Start-up valuations are dropping globally

Bengaluru India June 19, 2023 – Recent market analysis reveals a substantial decline in start-up valuations across the globe. This downward trend has raised concerns among investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The decreasing valuations indicate a shift in the start-up ecosystem and highlight the need for careful assessment and adaptation in this evolving landscape opines Venu Kondur CEO Lobb Logistics.

Factors contributing to the drop in start-up valuations are multi-faceted and influenced by a combination of market dynamics, investor sentiment, and regulatory changes. Some key factors include:

Market Correction: After a prolonged period of rapid growth and high valuations, the market is undergoing a natural correction. Investor expectations have shifted towards more realistic and sustainable valuations, leading to a recalibration in start-up pricing.

Increased Scrutiny: Investors are becoming more discerning and cautious in their investments, conducting thorough due diligence and demanding stronger business fundamentals. Start-ups with unproven business models or unsustainable growth trajectories are experiencing downward pressure on their valuations.

Regulatory Environment: Regulatory changes, particularly in areas such as data privacy, digital currencies, and technology governance, have introduced uncertainties and increased compliance costs. These factors can negatively impact start-up valuations, as investors factor in potential risks and legal challenges.

Evolving Investor Landscape: The investment landscape for start-ups is evolving, with a shift in focus towards sectors such as health-tech, climate tech, and sustainable solutions. Start-ups operating in other sectors may face greater challenges in attracting funding and achieving favourable valuations.

While the decline in start-up valuations presents challenges, it also brings opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. This changing landscape encourages a renewed focus on business fundamentals, sustainable growth strategies, and demonstrating clear value propositions to investors.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of adopting a long-term perspective and adjusting strategies accordingly. Start-ups should prioritize building robust business models, cultivating strong customer relationships, and differentiating themselves in the market to withstand market fluctuations and attract investment.

Investors, on the other hand, are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, carefully assessing a start-up’s market potential, team expertise, competitive advantages, and scalability before making investment decisions. Collaborative partnerships and strategic investments in promising start-ups can yield significant returns in the long run.

“While the decline in start-up valuations may present challenges, it also brings an opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to recalibrate their strategies and build sustainable businesses,” said Venu Kondur, CEO Lobb Logistics. “By focusing on solid fundamentals and addressing market needs, start-ups can position themselves for long-term success despite the changing investment landscape.”

The declining start-up valuations are indicative of a maturing market that requires adaptability, resilience, and strategic planning. Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers are urged to monitor market trends closely and collaborate to foster an ecosystem that encourages innovation, growth, and long-term value creation.

Rs. 2000 Note Withdrawal – Not a Housing Deal-breaker

– Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Flipkart’s Glam Up Fest Glimmered with Parineeti Chopra, Kajal Aggarwal, Krystle D’Souza and Bhuvan Bam; an unparalleled experiential beauty festival

Mumbai, June 17, 2023: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, brought together celebrities, influencers, brands and industry experts during the Glam Up Fest, which debuted in Mumbai today. Parineeti Chopra, Kajal Aggarwal, Krystle D’Souza, Bhuvan Bam and over 300+ influencers attended the event and walked the purple carpet. The grand unveiling of ‘Kajal’ by Kajal Aggarwal and ‘BB Range’ by Bhuvan Bam added an extra layer of oomph to the glamorous extravaganza. The event also offered insights into India’s beauty landscape through focused panel discussions.

This on-ground event also presented experiential zones to display contemporary technology-led features such as Virtual Try On and Skin Analyser. Adding an element of excitement and fun, the Glam Up Fest also featured a dedicated zone for influencer participation in on-ground activities such as the makeover booth. Renowned industry experts Mohit Yadav – Founder, Minimalist, Meghna Apparao – Director – E-commerce, Meta India, Ketki Paranjpe – Partner, Sixth Sense Ventures, Rohit Shankar – Partner, Bain & Company, Jaime Del Valle Sansierra – SVP Business Development & Partnerships at MODIFACE at L’Oreal, David Thiebaud – General Manager Consumer Experiences, L’Oreal India and Sukhleen Aneja – CEO, Aakash Anand – Founder and CEO, IDAM House of Brands, Good Glamm Group as well as Flipkart leaders Sankalp Mehrotra – Vice President, Flipkart and Bharath Ram – Senior Vice-President, User Acquisition and Retention, Flipkart shared their insights during the event.

