SMBXL in Hyderabad: Helping MSMEs scale up through logistical, technological support

Hyderabad: SMBXL, a Hyderabad-based technology firm, has emerged as a transformative force, supporting over 55,000 MSMEs across 850 cities and towns in India.

Preeti Ubale, the co-founder and chief operating officer steering the helm shares insights into SMBXL’s mission, its innovative digital products, and the strategic vision that has propelled the company’s remarkable journey.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of empowering businesses through a digital growth map and learn about the unique approach that sets SMBXL apart in its commitment to the success of MSMEs.

In an exclusive interview with NewsMeter, we delve into the dynamic world of Small and Medium Business Excellence (SMBXL)

Here are some excerpts:

Q: Can you tell us about SMBXL’s mission and the number of businesses it supports?

A: Our vision is to have a digitised world of MSMEs. SMBXL aims to support businesses by creating a digital growth map, currently empowering over 55,000 MSMEs across 850 cities and towns in India.

Q: How does SMBXL assist businesses in their growth journey?

A: SMBXL facilitates business expansion by connecting them with customers, suppliers, and partners, offering essential value-added services crucial for success. We understand what exactly a business requires for their functioning and provide them with the technology. We help them with the growth of sales and consumer management through our products.

Q: What is your role at SMBXL and how do you contribute to its success?

A: I have had 15 years of corporate experience before this. I wanted to use my expertise in sales and service as I am a customer-oriented person. As COO, I refine the vision and product strategy for the MSME segment, manage P&L, and revenues, and oversee the customer interface to ensure our offerings meet businesses’ needs. I feel more than the product and the process, it is the team that is very important.

Q: Could you highlight SMBXL’s technological strengths and product ecosystem?

A: We listen to the voice of our customers. We started with Business Central which is a toned-down version of the ERP. Business Central helps them manage their business. Our second product is market central, it helps bring business. Our third product is Logistic Central. We partner with about 3,500 logistic partners. In this way, we package a complete business ecosystem for our customers. Our intuitive platform and proactive technical support team guide customers at every step. The product ecosystem provides necessary tools for businesses to scale their operations.

Q: Tell us about the key offerings within SMBXL’s product portfolio.

A: MarketCentral facilitates an omnichannel strategy, BusinessCentral is crucial for day-to-day business management, LogisticsCentral streamlines transport, and AssociationCentral is designed for industry associations.

Q: How diverse is SMBXL’s customer base, and what are your future goals in this regard?

A: We are agnostic. There is every kind of business that we cater to from machine tools to clothing. SMBXL caters to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Our goal is to support over 250,000 MSMEs in the next 5 years.

Q: How has SMBXL managed its financial journey since its inception in 2018?

A: Commencing operations in 2018, SMBXL is a bootstrapped firm with an initial capital investment of USD 1 million from the co-founders. Our revenue strategy relies on a standard monthly fee, ensuring businesses retain all profits without variable charges affecting their revenue stream.

Q: Tell me more about your virtual events.

A: We have digitised all of the business from Numaish for the last two years. We have also made apps for these stores to be able to locate them within the exhibition.

We also do virtual exhibitions. Recently, we did one for dry fruits. We are planning a machine tools-centric event in 2024 from February 1 to 16. We are looking to onboarding 1,200 businesses for this event.

Q: In conclusion, what is SMBXL’s vision for the future and its role in empowering MSMEs?

A: SMBXL is committed to empowering MSMEs through innovative digital products. We envision playing a pivotal role in supporting the growth and success of a quarter of a million businesses in the coming years. Only 18 per cent of these businesses have adapted to technology so we want to engage more businesses with tech. We get them to use our solutions more and more because our motto is to educate these businesses. Engagement plays a big role in what we do. We want SMBXL to be synonymous with MSMEs.