Loved it. Sorry to hear abt the startup challenges you had. But glad we have you writing and sharing these with us. Looking fwd to the YT channel.
What I found interesting:)
"Low-ticket pricing, combined with UPI auto-pay, has opened up an entirely new set of business models. You see it in English learning apps, micro-drama platforms, social and companion apps. We are seeing this work brilliantly with apps like Seekho, SpeakX, Lokal and FRND. They offer services with high perceived value - like learning a language or upskilling - for a nominal monthly fee. With AI the economics works out at scale. It lowers the cost of creating content, testing creatives, and iterating fast. Meta ads becomes the acquisition layer. The user loop is simple: bombard them with short-form ads, funnel them to the app, and close the sale with a ₹1 trial. If the user sees value, the auto-pay kicks in. If they don’t, the loss is negligible. What fascinates me is that the exact product almost feels secondary."
"Banks historically made money on big life milestones: buying a home, buying a car, starting a business. But the definition of a “life milestone” has shifted. Gen Z isn’t dreaming of a 30-year mortgage or a sedan in the driveway. They long for experiences and memories - travel funded by EMI, concert tickets on BookMyShow, and instant buy now pay later checkout on e-commerce sites. In those moments, traditional banks rarely come to mind."
"Everyone is trying to solve for “senior living” - healthcare and retirement homes. But very few are solving for “senior purpose.” The worst thing you can do to an older person is make them feel old. You have to make their life feel relevant and meaningful again."
Loved this piece, Dharmesh. I admire your resilience and honest reflection. But this year your writing has been incredible, you have been one of my favorite writers on the Indian tech scene.
Great thoughts, Dharmesh. I see authenticity, perseverance and passion for the work you do or take up in your post. The one you were talking about, bringing back purpose/careers, there is a company that is attempting this called Wisdom Circle... I had a chance to speak with Neeraj Sagar on my podcast. It is an interesting space to think more about. https://contraminds.com/contraminds-podcast/why-50-is-the-half-time-of-your-professional-career/. Tell me what you think about it... Keep writing and let your ideas flow... It is engaging and powerful...
I read 3 things: Momentum (how lack of it can make it depressing), Purpose (its importance for general well-being and identity) and discipline (or what I'm finding is quite related to intentionality).
I am finding myself in a similar similar situation where I'm trying to build a purpose intentionally without picking what comes my way on the "feed" - so to speak. But it's work. And direction is not always clear. So, Momentum takes a hit. So, it resonated when you described how that feels.
I am building a system specifically for myself to get moving - with the idea of done-begets-done. But this is what surprised me when I shared the system with then that a lot of people find it difficult to identify a goal they are chasing.
Anyway, insightful read on the themes you identified. And all the best for everything to come your way in 2026
Loved it. Sorry to hear abt the startup challenges you had. But glad we have you writing and sharing these with us. Looking fwd to the YT channel.
What I found interesting:)
"Low-ticket pricing, combined with UPI auto-pay, has opened up an entirely new set of business models. You see it in English learning apps, micro-drama platforms, social and companion apps. We are seeing this work brilliantly with apps like Seekho, SpeakX, Lokal and FRND. They offer services with high perceived value - like learning a language or upskilling - for a nominal monthly fee. With AI the economics works out at scale. It lowers the cost of creating content, testing creatives, and iterating fast. Meta ads becomes the acquisition layer. The user loop is simple: bombard them with short-form ads, funnel them to the app, and close the sale with a ₹1 trial. If the user sees value, the auto-pay kicks in. If they don’t, the loss is negligible. What fascinates me is that the exact product almost feels secondary."
"Banks historically made money on big life milestones: buying a home, buying a car, starting a business. But the definition of a “life milestone” has shifted. Gen Z isn’t dreaming of a 30-year mortgage or a sedan in the driveway. They long for experiences and memories - travel funded by EMI, concert tickets on BookMyShow, and instant buy now pay later checkout on e-commerce sites. In those moments, traditional banks rarely come to mind."
"Everyone is trying to solve for “senior living” - healthcare and retirement homes. But very few are solving for “senior purpose.” The worst thing you can do to an older person is make them feel old. You have to make their life feel relevant and meaningful again."
Thanks Sajith.
Loved this piece, Dharmesh. I admire your resilience and honest reflection. But this year your writing has been incredible, you have been one of my favorite writers on the Indian tech scene.
Love this perspective. How do you integrate 'life happens' into plans? Truely insightful.
Great post, Dharmesh, wishing you the very best for 2026 & beyond.
Great post. Loved reading it. Especially the "bringing back a purpose" theme. Any founder attempting to solve this?
"Purpose, it turns out, is a better antidepressant than rest." so true
Great thoughts, Dharmesh. I see authenticity, perseverance and passion for the work you do or take up in your post. The one you were talking about, bringing back purpose/careers, there is a company that is attempting this called Wisdom Circle... I had a chance to speak with Neeraj Sagar on my podcast. It is an interesting space to think more about. https://contraminds.com/contraminds-podcast/why-50-is-the-half-time-of-your-professional-career/. Tell me what you think about it... Keep writing and let your ideas flow... It is engaging and powerful...
Quite interesting post Darmesh! Infact inspires me to note down my own version of 2025 as well!
What a timely post, Dharmesh!
I read 3 things: Momentum (how lack of it can make it depressing), Purpose (its importance for general well-being and identity) and discipline (or what I'm finding is quite related to intentionality).
I am finding myself in a similar similar situation where I'm trying to build a purpose intentionally without picking what comes my way on the "feed" - so to speak. But it's work. And direction is not always clear. So, Momentum takes a hit. So, it resonated when you described how that feels.
I am building a system specifically for myself to get moving - with the idea of done-begets-done. But this is what surprised me when I shared the system with then that a lot of people find it difficult to identify a goal they are chasing.
Anyway, insightful read on the themes you identified. And all the best for everything to come your way in 2026