Deepankar Rustagi (OmniRetail)

Overview

Deepankar Rustagi is a Nigerian-based entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of OmniRetail, a prominent B2B e-commerce platform. Established in 2019, OmniRetail has rapidly expanded across Africa, topping the Financial Times’ list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies in 2024. Rustagi is known for leveraging technology to transform informal retail sectors in Nigeria and West Africa. Under his leadership, OmniRetail has developed a scalable model that integrates logistics, finance, and retail operations, distinguishing itself within the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Recent Developments

April 2025: OmniRetail secured $20 million in Series A funding, co-led by Norfund and Timon Capital, to expand across Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.
November 2024: Opened its 50th distribution hub in Lagos, aiming to boost the distribution of consumer goods and enhance supply chain efficiency.
October 2024: Acquired Traction Apps to improve payment solutions for small merchants through its OmniPay platform.
May 2024: OmniRetail topped the Financial Times’ ranking of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, showcasing a growth rate exceeding 772% over three years.
June 2023: Rustagi was selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur, joining a network of high-impact global entrepreneurs.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Deepankar Rustagi
Born	December 1984, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Founder & CEO of OmniRetail
Known For	Establishing OmniRetail
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	Stanford University Graduate School

Early Life and Education

Deepankar Rustagi was born in December 1984 in India. He pursued a career in business innovation and growth, earning credentials from Stanford University. Rustagi’s career began in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, where he gained valuable insights into the challenges of distribution, particularly in African markets. This background set the stage for his future entrepreneurial ventures, driven by a commitment to digitizing and improving supply chain operations across the continent.

Career and Notable Achievements

Deepankar Rustagi’s career is marked by significant entrepreneurial ventures:

VConnect (2010-2019): Founded one of Nigeria’s earliest tech companies focused on connecting consumers with local businesses. Although VConnect shuttered in 2017, it provided Rustagi with critical insights into African business dynamics.
OmniRetail (2019-Present): Launched OmniRetail to address inefficiencies in FMCG distribution in West Africa. The platform connects manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, leveraging technology to streamline operations.
- Achievements:
  - Positioned OmniRetail as Africa's fastest-growing company in 2024.
  - Secured $20 million in Series A funding in 2025 to expand services across more African markets.
  - Spearheaded OmniPay, a financial service supporting retailers in the informal sector.

Current Work and Impact

Currently leading OmniRetail, Rustagi focuses on transforming the African retail market by integrating e-commerce and financial services into informal economies. His approach has enhanced access to essential goods and financial services, fostering economic growth. Through strategic partnerships, OmniRetail sustains its asset-light, scalable, and profitable model serving over 150,000 retailers.

Conclusion

Deepankar Rustagi has significantly influenced the African e-commerce landscape by integrating technology with traditional retail models. His leadership at OmniRetail is fostering enhanced commerce efficiency across Nigeria and West Africa. By continuously investing in digital infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Rustagi’s future impact promises further transformations in the informal retail sector, driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.