Ninjacart Appoints Paul Varghese as Head of Its Reseller Platform

Ninjacart, India's leading agri-startup that leverages technology and data to organize the Indian agriculture ecosystem, announced the appointment of Paul Varghese as Head of its Reseller Platform effective October 6, 2022.

The appointment comes as a part of Ninjacart’s continued focus on strengthening both Ninjacart’s Fulfillment and Platform businesses. As Ninjacart's Reseller platform leader, Paul will contribute to the development of the company's strategy, GTM, teams, and execution capabilities.

A post-graduate from IIM Calcutta, Paul Varghese brings in an experience of over two decades of expertise in sales, marketing, and building the business domain. Paul has previously worked for Swiggy, Reckitt, and Procter & Gamble. At Swiggy he led restaurant partner relationships for the food marketplace business as well as cloud kitchen and brandworks business lines. At Reckitt and P&G he has worked extensively with growing brand penetration and driving channel engagement to expand the business network.

Commenting on the appointment, Kartheeswaran K K, COO & Co-Founder of Ninjacart said, “I am absolutely excited to welcome Paul on board. I am confident Ninjacart will thrive under his leadership due to his track record of success and expertise. Paul's vast experience and leadership will enhance our collective passion as we invest in Ninjacart's vision of becoming India’s largest agri platform."

About Ninjacart:

Ninjacart is India's leading agri-platform, which leverages technology and data to organize the agri commerce ecosystem. Ninjacart aims to be the digital plumbing network for global agri commerce that solves structural problems such as information asymmetry, payment hassles, distribution inefficiency, and discovering new buyers and sellers with tech-first solutions. Today, Ninjacart operates in 150+ markets across multiple agri commodities. To know more, please visit www.ninjacart.com.

Walmart and Tiger Global Backed Ninjacart Launches Agri Export-Import Platform "Ninja Global" for UAE and GCC in a Mega Event

• Launch event inaugurated by Shri K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce), Consulate General, Dubai
• The platform is specially curated for the UAE and other GCC countries’ markets
• The platform will create an international network of empowered agri importers & exporters and help them to conduct cross-border trade securely
• With free lifetime subscription, importers and exporters can easily download the app on Android and iOS platforms

Walmart and Tiger Global backed Ninjacart, India's leading agri-startup that leverages technology and data to organise the Indian agriculture ecosystem, has expanded its footprint globally by launching ‘Ninja Global’ platform for agri export-import businesses in the UAE and GCC countries. The T4 Agri EXIM Summit launch event was held in Dubai, UAE on September 17th. Shri K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce), Consulate General, Dubai inaugurated the event and several other industry leaders and dignitaries were also in attendance. Ninja Global is an agri export-import commerce platform that allows exporters and importers to build their networks with credible businesses, gain access to new markets, and expand their businesses efficiently on an international scale.

Noted EXIM industry leaders such as Mr Gaurav Sethi, Owner and Director of Intercont+, Mr. Deepak Gandhi, Head of Sales from Drip Capital, Mr Bharat Thanvi, Co-Founder, Freightwalla and Mr Ankit Goel, Senior Vice President, Modifi were present at the launch event and shared valuable industry insights with the audience. Additionally, over 150+ exporters and importers from Dubai participated in the event. Ninja Global aims to strengthen the export-import market for agri commodities between UAE and India.

The platform is curated to solve the global problem of finding and trading with authentic, trusted & credible exporters and importers of agri-commodities. The platform will assist users in developing a digital identity by easily registering their company on the platform and showcasing their business to potential customers and suppliers. Most importantly, the platform verifies and authenticates businesses on the platform, so one can easily trade with credible businesses across the globe.

Ninja Global's comprehensive suite of services and features includes Ninja Secure Trade (NST), which provides payment and quality assurance services, ensuring traders' highest levels of confidence. The Credibility Journey feature provides businesses with various trust badges based on information provided by sellers/buyers. Additionally, Microsite for Businesses offering ensures a virtual storefront with product catalogues and pricing information, and Freight Forwarding Online Bidding feature makes way for hassle-free logistics experiences at competitive costs for suppliers.

