Way Long Journey
"Big things often have small beginnings." This phrase aptly describes Vikas D. Nahar, the founder of Happilo. Set up with a meagre loan of Rs 10,000 from his wife, his Happilo today has grown to be a successful venture serving lakhs of buyers.
After completing his graduation in Computer Applications, Nahar launched Satvik, a retail store selling premium dry fruits. Nahar faced many challenges in running this venture, but used the learnings from this venture to launch Happilo in September 2016. Initially, Happilo only carried out its operations on marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart. However, soon enough the brand made its offerings available on modern trade channels and in major cities.
Nahar always wanted to contribute to make the world a better place, and encourage women to work. Today, 80 per cent of Happilo’s workforce consists of women. He not only praises them for their contribution but also credits them with the success of the brand.
Multi-channel Distribution
Currently, Happilo operates in collaboration with more than 26 ecommerce platforms and marketplaces. To reach out to more customers, Happilo has launched its own website to cater to the B2C segment besides developing more than 10,000 modern trade and self-service outlets across India. Happilo today is also present on q-commerce platforms like Blinkit and all set to come soon to Zepto.
Today, Happilo boasts of being a Rs 100 crore brand and growing. In February 2021, Happilo raised Rs 100 crore in a Series A round for growing its business. Happilo is set to raise a second round from Series C investors for business expansion.
Between May and September, when the Taliban attacked and took over Afghanistan, the supply of raw materials from there was disrupted in a big way and it became a challenge for the company to cater to the demand. Happilo found a way around it by successfully collaborating with new partners. As to its future plans, Happilo seeks to expand its business across India.
