‘The environment is evolving, creating significant room for disruption’

At the e4m D2C Revolution 3.0 conference, in a fireside chat with Nawal Ahuja, Co-Founder of exchange4media, VS Kannan Sitaram, Co-founder and Partner from Fireside Ventures, delved into the transformative world of digital commerce. The conversation explored the evolving landscape of digital commerce and how emerging consumer brands are transforming the market.

Sitaram shared his perspective on how consumer brands are adapting to a rapidly changing landscape characterized by increasing affluence and the rise of quick commerce. With a portfolio that includes standout brands like Mamaearth and Boat, he illustrated the key factors driving success in the D2C space.

Sitaram’s experience at Hindustan Unilever (HUL) provided a backdrop for discussing leadership development and talent acquisition. He articulated HUL’s rigorous approach to identifying and nurturing talent, which has produced many successful leaders in various sectors. He said, “There is always this constant challenge of having to reinvent how you create value and I think all of this together is what creates outstanding leadership.”

When discussing the future of D2C brands, he noted that the rise of quick commerce is a significant game-changer, as companies like Zepto and Blinkit redefine consumer expectations for speed and convenience. “We started Fireside back in 2017, marking about seven years into our journey. We came in with the belief that the Indian consumer is changing and that the Indian environment is evolving, creating significant room for disruption. We felt that India was becoming more affluent, and the last seven years have confirmed this. We believe that affluence will continue to rise in the coming years, and as people become more affluent, they will seek products that better meet their needs. This indicates there will be more opportunities for new brands.”