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."
Hi Dharmesh, as a founder and an entrepreneur for 20 years i hard relate to you and sending you tons of positive vibrations…
Your Nithra example sparked off something in me again..
I am an animation film maker and currently trying to navigate the treacherous waters of making animation content for adults Indians. I often wonder how can I make content that can be consumed by the whole country while I am a privileged english first citizen who has only limited connection to the billion odd population that I want to watch my animation series. I can make stuff for the 5% of the population , sure thing but what about the rest. I don't relate to 90% of what goes in the name of entertainment in this country. The only solution I resonate with is making something with enough depth and honest humanity (disguised as entertainment) that touches each strata of society…
Loved it Dharmesh. Specially, the first part of about Sachet Subscription which can be scaled to large scale if done correctly. Also, little disappointed that you left banking part hanging but you pointed out very correctly. According to me few years later one of them will be buying out other and entering market with totally new plan.
Hi Dharmesh, I am glad that you kept writing despite the challenges. The trends predicted for 2026 looks to be spot on. I hope you will write about them in detail. I look forward to reading more of the articles, especially the hard hitting articles like the one you wrote about Whatsapp!
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.
Hi Dharmesh, as a founder and an entrepreneur for 20 years i hard relate to you and sending you tons of positive vibrations…
Your Nithra example sparked off something in me again..
I am an animation film maker and currently trying to navigate the treacherous waters of making animation content for adults Indians. I often wonder how can I make content that can be consumed by the whole country while I am a privileged english first citizen who has only limited connection to the billion odd population that I want to watch my animation series. I can make stuff for the 5% of the population , sure thing but what about the rest. I don't relate to 90% of what goes in the name of entertainment in this country. The only solution I resonate with is making something with enough depth and honest humanity (disguised as entertainment) that touches each strata of society…
Would love to hear your perspectives..
Cheers,
Vivek
Loved it Dharmesh. Specially, the first part of about Sachet Subscription which can be scaled to large scale if done correctly. Also, little disappointed that you left banking part hanging but you pointed out very correctly. According to me few years later one of them will be buying out other and entering market with totally new plan.
Hi Dharmesh, I am glad that you kept writing despite the challenges. The trends predicted for 2026 looks to be spot on. I hope you will write about them in detail. I look forward to reading more of the articles, especially the hard hitting articles like the one you wrote about Whatsapp!
Wishing you a great 2026 ahead !
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