Celebrating India’s Startup Scene – The Force behind India’s Economic Growth | Dharma Newsletter I January 2024

Hello there!

Today, is there hardly any sector in which startups are not leading the way in shaping the future?

Be it through cutting-edge technology, agile problem-solving, or resource efficiency, startups have revolutionised our day-to-day lives by developing innovative solutions to everyday problems. No time to visit a shop? You’ll find e-commerce startups galore. Running late and unable to get a cab? You can avail of one of the several options on ride-sharing apps. Don’t feel like cooking? Easily get your favourite dish delivered on your preferred food delivery app.?

15 years ago, such a scenario was inconceivable. Small enterprises stood no chance against mega-corporations, and we all went about our daily business unaware of the empowering potential of entrepreneurship. Now, convenience and efficiency are the law of the land, and startups are the ones leading the charge in bringing about an era of progress through innovation.

As a team that partners with several startups, we at Dharma are thrilled to see the growth and success of the startup ecosystem. As a startup ourselves, we are proud to be part of this community that celebrates the innovative spirit, welcomes taking risks, and embraces change. Startups provide us with an abundance of opportunities to craft unique stories and build enduring brand reputations, and we look forward to supporting the entrepreneurs who are making a difference in India.

Dharma Spotlight?

Indians’ quest to bring forth change presents many opportunities for spectacular tales to emerge. Here are some of our top ‘changemakers’ this month –

With dry powder reaching unprecedented highs, VCs have become eagle-eyed in their focus on good unit economics, adaptability to the vagaries of geopolitics, and a clear path to profitability. Instead of tallying unicorns, the need for building “performicorns” – startups that champion profitability and sustainability rather than growth – has taken precedence. These startups have the potential to weather the storm (or the winter) and stand tall against the headwinds. As a result, this season, becoming a performicorn will be the only way to get VCs to open their purse strings .

To be considered on par with the best, Indian healthcare infrastructure must address the lack of accessibility, affordability, and convenience prevalent in the sector. No wonder home healthcare has taken off, providing a structured and cost-effective solution for our ageing population. With technology widening its reach in healthcare, patient preferences have been changing, prompting healthcare institutions to re-envision healthcare delivery. By embracing telemedicine and other innovations, we’ll accelerate the shift from at-hospital care to at-home care .

Investors carry considerable sway in the startup ecosystem, enabling entrepreneurial innovation to flourish. However, after infusing capital, investors cannot wash their hands off of the business management and quietly expect the profits to roll in. The need to stay active and set clear expectations to drive responsible and sustainable growth. In an environment where startup collapses are becoming ever so often, an effective investor–startup partnership, with a strong corporate governance framework in place, can yield positive outcomes for both parties . ?

In H1 of 2023, private credit accounted for 16% of the total AIF investments made, the highest it has ever reached, while PE-VC funding fell to 44% from 77% in 2018 . A significant change seems to be brewing in the alternative assets ecosystem, with private credit offering a lifeline to companies that don’t qualify for traditional sources of credit. As the availability of private credit expands, the funding gap in the Indian startup ecosystem will narrow, creating a win-win situation for both startups and investors.

Early neurorehabilitation can engender significant functional improvements in patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. However, in India, accessing early neurorehabilitation is challenging, with few centres equipped with the necessary accoutrements. Investing in early intervention will grant patients a better quality of life, and the path forward should involve adopting innovative solutions to bring about a new era of excellence in care delivery.

Active and experiential learning should be the foundation of students’ education , not mere reading or listening. Hands-on experiences encourage exploration and experimentation, foster collaboration and creative problem-solving, and cultivate confidence and resilience. That’s why, to improve student engagement in the classroom and beyond, Indian educational institutions must make active learning a central pillar of students’ education. Experiential learning will make students empowered enough to take ownership of their own learning and, later, lead the nation into a future filled with glory and distinction .

Advanced technologies such as IoT, big data, and robotics are paving the way for the optimisation of supply chains . The transition into smarter, more efficient processes will enable intelligent resource allocation, ultimately, freeing up manual labour and bringing in substantial cost efficiency to generate exponential output. As we make inroads in integrating technology with logistics operations, we should set our sights on attaining peak sustainability, responsiveness, and agility.

Dharma Insights

Are people getting fed up with the use of AI content? Is long-form content in again? Is it time to bid farewell to influencer marketing? Discover which way the social media winds will blow in 2024 in our January blog . Get to know the hottest trends for the year, and get ready to take on the dynamic social media landscape in 2024.?

To stay ahead of the curve in social media, public relations, and branding, read our blogs for must-know trends and insights to build your brand and gain a competitive edge in the media landscape.

On the personal career front, the year kicked off with a triple bonanza. I’m honoured to be part of Business World’s 40 Under 40 (PR & Corporate Communications list) and BW Excel’s Communications Personality of the Year (under 40), and LinkedIn Top Voice. Gratitude and thanks to all our client partners who allow me to shape their communications campaigns and brand-building strategies.

If you’d like to connect with us, know more about our services, or simply brainstorm ideas (I love those!), let’s catch up over a cuppa! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] .