Rohan S.

Building on Mrunal Jhaveri's insightful reflections, I am compelled to share some thoughts on the dynamic landscape of venture investment through family offices—a domain not many venture into but one that holds immense potential for long-term impact. The road to establishing Ice.vc, as Mrunal describes, is paved with practical lessons that resonate across investment strategies and personal experiences alike. The clarity in focusing on core competencies rather than getting sidetracked by trying to offer everything to portfolio companies is something that resonates deeply. In an ever-evolving market landscape, flexibility and adaptability remain crucial. Furthermore, maintaining structured policies and decision-making frameworks isn't just a best practice; it's imperative for avoiding unnecessary disruptions. Clearly defining roles within the family office setup, just as Mrunal does with his brother, ensures seamless operations and clarity in execution. The essence of this journey, however, transcends financial metrics. It is about aligning investments with personal values and the overarching vision one cherishes—creating a legacy that's more meaningful than mere numbers. These insights continue to shape the future of investments and offer a beacon for those brave enough to innovate and invest in line with their own values.

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Blinkit is taking on the ecommerce players like Myntra Fashion and AJIO.com , and of course partly competing with e-tail giants like Amazon Business as well. This Quick Commerce Vs Ecommerce battle is interesting. Cost-efficiency or Fast, On-Demand service? How is it going to shape the future of Retail? Let us wait and see

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Let's talk about AI. India is a significant player in the AI landscape, with a thriving ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and corporations leveraging AI technologies. The discussion on GenAI, L&D, GANs, and VAEs applies equally to the Indian footwear industry, which can benefit from these advancements to drive innovation , sustainability, and growth. In fact, India has been actively promoting AI adoption across various sectors, including manufacturing, through initiatives like the "Make in India" program. This has led to increased investments in AI research and development, talent acquisition, and innovation hubs. Indian companies like Tata, Reliance, and Infosys are already exploring AI applications in various industries, including manufacturing. The footwear industry can similarly leverage AI to enhance design, production, and customer experience, while also addressing challenges like sustainability and supply chain management. So, the conversation around AI's potential in the footwear industry is indeed relevant and exciting for India as well! Will be talking about GenAI, L&D, GANs and VAEs in the next couple of days here relating to the footwear industry.

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Had a fantastic Saturday morning coffee with Hitesh Malhotra at the 10Xer Club! We explored the history of marketing and how machine learning is changing the game, highlighting challenges for senior leaders. Hitesh shared insights on securing big contracts with digitally backward companies and predicted a gradual move to automation. Our chat turned futuristic with the Boson Protocol's impact on Web3 commerce and zero-knowledge blockchains. Hitesh stressed the need for government collaboration and a deeper understanding of Web3 beyond crypto. On budgets, Hitesh broke down marketing spend on Advantage Plus and PMAX campaigns. We discussed influencer marketing, lookalike audiences, and the importance of a top-down strategy with consistent content. Barter strategies and voucher partners also came up. We also touched on performance marketing challenges, and Hitesh gave great advice on positioning in content and creative work. Thanks, Hitesh, for the awesome insights, and a big shoutout to Harinder Singh Pelia for connecting us with these incredible experts! #Marketing #Web3 #InfluencerMarketing #BrandStrategy #10xerClub #ByndBaggyUnboxed

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Today, I am going to introduce you all to Mr Dilnawaz Khan , EX IIM-A Ventures (Formerly CIIE,CO), EX Unitus Ventures (Formerly USF), Founder of Codesign Labs and Power Deck, 17+ years of experience in helping startups and their funding. He introduced us to a new field of Entrepreneurship, Startup Funding. His main Topic in our session was on "Creating an Investor ready PITCH DECK". How to introduce your product to Investors and take funding from them, Main key points were as follows:- from his sessions -> Types of Pitches :- (a) Elevator Pitch - No PPT (b) Short Pitch - PPT with 10-12 slides (c) Long Pitch - Detailed PPT -> Role of Founder :- He has to represent the company at every professional platforms and take all the responsibilities of team members and whole company. -> Trend Pickers :- Target trends which is new in market. New generation wants to be in trend so they will always be there to invest their money in trendy products. -> Boon for Beginners :- First have a great idea Execute if doable and always keep in mind to always be on ground. -> Improve your Communication Skills :- If you have a great idea but you don't know how to express it,Idea is of no use. So, Learn how to communicate and convince others. At the End, It was a wonderful and enriching session to meet and learn these key points from Dilnawaz Khan and deliver his knowledge on PITCH DECK. I want to thank sir for giving us his valuable time, will be waiting to attend your sessions in future. Thank you to JECRC Incubation Centre team for organizing this wonderful EDP sessions which enhances our practical knowledge. #EDP #Startup #Funding #Pitch #JIC #JECRC #Entreprenuership #Learning #Innovation #Minset

