Ant Mascot’s Co-Founder Aabha Gupta Discusses Strategic Milestones and Vision for the Future

Aabha Gupta is the co-founder of Ant mascot, where she plays an instrumental role in shaping the company’s culture and values. She is accountable for deciding the company’s strategic direction, daily operations, and the advancement of its vision. Aabha, as a leader, is committed to creating a workplace that mirrors the elemental values of the organization while guiding Ant mascot toward ongoing achievements.

1. How has Ant Mascot evolved since its inception in 2018, and what key milestones have shaped its growth?

Ant Mascot was founded in 2018 with the goal of addressing inefficiencies in the B2B marketplace, particularly in the realms of office supplies and corporate gifting. Initially operating as a small-scale business that relied on manual outreach and third-party platforms, the company has since transformed into a technology-driven ecosystem that offers seamless procurement solutions. Key milestones in its growth include the introduction of end-to-end personalization and customization for corporate gifting in 2019, followed by a diversification into global markets in 2020, where Ant Mascot onboarded international clients and expanded its product offerings. In 2022, the company launched innovative SaaS platforms such as Ant Spark, which enables personalized merchandise stores, and Oxyzen, which revolutionized stakeholder engagement. By 2023, Ant Mascot expanded its network to include over 350 Indian OEMs, offering more than 20,000 products, and set its sights on bridging Indian manufacturers with global markets.

2. What makes Ant Mascot’s online marketplace unique in comparison to other B2B platforms, especially when it comes to consumer products?

Ant Mascot sets itself apart by concentrating exclusively on consumer products, as opposed to industrial goods. Unlike traditional B2B platforms, the company empowers Indian manufacturers by providing them with a global platform that enhances visibility and facilitates transactions. Ant Mascot offers end-to-end solutions, including product personalization, quality checks, and last-mile delivery, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. The platform also prioritizes transparent pricing, fostering a trustworthy ecosystem for buyers in India and worldwide. Additionally, Ant Mascot builds a single-window transaction platform that allows buyers to procure directly from the company, simplifying the process for both buyers and suppliers.

3. How has automation transformed the procurement process for businesses using Ant Mascot’s platform?

Automation lies at the core of Ant Mascot’s approach, driven by its proprietary technology. This technology digitizes procurement processes, minimizing human intervention and reducing errors. Businesses can subscribe to recurring supplies, eliminating the need for manual reordering. The platform also offers real-time tracking, stock management, and analytics, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions. Furthermore, integration with GST-compliant invoicing streamlines tax audits and ensures seamless compliance with regulatory requirements.

4. Can you explain the benefits of Ant Spark and Oxyzen platforms for businesses looking to enhance stakeholder engagement?

Ant Spark is a personalized merchandise management tool that allows businesses to create branded stores where employees and clients can access curated, customized products. This not only fosters brand loyalty but also simplifies the process of personalized gifting. Oxyzen, on the other hand, is a platform designed to manage engagement, rewards, and community building. It enables businesses to recognize and incentivize employees, consumers, and channel partners through tailored reward programs, ultimately enhancing satisfaction and improving retention.

5. How do Ant Mascot’s customisation options help businesses align their office supplies and bulk gifts with their brand identity?

Ant Mascot provides a wide range of customization options, including embossing, engraving, printing, and embroidery, ensuring that products align with a brand’s identity. This capability allows businesses to reinforce their brand through customized office supplies and bulk gifts, while also enhancing employee and client engagement with personalized touches. Additionally, these customizations help create a consistent brand presence across all touchpoints, strengthening brand recognition and fostering a strong organizational culture and engagement.

6. What is Ant Mascot’s approach to transparency and accountability in its operations, particularly with GST-compliant invoices?

Transparency is a cornerstone of Ant Mascot’s operations. The platform provides GST-compliant invoices, enabling businesses to easily audit their transactions and claim input tax credits. It also maintains a transparent pricing policy, ensuring there are no hidden charges. Additionally, Ant Mascot conducts rigorous quality control checks to guarantee that clients receive authentic and reliable products, further reinforcing its commitment to transparency and trust.

7. How do you envision Ant Mascot expanding its reach to Indian manufacturers in accessing global markets?

Ant Mascot aims to replicate the success of platforms like the Canton Fair in China by creating a single-window global B2B ecosystem. Key strategies to achieve this include partnering with Indian OEMs to list their products on Ant Mascot’s platform, leveraging technology to facilitate global buyer registrations, seamless transactions, and efficient bulk order management. Additionally, the company is establishing a robust supply chain and fulfillment network to support global last-mile delivery. By integrating advanced technology, strong operational capabilities, and a focus on empowerment, Ant Mascot is poised to revolutionize India’s B2B landscape, empowering businesses across the globe.