6Degree

Bengaluru-based 6Degree, operating under Protinus Fashion Networking Private Limited, functions as a growth enablement platform offering end-to-end e-commerce solutions tailored for the fashion and lifestyle retail sector. The company was founded in 2014 by Amit Bhardwaj, Nikhil Hegde, and Nikhil Berger, with its official incorporation in July 2015. The initial idea stemmed from a project for the University of Leeds in 2014, where Hegde and Bhardwaj identified a significant lack of organization and networking within the fashion industry. This insight led them to establish a platform designed to connect fashion professionals and empower their business growth.

The founders bring a blend of technical and business acumen to the venture. Nikhil Hegde, the current CEO, holds an MBA from the University of Leeds and has a background in business consulting, growth strategy, and product management with firms like KPMG and Airtel. Amit Bhardwaj, a former co-founder, is a self-described techno-business expert from the Symbiosis Institute, with experience in launching tech products for Tata Docomo and various European startups. His focus at 6Degree was on product strategy and client onboarding.

6Degree's business model is a B2B retail SaaS platform that provides brands with a comprehensive suite of services to manage and scale their online operations. This includes technology, marketing expertise, and tailored strategies for every business stage. The company acts as an outsourced e-commerce team, handling day-to-day operations, technology processes, and supply chain management, allowing brands to focus on their core product. Revenue is generated through a revenue-sharing model, aligning the company's growth with that of its clients. The platform offers an AI-enabled catalogue toolkit, intelligent discovery models, and markdown management to help brands publish and manage inventory, track orders, and enhance sales.

Initially launched as a networking platform, 6Degree evolved, recognizing the need for offline support and pivoting to a hybrid online-offline model. A significant milestone was becoming the official talent partner for Lakmé Fashion Week, curating designers for the event. The company has secured total funding of $4.06 million over nine rounds from a mix of 58 institutional and angel investors, including Keiretsu Forum, SucSEED Indovation, and 1Crowd. Its latest round in May 2023 was a Series A, and as of June 2023, the company had a post-money valuation of ₹89.4Cr.

Keywords: e-commerce enablement, retail SaaS, fashion technology, lifestyle brands, online business solutions, brand growth, supply chain management, digital marketing services, fashion networking, D2C solutions, retail management, inventory management, order fulfillment, brand consulting, Lakmé Fashion Week partner, Indian fashion industry, B2B SaaS platform, online retail, multi-channel sales, growth enablement