StartupTalky

Tag: ✍️ Opinions

  • India’s Hospital Sector: Revenue Models, Digital Innovations, and Investment Trends

    This article has been contributed by Ms Pritika Singh, CEO at Prayag Hospitals Group.

    The healthcare sector experiences unique difficulties. Medical facilities and hospitals have to continue to be economically viable while putting first the well-being of their patients. This balance becomes particularly complicated in India because of the country’s diverse economic groups, changing regulatory landscape, and increasing dependence on technology for management and treatment.

    Revenue Models in the Hospital Industry

    Multiple revenue models are used by hospitals to determine their long-term viability. According to TechSci Research, the Indian hospital industry has been projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.64% from its 2024 valuation of USD 108.57 billion towards USD 197.31 billion by 2030. This growth indicates the increasing demand for hospital services as well as the difficult financial environment these facilities must operate in.

    The fee-for-service system, whereby patients pay for their own treatments, consultations, and procedures, is one of the most predominant models in India. While this approach guarantees money flow, it sometimes encourages the overuse of medical tests and procedures. Because it supports efficiency and cost control, hospitals are starting to use bundled payments, in which they charge an upfront amount for a treatment cycle.

    Value-based care is another recent development which encourages hospitals to focus on enhancing patient outcomes rather than simply service volume. Private healthcare facilities frequently opt for insurance-driven models, which leave a significant percentage of the population dependent on out-of-pocket expenses regardless of whether they are advantageous for insured patients. By giving coverage to those who are economically disadvantaged and increasing hospital accessibility nationwide, government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have tried to close this gap.

    Cost-Effective Healthcare Without Compromising Quality

    One of the largest issues facing the sector is still trying to create the right balance between affordability and maintaining high standards of care. With investments in AI, telemedicine, and digital health records improving service delivery, India’s healthcare system has gone through considerable modernisation. In remote locations, telemedicine, in particular, has transformed healthcare access. Expert consultations are no longer limited to major cities because of the connectivity between rural areas and urban medical centres. By using telehealth, hospitals lower costs for patients who would otherwise have to pay for travel and lodging in order to receive medical care.

    The rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in India has given rise to the emergence of specialty hospitals with an emphasis on cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer. By investing in modern technology that minimises human error and standardises treatment processes, these hospitals improve operational efficiency. Data-driven patient management, AI-assisted diagnostics, and robotic surgery have enhanced accuracy yet preserved cost-effectiveness.

    Mental health services continue to be underfunded despite these recent changes. The World Health Organization estimates that India’s burden of mental health issues stands at 2443 disability-adjusted life years per 100,000 people, with an age-adjusted suicide rate of 21.1 per 100,000. Between 2012 and 2030, the economic loss due to mental health conditions is projected at USD 1.03 trillion. Government policies such as the Mental Health Policy (2014) and the Mental Healthcare Act (2017) provide a framework for integrating mental health into primary healthcare. However, hospitals must invest more in psychiatric units, counselling services, and rehabilitation centers to address the growing demand for mental health support.

    Simplifying administrative expenses is also required for cost-effectiveness in healthcare. AI-driven healthcare management systems that automate scheduling, cut down on paperwork, and improve billing transparency are currently being adopted by hospitals more frequently. By reducing waiting lists and administrative problems, these steps not only save money on operating expenses but also improve the patient experience.

    Innovation and Investment Opportunities in Healthcare

    India’s hospital sector is seeing investment, predominantly in digital health, artificial intelligence, and medical infrastructure. AI-powered diagnostics are enhancing the accuracy of disease detection, while machine learning models predict patient deterioration, allowing for timely intervention.

    Healthcare improvements have also been pushed by the increasing popularity of connected medical devices. Doctors may remotely track chronic illnesses with the help of IoT-enabled gadgets that collect health data in real time. This is particularly crucial when it comes to managing conditions that need constant observation, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These developments reduce the demand for emergency care services and hospital readmissions.

    Since both public and private organisations have come to understand the need for top-notch medical facilities, investments in hospital infrastructure have also risen significantly. The Indian hospital industry generated INR 7,940.87 billion in FY21 and will continue to rise at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 18.24% to reach INR 18,348.78 billion by FY27, according to the Government’s Invest India report. The development of cities, increasing health insurance penetration, and increasing healthcare awareness are the main drivers of this expansion.

    Public-private partnerships, or PPPs, are also impacting how healthcare is delivered in India. Government-funded initiatives and private hospitals have been working together to give people access to healthcare, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This structure improves healthcare penetration in underprivileged areas while ensuring private businesses’ financial stability.

    Medical tourism offers yet another profitable investment opportunity. India has become an increasingly common choice for foreign patients looking for reasonably priced, excellent medical treatment. Patients from the Middle East, Africa, and even advanced nations seeking more affordable options are drawn to procedures like orthopedic interventions, cosmetic surgery, and cardiac surgery. This opportunity is being seized by hospitals that are investing in concierge services and specialist international patient departments.

    The healthcare system in India is undergoing an immense change. A balance between ethical patient care and economic viability must be maintained by hospitals. Accessibility must continue to be a primary focus of healthcare development, even when business patterns and treatment approaches are transformed by technology. Quality does not have to be compromised for affordability, and India’s healthcare sector has shown that efficiency and innovation can coexist.

    The primary focus should be on integrated healthcare models that incorporate advanced treatment choices, early diagnosis, and preventive care. This requires expenditures on workforce development, infrastructure, and research-based solutions. India’s healthcare system can have an economically viable and ethically responsible future if hospitals continue their focus on effectiveness without neglecting patient care.

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  • How AI-Powered Energy Intelligence is Transforming Business Sustainability

    This article has been contributed by Bharath Rnkawat, CEO & Founder, Enlog. 

    Sustainability has shifted from being a catchphrase to an essential factor in today’s global economy. As companies around the globe strive to lower their carbon emissions, cut down on the consumption of resources, and adhere to tough environmental policies, there is increasing pressure on the companies across sectors.

    However, achieving sustainability without compromising operational efficiency is a major challenge. Here is how AI powered energy intelligence is emerging as one of the most promising domains, changing how businesses curb their energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. 

    Everything from forecasting energy consumption to realtime optimization, AI enabled processes are redefining how business sustainability is achieved. A report by PwC estimates that AI capable solutions are expected to deliver as much as 4 percent GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emission mitigation by 2030, which translates to 2.4 gigatons of CO2, an impact that equals the annual emission of India, the third-largest emitter globally. With such projections, it’s impossible to dismiss AI as simply a sustainability tool- it’s a critical solution to the problem. 

    The New Challenge of Rising Energy Spending for Companies

    Recent years have experienced a rise in energy spending and consumption due to heightened industrial activity, urban migration, and adverse weather patterns. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global electricity demand will increase by more than 25 percent between now and 2040, mostly due to digitalization, electric vehicles, and increased industrial activity. Such developments imply higher operational costs for businesses together with their growing need to adopt sustainable practices. 

    To make matters worse, quite a number of companies still use outdated energy management systems neither do they incorporate real time data or predictive capacity. Conventional energy management practices involve collecting data manually, conducting trend analysis, and responding to energy inefficiencies after they have occurred. Such practices are inefficient, and worse, they prevent companies from optimizing performance by making waste reduction efforts proactive. 

    The Impact of AI-Powered Energy Intelligence on Businesses 

    AI powered energy intelligence incorporates machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and predictive analytics to monitor energy usage in real time. The automated management systems pay no attention to their predecessors; AI innovation provides: 

    1. Automated Monitoring and Smart Energy Optimization:

    AI systems have blasted open new frontiers in energy optimization. They track and analyze energy use across multiple facilities and flag those where energy is wasted in real time. For example, Google’s DeepMind AI used machine learning algorithms to optimize the cooling processes and reduced energy use in its data centers by 40%. Similar AI powered automation can be used by other firms to significantly reduce energy rotting at their facilities without any human involvement. 

    2. Predictive Energy Analytics for Cost Reduction:

    AI can forecast energy needs by studying past consumption patterns, previous weather, and predictable changes in business activities. Businesses can then lower energy spend by anticipating peak demand periods and decreasing energy use prior. A case study from Siemens’ MindSphere platform discovered that the same analytics helped energy- intensive industrial plants save 15% of energy cost every year. 

    3. Transition to Renewable Energy Source:

    Many businesses are transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, but face challenges related to intermittency and grid dependency. AI helps mitigate these issues by balancing energy loads, forecasting renewable energy generation, and integrating multiple energy sources into a single, optimized system.

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    4. Smart Grids & Demand Response Management:

    AI-powered smart grids help businesses adjust their energy consumption in response to real-time grid conditions, preventing wastage and reducing strain on energy infrastructure. Companies using AI-driven Demand Response (DR) programs can automatically reduce power usage during peak hours, leading to lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. Schneider Electric, a leader in smart energy solutions, has reported that AI-driven DR systems have helped clients achieve up to 30% energy savings. 

    AI’s role in regulating compliance & ESG Goals 

    Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening sustainability mandates. In the European Union, for instance, companies will have to disclose in detail their energy consumption and emissions. Energy intelligence systems, driven by AI, matter because they help the corporate automate compliance reporting in addition to easing the weight of such administration while ensuring transparency all the while. 

    Another major sector where AI is contributing to the ESG goals of companies is an environment. Carbon reduction with AI is the critical tool for 67% of global executives, according to Deloitte Sustainability Report 2023. AI-founded platforms will be able to trace sustainability metrics and detect inefficiencies to suggest actionable improvements. 

    The Future of AI-Driven Sustainability 

    The energy sustainability impact of AI is just on the cusp. Current emerging trends predict even greater emphasis in the future on efficiency, automation, and convergence. Prominent developments include: 

    • AI-Driven Digital Twins: Organizations are now developing digital copies of their real energy systems to replicate and maximize energy utilization in real-time prior to physical-world changes.
    • Edge AI for Decentralized Energy Management: AI algorithms on edge devices can locally process energy data, minimizing latency and maximizing efficiency in remote industrial locations and smart buildings. 
    • Blockchain and AI Integration: Integrating AI with blockchain can improve the transparency of energy trading and enable companies to automate and validate carbon credit transactions. 

    The use of AI for energy management isn’t futuristic as it used to be. It is a powerful tool for businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability, reduce expenses, and comply with necessary policies. The integration AI with predictive and real time analytics has enabled organizations to refocus their approach to energy management from reactive to proactive.

    With rapid technological advancement, more companies adopting AI technology, and its promise to reimagine efficiency in almost every sector, AI can transform energy efficiency to bring forth a sustainable and affordable future for businesses and the planet. Organizations willing to act now will benefit greatly beyond monetary savings; they will enjoy being a leader in the coming cycle of smart and sustainable development.

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  • How to Bootstrap a Fashion Startup: Building a Sustainable Brand with Limited Resources

    This article has been contributed by Pragya Priyali, Founder and Creative Director, Unrush.

    Starting a business is exhilarating. The idea, the passion, the drive—it all fuels the early days. But when you’re bootstrapping, meaning you’re building with limited external financial support, sustainability becomes the real game-changer. Many founders dive in headfirst, hoping things will work out.

    However, without a clear roadmap, they often find themselves lost, overwhelmed, or worse—out of cash. Having built my own direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand from the ground up, I’ve learned firsthand what it takes to create a sustainable business while managing a tight budget. Here are the key principles that have guided my journey.

    1. Plan for the Long Haul

    Before anything else, map out a 3-4 year financial plan. This isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about understanding when your business will become cash-positive and how much capital you’ll need to reach each stage of growth. Consider best-case and worst-case scenarios—aim for the best, but prepare for the worst.

    It’s tempting to dive in and figure things out along the way, but trust me, flying blind is a recipe for stress and failure. Without a plan, you won’t know if you’re performing well or struggling, how long it will take to become profitable, or where you’re losing money. I’ve seen too many founders burn out simply because they had no sense of where they stood against their ambitions.

    Your plan will also help you decide whether the scale of business you can realistically achieve with your available resources is worth pursuing. In many cases, founders realize early on that the numbers don’t add up, saving themselves time, money, and heartache.

    2. Nail Your Unit Economics from Day One

    From the beginning, you need to be crystal clear on how your business will be profitable. What’s your competitive advantage? Will you differentiate through product innovation, marketing efficiency, or supply chain mastery? Standing out in today’s crowded market is not optional—it’s survival.

