Amitava Saha stands as a transformative figure in India’s logistics and e-commerce sectors. As the co-founder and CEO of Xpressbees, he has built a company that delivers goods to millions across the country, powering the growth of online businesses. His journey from an engineer to a serial entrepreneur reflects a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for solving real-world problems.
Amitava Saha’s path to success began with a strong academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, one of India’s top engineering institutions. This technical education provided him with problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of systems and processes. He furthered his education with an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, specializing in marketing and information systems. This combination of engineering and management expertise equipped Saha with the tools to navigate complex business challenges and drive innovation.
Career Before Xpressbees
Before launching his entrepreneurial ventures, Saha built a diverse career in sales, marketing, and business development. His professional journey included roles at several prominent organizations:
- Tata Steel / TISCO (1997–1999): As a Senior Officer, Saha gained insights into operational efficiency and management within one of India’s most respected conglomerates. This role helped him understand large-scale operations and supply chain dynamics.
- NIIT Technologies (2001–2002): As a Senior Business Development Executive, he sharpened his skills in identifying and growing business opportunities in the technology sector.
- Aricent (formerly Future Software, 2002–2003): As a Business Development Manager, Saha worked on technology-driven solutions, further expanding his expertise in business growth and client relations.
- Brainvisa Technologies (2003–2009): Saha rose to the position of Senior Vice President, leading sales and business operations worldwide (excluding North America). He also served as Director at Brainvisa (UK) Limited, where he played a key role in scaling the company and driving its global expansion.
These experiences provided Saha with a deep understanding of business operations, customer needs, and the role of technology in driving efficiency—skills that would prove critical in his entrepreneurial journey.
Founding of FirstCry
In 2010, Saha co-founded FirstCry, an online platform for baby and kids’ products, alongside Supam Maheshwari. As the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO), he was instrumental in scaling FirstCry into a unicorn, a startup valued at over $1 billion. FirstCry’s success was built on trust, quality products, and efficient last-mile delivery, which highlighted the critical role of logistics in e-commerce. During this time, Saha identified significant gaps in the logistics industry, particularly in service quality and reach for small and mid-sized e-commerce businesses. This realization laid the groundwork for the creation of Xpressbees.
The Birth of Xpressbees
Xpressbees was launched in 2015 as an in-house logistics solution for FirstCry, aimed at addressing the challenges of unreliable delivery services. Saha and his team recognized that many e-commerce companies struggled with inconsistent pricing and service quality from third-party logistics providers. To solve this, they created FirstCry Express, an in-house delivery model that achieved a service level of over 98% and extended its network to tier 1 and tier 2 cities within months.
The success of this model and the growing demand for reliable logistics prompted Saha to spin off Xpressbees as a standalone company. With a focus on express delivery, Xpressbees quickly expanded its services to cater to other e-commerce businesses, filling a critical gap in the market.
Growth and Achievements of Xpressbees
Under Saha’s leadership, Xpressbees has grown into one of India’s fastest-growing logistics companies, achieving a valuation of approximately ₹9,800 crores. Its key milestones include:
- Extensive Network Reach: Xpressbees now covers over 19,500 pin codes, reaching 90% of India’s key business areas. This extensive network ensures that even remote and tier-3 cities are connected to the e-commerce ecosystem, empowering small businesses and consumers alike.
- Service Diversification: Initially focused on e-commerce express delivery, Xpressbees has expanded to offer third-party logistics (3PL), cargo, and cross-border services. This makes it a one-stop shop for logistics needs, catering to a wide range of industries.
- Diverse Client Base: The company serves nearly all major e-commerce companies in India, as well as leading retailers, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing firms, and automobile manufacturers. Its ability to handle diverse logistics requirements has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner.
- Technological Innovation: Saha has prioritized technology as a cornerstone of Xpressbees’ success. Over 75% of its operations are fully automated, powered by a robust technology platform. The company employs a team of over 250 professionals dedicated to technology, with plans to expand further.
- Response to COVID-19: The pandemic accelerated e-commerce adoption, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Xpressbees capitalized on this surge, achieving strong growth in the second half of FY2021. Its technology-driven workflows and extensive network enabled it to handle increased demand while maintaining service quality.
- Employment and Social Impact: Xpressbees supports approximately 45,000 people through its operations, creating significant employment opportunities. Its focus on last-mile connectivity has also empowered small businesses and local entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth.
Leadership Style and Vision
Amitava Saha is known for his strategic thinking, operational excellence, and ability to build high-performing teams. His leadership style emphasizes customer satisfaction, technological innovation, and continuous improvement. Saha fosters a culture of excellence at Xpressbees, empowering his team to innovate and deliver exceptional service.
His vision for Xpressbees is to continue expanding its services and network, both domestically and internationally. Saha aims to strengthen the company’s technological capabilities, explore new markets, and maintain its position as a leader in the logistics industry. He believes that increased investment in emerging technologies, infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity will further streamline India’s logistics landscape, as he stated in an interview with TechGraph.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Saha aims to position Xpressbees as a global leader in logistics. He plans to further enhance the company’s technological infrastructure, expand its network to new regions, and explore opportunities in international markets. By continuing to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the e-commerce and logistics sectors, Saha intends to solidify Xpressbees’ reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking company.
