Meesho is a social commerce platform based in Bengaluru, India, that connects suppliers and resellers to create a network of online sellers. It was founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, two IIT Delhi graduates who were inspired by the idea of empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs.
The founders started Meesho as a simple messaging app that allowed small sellers to connect with potential customers via WhatsApp. They soon realized that there was a bigger opportunity to create a social commerce platform that could enable millions of small businesses to sell online.
Meesho’s unique approach was to leverage the power of social networks to create a network of resellers who could promote and sell products to their friends and family. The platform provides resellers with a wide range of products to choose from, including fashion, beauty, home appliances, and more.
The company’s early success was driven by its ability to tap into India’s massive informal economy, where small businesses and entrepreneurs make up a significant portion of the workforce. Meesho quickly gained traction, and within a few years, it had become one of India’s fastest-growing startups.
In 2018, Meesho raised $50 million in a funding round led by Shunwei Capital and Sequoia India. The company used the funds to expand its network of resellers and to invest in technology and product development.
Today, Meesho has over 10 million resellers on its platform, and it has expanded its product range to include grocery, health and wellness, and other categories. The company has also launched a number of new features, such as payments and logistics, to make it easier for resellers to do business online.
Meesho’s success has made it a poster child for India’s startup ecosystem and a shining example of how technology can be used to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs.
