Daybreak

Swati Mohan, the former head of marketing at Netflix India, brings over two decades of expertise in media and entertainment. She dives into the surprising shift of streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video introducing ads after years of being ad-free. Swati discusses how consumer habits evolved during the pandemic, the competitive dynamics between Prime and traditional TV, and the impact of ad-supported models on viewer experience. The conversation explores whether this marks a regression for streaming or simply a natural industry evolution.

Discover the rise of Chief Digital Officers as pivotal figures in corporate India, initially starting with just a handful of members in 2016. Learn how their responsibilities have expanded dramatically, driving innovation through impactful partnerships like Muthoot Finance and Google Pay. The podcast contrasts CDOs and CIOs, spotlighting the evolving role of CIOs as they shift from tech providers to strategic innovators in a fast-paced digital landscape. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for upskilling in today’s business environment.

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the loan approval process in India. The discussion highlights how specialized AI tools are speeding up approvals, making loans more accessible. However, there's a balancing act between innovation and regulatory scrutiny, raising concerns about algorithmic biases. As Indian AI startups experience significant growth, the podcast delves into the impact of this technology on borrowers and banks alike, shedding light on the challenges that come with rapid advancements.

Nooha Buberi, a reporter at The Ken and an expert on family offices, sheds light on India's ultra-rich who are taking their investments into their own hands. She explores the growing dissatisfaction with venture capital, as family offices favor direct investments over traditional funds. Their reasons? Better returns and more control. Nooha dives into the evolving investment strategies, highlighting the importance of personal relationships in deal-making. This shift signals a significant change in how wealth is managed and invested in the startup ecosystem.

Oyo's journey to an IPO is a rollercoaster of delays and investor skepticism. Despite recent victories and strong profits, the shadow of SoftBank's influence looms large. With fierce competition and high expectations from investors, the hospitality chain faces increasing pressure. The podcast dives into why Oyo is struggling to go public and how its business model is under scrutiny. Tune in for insights into the challenges that could redefine Oyo's future.

Rona Kumar Gunjan, a journalist from The Ken, dives into the chaos following the Pahalgam terror attack and its shockwaves through India's digital payments landscape. She discusses the urgent regulatory crackdown on suspicious online activities linked to terror funding, revealing how banks and payment aggregators are scrambling to enhance their oversight. Rona highlights the roles of technology service providers in ensuring compliance and the challenges merchants face amidst increased scrutiny. Plus, she sheds light on the dangerous world of dubious merchants that threaten consumer trust.

Zara's partnership with Tata's Trent is showing signs of strain as it struggles to maintain its market share in India. Competitors like H&M and Uniqlo are outpacing Zara, creating a buzz about the brand’s declining influence. Meanwhile, Tata's own Zudio brand is thriving, reaching $1 billion in sales, while Westside is gearing up to compete directly with Zara. The podcast dives into whether Zara should go solo or find a way to regain its former glory.

Angel One's ambitious transformation into a super-app is front and center, highlighting its strategy to thrive post-IPL sponsorship. Despite recent challenges and client losses in a bear market, the founder maintains a hopeful outlook for recovery. Their evolution from a traditional brokerage to focusing on asset management aims to attract high net worth individuals while also engaging younger investors. The complex competitive landscape amplifies the urgency to foster loyalty among casual traders.

Dive into the unsettling world of data privacy where Indian startups may be skirting Google Play regulations to access your app data. Discover how these companies are exploiting user information and the ethical dilemmas they provoke, especially in the gig economy. Explore the stark differences in data vulnerability between Android and iPhone users and the impact of socioeconomic factors on privacy rights. This riveting conversation urges consumers to be more aware and cautious about the data they share.

A new educational initiative promises a fresh alternative to the IIT route but faces criticism from dissatisfied students. They navigate chaotic courses and inconsistencies in support services, leading to protests. Meanwhile, the twist of transitioning into a business model raises questions about quality and degree recognition. The discussion also delves into innovative approaches for business growth, drawing insights from successful companies. It’s a revealing look at the challenges of redefining education while striving for commercial success.