Startup Table with AJ S02 EP 06 | Archana Jahagirdar X Early Stage Fashion & Lifestyle Founders
Early-Stage Founders from the Fashion and Lifestyle industry share their journeys!
The sixth episode of Startup Table with AJ Season 2 came out on March 17! The discussion on the table brings together early-stage founders from the fashion and lifestyle category to discuss their entrepreneurial journeys. Hosted by Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, this episode dives deep into the challenges, strategies, and emerging trends shaping the future of this dynamic sector.
About Startup Table with AJ
Startup Table with AJ is a one of its kind initiatives by Archana Jahagirdar that provides a platform for early-stage startup founders to share their authentic stories. The series sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by startups, offering valuable insights into how these founders innovate and adapt to thrive in a competitive ecosystem.
Meet the Founders
This episode features inspiring founders who are redefining the fashion and lifestyle space:
- Sambuddha Bhattacharya (Lemonade)
- Arjun Singh (Gully Labs)
- Raghav Mahajan (Trajectory)
- Ayush Sahai (Notice)
- Nitin Mehrotra (Dressfolk)
- Arun Subramanian (Vindr)
- Garima Kakkar (Fraganote)
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
- The Biggest Challenges Faced by Startups
Archana began the discussion by asking the founders about their most significant challenges. Arun Subramanian from Vindr highlighted the difficulty of balancing manufacturing costs with affordability. While consumers demand high-quality products, scaling becomes a challenge due to expensive raw materials.
- Innovative Solutions for Supply Chain Management
Garima Kakkar from Fraganote shared how her team is leveraging technology to streamline inventory management and vendor coordination. By digitizing these processes, Fraganote has reduced inefficiencies and improved delivery timelines, ensuring smoother operations.
- Quick Commerce: A Game-Changer for Fashion?
The conversation turned to the feasibility of 10-minute quick commerce (q-comm) delivery for fashion products. Sambuddha Bhattacharya (Lemonade) expressed scepticism, explaining that fashion purchases often involve deliberation and emotional decision-making, making them less suited for instant delivery models. However, he acknowledged its potential in categories like basics or accessories. Arjun Singh (Gully Labs) offered a contrasting view, believing that consumers would embrace quick delivery for certain fashion items.
- The Power of Direct-to-Consumer Channels
Ayush Sahai from Notice emphasized the importance of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels for startups. He explained that D2C allows brands to connect directly with customers while gaining valuable insights into consumer preferences and maintaining control over pricing and brand narrative.
- Consumer Behaviour Trends on E-commerce Platforms
Nitin Mehrotra from Dressfolk observed a growing preference for sustainable and ethical brands among consumers. He shared how storytelling around these values has helped Dressfolk build a loyal customer base and stand out in a competitive market.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the fashion and lifestyle startup ecosystem. From tackling supply chain inefficiencies to debating the viability of quick commerce models, these founders provide actionable advice that can inspire entrepreneurs across industries.
Watch now to hear these compelling discussions and learn how these founders are shaping the future of fashion and lifestyle!
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