Upaya Social Ventures

Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Limited is a technology-driven platform based in Bengaluru, India, that connects citizens with eligible welfare schemes. Founded in 2015, the company enables individuals to learn about, apply for, and benefit from various government and private schemes through a user-friendly application. The platform features a series of questions to determine eligibility and facilitates village-level facilitators in guiding beneficiaries through the application process. Haqdarshak operates in major Indian cities including Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi, collaborating with governments, NGOs, corporates, self-help groups, and foundations to enhance accessibility to welfare programs. Additionally, the company provides information related to Covid-19 on its website, further supporting community needs.

Lal10 is a B2B platform that connects rural SMEs to global buyers. They make transactions happen between 1800+ rural SMEs through mobile CRMs and retail buyers across 18 countries. They are Faire.com of Asia with a market potential of $9bn. Today they have 400+ retailers like Zara, Toast, New Looks, Pepperfry, Myntra, Ajio, FabIndia, Anita Dongre, Tata Taniera etc. The retention of buyers is more than 85%. Founders are ex Flipkart, DCE, IIT Madras, and NITIE graduates. They have raised $1.8mn from prominent angels like Amit Ranjan, Pravin Gandhi, Mekin Maheshwari, ex ITC CEO, Beyond Capital, Angellist and Sorenson fund in seed rounds. They were part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and India list.

GO DESi LLP, established in 2017 and based in Bengaluru, India, specializes in the manufacture and online sale of confectionery products that celebrate traditional flavors and homemade recipes. Inspired by local produce from North Karnataka, the company began its journey at a flea market, where it quickly gained popularity by selling regional delicacies. GO DESi offers a range of six unique products sourced from rural micro-enterprises, fostering respect for local traditions and wisdom. The brand not only aims to revive the authentic tastes of traditional snacks but also seeks to enhance the income opportunities for marginal farmers by integrating them into the food value chain. Through its commitment to quality and sustainability, GO DESi connects consumers with their culinary roots while supporting rural communities.

Producer of fresh food products intended to empower the rural youth. The company's products are packaged safely and hygienically and delivered to the customer within a few hours, providing consumers with farm-fresh products at affordable prices.

Producer of fresh food products intended to empower the rural youth. The company's products are packaged safely and hygienically and delivered to the customer within a few hours, providing consumers with farm-fresh products at affordable prices.

ZooFresh Foods is disrupting the fish & meat industry in eastern India by creating an integrated aggregation and distribution model, with farms, farmer networks, logistics, storage points, rural hubs, and state-of-the-art FSSAI certified urban retail outlets.

Krishi Direct Trade Private Limited, founded in 2012 and based in Mumbai, India, operates as Krishi Star, a social enterprise focused on transforming the economic landscape for small farmers in India. The company addresses the underutilization of farmer-owned food processing capacities by sourcing high-quality natural food ingredients from these units. With the Indian food processing industry poised for significant growth, Krishi Star aims to capitalize on this opportunity by marketing and selling products under its brand while also enhancing capacity through an integrated supply chain approach. The enterprise has established partnerships, including a collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to build a farmer-owned factory. Currently serving over 80 institutional customers across major cities such as Mumbai, Goa, Pune, and Delhi, Krishi Star is focused on expanding its operations throughout India, with an ambitious goal of creating a INR 160Cr business and INR 100Cr in farmer-owned capacity within the next seven years.

Parvata Foods Pvt. Ltd. is a Kolkata-based company that specializes in supplying organic produce through a farm-to-store model. Founded in 2013 by graduates of the Indian Institute of Management, the company sources fruits, vegetables, and spices from the agricultural regions of Northeast India, particularly Sikkim and other hilly areas. Parvata Foods aims to enhance the living standards of local farmers by integrating them into the main value chain and also engages in processing to add value to its products. Through its operations, the company not only promotes organic farming but also supports socio-economic development in the region.

Producer of disposable tableware intended to provide quality green alternatives. The company produces all-natural disposable plates and bowls made from areca nut tree leaves made by community-owned micro-enterprises spread across North East India, enabling rural producers to create a complete sustainable value chain.

Provider of sanitation services intended to help the urban poor lead healthy, productive, dignified, and empowered lives. The company's services include providing toilets with lighting and ventilation sanitary dustbins and kids' accessories, community workshops, and door-to-door surveys, enabling users to have accessible and affordable services to stay healthy and hygienic.

Developer of an online job portal intended to connect employers and job seekers. The company's platform allows one to search for jobs based on location, job type and job categories such as beautician, carpenter, plumber, sales, or IT software developer, enabling employers to post jobs on the platform and search for candidates.