E-commerce Revolution in Kenya via Flowcart: A WhatsApp Success Story
The e-commerce landscape in Kenya is witnessing a significant transformation with the innovative use of WhatsApp as a primary sales platform. Flowcart, a tech solution pioneered by a Kenyan startup, is revolutionizing how businesses conduct their sales operations.
Originally known as Sukhiba and established in 2021 by Ananth Raj Gudipati and Abhinav Reddy, this startup secured a notable $1.55 million funding in 2024 to expand its services continent-wide.
Flowcart’s rapid growth is attributed to its cutting-edge automation technology, complemented by detailed analytics of messaging data. This sophisticated system enables the delivery of personalized services on a large scale.
The platform seamlessly integrates various features such as product listings, payment processing, order management, and customer engagement within an intuitive user interface.
According to Ananth Gudipati, one of the co-founders, the vision behind Flowcart is to facilitate seamless e-commerce transactions on WhatsApp. The platform has evolved to cater to the diverse needs of businesses, offering advanced automation, streamlined customer interactions, and tools that maximize conversion rates.
Flowcart’s user-friendly approach has empowered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and informal traders to engage in online sales activities efficiently. By bridging the gap between conventional retail methods and modern digital platforms, the startup is reshaping the commerce landscape in Africa.
With a strong emphasis on leveraging WhatsApp for commerce, Flowcart represents a prevailing trend in conversational e-commerce strategies adopted across the continent. This adaptable business model, deeply rooted in local market behaviors, has the potential to redefine digital trade in emerging markets.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
