Dilsher Partap Singh Kairon

Disruption: The Key to Building Consumer Brands in India A founder's journey is akin to navigating uncharted waters, where every decision is a delicate balance between probabilities and possibilities. Sometimes, the founders are at the right place at the right time when disruptive waves are manifesting primarily in three formidable forms: regulatory, technological, and demographic. 1. Regulatory Disruption: Regulatory changes often appear as a vast blue ocean, promising untapped opportunities. Yet, one must tread carefully. The very nature of regulation implies that what is granted can be swiftly taken away. And many times, what is generally not specified also treads towards an eventual "No." 2. Technological Disruption: Technological advancements offer a compass for our voyage. Leveraging emerging technology platforms to create breakthroughs can unlock tremendous growth. 3. Demographic Disruption: India, a nation teeming with youth, stands at the precipice of never before seen disposable income that can be monetised digitally at scale. By meticulously segmenting markets, one can craft products and services that not only sell but seamlessly integrate into the lifestyle narratives of the emerging consuming class. At Endurance Capital, we work with early stage founders to be leaders in India's consumer revolution. As founders, the opportunity is immense. It's time to disrupt the old guard and innovate with an India-first approach. Let's craft consumer brands that aren't just loved but become a legacy for the generations to come. 🚀🇮🇳

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Super stoked to announce the close of our third fund! Grateful to have been a part of the journey thus far. 🚀 🚀 If you are building in the consumer brand space, please reach out to us- we would love to have a chat. We invest in businesses at a pre-seed, pre-revenue stage with the ability to support our portfolio companies until growth/ late stages. #Fund3 #ConsumerBrands #EarlyStageInvesting #SauceVC #Startups  #Entrepreneurship #IndiaGrowthStory #PreseedInvestment #VentureCapital #Consumer

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Meet Swapnil K, part of the Antler cohort here. She has close to a decade of experience which includes growth, strategy and PnL for consumer internet (Flipkart and Paytm), and consulting for consumer goods companies. ▶ What's that one problem statement that has got you excited?  "I am very passionate about the beauty category. I come from a consumer internet background and I believe that this is the only category for which a lot of horizontal players have not solved for. Some of the prime problems for this category are search and discovery, because the one hitch in this is that unlike all others, this one has no returns option. So, if a customer orders a product online and she doesn't like it after opening the product, there is no option for her to return it. So, she has to put in a lot of effort to search, discover and personalize the journey for herself. I think if I can solve this problem for her, I can truly deliver value to the entire ecosystem, for customers as well as for brands." ▶ What’s the insight that led you to this?  "I actually came across a statistic that said that out of 100 online shoppers, 45 buy an appliance or electronics (I used to handle the services side of that category), around 60 would buy apparel but just 19 would buy beauty and that was back in ’22, I think. And that kind of got me thinking, that this is such a high frequency purchase category. Plus, the demographics that buy this are always online. Girls (mostly women), and some men too from the ages of 16 to 30, they are always online but they wouldn't buy from this category a lot. So, I think I zeroed in on the problem in retail fitness which is basically that there are no returns and hence you are not really sure what to buy." ▶ What’s one learning that you have that you want to share with others?  "One learning, I think, is to just jump right into the problem. That's one mistake I did before - I did a lot of analysis before jumping into the build mode but I think you can do that analysis while you are building. If you have firm conviction in the problem statement, then just start building." ▶ What is something that most folks don't know about you?  "So, I am very passionate about women's health and mental health issues. I have been through an infertility journey and that got me thinking about women's health in general and how ignored that as a segment is for the medical community or the mental health community (with due respect of course) in general. So, yeah, that's the one thing that I can really relate to." #HumansOfAntler

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Excluto is Coming to Kota and Udaipur! Excluto is hosting intimate Coffee Meet-Ups in both Kota and Udaipur, focused on raising awareness and fostering discussions around Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). Whether you're an investor, wealth manager, SEBI-registered advisor, or simply curious about this rapidly growing asset class, this event is tailored for you. With a small, select group of 15 to 20 participants, these gatherings are designed to encourage open dialogue, where everyone can share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful networking. Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/dr9npPxi What to Expect: • In-depth discussions on the opportunities within AIFs and their relevance in today's market. • Exploration of different AIF categories, including SME Pre-IPO, VC, Debt, and more. • Networking opportunities with industry peers in a relaxed, intimate setting. • Insights on how to leverage AIFs for portfolio diversification and enhanced returns. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of AIFs and connect with like-minded professionals. #ConnectingLPsAndGPs Apoorv Sharma Vikas Raina Puneet Datta Prateek Shabani Ayush Tyagi Vishal Kapoor

