Brief Intro About Marmeto to our TechiExpert readers and its mission
Let me start by saying Marmeto’s journey began in a rather unexpected way—we originally started with a book rental business, but financial constraints forced us to shut it down. From there, we found ourselves consulting for a few eCommerce brands, and that’s where Marmeto truly took shape. Today, Marmeto is an eCommerce transformation company that empowers brands to scale through tailored, scalable solutions. We don’t just execute tasks; we dive deep into our clients’ challenges. We have partnered with leading brands like Raymond, Blackberrys, ITC, Aqualens, Birkenstock, etc, to create customised solutions that drive sustainable growth, all while ensuring a seamless digital experience.
Marmeto’s mission is simple yet powerful: Our commitment to innovation in commerce technology remains strong, but we are also strategically broadening our horizons through vertical expansion. This involves exploring new technologies and verticals to ensure that we help brands stay ahead of industry trends and leverage the right technology for the scale of their business.
On the other hand, we will continue to invest further in building an inclusive ecosystem for our team members, which can fuel our mission to empower more lives as Marmeto grows.
What inspired you to start Marmeto, and how did your journey begin?
Marmeto was born from a belief, not grand plans or external backing. Coming from a humble background in Bihar and journeying through Delhi and Bangalore, I realized my passion lay in creating something of my own. I dropped out of college to chase that dream, starting with a book rental platform inspired by U.S. models that didn’t succeed but taught me invaluable lessons about managing a team and running a business.
When we started Marmeto in 2017, we had no external funding or connections—just a drive to make every move count. Bootstrapping wasn’t just about finances; it gave us the freedom to stay true to our vision and focus on delivering real value. Our goal was to help businesses adapt to India’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Starting small and staying lean wasn’t just about survival but building something meaningful and sustainable from the ground up. We wanted to build something long term, something that can last centuries, beyond us.
The Indian e-commerce sector is currently booming. How is Marmeto helping brands scale online?
Technological advancements, consumer behaviour shifts, and the increasing penetration of digital platforms drive the Indian e-commerce sector. At Marmeto, we are at the forefront of
that transformation, helping brands scale in this dynamic environment by offering tailored, tech-driven solutions that address businesses’ unique challenges.
We act as tech partners to our clients, immersing ourselves in their e-commerce operations and crafting solutions that are not only impactful but also scalable. Rather than offering off- the-shelf services, we have developed a sharper focus on customer needs and practical solutions, driven by the necessity to create real value. This is what sets us apart and has earned us the trust of leading brands like Levi’s, Duroflex, Cipla, Orient Electrics, etc.
In an e-commerce landscape that’s growing rapidly, we don’t just focus on immediate wins but work toward building sustainable, long-term growth strategies, helping brands stay ahead in this booming Market.
Marmeto has grown significantly without external funding. key challenges faced during the bootstrapped journey?
Frankly, starting Marmeto was a true test of grit and determination. We didn’t have external funding or influential networks and came from humble beginnings. The initial challenges were countless and daunting. Our first office was a cramped coworking space where only two of us could sit comfortably; the third had to juggle between college and work. Even securing an office was a challenge. We finally found a small space where the biggest perk was unlimited chai and biscuits, which often served as both breakfast and dinner for us.
Hiring was another major hurdle. We couldn’t offer competitive salaries back then, but we were lucky to get some amazing folks who believed in what we wanted to build. There have been days that tested us the most, days that made us question our decision to start up, days when we felt we should be doing something else, but all were a part of the journey.
The e-commerce landscape in India was evolving rapidly, presenting both opportunities and challenges. We saw immense potential to help businesses navigate this shift, but it also meant we had to be highly agile and innovative. The bootstrapping approach allowed us to remain nimble and responsive to market changes without the pressure of chasing growth at all costs. Industry insights show that bootstrapped companies often develop a sharper focus on customer needs and practical solutions, driven by the necessity to create real value.
Throughout these challenges, we were committed to maintaining a culture that respected and valued our team. Even in those early days, we ensured that we were building for the team and our customers and creating opportunities for their growth as the company grew. Our team believed in our vision and contributed significantly to our growth. We were able to build Marmeto with them.
Looking back, those early struggles were integral to shaping Marmeto into the company it is today. They taught us the value of perseverance and the importance of staying focused on delivering genuine value.
Marmeto is recognized as India’s first Shopify Plus Partners. How did this partnership come about? What does it mean for your business and for your clients?
Marmeto’s recognition as India’s first Shopify Plus Partner came from our commitment to bridging the gap between global innovation and local needs. When we first focused on
Shopify, we saw immense potential in India’s e-commerce market, which is projected to reach
$188 billion by 2025. Despite Shopify’s success in the U.S., we recognized that the platform needed significant localization to serve Indian merchants effectively.
We collaborated closely with Shopify to adapt their offerings for the Indian market, addressing challenges such as the widespread preference for Cash on Delivery (COD), enhancing user verification processes, and designing custom discount structures that cater to price-sensitive consumers. This innovative work showcased our dedication to solving India-specific challenges. It led to Shopify recognizing us as their extended tech team, ultimately resulting in our designation as their first official Plus Partner in India.
How has the status impacted your ability to serve brands, especially in terms of technology and resources?
