Peel-works

About Peel-works

Founded in 2010 by Sachin Chhabra and Nidhi Ramachandran, Peel-Works is a technology and data analytics company that initially focused on Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions for sales force management. Sachin Chhabra's background at Hindustan Unilever from 1996 to 2010 exposed him to the challenges of managing a large, indirect sales force, which inspired the creation of the company. The company's name originates from the idea of encouraging large organizations to "peel off" non-core operational layers like sales and distribution.

Peel-Works has since evolved its business model to operate primarily in the B2B e-commerce market for *kirana* (small neighborhood) stores in India. The company's main offering is 'Taikee,' a B2B e-commerce platform that allows these small grocery stores to procure a wide assortment of products directly from brands and wholesalers via a single mobile application. This helps retailers manage inventory, discover new products, and streamline their ordering process, replacing interactions with numerous individual salespersons. The platform also provides next-day delivery for orders. Beyond procurement, the company's offerings have included warehousing, logistics, staffing, and a data analytics platform called 'Genius' that provides real-time marketing insights to brand managers.

The company generates revenue through its SaaS platform and its B2B marketplace operations. It serves small to medium-sized shopkeepers and consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies. Peel-Works has a significant funding history, having raised approximately $22.6 million over 12 rounds from investors such as HDFC Bank, Unilever Ventures, Chiratae Ventures, and Inventus Capital India. In August 2022, the company paused its distribution business to refine its model and conserve cash, with plans to work directly with manufacturers to improve margins.