Biography of Neeta Rijwani: Founder & COO of Kiko Live- Entrepreneur
Biography of Neeta Rijwani:
Neeta Rijwani has had an inspiring and diverse career,
showcasing her ability to adapt and lead in different sectors. Her professional
journey began after she graduated from V.G. Vaze College of Arts, Commerce, and
Science in Mumbai in 1999. During her time at college, she was actively
involved in cultural activities and event planning, a sign of her leadership
and organizational skills. This foundation in commerce laid the groundwork for
her future business ventures, even as she explored her creative side by studying
fashion at the V.N.F. Institute of Fashion Technology.
A Creative Start in Fashion Design
After completing her diploma in fashion and costume from the
V.N.F. Institute of Fashion Technology in 1998, Neeta ventured into the world
of fashion design. She began working with exporters and private clients to
design and promote garments. Neeta collaborated with renowned fashion houses
and worked with well-known designer labels like Rohit Verma. Her designs even
made their way into Bollywood movies, with leading actors wearing her
creations. Neeta also took her passion for fashion to the digital space by
e-tailing her designs, catering to both Indian and international customers.
Expanding Horizons with TRISTAR
Neeta's entrepreneurial journey continued with the founding
of TRISTAR, a cross-border e-commerce venture focused on selling brass music
instruments from India to Europe and North America. What started as a small
business grew over time, with Neeta shifting her focus from simply sourcing
instruments to manufacturing them under her own brand. By 2006, she became the
CEO of TRISTAR, overseeing operations, fulfillment, and international trade
shows. This experience deepened her expertise in e-commerce and global trade,
setting the stage for future ventures.
Gizmobaba: Redefining Cross-Border E-Commerce
In 2012, Neeta co-founded Gizmobaba.com, an e-commerce
platform focused on bringing high-quality electronics, accessories, and small
appliances to the Indian market. At the time, cross-border e-commerce was
gaining traction, and Gizmobaba aimed to differentiate itself by offering
quality products that were often hard to find in India. The platform curated
its suppliers carefully, ensuring that every product met high standards.
Gizmobaba's success lay in its commitment to quality, offering a three-month warranty
and easy-to-understand setup instructions in English, making it a reliable
choice for tech-savvy customers.
Building the Gizmobaba Brand
Gizmobaba’s unique selling point was its focus on providing
superior customer service. Unlike many other cross-border e-tailers, Gizmobaba
ensured that products came with detailed setup guides and support, such as
step-by-step videos for complex products like IP cameras and smart home
devices. This attention to detail helped the brand gain trust among customers.
Furthermore, the products were backed by a three-month replacement warranty,
which gave buyers confidence in their purchases. Gizmobaba's offerings also
expanded to include franchisee stores, increasing their market reach.
The Birth of Kiko Live
In 2020, Neeta co-founded Kiko Live, a digital platform
aimed at helping small retailers in India reach a broader audience. The idea
was simple yet revolutionary: many small shops, such as kiranas, pharmacies,
and local stores, lacked the resources to set up online sales channels. Kiko
Live allowed these businesses to sell their products online through a live
selling platform, enabling them to interact with customers in real-time. This
platform was designed to empower local sellers by providing them with their own
e-commerce websites and increasing their visibility on major platforms like
ONDC.
Empowering Local Retailers
Kiko Live's mission was to bridge the gap between
traditional brick-and-mortar stores and the rapidly growing digital economy. By
partnering with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), Kiko Live made it
possible for retailers to gain visibility across various buyer apps like PayTM,
PhonePe, and MyStore. This exposure resulted in significant business growth for
these local sellers. The platform offered more than just digital storefronts;
it provided comprehensive services such as cataloging, discovery, payment
solutions, and hyperlocal delivery, giving small businesses the tools they
needed to compete in the digital marketplace.
Biography of Neeta Rijwani: Founder & COO of Kiko Live- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/empower small retailers/Kiko Live story/Neeta R
Scaling Kiko Live's Success
With over 100,000 installations and more than 10,000
verified sellers, Kiko Live has seen tremendous success. The platform quickly
gained the attention of major investors, including Venture Catalysts, 9
Unicorns, Powerhouse Ventures, and SOSV. These investors recognized the
potential of Kiko Live to revolutionize retail for small businesses,
particularly in the quick commerce space. Kiko Live's business model stood out
due to its capital efficiency, which allowed it to scale without the high
inventory costs associated with traditional quick commerce models.
The Challenge of Supply in Quick Commerce
Quick commerce, the concept of delivering products in a
matter of hours, has become increasingly popular in urban areas. However, one
of the biggest challenges in this space is the supply chain. While demand can
be generated through marketing, creating a reliable supply of products can be
capital-intensive. Inventory holding costs, product shrinkage, and waste due to
expired goods can all increase disproportionately as the variety of products
offered grows. Kiko Live tackled this issue by focusing on building a robust
supply ecosystem, allowing retailers to plug into multiple buyer platforms and
expand their offerings without the need for large inventory holdings.
Innovating for the Future of Retail
Kiko Live's innovation doesn't stop at providing a platform
for retailers. The company has been awarded two patents for its work in live
commerce and quick commerce, with a third patent pending. These innovations
reflect Kiko Live's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the
ever-evolving retail landscape. By leveraging technology and partnerships, Kiko
Live is shaping the future of retail in India, particularly for small
businesses that were previously excluded from the digital economy.
The Impact of Kiko Live on Retail Digitization
Kiko Live’s impact has been acknowledged in several
prominent reports, including the Economic Survey of India 2024, which
recognized the platform as a leader in grocery retail digitization. Kiko Live's
ability to digitize home delivery services and make them more accessible to
small retailers has helped pave the way for the future of retail in India. As
the platform continues to grow, more retailers are able to establish their
online presence, leading to increased sales and a more competitive retail landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Neeta Rijwani's journey from fashion design to e-commerce
and retail digitization showcases her ability to identify opportunities and
innovate in various fields. With the continued growth of Kiko Live, Neeta’s
vision of empowering small retailers to thrive in the digital age is becoming a
reality. Her work with Kiko Live is not only transforming the retail sector but
also contributing to the broader digital economy in India. Through her
leadership, Kiko Live is creating a future where every retailer, big or small,
can thrive in a connected, digital world.
A timeline of Neeta Rijwani's journey:
1998 - Graduated from V.N.F. Institute of Fashion Technology
and started working in fashion design.
1999 - Graduated from V.G. Vaze College in Mumbai, actively
involved in cultural activities.
2006 - Became CEO of TRISTAR, a cross-border e-commerce
venture in music instruments.
2012 - Co-founded Gizmobaba, an e-commerce platform for
high-quality electronics and appliances.
2020 - Co-founded Kiko Live, a digital platform to empower
small retailers in India.
2024 - Kiko Live recognized in the Economic Survey of India
for its role in retail digitization.
