

Daybreak
The Ken
Business news is complex and overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Every day of the week, from Monday to Friday, Daybreak tells one business story that’s significant, simple and powerful.
Hosted from The Ken’s newsroom by Snigdha Sharma and Rahel Philipose, Daybreak relies on years of original reporting and analysis by some of India’s most experienced and talented business journalists.
Hosted from The Ken’s newsroom by Snigdha Sharma and Rahel Philipose, Daybreak relies on years of original reporting and analysis by some of India’s most experienced and talented business journalists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2024 • 28min
A new Indian startup is ditching the sportswear playbook to score a Puma-sized win
Abhishek Ganguly, former managing director of Puma in India, is now the founder of Agilitas Sports, aiming to revolutionize the sportswear industry. Along with co-founders Atul Bajaj and Amit Prabhu, he discusses the innovative strategy of acquiring India’s largest sportswear maker, Mochiko shoes. Rather than only launching a new brand, they control manufacturing to boost margins in a competitive market. This bold move challenges industry norms and presents a new model for success in the traditionally fragmented sportswear landscape.

Sep 18, 2024 • 13min
Bajaj Finserv wanted to make waves in healthcare. So, it bought a wobbly ship.
Bajaj Finserv Health aims to transform healthcare by stepping into the spotlight after years in a supporting role. They recently acquired Vidal Healthcare, a strategic move to enhance their service offerings. The discussion explores the challenges faced by third-party administrators in India's healthcare sector. It highlights how this acquisition reflects Bajaj Finserv's ambition to tackle competition and navigate initial losses while aiming for a more comprehensive health management approach.

Sep 16, 2024 • 13min
Subway is slowly doing away with what makes it Subway. Choice.
Subway is undergoing major changes in India, moving away from its beloved franchise model. This shift means significant limitations on customization, straying from what made the brand iconic. Franchise owners are facing tough challenges, including reduced demand and strict audits. The ambitions of Everstone Capital aim to revitalize the brand, but at what cost? The podcast delves into the implications of these changes on customer choice and the dining experience.

Sep 16, 2024 • 11min
Why the Big Billion Days sale can make or break Flipkart's quick-commerce dreams
A viral tweet showcases Flipkart's impressive 13-minute laptop delivery at a cafe, highlighting their ambitious quick delivery service, ‘Minutes’. As the Big Billion Days sale approaches, Flipkart struggles to balance soaring order volumes and delivery challenges. With Ekart Logistics stretched thin, will they manage quick commerce effectively? The discussion dives into logistics hurdles, competitor comparisons, and the strategic role of grocery items in their future. Tune in for insights on whether Flipkart can finally find the right delivery formula!

Sep 12, 2024 • 42min
What happens when you sell education like shampoo? Byju's knows
Byju Raveendran, the founder of Byju's and a master in exam preparation, shares his journey from scoring in the 100th percentile in CAT to launching a billion-dollar edtech revolution. He discusses the innovative shortcuts that drew students in but also reveals the pitfalls of aggressive growth strategies and unrealistic sales targets. The conversation dives into the current legal challenges facing Byju's, the ethical dilemmas of rapid expansion, and the impact of mismanagement, painting a cautionary tale for the edtech industry.

Sep 11, 2024 • 21min
Sky-high real estate prices in Delhi NCR are making even the well-off feel broke
In the competitive Delhi NCR real estate market, even affluent buyers struggle to find homes within their budget. The acute supply crunch in the mid-premium segment has led to soaring prices, leaving many feeling disheartened. Despite this, demand remains strong, raising questions about why new residential units aren’t being developed. The conversation also delves into humorous takes on privilege through popular shows, the rise of cringe content as a comforting escape, and a playful debate between indie and mainstream films.

Sep 11, 2024 • 13min
How do you get JEE aspirants to stay in school? Hire 200 IITians.
Discover how India's booming tuition industry impacts traditional education. One school is shaking things up by hiring 200 IIT graduates to keep students engaged and reduce dropouts. Hear about innovative mentoring strategies that deepen understanding for future exams. Learn how affordable after-school programs and career support initiatives are reshaping the educational landscape. Tune in for a fresh perspective on tackling the challenges students face in their academic journeys.

Sep 10, 2024 • 14min
What has two wheels, runs on electricity, and is Ola Electric's next big bet?
Ola Electric recently launched three electric motorbikes, a daring move in a market hesitant about electric vehicles. Despite some success with electric two-wheelers, many still favor traditional ICE bikes. The company aims to carve its place in this competitive space, targeting dominance by 2025. Challenges abound, from established rivals to safety concerns and pricing strategies. The interest among women in scooters adds a unique dynamic to their approach. Can Ola sustain its rapid growth amidst these hurdles?

Sep 8, 2024 • 13min
India's newest unicorn, Rapido, is betting on a subscription model
Aravind Sanka, CEO of Rapido, discusses the company's recent milestone as India’s newest unicorn after raising $200 million. He reveals Rapido's bold shift from bike taxis to a subscription-based cab service to directly compete with Ola and Uber. Sanka emphasizes the importance of safety in their transition, mentioning the challenges they face in regulation and customer security. Tune in to learn how this unique approach could disrupt the cab-hailing market and benefit driver partners.

Sep 6, 2024 • 49min
Red tape and lawsuits: Big tech has a big problem
Judge Amit P Mehta, a U.S. District Court judge renowned for his antitrust rulings, discusses Google's controversial monopoly on online search. He unpacks his landmark decision that branded Google a monopolist, detailing the implications for tech regulation in the U.S. and abroad. The conversation also delves into the mounting pressures on big tech firms like Amazon and Apple, addressing the delicate balance between fostering competition and innovation while protecting consumer rights. Additionally, Manjushree RM shares insights on India's approach to these growing concerns.