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Lenskart.com recently received a new round of funding from Temasek and Fidelity Investments. If I were to analyze the reasons behind this success from the lens (pun intended) of retail operations, it's no surprise why this brand is scaling so well.  . Here are the top 5 reasons why Lenskart is an exemplary D2C brand mastering retail 👇👇👇 . . . #retailinnovation #Lenskart #retailstoredesign #storeofthefuture #retailtrends #experientialretail #retailcollaboration #D2Cretail #Lenskart #Funding #RetailSuccess #D2C #CustomerExperience #TechInnovation #ProductFocus #ValueShopping #RetailStorytelling #IntuitiveDemos

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LinkedIn has been buzzing about Zomato lately: Concerns over service levels, Frustration with fluctuating pricing, And recently, criticism of a 50-lakh package for #productteammembers on a "simple food delivery app." Before we jump to conclusions, consider watching Zwitago, now on Prime Video. This film offers a raw glimpse into the realities of delivery work, telling the story of Ravi, a #deliverypartner who navigates tight schedules and everyday struggles in the gig economy. Through his journey, we see how vital this work is for individuals and the ecosystem. In a country facing job scarcity, delivery roles aren’t always chosen freely—they’re necessary. Platforms like Zomato provide consistent work, enabling many to earn a livelihood, however modest, that ensures food, shelter, and dignity. Let us keep the bigger picture in mind. Until we create millions of diverse jobs aligned with the education and skills of the unemployed, these platforms bridge a crucial gap. They aren’t the ultimate solution but are undeniably impactful. Meanwhile, let us show empathy for these hardworking delivery partners. Each delivery brings them a step closer to stability and serves as a reminder to appreciate their efforts.

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🚀𝐃2𝐂 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧🚀 With Q-commerce booming in India, D2C brands like Lenskart and Giva must ask themselves: Can we afford to be left behind? The Q-commerce industry is set to grow from $3.34 billion in 2024 to $9.95 billion by 2029, and firms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto are already taking advantage of the speed demand. ⚡📦 But how can Lenskart, Giva, and other D2C brands tap into this growth? 🔑 Zippee Has the Solution! Zippee’s infrastructure, tech solutions, and logistics expertise can help these brands overcome common challenges like: 1. Dark stores for faster delivery 2. Localized inventory management for quick access to high-demand items Efficient, optimized delivery routes for a seamless customer experience 3. Customer experience and Loyalty 🔭 According to Madhav Kasturia Zippee's North Star Metric is 5x Topline Growth, showing its commitment to scaling and helping brands grow in the competitive Q-commerce space. #QuickCommerce #D2C #Ecommerce #Logistics #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #Zippee #CustomerExperience #Startup #RevenueGrowth

