Ratan Tata invests in Moglix

Move marks Tata's entry as an investor in a manufacturing tech-startup, adding to his portfolio of e-commerce and new technology-enabled companies

Moglix, an e-commerce company specialising in B2B (business-to-business) procurement of industrial products, has raised an undisclosed funding from Tata Sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata.

This marks Tata’s entry as an investor in a manufacturing tech-startup, adding to his varied portfolio of e-commerce and new-age technology enabled companies.

With his expertise and keen interest in the sector, Tata will play an important role in mentoring Moglix on business growth, global expansion and leadership, Moglix said.

Founded in August 2015 by Rahul Garg, a former Google employee, Moglix currently specialises in B2B procurement of industrial products such as MRO, fasteners and industrial electricals and is partnering with manufacturers and distributors across these categories in India, China and other Asian countries.

Moglix recently raised Pre-Series A funding from Accel Partners and Jungle Ventures. The funds are being used to enhance the technology platform, build a deep supplier base as well as increase marketing spends across Asia.

"We are extremely pleased to have an icon of Indian manufacturing as our advisor. Tata’s contribution to the manufacturing sector has been inspirational and we look forward to his guidance as we steer the company towards transforming the buying and selling process for manufacturers in the country. While globally, top manufacturers have evolved towards adoption of technology for procurement and sales – Indian manufacturers have been slow to adopt technology, leading to process inefficiencies and limited marketing exposure. Moglix strongly believes that the unorganised supply chain in India can only be solved with a technology-first mindset. We are confident that Tata’s role as an investor and mentor will help us gain a strong foothold in the sector and realize our vision," said Rahul Garg, founder and chief executive officer of Moglix.

“The Make in India programme, when combined with the digital initiatives in the country, has great potential to play a transformative role in India’s manufacturing sector. We need to attract young entrepreneurs to commit to the “Make in India " initiative for it to succeed," he added.