At Brilliant Read Media, we continuously seek powerful narratives shaping India’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Among these is the inspiring journey of Meera Madhusudan Singh—a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed TEDx speaker, and the Founder of Avaan India. We had the privilege of engaging with her to delve into her background, the driving force behind Avaan, and her invaluable advice for budding professionals.
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Meera:
Could you please walk us through your background and professional journey?
I began my career in hospitality, studying at IIHM Pusa, Delhi, and training at the prestigious Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development. Those foundational years shaped my people-first approach and service-centric mindset.
Gradually, I transitioned into the logistics and infrastructure sectors, taking on leadership roles in customer service for industry giants like Gati and TCI. A pivotal chapter of my journey involved commissioning India’s first privately-owned 110 MW hydroelectric project in Sikkim—a groundbreaking accomplishment in the Northeast.
In 2020, I founded Avaan India with a clear vision: to humanise logistics. Today, Avaan is a diversified consumer logistics platform offering a range of services, including excess baggage delivery, package delivery, smart storage lockers, and pet transportation under Avaan PetExp.
Launched alongside Avaan Excess, Avaan Intellect is an active academic initiative developed in collaboration with reputed universities. It offers a BBA in Logistics Management, empowering students and young professionals with industry-relevant knowledge and skills to build successful careers in supply chain management.
Additionally, I have published two coffee table books—An Ode to Sikkim and Mystic Shangrila—and lead a nonprofit initiative, Affordable Art with a Heart, which supports differently-abled child artists. The initiative has also connected with collectors and patrons who value meaningful, purpose-driven art.
‘Avaan’ is such a unique name. Could you tell us more about it and the problems you aim to solve?
The word ‘Avaan’ means “protector,” which beautifully aligns with our mission. We exist to safeguard our customers’ journeys—be it their belongings, their pets, or their peace of mind. Traditional logistics is often impersonal, fragmented, and cost-prohibitive for individuals. Avaan was born to change that narrative.
Our flagship service, Avaan Excess, offers affordable alternatives to airline excess baggage charges, delivering luggage across India and 190+ countries with flat, transparent pricing. While airlines typically charge ₹600–750 per kg, our rates start at under ₹100 per kg.
We’ve also launched 24/7 smart lockers in Delhi NCR, ensuring secure and convenient pickups and drop-offs. Through our airport counters in Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai, travellers can seamlessly check in their excess baggage without stress. We’re now expanding into residential complexes, malls, religious hubs, and educational campuses.
Avaan has a physical presence inside major airports. What’s the strategy behind this?
We’re among the few logistics brands in India to operate directly within major airports managed by GMR and Adani. This proximity enables us to serve travellers precisely at their point of need—offering solutions for excess baggage, pre-scheduled pickups, or immediate parcel drops, right at the terminal.
Despite challenges, what drives you to keep going?
The impact. Whether it’s helping students relocate effortlessly, ensuring pets are transported with care, or empowering professionals to move and store items stress-free, we’re solving deeply personal, everyday problems. That sense of purpose keeps me inspired.
How does Avaan differentiate itself from other logistics companies?
Most logistics firms cater to B2B clients. Avaan, on the other hand, is designed for individuals—students, travellers, pet parents, and anyone who needs accessible logistics support. We simplify the process for those who typically don’t engage with the logistics industry.
Moreover, our presence inside airports gives us unmatched visibility and access, enabling us to offer convenience precisely when and where it matters most.
How do you maintain affordability without compromising on quality?
Our model is tech-driven and asset-light. We collaborate with reliable delivery partners and optimise demand to keep costs low. Transparent flat-rate pricing ensures no hidden fees. We oversee the entire customer experience—from pickup to support—to maintain consistent quality.
Avaan PetExp is quite unique. What inspired its launch?
There was a clear void in safe, compliant pet transport solutions in India. PetExp addresses this gap, handling everything from documentation and airline coordination to secure handling. It’s a trust-driven service.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while building Avaan?
Consumer logistics is inherently trust-intensive. It’s not just about operational efficiency but also about safeguarding personal and emotional cargo. Scaling the business without diluting our service ethos has been challenging.
Yet, most of our growth today is organic, driven by referrals, repeat customers, and solid partner networks.
What are some of Avaan’s recent achievements that make you proud?
Avaan Excess was honoured as the Best Innovation Startup by ET Now and named among the Top 10 Hyderabad-based Women Startups by Silicon India in 2022. We were also featured in Forbes India for pioneering efforts in consumer logistics.
What excites you most about your journey so far?
Watching Avaan evolve into a solution that genuinely improves lives is incredibly fulfilling. Recognition from industry leaders like Forbes India and collaborations with GMR, Adani, Taj, and MakeMyTrip validate our mission.
But what truly matters is heartfelt customer feedback. We’re making logistics feel human—and that’s what success looks like to me.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
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