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Game On, India: A VC Perspective on the Untapped Potential in Sportswear (Beyond Jerseys) 🇮🇳 The Indian sportswear market is poised for a major leap, fuelled by a growing passion for fitness and exploring the great outdoors. But let's talk beyond the ubiquitous cricket jerseys for a moment and delve into a hidden gem – the booming market for outdoor gear! 💸 A VC's Perspective: Why I am Bullish on Outdoor Sportswear in India As a Venture Capitalist, the Indian outdoor sportswear market presents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons: 💹 High-Growth Market: The market is projected to reach a staggering USD 1.93 billion by 2029, with a growth rate exceeding 16% annually (source: Maximize Market Research). This significant growth trajectory signifies a large and rapidly expanding consumer base. 🥇 Untapped Potential: Unlike cricket jerseys, the outdoor segment lacks a centralized and organized retail experience. This fragmentation creates a prime opportunity for innovative brands and platforms to capture market share. 📯 Shifting Consumer Preferences: Growing participation in activities like running, cycling, trekking, and adventure travel is driving demand for specialized outdoor gear. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, functional products that enhance their outdoor experiences. 🇮🇳 Rise of Domestic Brands: This market shift presents a golden opportunity for Indian brands to offer high-quality, affordable options alongside established international players. This approach can resonate with cost-conscious Indian consumers while fostering domestic innovation. 🦋 Experience-Driven Retail: The rise of experience-based travel and adventure sports opens doors for brands to connect with customers beyond just products. VCs are looking to invest in companies that curate a holistic outdoor experience, fostering brand loyalty and customer engagement. 🚵‍♂️ The REI Model for India? The current market lacks a comprehensive online or physical store similar to REI in the US or Outdoor Goat internationally. A platform that curates a selection of established international brands alongside promising domestic ones, offering expert advice and a focus on the entire outdoor experience, could revolutionize the Indian market. 🔊 Calling All Outdoor Enthusiasts and Industry Leaders! Share your thoughts in the comments. What exciting possibilities do you see in the Indian outdoor sportswear market? #sportswear #india #outdoors #entrepreneurship #marketresearch Khyati V Bhinde Joanne Kiara Fernandez Lakshmi Naga Potluri Abhay Vashistha Amisha Vashistha Garima Vashistha

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The pet industry is waking up to the power of tech and data to drive business growth, and Pettle (Backed by 100X.VC) is glad to be leading this change! With #India’s pet population doubling to 38 million by 2024 and the global pet market set to soar to $500B by 2030, now is the right time to make it happen. Too many pet businesses have very limited data about their customers or are drowning in so much manually managed data that nothing makes sense. We are helping pet businesses stop this paper chase. Our vision is to bring the pet world into the digital age. We’re not just addressing the industry’s pain points; we’re setting the foundation for future growth. By leveraging pet data, Pettle empowers pet businesses, brands, and pet parents to make informed decisions. Backed by 100X.VC, we are at the forefront of revolutionising pet care experiences. #GetPettle #PettleForPetBusinesses #PetBusiness #Growth #StopThePaperChase Yash Kumar Namishtah Arora Athira Krishnadas Ankur Gahtori Haardik Tyagi

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Our founder, Surbhee Grover, shares insights on her journey from Kolkata to launching Love, Indus in the latest NYU Connect feature. "Building and growing something is hard and involves perseverance, sweat, and heartbreak. And it’s kinda unsexy, but you have to put in the work" she reflects. Looking back at the journey, mental resilience emerged as the most critical ingredient for Love, Indus. "Before you begin this 'game,' ask yourself if you have the resilience to rise, time and time again" shares Surbhee. Discover how perseverance and resilience shaped our path & learn more about Surbhee’s story; the ingredients that make Love, Indus unique, how New York University played an integral part in this journey, and more. She also shares timely and important advice with alumni who are in the beginning stages of starting their own businesses. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dJg4kRNC  #LoveIndus #NYUAlumni #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #NYU

