Blogs
Exploring ideas, startups, & Venture Capital.

Startup India @ 10: The Decade in 10 Inflection Points (2016–2026)
January 21, 2026
In 2016, calling yourself a founder in India still came with raised eyebrows. At family dinners, the safer question wasn’t “What are you building?” but “When are you settling down?” Unicorns felt mythical, early-stage capital was scarce, and consumer brands were expected to grow slowly, city by city, distributor by
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Who Really Buys Beauty & Personal Care in India Today?
January 14, 2026
Most founders start by asking a simple question: Who is my customer? In Beauty & Personal Care, this question often misses the mark, not because the customer is hard to find, but because the ‘customer’ is rarely just one person making all the decisions. The person using the product might
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House of Brands vs Branded House: Architecture as Capital Allocation
January 8, 2026
Founders often discuss brand architecture early, especially when thinking about growth, extensions, or portfolios. What is discussed far less explicitly, however, is how deeply that choice shapes capital allocation over time. The decision between building a Branded House or a House of Brands is not merely about logos, naming, or
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The UPI Nation: How Payments Are Shaping India’s Festive and Everyday Commerce
December 30, 2025
If you walked through the bustling streets of Delhi’s Sadar Bazar or T. Nagar in Chennai five years ago, the festive soundtrack was distinct. It was the rustle of currency notes, the jingle of coins exchanging hands, and the constant shout of vendors asking for exact change. Today, that chaotic
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Healthy vs. Habit: Winning India’s 4 PM Snack
December 26, 2025
At 3:58 pm, the workday begins to ease. Across Indian offices, hostel corridors, and apartment kitchens, the same ritual plays out: a phone screen goes dark, a mug appears, someone asks, “Chai loge?” A plate follows. For years, that plate was non-negotiable: samosa, bhujia, biscuit, something deep-fried and familiar. Today,
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The Purpose Premium: Why Cause-Driven and Homegrown Brands Are Winning Trust
December 18, 2025
Walk through any Indian high street today, and the contrast is subtle but unmistakable. Global chains still drive huge numbers of window shoppers. A few doors down, a locally owned boutique manages consistent foot traffic and transactions but carries its own pace. The change is almost private: a snack swap
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