    Your pricing strategy is crucial. Are you playing a mass-market game with low margins, or are you building a niche brand with higher margins? Either way, every item you sell must generate profit. Too many businesses chase vanity metrics like revenue growth without ensuring that each sale contributes positively to their bottom line. A brand that bleeds money on every transaction is just a ticking time bomb.

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    3. Quality Over Quick Wins

    As a small brand, you can’t rely solely on performance marketing forever. In the early days, you may need to allocate 90% of your marketing budget to paid ads, but that’s not sustainable long-term. Quality products create loyal customers, reducing your dependence on paid acquisition over time.

    When customers return because they love your products, your cost of customer acquisition drops. Eventually, your marketing mix should shift toward organic growth, referrals, and community-driven efforts, bringing down paid marketing spends to 60% or lower. The alternative? A vicious cycle where you constantly burn cash on performance marketing to drive revenue, until you run out of money and the business collapses.

    4. Don’t Chase Valuations—Chase Profitability

    The startup world glamorizes billion-dollar valuations, but if you’re bootstrapping, forget about impressing investors and focus on business fundamentals. Scaling through relentless spending is easy—anyone can do it. But what happens when the money dries up?

    Even if you plan to raise funds later, your business must be built on strong financial principles. Investors look for businesses with solid unit economics, a clear path to profitability, and sustainable growth strategies. But here’s the kicker: if you build your business the right way from the start, you might never need funding at all.

    5. Choose Your Partners Wisely

    Early on, you may not have the budget to hire top-tier talent full-time, and that’s okay. Instead of settling for subpar hires, consider working with high-quality agencies and freelancers who bring expertise and flexibility.

    The quality of your brand is directly tied to the people working on it. Cutting corners on talent may seem like a cost-saving move, but it often leads to expensive mistakes down the line. Be strategic with your hiring and partnerships—invest where it truly matters.

    6. You Can’t Do Everything Yourself

    As a founder, it’s natural to want control over every aspect of your business. But you are not a superhero, nor do you need to be an expert in everything. Your time is best spent on big-picture strategy, innovation, and growth—not micromanaging every detail.

    Surround yourself with partners and team members who excel in their areas, allowing you to focus on what truly moves the needle. Learning to delegate is one of the most valuable skills a founder can develop.

    The Bottom Line

    Building a sustainable business on a bootstrapped budget is not easy, but it’s absolutely possible. It requires meticulous planning, financial discipline, a strong focus on product quality, and the ability to scale efficiently. By staying grounded in solid business principles rather than chasing external validation, you can create a brand that thrives, not just survives.

    If you’re starting your journey, remember: sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s about building a business that lasts. And that’s the real win.

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  • Developing Effective Wealth Management Strategies for Long-Term Financial Success

    This article has been contributed by Sreepriya NS, Co-founder and Director, Entrust Family Office.

    It requires more than just making money to thrive in life. It’s essential to ensure that there is a decent level of growth, stability, and longevity. Erratic investment decisions, volatility in the market, and economic recession may all drain even large assets if not bolstered by a designed financial strategy.

    Asset protection as well as long-term financial security can be ensured with a carefully planned asset management plan. To fund and nurture generations, there must be a systematic and disciplined approach. A well-planned financial strategy will maintain investments aligned with individual endeavors, ensuring current and future fiscal security.

    The key steps below will help you create a winning asset management plan –

    1. Clearly Defining Investing and Financial Objectives

    Establishing well-defined goals is the foundation of a successful financial plan. These goals facilitate a more concentrated investment approach, no matter what their greatest aspirations are, which might be to build a lasting family legacy, endow educational institutions, or ensure a secure retirement. A critical part of this process is budgeting.

    Individuals are better equipped to make financial decisions once they have a clear understanding of their income, expenses, and savings. Resources are allocated well by managing a range of expenses and eliminating inefficiencies while maintaining a balance between lifestyle selections and financial obligations.

    2. Follow a Disciplined Investment Approach

    Investment decisions should be based on logic and strategy rather than feelings. Sticking to a well-planned, long-term approach to wealth management reduces risk and maximizes returns over time. Distribution of assets across different financial categories increases stability and growth potential.

    3. Asset Allocation

    It’s always preferred to diversify your investment portfolio across various asset classes. Each asset class plays a distinct role; fixed income is for stability, equity is for growth, and gold is a hedge against inflation and a haven during uncertain times. Additionally, there is real estate investment and insurance.

    Year after year, different asset classes take turns to outperform each other. Hence, having an appropriate asset allocation helps you manage your wealth better with risk-adjusted returns.

    4. Optimizing Your Tax Planning

    Effective tax planning is significant for preserving asset storage. Structured tax–efficient investment strategies assist in minimizing financial liabilities while complying with regulatory changes. This leads to ensuring long-term financial growth and capital preservation.

    5. Enhanced Insurance and Real Estate Planning

    Insurance serves as a protective barrier against financial uncertainty, but real estate planning ensures that assets are transferred seamlessly to future generations. Establishing a will, trust, and succession plan will help minimize legal complications and ensure that prosperity is used as desired.

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    6. Regularly Review and Adapt Your Financial Plan

    Asset management plans are not static. Regular checks are required to focus on changing economic situations, tax laws, and personal situations. Regular portfolio reviews help you stay in sync with your long-term goals. Many families lose their financial stability due to poor planning, uninformed decisions, or internal conflicts.

    Research shows that many families avoid discussions about investment and financial capabilities, leading to a lack of motivation for future financial responsibility. Money discussions are becoming more and more common, but strategic investments still have obstacles.

    7. Sustainable Investing

    Sustainable investing not only syncs your values with your investment portfolio, but also potentially enhances long-term returns. The first step is researching and selecting investment products that concentrate on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

    For example, focusing on ESG-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds to diversify your sustainable investments. Implementing this approach can assist in capitalizing on companies that are well-positioned for future growth, especially in areas like social innovation or renewable energy, potentially making way for stronger long-term performance.

    8. Philanthropy

    With immense wealth comes an opportunity to incorporate philanthropy into your wealth management plan. Multiple options like setting up charitable trusts or donor-advised funds allow you to make tax-deductible contributions while maintaining control over how the funds are distributed over time.