Speaking about the event, Kanchan Mishra, Senior Director, Consumables (FMCG), Home and General Merchandise, Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, we are on a mission to make beauty accessible to everyone across the nation. We strive to offer a wide range of products and the latest trends, catering to diverse customer needs. Our extensive reach and in-depth knowledge of the beauty industry have allowed us to connect with increasingly trend-savvy consumers. The tremendous success of the Flipkart Glam Up Fest in Mumbai showcases our relentless dedication to leading the digital beauty retail landscape in the country. As a marketplace platform, we are committed to uniting customers, brands, influential leaders, and influencers while harnessing technology to deliver exceptional value to our customers. With the Glam Up Fest and Glam Up Sale, we are confident in propelling our partner brands towards an even more remarkable growth trajectory.”

The Glam Up Sale will be live from 16th – 18th June on the Flipkart app, offering a plethora of curated cosmetics, skincare, and more. It will bring more than 40+ brands together to offer a wide selection of beauty and personal care products, including cosmetics, skincare, and hair care to millions of customers. With contemporary technology-led features such as Virtual Try On, Skin Analyser, backed by a robust supply chain that will cater to all serviceable pin codes in India, the event seeks to connect with beauty enthusiasts across the country. Beloved premium and D2C brands, including MyGlamm, Secret Temptation, L`Oreal, Lakm`e, Mamaearth, Minimalist, The Man Company and Yardley London and many more will offer attractive deals.

Link to the sale : https://www.flipkart.com/beauty-glam-up-store

Aditya Group Acquires Total Ownership of Kreamz Confectionery Pvt. Ltd.

Kolkata, June 16, 2023: Aditya Group, a renowned conglomerate known for its diverse business portfolio, is pleased to announce its total ownership of Kreamz Confectionery Pvt. Ltd. Roshni Aditya and Roshne Pradhan Adityarepresenting the Group shall be the only two directors and shareholders of Kreamz Confectionery Pvt. Ltd. and will play integral roles in the management and development of the company. The registered office of the company is located at 965 Jessore Road, Kolkata – 700055.

Kreamz currently has 150 plus outlets, which shall further expand to over 250 within next year, through its robust Franchise model. They also have PAN- India expansion plans by 2024. A wide range of products including special kid’s menu, breakfast menu, Kreamz chocolates and Kreamz milk and water are among few of their upcoming launches. With this announcement, Aditya Group affirms that it has gained complete control and exclusive ownership of Kreamz Confectionery Pvt. Ltd. and there are no other partners involved.Reinforcing its vision and commitment to serve the society, Aditya Group recognizes the significant potential within the confectionery industry and is all set to explore new avenues for growth and innovation. With this exclusive ownership, Aditya Group aims to leverage its vast resources, experience, and industry expertise to enhance Kreamz Confectionery‘s product offerings, expand its market reach, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Commenting on this occasion, Anirban Aditya, Chairman of Aditya Group, said, “The last couple of months have been tough for us & we stand vindicated in our intent & resolve to serve our customers the best. As a customer-centric organization, we shall always remain committed to uphold the highest standards of quality and consistency. The acquisition of sole ownership of Kreamz Confectionery Pvt. Ltd.is our victory of being honest & truthful to our customers & vendors. We thus intend to acquire a long-term vision of strengthening the brand’s position in the confectionery market and reinforcing its dedication to delivering unparalleled products and services to its valued customers.”

