Trailblazing Journey of Rohan Bhargava: Steering CashKaro’s Meteoric Rise in the Coupon Start-up Realm

Navigating the dynamic tapestry of coupon start-ups in India, Rohan Bhargava emerges as the architect of CashKaro’s extraordinary ascent. Founded in 2013, this Gurgaon-based platform has woven a tale of triumph, crossing the coveted Rs 100-crore revenue threshold. In an exclusive tête-à-tête with YourStory, Rohan Bhargava illuminates the intricacies of this monumental achievement, providing a sneak peek into the exciting horizons that beckon. As the co-founder of CashKaro, Rohan’s strategic sagacity has not only driven the start-up’s trajectory but has also been instrumental in deftly navigating challenges and seizing opportunities, especially during the transformative epoch of the pandemic.

The recent achievement of crossing the Rs 100-crore revenue mark is a testament to CashKaro’s prowess in the competitive landscape of cashback and coupons in India. Rohan Bhargava expresses his excitement about being part of this exclusive club and sets ambitious goals for the upcoming year, aiming to double the figure. The pandemic, rather than presenting hurdles, served as a catalyst for CashKaro’s growth. With a surge in online transactions and an increasing number of brands joining the platform, the start-up capitalized on the digital shift in consumer behaviour.

Beyond its core cashback and coupons offering, CashKaro has diversified its portfolio with ventures like EarnKaro, focusing on social cashback commerce. Rohan highlights the success of the offline business launched during the pandemic, showcasing the start-up’s adaptability to evolving market dynamics. As CashKaro continues to explore new horizons, the introduction of BankKaro is poised to be a game-changer, driving further growth.

Rohan Bhargava provides insights into CashKaro’s key metrics, revealing a significant doubling in topline run rate over the last three years. With 17 million customers on the platform and an impressive network of 50-70 thousand resellers leveraging EarnKaro, the startup has fortified its position in the market. Looking ahead, Rohan emphasizes that a substantial portion, around 60-70 percent, of CashKaro’s business will stem from e-commerce platforms.

The large-scale digitization witnessed in the edtech and fintech sectors due to the pandemic aligns with CashKaro’s strategic focus. Rohan Bhargava envisions these sectors as pivotal for the startup’s future endeavours. Furthermore, the impending launch of BankKaro is anticipated to be a cornerstone in driving growth, offering new avenues for users.

While Rohan rules out acquisitions, citing a lack of synergies on the cart, he hints at an upcoming fundraising round for CashKaro. With aspirations to secure a new round later in the year, the envisioned amount ranges between $30 million and $50 million. This financial infusion is poised to fuel the start-up’s expansion plans and solidify its position as a frontrunner in the coupon start-up ecosystem.

Rohan Bhargava’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping CashKaro’s narrative, transforming it into a formidable player in the coupon start-up domain. As the startup continues to innovate, diversify, and adapt to emerging trends, the journey led by Rohan promises to be a compelling narrative of resilience, growth, and pioneering success in India’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape.