Daybreak

Archisma Ayar, a colleague at The Ken, dives into the complex world of registered investment advisors (RIAs) in India. She highlights the alarming decline of RIAs, with a staggering ratio of one advisor for over 200,000 investors. Ayar discusses SEBI's regulatory impacts, which have hindered advisor numbers while fintech solutions like ET Money emerge to fill the gap. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of investor behavior and the challenges faced by retail investors in accessing affordable and effective advisory services.

Croma finds itself at a crossroads under Tata Digital's oversight. Despite being a revenue powerhouse, it’s become the testing ground for constant strategic shifts. The transfer of its marketing team and the resulting identity crisis have contributed to significant losses. However, with a customer base of 20 million, there's untapped potential for growth. The challenge remains: how to leverage this valuable asset amidst ongoing confusion and competition.

The podcast explores the journey of Kolhapuri chappals from humble Indian roots to being flaunted on runways by luxury brands like Prada. It dives into Bata's struggles as it tries to shift its image from a middle-class staple to a premium offering, facing fierce competition. The discussion also highlights cultural appropriation, questioning how authentic heritage can transition into high-priced fashion. Listeners are prompted to reflect on the value of local craftsmanship versus the allure of foreign labels in today’s consumer landscape.

Category managers are transforming from routine roles to key players in quick commerce, controlling product visibility in dark stores. With only 150 slots to fill and over 30,000 requests each month, brands are pulling out all the stops to win their favor. These managers are now demanding brands enhance their investments in advertising to remain competitive in this bustling market. Delve into the power dynamics and challenges they face as they navigate this evolving landscape, making decisions that could make or break a brand's success.

Discover the innovative approach of a Pune-based startup focused on health assurance rather than traditional insurance. This new model emphasizes prevention, aiming to keep people healthy and reduce costs. Explore the rapid growth this company has experienced as it positions itself as a corporate broker while overcoming skepticism in the industry. With dreams of expanding beyond being a middleman, they face challenges from regulatory hurdles. Tune in for insights into the future of healthcare in India!

The steep decline of Pharmeasy from a $5.6 billion valuation to just $450 million reveals a cautionary tale in e-pharmacy. Siddharth Shah's new venture, MakeO, aims to deliver affordable at-home dental and cosmetic care but faces skepticism and customer service issues. Concerns about discounted beauty treatments raise questions on quality and trust. The dental alignment market struggles with high competition and operational hurdles, leaving MakeO navigating a challenging landscape while trying to avoid past mistakes.

Tata Electronics is making waves by assembling iPhones in Karnataka, striving to integrate into Apple’s supply chain. The company is investing heavily in automation and expanding its workforce, but faces challenges like high attrition and debt. Pressure to meet Apple's stringent standards adds to the hurdles. Will Tata’s ambitious strategy turn into a sustainability success? Tune in for insights on the intense pursuit of Apple production in India.

Nuha Bubere, a reporter at The Ken, dives into the tumultuous landscape of Flipkart under CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy. She uncovers the mounting pressures as leadership changes shake the company, with executives leaving and morale falling. Flipkart struggles to compete against strong rivals like Amazon and Meesho, while its expansion efforts, such as the Cleartrip acquisition, appear misguided. The tension is palpable as the team grapples with an evolving market and the pressing need for innovative strategies to regain momentum.

Indian startups are reevaluating their paths, with success stories like Meesho and Razorpay opting to return home for greater opportunities. As they navigate hefty tax bills to bring their businesses back to India, questions arise about the lasting value of Y Combinator's golden ticket. The podcast dives into how Y Combinator changed the landscape for Indian entrepreneurs while highlighting emerging funding alternatives. With the allure of Silicon Valley fading, the journey home may prove to be the new frontier for innovation.

Explore Info Edge's strategic investments in Zomato and Policybazaar, referred to as breakout successes. Delve into the challenges Zomato faces, alongside the implications of its recent financial report. The discussion reveals Info Edge's commitment to long-term growth, resisting the temptation to sell shares despite market fluctuations. Key insights include the evolving digital landscape and the influence of emerging technologies like AI on these companies' futures.