Post by : Maya Rahman

Supported by SoftBank, Indian e-commerce platform Meesho is prioritizing artificial intelligence and diversifying its business lines to enhance its user base and profitability. CEO Vidit Aatrey shared with Reuters that the company remains committed to growth while maintaining its competitive edge in India’s vast online retail landscape.

In preparation for its impending initial public offering (IPO), valued up to $5.6 billion, Meesho will kick off a three-day share sale on December 3, with shares anticipated to launch on India’s major stock exchanges by December 10. This IPO will facilitate investments in technology, marketing, and logistics, reinforcing its market position.

Meesho has carved a niche by providing affordable products without imposing commissions on sellers. CEO Vidit Aatrey emphasized that this strategy will persist, aiming to attract sellers and small enterprises, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where many new consumers are venturing into online shopping.

Plans are underway to develop AI-driven chat and voice agents to simplify shopping for first-time users, particularly targeting rural customers who may be unfamiliar with e-commerce. These AI tools aim to ease product searches, ordering, and payment processes, enhancing overall customer interaction.

Additionally, Meesho is broadening its logistics platform, Valmo, to minimize delivery expenses and expedite shipments. The company views logistics as a pivotal area for efficient growth, which, through improved delivery and supply chain systems, will enable it to serve a larger user base while controlling costs.

Beyond technology, Meesho plans to introduce financial services, including buy-now-pay-later schemes for customers and short-term credit options for sellers. CEO Aatrey noted that these financial products could represent a long-term opportunity to enhance margins, akin to strategies employed by leading global e-commerce firms.

Moreover, Meesho is eyeing entry into the grocery market, one of the most competitive domains in India’s e-commerce sector. This expansion aims to broaden its market share and offer additional value to consumers, driving overall growth.

In the first half of fiscal 2026, Meesho's revenue surged 29.4% to 55.78 billion rupees ($622.96 million), while losses decreased significantly by 72.1% to 7 billion rupees, signalling its progression toward profitability. These results illustrate that Meesho’s strategy of fusing AI, logistics, and financial services is reaping benefits.

With the upcoming IPO and continued investments in technology, logistics, and financial solutions, Meesho aims to expand its transacting user base, which grew by 30% in the year ending September 30. By diversifying product offerings, enhancing delivery, and incorporating financial services, Meesho is strategically positioning itself as a significant force in India’s rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

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