ABOUT A YEAR ago, the startup ecosystem was grappling with numerous challenges, including a funding winter, concerns about profitability, sustainable cash flow, optimising cash burns and layoffs. Unfortunately, many of these headwinds persist. According to data from GlobalData until November, Indian startups secured only $6.9 billion across 1,013 venture capital-funded deals. For context, the number was $20.2 billion in the same period last year, marking a significant 65 per cent decrease. Layoffs continue to haunt every stakeholder in the startup community, whether promoters or executive-level employees. The numbers speak louder than words; over 15,000 employees were laid off by about 100 Indian startups in 2023 as the funding winter persists, according to multiple reports.
Jumping Between Metrics
Amidst these negative developments, startups have interestingly adapted to the unfavourable market conditions and recognised the importance of fundamental business checks, such as cash flow and optimising cash burn. Arun Kumar, Managing Partner at Celesta Capital, says, “Depending on the specific life cycle stage of the startup and its technology, the pursuit of a path towards profitability has emerged as a significant focal point for investors.”
Denne historien er fra January 13, 2024-utgaven av BW Businessworld.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 13, 2024-utgaven av BW Businessworld.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Committed to helping India achieve carbon neutrality'
R. Purushothaman on how Danfoss India, part of Danish MNC, is supporting the nation's carbon neutrality goals with innovative products
INTELLECTUAL DEPTH & ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
Anil K. Khandelwal is a transformational leader, who invites readers to rethink leadership as a journey rather than a destination. In The Gym of Leadership, he emphasises that helmsmanship is not a badge of authority but a commitment to creating a positive impact, says Srinath Sridharan
AN INDUSTR BENCHMAR
The MacBook Pro M4 doesn't just set the bar for laptops-it becomes the bar. With unmatched performance, breath-taking design and incredible endurance, Apple's latest offering redefines what a laptop can achieve, says Sahil Mohan Gupta
The drip of good health
IV therapy seems to be a popular procedure with people in pursuit of good health and glowing skin. We spoke to medical experts about aspects to keep in mind before walking into a wellness centre to get that drip.
"MACARONS FOR THE MASSES"
CHANDNI NATH ISRANI, the driving force behind Ladurée's India expansion, redefines luxury in the F&B sector. With four flourishing Ladurée outlets established since 2021, Israni is making iconic French pastries and delicacies accessible to the Indian market. BW Businessworld sits down with the visionary entrepreneur to discuss her journey in building the luxury brand and her strategy for democratising gourmet experiences
NAVIGATING THE PATH TO PROFITABILITY: A STARTUP'S BALANCING ACT
WHEN EVALUATING startup profitability, it’s crucial to break it down into two main components: unit economics and fixed costs. Unit economics refers to the profitability of delivering each singular order, which involves analysing transaction margins against costs incurred, such as delivery and payment gateway fees. This assessment helps gauge whether a business model is sustainable at a micro level.
THE HOLY GRAIL OF PROFITABILITY
Profitability for startups is elusive, often overshadowed by growth and investor expectations. Achieving profitability requires a delicate balance between revenue generation and cost management, with factors like market dynamics and competition playing significant roles
"WE ARE FOCUSED ON BUILDING A RESILIENT AND SELF-SUSTAINING SEMICONDUCTOR ECOSYSTEM"
S.KRISHNAN, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, outlines India's ambitious plan to build a resilient and globally competitive semiconductor industry through the India Semiconductor Mission
Shaping the Future of Cyber Risk Management
With its mission to advance cyber risk quantification through the FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) model, the institute empowers businesses to align cybersecurity with broader objectives using structured, data-driven insights. Managing Director TODD TUCKER discusses how the institute’s methodologies and community-driven approach are reshaping industry standards worldwide, including growing interest in India and Asia Pacific
THE PILLAR OF A RESILIENT DIGITAL FUTURE
The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed the world, driving unprecedented connectivity and innovation. Yet, as the digital realm expands, so do vulnerabilities, with cyber threats emerging as critical challenges for businesses, governments and individuals
