Unlocking AI Potential: Fynd's Vision for India's MSMEs

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are often regarded as the backbone of India's economy, playing a crucial role in job creation and innovation. They contribute significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for approximately 30.1%, and are responsible for a substantial 45.73% of the country's total exports. Despite their importance, the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) within this sector is notably limited. Recent findings presented at a summit organized by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) highlighted that AI adoption in organized manufacturing is under 25%, with the rates for MSMEs being even lower. This stark reality places India at a disadvantage compared to other global economies, including China, Germany, and the United States, where AI integration in business practices is more prevalent.

At the forefront of this discussion is Fynd, an AI-driven commerce platform that aims to bridge the technological gap for MSMEs in India. During the MSME Sparks 2026 masterclass titled ‘Autonomous Retail: Rewriting the MSME Playbook with AI’, Ragini Varma, the Chief Business Officer at Fynd, addressed the pervasive hesitance among MSMEs to adopt AI technologies. Varma pointed out that a significant portion of MSME owners misunderstand the potential of AI, often equating it solely with applications like ChatGPT. She emphasized the broader capabilities of AI, stating, “AI is just not ChatGPT. AI is actually going to help you do your work autonomously, to do your work in a faster and a better manner.”

Fynd's platform is designed to empower brands by enabling them to manage their online presence, physical stores, and marketplace listings—such as those on Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart—through a single, cohesive system. This system is equipped with built-in AI tools that enhance creativity and customer support, which are essential for MSMEs looking to streamline operations and improve customer engagement.

The Gap MSMEs Are Working Around

Every small business owner is intimately familiar with the myriad challenges that come with managing daily operations. From the tedious task of checking stock levels before reordering to the manual process of matching prices across various platforms, these responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming. Varma highlighted that such operational inefficiencies often lead to missed orders or incorrect pricing, which can frustrate customers and ultimately result in lost sales. She remarked, “This can cause viral sales to go unmanaged because every step depends on someone remembering to act on it.”

AI has the potential to bridge these operational gaps by providing real-time monitoring of stock, pricing, and orders, alerting sellers to potential issues while allowing them to approve necessary actions. Varma described AI as a supportive tool that enhances human capabilities, stating, “You handle the action. It is actually a loop, where humans are as much involved as AI is.” This perspective underscores the collaborative nature of AI, where technology complements human effort rather than replacing it.

How Fynd Helps

As a brand owner, one often wears multiple hats, juggling roles that range from accountant to marketer. Varma pointed out the limitations of individual capacity, emphasizing that burnout can severely hinder business growth. Fynd's AI tools, such as Fynd AI Studio and Fynd Generative Media, are designed to alleviate some of these burdens by transforming a single product photo into high-quality images and marketing videos, thus streamlining the creative process.

Furthermore, Fynd offers an AI assistant named Kaylee, which addresses routine customer inquiries and flags urgent issues based on the tone of customer messages. Varma stressed the critical importance of customer support, referring to it as “always the king,” and noted that effectively resolving customer complaints is vital for retaining business. In an era where customer expectations are continually rising, the ability to respond swiftly and effectively can be a significant competitive advantage for MSMEs.

Fynd's comprehensive dashboard consolidates stock, orders, and pricing across various platforms, providing a centralized view that simplifies management for business owners. Additionally, Fynd AI PIM automates the creation of marketplace-ready listings, handling approximately 80% of the catalog-building workload. This automation not only saves time but also allows MSMEs to focus on growth and customer engagement rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. Varma also pointed out that logistics can consume a significant amount of time for MSMEs. To address this, Fynd Manage Logistics connects a seller's brand website and all marketplaces to a single inventory source, simplifying order tracking and fulfillment processes.

Consultation and Who's Using It

Recognizing that the journey to AI adoption can be daunting for MSMEs, Fynd also offers an AI consulting service aimed at helping businesses identify where to start their AI journey. Varma articulated the company’s mission, stating, “We are not here to just make money; Fynd is commerce that cares; we care about how your business should be growing.” This consulting service spans various industries, including B2B stores, accounting firms, and food businesses, demonstrating the versatility of AI applications across different sectors.

Notable companies, such as Puma, have already begun utilizing Fynd Store OS to enhance their inventory visibility, while Fynd also supports backend operations for JioMart, showcasing the platform's capability to handle diverse business needs. This integration of AI into established brands illustrates the potential for MSMEs to leverage similar technologies to improve their operations and competitiveness.

Varma's Advice to MSMEs

Varma also offered valuable advice to MSMEs, cautioning against the common mistake of imitating others without fully understanding their unique challenges. She encouraged businesses to focus on resolving specific bottlenecks rather than attempting an entire operational overhaul. “Paying for a $100 tool when a $10 bot can do the job means solving the wrong problem,” she noted, highlighting the importance of strategic decision-making in technology adoption.

For MSME owners who may be hesitant about integrating AI into their operations, Varma's recommendation is straightforward: do not let AI dictate your business processes. She concluded with a powerful statement: “Either AI is going to dictate to you, or you are going to dictate AI. So be the latter.” This perspective encourages MSMEs to take charge of their technological journey, ensuring that AI serves their specific needs rather than becoming a source of confusion or inefficiency.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into the operations of MSMEs in India holds significant potential for enhancing efficiency, improving customer engagement, and driving growth. As highlighted by Fynd and its initiatives, embracing AI is not merely about adopting new technology; it is about rethinking how businesses can operate more effectively in a rapidly changing market landscape. By understanding their unique challenges and leveraging AI as a supportive tool, MSMEs can unlock their full potential and contribute even more significantly to India's economic landscape.