₹2,533 Cr Saved: PharmEasy’s Big Move
In our Seventy-fifth D2C Insider edition, explore why India is a D2C Hotspot, why Atomberg Stands Out and more!
Welcome back to another edition of D2C Insider Digest!
Today, we explore Atomberg’s innovative rise in home appliances, YouTube’s impact on sports streaming, and insights from Varun Alagh on resilience in D2C. Plus, updates on PharmEasy’s cost-cutting moves, mCaffeine’s expansion, and IMG’s 2025 sports trends.
Dive in for the freshest updates in D2C trends!
Atomberg Technologies is reshaping home appliances in India with mindful design, energy efficiency, and next-gen smart tech. Founded by IIT-Bombay grads Manoj Meena and Sibabrata Das, Atomberg started by solving high-tech problems for organizations like DRDO and BARC before turning their focus to Indian homes.
From a humble start in 2012, Atomberg now ships over a million fans annually, blending startup energy with bold innovation.
1. PharmEasy Cuts Losses Amid Revenue Dip
PharmEasy reduced losses by 51% to ₹2,533 Cr in FY24, aided by cost-cutting measures. However, revenue fell 15% to ₹5,664 Cr.
Highlights:
88% revenue came from product sales; diagnostics and services made up the rest.
Overall expenses dropped 19.2%, improving EBITDA losses to ₹552 Cr.
Despite improvements, outstanding losses stand at ₹13,352 Cr ($1.6B), and IPO plans remain uncertain.
2. mCaffeine's Big Plans: Adding Brands to the Fold
Personal care D2C startup mCaffeine, known for its caffeine-infused skincare products, is entering the “House of Brands” model. After launching HYPHEN, a skincare brand co-created with actor Kriti Sanon, PEP Technologies (the parent company) is exploring acquisition opportunities to expand its portfolio.
The move mirrors strategies of other major D2C players like Mamaearth and MyGlamm, which diversified their product lines through similar models.
New acquisitions are expected to align with mCaffeine's focus on youth-oriented and ingredient-driven skincare products.
As mCaffeine scales up, it seems poised to replicate the success of its peers in creating a multi-brand empire in the beauty and wellness space.
1. YouTube Leading the Charge in Sports Streaming
According to IMG’s Digital Trends Report 2025, YouTube has emerged as the top platform for the sports industry, driven by its ability to engage and monetise audiences at scale. Some major developments include:
Women's Super League Partnership: Streaming all 66 non-televised matches of the 2024/25 season on YouTube, leading to a tripling of viewership.
Paris Paralympics: Channel 4 credited YouTube for helping capture a younger demographic, highlighting the platform’s reach and accessibility.
Focus on Short-Form Content: Sports leagues globally are increasingly adopting TikTok-inspired formats like YouTube Shorts to capture fleeting attention spans, with monetisation challenges expected to ease in 2025.
A) Regional CXO Meet - South: Special Invitees Announced!
Calling all D2C game-changers! Meet, learn, and network with like-minded hustlers at the D2C Insider CXO Meet - South.
📍 Hotel Royal Orchid, Bangalore
🗓️ 14th December, 2024
🕜 4 PM to 10 PM
Join our special invitees and elevate your D2C journey.
B) Kick Off Day: Cohort 3 Applications Closing Soon!
Only 4 days left to secure your spot in the D2C Insider Elevate Growth Accelerator. Designed to equip emerging D2C startups with the tools to scale, Cohort 3 is set to kick off soon.
📍 Venue Partner: UrbanWrk, Gurgaon
🗓️ 30th November, 2024
🕜 3 PM to 8 PM
Don’t miss this chance to gain insights from real-world D2C case scenarios and connect with some of the brightest entrepreneurs.
C) Super Angels: A Founder’s Testimonial
Let’s relive the energy of our last D2C Insider CXO Meets - West with a message from one of our Super Angels portfolio founders:
Niranjan Nakhate | Futwork
"With a mission to help 100 startups raise funds in the next 5 years, D2C Insider Angels is here to power the next wave of innovation with strategic investments."
Be part of this thriving community and reshape the Indian D2C startup landscape.
Apply to be a Super Angel NOW - Click here
Founders looking to raise, apply here - Click here
Lessons from Varun Alagh, Mamaearth
Varun Alagh compares Mamaearth’s current phase to a slingshot effect—taking a step back to gain momentum for the future. His key insights:
Varun’s vision? Resilience, disruption, and innovation for a brighter future.
India's booming consumer market, fueled by brands like boAt and Mamaearth, is attracting VCs and entrepreneurs alike. With $6.5 billion in festive sales this year, the D2C space is thriving. What’s driving this growth, and how can startups stand out?
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Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and industry insights 🌟
Until then, keep rocking the D2C world! 🚀
