Naisheel Verdhan (CityMall): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

CityMall, founded in 2019, stands out as a pioneering social commerce startup in India, aiming to bridge the gap between e-commerce and the underserved population in Tier II, III, and IV towns. Co-founded by Naisheel Verdhan and Angad Kikla, both engineers with entrepreneurial experience, CityMall is transforming how millions of new-to-internet users shop online by leveraging technology and community networks. This innovative platform enables local micro-entrepreneurs called "community leaders" to facilitate product sales and deliveries in smaller cities and towns, making e-commerce affordable and accessible. Dive into the intriguing facets of CityMall’s journey, leadership, business model, funding, and impact on India's retail landscape.

1. Co-Founder and CTO: Naisheel Verdhan

Naisheel Verdhan is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of CityMall. Based in Gurugram, India, Verdhan holds a Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Homi Bhabha National Institute and a Bachelor’s degree from IIT Roorkee. Before CityMall, he gained diverse experience in technology, including roles at BARC and as a founder of Codalyze Technologies. At CityMall, he leads technology and product development, building scalable solutions tailored for new internet users in smaller Indian towns. His technical expertise with JavaScript frameworks and mobile applications shapes CityMall’s community-driven e-commerce platform.

2. CityMall Ownership and Leadership

CityMall was co-founded by Naisheel Verdhan along with Angad Kikla, who serves as CEO, and Rahul Gill. The founders share a vision to empower 200-300 million new internet users living in smaller cities, towns, and villages across India. Angad Kikla brings marketing and business strategy leadership, while Verdhan leads technology innovation. The company is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. The founders collectively hold about 18.88% equity, with the majority stake owned by investors and funds. Their combined net worth from CityMall shares is approximately ₹456 crore, reflecting their significant personal stake in the venture.

3. CityMall’s Business Model and Market Focus

CityMall operates as a social commerce platform focused primarily on Tier II, III, and IV towns in India, where conventional e-commerce has low penetration due to affordability issues and infrastructure challenges. The unique model relies on community leaders—local micro-entrepreneurs who create demand and facilitate sales through WhatsApp and other simple technologies, acting as both sellers and logistics partners. This community-led approach reduces customer acquisition costs and overcomes trust barriers among new internet users. The platform offers groceries, packaged FMCG, fashion, electronics, and home goods, emphasizing affordability over extensive product choice.

4. CityMall Valuation and Funding History

Since its inception in 2019, CityMall has raised approximately $165 million across seven funding rounds. The company’s notable investors include Accel, Elevation Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Jungle Ventures. The most recent Series D round led by Accel in September 2025 raised $47 million, maintaining a post-money valuation of about $320 million or ₹2,420 crore. Earlier rounds included a $75 million Series C round in 2022, which significantly boosted the company’s valuation. This robust funding reflects strong investor confidence in CityMall’s mission and business model amid a competitive social commerce landscape.

5. CityMall Revenue and Financial Performance

CityMall’s financials reveal rapid growth and ongoing investments in scaling its platform. For the fiscal year 2024, CityMall reported gross merchandise value (GMV) and revenues exceeding ₹427 crore ($53+ million), marking a 23% year-on-year growth from the previous year. Approximately 92% of its operating revenue stems from product sales, with logistics and marketing services contributing the remainder. However, the company also reported losses of ₹159 crore, a 10% increase over the prior year, reflecting continued expenditures in market expansion, technology enhancements, and talent acquisition. The company is actively working toward sustainable profitability as it scales its community commerce model.

6. CityMall CEO Contact and Company Details

Angad Kikla, the CEO and co-founder of CityMall, leads the business operations and strategic growth. The company is based in Gurugram, Haryana, India, where it operates an extensive network of warehouses and logistics hubs supporting over 60 cities primarily in Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. CityMall’s corporate address is recorded as 1st Floor, Plot No. 65, Plus Offices, Sector-44 Industrial Area, Gurugram - 122003. Customer support and business inquiries can be directed to support@citymall.live. Official communication and investor relations typically flow through founder channels and venture capital partners.

7. City Mall Owner Contact Number and CEO Email ID

For professional contacts, Naisheel Verdhan’s verified email addresses include variations at citymall.live domain, often found via professional databases (exact emails are withheld for privacy). His phone number listed in credible sources is primarily based in Gurugram (India), but specific direct contact details are generally reserved for professional correspondence via official channels. Likewise, Angad Kikla’s professional email and business contact adhere to standard privacy practices, being accessible likely through investor or media relations contacts rather than public directories. CityMall encourages interested parties to reach out via official company communication for inquiries.

8. CityMall’s Role in Social Commerce and Community Leadership

CityMall has innovated by building a decentralized model that deepens e-commerce’s reach through empowering community leaders. These leaders act as micro-entrepreneurs who not only market and sell products via their social networks but also manage the last-mile delivery, earning commissions. This human-centric, gamified model incentivizes community engagement and helps build trust in online shopping among first-time internet users. CityMall’s platform caters to price-sensitive customers who value affordability and product quality over sheer assortment, challenging the dominance of metro-focused e-commerce giants and quick delivery apps.

9. CityMall Company Details and Expansion Strategy

Formally registered as Cmunity Innovations Private Limited, CityMall specializes in consumer goods and lifestyle products. It harnesses technology to create a low-cost distribution network, which reportedly is up to three times more efficient than that of traditional e-commerce players operating in India. Besides deepening its presence across over 60 cities, CityMall is focusing on expanding into adjacent markets, strengthening its supply chain infrastructure, and growing its portfolio of private labels and brand partnerships. The company also invests in attracting talent across technology, product, and operations teams to fuel its ambitious growth plans.

10. Angad Kikla’s Leadership and Vision

Angad Kikla co-founded CityMall with the vision to create a Bharat-first e-commerce company that addresses the unique challenges of underserved small-town India. With a background in engineering and entrepreneurial ventures, Kikla emphasizes building a value-first, inclusive commerce platform rather than replicating metro-centric models. According to Kikla, CityMall’s mission is a human solution to overpaying and limited choice for daily essentials faced by families outside metropolitan cities. Under his leadership, CityMall is rapidly growing, doubling revenue year-over-year, and innovating the intersection of technology and community-driven commerce.

Conclusion

CityMall exemplifies the innovative spirit that is reshaping e-commerce in India’s smaller towns and communities, driven by founders Naisheel Verdhan and Angad Kikla’s commitment to bridging accessibility and affordability gaps. With a strong technological foundation, a sustainable community-led business model, and robust funding, CityMall is redefining retail for over 200 million new internet users. As the company expands its footprint and product offerings, it challenges conventional retail dynamics by empowering micro-entrepreneurs and tailoring e-commerce to truly reflect the needs of Bharat’s diverse consumer base. What will be the long-term impact of platforms like CityMall on India’s retail economy and digital inclusion is a question that continues to unfold.