New Delhi: It all started with the three Entrepreneur Musketeers, Shashwat, Saurav and Prabhat, they began with a simple dream: to create something meaningful, something that was really needed and their comes Marmeto, Revolutionizing e-commerce sector and providing Exceptional services for Mid markets brands and Enterprises. Growing up in a modest family in Bihar, he moved to Delhi for his education and later to Bangalore to pursue engineering However, it was during this time that he discovered his true passion lay not in engineering but in entrepreneurship. Taking a bold step, Shashwat decided to drop out of college and launched a book lending portal. Inspired by similar ideas in the U.S., he hoped to fill a gap in the market. Unfortunately, the venture faced financial struggles and didn’t succeed. Yet, this experience taught him valuable lessons about business management and resilience.
Lessons Learned
Although his first venture didn’t succeed, Shashwat viewed it as a stepping stone. The skills he gained in managing a team and navigating challenges proved crucial when he founded Marmeto in 2017. With no external funding, he and his team focused on building a sustainable business step by step. Shashwat emphasized the importance of bootstrapping, which kept them disciplined and aligned with their vision. The goal was not to rush into success but to create something that could endure over time.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting Marmeto was like entering uncharted territory. They faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and a small office. To attract talent, they couldn’t offer competitive salaries, but they were fortunate to find individuals who shared their vision. The rapidly changing eCommerce landscape in India presented both challenges and opportunities. By staying agile and prioritizing value for clients, Marmeto created a strong team culture, which proved vital for their growth. To secure major clients, Marmeto focused on its strengths. They specialized in eCommerce solutions, particularly on the Shopify platform, which was gaining traction in the U.S. but needed to cater to Indian merchants. Marmeto addressed local challenges, such as payment systems and customer verification, which caught Shopify’s attention. They became Shopify’s extended tech team to launch Shopify Plus for Indian merchants, significantly boosting their credibility.
One of their biggest milestones was becoming Shopify’s first official Plus Partner in India, establishing Marmeto as a leader in the local eCommerce space. Marmeto also created Return Prime, a solution designed to help e-commerce brands manage returns efficiently. With about 30% of online purchases being returned, Shashwat recognized that improving the return experience could enhance customer loyalty and drive revenue. By turning returns into opportunities, Return Prime has positively impacted the eCommerce ecosystem, helping brands streamline their processes and better serve their customers. Since 2017, India’s eCommerce sector has experienced tremendous growth, driven by increased internet access and mobile shopping. Shashwat predicts continued expansion, with the market expected to grow at 18% annually through 2025.
Key trends shaping the future of eCommerce include:
Omnichannel Retailing: A seamless shopping experience across online and offline channels. Mobile-First Commerce: Prioritizing mobile-friendly platforms as most sales now come from mobile devices. Sustainability: Increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. Social Commerce: The integration of shopping features within social media platforms.
Advice for Entrepreneurs:
Shashwat advises aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage technology, build trust with customers, and differentiate their offerings. He encourages them to stay updated with industry regulations and focus on solving real problems for their target audience.
Looking Ahead:
As a tech enthusiast, Shashwat is excited about the future of eCommerce technology. The global e-commerce market is projected to surpass $7 trillion by 2025, driven by advancements in technology, increasing internet penetration, and changing consumer behaviour which will transform the shopping experience, making it more personalized and efficient. At Marmeto, they are committed to harnessing these trends to help brands thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape. Shashwat describes his leadership style as centered on trust, empathy, and innovation. As Marmeto grew, he shifted from being hands-on to empowering his team, fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration.
