Strengthening Rural Retail Innovation through Ground-Level Engagement in Vizianagaram on 5th March 2026.

As part of our continued efforts to mentor emerging startups, Mr. Ramankanth Vallabhaneni, CEO of ACIC KL Startups Foundation, recently visited ASKA2Z Retail Innovative Private Limited in Vizianagaram to understand the startup’s operational model and growth journey.

ASKA2Z operates a Grameen e-store retail (Last-Mile Delivery) model that supplies FMCG, agricultural products and consumer durables at wholesale prices, enabling village-level supermarkets. Through partnerships with leading brands such as Metro AG, Adani Wilmar, Tata Group, Nestlé, Amaron, Whirlpool Corporation, Croma, and Dabur, the startup connects rural markets directly with trusted national brands.

What makes this model truly impactful is its community-driven vision. The founder’s goal is to uplift rural livelihoods around Vizianagaram by promoting women-led entrepreneurship and local employment through the “One Family – One Entrepreneur” approach.

During the visit, Mr. Ramankanth Vallabhaneni, interacted with Founder Mr. Kolli Prasad and reviewed warehouse operations at Maradam, gaining insights into real-time business activities, supply chain processes, and operational structure. The team also visited ASKA2Z franchise outlets in Kuntinavalasa, Rajulu Ramachandrapuram, and Kothavalasa, understanding its growing rural retail network.

Recognizing the potential of this model, ACIC–KL has encouraged the initiative as it holds strong promise to strengthen rural economies and scale across Andhra Pradesh.

At ACIC–KL Startups Foundation, we believe that ground-level engagement with startups helps us understand real challenges, provide strategic mentorship, and support innovations that create meaningful community impact.