Big Billion Startup: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Big Billion Startup, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Two ex-Amazon engineers started Flipkart
Dalal describes how Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal left jobs at Amazon to start Flipkart in Bengaluru.
They began by selling books online, delivering many orders themselves. Their early days were scrappy and improvised.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Indian customers needed trust
Dalal explains how Flipkart introduced cash on delivery because many Indians did not trust online payments.
Building its own delivery network also helped solve problems with slow couriers. Logistics became a real advantage.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Investors fuelled rapid growth
Dalal describes how investors, especially Tiger Global, poured money into Flipkart.
This funding let the company expand into many product categories and grow at great speed. Valuations rose quickly with each round.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Growth came with heavy losses
Dalal shows that Flipkart spent huge amounts on discounts and advertising to win customers.
The company lost large sums of money while chasing market share. Dalal questions whether this spending was wise.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Amazon's arrival changed everything
Dalal describes Amazon's entry into India as a direct threat to Flipkart.
The battle between the two pushed both to spend heavily and improve their services. Customers enjoyed the discounts that followed.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
The Big Billion Day stumbled
Dalal describes Flipkart's huge 2014 sale, which drew massive demand but also caused crashes and stock problems.
The company apologised publicly, but the event showed its pulling power. Lessons were learnt for later sales.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Leadership tensions shook the company
Dalal describes disagreements among founders, investors and executives as Flipkart grew.
Leadership changes and acquisitions such as Myntra shaped the company's direction. Dalal describes the founders' changing roles and the strains between them.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Walmart bought a controlling stake
Dalal describes the 2018 deal in which Walmart bought most of Flipkart for billions of dollars.
It was one of the biggest exits in Indian startup history and changed the industry.
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