In the vibrant landscape of Indian startups, Meesho has emerged as a trailblazer, transforming the way people do business and disrupting the e-commerce industry. Founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho has quickly become a game-changer by enabling individuals to start their online businesses with minimal investment and providing a platform for small-scale entrepreneurs to flourish.
Overview
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Meesho |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Founders | Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal |
| Industry | E-commerce, Social commerce |
| Business Model | Reseller marketplace |
| Platform | Mobile application (Android and iOS) |
| Target Audience | Small businesses, homemakers, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to start a business |
| Services | – Enables individuals to start their own online reselling business |
| – Offers a wide range of products across categories like fashion, beauty, home decor, and more | |
| – Provides tools for resellers to manage orders, track earnings, and communicate with buyers | |
| – Facilitates cash-on-delivery, online payments, and easy returns | |
| Funding | Raised over $1 billion in funding from investors like Facebook, SoftBank, and others |
| User Base | Millions of resellers and customers across India |
| Key Features | – Catalog management and sharing |
| – Order management and tracking | |
| – Secure payment options | |
| – In-app communication with customers | |
| – Earnings and analytics tracking | |
| – Training and support for resellers | |
| Competitors | GlowRoad, Shop101, Wooplr, Shopmatic |
| Website | www.meesho.com |
Mission and Vision:
Meesho’s mission is to create 20 million successful entrepreneurs by 2023, empowering individuals across India to achieve financial independence. Their vision is to build a platform where anyone can start and grow their business, irrespective of their educational background or location.
Key Products/Services:
Meesho operates as a social commerce platform, connecting suppliers and resellers through an innovative mobile app. Their user-friendly interface allows entrepreneurs to discover, share, and sell products directly to their network using various social media channels. Meesho also provides logistics and payment support, ensuring a seamless experience for both resellers and customers.
Unique Value Proposition:
Meesho’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to democratize entrepreneurship by providing a low-entry barrier to the e-commerce space. Their platform offers a wide range of high-quality, affordable products, sourced directly from trusted suppliers. Additionally, Meesho’s resellers benefit from personalized training and marketing tools, enhancing their chances of success.
Target Market:
Meesho primarily targets the burgeoning Indian middle class, which represents a massive untapped market of aspiring entrepreneurs and digitally savvy consumers. Their focus is on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where individuals are seeking flexible income opportunities and access to a vast array of products at competitive prices.
Notable Achievements:
Since its inception, Meesho has achieved remarkable milestones and garnered recognition within the industry. Some notable achievements include:
Surpassing 20 million registered entrepreneurs on their platform.
Facilitating billions of dollars in annualized gross merchandise value (GMV).
Successful partnerships with renowned brands and suppliers, expanding their product range.
Recognition as one of the most innovative startups globally, winning awards such as the 2020 LinkedIn Top Startups India and the 2021 ET Startup Awards.
Founding Story, Team, and Company Culture:
Meesho’s founding story stems from the desire to empower small-scale entrepreneurs. Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, both graduates from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, recognized the potential of the untapped social commerce market in India. With their combined passion for technology and entrepreneurship, they embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between suppliers and resellers, ultimately founding Meesho.
The company boasts a diverse and talented team of professionals, comprising experts in technology, e-commerce, and business development. Meesho fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, nurturing an environment where every individual’s ideas are valued, and creativity thrives. Their team is driven by the belief that empowering entrepreneurs can uplift communities and drive economic growth.
Growth Trajectory, Funding, and Partnerships:
Meesho’s growth trajectory has been exceptional, showcasing their market dominance and industry disruption. The company has experienced rapid expansion, achieving multiple funding rounds from prominent investors such as Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, and Facebook. These investments have fueled Meesho’s ability to enhance their technology infrastructure, expand their supplier network, and solidify their market presence.
Furthermore, Meesho has formed strategic partnerships with leading brands and suppliers, enabling them to offer a diverse range of products to resellers and customers. Collaborations with global e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart have further strengthened their position in the market.
Future Plans and Market Impact:
Meesho’s future plans revolve around scaling their operations, investing in technology advancements, and expanding their reach across India. They aim to deepen their engagement with resellers by offering additional services and tools to foster their success.
With its disruptive business model and innovative approach to social commerce, Meesho is poised to make a significant impact in the market. By democratizing entrepreneurship, empowering individuals, and revolutionizing e-commerce, Meesho is changing the landscape of the Indian business ecosystem.
FAQ’s
What is Meesho?
Meesho is an online social commerce platform that enables individuals and small businesses to start their own online stores and sell products through social media channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
How does Meesho work?
Meesho provides a platform where sellers can discover products from various suppliers, add their profit margin, and share those products with potential customers through social media. When a customer places an order, the seller purchases the product from Meesho and earns a profit.
Is Meesho available worldwide?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Meesho primarily operates in India. However, it’s always best to check the latest information directly from Meesho’s official website or customer support to see if they have expanded to other regions.
Can anyone become a seller on Meesho?
Yes, Meesho welcomes individuals and small businesses to become sellers on their platform. You can sign up as a seller, create your online store, and start selling products through Meesho.
What kind of products can I sell on Meesho?
Meesho offers a wide range of products, including fashion clothing, accessories, home decor, kitchenware, electronics, beauty products, and more. They collaborate with various suppliers to provide a diverse catalog for sellers to choose from.
How do I get paid as a Meesho seller?
When you make a sale on Meesho, your profit margin is credited to your Meesho account. You can then transfer the accumulated earnings to your bank account via direct bank transfer or through digital payment platforms.
Is there any fee or commission to sell on Meesho?
Meesho does not charge any registration or subscription fees. However, they may deduct a small commission from your earnings for facilitating the platform and providing support services. The commission rates can vary based on the product category.
How can I track my orders on Meesho?
Meesho provides a dashboard and a mobile app for sellers, where you can manage your orders, track shipments, and view your earnings. You will also receive notifications and updates regarding your orders through the platform.
Does Meesho provide customer support?
Yes, Meesho offers customer support services to assist sellers with their queries and concerns. They have a dedicated support team that can be contacted through their website or mobile app.
Can I return or exchange products purchased through Meesho?
Meesho has a return and refund policy in place. As a seller, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the policies and communicate them to your customers. In case of any issues with products, customers can initiate return or refund requests through the Meesho platform.
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