Former Cleartrip CEO Ayyappan R Ventures Into Quick Commerce With FirstClub: Report

As the quick commerce sector in India becomes increasingly competitive, Ayyappan R, the former CEO of Cleartrip, is set to enter the fray with his new venture, FirstClub. According to media reports, Ayyappan is in talks with top venture capital firms like Accel and RTP Global to secure seed funding for this ambitious project.

FirstClub aims to revolutionise quick commerce by delivering a curated selection of premium products within 20-30 minutes, complemented by an offline retail component. Media reports suggest that the venture is positioning itself as a “Costco for India,” targeting a niche market with a broad range of offerings. 

The product lineup will reportedly encompass everyday essentials such as dry fruits and freshly ground atta, as well as premium items like blueberries and avocados. Additionally, FirstClub plans to introduce direct-to-consumer (D2C) products, including organic Supima cotton t-shirts and health-focused gummies. According to media reports, the business model will operate on a subscription basis, providing exclusive access or better pricing for members.

Ayyappan R, who stepped down as Cleartrip’s CEO earlier this year, brings significant industry experience to his new venture. His previous roles include key positions at Flipkart, where he served as chief business officer at Myntra. As Flipkart aggressively expands its quick commerce service ‘Minutes,’ which recently broadened its reach in Delhi and Bengaluru, the landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic. According to media reports, Flipkart also plans to launch 100 dark stores—small warehouses designed to expedite deliveries—during the festive season.