Biography of Partha Kakati: Founder and CEO of Littlebox- Entrepreneur
Littlebox: A Fashion Revolution From Assam
In June 2022, two determined entrepreneurs from Guwahati,
Assam, set out to change the fashion landscape in India. Partha Kakati and
Rimjim Deka launched Littlebox India, a fast fashion direct-to-consumer (D2C)
brand with the mission to make trendy, affordable, and sustainable clothing
accessible to all. Their idea was to create an online store offering a wide
range of fashionable outfits, allowing customers to express their personality
through their clothes. Despite their ambitious vision, they faced numerous
challenges, including limited resources and a lack of entrepreneurial support
in their region.
A Fast Fashion Model with a Twist
Littlebox’s core concept revolved around creating fashion
products that catered to the masses. Instead of the usual approach of
large-scale production, the founders adopted a strategy of small-batch testing.
This meant they could create limited quantities of new designs and gauge
customer response before going into full-scale production. By using this model,
Littlebox not only minimized waste but also ensured they were producing
clothing that matched the latest trends, making their brand highly appealing to
the Gen-Z audience.
Biography of Partha Kakati: Founder and CEO of Littlebox- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/affordable, trendy, and sustainable fashion
The Journey to Shark Tank India
By 2023, Littlebox had established itself as a rapidly
growing startup. Their innovative approach had led them to ship over 2 lakh
units across India, making waves in the fashion industry. This success brought
them to the attention of the Shark Tank India producers. Partha and Rimjim
pitched their brand on the show, asking for an investment of ₹75 lakh for just
1% equity, valuing the company at ₹75 crore. The duo’s confidence, clear
vision, and impressive growth caught the attention of the sharks, leading to a
rare scenario where all five judges fought to offer them a deal.
A Rare Deal on Shark Tank India
On the show, the founders were offered ₹75 lakh for 2.5%
equity, which gave Littlebox a valuation of ₹30 crore. All five sharks—Namita
Thapar, Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, Anupam Mittal, and Amit Jain—saw great
potential in the brand. The founders, after careful consideration, decided to
accept the offer, marking a major milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.
This deal was not just about funding; it also brought invaluable mentorship
from the sharks to help scale their business further.
Rising from Humble Beginnings
Littlebox India’s success story began with a modest
investment of ₹30 lakh. Within just 14 months, the company achieved ₹9 crore in
sales, with a healthy profit margin of 15%. With a team of 40 passionate
individuals, the brand’s growth trajectory continued to rise sharply. By the
end of their second year, Littlebox projected a revenue of ₹36–40 crore. This
remarkable achievement was a testament to the founders' resilience and
strategic thinking.
Challenges and Overcoming Barriers
Starting a business in a city like Guwahati, Assam, posed
significant challenges. There was a lack of entrepreneurial infrastructure, and
the founders had to navigate through a range of logistical and operational
hurdles. The journey was not easy, but their determination kept them going.
With the support of incubation centers and a government that encouraged
startups, Littlebox was able to thrive despite the limited resources in their
home state.
Sustainability at the Core
One of the key principles behind Littlebox was its
commitment to sustainability. The company adopted an on-demand production model
to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion. This
approach not only aligned with the brand’s values but also ensured they could
quickly adapt to changing fashion trends, maintaining a competitive edge in the
ever-evolving fashion industry.
Expansion Plans for the Future
With its current operations spread across multiple cities,
including Delhi, Agra, Noida, and Ludhiana, Littlebox is strategically
expanding to meet growing demand. The company has four factories in Delhi, one
of which it owns, and continues to ramp up its production capacity. As demand
from regions like Maharashtra surged, the founders decided to set up a
warehouse in Mumbai to support the expanding orders. This decision reflects the
brand’s commitment to providing excellent service and fast delivery to its
growing customer base.
Focus on the Customer Experience
At the heart of Littlebox’s success is its deep
understanding of customer needs. The brand focuses on creating stylish yet
comfortable clothing that appeals to the modern Indian consumer. By maintaining
an active presence on social media, especially Instagram, Littlebox engages
with its customers directly, asking for feedback and insights. This close
relationship allows them to design clothes that resonate with their audience,
creating a loyal customer base.
The Role of Technology in Growth
Technology played a significant role in Littlebox’s rapid
growth. From using social media for marketing to adopting e-commerce and
advanced analytics for inventory management, the company made the most of
digital tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. This
tech-savvy approach helped Littlebox stay ahead of the competition and manage
its growing business efficiently.
Breaking Boundaries with D2C
Littlebox’s success story is a testament to the growing
power of the direct-to-consumer (D2C) model in India. With all sales conducted
online through their website, Littlebox bypassed traditional retail channels,
offering customers a more convenient shopping experience. This strategy allowed
the brand to reach a wider audience and create a direct connection with its
customers, which proved crucial in its rapid growth.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Throughout their entrepreneurial journey, Rimjim and Partha
encountered various setbacks, from logistical issues to unexpected market
challenges. However, each obstacle became a learning experience, helping them
fine-tune their operations and adapt quickly. They emphasize the importance of
flexibility, market awareness, and a clear vision to navigate the unpredictable
world of fashion startups.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Littlebox
With plans to further expand its presence across India and
internationally, Littlebox is poised to become a major player in the fashion
industry. The founders are optimistic about their brand’s potential, especially
in markets like Mumbai and other metro cities, where demand for trendy and
affordable clothing is growing. As the company continues to scale, Littlebox’s
focus on sustainability, customer engagement, and innovative business practices
will help it stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market. With their
strategic vision, Partha and Rimjim are ready to redefine the fashion industry
in India and beyond.
A timeline for Littlebox India's journey:
June 2022: Partha Kakati and Rimjim Deka launched Littlebox
India with a focus on affordable, trendy, and sustainable fashion.
2023: Littlebox shipped over 2 lakh units and gained
attention, leading to their appearance on Shark Tank India.
2023: The founders pitched on Shark Tank India and secured
₹75 lakh for 2.5% equity, valuing the company at ₹30 crore.
2024: Littlebox projected ₹36-40 crore in revenue by the end
of its second year, demonstrating rapid growth and expansion.
2024: The company expanded operations with warehouses in
Mumbai and multiple factories in Delhi to meet growing demand.