ENGIE announces the commissioning of its largest battery energy storage system

ENGIE and its partners Eku Energy and Fluence have reached a new milestone with the commissioning of the Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System (HBESS)

Located on the site of the former Hazelwood power plant, the Hazelwood Battery Electricity Storage System (HBESS) is a utility-scale battery of 150 MW / 150 MWh, making it ENGIE’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) anywhere in the world. The battery is made up of 342 Fluence modules, providing first-rate reliability and safety. The installed capacity will be able to store the equivalent of one hour’s electricity generated by the solar systems installed on the roofs of 30,000 homes in the state of Victoria, and to inject this power into the grid in periods of peak demand. By improving the stability of the electrical grid, HBESS will thus allow development of new renewable energy production capacity in Victoria to be stepped up to meet market demand.

Commissioning of this facility is fully in line with ENGIE’s ambition to ramp up flexibility technologies and accelerate the development of battery storage. HBESS will contribute to the Group’s target of 10 GW of installed battery capacity by 2030, announced last February.

The commissioning of HBESS is part of the site remediation of the former coal-fired power station initiated by ENGIE in 2017, in line with the Group’s strategy to withdraw from coal-fired power generation. This first reallocation of former thermal assets to renewable energy technologies in Australia is a concrete illustration of the country’s energy transition and ENGIE’s commitment to its decarbonisation pathway.

Sébastien Arbola, Executive Vice President in charge of Flex Gen & Retail activities, says: “HBESS is an illustration of ENGIE’s commitment to developing assets that provide flexibility to energy systems. Energy storage solutions such as batteries play a major role in accelerating the energy transition while guaranteeing electrical grid reliability. By storing the energy produced at times when wind and solar sources are most productive or when demand is lowest, they help to accelerate the development of renewable energies by meeting the balancing needs arising from their variable production.”

For more information on the Hazelwood BESS, consult the website https://engie.com.au/hazelwoodbattery.

A Celebration of Fatherhood: Extraordinary Dads Who Made a Difference

New Delhi, 16th June 2023: Fathers face the challenge of finding a balance between personal goals, family responsibilities, and societal expectations. They carry the weight of being sons, husbands, and providers, often making sacrifices to maintain this delicate balance. Despite these challenges, fathers consistently demonstrate strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their loved ones. In today’s rapidly changing world, the service sector plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities, offering avenues for personal growth.

As Father’s Day approaches, it is important to highlight the inspiring journeys of individuals like Raju Yadav and Sanjay Kumar, whose lives have been significantly transformed through their association with Urban Company.

Sanjay Kumar, a dedicated cleaning professional, has secured quality education and promising opportunities for his children’s future. This has broken the cycle of limited opportunities often faced by gig workers. Urban Company’s commitment to training has played a vital role in Sanjay’s professional growth, equipping him with valuable communication skills. These skills have not only enhanced his professional abilities but also contributed to his personal development, allowing him to navigate life with confidence.

Similarly, Raju, another cleaning professional who previously struggled with long working hours and an unsafe environment, has experienced a remarkable turnaround since joining Urban Company in 2020. He now enjoys quality time with his family, can afford to provide his children with a good education, and has successfully built a home in his hometown of Agra. The positive transformation in their lives reflects the empowering ripple effect created by Urban Company, uplifting individuals, strengthening families, and sparking positive change that transcends generations.

Despite facing significant challenges, fathers like Raju and Sanjay continue to thrive at Urban Company. Through their dedication and hard work, they are creating a better future for their children.

This Father’s Day, let us celebrate the inspiring stories of these remarkable individuals and acknowledge the impact of Urban Company’s commitment to its partners in creating positive change.

Cult.fit and HRX Introduce India’s first HRX Gym in Bangalore

Bengaluru, 16th June 2023: HRX, India’s leading activewear and accessories brand, and cult.fit, the country’s leading fitness chain, announced a strategic collaboration to launch HRX Gyms today. The first HRX Gym opened its doors on June 9, 2023, in JP Nagar, Bangalore. HRX gyms are designed to provide unparalleled value and high-quality workouts to engage more Indians in their fitness journey.

