Flipkart plan to find D2C brands, enable funding

Walmart-owned e-commerce firm Flipkart has launched ‘‘Flipkart Boost’, an integrated programme for new-age digital-first consumer brands to move into the next phase of growth. Through a service-fee model, Flipkart Boost will provide emerging Made-in-india brands end-to-end support, covering planning, advertising, cataloguing, logistics, quality control and mentoring.

The Flipkart Boost programme will shortlist brands based on a clear set of pre-decided objective criteria. This covers their growth potential, sustainable revenue run rate, focus on quality, commitment to building a long-lasting brand, strong product mix and customer orientation. Through a ‘pitch day’ facilitated by Flipkart, the selected brands will also have the opportunity to secure potential funding. This would be from a network of leading venture capital funds and active investors in the D2C space, including A91 Partners, DSG Consumer Partners, Fireside Ventures, Matrix Partners India, Sequoia Capital India and Stellaris Venture Partners.

“The onset of the pandemic and the resulting rise of directto-consumer brands have boosted the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) sector in India,” said Ravi Iyer, senior vice-president and head, corporate development, Flipkart.