Udaan: Empowering Small & Medium Businesses on its Path to Becoming a Unicorn
Founded in 2016 by a trio of former Flipkart employees, Udaan has rapidly evolved into a transformative force within India’s business landscape. This B2B trade platform has been purposefully crafted to cater to the unique needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country. Udaan’s inception marked the beginning of a journey that culminated in its unicorn status in 2018, propelled by a substantial $225 million investment from DST Global and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Udaan’s remarkable growth is rooted in its unwavering commitment to empowering businesses. With a robust network boasting more than 3 million registered users, the platform serves as a dynamic conduit for facilitating trade and fostering connections within India’s vast and diverse SME sector. Notably, Udaan’s reach extends to over 900 cities, encompassing an impressive 12,000 pin codes, thus creating an extensive web that bridges geographical gaps.
A key testament to Udaan’s effectiveness is its role in enabling over 4.5 million transactions each month. This staggering figure underscores the platform’s indispensability in the B2B e-commerce sphere. Udaan’s digital infrastructure has not only streamlined transactions but has also been instrumental in bolstering the growth of numerous businesses.
Udaan’s strategic vision extends beyond its current achievements, with plans to take its journey public in the next two years. This move toward going public is indicative of Udaan’s ambition to further amplify its impact and strengthen its position as a trailblazer in the B2B e-commerce realm.
In summary, Udaan’s ascent from its 2016 inception to unicorn status in 2018 is a testament to its innovative approach to SME empowerment. By harnessing technology to create an expansive and efficient trade network, Udaan has emerged as a leader in the B2B e-commerce sector. As it sets its sights on the public market, Udaan’s journey continues to captivate the business world, embodying the spirit of growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication to transforming India’s business landscape.