    For instance, a charitable remainder trust can benefit you with income during your lifetime, with the remainder going to your preferred charity. This strategy assists in causes you genuinely care about and can deduct your tax burden, freeing up more resources for wealth growth.

    9. Preparing The Next Generation

    It is important to promote the next generation and have financial discussions. In the end, early financial education can prevent common pitfalls and promote responsible asset management. The elder generation plays an important role in the design of financial value within a family. Bringing children to prioritize long-term financial stability before short-term profits promotes responsible money management.

    Family offices can assist here by supporting key inheritance assets throughout the investment cycle, notifying them in financial markets, and supporting portfolio management, succession planning, and governance structures. With the right approach, prosperity is preserved, expanded, and transformed into a legacy of stability and growth.

    Maintaining a corpus is a journey, not the destination. It’s a process of consistency; in investing, saving and making informed financial decisions. Beginning early, focusing on protecting your assets, diversification, reducing taxes and managing debt, you’ll be looking at long-term financial success.

    The answer is discipline, patience and a clear plan. Stay focused on your goals, adjust your strategy as needed and celebrate your success along the way. With time, your efforts will compound, paving the way to financial independence and lasting wealth.

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  • How to Maximize ROI on Digital Investments for MSMEs

    This article has been contributed by Aleksandra Malhotra, Director of Kladana.

    Small businesses prioritize quick returns over long-term digital investments. They need solutions that cut costs and show immediate results: fast order processing, raw materials always in stock, and invoices paid on time. SMEs want to automate all their processes on one platform and easily manage inventory, sales, and manufacturing. 

    While it’s tempting to jump into new technologies right away, small businesses face a tricky path to achieving maximum ROI. With limited budgets, the need for employee training, and the constant need to adjust processes, MSMEs must be strategic in their approach. The challenge isn’t just picking the right digital solutions, but how to adapt them to a business’s specific needs and growth plans. 

    The best way forward? Identify a problem, implement a solution, measure the impact, and then move on to the next step.

    Choosing the Right Digital Tool

    Not all technologies deliver equal ROI. Hence, small businesses should invest in tools that directly impact revenue, profitability, and cost reduction.

    ERP and Automation

    ERP systems help entrepreneurs reduce mistakes, set up smooth workflows, improve team collaboration, and view real-time data. A company can easily manage inventory, orders, and warehouses from one platform.

    Marketing and Sales

    Investing in tools like CRM, advertising, and analytics can boost conversions, generate leads, and help retain customers. Analytics track item sales, identify best-sellers for reordering and reduce costs on non-profitable products.

    For example, Artisanté, an Indian food manufacturer, cut down the time spent on restocking raw materials. With ERP, the purchasing manager can now see sales estimates, calculate what raw materials are needed, and create purchase orders right away.

    Logistics and Inventory

    Efficient inventory management helps MSMEs avoid stockouts and overstock and reduce transportation costs by maintaining the right stock levels and minimizing waste.

    For instance, Neytt, an Indian carpet manufacturer, used to track inventory manually across ten locations, which took up a lot of time and resources. After they started using an ERP system, they brought all inventory management together, made stocktaking faster, and removed repetitive tasks, giving them more time to grow their business. 

    Online Sales Channels

    Selling through online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms helps businesses expand their reach and boost sales. Integrations with platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify make it simple to set up and manage an online store.

    Automating Core Business Processes

    Cloud-based ERP solutions allow SMEs to avoid high upfront costs while providing real-time data for better decision-making.

    Key Automation Benefits 

    • Boosted Efficiency: Automation speeds up tasks and lets employees focus on more important work. For example, software can automatically track stock levels, freeing up staff to handle more critical tasks.
    • Lower Costs: By reducing errors and repetitive tasks, automation cuts labour and overhead costs.
    • Better Accuracy: Standardized processes mean fewer mistakes and more reliable results.
    • Instant Insights: With real-time data, businesses can make quick, informed decisions.
    • Happier Customers: Faster, mistake-free orders lead to better customer satisfaction and loyalty.
    • Scalability: As your business grows, automation can handle more tasks without extra costs.
    • Faster Order Processing: Automating orders speeds up the entire process, from order placement to delivery.
    • Easier Financial Control: Automated reports and invoices save time, allowing teams to focus on growth strategies instead of paperwork.

    For example, Metako, a steel door manufacturer, implemented ERP to automate warehouse management, cutting down inventory losses and logistics costs. Similarly, Hey Baby, an apparel manufacturer, uses ERP analytics to guide decision-making. By tracking item sales, they identify best-sellers to bring back each season, helping reduce costs on less profitable products.

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    KPI and Analytics: Measuring ROI on Digital Investments

    To measure success, companies should measure the following key metrics:

    1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

    The cost to acquire a new customer includes all marketing and sales expenses divided by the number of new customers gained in a period. Track CAC to see how your marketing efforts are performing. If your CAC is too high, focus on improving your sales funnel or targeting more qualified leads.

    Example:

    A small e-commerce business spends $10,000 on digital marketing (ads, social media, etc.) in a month and acquires 200 new customers.

    CAC = $10,000 ÷ 200 customers = $50

    This means it costs the business $50 to gain one customer. The goal is to reduce CAC over time as marketing strategies become more efficient.

    2. Lifetime Value (LTV)

    The total revenue generated from a customer over time. A higher LTV means that the business can afford to spend more on acquisition. Focus on increasing LTV by improving customer retention, offering loyalty programs, and providing excellent customer service.

    Example:

    A customer buys products from an online store for $100 every month. Over 2 years, they continue to make purchases.

    LTV = $100 × 12 months × 2 years = $2,400

    Knowing the LTV helps businesses set acquisition budgets because they know how much profit one customer can generate.

    3. Operational Efficiency

    Time saved on order fulfilment, reduced manual work, and cost savings. This directly impacts ROI by freeing up time for more valuable activities. Look for areas where automation can help save time, like inventory management, order processing, or financial reporting.

    Example:

    A company that used to take 10 hours a week to process orders now automates the order process with ERP software, reducing time spent to 2 hours a week. That’s 8 hours saved every week, which can be used for growing the business.

