Nikhil Kamath’s Tip to Entrepreneurs: Take Indian Brands Global, Not Franchise Global Brands in India

Zerodha’s co-founder and billionaire Nikhil Kamath advises fellow entrepreneurs to consider taking Indian brands to the global market instead of bringing global brands to India through franchises. He believes that the Indian story is gaining popularity worldwide due to its rich history, royalty, mystique, and craftsmanship.

Kamath emphasizes that Indian brands have a lot to offer, including artisanal, handmade, and exotic products. He also points out the opportunity for Indian brands like Subko and Hatti Kaapi to expand internationally. In simpler terms, Kamath suggests that the future of entrepreneurship lies in promoting India’s unique narrative and products on a global scale.

Nikhil Kamath on Global Brands in India

Nikhil Kamath highlights a shift in the garment industry: previously, locally-made clothes in India were often branded with Western names and marketed using Western models. 

However, Kamath sees a new opportunity for Indian brands like Subko and Hatti Kaapi to shine on a global stage. Instead of generic names, these brands can represent India’s rich culture and craftsmanship, featuring the faces of Indian artisans who put their heart and soul into each product. In simple terms, it’s a chance for Indian brands to make their mark internationally, showcasing the uniqueness of Indian culture and products.

Nikhil Kamath’s Tip to Entrepreneurs on a Podcast

In an episode of his podcast ‘WTF is with Nikhil Kamath,’ Nikhil Kamath Zerodh discussed with guests like Mensa Brands founder Ananth Narayanan, ex-Myntra CEO Kishore Biyani, and content creator Raj Shamani why Indian brands like Louis Phillipe or Peter England had foreign names and models. Narayanan explained that using white models often resulted in higher click-through rates, and Western names made the brands seem premium to many buyers. Kamath questioned whether this mindset stemmed from colonial influences, where people believed Western products were superior to Indian ones. He stressed the importance of brand names having meaning and telling a story, urging careful consideration in branding decisions.

Nikhil Kamath explained why he’s investing in Subko Coffee’s Series B funding. He believes there’s a gap in understanding Indian specialty coffee, and Subko stands out as a brand with the potential to change India’s coffee narrative globally. Kamath’s journey from being a customer to an investor has motivated him to support Subko’s growth and contribute to shaping its story.

Also Read: Online Pharmacy Startup PlatinumRx Secures $800k Seed Funding

Uber-Backed E-Bike Startup Lime is Set to Expand Electric Bike Fleet Worldwide

Gen AI SaaS Startup Vodex Raises Funding from Unicorn India and Pentathlon Ventures