Meesho has made history in India’s e-commerce sector by becoming the first horizontal firm to generate positive cash flow. This achievement marks a significant milestone in a market where profitability has been a challenge, despite emerging competitive threats.
### Positive Growth and Financial Success
The SoftBank and Prosus-backed startup, catering to customers in smaller Indian cities and towns, reported a positive operating cash flow of ₹232 crores ($27.6 million) for the financial year ending March 2024. Operating revenues also grew by 33% to ₹7,615 crores ($905.6 million), with adjusted losses decreasing by 97% to just ₹53 crores.
### Shifting Landscape and Market Trends
Meesho’s growth outpaces the overall e-commerce surge in India, as the industry’s growth is expected to slow down in the coming years. Meanwhile, quick-commerce firms are reshaping the market in urban areas, introducing new features and expanding their reach.
### Future Prospects and Market Expansion
As the competition intensifies for India’s next hundred million internet shoppers, Meesho is attracting customers from tier 4 cities and beyond. The company anticipates a significant influx of new-to-e-commerce users, highlighting the vast potential for e-commerce in underserved markets.
Bank of America projects a substantial increase in online shoppers over the next few years, with a focus on Tier-2/3 cities. This demographic represents a new cohort of first-time online shoppers, indicating a promising future for e-commerce in India.
