In the world of Indian startups, we often hear about flashy urban brands and consumer tech companies. But quietly, away from the limelight, Prasanna Kumar C (popularly known as CPK) has been building something extraordinary for rural India. As the Founder & CEO of VilCart, he has transformed the way small village kirana stores source their products – and in the process, has crossed the coveted ₹100 crore revenue mark.
From Rural Roots to Chartered Accountant
Prasanna’s story begins in Mandya district of Karnataka. Coming from a humble agrarian family, he studied in a Kannada medium government school and later moved to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, where discipline and hard work shaped his early years. His sharp mind and determination led him to pursue a career in finance, eventually qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
While many CAs settle into comfortable corporate roles, Prasanna’s entrepreneurial instincts pulled him elsewhere. After a stint running his own CA practice, he decided to address a problem he had seen up close: the challenges faced by rural kirana store owners in sourcing quality products at the right price.
The Birth of VilCart
In 2018, along with his co-founders, Prasanna started VilCart with a bold vision – to turn small kirana stores in villages into well-stocked “Gramin Supermarkets.” The idea was simple but powerful: cut through the layers of middlemen, provide a reliable tech-enabled supply chain, and bring urban-level efficiency to rural retail.
What began as a modest operation soon gained momentum. By integrating technology with deep local networks, VilCart built trust among store owners who were tired of irregular supplies, fluctuating prices, and lack of support.
Scaling to 85,000 Stores
The results speak for themselves. Today, VilCart serves over 85,000 kirana stores across 30,000 villages in South India. Its fleet and logistics network cover 56 districts, ensuring that even the most remote shops receive their daily stock on time.
In March 2024, the company achieved a landmark milestone – ₹102 crore in monthly revenue. For a rural commerce startup, this wasn’t just a number; it was proof that the Bharat-focused business model can scale massively when executed with precision.
Funding & Growth
Investors, too, have recognized VilCart’s potential. The company raised ₹144 crore in Series A funding, led by Asia Impact SA, which has fueled expansion and tech development. With a GMV crossing ₹200 crore in FY22 and profitability in sight, VilCart is positioning itself as the backbone of rural retail.
The Man Behind the Mission
What makes Prasanna’s journey remarkable is his ability to bridge two worlds – the analytical discipline of a Chartered Accountant and the on-ground empathy of someone who has lived rural realities. Unlike many entrepreneurs chasing only valuation milestones, he remains grounded in his core mission: empowering small kirana owners and uplifting rural commerce.
Speaking about his vision, Prasanna often emphasizes that villages don’t just need handouts; they need access to the same efficiency, quality, and choice that urban consumers enjoy. VilCart, in his words, is not just a business but a platform to unlock rural India’s true potential.
Looking Ahead
With India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets growing faster than ever, VilCart’s timing couldn’t be better. Under Prasanna Kumar C’s leadership, the startup is eyeing deeper penetration across states, expansion into new product categories, and eventually, becoming the largest rural commerce network in the country.
From a small village in Karnataka to building a company that has crossed the ₹100 crore milestone, Prasanna’s journey is a powerful reminder that real change often starts at the grassroots.
