The Team behind chotu

Y Ravi

Founder

IITD-IIMB grad, ex-marketing head, airtel and product manager at Microsoft. Proven innovator, launched world’s first smart SIM and tiktik, telecom comparison portal. Consumer-obsessed.

Jay Kishan Tripathi

Data Scientist

Jay dons multiple hats at chotu. A 2023 graduate from Siva Sivani Institute of Management, Jay is instrumental in all things data at chotu. Jay is a Python expert and can automate any data operation.

Keshav T

Catalog Specialist

Keshav is a BTech graduate from St Martin’s Engineering College and has worked in tech startups. Keshav is the catalog specialist and in-house visual communication expert.

Anil Nandigam

Digital Marketing Manager

Anil is a BTech IT graduate from SSCE with expertise in digital marketing. He has hands-on experience in SEO, social media campaigns, and performance marketing. At chotu, Anil drives online growth and maximizes visibility for local shops.

Incubated at:

world’s largest startup ecosystem at Hyderabad, India

Angels

A bunch of friends have provided the initial capital to get chotu kick-started.

  • Kiran Gali
  • Chakrapani Dasika
  • Krishna Chaitanya Chandika
  • Ajay Reddy
  • Jithender Reddy
  • Potturi Venkata Sai
  • SAgar Sahu
  • Shravan Kumar Lakumarapu
  • Karavadi Amulya
  • Satheesh Babu Korupolu
  • Satish Kumar Menegi
  • Kura Narasinga Rao

Want to join us ?

WhatsApp us

Win your customers back!

Install chotu OWNER app for FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is chotu?
Namaste. I am chotu, your friendly shopboy. I make ordering from your shop simple on WhatsApp.
What does chotu do?
Customers can see your full product list online (like Zepto/Blinkit). They add to cart and order directly on WhatsApp.
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
No. Those are delivery apps made for buyers. They control prices, delivery, and own your customer data. chotu is an ordering app made for you, the shopkeeper. You keep full control: prices, payments and your customer info.
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Almost, but one big difference: With chotu, you get a ready-made catalog for your shop type. No need to type a single word. Just turn OFF items you don’t sell. Plus, you get a QR code and link to share anywhere.
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Orders come straight to your WhatsApp. chotu does not know what is ordered or who your customer is.
Do customers need to download chotu?
No. They can order by:
  • Scanning your QR code


  • Clicking your shop link

(If they install chotu, it only makes reordering easier.)

So, there are two apps?
Yes, the red chotu app is for buyers, golden chotu Owner app is for you, the shopkeeper. You can install both if you want.

How will my shop look?
Like any online store (Amazon/Flipkart). Buyers can browse, search, and add to cart. Click on LIVE DEMO to see how your shop will look.
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
No. Only a WhatsApp number is enough. Works in all Indian languages. chotu runs only on mobile.
How much does chotu cost?
Starts ₹999, one-time payment. No rent. No subscription. No commission. It’s your shop forever.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly, not through chotu. They can give cash in hand or through UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.). No change in payments at all.


Will chotu deliver orders?
No. Delivery is your choice.
  • Ask customer to pick up


  • Send through your boy/helper
  • Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.


Can customers pay cash?
Yes. As always.
How will I know if I got an order?
You’ll hear a “ka-ching” on the chotu Owner app and get the order on WhatsApp.
Can customers order at night?
Yes. 24×7. You can deliver when you are open.
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
Yes. Your shop is now open to the whole world, 24X7.
How do I promote my shop?
When you buy a shop, you get a shop link and a QR.
  • Share shop link on WhatsApp Status, Groups, Instagram, YouTube, etc.


  • Print QR on your shopboard, visiting cards, no-parking boards.


Will I get new customers?
Yes, through your link/QR and local promotion. With VIP Pass, your shop ranks higher on chotu search.
What is VIP Pass?
VIP Pass is a value added service with extra benefits:
  • Higher ranking in customer searches
  • Ability to edit your shop details
  • Priority customer support
How do I buy the VIP Pass?
All shops come with a built-in FREE VIP Pass. You do not need to purchase it right now. You can login to the chotu Owner app to buy the VIP Pass later.
Do I need GST or a physical shop?
No. Just a WhatsApp number is enough. Physical shop is optional.
What does owning a shop mean on chotu?
Like you buy a shop in the real world, you are buying a space in the digital world, which is yours forever.
What if I don’t get orders at first?
Share your shop link with existing customers. Once they try it, they will reorder and refer new buyers. If you have a Google My Business profile, you should update your shop link there too to get more orders.
Who is behind chotu? Can I trust it?
The team has decades of experience at Microsoft, Oracle, airtel and studied at IIT & IIM. They are building chotu with only one purpose: make ordering with local shops as easy as UPI made payments.
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