India’s manufacturing sector, the backbone of the nation’s growth story, has long grappled with outdated, opaque, and inefficient procurement practices. But a Pune-based startup, Source.One, is changing the game—bringing digital innovation, transparency, and speed to the way manufacturers source their essential raw materials.
From WhatsApp Orders to a Full-Stack Digital Platform
Founded in 2018 by Arun Singhal, Shrinath Balakrishnan, and Rohit Parmar, Source.One started with a simple but powerful idea: make raw material procurement as easy as sending a WhatsApp message. Initially, small manufacturers could place orders via WhatsApp, and Source.One would handle the rest—sourcing, logistics, and delivery.
This customer-first approach allowed the startup to deeply understand the pain points of Indian manufacturers: unpredictable pricing, delivery delays, and a lack of reliable credit options. Today, Source.One has evolved into a robust digital platform, serving over 10,000 businesses across all 28 states of India.
A Seamless Digital Experience for Manufacturers
Source.One’s app has become a one-stop solution for manufacturers. Here’s what sets it apart:
Live Pricing: Manufacturers can view real-time prices for raw materials, eliminating guesswork and negotiation hassles.
Order Tracking: Every order can be tracked in real time, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
Credit Access: The platform enables easy credit applications, helping businesses manage cash flow without delays.
Integrated Support: With in-app tools and WhatsApp integration, help is always just a message away.
Building India’s Most Reliable Raw Material Network
Unlike traditional distributors who rely on manual processes and fragmented supply chains, Source.One has built a tech-driven ecosystem:
800+ Trusted Suppliers: Ensuring consistent quality and supply.
600 Logistics Partners: Covering every corner of India, from metros to remote industrial clusters.
200,000+ Metric Tons Delivered Annually: A testament to their scale and operational efficiency.
The company leverages AI-driven freight modeling, GPS-based route planning, and dedicated transporters to optimize deliveries and minimize turnaround times. This focus on predictability and efficiency is helping manufacturers avoid costly delays and disruptions.
Smarter Procurement with SourcePlus
Understanding that data is as valuable as materials, Source.One introduced SourcePlus—a subscription service offering:
Market Insights
Pricing Forecasts
Trade Trend Reports
With SourcePlus, manufacturers can make informed, data-backed decisions, protecting themselves from market volatility and ensuring better planning.
Focused Growth and Profitability
Source.One’s journey has been marked by operational discipline and a clear vision for the future:
Operational Profitability: Achieved in multiple regions, thanks to an asset-light, automation-heavy approach.
Ambitious Growth Plans: Aiming for 2.5x revenue growth and 5x profitability in the next 2–3 years.
India-First Strategy: With India’s vast and complex market, Source.One is focused on deepening its presence here before eyeing international expansion.
What’s Next for Source.One?
With plans to expand further into chemicals and eventually metals and agri-commodities, Source.One is poised to become the go-to procurement partner for Indian manufacturers. Their commitment to process intelligence, scalable systems, and customer-centric innovation is setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Conclusion: A Digital Boost for Indian Manufacturing
Source.One’s story is a shining example of how Indian startups are solving deep-rooted challenges with technology and vision. As more manufacturers embrace digital procurement, the sector is set for a transformation—ushering in an era of transparency, efficiency, and growth.