In the world of Indian e-commerce, few names carry as much weight as Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal. In 2007, the two IIT Delhi graduates launched Flipkart from a small apartment in Bengaluru. They started with books. Today, their company stands as one of India’s most influential digital businesses.
By 2026, Flipkart has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. It operates across categories such as electronics, fashion, groceries, and fintech. Moreover, it continues to shape how millions of Indians shop every day.
Humble Beginnings in Bengaluru
Sachin and Binny met while studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. After brief stints in the corporate world, including at Amazon, they decided to build something of their own.
So, in 2007, they launched Flipkart with a simple idea: make online shopping easy and trustworthy for Indian customers.
At first, they handled everything themselves. They packed books, answered customer calls, and delivered orders. Payment gateways were unreliable. Logistics networks were weak. However, the founders solved problems one by one.
They introduced cash-on-delivery. They built supply chains from scratch. Step by step, they earned customer trust.
Funding, Growth, and Market Leadership
As orders increased, investors took notice. Flipkart raised capital from global venture firms. With fresh funding, the company expanded into electronics, home goods, and fashion.
In 2014, Flipkart acquired Myntra. This move strengthened its position in the fast-growing fashion segment. Soon after, it introduced initiatives such as Flipkart Assured and Flipkart Plus to boost reliability and loyalty.
Additionally, the annual Big Billion Days sale became a landmark shopping event in India. Millions of customers participated. Sales records broke year after year.
By the mid-2010s, Flipkart had become a household name.
The Landmark Walmart Deal
In 2018, a major shift occurred. Walmart acquired a majority stake in Flipkart for about $16 billion. This deal marked one of the largest e-commerce acquisitions in history.
As a result, Sachin Bansal exited the company. Binny Bansal also stepped down from operational leadership later.
Nevertheless, the company continued to grow under Walmart’s backing. It expanded its grocery arm, strengthened supply chains, and invested heavily in technology.
Flipkart in 2026: Scale and Strategy
By 2026, Flipkart serves hundreds of millions of registered users across India. It competes strongly with Amazon India and other digital platforms.
The company now focuses on:
- Faster last-mile delivery
- AI-driven personalization
- Digital payments and fintech expansion
- Tier-2 and Tier-3 city growth
Moreover, its logistics arm, Ekart, handles millions of shipments every month. Flipkart has also deepened its presence in quick commerce and grocery delivery.
Industry estimates place Flipkart’s valuation well above $35 billion in 2026. Meanwhile, its workforce spans tens of thousands of employees across technology, operations, and customer support.
Challenges Along the Way
The journey has not been smooth.
Flipkart has faced strict regulatory rules, intense price wars, and rapid shifts in consumer behavior. In addition, competition in Indian e-commerce remains fierce.
However, the company adapts quickly. It invests in technology. It partners with local sellers. Most importantly, it focuses on customer experience.
Because of this resilience, Flipkart remains a dominant force in Indian retail.
Life After Flipkart
After leaving Flipkart, Sachin Bansal turned his attention to fintech. He founded and invested in financial services ventures, including significant involvement with Navi Technologies. His focus shifted toward digital lending, insurance, and financial inclusion.
Meanwhile, Binny Bansal became an active investor and entrepreneur. He launched ventures in technology and backed several startups. He also explored opportunities in global supply chain innovation.
Thus, both founders continued shaping India’s startup ecosystem even after their exit.
A Lasting Impact on Indian Entrepreneurship
The Bansals did more than build a company. They helped create a movement.
Because of Flipkart’s success, global investors paid serious attention to Indian startups. Young founders saw that world-class companies could emerge from India. Venture capital flowed more freely into the ecosystem.
Today, India ranks among the largest startup ecosystems in the world. Flipkart’s early success played a key role in that rise.
The Legacy in 2026
Sachin and Binny Bansal proved that bold ideas can transform markets. They combined technology, customer focus, and relentless execution. As a result, they reshaped Indian retail.
In 2026, Flipkart stands as a symbol of India’s digital growth. At the same time, its founders continue to influence fintech, venture investing, and innovation.
Their story reminds entrepreneurs of a simple truth: start small, solve real problems, and stay persistent. Over time, those steps can build giants.
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