Embarking on a journey of leadership requires learning from those who have walked the path of innovation and resilience. Who better to learn from, than renowned investors Kunal Bahl, Anisha Singh, and Manish Chowdhary? Invaluable lessons await in Prime Video’s upcoming reality series, Mission Start Ab. Premiering on December 19, 2023, and hosted by Masaba Gupta and Cyrus Sahukar, the series is conceptualised as part of Prime Video’s partnership with the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, and promises a unique blend of entrepreneurial wisdom and real-world challenges, as 10 entrepreneurs compete for mentorship and funding from industry stalwarts.
Kunal Bahl: Navigating the startup seas
Kunal Bahl is an entrepreneur-investor, a member of the National Startup Advisory Council, and Co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital. In a fireside chat with Shradha Sharma, Founder and CEO of YourStory, at TechSparks 2023 Delhi Edition, Bahl shared insightful perspectives. “Successful moments like winning an award or getting featured in the press are not the defining moments of running a startup; they lie in the journey in between successful moments,” he said.
Customer feedback and founder autonomy: In the early stages of a startup, Bahl underscores the significance of intense focus and real-time customer feedback. While acknowledging the pivotal role of investors, he advocates for founders retaining autonomy, and steering the ship through daily decisions and the overall trajectory.
Balancing equity dilution with growth speed: Bahl delves into the nuanced dance of equity dilution, intricately linked with the speed of growth. His advice to founders echoes the need to balance impatience, ambition, and market opportunities when deciding on fundraising strategies.
Diversify and seize opportunities: Snapdeal’s journey transcends the confines of ecommerce, highlighting the founders’ adaptability. Bahl’s experience inspires entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, courage, and the exploration of uncharted territories.
Kunal Bahl’s journey illuminates the path for aspiring leaders, offering lessons in adaptability, focus, and strategic balance.
Anisha Singh: A trailblazer in venture capital
Anisha Singh, the Founding Partner of She Capital and former CEO of Mydala, stands as an inspirational figure in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Pioneering women-centric venture capital: In 2020, Singh founded She Capital, an early-stage fund dedicated to investing in high-growth businesses led by women. Recognising the gender gap in India’s startup ecosystem, Singh’s venture strives to empower more women founders to thrive in entrepreneurship. Through She Capital, Singh has invested in promising startups like Samosa Singh, Spark Studio, Elev8 Sportz, and Nova Nova, contributing significantly to the growth of women-led ventures.
Overcoming challenges and stereotypes: Singh’s journey reflects common entrepreneurial challenges. Her ability to overcome hurdles and convince people to embrace a new service exemplifies her resilience and determination. As a woman entrepreneur, Singh dismisses the notion that gender poses a significant barrier, emphasising that value and sense will be recognised, irrespective of gender.
Advocacy for women’s empowerment: Beyond being an investor, Singh is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. Encouraging women to speak their minds, overcome self-doubt, and build strong networks, Singh emphasises the importance of women supporting and mentoring each other.
Anisha Singh’s journey paints a canvas of entrepreneurship, resilience, and dedication to empowering women in the startup ecosystem.
Manish Chowdhary: Navigating the beauty and wellness landscape
Manish Chowdhary, Co-founder of Fit & Glow and WOW Skin Science, brings a unique perspective to the entrepreneurial landscape, offering lessons in resilience, adaptability, and strategic evolution.
WOW Skin Science’s Dynamic Evolution: In multiple media interactions, Chowdhary unveiled WOW Skin Science’s transformation, navigating the challenging terrain of product-market fit, adopting a digital-first approach, and embracing marketing innovation. The brand’s journey is a testament to adaptability, responding to shifting consumer preferences by pivoting from dietary supplements to a skincare and haircare powerhouse.
Digital-first approach and marketing innovation: Chowdhary’s emphasis on being a digital-first entity from day one underscores the importance of strategic foresight. WOW Skin Science’s success, competing with other industry giants, is not only measured by its financial milestones but also by its ability to capture consumer attention in a crowded market.
Continuous recalibration and evolution: Chowdhary acknowledges the challenges faced by D2C brands, particularly the dynamic nature of the product-market fit. What worked in the early stages may not suffice for sustained growth, necessitating continuous recalibration and evolution. He suggests businesses opt for options like omnichannel presence and cross-border expansion.
Hybrid model advocacy: Beyond the digital realm, Chowdhary advocated for a hybrid model at YourStory’s Brands of India event. Contrary to the trend of brands moving exclusively online, he sees the significance of India’s offline market, driven by the country’s vast population. WOW Skin Science’s ambitious plans to expand from 12,000 to 50,000 stores in the next 12 months reflect the brand’s commitment to a hybrid approach.
Manish Chowdhary’s insights shed light on the strategic considerations essential for the success of D2C brands in the diverse and dynamic Indian market.
The stories of Kunal Bahl, Anisha Singh, and Manish Chowdhary reveal that the journey from lessons to leaders and leaders to lessons is a perpetual cycle, each influencing and shaping the other.
