In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, Supam Maheshwari shines as a prominent figure, serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the esteemed baby care firm, FirstCry, headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India. With a keen business acumen and exceptional leadership skills, Supam Maheshwari has etched his name as a first-generation entrepreneur and a brilliant executor.
The Genesis of Success
Supam’s entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Brainvisa Technologies, a startup co-founded alongside Amitava Saha in March 2000. Initially oriented towards customer-facing online testing, the company soon pivoted into a robust B2B model. Over the years, Brainvisa Technologies emerged as one of India’s largest eLearning companies, a testament to Supam’s commitment to gaining customer trust. Under his leadership, the company flourished, and in 2007, it was acquired by the US-based group, Indecomm Global, for a substantial sum of USD 25 million.
BrainBees Solutions: Nurturing Innovation
Following the acquisition, Supam continued to make waves in the entrepreneurial landscape with the inception of BrainBees Solutions. The idea of revolutionizing the baby care products sector in India ignited within him, recognizing the gap in quality and variety. Armed with determination, Supam and Amitava Saha secured a seed funding of INR 2.5 Crore from their personal savings and unveiled FirstCry in 2010.
Good Life: A Strategic Move
Under the BrainBees umbrella, another venture, Good Life, was launched in 2011. This online store for personal care products strategically aimed to enhance customer retention. The portal boasted a diverse array of personal care products from top brands, aligning with Supam’s vision to provide quality solutions to Indian consumers.
FirstCry: Where Innovation Meets Parenting
FirstCry swiftly emerged as a formidable player in the baby and kids products industry, thanks to Supam Maheshwari’s unparalleled talent and expertise. With a presence both online and offline, FirstCry’s reach extended to cities like Dehradun, Bhilai, Haridwar, Bharuch, Kanpur, and more. The FirstCry mobile application and website made shopping for baby products convenient and accessible.
As the CEO of FirstCry, Supam spearheaded strategic moves such as the acquisition of Oi Playschool, marking the company’s foray into the educational space. Additionally, FirstCry acquired Baby Oye for a remarkable INR 362 Crore. The company also introduced its private label brands, Baby Hug (apparel) and Cute Walk (footwear), which contributed significantly to their revenues, accounting for 20%.
A Nurturing Touch
FirstCry’s influence transcended the realm of e-commerce. The company collaborated with 6,000 hospitals across the nation, gifting new mothers the coveted FirstCry box as a token of congratulations. Today, FirstCry stands tall as one of the largest online shopping portals catering to children and expecting mothers across Asian countries, boasting a net worth estimated at USD 300 to 350 million as of 2016. With over USD 125 million in funding from investors, FirstCry continues its journey of growth and innovation.
Xpressbees: Pioneering Logistics
Supam Maheshwari’s entrepreneurial prowess extended to pioneering online retail stores in 2012, setting a trend that has become essential for retailers today. In a bid to fulfill its own orders, Xpressbees, a logistics business, was born. While Amitava Saha now leads the company, Xpressbees expanded its services to include third-party orders in 2015.
A testament to its success, Xpressbees secured INR 85 Crore in funding from FirstCry, and in February 2022, the company achieved the coveted “Unicorn Startup” status, attaining a staggering valuation of $1.2 billion.
The Legacy of Supam Maheshwari
Supam Maheshwari stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of consistency and determination in the business world. His remarkable journey underscores the importance of identifying market gaps and addressing them with unwavering commitment. With an unwavering focus on innovation and customer trust, Supam Maheshwari continues to inspire countless individuals, earning the admiration of many for his remarkable achievements in the world of entrepreneurship.
