Meesho is a well-known e-commerce platform in India that has helped millions of people start their online businesses with little to no investment. Founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho has changed the way small businesses sell products online. It has become a leader in the social commerce space, helping people earn money by selling products through social media platforms.
The Beginning of Meesho
Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, both graduates of IIT Delhi, saw a big gap in the market. They noticed that many small business owners and shopkeepers wanted to sell online but lacked the resources to do so. To solve this problem, they launched Meesho, a platform that makes online selling easy for everyone. Their goal was to help small businesses and individuals sell products without worrying about inventory or shipping.
How Meesho Works
Meesho allows people to sell products to their network using social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Users, known as resellers, select products from Meesho’s catalog and share them with their contacts. When a customer places an order, Meesho handles the payment, packaging, and delivery. The reseller earns a profit by adding their own margin to the product price. This business model has enabled many people, especially homemakers and small entrepreneurs, to earn money from home.
Growth and Milestones
Since its launch, Meesho has grown rapidly. By 2021, it had over 13 million entrepreneurs using its platform. A large number of them are women from smaller cities who have gained financial independence through Meesho.
In 2021, Meesho became a unicorn, meaning its valuation crossed $1 billion. This achievement showed how successful the platform had become in India’s growing e-commerce sector.
Investments and Funding
Meesho’s success has attracted many investors. In 2019, it became the first Indian startup to receive funding from Facebook. Other major investors include Sequoia Capital India, Elevation Capital, and SoftBank Vision Fund. These investments have helped Meesho expand and improve its platform.
Challenges and Solutions
Like any business, Meesho has faced challenges. It competes with big e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart. To stay ahead, Meesho has focused on improving its technology, adding more product categories, and ensuring quality control. It has also worked to make the platform more user-friendly, helping new resellers get started easily.
Impact on Society
Meesho has made a big impact on society. It has given millions of people, especially women and those from small towns, a way to earn money. Many homemakers, students, and job seekers have started their own businesses with the help of Meesho. By reducing the barriers to entry in e-commerce, Meesho has created more opportunities for financial independence.
Future Plans
Meesho is looking to grow even more. It plans to improve its technology, expand its product range, and reach more people in different parts of India. With the e-commerce market in India expected to grow, Meesho is in a strong position to help more people start their businesses online.
Conclusion
Meesho’s journey from a small startup to a major e-commerce platform is an inspiring success story. By providing an easy way for people to sell online, it has changed the lives of millions. As Meesho continues to grow, it will keep playing a key role in shaping the future of online business in India.
