India identified as the first zero-stock fresh commerce company, Handpickd has raised $15 million in its Series A round. Bertelsmann India Investments, a firm that is a major investor in the region, led this huge financial boost. The Titan Capital Winners Fund also participated in the round, as well as the continued support of existing investors. The new capital will be allocated to various strategic projects, such as strengthening the talent pool of the company, increasing its services in its existing areas of operation, and coming up with new technology that will enhance its distinct supply chain model further.

Zero-inventory business model

Anant Goel, a co-founder of Milkbasket, co-founded Handpickd with Nitin Gupta and Sahil Madan in 2024. Handpickd is a zero-inventory business model. This is a radical change to the traditional fresh commerce and grocery delivery services.

The firm does not engage in predicting sales and stocking in warehouses. It receives customer orders and then orders the goods directly to farmers, depending on the amount of produce required. This is all done in the morning deliveries, and it is done with great efficiency.

The system is based on the sophisticated processes of Just-in-Time (JIT), which enables the company to complete the orders within less than 6-7 hours. This lean model eliminates the necessity of getting massive warehouses or dark stores typical of the quick commerce industry.

Handpickd will be able to save a great deal of food waste by ideally balancing demand and supply, and ensure a higher rate of profitability than its rivals. The company can now service households in major metropolitan regions, such as Gurugram, Noida, and Bengaluru.

Sustainability and reliance

Handpickd’s $15 million fundraiser is especially significant considering the current setbacks and hardships facing India’s fresh produce industry. The company has successfully raised a substantial amount of funds, indicating that its zero-inventory and Just-in-Time model is regarded by investors as both viable and resilient.

The founder and CEO of Handpickd, Anant Goel, said, “It’s a mandi at your doorstep! Huge variety, freshest produce, and freedom to pick what you want. For the first time, customers are able to buy ‘achchi waali’ phal-sabzi, the way they like it, from the comfort of their home. And we are humbled by the customer love that Handpickd has garnered over the last few months.” 

Quotation Source: Entrackr  

Conclusion

The successful $15 million Series A round of funding by Bertelsmann India Investments in Handpickd is a serious achievement for the company and the emerging commerce industry. The capital will also help the startup to increase its operations as well as improve its unique zero-inventory model that has been instrumental in making it stand out in an extremely competitive and difficult market. With the help of removing the necessity to store products in the warehouses, minimizing waste, and prioritizing efficiency, Handpickd has established itself as a profitable and sustainable player.