The transformation into an integrated tech solutions provider enables Rashi to deliver end-to-end enterprise technology value to customers. In an exclusive conversation, Rajesh Goenka, Director & CEO, Rashi Peripherals explains to Rajneesh De, Group Editor, APAC Media & CXO Media that the strategic acquisition of VDA InfoSolutions enables Rashi to capitalize on the accelerating demand for enterprise cloud infrastructure, AI-enabled IT environments, advanced data centre solutions, cybersecurity, and hybrid IT managed services.
One of Rashi’s core strategies is to penetrate deeper geographically into Tier 3/4 cities as well expand distribution in core verticals like PC, enterprise, lifestyle and components. How far have you succeeded in these aims?
Geographic and brand portfolio expansion is a continuous process for us. Guided by our mission to make ICT products available in each of the 800+ districts of India, we continue to expand our footprint through new branches across C and D class cities.
Our strong distribution network – comprising 57 branches, 73 warehouses, 50 service centers, and reach in 700+ locations, reflects these expansion goals. Across our LIT and PES verticals, we now partner with over 80 global brands. Our growth momentum and long-standing trust are evident in these relationships, with over 20 brands partnering with us for more than 5 years, and several for over 10 years. This enables us to drive deep market penetration while ensuring consistent topline and bottom-line growth.
Vertical wise what will be the proportional contributions to Rashi’s topline from these product lines?
In FY 2025-26, LIT contributed to about 42% and PES contributed to about 58% to the topline growth.
Which are the Top 5 principals who contribute the maximum to the Rashi topline revenue?
As a matter of company policy, we do not share brand-specific revenue contributions. However, we have a very comprehensive brands portfolio which enables us to achieve all round growth across the product lines and verticals.
Besides these, what were the highlights of Rashi’s performance in the last fiscal?
During the last fiscal, we achieved strong growth momentum driven by rising demand for ICT products, sustained Tier-2 channel stocking, and favourable pricing trends in key categories such as Components and Storage. We delivered all-round growth across both our Lifestyle & IT Essentials (LIT) and Personal Computing & Enterprise Solutions (PES) verticals.
Key operational and strategic highlights include:
- Portfolio Expansion: Entered strategic distribution partnerships with Dell Technologies to strengthen our commercial portfolio, and Teachmint Technologies to expand offerings in AI-powered classroom and digital learning solutions. We also supported the India launch of Oura, enhancing our presence in the premium health tech and lifestyle technology segment.
- Semiconductor Growth: Expanded our semiconductor footprint with new subsidiaries in India and Singapore, reinforcing our focus on high-value growth opportunities.
- Geographic Reach: Expanded our distribution footprint by opening new branches in Nanded, Baramati, and Solapur.
- AI Ecosystem Engagement: Conducted an 8-city AI Bootcamp engaging over 2,500 developers and 300+ CXOs, focusing on AI infrastructure and real-world use cases.
How is Rashi venturing into high-growth and high-profit verticals like semiconductors? What are the operational and business dynamics of Rashi’s JV with Restar Corporation?
RP tech entered the semiconductor space in 2021 as the first ICT distributor in India to do so. To scale this high-growth vertical, we formed a Joint Venture with Restar Corporation (a ≈US$4 billion Japanese technology leader) named Rashi Restar Semiconductor Solutions, commencing operations in October 2026.
- Shareholding & Board: 74% shareholding with RP tech and 26% with Restar Corporation, with a 4-member Board.
- Location: Headquartered in Bengaluru with operations across 5 major-city locations.
- Focus & Target Segments: Delivering advanced Image Sensing Solutions for Industrial and Automotive applications, targeting Automotive Tier-1s, Industrial Robotics, EMS/ECMS, Enterprise Surveillance, Machine Vision Cameras, Audio Visual, and Home Appliances.
- Technical Support: Direct, on-ground training by Japanese design experts, target of 50+ new local engineering hires over 2 years, dedicated Field Application Engineering (FAE) support, and leverage of our Embedded Lab in Bengaluru.
How would you trace Rashi’s strategic transformation from a pure ICT distributor to an integrated technology solutions provider? In light of this, how would you explain the dynamics of the VDA InfoSolutions acquisition?
RP tech is evolving from a value-added ICT distributor into a fully integrated technology solutions provider. While our core distribution business provides unmatched reach, brand relationships, and channel depth, this transformation enables us to deliver end-to-end enterprise technology value to our customers.
As part of this strategy, we entered into a binding agreement to acquire an upfront 67% stake in VDA InfoSolutions. This strategic move enables RP tech to capitalize on the accelerating demand for enterprise cloud infrastructure, AI-enabled IT environments, advanced data centre solutions, cybersecurity, and hybrid IT managed services which are some of the highest growth segments in the Indian technology landscape over the next decade. The move also strengthens RP tech’s commitment to India’s digital transformation by enabling the adoption and deployment of high-end technology and delivering greater value to enterprise customers.
How is Rashi adding high-margin enterprise services like cybersecurity, cloud management and data protection?
We are expanding into high-margin enterprise services through our strategic acquisition of VDA InfoSolutions. Through VDA, we offer comprehensive solutions across Cloud Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Protection, Virtualization, Storage, IT Consulting, DevOps, and Managed Services.
VDA is an authorized partner to global technology leaders including IBM, Dell Technologies, Broadcom, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Red Hat, Commvault, Cohesity, Checkpoint, and Nutanix. By combining RP tech’s robust OEM relationships, financial strength, and pan-India distribution network with VDA’s deep technical expertise and recurring-revenue services engine, we are well positioned to capitalize on fast-growing markets in AI, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and managed services.
With AI-led demand reshaping the channel ecosystem, how has this led to the evolution of Rashi’s distribution strategy?
To address the growing AI-led demand, we are actively evolving our distribution strategy by driving awareness programs and targeted channel roadshows across regions. As part of this approach, we are facilitating hands-on product showcases and displays of AI laptops and AI-enabled products, enabling our channel partners to understand, adopt, and effectively address the rising demand for AI technologies in the market.
We are also actively contributing to building an AI ecosystem by providing training support to channel partners and developers. Last fiscal, we conducted an 8-city AI Bootcamp engaging over 2,500 developers and 300+ CXOs, focusing on AI infrastructure and real-world use cases.
What role is being played by the Channel Business Forum to strengthen engagement across geographies?
Conceptualised in 2005, Channel Business Forum (CBF) is among the longest-running ICT roadshows in the country. Over the past 15 editions, CBF has reached over 53,000 partners across 550+ cities. Over the years, this platform has helped create awareness, accelerate technology adoption, and spark new business opportunities in cities beyond the metros. CBF serves as a dedicated platform for our channel partners and global brands to network, while hosting product showcases and training sessions. This initiative helps us deepen partner relationships and drive business growth across regional geographies.
CBF 2025 touched upon over 50 cities in eight phases. Themed BRAiN 2.0, the event showcased a curated lineup of future-ready ICT solutions, including AI-powered computing platforms, intelligent edge devices, and the latest in connected peripherals.