HRX and cult.fit intend to leverage their synergies to expand the brand and launch a chain of HRX Gyms across major cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Bangalore, in the coming year. The objective is to create a network of high-quality neighbourhood gyms that enhance the quintessential gym experience.

Featuring cult.fit’s accredited trainers, top-notch equipment, a vibrant environment, and exciting fitness challenges curated by Hrithik’s esteemed training team, the new gym promises an immersive experience for both individuals embarking on their fitness journey and dedicated workout enthusiasts. With a focus on fostering engagement, the facility empowers individuals to achieve their fitness aspirations effectively.

Bollywood Superstar and founder of HRX, Hrithik Roshan, shares, “HRX Gyms in collaboration with cult.fit is yet another step towards strengthening our mission of empowering fellow Indians to live a fitter lifestyle. These Gyms are created for both first-time gym goers as well as workout enthusiasts, complete with cult.fit certified trainers, quality equipment, dynamic space and fitness challenges to provide a highly engaging experience. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with our very first Gym opening its door in Bangalore and look forward to reaching many more parts of the country through this initiative. I hope HRX Gyms will serve as a safe space for our fitness community.”

Commenting on the association, Naresh Krishnaswamy, Head of Cult.fit said “cult.fit and HRX have a shared passion and vision to get Indians to embrace fitness and be their best versions. With the launch of HRX Gym, we are strengthening our long-standing relationship with fitness icon Hrithik and combining HRX’s fitness philosophy with cult. fit’s proven delivery of quality fitness experiences and services. We look forward to expanding our footprint across major cities in India and empowering both beginners and fitness enthusiasts to reach their full potential.”

Customers can buy a membership for the HRX gyms through cult pass on the cult.fit app.

Download the cult.fit app for more information about HRX Gyms and to become a member or walk in to the HRX gym today.

Demand for office space split on fundamentals and pricing

India, 16 June 2023 – Colliers’ latest Global Insights & Outlook – Office Report reveals the significant divergence in office investment volumes, pricing, and appetite globally, caused by the varying return to office approaches post-COVID, underlying fundamentals of city functionality, approaches towards ESG-compliance differences and how markets have reacted to shifts in inflation and interest rates.

In India, the office sector continues to dominate institutional investment inflows garnering over 44% in total investments in last five years (2018-22). Despite economic uncertainties and global slowdown, investments in office sector remained unabated during Q1 2023 as well, at USD0.9bn, up 41% YoY. India remains a preferred market for global investors for office investments driven by growth opportunities in tier 1 & tier 2 cities, attractive & stable yields and strong demand in established markets. However, limited availability of quality office assets at attractive valuations has pushed investors towards creation of new platforms and joint ventures (JVs) with developers for development of new projects across larger markets. While there could be some slower fund deployment in short term amidst uncertain and cautious environment, India’s economic resiliency, supportive government policy and improving business environment will enable to maintain its position as an attractive market for global investors in the long term.

“Amidst global recalibrations of office space driven by cost control, hybrid work culture, and business slowdown, markets like India continue to benefit due to lower costs with quality of assets, talent pool availability, and increased institutionalized framework. Although global sentiments have reduced the Investor activity in India, institutional buyers remain bullish over the medium to long term as the underlying demand for Office space remains strong and markets like India benefit from the shift in office market dynamics.” says Piyush Gupta, Managing Director, Capital Markets & Investment Services.

Institutional inflows in office sector (USD bn) – India

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Q1 2023

Investments in office sector (USD bn)

3.2

2.8

2.2

1.3

2.0

0.9

Share in total investments

55%

45%

46%

32%

41%

55%

Source: Colliers

Asia Pacific Highlights

· Melbourne and Tokyo stand out on the path to value stability and recovery along with Copenhagen, Toronto and San Francisco at the global level.

