Aaditya Sharda: The Visionary Founder Fueling Infra.Market’s Growth

In the dynamic landscape of India’s business ecosystem, entrepreneurs like Aaditya Sharda are leading the charge with innovative ventures that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Aaditya Sharda, the co-founder of Infra.Market, has been at the forefront of transforming the infrastructure procurement industry. With Infra.Market’s recent move to acquire a 24 percent stake in Shalimar Paints, Aaditya Sharda’s strategic vision is more evident than ever. Founded in 1902, Shalimar Paints is a renowned name in the world of decorative paints, industrial coatings, and allied product categories. However, in recent years, the legacy brand faced challenges as it grappled with a drop in operating revenue and increasing losses. Infra.Market’s proposed investment of Rs270 crore in Shalimar Paints is set to inject new life into this heritage brand. The combination of equity and debentures will enable Shalimar Paints to revamp its presence in the market.

Infra.Market, valued at $2.5 billion, has quickly risen to become the largest B2B online infrastructure procurement platform in India. Aaditya Sharda, along with co-founder Souvik Sengupta, launched the company in 2016, and it has been on an impressive growth trajectory ever since. Notably, the company’s revenue surged from Rs350 crore in FY20 to a staggering Rs1,242 crore in FY21. This impressive feat has been driven by a focus on private labels, which now constitute around 60 percent of the company’s revenue. The unicorn’s portfolio includes branded concrete, aggregates, walling solutions, construction chemicals, bath fittings, and sanitary tiles. Such diversification underscores Aaditya Sharda’s commitment to creating a comprehensive one-stop solution for the infrastructure and construction industry. With a revenue run rate of Rs6,000 crore for the next fiscal year, Infra.Market’s success story showcases the power of innovation and adaptability in the competitive B2B space.

Infra.Market’s strategic investment in Shalimar Paints not only solidifies its presence in the market but also places the company in competition with major players such as Asian Paints, Berger Paints, Kansai Nerolac, JSW Paints, and Indigo Paints. While this may seem like a daunting challenge, it’s a testament to Aaditya Sharda’s ambition and vision for the company. Infra.Market’s journey has seen several significant acquisitions, including the purchase of RDC Concrete and Hyderabad-based Equiphunt, which further expanded its reach and capabilities. Aaditya Sharda’s investment in the paints industry is well-timed. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has displayed remarkable resilience and consistent growth. As more people turned their attention to home improvement, the demand for paint products saw a significant uptick. Additionally, policy support for the real estate sector contributed to a robust recovery in the paint industry.

A recent equity research report by Haitong International highlights the favorable factors driving the paint industry’s growth. These include demographic-led housing expansion, a shortened repainting cycle, a shift from unorganized to organized sectors, steady urbanization, nuclearization, and a strong premiumization trend. Importantly, the organized paints industry in India enjoys robust competitive advantages, including high entry barriers for newcomers, disciplined competition, and minimal disruption from online retail.

Aaditya Sharda’s journey with Infra.Market demonstrates the remarkable potential of entrepreneurs who are unafraid to challenge the status quo. As India’s infrastructure and construction sectors continue to evolve, innovators like Sharda play a pivotal role in shaping the future. The investment in Shalimar Paints reflects not only the company’s expansion but also Sharda’s commitment to revitalizing a storied legacy. The Indian business landscape is undoubtedly more vibrant and promising thanks to visionary founders like Aaditya Sharda.