Prerna Kalra, a resident of Meerut, quit her corporate job to establish 'Daalchini,' a vending machine startup. Overcoming challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, she built a Rs 100 crore business.
Prerna Kalra from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, faced skepticism when she decided to leave her stable, well-paying job to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Many doubted her decision, fully aware of the hurdles involved in starting a successful business. Undeterred, Prerna embraced the challenge, navigating a year of funding struggles and the added difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, her company, Daalchini, has achieved a remarkable turnover of over Rs 100 crore. Let's read her inspiring journey to success.
Background
Prerna was born into a middle-class family in Meerut, where her parents ran a small shop. She always dreamed of expanding the business but wasn’t sure how to go about it. After completing her engineering degree in Chandigarh, she pursued an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad. However, despite landing a well-paying job, she felt unfulfilled.
Corporate journey
Prerna participated in an entrepreneurship competition and won a prize of Rs 50,000, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy her ambitions. During this time, she had the opportunity to connect with Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of Paytm. She then joined Paytm, where she held key roles from 2011 to 2018, including Product Head and General Manager.
The Vending Machine Inspiration in China
During a banking trip to China, Prerna discovered vending machines that offered not just chips and drinks, but also fruits, sandwiches, and even lipstick and other items. This unique concept inspired her to consider starting a vending machine business in India.
What is a Vending Machine?
Vending machines are essentially unmanned shops that allow you to purchase a wide range of items. They can even offer sandwiches and full meals, providing a convenient way to buy food, similar to withdrawing money from an ATM.
Startup Journey
Determined to chase her entrepreneurial dream, Prerna quit her job after returning from China. She teamed up with engineer friends to create their first vending machine in a rented flat, a process that took 6 to 8 months. The machine, which offered home-cooked food items, was met with a positive response in the market.
Launching 'Daalchini'
In 2018, Prerna launched her vending machine company, 'Daalchini.' She forged partnerships with corporates, successfully persuading major companies like EY to install her machines, initially offering them for free as a demonstration. Over time, the number of machines expanded from 10 to 40.
Facing challenges
Despite the growing success of her business, securing funding proved to be a significant challenge for Prerna. She faced numerous rejections from venture capitalists, but with steadfast support from her family, she persevered. Finally, in 2019, her hard work paid off when a US-based investor agreed to fund her venture. However, just as her company reached a turnover of Rs 5 crore in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Lockdowns halted orders, severely crippling the business.
Business success
Adapting to the new normal, Prerna shifted her focus to factories, which continued operating despite office closures. She secured contracts with major companies like Reliance, resulting in a significant increase in orders. Today, Daalchini operates in over 600 factories and serves more than 70 cities through its vending machines. With a team of over 70 employees, the company’s turnover has exceeded Rs 100 crore.
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