IIT Madras student Kuldeep Rathore raises $1.1 million for quick-commerce startup SamanNow

Kuldeep Rathore, an undergraduate student enrolled in the IIT Madras online BS Degree Programme in Data Science, has raised $1.1 million (approximately Rs 10.4 crore) in pre-seed funding for his quick-commerce startup, SamanNow.

The investment round drew backing from venture capital firms Antler, Titan Capital, and All In Capital. The capital will fund SamanNow's drive to expand delivery networks across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where rapid-commerce services remain limited compared to metropolitan hubs.

Delivering essentials outside the metros

While India's largest quick-commerce platforms battle for market share in state capitals and major metropolises with ten-minute grocery drops, SamanNow is targeting a distinct demographic. The venture focuses on everyday consumer goods delivered within 60 minutes in smaller urban centres, keeping retail prices lower by sourcing directly through domestic manufacturing channels.

Rathore built the venture after an unconventional path through higher education. Following a drop year after secondary school, he did not sit for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. Rather than abandon technical studies, he enrolled in the flexible BS Programme in Data Science launched by IIT Madras in September 2023, which admits students without requiring a JEE Advanced rank.

From a Pune flat to venture backing

The flexibility of the academic programme allowed Rathore to pursue full-time commercial projects alongside coursework. In May 2024, Rathore and co-founder Shivansh set up Zodok, an on-demand fashion delivery outfit operating out of a rented flat near a Zepto dark store in Pune.

Zodok scaled past 100 daily deliveries and acquired more than 10,000 customers before domestic firm KNOT acquired the business. Following that sale, Rathore moved into KNOT's founder's office as an entrepreneur-in-residence. In that role, he worked directly with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), establishing supply tie-ups with more than 100 manufacturers across Surat, Delhi NCR, and overseas centres, helping launch two private label lines that achieved a 90% sell-through rate.

What happens next

SamanNow plans to deploy the fresh capital to build logistics infrastructure, recruit field staff, and expand supplier partnerships. By combining domestic MSME factory networks with local fulfilment centres, the startup aims to make rapid delivery commercially sustainable in regions where consumers prioritise value over ultra-fast delivery windows.

The venture reflects the deepening reach of India's entrepreneurial ecosystem, where flexible higher education programmes and expanding digital public infrastructure are allowing young founders to build businesses outside traditional corporate channels.