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It's been a year since I began exploring a career in venture capital (VC). Initially, I talked to people outside the industry, which didn't lead me anywhere. However, I soon started building meaningful connections with those who've successfully navigated this path. I made an invaluable connection with Maulik Mehta, a Senior Associate at Arc Ventures in New York. With his extensive experience in VC and a genuine passion for supporting innovative startups, Maulik has been a dynamic friend and mentor, guiding me with insights and advice on breaking into the VC world. This interview discusses how to break into the venture capital industry. We talk about what makes you stand out, share tips for getting started, and highlight the importance of internships. We address common challenges and offer advice for overcoming them, especially for those from non-traditional backgrounds. We explore the skills VC firms look for and the role of mentorship. We also touch on emerging trends in VC and share valuable lessons learned. Give it a listen; I hope it helps those navigating the VC journey: https://lnkd.in/e8aKTqWJ #venturecapital #careers #vc #startupinvesting

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🚀 Deal Announcement: ICE.vc is excited to announce our investment in Dorje Teas as part of their ₹1.8 Cr seed fundraise! 🍵 India is a nation of tea lovers. Over 2/3 of us sip on chai 3 times a day. Yet, the chai market has been largely untapped and dominated by just 2 big players—Chaayos and Chai Sutta Bar. When I came across Dorje Teas, a brand with roots deep in the Darjeeling hills, I knew this wasn’t just another D2C play. Here’s why we’re excited about this investment: 1️. Indian premium tea segment remains largely underserved. 2️. Younger consumers are driving the demand for healthier, authentic products. 3️. With its 300% growth post-Shark Tank India, Dorje Teas is already on a high-growth trajectory. I’m thrilled to partner with founders Sparsh Agarwal and Ishaan Kanoria, as they introduce a new wave of tea culture to India and beyond 😇 What are your thoughts on India’s chai revolution? ☕ #tea #business #LinkedIn #investment #venturecapitalist

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So exciting to mobilize with partners in the Indian VC Ecosystem to fuel women-led innovation for the benefit of all. Along with all these returns-first investors, we know that "When you invest in women, you're in good company." And, with The Great Wealth Transfer seeing billions of dollars moving into the hands of women and Next-Gen investors, we believe we are living through a historical opportunity to address the egregious gender venture funding gap. #beyondthebillion #investinwomen #drivereturnsthroughdiversiy

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*Registrations close tonight. This is for women only* Can't wait to host some wonderful ladies at the AMA on Angel Investing in Delhi tomorrow evening (26 May, Sunday)! We're thrilled to see 3x the number of women sign-up this time, compared to our previous AMA. 😍 Rebalance is India's first angel community that's 51% women with 27 investments in the portfolio. Last 2 spots left for women who are angel investors looking to expand dealflow (and back female founders) or those interested in learning about startup investing. Please note, that this is a forum strictly for Q&A on angel investing. When: 26 May 2024 [Sunday] Where: Somewhere in Delhi ☕ Timings: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Eligibility: For women only RSVP here: https://shorturl.at/EoYLN If this isn't for you, share it with credible women who are looking to deploy their $$$ towards mission-oriented wealth creation. <This is part of Rebalance's In-the-loop series where we're building the world's most active community of women in startups, investing, science, and technology> CC: Vikas Kumar #diversity #womenininvesting #venturecapital #funding #investing #startups

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Fundraising challenges in India - an India story that's not that promising VC Firms - need startups to dematerialise shares before wiring funds NSDL office - we haven't processed applications of Aug yet. We also have a priority list to process for larger companies first. Irony - Younger stage companies can't wait for such bottlenecks while raising small, early rounds but are being made to wait the most, thanks to the system. I can't believe an org like NSDL can't have separate teams looking at applications for startups of different market cap ranges. While every policy rolled out comes with a mandatory ask, our govt org systems should work more towards making bureaucracy more startup friendly. As of now, as I speak with founders, raising small rounds is becoming a herculean task.