    4. Revenue and Profitability Growth

    The overall financial impact of digital tools. By analyzing data on sales performance and operational costs, you can determine whether the tools are driving growth. Use data to identify profitable trends and focus efforts on areas with the highest return. For instance, using CRM data to target the most profitable customer segments can increase sales efficiency.

    Example:

    A company implements a CRM system to manage customer relationships. As a result, their repeat customer rate increases from 20% to 40%. This boosts sales by 25% in the first quarter after implementation.

    Common Mistakes That Reduce ROI and How to Avoid Them

    While digital tools can transform your business, some mistakes can reduce their value.

    Overcomplicating Implementation

    Trying to do everything at once can overwhelm your team. Start with one process, like handling sales orders and quotations, then gradually add more as your team gets comfortable with the new tools.

    Failure to Train Employees

    Even the best tools won’t work if your team doesn’t know how to use them. Make sure employees are properly trained and offer ongoing support to improve adoption and prevent delays.

    Lack of a Clear Strategy

    A digital transformation needs a clear plan. Set short-term goals, long-term objectives, and measurable results. For example, start by digitizing quality control, then expand to other areas as part of a staged approach to reduce defects.

    To sum it all up, small business owners cannot wait 3–5 years to see the impact of digitalization. They need to make improvements today and see results tomorrow. That’s why the best approach is a step-by-step strategy: identify a problem, implement a solution, evaluate the impact, and move forward.

    Digital technologies are not just a trend — they are a strategic tool for growth. Choosing the right starting point, considering implementation complexity, and taking a phased approach ensures that small businesses maximize ROI and scale without chaos.

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  • How Can Women in a Leadership Role Create a Work-Life Balance

    This article has been contributed by Divya Mohindroo, Counselling Psychologist.

    I feel women everywhere have felt a lot of pressure with fewer outlets to let out their stress as they try to bottle their emotions, always trying to create work home balance, taking care of their families ignoring their mental health which has resulted in a spike of many mental health issues, especially in recent times. I would suggest women think more practically rather than emotionally. 

    As a psychologist & a working woman, I would suggest that the FASTEST way to end your pain and suffering of any kind, especially with matters related to stress, anxiety, is to accept the reality of what is occurring, even if it feels bad. Many of the spiritual practices people engage in today are a mechanism of reality avoidance. 

    Small Daily Habits for a Healthier Life

    When practically, reality is your only axis of power. Some simple daily steps that can help in creating balance for women in their professional & personal life are taking care of the four wheels of your existence –

    Keep yourself hydrated well throughout the day this will help you release toxins, eat nutritious food by balancing your meals with home food & meals outside, doing 45 minutes of some form of exercise in which you sweat out your sorrows & release happy feel good hormones & the last which is the most important is maintain a healthy good sleep cycle try to sleep 8 hours.

    A common question often asked is what to do if I can’t sleep well. One simple formula is to do a digital detox half an hour before you sleep & half an hour after getting up, instead replace it with journaling, reading a book or listening to some soothing music, which will create a relaxing effect. Also, another tip is not to use your bed for any other activity except sleeping. Make a zen corner in the house, which is a “me corner” solely dedicated to you for your work & relaxing time. 

    Professional Growth and Networking

    Professionally, I would suggest starting to make a list of potential employers, researching about available opportunities and companies, and looking for avenues to upskill and even diversify into other sectors. Approach employers while being mentally prepared to describe their situation while pitching their candidature.

    It is also important to network with friends, ex-bosses and colleagues to ease your situation & understand that many people like you are sailing in the same boat & every individual has their own set of problems, which is why self-pity is not a feeling to stay with.

    All professionals should share their work responsibilities with colleagues at work and family members at home, which will help them not only be accountable but also feel light about their life and tasks in hand. All women should try & give themselves small incentives for little achievements at work & home. This will keep them motivated & less dissatisfied. Change happens quickly, transitions take time. Honor the time & space between no longer & not yet.

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    The Power of Self-Care and Setting Boundaries

    I don’t believe a woman should obsess over work-life balance; however, you can take steps to achieve it. Life is about growth and exploration, not achieving a stuck state of balance. 

    You have a certain time limit in this work to experience all that you imagine. Figuring out how to make the most out of your family, work and spirituality is your life’s purpose. Go do it. As women, we must understand when we are missing something in life. 

    You have basic needs like anyone else, and when they aren’t met, your body sends signals. Hunger, loneliness, exhaustion, thirst, and fear are all signals that something is missing and you need to act on it NOW. When you feel low, disinterested or that incomplete feeling. It’s a signal that you must take a step to move, embrace and extend your life in new ways. Instead of raising your voice, raise your hand. 

    Celebrating Womanhood Every Day

    Don’t feel shy or underconfident, start volunteering, say yes to opportunities, sign up for new things & people, when you fall, just pick yourself up, fake a smile & move on. Eventually, you will gain confidence. Plan an ending time for your day. Your most productive days happen when you set a timeline for yourself. 

    You’ll bring an urgency and a focus to what you’re doing. The reason so many of us feel like we can never stop working and never unplug is that we rarely have a work-life boundary. Setting up a finishing time first thing in the morning will help set a deadline for the day. Let’s come to self-care, you deserve five minutes at least at the start of the day.

    Before you start focusing on everything else in the morning, turn your attention inward. Spend five minutes quietly and develop something for yourself, whether it’s a journaling practice, expressing your gratitude or a meditation practice, or simply making a cup of coffee.

    Spend some time, maybe 10 mins, in nature (walking barefoot on the grass or just taking in some sunlight, seeing flowers). If you can do that three or four days a week, you will have a fundamentally different experience because you put yourself first. 

    That’s achievable for every woman. Saying all this, I feel we as women are empowered & lucky that we can take care & nurture others. It’s a wonderful thing. We should celebrate ourselves, our small & big wins at home or work every day. 

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  • Luxury Real Estate Marketing: How to Build a Timeless Aspirational Brand

    This article has been contributed by Ms. Jasna Bedi, CMO, BCD Group and Founder, Casa Di Lusso.

    Luxury in real estate is no longer about owning extravagant homes. It is more about creating an emotional connection and offering a distinct experience. As competition heats up in this high-end market, its success depends not only on the physical attributes of luxury homes but also on the experiences and stories that real estate brands can create. Traditional marketing techniques have given way to an era where innovation and emotional engagement have taken the front seat.

