Narasimha Jayakumar

In India, out-of-pocket medical expenses are high. Many patients don’t have a medical cover, while others have an inadequate amount. Even those with adequate covers may face issues like non-availability of network hospitals nearby, forcing them to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement later. CarePal Money strives to bridge the affordability gap by providing no cost medical loans, including for critical illnesses like cancer. Thanks Business Standard for putting forward CarePal Money Chief Business Officer, Sahil Lakshmanan’s thoughts exceptionally.

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Kreedo secures Rs 10 Cr debt funding from Recur Club: Edtech platform Kreedo Early Childhood Solutions has secured Rs 10 crore in debt funding from Recur Club, a prominent debt marketplace for startups and SMEs.  Kreedo had previously raised $4 million in Series A funding from Heritas Capital and UBS Optimus Foundation to enhance learning ecosystems. The proceeds will be deployed towards fuelling its growth and expansion plans, enhancing product offerings and scaling operations across India, Kreedo said in a press release. Co-founded in 2012 by Mridula Shridhar and Manikandan Krishnan, Kreedo provides a non-franchise solution for preschools and schools in India. Its curriculum is designed to help children develop literacy, numeracy, and other skills through play-based activities. The platform's curriculum is based on the idea that children learn best through a "Concrete to Abstract" or "Practical to Theory" approach. The curriculum combines indoor and outdoor games and toys to help children learn to explore and develop skills. According to the Bengaluru-based company, it focuses on improving education in over 350,000 affordable private schools across India, which cater to low-income families and charge less than Rs 30,000 annually. The company claims that it has demonstrated an impressive revenue growth rate of over 35% year-on-year for the past three consecutive years.  “It has been a pleasure working with Manikandan and witnessing Kreedo’s incredible growth journey over the past couple of years. Their intelligent approach to capital management has enabled them to hyperscale effectively while preserving significant equity.” said Eklavya Gupta, co-founder & CEO of Recur Club. Kreedo may compete directly or indirectly with other companies in this space are Kinderly, Seed Schools, Sudiksha Knowledge Solutions, Blue Blocks, Hello Kids amongst others.  Recur Club is a capital platform, enabling companies to raise debt capital tailored to their business needs with a dedicated capital expert. The platform aims to deploy Rs 2,000 crore in debt funding for startups and SMEs through Recur Scale and Rs 1000 crore to MSMEs through Recur Swift in this financial year. It has backed startups such as Ustraa, Rage Coffee, Moveinsync, Keka HR, Xoxodays, and others. It competes with other debt financing platforms like GetVantage, Velocity, and Klub. #EdTech #Funding #Startups

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thanks for this podcast. Jayen Mehta sir and ThinkSchool Important points for me were - 1. so much clarity on priortizing traditional retail route and self online platform versus handling the data to e commerce companies. 2. brand building is all about consistency across all the platforms. 3. taking care of all of your stake holders. https://lnkd.in/gMejeKJ5

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The story of Acko and Varun Dua: 4 Lessons 2000Cr premium (FY24). 78 million customers. More than a billion policies issued. $500M raised. Thanks Varun for such an engaging and candid opening keynote session for the new Antler India Residency. Varun has built Acko into a one-of-its-kind insurance juggernaut across motor, health, life - including pioneering innovations via embedded/microinsurance models. The first time I met him in 2015 in Andheri, I was struck by the clarity of thought and even-keeled composure.. …even while talking about something crazy at that time - the idea of being the first startup to get an insurance manufacturing license! Rajiv Srivatsa and I were especially struck by 4 big reminders: (1) SURVIVE: In India, if you’re an ambitious founder who can stick through the hardships and survive for the first 6-7 years, you will likely create value immense value as one of the survivors. Flipkart, Zomato, PayTM, etc....Most large Internet successes still took 7-8 years before they established their dominance and then consolidated the gains. Many founders don’t appreciate this. (2) THE “HARDER” BUILD MAY BE THE RIGHT ONE vs. THE THIN LAYER: Many founders get discouraged by the seemingly insurmountable challenges of navigating regulated, capital intensive spaces like insurance and opt for the thin layer (distribution, affiliates, etc.). But esp. in a country like India, doing the hard work of manufacturing a new product / creating the rails / being the full-stack player likely ensures you’re one of the rare players, spending more energy on innovation vs. competition. (3) CONTROL OF LEVERS: Varun and team successfully built CoverFox before Acko, and while insurance distribution or brokerage in India is also a great business with high commissions, given infrequency and push nature of sales, Varun saw far more LTV potential via more control of levers… …from manufacturing the insurance product, a far better UX esp. the claims process for superior retention and lifetime value, embedded models, multiple nudges in the customer journey (and even extensions like garages) to solve additional pain points. All creating a highly trustworthy brand. (4) INTERNALIZING A BROADER VISION: Words matter. Varun doesn’t like Acko being described with jargon as "full-stack" or "digital insurer". To himself and to his team, he has insisted on a vision of “protection for the 200 million”. The knack of coopting people into your vision, and making it theirs, is a real superpower he has.

