Meesho Success Story: The Rise of India’s Leading Reselling Platform
Starting a business from home without significant investment has become a reality today, thanks to innovative platforms like Meesho. Over the past decade, eCommerce has revolutionized how people shop, with online platforms generating billions of dollars in sales worldwide. The pandemic further amplified this trend, pushing many toward building their online businesses. Among the most popular ventures is reselling, with Meesho emerging as a standout platform in this domain.
If you’re considering launching a reselling business, Meesho provides the perfect foundation. It empowers users to start their own enterprises with zero upfront investment. Recognized as India’s leading reselling app, Meesho has simplified online selling and built a robust ecosystem for small businesses. Here’s the inspiring story of Meesho’s journey, covering its startup origins, business model, founders, funding, growth, challenges, and future plans.
Meesho – Name and Logo
Meesho recently introduced a redesigned logo, which symbolizes “Aam” to convey warmth and hospitality, while “Jamuni” represents a connection to aspiration and desire. This rebranding effort is aimed at enhancing the platform’s appeal and aligning it more closely with the everyday needs of Indian consumers. The updated logo reflects Meesho’s commitment to being a versatile platform that resonates with a diverse audience.
Meesho operates under the ownership of Fashnear Technologies Private Limited.
About Meesho
- Startup Name: Meesho
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Sector: Retail, E-commerce
- Founders: Sanjeev Barnwal, Vidit Aatrey
- Founded: 2015
- Website: meesho.com
Meesho is an online platform that connects manufacturers, resellers, and customers, enabling seamless transactions in a user-friendly manner. It focuses on affordability, reliable shipping, and hassle-free returns. Meesho has transformed the reselling industry by providing tools for entrepreneurs, particularly women, to start home-based businesses without inventory or logistics worries.
How Meesho Works
Launched in 2015, Meesho acts as a bridge between manufacturers and resellers. Vendors list products on the platform, including categories like clothing, accessories, furniture, and cosmetics. Resellers promote these items on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to find buyers. Once a sale is confirmed, Meesho manages the delivery, offering payment options like cash on delivery (COD) and digital payments.
By eliminating the need for inventory and logistics, Meesho has empowered countless resellers, enabling them to scale their businesses efficiently.
Founders and Team
Sanjeev Barnwal and Vidit Aatrey co-founded Meesho in 2015.
- Sanjeev Barnwal serves as the CTO and has a background in engineering from IIT Delhi. Before Meesho, he worked at Sony Mobile Communications as an Android Camera Developer.
- Vidit Aatrey, the CEO, also graduated from IIT Delhi. He previously worked with InMobi and ITC Limited, gaining experience in growth strategies and operations.
Today, Meesho operates with a team of 1,001-5,000 employees.
The Journey: From Fashnear to Meesho
Initially launched as Fashnear, Meesho aimed to connect customers with local apparel shops, functioning like a hyperlocal delivery platform. However, the founders soon identified limitations in the model, such as low customer interest in local products and the need for sellers to expand beyond regional boundaries.
Recognizing these challenges, the founders rebranded the platform as Meesho in late 2015. Their new focus was on enabling small businesses, particularly women entrepreneurs, to sell across India using social networks. Meesho now serves as a comprehensive solution, handling everything from logistics to returns, empowering resellers and manufacturers alike.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To “Democratize Internet Commerce for Everyone.”
- Vision: To enable 100 million small businesses in India, including individual entrepreneurs, to thrive online.
Revenue Model
Meesho generates revenue through:
- Commissions: Vendors pay a small fee for sales facilitated on the platform. Currently, Meesho does not charge commissions from resellers.
- Logistics Fees: Sellers pay for delivery services provided by Meesho.
- Advertising: Sellers can boost product visibility by paying for promotional features within the app.
Challenges Faced
Meesho has overcome several hurdles on its path to success, including:
- Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused logistical challenges, forcing Meesho to adapt and diversify into essentials like groceries.
- Counterfeit Products: Ensuring product quality and addressing legal concerns have been priorities.
- Cash Burn: Transitioning from a social commerce model to a business-to-consumer (B2C) platform led to temporary losses but positioned Meesho for long-term growth.
Funding and Growth
Meesho has raised over $1.4 billion through multiple funding rounds, with prominent investors like SoftBank, Sequoia Capital, and Prosus backing the company. It achieved profitability in June 2023 and continues to expand its seller base, with ambitions to onboard 10 million small businesses by 2027.
Future Plans
Meesho aims to go public within the next few years, showcasing confidence in its growth trajectory. The platform is also investing in advanced AI technologies and partnerships to improve user experience and support sellers more effectively.
Meesho’s success lies in its ability to empower individuals to become entrepreneurs, providing them with tools, resources, and a vast marketplace to grow. From its humble beginnings to becoming a household name in eCommerce, Meesho’s journey inspires entrepreneurs and startups worldwide.
This version maintains the essence of the content while ensuring originality and plagiarism-free presentation.