    Placing High-End Properties in a Competitive Marketplace

    The high-end realty sector is saturated with extravagant homes, yet what distinguishes a property is how it is marketed and the emotions it evokes. Customers in this sector are not only concerned about square footage; they desire distinct and exclusive properties in high-profile areas. This makes careful positioning of luxury homes an essential factor.

    Effective positioning relies on a deep understanding of your target clientele—the high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). An industry survey reveals that India’s luxury housing segment will likely grow at 15% CAGR through 2025, driven by HNIs and UHNIs. These elite buyers don’t simply invest in a home. They invest in status, legacy, and lifestyle. To establish a brand that resonates with this elite clientele, realty marketers must carefully position luxury properties to leave a lasting impact.

    A brand specialised in luxury real estate must establish itself as a symbol of trust, expertise, and exclusivity. To achieve that, it needs a clear image and an identifiable visual language. Refined typography, an elegant colour scheme, and clean marketing materials help shape positive brand perception. Real estate marketers must master this art by maintaining a consistent look that instantly conveys luxury.

    Apart from aesthetic appeal, exclusivity must be incorporated into the whole brand experience. Even digital marketing campaigns need to be selective to reach only the best-qualified home buyers through precision-based campaigns that emphasise personalisation, data-driven targeting, and a multi-channel approach.

    Upscale properties must also be marketed in a manner that emphasises their unique attributes. Expert photography, film-quality videography, and ultra-high-definition virtual walkthroughs should not only capture a home’s attributes but also speak about the lifestyle it represents.

    Drone shots of stunning vistas, dusk photography for setting mood, and stylish interior photography help create an aspirational tale that attracts the best buyers. Also, interactive 3D floor plans give buyers a deeper sense of space and scale.

    Storytelling and Emotional Branding in Luxury Real Estate

    Luxury is more about stories than statistics. Homebuyers do not buy a house because of the high ceilings or marble counters. They invest in the feelings and aspirations associated with it. A luxury home must narrate a story that resonates with the desires of prospective buyers. Thus, successful luxury branding relies on captivating storytelling.

    India’s luxury property brands excel in the art of emotional branding through storytelling. They incorporate the country’s history and craftsmanship into their architectural designs and lifestyle experiences to entice buyers.

    The country’s high-end properties are inspired by its affluent heritage that has a deep connection with craft and culture. As such, luxury homes today blend the old and the new by combining modern sophistication with traditional ingenuity. The goal is to recreate vintage styles in a contemporary context so that a luxury home looks both timeless and relevant. 

    A powerful brand narrative also inspires trust. Consumers in the luxury property market prefer brands that share their values and reflect exclusivity. Consistent messaging across all channels, from the website to social media to in-person contacts, bolsters this association.

    Because high-net-worth customers are sophisticated and expect seamless experiences, each point of contact needs to be exclusive and refined. Online platforms provide the chance to take storytelling beyond conventional marketing. Luxury realty brands need to leverage high-quality content to transport potential purchasers into the world they are selling.

    Blog stories on architectural inspirations, interviews with top designers, and behind-the-scenes tours of upscale property developments generate curiosity and aspirational appeal. Some luxury real estate players use influencer marketing to improve brand narrative in order to captivate, engage, and resonate with people on a deep emotional level.

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    Utilising Experiential Marketing to Engage High-Net-Worth Buyers

    In the high-end realty market, experiences make a more lasting impression than commercials. That is why experiential marketing is an anchor of luxury real estate branding. Experiential marketing has a long-lasting impact.

    It is about creating an ongoing experience in which every interaction with the brand reinforces the sense of luxury and exclusivity. Every aspect should reflect refinement and prestige from the moment a potential consumer comes into contact with the brand until the final sale.

    Designing immersive, memorable experiences enables prospective buyers to connect with a property on a more real level. 

    Curated events are one of the best ways to employ experiential marketing. A property can host exclusive events to create a memorable experience for fine dining, art viewing, or a private concert. For instance, a Michelin chef could host an intimate dinner or a celebrated painter might organize an art show in a luxury villa where guests can not only see the home but also experience the lifestyle it provides.

    Technology–The Magic Ride to Virtual Luxury

    Technology is also used in experiential marketing. Virtual reality (VR) property tours give buyers an immersive experience and enable overseas buyers to tour a home virtually with photo-realistic accuracy.

    Listings featuring virtual tours and videos rank higher and boost engagement, besides helping realtors generate more leads. Similarly, AI concierge services provide personalized property information and recommendations to further maximize interaction and leave buyers feeling valued and heard.

    Personalisation further enhances the home buying experience by allowing potential buyers to visualise different interior design options, lighting settings, flooring choices, and smart home integrations.

    The Gold Standard of Luxury Branding

    Aspirations are always in demand in a market dominated by exclusivity. A genuinely aspirational luxury real estate brand is not merely about the properties it lists. It is about the feelings it inspires, the exclusivity it maintains, and the experiences it offers.

    In 2025, success in the luxury realty sector requires more than conventional strategies. To truly stand out, developers need an evolved, multi-dimensional strategy that resonates with high-net-worth buyers. From engaging digital narratives to offering ultra-personalized experiences, these impactful strategies can make a luxury housing brand the go-to choice for elite homebuyers.

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  • The Business of Ayurveda: Why Women-Led Startups Are Thriving in This Space

    This article has been contributed by Akshi Khandelwal, Founder & CEO, Butterfly Ayurveda.

    Indian households have practiced Ayurveda for many years. What began as conventional treatment methods and home cures has now grown into a flourishing industry. We can observe its impact on everything from food and drink to skincare and wellness.

    Ayurveda has also gained popularity recently among entrepreneurs looking to bring its benefits to a larger audience in innovative ways. Interestingly, a notable portion of these are run by women. 

    What, though, is causing this trend? Why are women-led startups in the Ayurvedic industry doing so well?

    Ayurveda’s Increasing Market Potential

    The demand for Ayurvedic products has grown as more individuals are turning to natural & organic wellness solutions. According to some reports, India’s Ayurveda market will expand at a CAGR of more than 15 percent in the years to come. For women entrepreneurs, this presents a promising opportunity to enter and make a mark in the industry. 