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🌿✨ Embracing AYUSH: Empowering Health Naturally! 🌟 Did you know? Recent data from the survey on AYUSH conducted by National Sample Survey Office, India reveals that 50% of Indians used AYUSH healthcare system in the last year! 🔹 AYUSH system of medicines refers to the use of one or more of the system(s) of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy 🔹 95% of rural and 96% of urban folks are aware of AYUSH traditions. 🔹 85% of rural and 86% of urban households practice Medicinal Plants/Home Remedies/Local Health Traditions. 🔹 Nearly half of rural (46%) and over half of urban (53%) individuals used AYUSH in the last year for health benefits. We at SaveIN work with several leading alternate medicine providers like Dr Batra’s Healthcare Jiva Ayurveda Madhavbaug Homeocare International among others, and are witnessing tremendous demand for alternate therapies, especially for chronic diseases and lifestyle disorders. Let's continue to explore the power of traditional wisdom in promoting holistic wellness alongside adopting the latest in healthcare! 🌱💪 #AYUSH #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #TraditionalMedicine #Healthcare #Lifestyle

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"By CY 2027, #India’s e-commerce market is likely to reach $140 billion at a CAGR of 23 per cent, with penetration estimated to touch 9-11 per cent of retail. This growth is expected to be driven by increased smartphone usage and declining #ecommerce lead times." India Internet UCITS #ETF $INQQ #etfs https://lnkd.in/ejpRvxvN

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Quick commerce logistics startup Blitz raises Rs 51 Cr in Series A round led by IvyCap Ventures. Blitz plans to use the funds to enhance its 60-minute delivery infrastructure and expand its dark store network across India’s top 20 cities. Blitz Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dRSHreb8

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"We bought a 13-acre piece of land in a village called Sikra in Kutch which is enough for us to reach a revenue of 500 crores." 🔥 Ep#08 of The India Opportunity Podcast with Aditya Aagare from Thermoflyde is out now! 🔥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/g6JjrGq6 We talk about: > The market opportunity in the refractory space - north of $30 Billion USD globally > How Thermoflyde is aggressively growing its market share by taking on RHI Magnestia (a $3 Billion revenue-generating, publicly listed business) and has grown 100% year-on-year in terms of REVENUE > How starting up in college taught Aditya lessons about entrepreneurship the hard way > Focusing on customer service as a competitive advantage > Building an IPO-able, cash-flow-positive business > 500 Crores revenue in sight with current capacity and potential to grow much bigger > Aditya's goal of positively impacting 1000+ lives > How traditional manufacturing businesses can be multi-baggers over decades in the public markets > How kindness from angels helped them survive in the first 2 years Great episode for founders looking to build IPO-able businesses, with key insights into how to prepare your business at the earliest stages if IPO is an outcome you're working towards. Thermoflyde Industries Private Limited is destined to be a big success story emerging in the traditional manufacturing space and we're early backers via Swadharma Source Ventures - SSV. Thrilled to share Aditya's story with the world. #india #manufacturing #makeinindia #rhimagnestia #refractory #steelplants #ipo

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Keen to cater to the vast SME Ecosystem in India via your product / service offering? It’s worth it for sure , but please be prepared for the following - Blurred lines: Personal priorities completely blend into that of their organisation's, oftentimes super-ceding them. Our team keeps in touch with our premium merchants . Some of the reasons we hear for non renewal, inspite of that specific campaign's metrics looking good 1) "Bought a Home, need to ensure I have money for EMIs". No surplus funds 2) "Im travelling"- Digital payments/ UPI is good for shopping, not even remotely so for company's financial ops Medical emergencies at owners' end for example, lead to months' worth of objectives being delayed for the brand - Extensive delays in responses: As time passes, most of us humans are anyway becoming significantly worse at managing time. SME business owners always tend to gravitate to what they consider business as usual, rather than what can potentially introduce efficiency/ optimisation into processes (Which is what most products claim to do, while pitching to such SMEs) Barring loans which is a competitive but LARGE space, anyone catering to the typical Indian 'Lalaji' has to build sales, and product processes considering the above, considering they're catering to mavericks and not the standard 'efficient' professional Pic: Friday fun with ChatGPT :)

