New Delhi: E-commerce enablement platform Unicommerce is exploring new growth opportunities, including customer loyalty programs and ad-tech solutions, as online orders continue to increase, particularly in the quick commerce sector. “The e-commerce value chain consists of three layers: customer engagement (pre-purchase), transaction processing (where our platforms already operate), and order fulfillment. Brands currently manage orders across multiple platforms using our system. They also need to optimize advertising spend across platforms like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Flipkart,” stated Kapil Makhija, managing director and CEO of Unicommerce.
“Our acquisition of Convertway marks our initial foray into the customer engagement layer, and there are significant opportunities ahead. Another focus area could be omnichannel loyalty programs that connect online and offline experiences, especially as digital brands venture into physical retail,” Makhija added.
Last year, Unicommerce acquired a 42.76% stake in Shipway for ₹68.4 crore in cash, with plans to acquire the remaining stake within a year through a stock swap. Shipway offers logistics management solutions, including courier aggregation and shipping automation. This deal also brought Convertway, a marketing automation platform, into Unicommerce’s portfolio, enabling brands to capture visitor data and run targeted campaigns to boost sales.
Makhija emphasized that strategic acquisitions will continue to be a priority. “Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for e-commerce enablement. We are open to considering interesting opportunities at the right price, as long as they complement our offerings.”
India’s e-commerce market is expected to exceed $160 billion by 2028, up from an estimated $57–$60 billion in 2023, according to industry estimates. This growth has spurred the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands and a wider ecosystem of e-commerce enablement companies.
Unicommerce provides a SaaS-based platform that assists brands, marketplaces, and logistics providers in managing e-commerce operations comprehensively. The company serves over 7,000 clients across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, including notable names like Timex, Mamaearth, Emami, Urban Company, Blue Star, and Landmark Group. Founded in 2012, Unicommerce is listed on NSE and BSE. One of its key offerings, Uniware, simplifies order processing across various online and offline channels, including returns management.
In Q3FY24, Unicommerce’s revenue increased by 26.1% year-on-year to ₹32.74 crore, while net profit rose 62.3% to ₹6.29 crore during the same period. Makhija underscored the importance of quick commerce in Unicommerce’s growth, stating, “While some may have underestimated quick commerce, it’s a significant contributor in many categories… We integrate with all quick commerce channels, allowing brands to enhance their presence in a formal or creative manner for better SEO.
