As per media reports, commercial vehicle marketplace startup 91trucks has undertaken a significant restructuring exercise, reducing its workforce and scaling back its offline retail operations as it adjusts to changing market conditions in India’s commercial vehicle sector.
The company confirmed that it has implemented organizational changes and is sharpening its focus on key growth markets, particularly in northern India, following slower-than-expected business growth over the past several months.
91trucks Cuts Workforce as Market Conditions Remain Challenging
According to industry sources, the restructuring has resulted in a substantial reduction in employee strength, with nearly 100 employees reportedly exiting the organization over recent weeks.
While the company did not disclose specific numbers, 91trucks Co-founder and CEO Siddharth Sharma acknowledged that workforce reductions had taken place as part of a broader strategic realignment.
The move comes as several startups across the automotive, mobility, and commercial vehicle ecosystem face a more challenging operating environment marked by softer demand and tighter funding conditions.
Industry observers note that commercial vehicle sales have been impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty, rising operating costs, and cautious spending by fleet operators and transport businesses.
Commercial Vehicle Demand Faces Headwinds
Market experts suggest that demand across parts of the commercial vehicle segment has weakened in recent months.
Factors contributing to the slowdown include:
- Higher fuel costs impacting fleet profitability
- Economic uncertainty affecting purchasing decisions
- Delayed vehicle replacement cycles
- Geopolitical developments influencing business sentiment
- Funding challenges across startup ecosystems
Industry stakeholders indicate that operators in smaller cities and regional markets continue to face cost pressures, which have influenced purchasing decisions for new trucks and commercial vehicles.
Offline Store Network Scaled Back
As part of the restructuring process, 91trucks has also streamlined its offline retail footprint.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that several company-affiliated stores have ceased operations over the past few months, with many of the closures concentrated in southern India and parts of central India.
The company stated that the decision aligns with its strategy to strengthen operations in markets where it sees greater growth potential and operational efficiency.
Focus Shifts to Northern India
Explaining the strategic move, CEO Siddharth Sharma said the company has chosen to prioritize northern India due to the region’s strong market potential and operational advantages.
According to Sharma, backend processes, vehicle registration transfers, compliance requirements, and operational complexities in certain geographies influenced the decision to exit selected markets.
The company plans to continue investing in areas where it sees stronger opportunities while expanding strategic partnerships to support its commercial vehicle ecosystem.
Leadership Changes Reported
The restructuring exercise has reportedly coincided with changes within the company’s leadership team.
Industry sources indicated that a senior executive recently exited the organization, although the company has not publicly commented on the development.
Leadership transitions are increasingly common among startups undergoing operational realignments as businesses adapt to evolving market conditions and investor expectations.
Recent Expansion Efforts
The restructuring follows 91trucks’ acquisition of Motorfloor and Trucksfloor, two mobility-focused platforms operated by Bhubaneswar-based Indiyanet.
The acquisition, completed earlier this year, was intended to strengthen the company’s position within India’s commercial vehicle ecosystem and expand its service offerings.
The company has also been exploring growth opportunities across vehicle discovery, financing, and digital services for commercial vehicle buyers and operators.
Funding Environment Remains Challenging
Industry sources suggest that 91trucks had explored raising additional capital to support its expansion plans, although no new funding announcement has been made.
The broader startup ecosystem has witnessed a more selective investment climate, with investors increasingly prioritizing profitability, sustainable growth, and operational efficiency over rapid expansion.
Startups operating asset-heavy or offline-driven business models have faced particular pressure to optimize costs and improve unit economics.
About 91trucks
Founded by Siddharth Sharma, Abhishek Gautam, and Vikas Sharma, 91trucks is a commercial vehicle marketplace focused on helping customers discover, compare, finance, and purchase trucks and commercial vehicles.
The platform provides services including:
- Commercial vehicle discovery
- Vehicle financing solutions
- Market insights and comparisons
- Dealer and ecosystem support
- Digital commerce tools
In 2025, the company raised approximately $5 million in Series A funding, led by Arkam Ventures, with participation from Titan Capital, Sparrow Capital, and Atrium Angels.
Industry Outlook
The developments at 91trucks reflect broader trends within India’s automotive retail and mobility startup sectors.
Industry analysts believe companies with extensive offline networks may continue to reassess expansion plans as they balance growth ambitions with operational efficiency.
While India’s long-term commercial vehicle market remains supported by infrastructure development, logistics growth, and economic expansion, businesses are increasingly focusing on profitability and sustainable execution amid evolving market conditions.
As the sector navigates these challenges, startups are expected to prioritize strategic market selection, stronger partnerships, and disciplined capital allocation to drive future growth.
Acorn Acquires B Online Learning to Strengthen Skills Development and Workforce Readiness Solutions
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.