Flipkart

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An Indian e-commerce marketplace and digital commerce group controlled by Walmart.

Last updated October 26, 2026

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First read: Oct 29, 2026
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Overview

Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce company headquartered in Bengaluru and one of the country’s largest digital marketplaces. Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, former Amazon employees and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi alumni, founded the business in 2007. It began as an online bookseller operating from a small Bengaluru apartment, at a time when Indian consumers had limited experience with online retail. The company initially concentrated on improving trust and convenience through features such as cash on delivery, customer-friendly returns, and a delivery network adapted to India’s fragmented addressing and logistics environment. After establishing its books business, Flipkart expanded into consumer electronics, mobile phones, fashion, home products, groceries, lifestyle goods, and other everyday categories. It also developed or acquired adjacent capabilities in logistics, payments, digital content, travel, health commerce, social commerce, and wholesale distribution. Its fashion presence was significantly strengthened by the 2014 acquisition of Myntra, which continued to operate as a separate fashion-focused brand within the group. Flipkart also acquired Jabong in 2016, although the Jabong brand was later integrated into Myntra’s operations. The group’s logistics arm, Ekart, became an important part of its fulfillment and delivery infrastructure. Flipkart’s annual Big Billion Days promotional event became a major feature of Indian online retail. The sale helped the company concentrate demand around large shopping festivals, attract sellers and brands, and build consumer familiarity with app-based commerce. The first 2014 event suffered from technical failures and stock shortages, but later editions were expanded and supported by additional fulfillment capacity. Flipkart has competed principally with Amazon India and Meesho, while maintaining particularly strong positions in mobile phones, electronics, and fashion. A 2023 AllianceBernstein report cited by Wikipedia estimated Flipkart’s share of Indian e-commerce at 48 percent, although market-share estimates vary by methodology and category. Walmart announced in 2018 that it would acquire a controlling interest in Flipkart, valuing the transaction at approximately US$16 billion. The deal closed in August 2018, with Walmart acquiring a reported 77 percent stake and providing additional equity funding. Sachin Bansal departed following the transaction, while Binny Bansal remained chief executive for a period before resigning in November 2018 after a Walmart-commissioned investigation into allegations of personal misconduct found no corroboration of the complainant’s assertions but identified lapses in judgment and transparency. Binny Bansal later left the executive team and sold his remaining stake to Walmart in 2024. Under Walmart ownership, Flipkart continued investing in Indian digital commerce. Initiatives included Flipkart Wholesale for kiranas and small businesses, Samarth for artisans and craftspeople, Shopsy for social commerce, Flipkart Health+, Flipkart UPI, and Flipkart Minutes for quick commerce. PhonePe, once part of the Flipkart group, was spun off in 2022, giving shareholders direct ownership interests in the payments company. In 2024, Flipkart also joined YouTube’s Indian shopping affiliate initiative through links to Flipkart and Myntra products. In 2025, the company announced plans to move its corporate domicile from Singapore to India. Flipkart remains a private, Walmart-controlled company focused primarily on the Indian market.

History

Flipkart was established in October 2007 in Bengaluru by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal. Both founders had worked at Amazon and used their experience in online retail to create an Indian internet marketplace initially dedicated to books. The business started from a two-bedroom apartment in Koramangala, Bengaluru, and reportedly reached about 100 daily orders in 2008. Its early growth depended on reducing barriers to online purchasing, particularly through cash on delivery, customer service, and delivery processes suited to Indian consumers. The company expanded its digital commerce capabilities through acquisitions. In 2010 it acquired WeRead, a digital books business. In 2011 it acquired Mime360 and the digital content library of Chakpak, later using those assets in the Flyte digital music store. Flyte closed in 2013 after struggling against free music streaming and other online alternatives. Flipkart acquired Letsbuy in 2012 to strengthen online electronics, and in 2014 acquired Myntra for approximately US$280 million. Myntra remained a distinct fashion business and became central to Flipkart’s apparel strategy. Flipkart also became an exclusive Indian seller for several major smartphone launches, including Motorola and Xiaomi devices. The company’s Big Billion Day promotion, first held in October 2014, became one of India’s best-known e-commerce sales events. Its debut produced a large volume of orders but also exposed weaknesses in technology and inventory planning. Flipkart subsequently extended the promotion into Big Billion Days, increased fulfillment capacity, and emphasized mobile-app shopping. The 2015 event reportedly produced gross merchandise volume of approximately US$300 million, with fashion contributing the largest order volume and mobile phones the greatest value. Flipkart acquired or invested in additional digital businesses during this period, including Appiterate, PhonePe, MapmyIndia, Jabong, and other technology and consumer platforms. It also explored a transaction involving Snapdeal and sold its interest in eBay India back to eBay after Walmart’s investment. Walmart’s 2018 acquisition was the most important ownership change in Flipkart’s history. Walmart announced a purchase of a controlling stake for approximately US$16 billion, and the transaction closed in August 2018. Sachin Bansal left the company after the deal. Binny Bansal resigned as group chief executive in November 2018 following an investigation into allegations of personal misconduct. Walmart stated that the investigation did not corroborate the complainant’s assertions but identified other lapses in judgment and transparency. Walmart subsequently increased its ownership stake. From 2019 onward, Flipkart broadened its role beyond a conventional marketplace. Samarth supported underserved artisans and producers; Flipkart Wholesale created a digital channel for kiranas and small businesses; and the company acquired Walmart India’s Best Price cash-and-carry operation. Flipkart also launched or expanded quick delivery, health commerce, social commerce, travel, and digital payments. Shopsy, launched in 2021, enabled individuals and small businesses to resell products through social channels. Flipkart Health+ followed the acquisition of Sastasundar Healthbuddy, while the group established Flipkart Foundation and Flipkart Labs in 2022. PhonePe was separated from the group in the same year. In 2023 and 2024, Walmart provided additional funding as part of a larger Flipkart fundraising plan. Flipkart UPI launched with Axis Bank, Flipkart Minutes entered quick commerce, and Flipkart participated in YouTube’s Indian shopping affiliate program. Binny Bansal left the executive team and sold his remaining stake to Walmart in 2024. The company announced in 2025 that it planned to shift its domicile from Singapore to India. Flipkart continues to operate as a private, Walmart-controlled Indian digital commerce group.