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I made a big mistake with my eCom brand that slowed down our long-term growth. → I made the brand 'product-centric'. I founded Kalmin Ross to support and expand my father's premium men’s shirts business. We focused on meeting market demands in the US and India. Initially, we just used a trial-and-error approach, keeping what worked. But now this has become a problem — because there's a lack of brand purpose. We, as a brand, didn't stand for anything. Our customers didn't connect with us. We prioritised product features over creating deeper customer connections. Now, here's what we're doing about it: 1. Building a brand with purpose We're defining our brand identity. We're positioning Kalmin Ross as a symbol of men's lifestyle, embodying sophistication and luxury. 2. Product alignment We're ensuring our products complement our brand image. We're introducing minimal yet sophisticated designs and fabrics. 3. Creating emotional connection Using a value-driven approach with user-generated content (UGC), we aim to evoke aspiration in our target audience. 4. Building a community A strong brand identity can bring a loyal customer base that shares our values. We're focusing on organic content marketing. 5. Customer experience Creating a premium shopping experience that reflects our brand positioning. In short, we're transitioning from a product-centric to a brand-centric approach. If you're building an eCom brand, remember that your product is not everything. Create a successful brand by telling a story that resonates, builds trust, and drives loyalty. Do you think a brand-centric approach is important? #entrepreneurship #success #brand

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Our D2C product is not standing out 😟 A dilemma possessed by any founder. To tackle such problems I recently embarked on an incredible journey with a 12-week hands-on program designed to elevate our D2C game, and it has been nothing short of transformative. One of the standout sessions was on Product Development 101 for D2C Brands, featuring the brilliant Rinka Banerjee, Founder & Chairperson of THINKING FORKS CONSULTING PRIVATE LIMITED. 🚀 Rinka’s session was a deep dive into the art and science of product innovation, focusing on three fundamental pillars that every D2C brand should master: ⬇️ Key Takeaways: ✅Desirability: Understand consumer desires, create perceived value, identify market opportunities, and leverage your unique selling proposition to win. ✅Feasibility: Manufacture efficiently without quality compromise, choose optimal distribution channels, leverage core capabilities, and mitigate risks with strategic planning. ✅Viability: Scale production to meet demand while maintaining quality, ensure profitability through smart pricing and cost management, and grow sustainably without compromising your product's essence. A huge thank you to *Rinka Banerjee* for sharing her extensive knowledge and practical insights. Her guidance on navigating the complex landscape of product development has been invaluable and has provided us with the tools to innovate and thrive in the D2C space. Looking forward to implementing these strategies and seeing the impact on our products and brand! 🌟 #D2C #ProductDevelopment #Innovation #Learning #ThinkingForksConsulting #RinkaBanerjee #Desirability #Feasibility #Viability

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🚀Deep Dive into how The Souled Store perfected its marketing strategy! 🚀 Did you know? The average customer acquisition cost (CAC) for e-commerce in India across industries is around 1,200 to 1,500. But, The Souled Store boasts a CAC of Rs 100 - less than 1/10th of the average! How does it do that? In a sea of generic apparel, @TheSouledStore emerged as a beacon for pop culture enthusiasts in India. Here's how they nailed it: 👥 **Understanding Audience**: Recognizing a surge in pop culture passion among young Indians, they tailored their offerings to resonate with this vibrant community. 🎬 **Official Licensing**: Partnering with giants like Disney, Marvel, and Warner Bros., they ensured authenticity and quality in their designs, setting them apart in the market. 🤩 **Fan-First Mentality**: With a team of pop culture aficionados, they crafted products that customers love, fostering a deep connection with their fanbase. From humble beginnings to omnichannel expansion, their journey reflects resilience and innovation: 🔍 **Early Days**: Securing licenses swiftly, they offered iconic merchandise featuring beloved characters from Star Wars to DC Comics. 🌟 **Building Community**: Leveraging social media, they cultivated a loyal following, turning fans into brand ambassadors. 🚀 **Expanding Horizons**: Diversifying product offerings beyond apparel, they tapped into new markets and customer segments. 🌐 **Going Omni-Channel**: Balancing online presence with physical stores, they provided a seamless brand experience, enhancing customer loyalty. Meet The Souled Squad - tech-savvy, socially active, and deeply passionate about pop culture: 🎯 **Target Audience**: Urban millennials with a penchant for trendy merch and quirky designs, driving the brand's success. 📸 **Instagram Strategy**: With 1.4M followers, they captivate Gen Z with engaging content and strategic collaborations, further amplifying their reach. 💡 **Offline Expansion**: With 22 retail stores, they bridge the gap between digital and physical, offering an immersive brand experience. In summary, @TheSouledStore's journey exemplifies the power of innovative marketing and a deep understanding of their audience. Here's to more fandom-filled successes ahead! 🌟 thesouledstore test1 Below is a snippet from their Instagram page- which boasts 1.5 Million followers- you can see how there's a little something for everyone. #PopCulture #MarketingStrategy #Ecommerce #BrandBuilding #GenZ #Innovation #TheSouledStore

