Aadivasi.org: Transforming Tribal Lives Through Eco-Friendly Innovation and Social Impact

In the eco-friendly products and social enterprise sector, Aadivasi.org distinguishes itself as India's first ImpactCommerce website, empowering tribal communities through sustainable practices and cultural preservation. By offering eco-friendly products made by tribal artisans, Aadivasi.org supports both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

In this article, explore Aadivasi.org's journey, its founders, business and revenue model, challenges faced, growth, and more.

Aadivasi.org - About

Aadivasi.org is a social enterprise that combines the promotion of eco-friendly handicrafts with support for social causes. Founded by Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil, the company provides a unique platform where users can contribute to environmental and social causes and receive tangible rewards in the form of tribal and eco-friendly handicrafts. By facilitating tree planting and supporting tribal artisans, Aadivasi.org addresses climate change, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes sustainable development.

Aadivasi.org - Industry

Aadivasi.org operates in the eco-friendly products and social enterprise sectors. The global eco-friendly products market was valued at approximately USD 160 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10% over the next five years.

Aadivasi.org aims to capture a significant share of the Indian eco-friendly products market and establish a strong presence globally by leveraging its unique social enterprise model.

The industry is expected to grow as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and social impact. Over the next five years, advancements in technology and increased environmental awareness will drive demand for eco-friendly products.

In 5 years, Aadivasi.org aims to be a leading platform for eco-friendly products and social causes, with a significant user base and extensive impact on tribal communities.

By the 10-year mark, the company envisions expanding globally, setting standards for social enterprises, and making substantial contributions to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

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Aadivasi.org - Founders

Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil are the co-founders of Aadivasi.org.

Dr. Bikrant Tiwary

Dr. Bikrant Tiwary is the co-founder of Aadivasi.org. He holds a postgraduate degree in HR and Marketing and a Ph.D. in Social Enterprise Profitability. With extensive experience in social enterprises, Dr. Tiwary plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, establishing partnerships, and overseeing the overall management of Aadivasi.org.

Ms. Supriya Patil

Ms. Supriya Patil co-founded Aadivasi.org, bringing with her a strong background as an Environmentalist with deep knowledge of nature conservation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. She leads project implementation, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement.

Team Size and Culture

Aadivasi.org currently has a team of 9 members. The work culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to social and environmental impact.

Aadivasi.org - Startup Story

The idea for Aadivasi.org emerged from Dr. Bikrant Tiwary’s observations during his time at Grow-Trees, where he noted the migration of rural and tribal communities to cities for labor, leaving behind their traditional skills and planted saplings.

The concept was validated through extensive field research, interactions with tribal communities, and pilot projects that demonstrated the feasibility and impact of combining eco-friendly products with social causes.

Initial discussions with colleagues, community leaders, and stakeholders received positive responses, highlighting the potential impact and sustainability of the idea. This early validation encouraged the team to proceed with developing Aadivasi.org into a platform that could empower tribal communities while promoting sustainable practices.

Aadivasi.org - Vision and Mission

Short-term Vision:

• To plant a minimum of 2.5 million trees by the end of the third year.
• Achieve a revenue target of INR 25 crores.
• Introduce additional support initiatives for tribal areas, such as mid-day meals, tuition fees, and sanitary napkins for girl students.

Long-term Vision:

• To become a comprehensive platform supporting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and socio-economic well-being of tribal communities.
• Expand offerings to encompass all forms of tribal arts and crafts, and establish training centers across India.

Core Belief:

The company is driven by the belief that sustainable development and preservation of cultural heritage can go hand-in-hand with economic empowerment.

Motto:

“Promoting Sustainable Development and Cultural Preservation through Nature-based Solutions and Eco-friendly Handicrafts.”

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Aadivasi.org - Product/Service

Aadivasi.org offers eco-friendly handicrafts and products created by tribal artisans. In exchange for contributions to social causes, users receive these products as tangible rewards.

The platform addresses the preservation of tribal art and craft and promotes employment and economic empowerment of tribal communities. It also contributes to environmental conservation through tree planting and combating climate change.

Aadivasi.org uniquely combines support for social causes with tangible rewards, promoting both cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.

Aadivasi.org uses an e-commerce platform to facilitate transactions and manage contributions. Its advanced tracking systems ensure transparency and accountability in social contributions.

Aadivasi.org - Name and Logo

The name "Aadivasi.org" reflects the company’s focus on supporting tribal (Aadivasi) communities. It underscores the mission to preserve tribal culture and promote sustainable development through nature-based solutions.

Aadivasi.org - Business and Revenue Model

Aadivasi.org operates under a business model that combines social cause contributions with eco-friendly product rewards. Users contribute to social causes through purchases on the platform, thereby supporting tribal communities and environmental initiatives.

Aadivasi.org Revenue Model:

• Social cause budget: 35%
• Eco-friendly product cost: 35%
• Overhead cost: 15%
• Net margin: 15%

Aadivasi.org - Launching Company Strategies

Aadivasi.org utilized personal networks, and social media platforms, and formed partnerships with NGOs and corporates to acquire its first 100 users. The strategy focused on clear messaging emphasizing the dual impact of supporting social causes while receiving eco-friendly products.

Aadivasi.org - Customer Growth and Retention Strategies

The company leveraged word-of-mouth, influencer partnerships, and targeted online advertising. Aadivasi.org also established partnerships with corporates for CSR initiatives. Successful campaigns highlighted the tangible impact of contributions, which resonated with users.

Aadivasi.org invests strategically in digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation to drive growth.

Aadivasi.org - Challenges Faced

The significant challenges faced by Aadivasi.org include:

• Ensuring consistent quality and supply of handicrafts.
• Overcoming skepticism about the impact of contributions.

The solutions implemented by Aadivasi.org include:

• Developed rigorous quality control processes.
• Enhanced transparency and communication about the impact of contributions.

Aadivasi.org - Marketing Strategy

A notable campaign involved a partnership with a well-known social organization, which significantly boosted visibility and sales through joint tree-planting initiatives and eco-friendly product promotions.

Aadivasi.org - Growth

Aadivasi.org operates primarily in India, with plans to expand internationally.

Key Metrics:

• Revenue: Targeting INR 25 crores by the end of the third year.
• User Base: Monthly growth in repeat customers (27%).
• Notable Clients: Includes various individuals and corporates for employee and customer gifting.

Aadivasi.org - Funding

Currently, the company is bootstrapped. Plans for seeking external funding to scale operations are under consideration.

The funding approach of the company involves leveraging networks, attending pitch events, and engaging with impact investors who align with the company’s mission.

Aadivasi.org - Competitors

Some of the top competitors of Aadivasi.org are:

• Okhai
• iTokri

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FAQs

What does Aadivasi.org do?

Aadivasi.org provides a unique platform where users can contribute to environmental and social causes and receive tangible rewards in the form of tribal and eco-friendly handicrafts.

Who is the founder of Aadivasi.org?

Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil are the co-founders of Aadivasi.org.

What is the business model of Aadivasi.org?

Aadivasi.org operates under a business model that combines social cause contributions with eco-friendly product rewards.