Ninja Global is specially designed for UAE importers to connect with credible exporters in other countries to grow their businesses. Importers and exporters can easily download the app from Android (https://bit.ly/3KK4TYf) and iOS (https://apple.co/3LP8ohs) platforms. The free subscription app is currently used by 5000+ importers and exporters across 24+ countries and is easily downloadable.

Commenting on the launch of the platform, Kartheeswaran K K, COO & Co-Founder, Ninjacart said, "The size of cross-border trade for agricultural commodities alone is around $2.5 trillion, and we expect it to grow by at least 20%. NinjaGlobal will empower the dynamic market through a variety of services. Our goal in launching NinjaGlobal in UAE & GCC is to strengthen the export-import market for agri commodities between GCC and India, empower agri-importers and exporters in GCC countries as well as India, and advance our vision of organising the agri eco-system.”

Also commenting on Ninja Global’s launch was Shri K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce), Consulate General, Dubai, who said, “Ninja Global has solved the most pressing problem of finding credible sellers and buyers, especially in the India-UAE trade route. Currently, traders are facing a lot of challenges finding a genuine seller and buyer, but now thanks to NinjaGlobal they can trade securely.”

About Ninja Global:

Ninja Global is an initiative by Ninjacart to create an international network for exporters and importers to facilitate trusted trade. We are building a community of curated, audited, and verified cross-border trading businesses. This network strives to create transparency and trust amongst the international trading community. Currently, we serve 5000+ Exporters and Importers across 24+ countries. To know more, please visit https://global.ninjacart.com/

About Ninjacart:

Ninjacart is India's leading agri-platform, which leverages technology and data to organise the agri commerce ecosystem. Ninjacart aims to be the digital plumbing network for global agri commerce that solves structural problems such as information asymmetry, payment hassles, distribution inefficiency, and discovering new buyers and sellers with tech-first solutions. Today, Ninjacart operates in 150+ markets across multiple agri commodities. Valued at $950+ million in 2022, Ninjacart is backed by Walmart, Tiger Global, Accel Partners & Syngenta group ventures, among others. To know more, please visit www.ninjacart.com

Bengaluru-based Agri-Tech Startup Fyllo Raises ~$2 Mn Led by Triveni Trust, Ninjacart and IAN

Fyllo Co-founders Sumit (Left) and Sudhanshu Rai (Right)

• Fyllo helps farmers grow export quality crops through its data-driven platform that is powered by IoT, AI, and Agronomy
• The agri-tech startup has developed crop-specific models for irrigation, nutrients, diseases, pests, and weather management for each physiological stage
• Startup’s precise farming models bring consistency in produced quantity and quality across farms and geography

IAN, an existing investor, joined the US 2mn round in Fyllo, an agri-tech startup led by Triveni Trusts, Ninjacart and new investors Venture Catalysts, StarAgri, Kia Ora Ventures, Singualrity Ventures, Mastermind Capital and angel investors.

The startup will use the capital raised for its expansion to new markets and towards research and development to support more crops.

Founded in 2019, Fyllo brings certainty in quality and quantity of agricultural produce through its data-driven Agri-science platform. Their IoT system understands and measures precise requirements of plants on real-time basis and then Agri-science platform backed by AI provides timely advise to farmers. The startup has developed crop-specific models for irrigation, nutrients, diseases, pests, and weather management for each physiological stage of crop and soil.

Fyllo has expanded its services to 2000+ farmers and 10+ corporates across 4 states in India covering 20,000 acres.

Speaking on the latest development, founders of Fyllo, Sudhanshu Rai and Sumit said, “Farmers have seen the impact of technology and the adaptability has increased. Having received the funding, we are looking to invest in expanding our brand to new markets and more crops.”

Mr. M.K Dhanuka, Managing Trustee, Triveni Trust said, “Fyllo’s specific, precise and AI-driven advise to farmers helps them increase their crop productivity and lower input cost. 100% customer retention reflects the farmer’s confidence in Fyllo’s offering. This will contribute to transforming India through agriculture. We are excited about our investment in Fyllo.”

