Hyderabad : In a groundbreaking move, T-Hub-incubated startup Chotu unveiled its revolutionary chotu QR code, enabling customers to seamlessly browse, add to cart, and place orders at their local shops. The innovative system allows shopkeepers to send bills and accept payments, mimicking real-life transactions. The entire process takes place directly on WhatsApp, catering to users in Telugu or any Indian language.
The launch event, attended by esteemed guests including Sri M Srinivasa Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub, and Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC), showcased the potential of this novel approach. Chotu founders Y Ravi and Vamshi Panjala were also present at the event.
Over 1000 shops, ranging from kiranas to bakeries and fruits/vegetable vendors in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, have already embraced this digital transformation. Interested businesses can visit chotu.com to create an instant online shop for free, with no document requirements—WhatsApp alone is sufficient. Following a free trial period, the monthly rental starts from just ₹99, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional high shop rents.
Speaking at the launch event, Sri M Srinivasa Rao, CEO of T-Hub, expressed, “At T-Hub, we want to empower entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. With an estimated 1.3 Crore kirana shops in India, there’s a clear digital divide in the e-commerce space. We believe chotu can bridge that gap.”
Co-founder Y Ravi stated, “At chotu, our vision is to empower every local shop to go online. Trust and convenience are their inherent strengths, and when combined with our simple tech, they become unbeatable. Ordering, billing, and payment feel like a WhatsApp chat, giving local shops total control over their business.”
Co-founder Vamshi Panjala added, “The chotu QR can convert walk-ins into repeat online customers seamlessly. Inspired by Hyderabad, the birthplace of pan-India movies, we are launching in Telugu states first, with plans to extend to shops in all Indian languages soon.”
Both Ravi and Vamshi, graduates of IIM Bangalore with over 30 years of leadership experience at Microsoft, Airtel, and Jio, are determined to transform the local shopping experience in India. Chotu’s innovative approach has the potential to reshape how local businesses engage with customers in the digital age.
