Meesho, based in Bangalore, is a leading retail e-commerce platform that empowers small businesses and social sellers to connect with customers across India. The platform is known for providing sellers with access to a vast selection of unique and trendy products at affordable prices, helping them to grow their businesses and succeed in the competitive e-commerce industry.
Meesho was founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal with the goal of helping small businesses and social sellers to leverage technology to grow their businesses. The company has since grown significantly, with over 15 million registered users and 1.5 million online sellers on its platform as of Q2 2022. To support its growth, Meesho has raised a total of $1.1 billion in funding to date, including $570 million in its most recent Series F round, which was led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. Other investors in the company include Facebook, SAIF Partners, Shunwei Capital, and Sequoia Capital India.
Despite its impressive growth and profitability, Meesho recently announced that it would be laying off 300 employees, which represents around 6% of its total workforce. The move came as a surprise to many, given the company’s strong performance and position in the market. According to a statement from Meesho, the layoffs were part of a broader organizational restructuring aimed at streamlining the company’s operations and improving efficiency. The company emphasized that it remained committed to its long-term growth and success, and that it would continue to invest heavily in its people, products, and technology.
The layoffs at Meesho have generated significant attention in the Indian business community, with many stakeholders expressing concern about the impact of the restructuring on the affected employees and on the company’s overall performance. In response, Meesho has released a series of public statements affirming its commitment to its employees and to its mission of empowering small businesses. The company has also emphasized its confidence in its ability to navigate the current economic climate and to continue driving growth and innovation in the e-commerce industry.
Meesho’s recent layoffs represent a significant development in the company’s trajectory, and have generated both concern and interest among its stakeholders and the wider business community. While the reasons for the layoffs are not entirely clear, the company’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to its people and to its long-term growth, suggesting that it remains focused on building a successful and sustainable business. As Meesho continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing e-commerce landscape.