Fyllo has reduced the risks involved and brought consistency in farming. Along with reducing the cost of cultivation, the platform helped farmers increase the yield and income. On a cumulative basis, farmers have saved over 9 billion litres of water using Fyllo.

Ninjacart co-led this round and Mr. Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Co-founder & CEO , of Ninjacart said, "Fyllo provides actionable insights through a combination of technology, science and data. We look forward to working with Fyllo team to expand their distribution through Ninjacart’s farmer network across the country."

Padmaja Ruparel, co-founder of IAN said, “IAN invests in changemaker-startups like Fyllo — which have witnessed continuous business growth. The founders bring both passion and leadership and we are excited to be a part of the Fyllo journey."

Further adding Mr. Balvinder Singh Kalsi, Managing Director, KiaOra Ventures said, “Fyllo’s offering is a great example of bringing precision farming technology to Indian farmers. This is another step towards doubling farmers income. We are happy to be a part of Fyllo’s future journey.

Indian Angel Network is India’s first and world’s largest business angel network with close to 500 members across the world, comprising the who’s who of successful entrepreneurs and dynamic CEOs. With investors from 12 countries, IAN’s presence spans 7 locations, which includes cities in India and the UK. The network is sector agnostic and has funded start-ups across 19 sectors in India and 7 other countries growing global footprint companies. With an excellent track record, IAN has been giving excellent cash exits year-on-year to its investor members, for the last 12 years. Some of its marquee investee companies include Druva, Spinny, Box8, Uniphore, WOW Momos, Consure, Fareye, NOCCARC, Propelld, Skit.ai amongst many others.

IAN Fund, an INR 375 crore VC fund is a uniquely differentiated seed/early stage Fund that aims to transform India’s entrepreneurial landscape. The fund invests in innovative companies in sectors including healthcare and medical devices, VR, AI, software as a service, marketplaces, fin-tech, big data, artificial intelligence, agritech, and hardware. With this, IAN has created the single largest platform for seed and early-stage investing, enabling entrepreneurs to raise from INR 0.25 to 50 crores.

With this, IAN has created the single largest platform for seed and early-stage investing, enabling entrepreneurs to raise from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 crores.

Ninjacart Partners With Avanti Finance To Launch Innovative Credit Products Focused On The Agri Value Chain

Ninjacart, India's leading agri-platform which leverages technology to organise the agriculture ecosystem, has expanded its capabilities within the agri-tech space championing digital financial inclusivity through a strategic partnership with Avanti Finance. Through this newly forged alliance, Ninjacart and Avanti Finance will work to provide easy access to credit products as well as leverage unique technology capabilities and resources for the upliftment of the agri value chain community.

The agri community heavily relies on informal lending as a large portion of this population remains underserved by the banks or the NBFCs. Through this partnership Ninjacart and Avanti, will co-create and make available relevant credit products to the Agri community at a reasonable cost, thereby helping them manage their cash flow, improve their working capital and alleviate their financial hardships.

The combination of the digital-first approach of Avanti Finance with data insights provided by Ninjacart will be a driving force in introducing innovative lending-defined products focused on the agri value chain. The vision is to build a platform that will be compliant with OCEN- Open Credit Enablement Network for secured credit information flow. With a first-of-its-kind infrastructure and a D2D2C (digital-to-digital-to-consumer) model, this partnership will enable smooth credit transactions, allowing for the development of tailored loan solutions based on cash flow data from agri-players.

Stressing the need of providing easy financing, Mr. Thirukumaran Nagarajan, CEO & Co-Founder of Ninjacart, said ‘‘Ninjacart’s endeavour is to streamline the whole agri-ecosystem benefiting all agri-players across the food supply chain, allowing them to utilise the infrastructure to its full potential. Partnership with Avanti Finance is a perfect example of how together we can add value to the agriculture ecosystem by bringing respective strengths. The financing will give the agri community more freedom, allowing them to make the best decisions for their own benefit. We plan to augment the potential of this partnership further by extending credit facilities to the ecosystem's agri-participants such as traders, food growers, producers, farmers, and retail outlets’’.

