In the bustling lanes of India’s cities and towns, local businesses have always been the heartbeat of everyone’s daily life. Yet, in recent years, the rise of giant quick-commerce platforms has threatened to overshadow the humble kirana stores, street vendors, and home-based entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the hyperlocal economy.
But Within 5Km, a startup meant for the India’s neighborhood’s is fighting back.
A Community Rooted Vision
Founded by Indraneel Dasgupta, an entrepreneur and the creative mind behind My Tirth India, Within 5Km was born out of a simple, powerful idea: make it easy for anyone to find and connect with businesses, services, and professionals within a 5 km radius—no matter where they are in the world.
Dasgupta, who is also a columnist, scriptwriter, and actor, has poured his passion for community and local empowerment into this venture, aiming to make the “Vocal for Local” movement a reality at street level.
How Does It Work?
The app is refreshingly straightforward. After downloading Within 5Km, users can search for anything they need—be it a plumber, a pharmacy, a tiffin service, or even a yoga instructor. Results are listed by proximity, and the app leverages Google Maps to provide accurate, real-time information.
What sets Within 5Km apart is its inclusivity: the platform supports searches in any language, making it accessible to users across India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
But it’s not just about finding services. The app also offers a social networking medium, allowing users to create groups for activities like kitty parties, laughter clubs, or community events. In a world where urban loneliness is on the rise, this feature helps neighbors become friends and collaborators.
Empowering the Local Economy
For businesses, especially the smallest ones, Within 5Km is a game-changer. Unlike other platforms that charge hefty commissions or insert middlemen, this app allows vendors to list themselves directly and communicate with customers without any intermediaries. From street vendors to professionals working from home, everyone gets a shot at digital visibility and growth.
The impact is already visible. In just one week after launch, Within 5Km saw 20,000 downloads—driven purely by word of mouth. Its reach isn’t limited to India; users from Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, Bangladesh, and Nepal have also signed up, showing the universal appeal of hyperlocal discovery.
Ambitious Goals, Real Results
Within 5Km is a bootstrapped startup, but its ambitions are anything but modest. By March 2025, the company aims to onboard 50,000 local businesses and reach 200,000 active users. The focus is on tier 1 and tier 2 cities, where the need for digital discovery and local empowerment is especially acute. The founders are confident about achieving profitability in FY 2024-25.
Why It Matters
In a landscape where quick-commerce giants are facing scrutiny for anti-competitive practices, Within 5Km offers a breath of fresh air.
As Dasgupta puts it, “The world is your neighborhood.” With Within 5Km, that neighborhood just got a whole lot closer—and a lot more connected.
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