Introduction to Exit Strategies In the dynamic landscape of startups, an exit strategy acts as a roadmap for founders, guiding them toward a successful transition from building their business to realizing its value. An exit strategy can be defined as a pre-planned approach that outlines how investors and founders will eventually sell their shares and exit the startup. Having a well-defined exit strategy is crucial, as it not only provides direction for the company’s growth but also helps in attracting investments, securing partnerships, and navigating challenges. For Indian startup founders, the significance of a clear exit strategy cannot be overstated.…
Author: Desi Founder
Understanding the Role of an Advisory BoardAn advisory board is a formal group of individuals selected to provide strategic advice and guidance to a startup’s management team. Unlike a board of directors, which has legal responsibilities and fiduciary duties, an advisory board operates in a more flexible capacity without the governance authority. The main function of an advisory board is to offer expertise, insights, and perspectives that can help the startup navigate challenges and leverage opportunities. This distinction is particularly significant in the Indian startup ecosystem, where entrepreneurs often seek mentorship and knowledge from seasoned professionals.An advisory board typically comprises…
The GST Council is considering introducing an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions below ₹2,000. The final decision is expected to be made during the 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. While this proposal is still being discussed, it has raised concerns, particularly for startups and small businesses in India, which have come to rely heavily on UPI for efficient and low-cost digital transactions.How UPI Has Benefited Startups and Small BusinessesSince its introduction, UPI has revolutionized the way digital payments are made in India. It allows businesses to carry out…
Launching a startup is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and countless lessons. This journey typically unfolds in three major stages: the early stage, the growth stage, and the late stage. Each stage brings its own set of milestones and hurdles, and understanding these phases can help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of building a successful company. Let’s dive into these three critical stages of a startup’s lifecycle.1. Early-Stage: Laying the GroundworkThe early stage of a startup is where everything begins. This phase is primarily about turning an idea into a tangible business, setting the foundation for future growth, and testing…
It offers instant discounts on prepaid payments, OTP-based mobile validation to combat fake orders, and dynamic Cash on Delivery (COD) rules to improve order accuracy. In today’s fast-paced digital market, the e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly, and consumer expectations are higher than ever. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, the need for a seamless, quick, and frictionless checkout experience is critical. Traditional multi-step checkout processes can lead to cart abandonment, costing businesses millions in lost revenue. One-click checkout solutions are emerging as a game-changer, simplifying the buying process and encouraging impulsive purchases by eliminating the hassles of long forms, complex…
The Indian startup ecosystem is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with recent weeks showcasing significant funding activity. In just one week, Indian startups secured over $348 million across 19 deals, marking the second consecutive week of robust growth, although slightly down from the previous week’s $466 million raised by 16 startups. This trend reflects a renewed investor confidence in India’s burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape, driven by innovative solutions and a growing demand for digital services.Major Players in the Funding LandscapeOne of the standout deals this week was led by Rapido, a ride-sharing platform that raised a staggering $200 million in its Series…
Leo Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has been in the spotlight recently for his massive earnings from the platform, highlighting the explosive growth of the adult content subscription service. In 2023 alone, Radvinsky pocketed a staggering $472 million in dividends, a reflection of OnlyFans’ booming business. Over the last three years, Radvinsky has accumulated nearly $1 billion in dividends, showcasing the platform’s immense profitability and its dominant position in the creator economy.The Growth Story of OnlyFansFounded in 2016, OnlyFans has grown into a global platform that allows content creators, especially those in adult entertainment, to monetize their work directly…
Swiggy, a leading food delivery service in India, has recently found itself at the center of a financial scandal involving one of its former employees. The incident, where a now-dismissed employee allegedly embezzled over Rs 33 crore from the company, highlights the growing challenges companies face in managing internal security as they expand. For Swiggy, this situation poses not only financial concerns but also reputational risks, especially as the company inches closer to a much-anticipated IPO.The Incident: What Happened?The case came to light when Swiggy’s internal finance team flagged discrepancies in its financial statements. An extensive investigation revealed that a…
Swiggy, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms, has launched an innovative feature called Incognito Mode, offering users a new level of privacy when placing orders. This industry-first initiative is designed to protect customer identities and ensure discreet delivery, catering particularly to those who value their privacy while ordering online.The decision to introduce Incognito Mode stems from Swiggy’s deep understanding of evolving customer needs. In an age where digital footprints are meticulously tracked and recorded, maintaining privacy has become a significant concern for users. Swiggy’s data showed that a substantial number of customers felt uncomfortable with their order history being…
As we celebrate Nutrition Week in India (September 1 to 7), it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the innovative startups that are revolutionizing the health and wellness landscape. These passionate entrepreneurs are not just providing products; they are igniting a movement towards a healthier, more vibrant India. Let’s dive into the stories behind some of the most exciting nutrition-based startups making waves across the country.OzivaFounded in 2016 in Mumbai, Oziva stands out as a clean-label brand that beautifully blends modern food science with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda. Their extensive product range, designed for women, men, and…