2024
UPI and quick-commerce expansion
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Flipkart launches Flipkart UPI and enters quick commerce through Flipkart Minutes.
2022
PhonePe spin-off
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
PhonePe is separated from Flipkart, with shareholders receiving direct interests in the payments company.
2021
Shopsy launches
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Flipkart introduces a social-commerce marketplace for individual and small-business resellers.
2020
Flipkart Wholesale launches
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
The group launches a digital wholesale marketplace for kiranas and small businesses.
2018
Walmart becomes controlling shareholder
[2]Walmart to Invest $16 Billion in Flipkartcorporate.walmart.com
Walmart completes its acquisition of a controlling stake in Flipkart.
2016
PhonePe acquisition and Jabong acquisition
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Flipkart acquires PhonePe and online fashion retailer Jabong.
2014
Myntra acquisition and first Big Billion Day
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Flipkart acquires Myntra and stages its first major Big Billion Day sale.
2012
Letsbuy acquisition
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
The company acquires online electronics retailer Letsbuy.
2010
WeRead acquisition
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Flipkart acquires the digital books business WeRead.
2007
Flipkart is founded
[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal establish Flipkart in Bengaluru as an online bookseller.

Products and positioning

Mass-market, convenience-led Indian digital commerce platform with broad assortment, localized payments and delivery, and strong positions in smartphones, electronics, and fashion.

E-commerce marketplace · 2007
Flipkart Marketplace
Flipkart’s core online marketplace connects consumers with sellers across electronics, mobile phones, fashion, books, home products, groceries, and lifestyle categories. It combines marketplace inventory with fulfillment and delivery services, including the Ekart logistics network.
Shopping festival · 2014
Big Billion Days
Big Billion Days is Flipkart’s principal promotional shopping event. It uses major discounts, brand launches, app-led offers, and expanded logistics capacity to concentrate demand during India’s festive shopping season.
Fashion e-commerce
Myntra
Myntra is Flipkart Group’s fashion-focused online retail business. It operates as a distinct consumer brand and provides apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and lifestyle merchandise.
Social commerce · 2021
Shopsy
Shopsy enables individuals and small businesses to sell or resell products through social and digital channels. It later expanded into grocery delivery across Indian cities.
Online pharmacy and health commerce · 2022
Flipkart Health+
Flipkart Health+ provides access to medicines and health-related services through the group’s health-commerce operations and marketplace relationships.
Digital payments · 2024
Flipkart UPI
Flipkart UPI is the company’s UPI payment service, introduced in partnership with Axis Bank to support payments within and beyond the Flipkart ecosystem.
Quick commerce · 2024
Flipkart Minutes
Flipkart Minutes is a rapid-delivery service introduced to compete in India’s quick-commerce market, serving selected categories such as groceries and everyday products.

