Indian entrepreneur Deepak Ravindran, known for his earlier venture, Lookup, has made a notable return with KiranaPro—a tech-driven platform designed to give traditional kirana stores a competitive edge in the quick-commerce space. Sources report that KiranaPro is in advanced talks to secure seed funding led by Unpopular VC, with participation from Blume Founders Fund, Snow Leopard, and various angel investors.

KiranaPro leverages the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) framework to enable hyperlocal kirana stores to offer deliveries within a 15-20 minute window. This approach positions KiranaPro as a valuable tool for small retailers facing growing challenges from discount-driven platforms such as BlinkIt, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart.

The rise of quick-commerce platforms has put considerable pressure on India’s traditional kirana network. According to the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), around 200,000 kirana stores shut down in the past year, attributing their struggles to aggressive discount models and an increasingly competitive market. Ravindran’s platform aims to curb this decline by empowering local stores to provide efficient deliveries and enhanced customer experiences.

Ravindran, whose previous venture Lookup—a chat-based customer service platform—was acquired by Reliance, now focuses on revitalizing kirana stores. KiranaPro equips retailers with digital tools to navigate consumer demands in a fast-paced market. Ravindran stated, “Our goal is to support local retailers in preserving their legacy while staying competitive.”

While the funding round’s specifics remain undisclosed, industry insiders believe the capital will support KiranaPro’s scaling efforts and technology development. With a vision to uplift India’s local retail network, KiranaPro could become a critical player in bridging the gap between traditional stores and digital-era consumer expectations.

Credit: This article is based on information from sources including Economic Times and Inc42.

Key Highlights:

• KiranaPro, founded by Deepak Ravindran, aims to enable kirana stores to compete with quick-commerce platforms like BlinkIt and Swiggy Instamart.
• The platform is expected to close a seed funding round with investments from Unpopular VC, Blume Founders Fund, and Snow Leopard.
• Leveraging ONDC technology, KiranaPro promises deliveries within 15-20 minutes, helping local stores adapt to current market demands.
• The platform addresses challenges faced by kiranas, which have seen widespread closures due to the rise of discount-driven models.