Amith Mali (VilCart)
Overview
Amith S. Mali is a co-founder and currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of VilCart, an innovative tech-driven rural commerce platform that seeks to transform traditional kirana (small local grocery) stores in rural India into efficient "Grameen Super Markets." Co-founded with Prasanna Kumar in 2018, VilCart leverages technology to streamline supply chains, provide inventory management solutions, and enhance product accessibility for rural communities. Amith S. Mali has played a pivotal role in VilCart's development and expansion, emphasizing the use of modern digital solutions to bridge urban-rural divides in commerce.
Recent Developments
- February 2025: VilCart raised $10 million in a bridge funding round led by AI-X B.V., Spark Capital, and Nabventures to bolster its growth. This funding aims to expand VilCart's "Own Brands" initiative, focusing on providing high-quality, hygienically packaged groceries and edible oils to rural families, aligning the quality standards with urban regions.
- January 2023: The company secured $18 million in a Series A funding round, spearheaded by Asia Impact SA, to facilitate its expansion across South India by 2024. This move aligns with VilCart’s mission of revolutionizing rural retail by connecting kirana stores to larger supply chains of farmers, manufacturers, and brands.
- 2024 Growth and Strategic Plans: VilCart aims to achieve revenues of INR 1,200 crore in FY25, up from INR 883 crore in FY24, focusing on expanding its rural market reach and enhancing its technology infrastructure to transform kirana stores into comprehensive supermarkets.
- Tech and Product Innovation: The launch of an improved tech platform and the push for increasing the role of private labels in revenue generation which rose from 7% in April 2024 to 21% by January 2025.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amith S. Mali |
| Born | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder & CMO of VilCart |
| Known For | VilCart's innovative rural commerce solutions |
| Education | Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science, Visvesvaraya Technological University |
Early Life and Education
Amith S. Mali completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University between 2005 and 2009. His academic background provided a strong foundation in technology, which later facilitated his career in tech-driven initiatives. Before founding VilCart, Amith gained significant experience in roles involving strategic marketing and business development with companies like Cluster Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and NeoRays Software Solutions, where he honed his skills in business analysis and operational management.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2018-Present: Co-founder and CMO of VilCart, playing a key role in developing the company’s marketing strategies and expansion plans across South India.
- 2014-2018: Held leadership roles at Cluster Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd. as Director and Business Development Officer, where he was involved in strategic marketing initiatives.
- 2015-2018: Co-founded NeoRays Software Solutions, contributing to business development and market analysis.
- Developed VilCart’s local language mobile application, enhancing accessibility for rural kirana store owners and consumers.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Amith Mali continues to serve as VilCart’s CMO, focusing on broadening the company’s reach and improving its technology solutions to better serve rural kirana stores. His work at VilCart not only aims to revolutionize rural supply chains but also provides significant economic opportunities for rural entrepreneurs and communities, contributing to overall rural development.
Vilcart Online Shopping
VilCart offers an extensive product range through its online platform, providing essentials like groceries, hygiene products, electronics, and more. By using an advanced tech platform, VilCart ensures streamlined operations, integrating rural SMEs and farmers directly with retail stores.
Vilcart Founders
VilCart was co-founded by Prasanna Kumar and Amith S. Mali in 2018. Together, they have developed VilCart into a leading entity that leverages technology to enhance the supply chain efficiency and marketability of rural retail operations.
Conclusion
Amith S. Mali has significantly impacted rural commerce in India through his work at VilCart, facilitating better access to products and services for rural communities. His strategic vision and dedication have positioned VilCart as a key player in transforming rural retail landscapes, setting a precedent for future innovations in this sector. His continuous efforts promise substantial impacts in bridging the urban-rural divide in commerce, fostering a more inclusive economy.