    Factors Driving Women Entrepreneurs in Ayurveda

    1. Cultural Heritage and Knowledge

    Many women grow up learning Ayurvedic practices from their mothers and grandmothers. This inherited wisdom gives them authentic insights that go beyond textbook understanding. They’ve witnessed these practices in action, which lends credibility to their ventures.

    2. Consumer Trust in Women-Led Wellness Brands

    Customers are more likely to trust women-led brands when it comes to skincare and wellness. Many of these brands focus on transparency, sustainability, & ethical sourcing. Today’s conscious customers really appreciate these values.

    3. The Digital Revolution and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Model

    The rise of e-commerce has made it easier for women to enter the Ayurvedic market. They can directly approach customers with the aid of social media, influencer marketing, and online stores and no longer have to depend on traditional retail networks. A considerable share of women-led brands have successfully built strong online communities by engaging customers through content-driven strategies that educate and inform about Ayurvedic practices.

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    4. Government Initiatives and Funding Support

    The Indian government has launched a number of programs, including Startup India initiatives and Mudra loans, to encourage women entrepreneurs. At the same time, there is growing investor interest in women-led health & wellness brands.

    5. Creative Product Lines

    Unlike conventional Ayurvedic companies, several new women-led ventures are focusing on niche and unique product categories – personalized skincare, organic teas, Ayurvedic nutraceuticals, & menstrual wellness products. They are able to carve out a distinct space in a crowded market because of this differentiation.

    6. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

    Many female business owners are dedicated to sustainable business concepts. They value fair trade, eco-friendly packaging, and naturally sourced ingredients, all of which are in line with the global trend toward ethical consumerism. This emphasis on sustainability draws in a devoted clientele alongside building their brand reputation.

    7. Ayurveda Experts Venturing into Entrepreneurship

    Nowadays, a lot of female pharmacologists and Ayurvedic physicians are starting their own product lineups or working with entrepreneurs who wish to get into this market. Their business spirit and longstanding knowledge of Ayurvedic formulas are resulting in the development of superior, scientifically supported products.

    Obstacles and the Path Ahead

    Even with its progress, Ayurveda still presents difficulties for female business owners. A major challenge is securing funding. Bigger, more established brands continue to dominate the wellness sector. This makes it hard to draw in investors. Persuading stakeholders to invest in new Ayurvedic ventures can be an uphill battle. Strong business plans and a unique scalability vision would be necessary. 

    Funding for R&D and new product development is also crucial. When items are launched without adequate research, credibility and customer trust may suffer. To help entrepreneurs in creating high-quality, verified products, government agencies and investors need to offer greater assistance in this area.

    Another challenge is competition. Since well-known Ayurvedic companies have a large portion of the market, it could be challenging for startups to make an impression. Women entrepreneurs need to concentrate on developing strong customer trust. They can offer specialized products and innovate them further to stand out.

    Regulatory hurdles also add complexity. Businesses that use Ayurveda must follow strict government laws. This includes things like obtaining approval from organizations such as the FSSAI & the AYUSH Ministry. It can be expensive & time-consuming to make sure safety rules, quality control, and licensing requirements are met.

    The outlook looks promising, nevertheless. Women entrepreneurs can make their mark with strategic planning and persistence. For the women interested in Ayurveda, the message is clear: there has never been a better time to blend traditional knowledge with contemporary market needs.

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  • How to Scale a Fashion Business from Startup to ₹100+ Crore Brand: Key Strategies That Work

    This article has been contributed by Esha Bhambri, Co-Founder & Creative Director, House of Fett.

    Scaling a fashion business from a startup to a ₹100+ crore brand doesn’t happen by chance—it takes vision, persistence, and financial discipline. Many entrepreneurs start with passion, but long-term success depends on making smart business decisions, negotiating costs, and being deeply involved in operations. Here are key lessons that can help other fashion entrepreneurs scale their business effectively.

    1. Scaling Starts with a Strong Vision & Relentless Persistence

    The biggest difference between brands that stay small and those that scale is the founder’s vision. When I started, I had no external funding or big industry backing—but I envisioned a ₹100 crore brand from day one. No matter what challenges came in my way—economic downturns, cash flow issues, rejections—I remained persistent.

    Entrepreneurs often underestimate the power of setting clear goals. If you want to scale:

    • Think big, but plan smart—a vision without execution is just a dream.
    • Be relentless—every founder faces obstacles, but those who push through will see long-term growth.
    • Stay adaptable—if something doesn’t work, pivot quickly without losing sight of the bigger picture.

    2. Managing Costs Like Every Rupee Counts

    One of the most overlooked skills in business is cost control. Many startups fail because they overspend early on and struggle with cash flow. I personally handled all company expenses, negotiating every cost to the lowest possible value. Every rupee saved was a rupee earned.

    To scale successfully, entrepreneurs must:

    • Learn to negotiate—from store leases to raw materials, suppliers, and logistics, small savings add up to big margins.
    • Cut unnecessary overheads—fancy offices, excessive hires, and expensive marketing may look good, but they drain capital.
    • Prioritize smart spending—invest in product quality, retail experience, and customer acquisition rather than vanity metrics.

    Even today, I review major operational costs to ensure the business remains lean, allowing us to reinvest profits into expansion.

    3. Founders Must Know Everything in the Early Stages

    In the early years of a startup, there’s no budget to hire senior executives or expensive consultants. As an entrepreneur, you need to understand every part of the business—operations, finance, marketing, supply chain, and HR.

    I personally managed:

    • Retail leasing and negotiations to get the best locations at the lowest possible cost.
    • Vendor and supplier pricing to ensure our production and logistics costs remained under control.
    • Marketing budgets and campaign strategies, ensuring maximum ROI from them and influencer collaborations.

    Once the business scales, you can hire specialists, but in the beginning, a founder must wear multiple hats and build systems from scratch.

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    4. Balancing Creativity with Commercial Decisions

    Many fashion entrepreneurs get caught up in the design process and overlook the business side of things. While creativity is essential, a brand can only grow if it’s commercially viable.

    To scale, you must:

    • Track sales data—analyze what works and adjust future collections accordingly.
    • Test in small batches before investing in large production runs.
    • Understand your audience—fashion isn’t just about trends; it’s about knowing what your customers actually buy.