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A few weeks back, we at SkillsOn, set sail with India's first venture capital (VC) school - with fresh, engaging & 100% practical sessions backed by 10+ years of investing experience & conducted by executives from India's leading investment funds. The last module of the VC masterclass set the ground running with a thorough overview of the deal flow - stages, steps, skills & a real-world case. And as with every module, a signature offering - this time it was the "Alpha Doc" - a one-stop guide to set valuation multiples for companies. More on the Alpha Doc in the upcoming module, “The Venture Capital Engine” this Saturday, 10th August @ 5pm. This module will discuss how India’s leading funds evaluate sectors and companies, conducting research beyond Google, getting high-quality inputs, drawing razor-sharp conclusions and deciphering hidden stories in company financials. All with the backdrop of a real-world case to build 100% practical understanding. This will be the heart of the VC masterclass series. And you do not want to miss this! If you’re eager to explore the world of start-ups, looking to build a career in investments, planning to raise funds for your venture or simply enthusiastic about this space, this is the session for you. More in comments. #venturecapital #entrepreneurship #innovation

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Mira Kulkarni: The Power of Just Keeping On At a time when most people start to settle, Mira Kulkarni chose to begin. Life hadn’t been easy, and she’d faced her share of personal challenges. Yet, at 45, Mira decided it was time to pursue something she truly believed in. With a deep love for Ayurveda and a vision to bring authentic Indian wellness to the world, she launched Forest Essentials. Her goal wasn’t just to create skincare; it was to honor centuries-old traditions and celebrate nature’s purity. What started as a small passion project grew into a luxury brand that caught the world’s attention—eventually attracting Estée Lauder as an investor. Mira’s story isn’t just about building a brand; it’s a reminder that reinvention has no age limit, and purpose can turn even life’s hardest challenges into something beautiful. Proof that it’s never too late to start over. #mondaymotivation #MiraKulkarni #ForestEssentials #AyurvedaBeauty #InspiringJourney #NeverTooLate #EntrepreneurStory #IndianWellness #womenentrepreneur

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Content Monetization and Influencers Weekly Learnings 31/ 2024 i wrote this article for the Ashoka University Magazine. I researched the topic and here are some learnings: 1. Data is booming. 400 million terrabytes are created every day. 54 pc of it is video, 13 pc is social media and gaming is about 10 pc. 2. Two billion videos are watched by consumers on the X platform everyday. 3.The Top countries with data centres are USA with 5388, Germany 522, UK 517, China 449, Canada 336 and India has 132. 4.Every minute we have 250 million e mails sent, 16 million texts, 1.7 mln pieces of FB content, 1.1 million swipes on Tinder. 5.Social media has given normal people an opportunity to build their own brand through content and engagement. 6.The top countries for influencers are USA, China, Brazil, Thailand and India. 7. Gen Z trusts influencers more than celebs.75 pc of people use social.media for purchase advice. 69 pc of consumers trust influencer recommendation. The total influencer market is about $24 billion globally. Influencer marketing is picking up even as 42 pc of consumers use ad blocking. 8. Fashion influencers in India make 40 to 60 paise per view while lifestyle influencers make 30 to 50 paise. Data here is not robust. 9. Indians spend 4.4 hours on social.medua and visit Instagram 20 times a day. 10. FMCG brands are estimated to spend 5 pc of their budget on influencer marketing while beauty brands spend about 10 to 15 pc. My input for influencers: a. Focus, be clear where your area of influence is strong, dont go all over the place. b. Be authentic, if you are accepting payment, declare it. c. Avoid topics and comments that could alienate your audience. This whole business has created a new business called VERIFY. Verification will be a big business, we already have BBC verify. So, influencers better SELF regulate themselves, else the tug of war we see between SEBI and finfluencers will move to other regulators and influencers. Influencers are here, their influence will vary depending on their content and their business model. shiv www.shivshivakumar.com

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Having been at the forefront of consumer investing for almost 2 years as Vice-President, Investments at India's largest domestic consumer venture fund, Sixth Sense Ventures, I have engaged deeply with the evergreen Indian VC ecosystem – founders, investors, bankers. It’s been an absolute delight listening to new ideas each day and witnessing the magic founders are creating by the day. Every new interaction lent a new perspective yet underpinned a common belief – there’s no better place to be than India for the next 10 years – the next decade is India’s decade – as it stands at the intersection of opportunities, vibrant young professionals, new industries shaping up (talk green energy) and enhanced global recognition. This is evident with more and more institutional capital, domestic and overseas, now being directed to India. Circling back, this makes VC a very sought after career in the years to come. Understanding the limitations of entering this space, I have since long wanted to pass on my learnings. More so, having been a faculty in the past, I believe that knowledge when shared gets sharper and more robust. With an endeavour to create an impact in my own small way, I have launched India’s first Venture School – a set of 7 live VC modules followed by 1 live VC internship with access to job and networking opportunities throughout. Idea is simple: Learn. Teach. Learn. <Registration link in comments> #venturecapital #careers #management

