ONDC Onboards Unicorns and Startups, Boosting Digital Commerce Accessibility

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) was established with the aim of democratizing e-commerce and expanding digital market access for smaller businesses. Recently, it announced the inclusion of 125 ecosystem stakeholders, such as well-known Indian unicorns like Zerodha, EaseMyTrip, and Pristyn Care. This collaboration, unveiled at the ONDC Startup Mahotsav, is focused on improving market access for startups and providing consumers with a wider array of options. The initiative also stresses the importance of incorporating local businesses, particularly in smaller towns that are not well-served by traditional e-commerce platforms.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Industry and Internal Trade, highlighted that the partnership aims to ensure a fair balance of market access and value for all participants. Despite concerns regarding market dominance, the government is dedicated to guaranteeing equitable opportunities for all stakeholders.

Since its inception in 2021, ONDC has brought on board more than 500,000 sellers, with a majority of them being small or medium-sized enterprises. The recent inclusion of startups aligns significantly with the Startup India initiative, further fueling the growth of India's burgeoning startup ecosystem.