Kaarigar Mandi

Kaarigar Mandi is a B2B platform that digitizes the supply chain for the footwear industry, connecting artisan and small-scale manufacturing units with bulk buyers. The company, officially registered as Shoegaro Fashions Private Limited, was founded in Agra, India, in 2019 by Ankit Kumar, Gagan Mukhi, and Dr. Hifza Afaq. The founding team combines expertise in e-commerce, footwear manufacturing, and technology. Ankit Kumar, the CEO, previously worked as an e-commerce consultant for footwear brands, where he identified the disconnect between the high-quality craftsmanship of local artisans and the low-quality end products due to substandard raw materials and lack of standardization. Gagan Mukhi, the COO, brings footwear manufacturing experience, while Dr. Hifza Afaq, the CTO, leads the technology development.

The company initially launched as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model in 2019 but pivoted to a B2B focus in August 2021 in response to market dynamics and challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The business model centers on creating an aggregator platform that provides small manufacturers and artisans with access to markets, raw materials, tools, financial credit, and upskilling opportunities. For bulk buyers, including major brands like Relaxo and Liberty, Kaarigar Mandi offers a standardized and transparent supply chain, mass production capabilities, and robust quality control, maintaining a rejection rate of less than 1%.

In March 2024, Kaarigar Mandi secured ₹1.75 crore (approximately $210,000) in a seed funding round. The round was led by Kyt Ventures, with participation from Upaya Social Ventures, IIMA Ventures, and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. These funds are allocated for business development and the enhancement of its AI-driven technology infrastructure, with a goal to expand its network to 40,000 micro-manufacturers. The platform aims to preserve the traditional art of handmade shoemaking while fostering economic resilience and entrepreneurship within artisan communities.

Keywords: B2B footwear marketplace, footwear supply chain, artisan empowerment, handmade footwear, Agra footwear industry, supply chain digitization, small-scale manufacturing, ethical fashion, social entrepreneurship, impact investing, raw material sourcing, production standardization, quality control, footwear manufacturing, D2C footwear, e-commerce platform, financial inclusion for artisans, micro-enterprise support, fashion technology, sustainable manufacturing