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🚨 EXCLUSIVE Aditi Shrivastava breaks down Meesho's numbers for the first half of FY25: 🛍️Annualised recurring revenue: > $1 billion 🛒 Net merchandise value: Rs 14,251 crore ⬆️ 29% (y-o-y) 📌 Revenue: Rs 4,405 crore 24% 📌 Loss: Rs 41 crore The Arc Analysis: https://lnkd.in/g9tGkCS4 We're ON IT.

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📣 Fundraising: Achievement or Encouragement? A Founder's Reflection. As the dust settles on our recent funding round, I find myself contemplating a question that's been brewing in my mind: Is fundraising truly an achievement? 🙌 The congratulatory messages are pouring in, and the excitement is palpable. It's a feeling I've experienced before, and it's undeniably energizing. But this time, it's pushed me to dig deeper. Here's what I've realized: Fundraising isn't the finish line; it's the starting gun for the next race. It's not an achievement, but an encouragement - a vote of confidence from investors who believe in our vision. The real achievement lies in building a profitable, scalable business that delivers value to our customers and stakeholders. At Fabriclore, we're grateful for the support of PeerCapital, Regal Fabrics, and all our investors. But we recognize that this funding is a responsibility - a means to an end, not the end itself. As we move forward, our focus remains unwavering on our core mission: revolutionizing fabric sourcing for fashion brands globally. The funding is fuel for our journey, not the destination. What are your thoughts on fundraising? Is it an achievement or an encouragement? #Entrepreneurship #Startup #FundingPerspective #BusinessGrowth

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Based on IDC data on price segment-wise shares, here are my observations: 1. The Entry Level segment has declined since Q2 2023. Analysts feel it should go up with the collaboration between chipset vendors and brands through their offering of sub Rs. 8500 5G smartphones. I have written a lot on the fact that I am not very confident of the success of this thought. To me in the long run the segment will decline. 2. The share of the basic segment in Q2 2024 was the same as in 2023. It did show a bit of a spike in Q1 2024. However, I would expect it to remain in this range or rather go down as and when 5G devices below Rs 8500 get launched. Being the largest it makes sense for brands to get their volumes from here. 3. The Entry premium segment has shown a good jump being an upgrade segment for the existing Basic category 5G customers and I would expect it to grow further. There is an opportunity for brands to target this segment which happens to be the second largest in volumes. 4. The Mid Premium segment is a small segment that has been between 3-5% since 2022. In Q2 2024 the entry Premium segment was pushed up at the cost of the Entry segment. I would expect something similar to happen here with a rise in the Mid Premium segment though in small %’s. 5. The premium segment has primarily N-1 and N-2 models of iPhones with some quantities of Samsung and OnePlus. This segment should also not grow and as such can be avoided by other brands till such time that they uplift their brand image. 6. The Super Premium segment is basically a segment for iPhones and Samsung presently. We can see it from the fact that its contribution came down from 9% to 7% between Q1 and Q2 2024 as both iPhone and Samsung sales in this segment took a hit. It will rise again in Q3, Q4 and Q1 when Apple and Samsung launch their new range of high end devices. 7. Vivo is the only brand which appears in the top 3 between the Basic and the mid premium segment

