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Lenskart Acquires Japan’s Owndays to Form Asian Eyewear Giant!

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Lenskart Acquires Japan’s Owndays to Form Asian Eyewear Giant!

Indian eyewear retailer Lenskart has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Japan’s Owndays Inc., marking a significant step toward creating one of Asia’s largest online eyewear retailers. Supported by SoftBank Group, Lenskart has finalized a deal to purchase shares of Owndays from major stakeholders L Catterton Asia and Mitsui & Co. Principal Investments.

Deal Overview

The acquisition is valued at approximately $400 million, according to Bloomberg, and positions Owndays to operate as a premium eyewear brand while Lenskart continues to focus on the middle and mass market segments. Although Lenskart will hold a majority stake, the acquisition is structured as a merger, allowing Owndays to maintain its independent operations under the leadership of co-founders Shuji Tanaka and Take Umiyama.

Expansion of Market Reach

This strategic acquisition expands Lenskart’s footprint to 13 Asian markets, including Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. Founded in 1989, Owndays has been a pioneer in eyewear retail, launching its first overseas stores in 2013. Today, it operates 460 outlets across various countries in addition to Japan.

Market Potential

Lenskart’s co-founder and CEO, Peyush Bansal, emphasized the vast untapped potential in the eyewear market, stating, “About 4.5 billion people worldwide need prescription glasses, but only half of them have access. This represents a $50 billion to $100 billion opportunity and a chance to build an Amazon for eyewear.” This statement underscores Lenskart’s vision of democratizing access to eyewear products.

Financial Projections

With this acquisition, Lenskart and Owndays project combined sales of $650 million for the fiscal year ending March 2023. Lenskart alone is expected to reach profitability at $400 million in sales within the same period. Founded in 2010, Lenskart has rapidly grown into India’s leading e-commerce portal for eyewear, achieving a remarkable 65% growth rate last year and projecting even higher numbers this year.

Strategic Vision

This partnership solidifies Lenskart’s position as a leader in the global eyewear market by combining innovative retail strategies with a strong regional presence. The merger allows Lenskart to leverage Owndays’ established brand reputation and operational expertise while expanding its product offerings into the premium segment.

Lenskart has also been focusing on enhancing its technological capabilities, investing in digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving customer experiences across both brands. The acquisition aligns with Lenskart’s broader strategy of integrating advanced technology into its operations, which includes plans for supply chain automation and enhanced online services.

Future Outlook

As Lenskart continues its expansion across Asia, this acquisition not only strengthens its market position but also opens up new avenues for growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. By merging with Owndays, Lenskart aims to redefine the eyewear shopping experience for consumers across diverse markets while addressing the significant unmet demand for quality eyewear solutions.

In conclusion, this strategic move positions Lenskart as a formidable player in the Asian eyewear market, poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities while delivering value to customers through enhanced product offerings and services.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. droversointeru

    December 30, 2024 at 4:57 pm

    Very interesting points you have noted, thanks for posting. “Above all be true to yourself, and if you can not put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.” by Hardy D. Jackson.

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Acevector Limited Announces New CEOs for Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands

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Acevector

Acevector Limited, the parent company of Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands, has announced significant leadership changes within its organization. Achint Setia has been appointed as the new CEO of Snapdeal, while Himanshu Chakrawarti will transition to the role of CEO of Stellaro Brands.

Himanshu Chakrawarti to Lead Stellaro Brands

Himanshu Chakrawarti has successfully led both Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands for the past three years. In his new role, he will focus exclusively on driving growth at Stellaro Brands, which houses various apparel brands, including Rangita. Chakrawarti brings over 30 years of experience in the retail industry, having held leadership positions at notable companies such as Trent, Arvind, and the Landmark Group. His extensive background in brand building and retail operations will be instrumental in scaling Stellaro’s growth.

Strategic Focus

Chakrawarti’s shift to Stellaro Brands allows him to leverage his experience to enhance the brand’s market presence and operational efficiency. His leadership is expected to drive innovative strategies that align with consumer trends and preferences.

Achint Setia to Head Snapdeal

Achint Setia takes over as CEO of Snapdeal, bringing a wealth of experience in e-commerce, media, telecom, and government services. He has a proven track record in business building, marketing, strategy, and technology. Prior to joining Snapdeal, Setia served as the Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Zalora Group in Singapore. He has also held senior leadership roles at Myntra, Viacom18, McKinsey & Co., and Microsoft.

Background and Expertise

Setia holds an MBA in Strategy & Finance from the Indian School of Business and completed the Stanford GSB LEAD program in Corporate Innovation. His diverse experience positions him well to lead Snapdeal through its next phase of growth as it navigates a competitive e-commerce landscape.

Focus on Growth and Innovation

These leadership changes are strategically aimed at driving growth and innovation across both Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands. With experienced leaders at the helm of each business, Acevector Limited is well-positioned for continued success in the dynamic Indian market.

Market Positioning

The transition comes at a critical time for Snapdeal as it seeks to strengthen its market position amid rising competition from other e-commerce platforms. Setia’s expertise in digital ecosystems is expected to enhance Snapdeal’s offerings and customer engagement strategies.

Recent Developments at Acevector Limited

Acevector Limited has been actively involved in restructuring its operations to optimize performance across its portfolio. The company has previously made headlines with initiatives such as:

  • The formalization of a group structure encompassing Snapdeal, Unicommerce, and Stellaro Brands.
  • Strategic investments aimed at enhancing technology capabilities and expanding service offerings.

