Bengaluru-based Fintech Startup Aims to Digitise One Million Kirana Stores
The Smart Calculator V5 Silver, a compact and innovative device, is revolutionizing the traditional retail experience for shopkeepers. Designed to streamline operations, it efficiently tracks sales and expenses, manages payments and inventory, and provides AI-powered insights into the daily business activities of retailers. Beyond functionality, it integrates seamlessly with barcode scanners and printers allowing remote access. This ensures shopkeepers can monitor records and reports even during their absence, all while remaining highly affordable despite its significant AI enhancements.
Bengaluru has taken a significant leap in the retail landscape with Bengaluru-based fintech startup Tohands Pvt. Ltd unveiling the Tohands Smart Calculator V5 Silver at its annual event, Reimagine 5.0. This most advanced iteration of Tohands’ flagship product is particularly designed to bolster India’s vast network of kirana and small retail stores. This innovation marks an important milestone in Tohands’ mission to digitally empower small businesses nationwide.
Designed on the MAYA principle (Most Advanced Yet Acceptable), the Smart Calculator V5 caters to the practical needs of shopkeepers. It works efficiently both in online and offline modes, ensuring the security of stored data. This makes it an accessible plug-and-play solution remarkably suited for shopkeepers who are familiar with technology but may not be fully digitally literate. The product bridges the existing gap between sophisticated tech solutions and the on-ground retail reality, something often overlooked by traditional ERP systems and POS applications prevalent in urban markets.
Praveen Mishra, Founder and CEO of Tohands, highlighted the profound impact of the product stating, “In every narrow bylane of this country, there’s a kirana store operating on trust and hustle, but without the tools that modern retail enjoys. The Tohands Smart Calculator V5 Silver is not just about smarter transactions — it’s about enabling these shopkeepers to save time, reduce loss, and gain control over their business. It’s a leap toward digital equity in Indian retail. We envision a future where every single kirana store in India is powered by Tohands — building a smarter retail economy from the ground up.”
Over the past four years, Tohands has successfully onboarded thousands of kirana stores throughout India, gradually gaining momentum. The startup gained national prominence following its showcase on Shark Tank India. Its strategic mission to digitize the unorganized retail segment caught the attention of investors Radhika Gupta and Varun Dua. Consequently, Tohands has secured Rs. 3.5 crore in investments from Shark Tank investors and Turbostart, alongside an additional Rs. 50 lakhs from the Startup India Seed Fund.
The Smart Calculator’s capability to deliver seamless digitization without necessitating app downloads, smartphone usage, or internet access has notably driven investor confidence, rendering it a uniquely scalable solution for India’s small businesses. At the Reimagine 5.0 event, Tohands also revealed its new brand identity, signifying its transition from a bootstrapped hardware startup to a comprehensive retail tech platform. The event boasted live demonstrations of the Smart Calculator V5 Silver and insights into the V5 Tohands Mobile Application along with various retailer success stories.
This pivotal event attracted dignitaries and leaders from esteemed organizations such as Edelweiss, ACKO, Accel, T-Hub, and Turbostart, highlighting the increasing interest in practical, scalable technology crafted to meet the needs of India’s evolving retail economy. As Tohands continues its journey, the vision of digitally empowering one million kirana stores remains achievably within reach, paving the path toward a smarter and more inclusive retail economy.
