Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Pakistan, Ahsan Kidwai exhibited a keen interest in economics and business from a young age. This passion led him to pursue higher education at The University of Manchester, where he earned a BA (Hons) in Economics and Business Studies between 2008 and 2011. His academic journey laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the corporate world.
Professional Beginnings
Ahsan’s professional career commenced with internships at reputable organizations such as AKD Securities Ltd., EY, GSK, and Dubai Islamic Bank between 2006 and 2011. These early experiences provided him with a diverse perspective on various industries and business operations. In 2011, he joined GlaxoSmithKline, where he served in multiple roles, including Assistant Trade Category Manager and Trade Marketing Executive, until 2017. His tenure at GSK honed his skills in trade marketing and category management, preparing him for more significant challenges ahead.
Transition to E-Commerce
In 2017, Ahsan transitioned to Dairyland (Pvt.) Limited as a Trade Marketing Manager, further expanding his expertise in the FMCG sector. His career trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2019 when he joined Daraz, a leading e-commerce platform in South Asia. At Daraz, he initially served as Category Director – FMCG and later advanced to Group Category Head – FMCG. This period marked Ahsan’s deep dive into the e-commerce landscape, where he played a crucial role in shaping the platform’s FMCG category strategies.
Co-Founding Krave Mart
The year 2021 was a landmark in Ahsan’s career as he co-founded Krave Mart, a quick-commerce (q-commerce) startup aiming to revolutionize the grocery delivery landscape in Pakistan. Alongside co-founders Kassim Shroff (CEO), Haziq Ahmed (COO), and Hammad Bawany (CPO), Ahsan took on the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Krave Mart’s mission is to provide consumers with a convenient solution for everyday needs, offering over 3,000 unique SKUs across categories like Groceries, Mother & Baby, Health & Beauty, Electronics, Stationery, Toys & Games, and Pharmacy. Customers can order through their app and receive deliveries within minutes.
Achievements and Milestones
Under Ahsan’s commercial leadership, Krave Mart achieved significant milestones in a short span. The startup raised $6 million in a pre-seed funding round less than four months after its establishment, showcasing investor confidence in its vision and potential. Additionally, Krave Mart was selected for the Y Combinator accelerator program (S22), further validating its innovative approach in the q-commerce sector.
Strategic Initiatives: Entering the Private Label Market
In late 2022, Krave Mart ventured into the private label market, a strategic move aimed at enhancing sustainability and profitability. The company introduced over 100 private label products under brands like Kdaily (spices, eggs, lentils, value-added flour, and dry fruits) and Kfresh (fruits and vegetables, including exotic varieties). This initiative allowed Krave Mart to double its margins in these categories, ensuring better quality control and availability for its customers. Ahsan emphasized that this backward integration enabled the company to improve availability ratios, maintain quality controls, and drive sustainable growth.
Personal Pursuits: Travel and Culinary Adventures
Beyond his corporate achievements, Ahsan is a passionate travel blogger and food enthusiast. His Instagram profile, under the handle @ahsan.kidwai, showcases his journeys and culinary explorations. Through hashtags like #kidwaitraveldiaries and #kidwailovestoeat, he shares his experiences from various destinations and gastronomic adventures, inspiring his followers to embrace diverse cultures and cuisines.
Inspiration and Vision
Ahsan’s journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiration to many aspiring professionals. His ability to identify market gaps, adapt to changing consumer behaviors, and implement strategic initiatives highlights his visionary leadership. Through Krave Mart, he aims to redefine convenience for Pakistani consumers, setting new standards in the q-commerce industry.
Current Endeavors and Future Outlook
As of March 2025, Ahsan continues to lead Krave Mart’s commercial strategies, focusing on expanding its product offerings and enhancing customer experience. The company is exploring technological advancements to streamline operations and ensure faster deliveries. Ahsan’s commitment to innovation and excellence positions Krave Mart to further solidify its presence in Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape, with aspirations to set benchmarks for the industry globally.
Conclusion
Ahsan Kidwai’s professional journey exemplifies the power of vision, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in corporate roles to pioneering q-commerce in Pakistan, Ahsan has consistently demonstrated leadership and innovation. His personal passions for travel and food add a unique dimension to his persona, reflecting a well-rounded individual who inspires others to pursue their dreams with dedication and enthusiasm.
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