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Co-Build a VC fund in Public: Day 4 (and funding announcement) We not only co-build but invest too :) Today, at Ortella Global Capital - OG Capital, India's only fund that co-builds companies, we take our first leap into the future with Medial as our inaugural portfolio company announcement. This is not just an investment—it is a partnership with a vision to solve one of the most pressing challenges in the professional world. The tech and startup ecosystem are fragmented, forcing users to switch between countless platforms for news, networking, career opportunities, and meaningful insights. Medial changes the game, bringing it all together in one seamless, intuitive space. What drew us to Medial was the team. From our first meeting with Niket Raj Dwivedi, Aishwarya Raj Pandey, Prateek Kaien, and Harsh Dwivedi we saw a rare combination of audacity and discipline. Their commitment to profitability and monetisation from day one along with their relentless focus on user engagement, made it clear they were not just building a company—they were creating a movement. In just a few months, Medial has surpassed critical milestones: collaborating with top global partners, rapid growth, and extraordinary user metrics. But beyond the metrics, they are building a sustainable business with a clear-eyed vision and sharp execution that inspires us. This team is not just chasing trends—they are creating a legacy! This is why we exist as a fund: to back founders who dream boldly and deliver consistently. Founders like these remind us why we started OG Capital—to build alongside those who dare to reimagine what is possible. Thank you Prateek Agarwal (Pre-seed investor) for everything :) P.S.: Here is a snapshot of the moment when my co-founder, Rajvardhan Mohite and I, with pens in hand and excitement in our hearts, sealed the deal with Niket and the team. The start of something extraordinary, captured in ink and ambition. Docusign is too old school for us :P

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The Dress Code Dilemma of a Founder When I first started researching for my business, I would always show up in formal attire—my personal favourite. But as I travelled deep into the rural villages of Bihar, meeting local producers and suppliers, it didn’t take long for me to feel like a bit of an outsider. Standing there in my crisp shirt and tie, I could sense the looks—were they mocking my attire? Or was I just overthinking it? Here’s what I realized: Perception vs. Reality – We often assume how others see us, but that’s usually our own insecurity talking. What really matters is how we connect, not what we wear. Adaptability is Key – As founders, we’re always in different environments. But flexibility isn’t just about dress code; it’s about adapting our mindset to fit each situation. What Truly Defines You – Clothes may reflect our personality, but they don’t define our leadership. Confidence, clarity, and empathy are far more important. The "dress code" for founders goes beyond appearance—it’s about navigating the unknown, staying grounded, and focusing on what matters most: progress. Lesson learned: Whether in boardrooms or rural villages, success comes from how we show up mentally, not just physically. "वृत्तं यत्नेन संरक्षेत् विद्या यत्नेन पालयेत्।अक्षीणो वित्ततः क्षीणो वृत्ततः तु हतो हतः॥" #founderjourney #leadership #entrepreneurship #mindset #growth

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Exciting Developments in the Indian Budget 2024 for the Startup Ecosystem! 🚀 The Indian Budget 2024 has unveiled several groundbreaking measures that reflect a strong commitment to economic stability, growth, and innovation. Here’s a quick overview of the key highlights: ✅️ ₹5000 Crore Innovation Fund: A substantial new fund has been introduced to support innovative startups and extend tax benefits, providing a significant boost to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. ✅️ ₹1000 Crore Venture Capital Fund for Space Economy: The establishment of this fund demonstrates India’s forward-looking vision and positions the country as a leader in the emerging space sector. ✅️ Angel Tax Abolished: The removal of angel tax is a major step forward, eliminating a significant barrier for startups and investors. ✅️ Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Reduced to 12.5%: The new rate of 12.5% on long-term capital gains will enhance investment attractiveness and encourage more funding into startups. These measures are set to invigorate the startup landscape, drive innovation, and support long-term growth. As an entrepreneur and angel investor, I’m excited about the opportunities these initiatives will unlock for the startup ecosystem! For a deeper dive into these developments and their implications, check out my views in a detailed article in the Economic Times https://lnkd.in/g_znAT9r #IndianBudget2024 #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #SpaceEconomy #VentureCapital #AngelTax #CapitalGains #Faad Aditya Arora Dr.Dinesh Singh Harshika Paliwal Shivani Khare Neha Mourya Vatsal Lunawat Abhilash Gupta Samarth Gupta Sanyam Jain

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