The Rise of Innovative Startups: Transforming Commerce and Sustainability in India
April 2, 2025, 10:01 am
In the bustling landscape of Indian startups, two companies are making waves: Lehlah and Hasiru Dala Innovations (HDI). Each is carving a niche in their respective fields—content-commerce and sustainable waste management. Their recent funding rounds signal not just growth, but a shift in how business can be done in India.
Lehlah, a content-commerce platform, recently secured INR 12.5 crore in seed funding led by Gruhas. This platform is a bridge between influencers and e-commerce, allowing creators to monetize their influence through affiliate-linked product recommendations. Think of it as a digital marketplace where trust and community reign supreme. Founded in December 2022 by Ashna Ruia, Lehlah is already making significant strides in the influencer-led shopping ecosystem.
The funding will fuel new product features and expand Lehlah's team. The goal? To strengthen its foothold in a rapidly evolving market. With partnerships with major e-commerce players like Myntra, Meesho, and Flipkart, Lehlah is poised for growth. Initially focused on fashion and beauty, the platform is now branching into home accessories and gadgets. This diversification is akin to a tree spreading its branches, reaching for new opportunities.
Lehlah operates on a commission-based model. Brands pay when sales occur through influencers. This creates a win-win scenario. Influencers can earn between INR 50,000 and INR 1,00,000 per month, showcasing the platform's potential to generate sustainable income. In just a year, Lehlah has surpassed an INR 100 crore gross merchandise value (GMV) monthly run rate. If this momentum continues, it could translate to an annualized GMV of approximately INR 1,200 crore. The platform has facilitated over 700,000 content pieces and onboarded around 10,000 influencers.
In a world where shopping is about more than just products, Lehlah is tapping into the essence of community and trust. It leverages platforms like Instagram and YouTube, allowing creators to monetize their audiences without competing with these giants. This approach is like a symbiotic relationship, where both the platform and influencers thrive together.
On the other side of the spectrum, Hasiru Dala Innovations is tackling waste management with a fresh perspective. The company recently raised INR 6 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round, led by Rainmatter and Next Bharat Ventures. HDI is not just about recycling; it’s about creating a circular economy. Founded in 2015, HDI has been a pioneer in sustainable waste management, significantly impacting the informal waste sector.
The fresh capital will enhance HDI's recycling capacity and operational efficiency. It will also support the expansion of its Bio-gas plant in collaboration with Carbon Masters. This initiative is a step towards waste-to-energy solutions, transforming waste into a resource. The funding will also enable leadership hiring and expansion beyond Bengaluru, amplifying its impact on waste management.
HDI has successfully diverted over 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste from landfills. This effort has preserved nearly 1 million cubic meters of landfill space and reduced greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The company empowers waste pickers, integrating them into the circular economy. This model not only addresses waste management but also uplifts the livelihoods of those often overlooked.
The founders of HDI envision a world with no waste and no waste pickers. They have empowered 29 waste picker entrepreneurs and provided predictable livelihoods to over 300 waste workers. Their approach is transformative, rooted in dignity and economic empowerment. HDI is the only multi-stream solid waste management company globally certified as a Fair Trade Guaranteed Enterprise by the World Fair Trade Organisation. This certification is a badge of honor, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental sustainability.
Both Lehlah and HDI exemplify the spirit of innovation in India. They are not just chasing profits; they are redefining what it means to do business. Lehlah is reshaping commerce by empowering influencers and creating a community-driven shopping experience. Meanwhile, HDI is pioneering sustainable practices that not only address environmental challenges but also uplift marginalized communities.
As these startups continue to grow, they set a precedent for future entrepreneurs. They show that success can be measured in more than just financial terms. It can also be about impact—on communities, the environment, and the economy.
In a world increasingly driven by consumer choices, these companies are leading the charge. They remind us that business can be a force for good. As they expand their reach and influence, they pave the way for a new era of entrepreneurship in India. The future is bright for those who dare to innovate and inspire.
