Abhishek Singh’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Today, he stands at the helm of DS28 Global and Market Maples, two thriving enterprises specializing in import-export solutions, e-commerce consulting, and global business expansion. His path to success, however, was not without its challenges, but his ability to leverage his past experiences and continuously adapt to the ever-changing business landscape allowed him to turn initial struggles into opportunities for growth.
Background: A Vision for Global Connectivity
Abhishek Singh’s story begins in his early 20s when he decided to take a leap into the world of entrepreneurship. Born and raised in a family that valued hard work, resilience, and a focus on service to others, Abhishek was inspired by his father’s professional dedication to help others. His father’s approach to life and work instilled in him the values of reliability, trust, and a customer-centric mindset—principles that would later form the backbone of his own ventures.
At the age of 24, Abhishek entered the world of Human Resource (HR) consulting. For several years, he honed his skills in recruitment and talent acquisition, offering companies the resources they needed to hire top-tier professionals. His exposure to various industries during this time allowed him to gain critical insights into the challenges businesses face, especially in talent management and the ability to scale.
While working in HR consulting, Abhishek developed a keen interest in the export-import business and e-commerce. He realized there were significant gaps in the market—specifically, in the import-export space where businesses struggled to find reliable sourcing and efficient logistics. This observation became the catalyst for his next big move.
Inception of DS28 Global and Market Maples
In 2011, Abhishek decided to expand his entrepreneurial pursuits by founding DS28 Global, an import-export business with a specific focus on providing end-to-end solutions for companies seeking to import goods from China and other parts of Asia to India. At the same time, he launched Market Maples, a platform designed to help Indian manufacturers gain international exposure by exporting their products to global markets.
Starting with a capital of just ₹1 lakh, Abhishek set out to establish these ventures with a clear mission: to offer businesses seamless, reliable, and transparent solutions for sourcing products and navigating the complexities of international trade. His vision was to simplify the import-export process, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that lacked the infrastructure or expertise to manage it themselves.
Today, DS28 Global and Market Maples operate at a global scale, with a strong presence in China, India, and other international markets. The company provides a full-service solution that includes product research, supplier verification, sourcing, logistics management, warehousing, and door-to-door delivery. The firm also specializes in helping local Indian manufacturers gain a foothold in international markets, offering them consultancy, market insights, and international distribution opportunities.
Navigating the Challenges
Starting from humble beginnings, Abhishek faced numerous challenges on his entrepreneurial journey. Early on, supply chain issues and financial management posed significant obstacles, often threatening the stability of his business. However, these challenges helped him develop a resilient mindset and a strong business acumen.
A particularly difficult challenge was the fear of fraud in the import-export sector. Many Indian businesses were hesitant to import from China due to concerns about fraud, poor-quality products, and unreliable suppliers. Recognizing this problem, Abhishek built strong relationships with suppliers and implemented a rigorous verification process to ensure quality and transparency. This not only helped him build trust with clients but also positioned his business as a reliable and trustworthy partner in the import-export space.
Additionally, scaling operations proved to be another significant hurdle. As demand for his services grew, Abhishek had to navigate the complexities of expanding his workforce, managing larger inventories, and optimizing logistics. His background in HR consulting played a critical role here, as he was able to leverage his knowledge of talent management to build a strong, capable team to help manage the growing business.
Through it all, Abhishek’s learning was invaluable. Financial discipline, customer feedback, and streamlining internal processes became central to the company’s growth. His ability to listen to customers and evolve his offerings accordingly ensured that DS28 Global and Market Maples remained competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
Core Values and Business Model
The core of Abhishek’s business philosophy is simple: hassle-free service. Whether it’s helping someone import products from China or advising a local manufacturer on how to export goods globally, Abhishek focuses on providing clients with a seamless experience. By handling everything from product identification to doorstep delivery, his companies have become trusted partners for businesses looking to break into international markets.
At DS28 Global, the business model revolves around providing a full suite of services designed to eliminate the complexity and risk associated with importing and exporting goods. This includes sourcing the best products from verified suppliers, managing logistics, and offering customized consulting services to businesses looking to expand in the e-commerce or export-import space.
With Market Maples, Abhishek’s focus has shifted towards helping Indian manufacturers scale globally. He recognized the untapped potential of locally produced goods, and through his platform, he helps Indian businesses break down barriers to international trade. By leveraging global marketplaces, he is enabling these companies to reach consumers worldwide, turning their Made in India products into global success stories.
Impact on Society and the Market
Abhishek believes that one of the greatest impacts his businesses can have is educating the market. According to him, many people in India have a limited understanding of the import-export business, and this lack of knowledge often leads to financial losses and missed opportunities. By providing consultancy and offering transparent and reliable services, he aims to empower businesses with the knowledge they need to succeed in international trade.
Additionally, his work with Indian manufacturers has had a ripple effect, helping local businesses tap into the growing demand for Indian-made products abroad. This, in turn, contributes to the economic development of India, supporting the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
Abhishek’s business also creates a positive impact by improving the efficiency of the e-commerce supply chain. By offering specialized services in sourcing, warehousing, and logistics, DS28 Global and Market Maples play a critical role in the e-commerce sector, helping businesses streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction.
Future Prospects and Vision
Looking to the future, Abhishek has big plans for his companies. His immediate goal is to create many more successful businesses within India by offering high-quality consulting services and business solutions. He envisions expanding his global reach, particularly in regions where Indian products are in high demand, and further refining his e-commerce consultancy to meet the needs of emerging entrepreneurs.
His long-term vision includes positioning DS28 Global and Market Maples as leaders in global trade solutions, providing businesses in India and abroad with innovative tools to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Abhishek’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Start with research, solve real problems, and take action.” He emphasizes the importance of a strong network, financial discipline, and the willingness to adapt to market changes. “Most importantly,” he adds, “stay persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and smart execution, you will find your path to success.”
His journey stands as a powerful example of how perseverance, industry knowledge, and a relentless commitment to solving real-world problems can lead to transformative business success. As Abhishek continues to scale his companies, his vision for the future remains clear: to help businesses globally connect and grow, while continuously fostering a culture of trust and reliability.
From a modest beginning with just ₹1 lakh, Abhishek Singh has built two dynamic businesses—DS28 Global and Market Maples—that not only thrive in the competitive world of import-export and e-commerce but also contribute significantly to the global recognition of Indian products. His journey of entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration to those looking to carve their own path in business, showing that with a deep understanding of market needs, adaptability, and a customer-focused approach, success is always within reach.