This partnership has been pivotal for Marmeto. It has allowed us to scale our operations alongside Shopify, solidifying our position as leaders in the Indian e-commerce landscape.
For our clients, being part of the Shopify Plus ecosystem means they gain access to a world- class e-commerce platform. They can leverage Shopify’s global strengths while benefiting from our solutions, which facilitate faster scaling, enhance the customer experience, and address the unique complexities of Indian commerce. Additionally, our clients enjoy top-tier support and performance features, empowering them to thrive in the competitive e- commerce space and ensuring they are well-equipped for future growth.
E-commerce service provider space is truly competitive in today’s scenario. What sets Marmeto apart from other companies in the sector?
Marmeto was founded with a clear vision: to solve real-world challenges instead of getting caught up in competition. Our genuine commitment to helping businesses face their unique e-commerce hurdles is what truly makes us different.
We’ve always believed that solving problems effectively is more valuable than merely monitoring competitors. Our commitment has been to harness the right technology and solutions to meet our clients’ needs. This focus on problem-solving has earned us the trust of major brands like Boat, Mcaffeine, Birkenstock, etc., from early on. These partnerships testify to our ability to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions.
We don’t just offer services; we immerse ourselves in the intricacies of e-commerce to provide impactful and sustainable solutions. We prioritise long-term growth and scalability over shortcuts for immediate gains. Our emphasis on sustainable tech practices ensures that our solutions not only address current needs but also support the future growth of businesses.
Industry insights reveal that businesses that leverage advanced technology and prioritize scalability are better positioned to thrive in the competitive e-commerce space. At the heart of Marmeto is our unwavering dedication to solving commerce challenges with thoughtful, sustainable technology. Our goal has always been to drive genuine progress for our clients, and that’s what we believe sets us apart in the e-commerce world.
The vision of Marmeto aligns with India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy. How you see Marmeto contributing to this vision?
Marmeto is positioned to play a crucial role in India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy, especially in the context of the explosive growth projected in the e-commerce market, which is set to reach $200 billion by 2026. This digital boom aligns seamlessly with India’s “Vision 2047” of emerging as a global technology leader. In today’s rapidly evolving e- commerce landscape, brands and enterprises must establish a solid online presence. However, navigating this journey is not without its challenges.
India’s commerce experience has evolved uniquely, showcasing innovations like quick commerce through several platforms not commonly found in other countries. This underscores the need for focused efforts on digital transformation, which is a critical area of development. Currently, e-commerce accounts for just 8% of retail, indicating vast untapped potential and opportunities for growth.
As we contribute to the realisation of a digital India, our efforts in empowering brands to harness the full potential of e-commerce will support their growth and significantly contribute to the country’s overall economic progress. Together, we can make strides towards achieving India’s ambitious economic goals, ensuring that we all work collaboratively towards a prosperous future.
Future expansion plans in India and other countries?
We have taken baby steps toward expansion outside India, but it is too early to comment on or share any insights there.
Where do you see Marmeto in the next five years?
Over the next five years, I envision Marmeto growing beyond our bootstrapped roots into a force ready for exponential growth. As we reflect on seven years of resilience and success, our future feels full of exciting possibilities.
A clear mission drives us—to help growing brands elevate their omnichannel experiences and prepare for scale with Unified Commerce. While our core strength remains in eCommerce platforms, we are shifting our focus towards helping brands solve the omnichannel experience for their customers, setting them up for further scale through Unified Commerce. Innovation in commerce technology remains a priority, but we’re also broadening our scope by exploring new technologies and verticals. This approach ensures we help brands stay ahead of industry trends while offering tailored solutions that align with their unique needs. Equally important, we will continue to invest in building an inclusive ecosystem for our team members, creating a culture that empowers and supports our mission as we grow. With the global eCommerce market projected to surpass $7 trillion by 2025, Marmeto is well- positioned to capitalise on this growth, leveraging our tech-driven approach and deep understanding of both local and global markets.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who visit our TechiExpert website for business tips and relevant information?
Building a business involves many considerations, but there are a few fundamentals that should never be overlooked, such as:
Start with a Niche Problem
When you’re just starting out, forget about buzzwords like TAM, ARPU, or LTV. Instead, concentrate on solving a specific problem better than anyone else, without worrying about how big it could grow.
Address One Challenge at a Time
When bootstrapping, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by competitors with bigger budgets. Focus on solving one problem at a time. Building a business takes time, so stay patient and tackle challenges step by step.
Focus on Profitability from the Start
Keep an eye on the fundamentals. Aim to invest one unit to gain more than one in return, ensuring your business remains viable and profitable.
Practice Frugality
Be vigilant about every penny you spend. Establishing a habit of financial discipline right from the beginning is vital for your success.
Cultivate a Supportive Team
This is crucial yet often overlooked. No one achieves great things alone; you’ll need a solid team to help realize your vision.
Plan for Your Team’s Growth
Growth relies on a capable team, whether your business is bootstrapped or funded. It is essential to take care of your team’s needs and plan for their success alongside your company’s growth. Don’t forget to appreciate those who contribute to your journey.
Leverage Data for Success
Bootstrapped companies often outperform venture-backed ones in profitability and longevity. Research shows they enjoy higher success rates and average profit margins of 21%, compared to just 10% for VC-backed firms. This financial strength makes them attractive to investors and sets them up for sustainable growth.