Shadowfax, a last-mile logistics enterprise supported by Flipkart, intends to employ an additional 10,000 riders and delivery associates to seize the opportunities presented by India’s state-sponsored Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Shadowfax operates a countrywide network that caters to prominent e-commerce, food, grocery, and retail businesses, serving over 50,000 delivery associates daily across more than 1,100 cities. The organization is targeting the expansion of its hyperlocal delivery network, enhancing income prospects for its partners and riders.
The co-founder and chief business officer of Shadowfax, Praharsh Chandra, has expressed that the recent investment and support will augment the network of the company, thereby enhancing the quality and expanding the scope of delivery services across numerous cities in India. He is optimistic that the addition of fresh partners and riders will enable Shadowfax to raise the bar for digital and delivery advancements in India.
The company has set up hiring centers to attract candidates who can join the network within 10 minutes through its Android app. Shadowfax delivery partners earn up to Rs 40,000 monthly, and the company trains them to improve their earnings. It also offers referral bonuses to those who refer their friends to join the delivery network.
Shadowfax possesses a foundation of 1.5 lakh monthly transportation partners who conduct a surplus of 15 lakh orders each day in 10,000 pinpoint locations. Its origination took place in 2015 by the alumni of the distinguished university, IIT Delhi, namely Abhishek Bansal, Vaibhav Khandelwal, Praharsh Chandra, and Gaurav Jaithliya. Shadowfax obtained a strategic minority investment from Flipkart in December 2019, during which a Series D funding round of $60 million occurred, accompanied by Eight Roads Ventures, Nokia Growth Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, Mirae Asset Naver Fund, and World Bank-backed IFC.
The ONDC is a project launched by the Indian government to create a unified digital platform for small and medium-sized businesses, connecting buyers, sellers, and logistics service providers. By joining the ONDC, Shadowfax aims to expand its reach and provide better last-mile delivery services to customers across the country.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce in India, with consumers increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase goods and services. This has resulted in a surge in demand for last-mile delivery services, creating opportunities for companies like Shadowfax. The company’s expansion plans, coupled with the ONDC’s support, are likely to boost the growth of last-mile delivery in India and create new job opportunities in the sector.
