Handpickd, India’s pioneering zero-stock fresh commerce startup, has successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments, with participation from Titan Capital Winners Fund and existing investors. The fresh capital is set to strengthen operations, enhance technology, and expand reach across existing markets.
About the Series A Funding
The $15 million infusion will allow Handpickd to focus on several strategic priorities:
- Strengthening the talent pool by hiring top professionals across technology, operations, and supply chain management.
- Expanding service coverage in current geographies to reach more customers efficiently.
- Investing in technology to optimize the supply chain, improve order accuracy, and streamline delivery operations.
Handpickd’s innovative approach to fresh commerce, combined with strategic investor backing, positions it as a strong contender in India’s rapidly growing online grocery and fresh produce market.
Innovative Zero-Stock Model
Founded in 2024 by Anant Goel, co-founder of Milkbasket, along with Nitin Gupta and Sahil Madan, Handpickd operates on a zero-inventory platform, differentiating itself from traditional grocery delivery services. The startup does not maintain warehouses or dark stores and avoids forecasting sales.
Instead, Handpickd’s operations are based on real-time demand:
- Collect Orders: Customers place orders through the platform.
- Direct Procurement: Handpickd sources the exact quantities directly from farmers.
- Morning Delivery: Orders are delivered fresh to customers the next morning.
“Our model reduces food waste, ensures freshness, and directly connects farmers with consumers,” a Handpickd spokesperson said.
This approach not only improves efficiency but also supports local farmers by creating a direct-to-consumer channel for their produce.
Market Potential
India’s fresh commerce and online grocery sector has been witnessing rapid growth, fueled by rising digital adoption, increasing urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. Handpickd’s zero-stock model positions it uniquely in this space by addressing key challenges such as inventory wastage, supply chain inefficiencies, and freshness concerns.
Industry analysts note that as consumers demand fresher produce and faster delivery, platforms like Handpickd are likely to see strong adoption in urban and semi-urban markets.
Strategic Use of Funds
With this Series A funding, Handpickd plans to accelerate several initiatives:
- Technology Development: Building AI-driven tools for supply chain optimization, demand mapping, and predictive logistics.
- Operational Expansion: Increasing the number of delivery zones and onboarding more local farmers to meet growing demand.
- Talent Acquisition: Bringing in experts in technology, operations, and customer experience to scale efficiently.
The combination of these measures is expected to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and expand market reach in the near term.
Founder Insights
Anant Goel, Co-founder of Handpickd, emphasized the company’s mission to deliver fresh produce efficiently while supporting farmers.
“Our zero-inventory model is designed to ensure that customers receive the freshest products while minimizing waste and creating a sustainable supply chain. This funding round will allow us to scale this model and reach more households across India,” Goel said.
The founders’ previous experience with Milkbasket gives Handpickd a strong operational foundation and deep understanding of India’s last-mile delivery challenges.
Previous Milestones
Earlier this year, Entrackr reported Handpickd’s seed funding round, which laid the groundwork for initial operations and market entry. Since then, the company has expanded rapidly in select cities, demonstrating the viability of its zero-stock model and attracting attention from prominent investors.
Supporting Farmers and Sustainability
A key differentiator for Handpickd is its direct-to-consumer procurement model, which provides farmers with:
- Predictable demand and faster payment cycles.
- Reduced dependency on intermediaries, ensuring better margins.
- Access to urban markets, connecting small-scale farmers with consumers.
Additionally, by operating on a zero-inventory basis, the startup minimizes food wastage, aligning its business goals with environmental sustainability—a growing concern among consumers and regulators alike.
Looking Ahead
With $15 million in Series A funding, Handpickd is well-positioned to expand operations, refine technology, and scale its zero-stock model across India. Analysts expect the startup to:
- Increase market penetration in existing cities and enter new urban centers.
- Enhance customer loyalty through fresher products and timely deliveries.
- Build advanced supply chain systems that leverage data for operational efficiency.
The company’s innovative model, combined with strategic investments, is likely to reshape India’s fresh commerce landscape, providing both consumers and farmers with tangible benefits.
Handpickd’s $15 million Series A funding marks a significant milestone for India’s zero-stock fresh commerce sector. By connecting farmers directly with consumers, optimizing the supply chain, and minimizing waste, the startup is redefining how fresh produce reaches urban households.
With the backing of Bertelsmann India Investments, Titan Capital Winners Fund, and existing investors, Handpickd is poised for rapid growth, technological innovation, and market leadership, making it one of India’s most promising fresh commerce startups.