Prerna Kalra & Vidya Bhushan, Daalchini: The Vending Machine Visionaries

In a country where traditional retail dominates every street corner, two former PayTM executives dared to envision a different future. Prerna Kalra and Vidya Bhushan have transformed their startup Daalchini into a profitable venture, posting INR 2.5 crore in net profit for FY25, marking a remarkable journey from concept to market leadership in India’s emerging vending machine industry. What started as a simple observation about the lack of convenient food options has evolved into a technology-driven ecosystem that’s redefining how Indians access everything from fresh meals to everyday essentials. Their innovative approach to vending machines has not only filled a critical gap in India’s retail infrastructure but has also demonstrated that automated retail solutions can thrive in a price-sensitive market traditionally dominated by human-operated stores.

From Corporate Corridors to Entrepreneurial Vision

Prerna Kalra and Vidya Bhushan first crossed paths while working in PayTM’s Operations and Business Development departments, where they developed a deep understanding of digital payments and consumer behavior. Their corporate experience at one of India’s leading fintech companies provided them with invaluable insights into technology adoption patterns and consumer preferences that would later prove crucial in their entrepreneurial journey.

The turning point came when Prerna Kalra identified a fundamental problem in urban India’s food ecosystem. She developed the idea to dispense freshly cooked food and packed food supplies through conveniently located kiosks and vending machines, leading to the establishment of Daalchini Technologies in 2018. This wasn’t just about importing Western vending machine concepts; it was about creating a uniquely Indian solution that addressed local preferences for fresh, affordable, and diverse food options.

The duo launched Daalchini Technologies as a full-stack retail-tech startup with a vision to create an ecosystem of autonomous retail, developing a complete platform for vending machines, micro-markets, and automated kiosks. Their background in operations and business development proved instrumental in understanding the complexities of supply chain management and technology integration required for successful automated retail operations.

Remarkable Growth and Market Expansion

The numbers tell a compelling story of rapid expansion and market acceptance. Daalchini now operates more than 2,300 outlets across the country, providing a wide range of products including fresh snacks, beverages, beauty items, and essentials catering to on-the-go needs. This impressive network represents one of the largest vending machine operations in India, covering multiple product categories beyond traditional snacks and beverages.

The company’s financial performance has been equally impressive, with revenue growing from Rs 12 crore in FY22 to over Rs 25 crore in FY23 and Rs 42 crore in FY24, representing a 3.5x growth over two years. The most recent financial data shows continued momentum, with revenue jumping 56% to INR 18.3 crore in FY24, driven by both machine sales (INR 7.27 crore) and rental services (INR 11.05 crore).

The startup’s funding journey reflects investor confidence in their vision and execution capabilities. Daalchini has raised a total funding of $6.73 million over six rounds from 34 investors, with the company currently valued at ₹90.4 crore. Their Series A round of $4 million demonstrated significant investor interest in the automated retail space, particularly in the Indian context where such solutions were previously considered unsuitable for local market conditions.

Prerna Kalra and Vidya Bhushan have strategically positioned their vending machines in high-traffic locations including educational institutions, corporate offices, hospitals, and manufacturing sites. The company has ambitious expansion plans, including setting up 100 vending machines across Madhya Pradesh alone, targeting 480+ corporates, 227 educational institutions, 21 major hospitals, and 12 manufacturing sites.

Innovation and Technology Integration

What sets Daalchini apart in the vending machine industry is their commitment to technological innovation and local adaptation. The company developed 100% touchless vending machines with real-time trackable supply chain technology, innovations that gave them a competitive edge and enabled scaling across 11 states and 23 cities. This touchless technology became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning Daalchini ahead of traditional retail solutions.

Daalchini operates as India’s first 24×7 instant vending machine service, offering six meals a day and retail-as-a-service to brands. This comprehensive approach goes beyond simple product dispensing to create a complete ecosystem that serves both consumers and brand partners.

The founders’ vision extends beyond current operations to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into their retail technology stack. Recent developments suggest they are integrating AI capabilities to optimize inventory management, predict consumer preferences, and enhance operational efficiency across their growing network of vending machines.

Their partnership with government initiatives demonstrates the credibility of their approach. The startup has tied up with NITI Aayog, India’s public policy think tank, to deploy its vending machines, indicating recognition at the highest levels of government for their contribution to India’s retail modernization.

Current Projects and Future Vision

Daalchini expects to cross Rs 100 crore in annual recurring revenue by the end of the current fiscal year, representing a significant milestone in their growth trajectory. This ambitious target reflects their confidence in market expansion and operational efficiency improvements.

The company is actively integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to enhance their retail operations, focusing on predictive analytics for inventory management and customer behavior analysis. These technological advances position them at the forefront of India’s retail technology revolution.

Their expansion strategy involves both organic growth through new machine installations and strategic partnerships with brands seeking automated retail channels. The retail-as-a-service model allows established brands to leverage Daalchini’s network and technology infrastructure without significant upfront investments in vending machine operations.

Legacy and Impact on India’s Retail Future

With Daalchini achieving profitability and posting INR 2.5 crore in net profit for FY25, Prerna Kalra and Vidya Bhushan have proven that automated retail solutions can succeed in the Indian market. Their success story demonstrates how deep market understanding, technological innovation, and strategic execution can transform traditional industries. The vending machine revolution they’ve pioneered continues to reshape how millions of Indians access food and essential products, establishing a new paradigm for convenient, technology-enabled retail experiences.