lessons are learned after hard times. Use these lessons to prepare and prioritize. Make a survival plan. Startup founders are very comfortable with planning and execution. Appoint suitable founders and workers to assist you. Hard work always pays off, so work until you achieve success. If your startup fails, create an excel sheet, and write down the skills in one column and the potential income from those skills in the second column. By doing this simple exercise, one will get some clarity on how to keep the business running for a few more months.

Wait For The Right Time To Get The Right Opportunities

Don’t take any important decision at the time of failure because the mind is depressed at such a time. Wait and then plan for the future. Take whatever time is required to make up your mind but once the thought process is in place, do not go back to thinking about the failure. Great opportunities do not come frequently. So wait for the right moment. It is better to wait for several months for the right kind of work than to get stuck on the wrong assignment.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Be mindful of your actions after a bout of failure. The right attitude is important during stressful moments. Take the right action with the right attitude. Say no to poor opportunities. Work to the best of your abilities. Aim high and let your failures be the stepping stones to success.

Failure is not an end. It's the first step to success. Whether you are running a startup or are planning to launch one, note down the mistakes discussed in this post. Nothing hurts more than committing a mistake you were already aware of. If this case study on the failure of some promising Indian startups was useful to you, let us know in the comments.

How many startups fail in India?

According to a 2019 report, more than 5 million startups are founded every year. However, only 10% of those startups succeed and the rest break down.

What happens when startups fail?

The startup may gather outstanding accounts, take up loans to settle outstanding debts, sell resources for paying debts, and cater to the investors who funded the startup. Venture capitalists and other investors usually end up at a loss when a startup fails.

Why do 90% of startups fail or why do most Indian startups fail?

Here are some of the major reasons: 1. Lack of funds. 2. Highly anticipated model against the nature and lifestyle of the target audience. 3. Poor customer service and low-quality products. 4. Lack of focus and legal disputes.

What is the hardest business to start?

Businesses that require huge funds to start off with are the hardest to start. Businesses pertaining to logistics,  restaurants, and travel agencies are deemed some of the most difficult businesses to start.

What is the safest business to start?

Businesses that require low investment are the safest. Things that can be done entirely from the comfort of your home are the easiest. Some examples are logo designing, digital marketing, website building, online tutoring, virtual assistance, and so on.

Am I too old to start a business?

There is no age limit for starting a startup. You can be 50 and have a unique idea that might take off in the market.

Must have tools for startups - Recommended by StartupTalky

• Convert Visitors into Leads- SeizeLead
• Manage your business smoothly- Google Workspace
• International Money transfer- XE Money Transfer

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