· While core offices remain a top pick for investors in APAC and EMEA, substantiated by current office investment volumes, there is a very different narrative in North America.

· Office occupancy levels in APAC are averaging 80%, and office density remains high. In Europe, occupancy is back to 65% and in North America, rates are at 50% with signs of improvements across key cities.

· Both Seoul and Singapore recorded net absorption 30% above historical averages with both markets recording falling vacancy rates over 2022, contrary to most major markets globally.

· Although limited sales transactions occurred over Q1 2023, we anticipate market sentiment will recover as an expected peak of the interest rate cycle comes to fruition over H2 2023 and equips investors and vendors with clarity and confidence regarding asset values and the cost of borrowing across the region.

In APAC and EMEA, vacancies sit at a steady 8-10% and office occupancy rates have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels. Office occupancy in APAC is averaging 80%, and office density remains high – a function of short commute times and ease of getting back into the office (Exhibit 1). Meanwhile, occupancy is back to 65% on average across Europe. In North America, rates are sticking at 50% but are showing some signs of early improvement, as longer travel times and more comfortable home working environments support this dynamic. Coupled with weak occupier demand, vacancy rates in North America have climbed to 16%+ on average, and landlord incentives to support rents continue to be stretched.

In India, office demand has recovered faster despite persistent global headwinds in the form of economic disruptions & geopolitical tensions. 2022 saw 50.3 mn sq ft of office leasing across top 6 cities, which was the highest in any year.. Q1 2023, however started on a cautious note with a total leasing of 10.1 mn sq ft across top 6 cities, 19% lesser than same period last year. Technology sector led leasing during Q1 2023 at 22% share, closely followed by Flex space at 20% share. Flex spaces have emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional office spaces for occupiers, due to their ability to support occupiers’ evolving hybrid strategies.

“On account of robust office space absorption seen during 2022, office occupancy levels across the top 6 cities saw strong recovery & currently stand at 84%, well ahead of 80% in APAC and 65% in Europe. High occupancy levels indicate healthy recovery and stability of the Indian office market, despite persistent global demand headwinds. Going ahead, demand for office spaces will continue to remain strong, as offices will continue to support occupiers’ changing workplace needs. As demand improves towards the latter part of the year, higher occupancy levels will likely push rentals northwards in 2024, which remained largely rangebound for the last 2-3 years,” says Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.

At the same time, prime rents across Europe are increasing as the demand for higher-quality space, particularly for assets that are ESG compliant, is significant. “We are seeing pressure to repurpose space that doesn’t meet contemporary demands as a growing proportion of buildings face obsolescence,” said Luke Dawson, Head of Global and EMEA Capital Markets at Colliers. “This is driving a shift in value-add plays across key markets, especially where high importance is placed on ESG, such as the UK and Australia.”

Capital values have been negatively impacted in the past 12 months, as interest rate hikes have forced yields/cap rates out. While most locations are nearing the end of the rate hike cycle, further price adjustments on the capital side are expected. The longer-term economic outlook for each city is generally very positive, but rates of growth vary markedly. Overall, this means some markets stand out as having a first mover advantage on the path to value stability and recovery.

As Hybrid working remains the mainstay for occupiers in India, relevance of physical office space remains intact. Occupiers are focusing on optimal locations, high-quality amenities, and well-designed fit-outs as they look to create an enriching experience for their employees. Focus on ESG complaint buildings also remains priority for occupiers as they look to achieve greater operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption in order to meet their net zero goals. Developers are increasingly taking cognizance of the evolving needs of occupiers and are integrating smart technology and sustainable infrastructure in their workspace offerings. Going forward, office space will continue to upgrade their workspaces through smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive analytics for cost optimization, carbon reduction and better space utilization. As ESG becomes vital to occupiers, green financing will become an integral part of investors’ strategy.