In conclusion, the stories of Lehlah and Hasiru Dala Innovations are just the beginning. They are the seeds of change, planted in the fertile ground of India’s startup ecosystem. As they grow, they will undoubtedly inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of innovation and sustainability. The landscape of Indian business is evolving, and these startups are at the forefront of this transformation.
Lehlah, a content-commerce platform, recently secured INR 12.5 crore in seed funding led by Gruhas. This platform is a bridge between influencers and e-commerce, allowing creators to monetize their influence through affiliate-linked product recommendations. Think of it as a digital marketplace where trust and community reign supreme. Founded in December 2022 by Ashna Ruia, Lehlah is already making significant strides in the influencer-led shopping ecosystem.
The funding will fuel new product features and expand Lehlah's team. The goal? To strengthen its foothold in a rapidly evolving market. With partnerships with major e-commerce players like Myntra, Meesho, and Flipkart, Lehlah is poised for growth. Initially focused on fashion and beauty, the platform is now branching into home accessories and gadgets. This diversification is akin to a tree spreading its branches, reaching for new opportunities.
Lehlah operates on a commission-based model. Brands pay when sales occur through influencers. This creates a win-win scenario. Influencers can earn between INR 50,000 and INR 1,00,000 per month, showcasing the platform's potential to generate sustainable income. In just a year, Lehlah has surpassed an INR 100 crore gross merchandise value (GMV) monthly run rate. If this momentum continues, it could translate to an annualized GMV of approximately INR 1,200 crore. The platform has facilitated over 700,000 content pieces and onboarded around 10,000 influencers.
In a world where shopping is about more than just products, Lehlah is tapping into the essence of community and trust. It leverages platforms like Instagram and YouTube, allowing creators to monetize their audiences without competing with these giants. This approach is like a symbiotic relationship, where both the platform and influencers thrive together.
On the other side of the spectrum, Hasiru Dala Innovations is tackling waste management with a fresh perspective. The company recently raised INR 6 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round, led by Rainmatter and Next Bharat Ventures. HDI is not just about recycling; it’s about creating a circular economy. Founded in 2015, HDI has been a pioneer in sustainable waste management, significantly impacting the informal waste sector.
The fresh capital will enhance HDI's recycling capacity and operational efficiency. It will also support the expansion of its Bio-gas plant in collaboration with Carbon Masters. This initiative is a step towards waste-to-energy solutions, transforming waste into a resource. The funding will also enable leadership hiring and expansion beyond Bengaluru, amplifying its impact on waste management.
HDI has successfully diverted over 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste from landfills. This effort has preserved nearly 1 million cubic meters of landfill space and reduced greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The company empowers waste pickers, integrating them into the circular economy. This model not only addresses waste management but also uplifts the livelihoods of those often overlooked.
The founders of HDI envision a world with no waste and no waste pickers. They have empowered 29 waste picker entrepreneurs and provided predictable livelihoods to over 300 waste workers. Their approach is transformative, rooted in dignity and economic empowerment. HDI is the only multi-stream solid waste management company globally certified as a Fair Trade Guaranteed Enterprise by the World Fair Trade Organisation. This certification is a badge of honor, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental sustainability.
Both Lehlah and HDI exemplify the spirit of innovation in India. They are not just chasing profits; they are redefining what it means to do business. Lehlah is reshaping commerce by empowering influencers and creating a community-driven shopping experience. Meanwhile, HDI is pioneering sustainable practices that not only address environmental challenges but also uplift marginalized communities.
As these startups continue to grow, they set a precedent for future entrepreneurs. They show that success can be measured in more than just financial terms. It can also be about impact—on communities, the environment, and the economy.
In a world increasingly driven by consumer choices, these companies are leading the charge. They remind us that business can be a force for good. As they expand their reach and influence, they pave the way for a new era of entrepreneurship in India. The future is bright for those who dare to innovate and inspire.
In conclusion, the stories of Lehlah and Hasiru Dala Innovations are just the beginning. They are the seeds of change, planted in the fertile ground of India’s startup ecosystem. As they grow, they will undoubtedly inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of innovation and sustainability. The landscape of Indian business is evolving, and these startups are at the forefront of this transformation.