Well which Indori does not know about Pataa App. Let’s go through the Pataa App ride. Rajat Jain, a visionary entrepreneur who, alongside his brother Mohit Jain, identified a common frustration among Indians dealing with an unstructured addressing system. In the era of booming e-commerce, where online orders for everything from groceries to medicines have become the norm, the lack of a standardized addressing system was causing significant headaches. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) estimated that India was losing $10 billion to $14 billion annually due to this issue, amounting to 0.5 percent of the country’s GDP.
Rajat and Mohit, having personally experienced the challenges of navigating addresses during their travels, decided it was time to offer a solution. In May 2021, they launched Pataa, a startup based in Indore that aims to streamline the process of sharing addresses and guiding others to specific locations.
Pataa, available on both Android and iOS platforms, operates by assigning a unique shortcode to every address, simplifying the sharing process. In just seven months, the app boasts close to seven million downloads, with 98 percent of users on Android and one million Pataas created within the app.
The app works by shortening addresses, much like how bit.ly shortens lengthy URLs. Users have the option to choose a shortcode or create their own, ranging from seven to eleven alphanumeric characters. This unique shortcode not only solves the problem of address confusion but also adds a personalized touch for the user.
Explaining the simplicity of the process, Rajat says, “You can create your personalized short code like ^SINGH221 or ^KUMAR100 by dropping a pin on your doorstep precisely up to 3 meters.”
Launched during the pandemic, Pataa seized the opportunity to address the COVID-19 crisis. The team volunteered to create Pataas for all vaccination centers in Madhya Pradesh, helping users locate centers easily and efficiently. The introduction of the ‘Co-Win’ feature provided critical information about COVID-19 vaccination centers, aiding residents in cities like Indore, Jabalpur, Bhopal, and Gwalior.
Looking ahead, Pataa is set to launch a B2B solution called Pataa API, targeting e-commerce, ride-hailing, logistics, and food delivery companies. This autofill option for addresses on websites streamlines the user experience. Additionally, the startup is making strides in the business-to-government (B2G) sector, aiming to integrate Pataa with government departments and emergency services.
Rajat and Mohit’s vision extends beyond current accomplishments, with plans to introduce new features in aerial technologies and drone deliveries. Pataa is not just revolutionizing the way addresses are managed; it’s also paving the way for a more efficient and connected future.