

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 Rachel Varghese, 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 Rachel Varghese, Daybreak relies on years of original reporting and analysis by some of India’s most experienced and talented business journalists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Sep 4, 2024 • 28min
What happened to Dunzo?
Dunzo, once a rising star in quick deliveries, faces a dramatic decline after massive layoffs. The discussion explores its meteoric rise, the challenges of transitioning back to local supermarket partnerships, and the struggles of operating costs. Listeners share movie recommendations, including 'The Bear' and 'Peanut Butter Falcon', while the hosts delve into the intriguing themes of the sci-fi collection 'Invisible Planets'. Don't miss the spotlight on community empowerment through sports and a call for comfort food favorites!

Sep 4, 2024 • 9min
It made perfect sense for Zomato to go down the fintech route. Until it didn’t.
Explore the abrupt shift of non-financial giants, like food delivery, exploring fintech opportunities during a funding frenzy. Discover how Zomato's ambition for a Non-Banking Financial Company license took a backseat as market dynamics changed. Funding for Indian fintechs plummeted from nearly $9 billion in 2021 to a mere $2 billion by 2023. Delve into the challenges that have reshaped the landscape, leaving companies reassessing their strategies in this evolving environment.

Sep 3, 2024 • 11min
Health fintechs have cracked the 'cashless insurance' dream. How long before the bubble pops?
The rise of health insurance has left small private hospitals in the shadows, struggling with bureaucracy and funding. However, a new wave of health fintechs like Gmoney and Carepay sees an opportunity in this chaos. They aim to revolutionize healthcare finance by connecting insurers, hospitals, and patients for cashless treatments. It's an exciting look at how innovation is reshaping a previously overlooked sector, potentially transforming the future of healthcare accessibility.

Sep 1, 2024 • 14min
How Meesho is making India’s second-biggest logistics player's biggest fear come true
The podcast dives into how Meesho's decision to create its own logistics arm, Valmo, is shaking up the Indian logistics market. With Meesho handling over half of the country's shipments, this shift has sent shockwaves through third-party logistics, particularly for Ecom Express. As Meesho's in-house capabilities grow, the pressure mounts on Ecom Express to adapt amidst its own financial and operational challenges. Tune in to uncover the implications of this major industry transition.

Aug 29, 2024 • 45min
Daybreak Special: Despite what Ola Electric may claim, China is driving the global EV movement
Bhavish Aggarwal, founder of Ola Electric, shakes things up with bold claims about India's position in the global EV market but emphasizes that China still reigns supreme. He discusses the stark contrast in EV advancement between China and India. While China rides high on government support and has a loaded consumer base, India grapples with teething challenges. They explore lessons India can learn from China's rollercoaster ride of success and struggle in the EV landscape, hinting at potential collaboration rather than rivalry.

Aug 29, 2024 • 25min
Are you a good, bad, or an ugly customer? Myntra knows
Discover how e-commerce giants like Myntra and Flipkart are redefining their return policies as they grapple with the costs of reverse logistics. Uncover the surprising categorization of customers based on return rates and its implications. Dive into a fresh segment that engages listeners with weekend recommendations for books and movies. Plus, hear thought-provoking critiques of media and a charming anecdote from a carnival experience. It's a lively chat about the complexities of online shopping and weekend unwinding!

Aug 28, 2024 • 11min
Why Rentomojo & Furlenco need to refurbish their strategy
Dive into the challenges faced by furniture rental giants as they grapple with a rapidly changing market. Discover how Rentmojo and Furlenco, once the go-to platforms for young professionals, are now struggling to stay relevant amidst the rise of co-living spaces. Their financial hurdles and the pressing need for innovative strategies take center stage, offering insights into the evolving landscape of the rental industry.


