Rajshree Upadhyaya | Jaipur | Business Remedies | April 10,2025 | In India’s dynamic startup ecosystem, Ezo Books has emerged as a promising innovation, transforming how small and medium-sized businesses manage billing and accounting. Founded in 2022 by Gauravkumar Kate, Makarand Kate, and Rishikesh Sakarkar, the Navi Mumbai-based startup was born out of a shared vision, to simplify and digitize business operations for lakhs of small retailers across the country.
Recognizing the persistent reliance on outdated, manual methods in the Indian retail sector, the trio combined their diverse skill sets to create a simple yet powerful solution tailored for non-tech-savvy entrepreneurs. From the outset, Ezo Books was built with a user-first philosophy, focusing on the unique needs of local shopkeepers, small restaurant owners, and traditional retailers, many of whom are not fluent in English or comfortable with complex digital tools.
At the core of Ezo Books is a free, easy-to-use mobile application that enables users to generate invoices, track expenses, manage inventory, and send bills via WhatsApp, all in multiple Indian languages. The goal: empower grassroots entrepreneurs with the benefits of digital technology without overwhelming them.
Complementing the mobile app is their flagship product: an affordable billing machine priced at Rs. 6,000. Designed for plug-and-play simplicity, the device enables users to generate professional invoices, add UPI payment details, and include GST information. It features customizable invoice fields and requires minimal setup, making it highly accessible. An annual maintenance and service fee of Rs. 3,000 ensures ongoing updates and support, positioning Ezo Books as a comprehensive business management ecosystem.
Ezo Books gained national attention when it appeared on Season 4 of Shark Tank India in January 2025. During Episode 13, the founders pitched their product to the panel, seeking an investment of Rs. 50 lakh for 0.33% equity, valuing the company at Rs. 150 crore. Their presentation highlighted the vast potential of digitizing India’s small retailers and demonstrated how their solution bridges the technology gap in this underserved market.
While the sharks were impressed by the passion and purpose behind the venture, concerns were raised regarding the high valuation and scalability, especially in a competitive landscape with several similar offerings. Ultimately, no deal was secured, but the founders walked away with invaluable feedback and mentorship from some of India’s top entrepreneurs, insights that could sharpen their strategic direction moving forward.
Undeterred, the Ezo Books team doubled down on their mission. Through initiatives like the “#DhandeKiBaat” video series, they’ve leveraged storytelling to engage and educate business owners on how technology can enhance their daily operations. Their growing user base, built organically through community outreach and word of mouth, reflects the trust they are steadily building across the country.
Of course, challenges remain. The Indian retail tech space is highly competitive, and changing long-standing habits is no small feat. Convincing traditional retailers to shift from handwritten bills to digital tools requires time, trust, and sustained engagement. Yet, the Ezo Books team remains committed, constantly gathering user feedback, refining their offerings, and exploring new ways to scale.
Today, Ezo Books is more than just a billing solution, it is a symbol of grassroots innovation and entrepreneurial resilience. From a local startup in Navi Mumbai to the national stage of Shark Tank India, the founders’ journey reflects the power of mission-driven entrepreneurship. While the sharks didn’t invest, the visibility and momentum gained have set the stage for Ezo Books to make a lasting impact on India’s retail landscape.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
