admin He is solving a real problem, not reacting to an issue.
Suvir Sujan, Co-Founder.
In the ever-changing landscape of India’s e-commerce industry, one name stands out as a trailblazer in the logistics sector: Sahil Barua, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Delhivery. With relentless determination and a penchant for solving real problems, Barua has led his startup to become one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, leaving competitors in the dust.
Sowing The Seeds:
Delhivery’s journey began in 2011 when Barua, along with his co-founders Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, Suraj Saharan, and Kapil Bharati, identified the untapped potential of the burgeoning e-commerce market. Back then, online retailers were mushrooming, and global investors were pouring millions of dollars into the segment. Sensing the opportunity, Delhivery started as a hyper-local express delivery service for offline stores in Gurgaon, delivering flowers and food from restaurants. However, at a crucial turning point, they recognized the immense scope in the e-commerce logistics space and pivoted their focus.
The timing was fortuitous, and soon Delhivery secured its first e-commerce client, urbantouch.com, an online fashion and beauty retailer. The company rapidly expanded its footprint and services, ultimately becoming a major player in the e-commerce logistics domain. Today, Delhivery boasts an impressive clientele of 950 e-commerce companies, including giants like Flipkart, in addition to serving non-e-commerce clients, providing them with IT and backend support services, a unique offering that sets them apart from their competitors.
Suvir Sujan, co-founder and managing director, of Nexus Venture Partners, which invested in the company twice, says Barua is an “outlier” in this space. “He is solving a real problem, not reacting to an issue. He is ensuring the widest coverage (in e-commerce) in the shortest time at the minimum cost. He has a laser focus on problems in e-commerce and has created a model around them (Delhivery) ensuring sustainability even with these thin-margin businesses,” says Sujan.
Reaping the Harvest:
Barua’s dedication and vision have not gone unnoticed, attracting significant interest from investors. Over the years, Delhivery has successfully raised three rounds of funding, amassing a total corpus of $42 million. Key investors like Nexus Venture Partners and Multiples Alternate Asset Management have placed their bets on Delhivery’s model, which focuses on providing the widest coverage in the e-commerce sector at minimal costs and with thin margins. “Our vision is to fulfil all demands in 48 hours,” says Barua.
While the competition in the e-commerce logistics arena remains fierce, Barua’s focus on problem-solving and sustainability has given Delhivery an edge. The company operates on clearly defined lines of business, catering to e-commerce clients, brands, and small and medium enterprises. Delhivery’s range of services includes IT support, order management, warehousing, fulfilment, supply chain management, and more, tailored to meet the specific needs of its diverse clientele.
Gaurav Deepak, managing director at Avendus Capital, lauds Barua’s leadership style, describing him as a mature and thoughtful leader. Delhivery’s cohesive team, well-defined roles, and unwavering focus on increasing market share and growth have earned them the trust of both clients and investors.
Our vision is to fulfil all demands in 48 hours,
Sahil Barua, Co-Founder.
Expansion of Business:
As Delhivery’s operations continue to expand rapidly, Barua is not one to shy away from challenges. The rise of e-commerce giants like Flipkart, Amazon, and Snapdeal has shifted the balance of power in price negotiations. However, Barua remains undeterred, firmly believing that Delhivery’s value-driven approach will enable it to emerge victorious.
Despite his achievements, Barua remains grounded, often referring to himself as an impatient and determined young man ready to take on the world. Delhivery’s journey is far from over, and Barua has set his sights on international expansion, beginning with ventures into Dubai and Bangladesh. With plans to increase warehouse capacity and a vision to fulfil all demands within 48 hours, Barua’s ambition knows no bounds.
Sahil Barua’s story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the e-commerce industry continues to evolve, Barua and Delhivery are well-positioned to steer the logistics sector into a future filled with promise and potential. The journey has been impressive so far, but with Barua at the helm, it’s safe to say that Delhivery’s greatest achievements are yet to come.
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