Biography of Aaditya Sharda: Founder of Infra.Market -Indian Entrepreneur
Biography of Aaditya Sharda:
Aaditya Sharda is the founder of Infra.Market, a company revolutionizing the infrastructure sector. Infra.Market leverages technology and innovation to streamline procurement and enhance efficiency in construction and infrastructure projects. Under his leadership, the company is shaping the future of infrastructure with cutting-edge solutions and strategic insights.
Aaditya Sharda’s entrepreneurial journey began with a vision
to transform the construction materials industry. As the founder of
Infra.Market, a Mumbai-based marketplace for construction materials, Sharda
aimed to bridge gaps in the infrastructure and real estate sectors. With a
background in business from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, he
brought over a decade of experience to the table, laying the groundwork for
what would become a pioneering enterprise in construction and real estate.
Educational Background
Aaditya Sharda’s educational journey began at Saraswati
Vidyalaya in Thane, where he laid the groundwork for his academic and
professional pursuits. He pursued higher education at SIES College of Arts,
Science & Commerce, followed by a transformative experience at the Indian
Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) from 2018 to 2019, where he honed his
business acumen and leadership skills.
The Birth of Infra.Market: Concept to Reality
Founded in 2016, Infra.Market emerged from Sharda’s ambition
to streamline and innovate the construction materials sector. The company was
established with a dual focus: a B2B platform catering to large infrastructure
projects and a B2R (business-to-retail) segment serving smaller contractors and
vendors. This dual approach allowed Infra.Market to cater to diverse market
needs and establish a strong foothold in the industry.
Expanding Horizons: Growth Beyond Maharashtra
Over the past five years, Infra.Market has experienced
remarkable growth. Initially focused on Maharashtra, the company has expanded
its reach to other states, including Telangana, Karnataka, and Kochi. More
recently, it has ventured into North India, including the Delhi-NCR region.
This geographical expansion reflects Infra.Market’s strategic vision to capture
a broader market and enhance its presence across the country.
Strengthening the Network: Franchisee and Retail Presence
The company’s growth is also evident in its extensive
network. Infra.Market now boasts 25 exclusive franchisee stores spread across
10 cities. Additionally, it has established over 1,500 distributors and 5,000
retailer touchpoints. The company operates more than 620 dealer-owned stores
across 50 cities and towns, showcasing its robust distribution and retail
strategy.
Diversification and Innovation: New Product Categories
Infra.Market’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its
diverse product offerings. The company recently introduced LED lights and fans
into its product range, marking a significant expansion into new categories.
This diversification is part of Sharda’s broader strategy to enhance the
company’s private label portfolio, which currently contributes around 60% of its
revenue.
Strategic Acquisitions: Fueling Growth
In addition to organic growth, Infra.Market has pursued an
aggressive acquisition strategy. In May, the company acquired Equiphunt, a
Hyderabad-based construction equipment rental firm, for $10 million. This was
followed by the acquisition of RDC Concrete, a leading independent ready-mix
concrete player in India, for $100 million. These acquisitions are part of
Sharda’s plan to strengthen Infra.Market’s market position and expand its
product and service offerings.
Biography of Aaditya Sharda: Founder of Infra.Market -Indian Entrepreneur/ Investor/Age/Net Worth/Success story of Aaditya Sharda/Infra.Market unicorn
Backing and Recognition: Industry Endorsements
Infra.Market’s growth and innovation have garnered
significant recognition from industry stakeholders. Investors, including Accel
and Tiger Global, have praised the company’s approach. Prashanth Prakash, a
founding partner of Accel, highlighted Infra.Market’s unique position in the
market, noting that its scale and multi-category approach are unprecedented in
the infrastructure sector.
Sharda’s Vision: Beyond Financial Success
Aaditya Sharda’s vision for Infra.Market extends beyond mere
financial success. He emphasizes that his focus is on building an enduring
company rather than being driven by financial valuations. Sharda redefines the
concept of a “tycoon” as someone excelling in their field, rather than being
motivated solely by wealth. This philosophy reflects his commitment to excellence
and long-term impact.
Infra.Market’s Milestones: Achieving Unicorn Status
Infra.Market achieved unicorn status in 2021, a testament to
its rapid growth and success. This milestone came after a significant Series C
funding round, where the company raised $100 million. With a current valuation
of $2.5 billion, Infra.Market stands as a leading player in the construction
materials industry, demonstrating its ability to scale and thrive in a
competitive market.
Operational Excellence: Leveraging Technology
The company’s success is also attributed to its strategic
use of technology. Infra.Market has developed an advanced platform that
enhances supply chain management and inventory control. By integrating
technology across its operations, the company ensures efficient processes and
effective demand fulfillment. This tech-driven approach is central to its
operational strategy and market success.
Product Portfolio: In-House Manufacturing and Branding
Infra.Market’s product portfolio is a key element of its
strategy. The company offers a wide range of construction materials under its
own brand name, including concrete, aggregates, and sanitary tiles. It also
manufactures products in-house, which contributes to its competitive edge. The
launch of IVAS, a multi-category brand for home construction and renovation,
further highlights the company’s innovative approach.
Global Expansion: Scaling Up Operations
Infra.Market’s growth strategy includes scaling its
operations globally. The company is expanding into new markets and diversifying
its product offerings to meet global demands. With over 200 concrete
manufacturing plants and numerous retail and warehouse facilities, Infra.Market
is well-positioned to address the needs of a growing and diverse market.
Funding and Investment: Supporting Growth
To support its ambitious growth plans, Infra.Market has
raised substantial funding from various investors. The company has secured $376
million across multiple funding rounds, with notable contributions from Accel,
Tiger Global, and Nexus Venture Partners. This financial backing has been
instrumental in driving the company’s expansion and innovation efforts.
Major Clients and Projects: A Diverse Portfolio
Infra.Market’s client base includes prominent projects and
organizations, such as Chennai Metro, Kochi Metro, and Navi Mumbai Airport. The
company’s involvement in high-profile infrastructure projects underscores its capability
and reliability as a key player in the construction industry. Its diverse
portfolio of major clients reflects its broad market reach and industry
influence.
A timeline for Aaditya Sharda's journey:
Early Education: Attended Saraswati Vidyalaya in Thane and
SIES College of Arts, Science & Commerce.
2018-2019: Pursued an MBA at the Indian Institute of
Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).
2016: Founded Infra.Market, a Mumbai-based marketplace for
construction materials.
2016-Present: Led Infra.Market in its dual focus on B2B and
B2R segments.
2016-Present: Expanded Infra.Market's reach from Maharashtra
to Telangana, Karnataka, Kochi, and North India.
2019: Infra.Market expanded its network to include 25
exclusive franchisee stores and over 1,500 distributors.
2021: Achieved unicorn status with a $100 million Series C
funding round, valuing the company at $2.5 billion.
2023: Acquired Equiphunt for $10 million and RDC Concrete
for $100 million to strengthen market position.
2023: Raised $376 million in funding across multiple rounds
from investors like Accel, Tiger Global, and Nexus Venture Partners.
Ongoing: Continues to drive innovation and expansion,
including global scaling and diversification of product offerings.
Aaditya Sharda's leadership and vision have positioned
Infra.Market as a transformative force in the construction materials industry,
underscoring his role in reshaping the infrastructure sector.
