Tapping Kirana network
Investors are making in-depth studies of the Indian market’s expansion from metros, cities, urban regions to rural towns and villages, led by the mobile broadband access for placing every dollar in start-ups to small corner shop “Kirana”, networks of which stretches across the country.
The market evaluation is extensive for investors such as Angels, Family wealth managers, private equities and venture capitalists are convinced of reaching every household for supplying homecare products, the range of which is from groceries to paints and ceramic tiles.
Broadband connections and network linking millions of Kirana shops, empowered by specifically designed apps, will boost the supply chain backed by retailers and major supply stores improving on deliveries.
A strong and powerful link is in the making, driven by technology and small sum capital, according to investors.
Endorsing these market development trends is David Gowdey, managing partner at Jungle Venture Pte Ltd in Singapore, which has invested in India’s SnapBizz helping enhance the businesses of grass roots shops.
“Most Kirana shops want to move into digital age,” noted Gowdey.
Gowdey sees the small Kirana shops having their logistics managed through digitized and internet network, link with bigger grocery stores and have an app each for taking orders and making deliveries for big supply chains.
The US$100 million Singapore-based venture capitalist’s other investments include Livspace, a home décor start-up in Bangalore. fii-news.com