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Exposing Toxic Practices: A Cautionary Tale for Startups in Bangalore As someone deeply connected to the vibrant startup ecosystem of Bangalore, I’ve always admired the city’s ability to foster dreams and innovation. Unfortunately, not all players in this ecosystem operate with integrity, and today, I feel compelled to share a troubling experience with Jeetendra Kataria an individual who has exploited trust and manipulated systems for personal gain. Mr. Kataria has shown a complete lack of ethics, misusing signing authority, withdrawing funds inappropriately, and blatantly engaging in forgery to serve his interests. This isn’t just an isolated case of misconduct—it’s a glaring example of how toxic elements can exploit the hard work and aspirations of others, undermining the very foundation of startups and small businesses. Such behavior highlights a disturbing trend in some parts of Bangalore’s startup culture, where dreamers and builders—driven by passion—fall prey to manipulative individuals masquerading as “investors” or “mentors.” These individuals abuse their positions, not only stealing resources but also eroding the trust that is so vital to collaborative growth. To all aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals: stay vigilant. Integrity is the cornerstone of any successful venture, and you have every right to demand it from those you work with. Let this be a wake-up call to thoroughly vet your partners, investors, and collaborators. For those enabling or turning a blind eye to such toxic practices, let this be a reminder: your actions leave lasting scars on the ecosystem, and accountability will catch up with you. Let’s come together to create a startup culture that celebrates innovation, supports dreamers, and stands firm against those who seek to exploit it for personal gain. If you’ve faced similar issues or have insights on tackling such behavior, let’s connect and bring these concerns to light. Together, we can build a more ethical and trustworthy startup ecosystem. #IntegrityMatters #StartupCulture #BangaloreStartups #EthicsInBusiness #Accountability

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🇮🇳 Made in India: The Economic Powerhouse Fueling Our Future 🚀 Forget the old "assembly line" thinking. India's manufacturing revolution is creating a vibrant ecosystem that's supercharging our economy! Here's how: 💼 Job Bonanza: Local production = More jobs. Simple math, big impact! 💰 Money Stays Home: Buy Indian, invest in India. Watch our communities thrive! 🌍 Import Independence: Goodbye supply chain woes, hello economic resilience! 🌱 Green Revolution: Our manufacturers are going eco-friendly. Planet approves! 🧠 Innovation Nation: R&D investment skyrocketing. Next big idea? Made in India! 💪 SME Superstars: Small businesses are the backbone of our new economy! The Magic Formula: Indian Consumers + Indian Products = Stronger Businesses → More Jobs → Better Tech → Higher Quality → Happy Customers It's not just shopping, it's nation-building! 🏗️ Every "Made in India" purchase is a brick in our economic fortress. Ready to build? #MadeInIndiaRevolution #Economicresilience #FutureProofIndia #BuyLocalThinkGlobal

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Apple plans four new stores as iPhone demand surges in India. Apple’s record revenue in India reflects growing demand for iPhones and services, with CEO Tim Cook highlighting a September quarter record and plans to open four new stores in the country. https://lnkd.in/ghBZ6hrM Apple Luca Maestri #india #iphonerevenue #localproduction #premiumsmartphone #retailstores #q4earnings #technews #emergingmarkets #mena #appleindia #appleexpansion #technews #applegrowth MENA Newswire

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Recently, Zomato’s CEO shared an unusual hiring announcement for a Chief of Staff role where the selected candidate had to pay ₹20L for the first year—meant as a donation to charity. Although this was clarified later, it sparked an interesting debate: Is paying ₹20L for such an internship a better investment than spending ₹20L on an MBA? I’ve thought about this, and here’s my take. Yes, internships like these can offer significant learning opportunities. You’re exposed to real business challenges, work closely with top leadership, and gain hands-on experience that few MBA programs can replicate. However, the scope of learning in an MBA is much broader. Here’s why: 1) Diverse Perspectives: MBA programs bring together people from different industries, backgrounds, and cultures. This diversity fosters unique conversations and debates, which broaden your thinking. In a single company, your thought process often aligns with leadership styles, limiting exposure. 2) Strong Networks: The connections you build during an MBA can be lifelong assets. When facing a midlife career shift or looking for opportunities in a new field, these friendships and networks can be game-changers. 3) Versatility: An MBA provides a foundation across finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and more. This versatility is essential if you ever wish to switch domains. Ultimately, the choice depends on your goals. If you’re clear about what you want to do and are passionate about startups or leadership, a unique internship might make sense. But if you’re still exploring your career path or value structured learning and networking, an MBA offers a much wider safety net. #Leadership #CareerGrowth #InternshipVsMBA #ZomatoDebate

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