Two by Two

Gaston Schmitz, a partner and founder coach at the Asian Leadership Institute, and Aakriti Joanna, CEO of Kaha Mind, dive into the evolving role of AI in coaching and therapy. They explore whether AI can truly replace human coaches, emphasizing the unique nuances in leadership coaching for startups. The discussion highlights the need for emotional intelligence and the importance of personal growth. They also touch on the challenges of using AI in mental health, particularly the irreplaceable value of human empathy and connection in fostering emotional well-being.

In this engaging discussion, guests Sanjay Ramakrishnan, an early investor with extensive e-commerce experience, and Madhav Kasturia, CEO of Zippee, dive into the fast-paced world of quick commerce. They explore the unbundling trend, where platforms shift from being all-in-one to specialized services. The duo reveals the logistical challenges of dark stores and highlights Gen Z's unique fashion shopping habits. With insights into last-minute shopping and the evolution of quick commerce, they provide a fascinating look at the future of e-commerce and consumer behavior.

Nirav Karkera, Head of Research at Fisdom, and Bhavesh Sanghvi, CEO of Growthfiniti Wealth, delve into the evolution of Smallcase since 2015 and its role in democratizing thematic investing. They discuss the significance of professional guidance in navigating investments and the innovative regulatory frameworks shaping wealth management in India. The duo analyzes Smallcase’s subscription model and performance verification challenges while exploring the impact of AI on investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of human connections in financial decision-making.

In this discussion, Seetharaman G, deputy editor at The Ken, dives into the challenges faced by Reliance Retail, India's largest retailer. The conversation highlights how the company's massive expansion may be creating more problems than solutions. Seetharaman contrasts Reliance's approach with competitors and examines its strategies in e-commerce and acquisitions. He reflects on the impact of leadership dynamics within the Ambani family and the evolving consumer landscape, offering insights into the complexities of navigating such a vast empire.

Srinath Mallikarjunan, CEO and chief scientist at Unmanned Dynamics, and Nitin Pai, co-founder of the Takshashila Institution, delve into India's AI landscape. They discuss the challenges faced by local startups in competing with global giants, highlighting missed opportunities in foundational AI models. The duo critiques the government's plans for data centers and subsidies while stressing the need for sustained innovation. They also explore how cultural factors hinder India's tech potential and emphasize the importance of long-term thinking over quick gains in the ever-evolving AI sector.

Abhijeet Anand, Founder and CEO of Abcoffee, and Deepak Shahdadpuri, Managing Director and founder of DSG Consumer Partners, dive into India's evolving coffee culture. They discuss how India's cafes balance food and coffee, the struggle for profitability, and shifting consumer behaviors, especially among younger generations. The role of quick commerce and innovative strategies for attracting customers is also highlighted, emphasizing a transformation in how coffee is consumed and experienced in modern-day India.

Vikas Bardia, the co-founder and CEO of Shoffr, and Arpit Agarwal, an investment partner at Blume Ventures, delve deep into the rise and fall of Blusmart, a once-prominent player in India's electric vehicle ride-sharing market. They explore funding challenges, emphasizing the shift from venture capital to debt financing for sustainability. The duo discusses lessons from Blusmart’s collapse, the importance of reliable service models, and the emergent opportunities for new entrants. Insights on driver welfare and the evolving transportation landscape make this conversation a thought-provoking listen.

This episode of Two by Two was first published on 24th April 2025.Premium subscribers of The Ken have full access to ALL our premium audio. They are available exclusively via The Ken’s subscriber apps. If you don’t have them, just download one and log in to unlock everything. Get your premium subscription using this link.Not a Premium subscriber? You can subscribe to The Ken Premium on Apple Podcasts for an easy monthly price (Rs 299 in India). The channel includes ALL our premium podcasts.-Stage is an interesting, counter-intuitive, and extraordinary company.It’s a company you’ve probably heard little about and know almost nothing about.Vinay Sighal, co-founder and CEO of Stage, describes it as a Netflix for Indian cultures. It is a company that’s on the verge of something big. Stage is an OTT company that, in Singhal’s words, offers premium, sensible content in three cultures. Yes, cultures, not languages—Haryanvi, Bhojpuri, and Rajasthani.At a time when OTT platforms and consumer content companies are figuring out how to make their business work, Stage is an outlier.It has 4.2 million subscribers and nearly 150 crores in revenue. Stage has also figured out a way to do this sustainably by reducing its burn by nearly 70% from last year to this year.In today’s episode, Vinay tells the story of how Stage was created, how he built a company and lost it overnight, and how he then re-emerged from it by doing the exact opposite of all the things that brought him success earlier.He switched from advertising to subscriptions, from going for international markets to local markets and from depending on platforms like Facebook to direct distribution.To do this, he did not just have to build a company; he had to build entire movie industries. Stage is a story you must listen to if you want to understand how entrepreneurs and founders are building companies for Bharat in ways most of us cannot understand or even imagine.In this episode of Two by Two, hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan are in discussion with Vinay Singhal, CEO and co-founder of Stage.–This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more thoughts on the discussion, we’d love to hear your arguments as well. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.

Anurag Sinha, Managing Partner at Milestone Search Capital, and Rehan Netarwala, Founder of Okintek Capital, dive into the fascinating world of search funds. They discuss how this innovative model allows professionals to acquire and manage small businesses in India. The conversation covers the challenges and nuances of transitioning from entrepreneurship to leadership, the intricacies of raising capital, and the overlooked opportunities in traditional Indian businesses. Insights on the governance structures and success stories reveal a new path for aspiring CEOs and investors alike.

In this discussion, Mohit Satyanand, an entrepreneur and economy-watcher, shares insights on the impact of Trump’s tariffs on India. He emphasizes the challenges that Indian entrepreneurs face in a competitive global market, highlighting the need for transparency in economic policy. The conversation delves into the complexities of India's trade relations with the U.S., including the implications for sectors like textiles and pharmaceuticals. Satyanand also explores the balancing act between protectionism and the growth opportunities within India's evolving economic landscape.