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🚀 Building the Future of Finance with Velocity: Enabling Digital-First Businesses through Strategic Product Management! ✨ Diving deep into the world of revenue-based financing through the lens of Velocity has been a game-changer. This fintech platform is reshaping how e-commerce and D2C brands in India access capital by leveraging innovative financial solutions. From defining the right user personas to building seamless user journeys and creating value propositions, here’s what we learned from a digital product management perspective: ✨User Persona & Journey: Defines who the target customers are and outlines their end to end journey - Velocity serves D2C and e-commerce business owners in need of fast & flexible capital.  - The user journey—from application to capital access—is optimized for simplicity and speed. ✨Sentiment analysis: Helps in making data-driven decisions by translating qualitative opinions into quantifiable insights -Primarily reflects positive sentiment, with users appreciating the fast, data-driven approach and flexible financing. -However, areas like customer support and credit approval times are highlighted as opportunities for improvement ✨JTBDs & Micro-JTBDs: Framework that identifies customer objectives and desired outcomes to create solutions. - Identifies primary goals like raising capital  & smaller, tactical needs like scaling operations. - These shape Velocity’s products, ensuring efficiency, flexibility, and growth. ✨User Stories: Guides product development by addressing needs, enhancing workflows, and improving experiences. - Connects customer pain points with solutions, enabling features like automated credit renewal and flexible repayment. - User stories serve as a foundation for designing solutions and simplifying workflows. ✨Wireframes: - Visualize solutions (e.g., progress bar for loan repayments), ensuring a seamless experience. -Automation of functions like Document uploads and Credit renewals. ✨S.A.V.E. Framework: Structured product approach to ensure products are customer-centric and solve real-world business challenges - Solution: Velocity resolves cash flow challenges with fast, non-equity financing. - Access: A mobile-first platform with easy, user-friendly access. - Value: Offers customized repayment options aligned with business cycles. - Education: Provides financial guidance through case studies and resources. This approach simplifies the product lifecycle by continuously refining the customer experience and ensuring financial flexibility.Vatsal Gupta Pallavi Angnani Shaurya Gahlot #ProductManagement #UserEngangement #ProductStrategy #UserCentricSolutions #ecommerce #D2C #Velocity #Fintech #Strategy

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India is re-opening the global IPO market from a 3 year slumber. From FirstCry and Ola Electric to Swiggy, Zepto and beyond, recent and potential IPOs are driving a 14 year high in listings. Awesome to see promising young companies taking the plunge as well as the veterans. Expect the US IPO market to follow in ‘25-‘26 as we move past the elections, interest rates decline and a large cohort of quality companies grow through their 2021 valuations. If you are on the #IPO path, best advice is to stay focused on execution, hire the best advisers possible, set prudent expectations and price the deal such that your new shareholders do well. It’s not the goal, it’s a milestone. #InternetIndia, #Zomato, #Zepto, #Swiggy

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🚀 Swiggy's IPO: A Game-Changer in the Food Delivery Industry? I just read the news that Swiggy has received the go-ahead from SEBI for its much-anticipated IPO, and it's set to be a big one - potentially raising around Rs 11,000 crore. With major backers like Prosus, SoftBank, and Accel, Swiggy’s clearly aiming high, but I can't help but wonder about the challenges ahead. It’s hard to ignore how competitive the food delivery market is, especially with Zomato already seeing massive growth post-IPO. Swiggy will need to prove its ability to turn a profit in a space that’s still burning cash and facing tough competition. Their use of the confidential filing route is interesting, as it helps protect sensitive info, but it also raises questions about what they might be holding back. With the November launch in sight, I’m curious to see how the market reacts and whether they can meet expectations. #Microcap #IPO #FoodDelivery #Swiggy #SEBI #Prosus #SoftBank #Accel #Zomato #StockMarket #Tech Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbB6yt-V

