IIT Madras Student Kuldeep Rathore Raises $1.1 Million for Startup After JEE Advanced Setback
Kuldeep Rathore, a student in the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) BS Degree Programme in Data Science and Applications, has reportedly raised US$1.1 million in pre-seed funding for his startup, SamanNow. His entrepreneurial path followed a setback in JEE Advanced and took shape alongside his studies through the institute’s flexible online degree programme.
SamanNow is a value-focused quick-commerce venture that aims to deliver everyday products within 60 minutes in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The reported funding round includes Antler, Titan Capital and All In Capital. Rathore’s journey also includes an earlier fashion and quick-commerce business, Zodok, and work in manufacturing and supply chains.
Kuldeep Rathore and SamanNow: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kuldeep Rathore |
| Current venture | SamanNow |
| Reported funding | US$1.1 million in pre-seed funding |
| Reported investors | Antler, Titan Capital and All In Capital |
| Business focus | Value-focused quick commerce |
| Target markets | Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities |
| Education | IIT Madras BS Degree Programme in Data Science and Applications |
From JEE Advanced Setback to Entrepreneurship
After an unsuccessful JEE Advanced attempt, Rathore explored another route to continue his education. He learned about IIT Madras’s BS programme in Data Science and Applications in September 2023. The programme’s online format gave him room to study while pursuing business ideas. IIT Madras describes the degree programme as online, with structured academic levels and options to earn qualifications as learners progress.
In May 2024, Rathore and co-founder Shivansh launched Zodok in Pune. The founders built the business through direct operational work, and reports say it reached around 100 orders a day and more than 10,000 users before being acquired by KNOT. Rathore later joined KNOT as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, gaining experience in manufacturing and private-label operations.
Career and Startup Timeline
| Period | Reported milestone |
|---|---|
| After JEE Advanced | Rathore pursued an alternative education route after the exam setback. |
| September 2023 | He learned about the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme. |
| May 2024 | Rathore and Shivansh launched Zodok in Pune. |
| After Zodok | Following its acquisition by KNOT, Rathore worked as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. |
| 2026 | SamanNow reportedly raised US$1.1 million in pre-seed funding. |
What Students Can Take From the Story
- Exam results do not define every pathway: Rathore continued learning after a setback and pursued a different academic route.
- Flexible study can support practical work: His online IIT Madras programme allowed him to combine coursework with entrepreneurial activity.
- Operating experience shaped the next idea: His work across quick commerce, manufacturing and sourcing informed SamanNow’s business focus.
- Funding is a milestone, not a guarantee: The reported investment supports the startup’s plans, while its growth will depend on execution and customer demand.
Rathore’s story connects education with hands-on business experience. The reported funding gives SamanNow capital to develop its value-focused commerce model beyond major metropolitan markets. The US$1.1 million figure and company milestones are reported details; readers should consult the startup or its investors for any formal funding announcement.