Commenting on the partnership, Manish Thakker, COO of Avanti Finance, said "Avanti's partnership with Ninjacart is another step to providing cashflow-linked financial services to the un/underserved segment and infuse digital financial inclusion in the agri-value chain ecosystem. This is an example of how seamless collaboration among existing networks can provide financing options that are reasonable to end-users, helping them build sustainable livelihoods."

Ninjacart is India's leading agri-platform, which leverages technology and data to organise the agri commerce ecosystem. Ninjacart aims to be the digital plumbing network for global agri commerce that solves structural problems such as information asymmetry, payment hassles, distribution inefficiency, and discovering new buyers and sellers with tech-first solutions. Today, Ninjacart operates in 150+ markets across multiple agri commodities. To know more, please visit www.ninjacart.com

About Avanti Finance:

Avanti’s mission is to enable sustainable livelihoods and empower the next 100 million households through accessible and affordable financial services. It is building a co-creation platform that fosters hyperlocal livelihood innovation and mass customisation. Avanti believes community-centric systems enable digitization of the social trust of the users, critical to building scale in the unbanked segment. To know more, please visit https://avantifinance.in/

Ninjacart Acquires Tecxprt - a SaaS-based Smart Solutions Provider

Ninjacart, India's leading agri-platform, which leverages technology to organize the agriculture ecosystem, has acquired Tecxprt. Tecxprt has extensive experience integrating SaaS-based end-to-end solutions, enabling the creation of powerful networks. With the acquisition of Tecxprt as well as their team under its umbrella, Ninjacart will expand the opportunities for participants to flourish both individually and collectively, thereby contributing towards the enhancement of the Agri–ecosystem.

As part of the acquisition, Ninjacart will obtain direct access to Tecxprt's rich technology suite, which will accelerate the digitization within the organization's ecosystem. With Tecxprt's technology-focused solution, agri participants can digitize their operations and communicate more efficiently with their stakeholders. On the other hand, their social network software will facilitate real-time communication across the food supply chain, from farmers, resellers, retailers, consumers to supply chain participants.

In light of the acquisition, Mr. Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of Ninjacart said, ‘"Ninjacart aims to build the largest Agri platform. We are investing significantly and accelerating the technology-driven disruption in agri commerce space. Our acquisition of Tecxpert is a first step towards the same. Over the last five years, Tecxprt has demonstrated excellence in technology, customer understanding and relentless execution. We are thrilled to have the Tecxprt team onboard this journey and transform the lives of agri value participants together."

He further added, “With this acquisition, we will further strengthen our position as a one-stop- solution for agri-players, retailers, and small businesses supplying agri commodities across the country. Our focus will remain on nurturing Ninjacart's core value and in building an employee-focused organisation by prioritizing employee well-being and giving prime importance to work-life balance.''

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Naveen Murugan, Founder and Managing Director, Tecxprt said, ‘"We are thrilled to be a part of the Ninjacart family and grateful for the team's confidence in us. Our combined workforce, as well as tech capabilities, will be a formidable force towards achieving our joint ambitions of accelerating the growth and streamlining of India’s agri-ecosystem."

Ninjacart, as an agritech giant, has inspired its employees to take a problem-solving approach with a tech-driven mindset, allowing them to thrive in their respective fields and focus on becoming agritech leaders. The company is actively working to increase diversity in tech and product roles by creating a level playing field for aspirants/talent from all over India.

About Ninjacart:

Ninjacart is India's leading agri-platform, which leverages technology and data to organise the agri commerce ecosystem. Ninjacart aims to be the digital plumbing network for global agri commerce that solves structural problems such as information asymmetry, payment hassles, distribution inefficiency, and discovering new buyers and sellers with tech-first solutions. Today, Ninjacart operates in 150+ markets across multiple agri commodities. To know more, please visit www.ninjacart.com

About Tecxprt:

Tecxprt is a ready platform that automates complex business processes, undertaking multiple tasks to ensure business operations are streamlined and efficient. It brings together the functionality your organization needs to run more effectively and efficiently. This all-in-one business application allows you to lead, manage and track the progress of your organization and its employees from one place. To know more, please visit https://tecxprt.com/

