Forty-seven Indian startups have been shortlisted for Season 3 of the Amazon Global Selling Propel Accelerator program, indicating a growing interest in direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands from India in the global market. The program, launched in collaboration with Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund, Sequoia Capital India, Fireside Ventures, DSG, Accel, and V3 Ventures, aims to support startups in becoming export-ready. With an increased number of applicants, totaling more than 1,200 startups from over 140 cities in India, Season 3 is three times larger than its previous iteration.
Amazon Eight-Week Program
The selected startups will participate in an eight-week accelerator program, providing them with access to Amazon’s mentorship board, which includes leaders from Amazon India and global markets, venture capital partners, and senior industry experts. The program offers tailored resources, one-on-one mentorship, and workshops on global demand patterns to help startups understand and navigate the process of building successful export businesses through e-commerce. Additionally, Amazon will facilitate peer learning sessions by inviting veteran entrepreneurs and previous Propel program alumni to share their experiences and insights.
Bhupen Wakankar, Director of Global Trade at Amazon, highlighted the program’s objective of democratizing exports for businesses of all sizes. The program’s expansion aligns with Amazon’s commitment to facilitating $20 billion in Indian exports by 2025. Through this initiative, Amazon aims to empower D2C ventures and provide comprehensive support to early-stage startups in their export endeavors.
47 Brands that participated in the Amazon Mentorship Program
The shortlisted startups represent a diverse range of industries and product offerings. Here are a few examples:
1. Arata: Based in Delhi, Arata is a hair care startup that focuses on all-natural products. Starting with a mother’s home recipe for a hair styling gel, Arata has grown its customer base to over 1 million across India.
2. Ariro Toys: Co-founded by Nisha and Vasanth, Ariro Toys addresses the need for wooden teethers in the market. The startup offers handmade, non-toxic teethers made from Neem wood, catering to environmentally conscious parents.
3. Himalayan Organics: Himalayan Organics focuses on eliminating nutritional deficiencies through organic and plant-based supplements. Their range of 120+ healthcare supplements, developed with Himalayan herbs, aims to manage various lifestyle diseases and disorders.
4. Nestasia: Nestasia provides unique, design-driven home decor products known for their quality, utility, and beauty. With an extensive catalog of over 7,500 items, the brand aims to refresh the aesthetic appeal of homes with its seasonal product ranges.
5. Zouk: Zouk, a PETA-approved vegan brand, operates in the bags, wallets, and footwear categories. With a large customer base in India, Zouk is now focusing on building its global presence as a sustainable and fashionable brand.
These startups, along with the other shortlisted companies, will have the opportunity to showcase their business propositions in a Demo Day to a distinguished jury comprising Amazon leaders, venture capitalists, and industry experts. From this competition, three winners will be selected, further propelling their journey into the global market.
Summing it up
The Amazon Global Selling Propel Accelerator program empowers Indian startups to expand globally, tapping into the international market. By encouraging D2C ventures to prioritize exports, the program fosters the growth and recognition of Indian products and talent worldwide. These startups represent a rising wave of innovative and export-ready brands from India.