    Every creative decision must align with market demand and revenue potential.

    5. Building an Omnichannel Business for Maximum Reach

    A fashion brand can’t rely on a single revenue stream. Today’s successful brands scale by combining physical retail with a strong digital presence.

    Key strategies for omnichannel success:

    • Retail stores build trust & brand experience.
    • E-commerce offers scalability and convenience.
    • Social media & influencer marketing drive engagement & sales.

    Many brands start purely online and struggle to scale offline because physical retail requires different expertise. A balanced omnichannel approach ensures consistent cash flow and multiple growth avenues.

    6. Reinvesting Profits for Long-Term Growth

    In the early stages, profitability should be reinvested, not withdrawn for luxuries. I chose to prioritize business growth over personal gains, ensuring funds were used for:

    • Retail expansion & new store openings.
    • Strengthening e-commerce & digital marketing.
    • Investing in better infrastructure & supply chain.

    Many startups make the mistake of spending too much on branding & lifestyle upgrades before establishing a strong business foundation. The key to scaling is delayed gratification—build the company first, enjoy the rewards later.

    7. Learning from Failures & Pivoting Quickly

    Every entrepreneur faces setbacks. Some of the biggest lessons come from unexpected challenges:

    • During COVID-19, all retail stores shut down, and we had no online business at the time. Instead of panicking, I used the last ₹30,000 left on my credit card to build an online store myself through Shopify tutorials.
    • When one of our best-performing stores was shut down to accommodate a retail giant, we took it as a sign to expand beyond Delhi instead of limiting ourselves to one region.

    Scaling a brand is not just about winning—it’s about recovering from losses and making bold decisions when faced with uncertainty.

    Final Thoughts: The Mindset Required to Scale a Fashion Business

    Scaling a startup into a ₹100+ crore brand is not about luck—it’s about:

    • Believing in your vision even when others doubt you.
    • Managing costs ruthlessly and negotiating every deal.
    • Being deeply involved in every aspect of business operations.
    • Balancing creativity with commercial strategy.
    • Reinvesting profits to ensure long-term sustainability.
    • Adapting to failures and using them as opportunities to pivot.

    If you’re an aspiring fashion entrepreneur, dream big, stay persistent, and be ready to work harder than you ever imagined. Success in fashion isn’t just about beautiful clothes—it’s about making smart business decisions every single day.

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  • How No-Code Tools Are Empowering Startups to Build MVPs Faster

    This article has been contributed by Mr. Rahul Murthi, Head – Revolution Pre-sales, Acies.

    They say time is money, and in 2025, it cannot be more relevant. As we have observed with the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) in the artificial intelligence (AI) space, startups in this space survive and perish in a matter of months if they do not provide the best and most useful LLMs to attract enterprise and individual customer interests.

    Startup founders are undergoing tremendous pressure when it comes to converting their idea into a viable technology-enabled product or service and then into an enterprise. These pressures are related to:

    Selecting and maintaining the technology stack

    Non-technical founders are reliant on their CTO or technology team for the right technology stack for building their product or technology-enabled services. However, most do not factor in how their stack can be future-proofed to rapid advancements in technology. Further most also do not assess the cost of development, deployment and maintenance, which creates sudden liquidity pressures. 

    Building a developer base

    Startup founders require sufficient liquidity to hire development personnel who continue to be expensive given the depleting availability of good and versatile developers. This requires founders to constantly sell their idea and their product to investors at the cost of their equity to have this liquidity cushion available to hire developers.

    Speed and time to market

    Surviving without a large or sustainable market share in any technology-focused marketplace is extremely difficult for any product and startup today. Customers and investors alike are attracted to a product or startup if they have the best-in-class minimum viable product (MVP) that objectively outshines others or are operating in a market that with a relatively untapped large TAM (total addressable market) where market consolidation is yet to commence.

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    The No-Code solution

    No-code platforms and tools today empower anyone (including non-technical individuals) to build their MVP with minimal to no need for writing any code. MVPs can be built using the technology stack already provided by such tools and no-code platforms, where the maintenance of such a stack is at the hands of the provider of these no-code platforms or tools for a small fee.

    Today, most no-code platforms and tools provide users with a visual drag-and-drop interface and ready-to-use templates to select and turn ideas into a viable technology product. Additionally, they are able to test and check their product prior to going live and quickly make the necessary changes in a matter of minutes where any issues are observed.

    While the initial wave of a no-code approach emerged from website builders, today’s no-code tools and platforms provide the entire suite of offerings, which include cloud hosting, database utilization, API integrations, computation and dashboarding and more. As a result, startup founders can select any no-code platform offering all these or a bunch of no-code tools that talk to each other, for building their MVP.

    In fact, a lot of large enterprises today also use no-code platforms and tools as an alternative to their in-house bespoke developed application. As per Gartner’s projections, by 2025-26, around 70% of new applications will be developed by enterprises using no-code or low-code technologies.

    Benefits for startups and founders

    In addition to removing the need for coding, no-code platforms and tools provide significant benefits and opportunities for startups. Here are some of the key benefits that startups realize when adopting no-code platforms or tools for building their MVP:

    Removing the stress on the technology stack reliance:

    The reliance on maintaining and upgrading the technology stack now rests in the hands of the providers of the no-code tools and platforms, and most no-code platforms and tools are tuned to bring the best technologies available in the market to serve their customers

    Removing the stress on the developer base:

    With no-code platforms and tools providing a visual drag-and-drop interface which converts into code automatically, founders can look forward to a small base of developers and non-developers too for building their MVP, which allows for a liquidity cushion which can be invested into having a good sales team.

    Reduced time to market:

    Today, most website builders provide the capability of creating and hosting a new website within a day, even in minutes, with the help of AI. Similarly, no-code tools and platforms reduce the time for building an MVP significantly, so as to give the startup the opportunity to compete in the market. Feedback from customers in terms of new features or new sub-products can be quickly built and shipped through the no-code approach, which further enhances customer loyalty.

    More focus on strategy and innovation for the founders:

    With the above benefits, entrepreneurs and founders of startups can spend more time on analysing market trends and re-assessing their business strategy and innovative ideas to make their business and products better than they currently are to attract more customers, which gives further attraction to investors of such startups to invest more.

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