Santosh Dabke (Ripplr)
Overview
Santosh Dabke is a prominent figure in the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem, known for his pivotal role as co-founder of Ripplr, a distribution and logistics company based in Bengaluru, India. Since its inception in 2019, Ripplr has become a significant player in the domain of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution, offering comprehensive solutions that integrate technology to facilitate supply chain operations. Dabke's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in scaling the business to operate across twelve cities and simplifying distribution networks for various brands. Besides his contributions to Ripplr, Dabke is also an active angel investor, showing a keen interest in sectors such as real estate and construction technology.
Recent Developments
In the past couple of years, Santosh Dabke has been actively involved in Ripplr's strategic growth and funding initiatives:
- November 2025: Ripplr is reportedly in the advanced stages of raising approximately ₹400 crore from the State Bank of India as part of a fresh funding round. This is expected to significantly enhance Ripplr's valuation to around ₹2,000-2,200 crore from its previous valuation in 2023. The funds will primarily be used to expand Ripplr's electronics distribution business and increase the number of micro fulfillment centers (MFCs) from the current six.
- 2023: Ripplr raised $40 million in its Series B funding round, led by Fireside Ventures and other existing investors. This injection of capital was intended to strengthen their technological infrastructure and expand their market reach across India's key regions.
- Dabke's leadership at Ripplr has seen the company expand its tech-enabled distribution network, offering brands a more efficient route to market and improving their visibility through advanced analytics.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Santosh Dabke |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Angel Investor |
| Known For | Co-founder of Ripplr |
| Education | Master's from Savitribai Phule Pune University |
Early Life and Education
Santosh Dabke's early life details are not extensively documented, but his academic credentials include a postgraduate degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University, a notable institution in India. His educational background laid a solid foundation for understanding business management and entrepreneurial strategies, which have been crucial in his career. It is reported that Dabke had an early interest in technology and business, which eventually steered him towards the dynamic startup ecosystem in India.
Career and Notable Achievements
In 2019, Santosh Dabke co-founded Ripplr alongside Abhishek Nehru. Ripplr emerged as an innovative distribution and logistics firm utilizing a plug-and-play model to offer Distribution as a Service (DaaS) to brands:
- Dabke has been critical in driving Ripplr's tech-focused approach, which includes live inventory tracking and advanced analytics to support decision-making processes in distribution.
- By 2025, Ripplr had expanded its operations across multiple cities, servicing over 100,000 retailers and becoming an operationally profitable enterprise.
- As an angel investor, Dabke's notable investment includes ZippMat, reflecting his diversified interests in emerging sectors.
- Under Dabke's supervision, Ripplr has secured significant funding rounds, demonstrating their robust business model and growth potential.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Santosh Dabke focuses on expanding Ripplr’s reach and technological capabilities in the FMCG distribution segment. His vision emphasizes bridging gaps in the supply chain by leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The impact of his work at Ripplr is evident in the growing adoption of its services by major brands looking to optimize their distribution networks. Dabke’s influence extends beyond business operations, inspiring upcoming entrepreneurs with his strategic acumen and commitment to innovation.
Conclusion
Santosh Dabke’s contributions to the field of distribution and logistics through Ripplr have positioned him as a significant figure in India's startup landscape. His initiatives in incorporating technology within traditional distribution frameworks have set new standards for operational efficiency and market reach. As Ripplr continues to grow, Dabke's approach may serve as a blueprint for future enterprises looking to navigate the complexities of the logistics industry amidst an evolving economic landscape. His journey highlights the transformative power of integrating technological advancements with fundamental business practices, potentially affecting changes on a national scale and beyond.