About 8 years ago, SK was hurtling himself on a bike across Gurgaon building a startup called Onenumber (the website was onenumber.co - bad idea, we know). I had known SK for six years at that point and was fascinated with the idea that we could together build something fun and daring.
Over many days we thought and turned over multiple ideas in our heads before starting grofers as a hyperlocal delivery service. That one decision changed the trajectory of both of our lives. We saw periods of intense struggle, hopelessness, joy, anger and every possible emotion you could think of. Building grofers made us into the people we are and to some extent, grofers has an identity that reflects the best and worst in both me and SK.
Over the last few years, we ended up building many industry-firsts, growing from a small startup into one of India's most loved grocery shopping platforms. None of this would have been possible without SK’s drive and determination, his unwavering commitment towards our mission, and the way he rallied our teams to move mountains, while delivering on the lowest price commitment to millions of first time internet grocery shoppers in India.
Incredibly humble and grounded, he’s always reminded me of how fortunate I was to be building grofers with him, in a zone of no ego and no second guessing. SK is not only my co-founder, he's my friend, my support system during upheavals; the keeper of my conscience, and a brother and family to me.
Over the last 6 months, SK had been yearning to invest in his own personal evolution – to grow beyond a growth driver to become a designer, enabler and coach. And diving deeper has convinced him that this is another area he can have a huge impact on, if he can build on it from scratch.
I know SK has been pulling the weight on most of our sprints, but I also know he's a marathon runner, and this time to go far, he must go alone. I am fully supportive of his decision. And wherever that may lead him on his journey.
Earlier this morning SK sent this farewell email to everyone at grofers –
So, while SK will no longer be involved in day-to-day responsibilities at grofers, he will continue to be a board member and a shareholder at the company. This is the end of an era for grofers, and I know all of us will absolutely miss having him around everyday. I wish him the absolute best with his new mission and will be cheering for him with love and pride.
Thanks again, SK, for being an inspiration to so many of us, for being a friend and the person that you are. All of us are forever and deeply indebted. Thank you for making grofers a dream come true.
I love you and I am immensely proud of you.
Farewell and godspeed.