The Indian Startup Show cover image

The Indian Startup Show

Lalit Kalani, Founder of Rock Paper Rum, On building an innovative premium Indian Rum brand

May 2, 2024
Lalit Kalani, Founder of Rock Paper Rum, shares insights on launching an innovative Indian Rum brand, navigating the Mumbai market, branding strategies, and effective marketing. He discusses India's alcohol culture, pitching tips, the impact of Shark Tank, and the decision to delay the launch. Lalit also offers cocktail recipes and advice for first-time founders, focusing on global expansion, rum choices, mentorship, influencer marketing, regulations, and being a 2nd-time founder.
45:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Launching in Mumbai required strategic retail focus and brand building.
  • Navigating India's alcohol regulations necessitated unique event marketing strategies for consumer targeting.

Deep dives

Building a Brand Inspired by Taking a Chance

The brand Rock Paper Rum is inspired by the game Rock Paper Scissors, reflecting the ethos of taking a chance, resonating with the spirit of New India. The founder, Lai Akalani, shares the journey of launching the Indian craft rum brand, leveraging family experience in the liquor business. The decision to enter the rum category was driven by the untapped premiumization potential in India.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode