New Delhi, October 28th, 2024: Anthill Ventures, in partnership with Broadway, hosted a highly successful D2C Mixer in Delhi, bringing together a vibrant mix of D2C founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. The event, organized by Anthill Ventures and held at Broadway, provided a platform for industry leaders to delve into key challenges, growth strategies, and future opportunities within the fast-growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) sector in India.
Anthill Ventures’ involvement in championing the D2C ecosystem will not be incidental. For Prasad Vanga, CEO and Founder of Anthill Ventures, this event marks the next step in the company’s mission to speed-scale D2C brands in India. He explains, “India’s D2C brands are on the brink of redefining retail by merging technology with hyper-personalised consumer experiences. As brands harness the power of data, AI, and omnichannel strategies, they will revolutionise the way consumers interact with products. At Anthill Ventures, we are dedicated to helping these startups scale, innovate, and lead the future of retail both in India and globally.”
Broadway, spearheaded by Vivek Biyani, is expected to bring a revolutionary approach to offline retail, blending content and commerce to deliver immersive consumer experiences. Biyani emphasises, “The future of D2C lies in creating immersive experiences that seamlessly integrate online and offline interactions. At Broadway, we are building a space where D2C brands can connect more deeply with consumers through innovative retail formats that enhance engagement and personalization. We envision a future where physical retail is as dynamic and interactive as digital, redefining how consumers shop.”
With a focus on scaling D2C brands using data-driven strategies and innovative customer acquisition techniques, the discussions sparked valuable insights into the future of D2C retail in India. Attendees were treated to an engaging panel featuring:
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Vivek Biyani, Founder, Broadway
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Prasad Vanga, Founder, Anthill Ventures
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Soumya Kant, Co-founder, Clovia
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Muneetpal Singh, VP, Corporate Venture Capital, Jubilant Bhartia Group
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Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner, Rukam Capital
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Apurva Chamaria, Global Head of Venture Capital & Startups, Google
The session was moderated by Goutham, Head of Strategy at Anthill Ventures, who guided the discussion through a series of key topics relevant to today’s D2C brands.
The event highlighted the importance of leveraging technology, data analytics, and AI to help D2C brands scale more efficiently by optimizing customer acquisition and retention strategies. Vivek Biyani showcased Broadway’s role in providing immersive offline retail experiences that blend content and commerce, creating deeper consumer engagements. Prasad Vanga emphasized Anthill Ventures’ commitment to accelerating D2C growth through strategic investments, mentorship, and market access, underscoring the company’s long-term vision for the sector.
Panelists highlights:
Muneetpal Singh, VP, Corporate Venture Capital, Jubilant Bhartia Group mentions,
“While having a relevant background is certainly a strong metric, it’s not the only one we consider. Jubilant has come a long way in supporting startups and driving innovation, and we’re committed to broadening our approach to identify the most promising ventures.”
Prasad Vanga, Founder of Anthill Ventures shares that,
“To qualify for funding, founders need to ensure they have achieved product-market fit. In early-stage investments, we look closely at the founder’s qualities, their ability to build a strong team, and their hustle. For any brand, delivering an authentic customer experience is crucial to standing out in today’s market.”
Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner, Rukam Capital adds to the discussion,
“When assessing a startup, the quality of the product and its intuitiveness are essential factors. It also depends on where the venture capital firm’s focus lies and the direction in which the idea is headed. I always emphasize to founders: you should truly own the customer relationship.”
Apurva Chamaria, Global Head of Venture Capital & Startups, Google also adds,
“Having been an investor in the D2C space, I’ve had the privilege of helping startups build from scratch and am always open to new opportunities to support this growth. While tech in D2C is rapidly advancing, success ultimately hinges on how well you connect with and understand your customers.”
The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the panellists, gaining deeper insights into the practical challenges and growth opportunities within the D2C space.
The mixer provided a valuable opportunity for founders, investors, and industry professionals to network, explore potential partnerships, and discuss collaborative opportunities in an informal setting. Many participants remarked on the value of connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors who share a passion for transforming India’s retail landscape.
The D2C Mixer is part of Anthill Ventures’ broader initiative to create a collaborative community for direct-to-consumer brands. By providing a platform for founders to connect with investors and industry veterans, Anthill Ventures is committed to driving innovation and growth in the D2C space, helping brands navigate the ever-evolving marketplace.
With India’s D2C market expected to reach $100 billion by 2025, events like the D2C Mixer are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of retail. Anthill Ventures and Broadway are poised to continue leading this movement, setting a new standard for consumer engagement and brand growth.
This event was supported by Headstart Delhi , Razorpay Rize and IDFC Bank as ecosystem partners, further enriching the collaborative environment essential for nurturing D2C startups in India.
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