Wheelocity Secures $15 Million in Series A2 Funding to Expand Supply Chain Network for Fresh Products
- November 12, 2024
- Brandz Editor Team
- 0
Wheelocity, a supply chain network enabler for fresh products, has successfully raised $15 million (INR 126.5 crore) in a Series A2 funding round. The round was led by existing investor Lightspeed, with additional participation from Alteria Capital, Anicut Capital, and the company’s founder, Selvam VMS. The fresh capital will help the startup scale its operations and reach new markets, aiming to revolutionize the supply chain for fresh produce and other essential goods in India.
Founded in April 2022 by Selvam VMS and Senthil Kumar, Wheelocity is focused on solving the logistical challenges of distributing perishable products such as fresh produce, dairy, and groceries. The company aims to improve efficiency, reduce wastage, and bring fresh goods to underserved regions across India. By leveraging its cutting-edge supply chain solutions, Wheelocity is positioning itself as a key player in the burgeoning fresh-commerce sector, which has faced significant hurdles in India due to infrastructure gaps, transportation inefficiencies, and storage limitations.
Expanding Product Categories and Geographic Reach
While Wheelocity initially focused on fresh produce and groceries, the company plans to expand its offerings beyond essential categories. With this funding round, the startup aims to enter the non-food FMCG space, including staples, household essentials, and discretionary products. This expansion will enable Wheelocity to diversify its product offerings, tapping into a broader consumer base and strengthening its position in India’s rapidly growing e-commerce market.
The funding will also support the company’s ambitious geographic expansion plans. Currently operating in Tamil Nadu, Wheelocity intends to scale its supply chain operations across South India, with plans to expand into neighboring states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Over the next 12 months, the company aims to extend its reach to 20,000 towns and villages, targeting a total consumer base of 10 million. This expansion will enable Wheelocity to serve both urban and rural consumers, addressing the logistical challenges faced by these populations in accessing fresh products.
A Vision to Revolutionize Fresh Commerce
The founders of Wheelocity, Selvam VMS and Senthil Kumar, are committed to solving the longstanding supply chain issues that have hindered the growth of fresh commerce in India. The company’s innovative supply chain technology integrates various processes, including sourcing, inventory management, transportation, and last-mile delivery, to ensure that fresh products are delivered on time, in optimal condition, and at a competitive price. The startup’s technology also helps minimize food wastage, a persistent issue in the Indian supply chain, by ensuring that products are stored and transported in the best possible conditions.
“We are excited to scale Wheelocity’s operations with the support of our investors,” said Selvam VMS, Co-founder of Wheelocity. “This funding will enable us to reach more consumers across South India, while also expanding our product categories to meet the growing demand for fresh and essential products. Our mission is to make fresh goods more accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.”
A Booming Sector in India
India’s fresh-commerce market has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences, increased internet penetration, and a shift towards online shopping for everyday essentials. However, the supply chain for fresh products in India remains fragmented, with significant gaps in transportation, storage, and last-mile delivery infrastructure. Wheelocity’s solution seeks to bridge these gaps, providing a seamless, tech-driven platform for the delivery of fresh goods across the country.
The fresh-food delivery market in India is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with an increasing focus on convenience, quality, and timely delivery. Wheelocity’s ability to scale quickly and efficiently is expected to place it at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.
As the startup continues to expand, its innovative approach to fresh supply chain logistics has the potential to set new standards for the industry and create lasting impact on India’s retail and e-commerce sectors. With robust funding and a clear growth strategy, Wheelocity is poised for significant success in the coming years.