In a significant move to bolster India’s digital infrastructure, global technology leader Zoho Corporation has announced a strategic investment of ₹70 crore in the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This investment is specifically designed to foster the development of sovereign technology, ensuring that the country’s digital commerce landscape remains inclusive and accessible to all.
The Chennai-headquartered firm emphasized that this funding aims to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) overcome the structural barriers often imposed by traditional, centralized e-commerce platforms. By supporting ONDC, Zoho is championing a shift toward a more democratic digital market where small businesses can thrive without being restricted by the high costs or rigid ecosystems of conventional giants.
Zoho is already a key player in the digitisation of Indian businesses. Through its comprehensive finance suite—which includes Zoho Books, Zoho Inventory, and the Vikra seller app—the company provides the essential tools needed for seamless integration into the ONDC network. This new capital infusion is expected to further expand the network’s ecosystem, accelerating the adoption of digital tools across the nation.
Sivaramakrishnan Iswaran, CEO of Zoho Payment Technologies, noted that India’s economy relies heavily on MSMEs, yet these businesses frequently struggle with limited market access. He stated that Zoho shares ONDC’s philosophy of building flexible, sovereign technology that aligns with the unique needs of local enterprises.
As ONDC continues to gain momentum, Zoho’s investment marks a pivotal step in creating a level playing field, empowering millions of small business owners to participate fully in India’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
