Nikhil Patwardhan

2 weeks ago | the-captable.com | Pranav Balakrishnan |Nikhil Patwardhan

Key TakeawaysA year ago, getting listed on quick commerce platforms was the holy grail for D2C brandsZepto capitalised on the FOMO, flinging its doors open to nearly every brand that wanted in– brand count jumped from around 3,000 to over 8,000 in just 12 monthsBut the dream is fading fast. Many sellers now say quick commerce is a mirage, not a miracleFounders allege Zepto demands unsustainable ad spends.

1 month ago | the-captable.com | Nikhil Patwardhan

Key Takeaways Unacademy’s founders are quietly stepping back as their once-disruptive startup searches for a future beyond shrinking online revenues and costly offline pivots Airlearn, a new language-learning app built by outgoing CEO Gaurav Munjal is gaining traction—and could soon be spun out as the company’s breakout bet Despite Rs 1,200 crore in the bank, Unacademy faces a strategic void: no buyer, no clear growth engine, and a fading core business The startup that tried to kill coaching...

1 month ago | the-captable.com | Nikhil Patwardhan

Key Takeaways Indian startups are pre-filing their IPO papers with SEBI, choosing confidentiality to manage risk, control timing, and avoid revealing sensitive data to rivals before they're ready to list The pre-filing route gives startups the room to engage with SEBI, revise projections or disclosures, and delay the listing if needed, all without making headlines After several big IPOs got stalled post-2021, founders have become more cautious, preferring to go slow and silent, rather than...

1 month ago | the-captable.com | Nikhil Patwardhan

Key TakeawaysByju Raveendran is orchestrating a comeback campaign, using social media and selective media interviews to reclaim control of his narrativeMany of his recent claims—including on legal issues, user metrics, and financial defaults—remain unverifiable or are contradicted by public records and court rulingsDespite losing control of his company and facing regulatory heat, Raveendran continues to position himself as a victim of corporate sabotage and lender manipulation.

1 month ago | the-captable.com | Pranav Balakrishnan |Nikhil Patwardhan

Key TakeawaysBluSmart’s board included an independent director with potential conflicts of interest, raising questions over the integrity of its governance structuresIndependent director Inderpreet Wadhwa had commercial interests through Clime Finance, which leased EVs to BluSmart’s sister concern Gensol Engineering, which in turn leased them to BluSmartThe board also failed to flag BluSmart’s worsening financial condition, including unpaid taxes and cash flow issues.