Who We Are

Essmart pioneers rural transformation, linking impactful technologies with underserved communities through a comprehensive solution that ensures access, adoption, and lasting change.

About Essmart

Essmart’s journey began with engineers who witnessed a crucial problem: life-improving technologies were failing to reach the communities that needed them most. Determined to make a difference, they founded Essmart with a clear mission in mind – to close this distribution gap and bring impactful products and technologies to rural areas in India.

Inspired to address this challenge, the founders embarked on a journey to redefine rural distribution. They founded Essmart with a mission to connect rural retail shops with life-improving, income-generating goods that could enhance their businesses and rural livelihoods.

Essmart’s approach has been guided by the principle of listening and reacting to rural voices. Rigorous product testing, feedback from shop owners about market needs, and drawing insights from past experiences have been instrumental in shaping the company’s offerings.

By creating a feedback loop through our service offerings, Essmart empowers suppliers to design products that genuinely meet the needs of rural customers. This commitment to understanding the pulse of rural communities has driven Essmart’s growth and evolution over the years.

Since 2012, Essmart has positively impacted over 1.2 million lives through 5,500 shops. As we expand, we’re becoming an ecosystem player, driving innovation to rural areas as a go-to-market partner. We connect rural shops, FPOs, and farmer households, empowering communities and enhancing livelihoods. Our dedication to transformative solutions and collaborative partnerships drives us forward.

Meet the Essmart Team!

Our passionate and diverse team at Essmart is the driving force behind our commitment to rural transformation. With a shared vision of empowering rural communities through innovative solutions, our leadership and dedicated professionals work tirelessly to bridge the gap between urban opportunities and the untapped potential of rural India. Together, we strive to create meaningful impact, enhance livelihoods, and unlock new possibilities for our rural network of retail shops, farmer producing organizations (FPOs), and customers. Meet the faces behind our mission, each bringing unique expertise and a shared passion for creating positive change.

Founders & Bangalore Team

Prashanth Venkataramana

CEO and Co-Founder

Bavima

Head of Finance

Saranya M.

Executive – HR

Poonacha Kalengada

CFO & Co-Founder

Varun Gowdru Mallikarjun

Regional Manager | Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh

Chaitra M. S

HUB Admin

Jackie Stenson

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Murugesh M.

Collections Officer

Shanina van Gent

Head of Projects and Strategic Partnerships

Karthik K.

Associate – Purchase, Supplier Relations & IT

Essmart is always looking for new partners to accelerate and boost our impact. We also invite partners in the social enterprise world to reach out to explore synergies and/or collaborate on a potential pilot projects.

Please contact us at hello[at]essmart-global[dot]com or through our Contact page, we would love to hear from you.

BoD Advisors

Meet our esteemed Board of Advisors, a group of visionary leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds who guide Essmart’s strategic direction. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, they play a pivotal role in driving our mission to empower rural communities and transform livelihoods.