While Vending Machines are synonymous with the aesthetic streets of Tokyo, this Indian startup is making them synonymous to the Indian setting too. Meet Daalchini, founded in 2018 by former Paytm executives Prerna Kalra and Vidya Bhushan, Daalchini Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer in India’s retail-tech landscape.
Business Model: A Full-Stack Retail-Tech Ecosystem
Daalchini operates as a full-stack retail-tech startup, offering a platform for launching vending machines and automated kiosks. Its unique “phygital” (physical + digital) vending machines provide instant access to affordable snacks, beverages, home-style meals, and even personal care items. The company also serves as a marketplace for home chefs, cloud kitchens, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, enabling them to distribute their products seamlessly.
Revenue generation is diversified across multiple streams:
- Subscriptions for vending machines.
- Profit margins on food and snack products.
- Advertising and product listings via vending machines and the Daalchini app.
- Franchise fees for individuals setting up their own smart vending machines.
Rapid Growth and Market Presence
Daalchini has expanded its operations significantly since its inception. It now boasts over 850 vending machines across 23 cities in India, including major hubs like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Chandigarh. These machines are strategically installed in offices, schools, hospitals, manufacturing plants, and hotels. The company’s clientele includes prominent names such as Reliance Industries, Samsung, Vodafone, NITI Aayog, Byju’s, Fortis Hospitals, and Paytm.
In addition to corporate spaces, Daalchini recently showcased its capabilities at Mahakumbh 2025—the world’s largest spiritual gathering—where it served as the exclusive quick-commerce provider. This milestone demonstrated the scalability of its technology-driven vending solutions in catering to diverse consumer needs at large-scale events.
Innovation at the Core
Daalchini’s competitive edge lies in its tech-driven approach. The company utilizes IoT-based systems to ensure temperature-controlled supply chains that keep food fresh while enabling remote monitoring. Machine learning tools forecast demand patterns to optimize inventory management. Its solutions are designed to deliver food under ₹99 instantly without delivery costs—a significant value proposition for consumers.
Leadership Driving Success
Co-founder and CEO Prerna Kalra brings extensive experience from her tenure at Paytm Payments Bank and Fino PayTech Limited. Her vision for addressing gaps in affordable snacking options led to the creation of Daalchini. Vidya Bhushan serves as COO and leverages his expertise in operations to scale the business efficiently. Anupam Saxena, recently elevated to Chief Business Officer (CBO), has played a pivotal role in expanding Daalchini’s presence across multiple cities.
Financial Performance
The company has demonstrated robust growth with revenues reaching ₹12 crore in FY22—a 300% increase year-on-year. More than 90% of its vending machines achieve EBITDA-positive status within just 45 days of deployment. Backed by ₹48.43 crore in funding from investors such as Artha Venture Fund and Klub, Daalchini aims to cross ₹100 crore annual recurring revenue (ARR) within the next year.
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