ASYMMETRIC

The ASYMMETRIC Crew today:Revant: CEO, Mosaic WellnessShantanu: Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company Chirag: Founder, GoKwik0:00 Coming up0:47 Intro2:31 10th foundation day is rare for a startup8:48 Shantanu’s takeaways from a 10-year journey14:07 Founder resilience17:01 Near-death moments in a startup22:45 Story follows data27:03 Creator trust vs. ads28:06 No more ads: what it means for brands?37:47 Will branding metrics change?45:05 True love for creators doesn’t exist47:40 The rise of house of brands52:00 New YouTube Premium prices in IndiaFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasymmetriccrew/X: https://x.com/ASYMMETRICCREWLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasymmetriccrew/

Utsav Somani, a prominent angel investor and former head of AngelList India, shares insights on the evolving landscape of angel investing. He discusses the shift from hands-on approaches to transactional investing post-COVID and the need for deeper engagement among angels. Utsav explains the significance of IRRs in portfolio success, highlighting how a few standout investments can drive overall returns. He also classifies types of angel investors and warns about the pitfalls of media hype, emphasizing the importance of transparency in founder-investor relationships.

The ASYMMETRIC Crew today:Revant: CEO, Mosaic WellnessShantanu: Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company Chirag: Founder, GoKwik02:18 H-1B Landscape02:39 Consumer Behavior and E-Commerce Trends06:03 Impact of H-1B Changes on the Indian IT Industry10:35 Impact on the U.S.11:45 Lessons from China12:34 Education Loan Concentration and NPA Risk26:55 The Mathematics of Remittances33:36 Chaos Around GST36:08 GST’s Impact on Consumption41:46 How India’s D2C Sector Responded to GST Cuts45:30 Quick Commerce Thesis: Amazon/Flipkart56:57 Interesting!1:01:44 Sovereign Funds on the Cap Table1:06:03 Compounding Machines: VC Time HorizonsCharts referred to in the episode:https://gamma.app/docs/H-1B-Landscape-xm3m7j45c9nlc0v?mode=docFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasymmetriccrew/X: https://x.com/ASYMMETRICCREWLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasymmetriccrew/

The ASYMMETRIC Crew today:Revant: CEO, Mosaic WellnessShantanu: Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company Chirag: Founder, GoKwikAvnish Bajaj: Founder & Investor Z470:00 Coming Up1:10 Intro2:30 Lenskart 3:20 On Urban Company’s IPO7:01 On MobiKwik10:20 The 4 Ps of IPOs in India14:45 Is Every IPO Unique?19:03 Behind Urban Company’s IPO Success31:27 On China’s Narrative Violation38:29 On China’s DeepTech39:25 On The United States of AI48:42 India’s Path Ahead: AI or Manufacturing?Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasymmetriccrew/X: https://x.com/ASYMMETRICCREWLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasymmetriccrew/

Dive into the fragrant world of India's booming perfume market, where dupe fragrances are stealing the spotlight and reshaping consumer habits. Explore how Gen Z desires affordable luxury while using scents as a status symbol, and witness the transition from traditional deodorants to personalized aromas. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by startup founders and the importance of clarity, strategy, and communication in leadership. Discover how health, wellness, and self-expression are becoming key drivers in the evolving fragrance landscape.

This discussion dives into the dilemma facing Indian brands torn between bolstering their offline presence and adapting to a digital-first economy. Plagiarism and the rise of private labels pose significant challenges, making innovative strategies vital. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding customer behavior and the advantages of offline feedback loops. The dynamics of brand differentiation and market competition are explored, alongside insights into the impact of technology on purchasing decisions. A unique analysis, the Pentagon Pizza Index, adds a fascinating twist to consumer behavior trends.

Tushar Behl, Principal at Glade Brook Capital, dives into India's shifting retail landscape, focusing on brands like Lenskart, Bluestone, and Wakefit. He discusses the importance of blending online and offline strategies to enhance consumer engagement. Behl sheds light on manufacturing efficiencies, average order values, and growth dynamics in omnichannel retail. Additionally, he explores the evolving investor perspective and the impact of government regulations on market operations, providing keen insights into the future of India's retail revolution.

Dive into the intriguing rise of convenience fees in India, reshaping e-commerce and consumer perceptions. Explore the booming consumption trends from tier 3 and tier 4 markets, driven by innovative platforms. Discover the rich linguistic landscape that influences content consumption, particularly in regional languages like Marathi and Tamil. Delve into how localized content boosts user engagement and retention. Uncover the dynamics of digital payments and the future of financial engineering in transforming traditional profit margins.

Darshit Vora, a seasoned venture capitalist at Sparrow Capital, shares insights into Paytm's remarkable journey to profitability and the evolving landscape of fintech. He discusses the innovative soundbox technology transforming QR payments and how companies like Paytm and Pine Labs differentiate their approaches. Additionally, Darshit delves into Bluestone's success in the jewelry market, emphasizing the effectiveness of omni-channel retail and the rising influence of lab-grown diamonds. Tune in for a blend of finance, technology, and consumer trends!

The ASYMMETRIC Crew today:Revant: CEO, Mosaic WellnessShantanu: Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company Chirag: Founder, GoKwikSandeep: Co-Founder, Dezerv00:00 Coming up01:12 Intro and welcome, Sandeep02:05 Bengaluru vs. NCR, IPO clusters & real-estate prices05:12 ESOP value creation: Public vs. Private markets12:13 Longevity in wealth creation17:42 ESOPs are liquidity-driven21:24 Salary vs. Salary + ESOPs31:28 ESOPs aren’t free money for the company37:42 Wealth can be created in the later stages of a company40:41 Not all ESOP policies are equal48:28 Founder’s mental model for ESOP allocation55:06 ESOP wealth isn’t just for the earliest joiners1:04:01 Flipkart created wealth, then created wealth creators1:07:01 Concluding thoughts