Ninjacart Launches “Agri Seed Fund” - A $25 Mn Investment Fund to Accelerate Agri Digital Revolution

Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Co-Founder & CEO Ninjacart

• Strengthening innovation and accelerating disruption across the agriculture sector through seed investments over the next two years
• The investment is intended to boost the agri-ecosystem by supporting ideas and teams to take off the ground
• Nurturing next-generation talent and startups through capital support, access to Ninjacart’s ecosystem, Ninjacart’s tech capability and domain expertise

Ninjacart, India's leading agri-platform which leverages technology to organize the agriculture ecosystem, launches an Agri Seed Fund - a $25 million fund to support emerging and new-age startups in the agriculture sector. With an aim to boost tech innovation and accelerate disruption, Ninjacart will make seed investments in startups, entrepreneurs and tech innovators who present unique, sustainable and tech-enabled solutions. 

In addition, Ninjacart will invest in teams that have great tech abilities but may lack a solution or an idea at the moment. The announcement comes as part of the agri-tech giant’s larger effort to accelerate the advancement of the agricultural landscape.

As a pioneer for over the last 6 years, Ninjacart has been instrumental in standardising the supply chain in India by utilising its extensive tech expertise. The capital infusion is intended to serve as a strong push for innovative ideas and company models that aim to solve high-priority problems in the global agricultural ecosystem. Along with capital support, Ninjacart will also lend these budding startups access to the agri-platforms extensive technology infrastructure and data pools as well as growth-stage advisory support.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Thirukumaran Nagarajan, Co-founder and CEO, Ninjacart said, “Ninjacart has come a long way and now we wish to give back to the system by investing in new ideas and teams that are working hard to bring about change. As a company, it has always been our ambition to strengthen the global agricultural ecosystem and are eager to empower tomorrow's leaders. By assisting the next generation of entrepreneurs and small businesses it is our endeavour to grow together, building a future that is sustainable and built on a strong foundation of productive collaboration.

He further added, “Joining forces with Ninjacart will open windows for emerging enterprises allowing them to access valuable data, supply chain infrastructure, technology, farmers, and existing partners. The startups will be introduced to VCs, angel investors, and incubators. The procedure would be simple, allowing early-stage entrepreneurs to turn their concepts into concrete action on ground.”

The company is further aiming to invest in state-of-the-art technology in its own operations. Recent investments by Walmart and Flipkart have broadened the company’s goal of creating a digital agri-ecosystem, allowing all agri-players, including farmers, resellers, retailers, consumers, and supply chain participants, to buy and sell fresh produce in a transparent manner.

About Ninjacart:

Ninjacart is India's leading agri-platform, which leverages technology and data to organize the agri commerce ecosystem. Ninjacart aims to be the digital plumbing network for global agri commerce that solves structural problems such as information asymmetry, payment hassles, distribution inefficiency, and discovering new buyers and sellers with tech-first solutions. Today, Ninjacart operates in 150+ markets across multiple agri commodities. 

To know more, please visit www.ninjacart.com

Agritech Firm Ninjacart Celebrates Farmer’s Day through Nationwide Empowerment Festival

Ninjacart rewarded 300 farmers for exemplary contributions, besides conducting knowledge sessions and health camps.

On the occasion of Farmer’s Day, Ninjacart, India's largest fresh produce supply chain company furthered its mission of empowering farmers with a nationwide Farmer’s Festival.  Held across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the festival rewarded 300 farmers. For their exemplary contributions to the nation, they were awarded with a certificate of appreciation, as well as treated to a scrumptious, and nutritious lunch, availed free agricultural tools, and a box of sweets. The Farmer’s Day celebrations also saw Ninjacart hold a health check-up, and knowledge session on related issues. 

As Ninjacart pledges to empower the farmers, the company conducted a health awareness and check-up drive in Chikka trupathi, Malur taluk, Karnataka, At the programme, farmers were educated on how to handle emergencies such as snake bites, cardiac arrests, epilepsy, fire safety, and more. They also underwent check-ups which covered BMI, blood pressure, sugar, and tests to identify their blood groups. 