Conclusion

The appointment of Achint Setia as CEO of Snapdeal and Himanshu Chakrawarti as CEO of Stellaro Brands marks a pivotal moment for Acevector Limited. These strategic leadership changes are designed to leverage their extensive industry experience to foster innovation and drive growth across both brands. As they embark on their new roles, the focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies and adapting to evolving market demands within India’s competitive e-commerce sector.

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Swiggy Launches “Pyng” for Professionals: A New Services Marketplace

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Swiggy Launches "Pyng" for Professionals: A New Services Marketplace

Swiggy, the leading food delivery platform in India, has expanded its offerings by launching “Pyng,” a new app designed to connect professionals with potential clients. This move marks Swiggy’s entry into the services marketplace, enhancing its portfolio beyond food delivery.

Key Features of Pyng

Platform for Professionals

The Pyng app allows various professionals, including nutritionists, yoga instructors, life coaches, and designers, to list their services and connect with potential clients. This platform aims to empower service providers by providing them with a dedicated space to showcase their expertise.

Comprehensive Features

Professionals using Pyng can benefit from several features designed to streamline their operations:

  • Order Management: View, accept, and track orders, including consultations and digital product sales.
  • Scheduling Services: Schedule services and manage bookings efficiently.
  • Pricing Updates: Update pricing and availability in real-time.
  • Earnings Tracking: Monitor earnings through an integrated payout tracker.

Expanding Swiggy’s Ecosystem

The launch of Pyng signifies Swiggy’s foray into the services marketplace, adding another dimension to its growing portfolio. This initiative follows the company’s exploration of similar ventures under the “Yello” brand, which aimed to connect users with various service professionals.

Recent Developments at Swiggy

Swiggy has been actively expanding its services in recent months with several new initiatives:

  • Snacc: A dedicated app for 10-minute delivery of snacks and beverages.
  • Swiggy Bolt: A service for 15-minute delivery of quick-to-prepare dishes.
  • Swiggy Scenes: A platform for booking parties and events at partner restaurants.
  • Swiggy One: A premium membership program offering exclusive benefits.

These developments reflect Swiggy’s strategy to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader audience.

Competitive Landscape

The launch of Pyng intensifies competition in the growing services marketplace. Swiggy will face competition from other platforms that connect professionals with clients, including established players like Urban Company and newer entrants in the market. The focus on professional services aligns with a broader trend of consumers seeking specialized expertise in various fields.

Market Positioning

By entering the services marketplace, Swiggy aims to leverage its existing customer base while providing professionals with a platform to reach new clients. This move is expected to enhance user engagement and create additional revenue streams for the company.

Conclusion

Swiggy’s launch of Pyng marks a significant step in its evolution as a multifaceted platform. By connecting professionals with clients through a dedicated app, Swiggy is strategically positioning itself to meet the diverse needs of consumers while fostering innovation in the services marketplace. As it continues to expand its ecosystem, Pyng has the potential to become a valuable resource for both service providers and consumers looking for expert assistance across various domains.

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Inshorts Co-founder Azhar Iqubal Launches No-Code Platform Fenado AI

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Inshorts Co-founder Azhar Iqubal Launches No-Code Platform Fenado AI

Azhar Iqubal, co-founder of the popular news app Inshorts, has launched a new venture called Fenado AI. This innovative platform empowers individuals and businesses to build fully functional apps and websites without any coding knowledge, democratizing technology access for entrepreneurs.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

Fenado AI aims to democratize technology by enabling anyone with a business idea to bring it to life. Users can simply describe their requirements and design preferences through a user-friendly interface, and Fenado AI will generate the desired app or website. This approach is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that may lack the resources for extensive tech development.

Key Features

  • No-Code Development: The platform eliminates the need for coding skills or hiring expensive tech teams, allowing users to focus on their ideas rather than technical complexities.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Fenado AI features an intuitive interface that enables users to easily define their requirements and design preferences, making the app creation process accessible to all.
  • Rapid Prototyping: The platform facilitates quick and efficient development of web and mobile applications, allowing users to test and iterate on their ideas rapidly.

Market Impact

Fenado AI has the potential to significantly impact the startup ecosystem by empowering entrepreneurs with limited technical expertise. By removing barriers to entry, the platform can foster innovation and accelerate growth in the startup landscape.

Growth Trajectory

Fenado AI has already gained traction during its beta phase, attracting over 200 paying customers across regions including the US, Europe, and India. The company aims to onboard over 10,000 startups globally by the end of 2025, indicating strong demand for no-code solutions.

Azhar Iqubal’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Azhar Iqubal is a well-known entrepreneur and investor in the tech space. He co-founded Inshorts in 2013, which has become a highly successful news platform recognized for its concise news delivery. His experience in building a successful tech company will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding the growth of Fenado AI.

Vision for Fenado AI

Iqubal’s vision for Fenado AI aligns with current trends in software development, where no-code platforms are gaining popularity for their ability to streamline processes and empower non-technical users. As more people seek to create digital solutions without extensive programming knowledge, Fenado AI positions itself as a key player in this evolving market.

Conclusion

The launch of Fenado AI marks an exciting development in the no-code movement, providing a powerful tool for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality without technical barriers. With Azhar Iqubal at the helm, Fenado AI is poised to make a significant impact on the startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and accessibility in app and website development. As the platform continues to grow, it will likely contribute to reshaping how technology is approached by non-developers, ultimately expanding opportunities for creativity and entrepreneurship.

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