Controversies

2020
India’s competition regulator investigates Amazon and Flipkart
In January 2020, the Competition Commission of India announced an investigation into whether Amazon and Flipkart had violated India’s foreign investment rules. The regulator’s announcement focused on compliance with the country’s foreign investment regulations by the two e-commerce companies. The investigation concerned potential breaches of these rules, as reported at the time. The event was noted in coverage of Amazon’s operations in India. No outcome of the investigation was stated in the available information.
Source
2020
Flipkart responds to incorrect Disney+ Hotstar subscription listing
A Disney+ Hotstar Premium subscription appeared on Flipkart at Rs 99 instead of Rs 1,500. Flipkart stated that the offer resulted from an unexpected pricing error, apologized, and said purchases would be refunded. Disney+ Hotstar support stated that the listing was not official and that it had been flagged for removal. The page was subsequently removed from Flipkart.
Source
2018
Binny Bansal misconduct allegations and resignation
Binny Bansal resigned after allegations of serious personal misconduct. Walmart said its investigation did not corroborate the complainant’s assertions but found lapses in judgment and transparency in how Bansal handled the matter.
Source
2014
Technical problems during first Big Billion Day
The inaugural sale attracted criticism over website outages, unusually high traffic, and unavailable inventory. The episode highlighted the operational risks of large online promotions.
Source

2019Samarth
India
Samarth brought artisans, weavers, craftspeople, and other small producers onto the Flipkart marketplace with support intended to improve their digital access and selling capabilities.
Outcome. The program became part of Flipkart’s inclusion and seller-development initiatives.
Source
2015Big Billion Days
India
The sale was expanded into a multi-day, mobile-app-focused event supported by additional fulfillment centers and supply-chain preparation.
Outcome. The event reportedly generated approximately US$300 million in gross merchandise volume.
Source
2014Big Billion Day
India
Flipkart staged its first large-scale festive online sale, using deep discounts and a concentrated promotional window to drive adoption. Technical failures and stock shortages drew criticism, but the event became an annual franchise.
Outcome. The promotion was repeated and expanded into a multi-day event with greater fulfillment capacity.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Enter quick commerce with Flipkart MinutesProduct launch
Background
Indian consumers were increasingly using specialized quick-commerce services for rapid delivery of groceries and everyday goods.
Action taken
Flipkart launched Flipkart Minutes as a rapid-delivery offering.
Aftermath
The launch expanded Flipkart’s competitive scope beyond conventional marketplace delivery.
Source
2022
Spin off PhonePeStrategy
Background
PhonePe had developed into a substantial standalone digital-payments business with strategic and capital requirements distinct from e-commerce.
Action taken
Flipkart completed PhonePe’s separation, giving Flipkart shareholders direct ownership interests in the payments company.
Aftermath
The separation clarified the corporate distinction between Flipkart’s commerce operations and PhonePe’s payments business.
Source
2018
Walmart acquisition of controlling stakeM&A
Background
Flipkart was competing with Amazon India for scale, sellers, logistics capacity, and consumer adoption.
Action taken
Walmart agreed to acquire a reported 77 percent controlling stake and provide additional equity funding.
Aftermath
Flipkart remained privately held under Walmart control, while Sachin Bansal departed and Walmart increased its ownership stake later in 2018.
Transaction value. Approximately US$16 billion (Announced 2018; completed August 2018)
Source
2014
Acquire MyntraM&A
Background
Fashion was becoming a major online retail category in India, while Myntra had an established specialist position.
Action taken
Flipkart acquired Myntra for approximately US$280 million and retained it as a separate fashion-focused business.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened Flipkart Group’s apparel position and was followed by the later acquisition of Jabong.
Reported acquisition value. Approximately US$280 million (2014)
Source

Recent events

2025
Flipkart announces India domicile shift[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Regulation
Flipkart announced plans to shift its corporate domicile from Singapore to India.
2024
Flipkart launches Flipkart UPI[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Flipkart introduced its UPI service in partnership with Axis Bank.
2024
Flipkart enters quick commerce with Flipkart Minutes[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
The company introduced Flipkart Minutes to offer rapid delivery in the growing Indian quick-commerce segment.
2022
Flipkart separates PhonePe[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
M&A
PhonePe was spun off from the Flipkart group, with shareholders receiving direct ownership interests in the payments company.
2019
Flipkart launches Samarth[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Campaign · Other
Samarth was introduced to help artisans, weavers, and craftspeople reach online customers.
2018
Walmart agrees to acquire controlling stake in Flipkart[2]Walmart to Invest $16 Billion in Flipkartcorporate.walmart.com
M&A
Walmart announced its intention to acquire a reported 77 percent controlling stake in Flipkart in a transaction valued at approximately US$16 billion.
2014
Flipkart announces Big Billion Day sale[1]Flipkarten.wikipedia.org
Campaign · Other
The first major Big Billion Day event generated intense traffic and sales but was criticized for technical problems and inventory shortages.

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