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Speaking about the Farmer’s Festival, Thirukumaran Nagarajan, CEO and Co-founder of Ninjacart said, “It was heart-warming to see our efforts pay off, and hear our farmer-partners share their experiences of working with us. Through the Farmer’s Festival, we were also able to address redressal on indent problems, and pricing, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. Our efforts to empower farmers go beyond just the occasion of Farmer’s Day, and we have already conducted knowledge sessions in 65, out of 147 collection centres across 11 states. Over the course of the next year, we will take this programme to all our centres, and truly enrich our farmer-partner lives."

The celebrations of Farmer’s Day comes as a part of their on-going knowledge management sessions where Ninjacart has been working with their farmer-partners to raise awareness on modern farming techniques and technologies, including tillage practices, cropping patterns, use of fertilisers, methods of pest control, and best irrigation practices.

Ninjacart is India’s largest fresh produce supply chain company. A pioneer in the tech-driven supply chain space for fresh vegetables and fruits in India, Ninjacart has raised over $150mn from Tiger Global, AccelUS, Accel India, Syngenta, and others. Recently they have also received an investment from Flipkart & Walmart. Over the last 4 years, made-for-India technology and India centric solutions have disrupted the way fruits and vegetables move from farms to consumers plate. Today, Ninjacart source fruits and vegetables from farmers across 20+ Indian states and deliver to 60,000+ local kiranas and restaurants across 7 major cities, in less than 12 hours.

Vision is to build India’s most efficient and largest supply chain company, improving the lives of producers, businesses & consumers in a meaningful manner. Our focus is to make the Ninjacart innovation more accessible and leverage our strengths to innovate for new product categories and customer segments while solving complex supply chain problems.

B2B Agri-Marketing Platform Ninjacart Raises $35 Mn from Accel Partners and Swiss-based Syngeta Ventures

Bangalore-based Ninjacart, an agri-marketing platform that connects farmers with retailers, has announced that it has raised US$35 million (₹250 crore) in series B round of funding from venture capital firms Accel Partners (US), Switzerland-based Syngenta Ventures and Neoplux, a South Korean private equity firm.

The other investors which also contributed in this round include Jo Hirao, founder of ZIGExN, HR Capital and Trifecta Capital. Ninjacart's existing investors Accel India, Nandan Nilekani, Mistletoe and Qualcomm Ventures also participated in this round.

The company said it would use the funding to expand to new geographies, strengthen product and technology teams and invest in bettering the supply chain infrastructure. Ninjacart aims to expand to over 10 cities and open more than 200 distribution centres across India and scale hiring and onboarding talent in the near future.

So far, Ninjacart has raised a total of $49 million in funding over five rounds.

Founded in 2015, by Ashutosh Vikram, Kartheeswaran K K, Sharath Loganathan, Thirukumaran Nagarajan and Vasu Devan, Ninjacart connect vegetables and fruits farmers directly with businesses. At one end, it helps farmers get better prices and ensure consistent demand and on other end, it also helps retailers source fresh vegetables at competitive prices directly from farmers.

Initially started as an on-demand grocery delivery service, the startup changed its business model to a business-to-business agri-marketing platform. Earlier this year, it piloted a business-to-consumer model (franchised and owned) and now plans to focus on acquiring new markets.

Speaking on latest funding, Thirukumaran Nagarajan, CEO & Co-founder of Ninjacart, said, "This is a huge validation of Ninjacart’s business model, our relentless focus on solving India’s Agri-marketing problem and the team’s execution capabilities. We are thrilled to have a new set of global investors who can amplify our vision. Our focus will be on expanding to new markets and continue to innovate on behalf of our farmers and customers — and this will come from continued investments in talent, technology and supply chain infrastructure."

The startup currently operates in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai with a team of 750+ passionate individuals. It has a sourcing network of 3000+ farmers across south India and moves fresh produce from farm to 4000+ retailers in less than 12 hours on a daily basis.

[Top mage - Facebook.com/Nijacart]