Mumbai: As we approach the conclusion of 2023, we embark on a retrospective journey through the narratives of three visionary ventures. Founders from post-production, hyperlocal retail, and creative technology share insights into their industries, recounting milestones achieved and unveiling ambitious plans for the upcoming year. Join us in this year-end exploration as we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and forward-looking visions that characterise these stories of growth and transformation.
Here is the year-end quote below on behalf of Postudio co-founder Dhawal Gusain, DashLoc co-founder & head of growth Sumit Singh, Tonic co-founder and creative technologist Ashay Kshirsagar
Postudio co-founder Dhawal Gusain
Postudio is an on-cloud and on-demand Post-Production platform with a vision to disrupt the fast-growing 20B dollar Video Post-Production market globally that still uses offline workflows and on-premise technologies. Harish and I, having cumulatively spent more than three decades in a variety of leadership roles in the media and entertainment industry, truly believe in the potential of Postudio and thus have been building it full-time since the start of 2023.
2023 was a watershed year for the media & entertainment industry at large. The strategic shift from ‘growth’ to ‘profitability’ that started around mid-2022 culminated in 2023. Multiple large and small companies in this sector executed their cost-cutting plans this year especially since revenue growth was muted amidst a global slowdown. While cost savings are just one of the numerous benefits Postudio offers - others being ease of use, on-demand scalability and best-in-class content security; this macro trend expedited Postudio adoption, especially among large enterprises. Postudio has been consistently 30-40 per cent more cost-effective when compared to existing on-premise solutions.
Going from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) at the start of this year to clocking a very robust revenue today and negotiating multiple large deals with a few of the largest companies in this sector in India, it suffices to say that Postudio had a tremendous year in 2023. With this early success, our plans for 2024 are far more ambitious. We plan to bolster our platform with new features for customers especially AI and/or Generative AI-powered features in line with the latest advancements in the market. We aspire to reach a market leadership position in the Indian enterprise segment by the 2024 exit. We also plan to launch our international expansion strategy in 2024 starting the US market.
DashLoc co-founder & head of growth Sumit Singh
"As we close the curtains on this transformative year, the retail sector in India has surged forward, navigating through challenges with unwavering resilience. The year 2023 witnessed an impressive 46 per cent year-on-year growth in retail sector leasing across major Indian cities, showcasing the sector’s robust expansion despite evolving landscapes. DashLoc, India’s trailblazing enterprise retail hyperlocal online presence platform powered by Gen AI, mirrored this fortitude with a year of remarkable strides. Our journey extended beyond establishing mere online footprints; it was about empowering enterprises to amplify footfall to their physical outlets while elevating brand visibility across diverse channels. Collaborating with over 50 esteemed clients spanning BFSI, FMCG, Lifestyle, Hospitality, Automobiles, Building Materials, and Appliances, DashLoc turned clicks into meaningful drives, calls, and visits. Our commitment translated into a two times higher conversion rate and delivered an exceptional five times ROI, coupled with a staggering 43 per cent surge in branded search impressions. Looking ahead, as the retail landscape evolves further, our vision remains steadfast. With offline retail projected to contribute around 89.3 per cent to the Indian market by 2024, DashLoc pledges to continue pioneering hyperlocal discovery and growth strategies. Our unwavering dedication is to empower enterprises, redefine online presence, and bridge the gap between digital accessibility and physical presence"-- said DashLoc co-founder and head of growth Sumit Singh.
Tonic Co, founder and creative technologist Ashay Kshirsagar
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the digital landscape is poised for a transformative journey. In the coming year, AI is set to take centre stage in shaping the future of creative content. With advancements in machine learning and deep neural networks, AI will become an invaluable tool in generating innovative and personalised CGI solutions.
One of the key trends we anticipate is the widespread adoption of subscription models for bespoke creative services. This approach allows businesses to access tailored CGI content on a recurring basis, fostering long-term partnerships and ensuring a continuous stream of fresh and relevant visuals.
Additionally, the integration of 3D technology in e-commerce is poised to be a game-changer. As consumers increasingly seek immersive online experiences, 3D visuals will revolutionise the way products are showcased and interacted with.