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We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Gramophone and Mastercard, aimed at empowering our farmers through innovative digital lending solutions. Together, we’re introducing Farm Pass, a platform designed to make access to finance more efficient, accessible, and tailored to the unique needs of our agri-community. In a sector where timely access to credit can transform livelihoods, this collaboration leverages Gramophone's deep agricultural expertise and Mastercard’s leading-edge financial technology to create a seamless digital ecosystem for our farmers. With Farm Pass, we are not just providing loans; we are building a stronger, more resilient rural economy where every farmer has the tools and resources to thrive. This is a significant step towards driving sustainable growth and fostering innovation in the agri-sector. We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our farmers and the future of agriculture in India. Let’s grow together! 🌱 #Agritech #DigitalLending #FarmPass #SustainableGrowth #Gramophone #Mastercard #RuralEconomy #Innovation

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Zepto just raised $350 million—faster than they deliver groceries! Zepto, the Indian quick-commerce startup, has recently secured $350 million in its third funding round of 2024, maintaining its valuation at an impressive $5 billion. Key highlights from Zepto's journey: Funding Milestones: In June 2024, Zepto raised $665 million, elevating its valuation to $3.6 billion. By August 2024, an additional $340 million was secured, bringing the valuation to $5 billion. Market Expansion: Operating over 250 dark stores across ten metropolitan areas in India, Zepto has significantly expanded its footprint. Competitive Landscape: Zepto competes with platforms like Zomato's Blinkit and Swiggy's Instamart, as well as Reliance's new entry into the market. Insights for Entrepreneurs: Operational Excellence: Zepto's success underscores the importance of efficient logistics and a deep understanding of consumer behavior in the quick-commerce sector. Strategic Funding: Securing substantial investments has enabled Zepto to scale rapidly and maintain a competitive edge. Market Adaptation: By expanding its services and geographical reach, Zepto has effectively met the evolving demands of the Indian consumer market. Zepto's trajectory offers valuable lessons for startups aiming to disrupt traditional markets through innovation and strategic growth. #Zepto #StartupSuccess #QuickCommerce #IndianUnicorns #Entrepreneurship

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I had a fascinating discussion with Ashutosh Pratihast on strategy to build a 1000 Cr Online Business! We dived deep into the dynamics of e-commerce, digital trends, and the power of innovation in today's market. Ashutosh brought some brilliant perspectives to the table, and I'm thrilled to share our conversation with you all! Listen to the full podcast on "The Rich" here: https://lnkd.in/gvF-bnxV I'd love to hear your thoughts! Let me know what resonated with you and how you see the future of online businesses shaping up. 💡💼 #OnlineBusiness #Ecommerce #Innovation #DigitalTrends #BOULT #Entrepreneurship #TheRich

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Co-lead a workshop (with Sumathi my business partner and Komal lath of Tute Consult) on branding and communication and why/how its' strategic & important for the portfolio companies of an early stage growth focused PE fund in Mumbai this noon. very interactive session. lots of takeaways. one of the biggest benefits of doing such workshops with founders and CXOs of growth companies is that you get to first hand understand their pain points and priorities. which makes you realize there is a long road ahead laden with great opportunity for those in PR & comms if we take off our hats and look at it from their perspective.

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Better than #RBI rate cuts, tax cuts, upskilling etc. The rapid, almost feverish, move to #digitization #digitalindia is a strong catalyst for economic growth. #startup #startupindia #Indiastack

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CLSA published a detailed research report on India quick commerce. Recommended reading. Who will be the first to create a $50-100Bn company in India internet? #Zepto #Zomato #IndiaInternet

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🔥 Ep07 out now with Piyush Goenka from Prath Ventures! We talk about building great consumer brands in India 🔥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gaPcCTqF We talk about: > Piyush's journey across all stages of investing > How he and Harmanpreet Singh defined Prath's sector and stage focus > The journey of Safari from a 200 Crore company to a 10,000+ Crore company > Prath's recent investments in Jimmy's Cocktails, Assembly and Aukera > Consumer trends in India and opportunities in the Indian market > His experience of fundraising for Prath (not something you get to hear very often and that too so candidly and vulnerably!) > How Vipassana changed his life   Prath ideally wants to be the first institutional investor when founders are raising their seed or series A rounds and the first cheque for them is usually between 3-15 Crores which is roughly 500K-2M USD. Excited to deep dive with Piyush into the consumer landscape in India today, and his plans for Prath in the future. Founders who are building consumer businesses, you will gain a lot of rich insights from Piyush’s experience about business building as well as fundraising.

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