Case Study : From Garage to Global Dominance: The Story of Flipkart

Flipkart, founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, began its journey as an
online bookstore, aiming to revolutionize the way Indians shopped for books. The
entrepreneurial venture started modestly, operating out of a small apartment in
Bengaluru, with the founders handling everything from product sourcing to delivery
logistics. However, fueled by their vision and passion for e-commerce, the Bansals quickly
expanded Flipkart's offerings beyond books, diversifying into categories such as
electronics, fashion, and home appliances.
As Flipkart gained traction and popularity among Indian consumers, it attracted attention
from investors eager to capitalize on the burgeoning e-commerce market in India. The
company secured several rounds of funding from prominent venture capital firms and
strategic investors, enabling it to scale its operations, invest in technology infrastructure,
and expand its market reach. Flipkart's innovative business model, which emphasized
customer satisfaction, product selection, competitive pricing, and efficient delivery,
helped it outpace competitors and emerge as a leader in the Indian e-commerce
landscape.
However, Flipkart's entrepreneurial journey was not without challenges. The company
grappled with logistical hurdles, inventory management issues, and fierce competition
from domestic rivals like Snapdeal and international giants like Amazon. Additionally,
navigating regulatory complexities and adapting to changing consumer preferences posed
significant obstacles for Flipkart as it sought to maintain its market leadership and sustain
its rapid growth trajectory.
Despite the challenges, Flipkart continued to innovate and evolve, introducing new
features, services, and strategic initiatives to enhance the customer experience and stay
ahead of the competition. The company leveraged technology advancements, such as
artificial intelligence and data analytics, to personalize recommendations, optimize supply
chain operations, and drive customer engagement. Flipkart also explored new business
opportunities, including launching its own private labels and acquiring strategic assets to
strengthen its market position.
In 2018, Flipkart made headlines globally when it announced its acquisition by Walmart,
one of the world's largest retail chains, in a deal valued at $16 billion. The acquisition
marked a significant milestone in Flipkart's journey, underscoring its emergence as a
formidable player in the global e-commerce arena and signaling the growing importance
of the Indian market in the global retail landscape.
Today, Flipkart stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and
perseverance. Its remarkable rise from a small startup operating out of a garage to a
multi-billion-dollar e-commerce powerhouse serves as inspiration for aspiring
entrepreneurs worldwide, showcasing the transformative potential of disruptive ideas,
relentless execution, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
Case Study : Snapdeal's Rise and Retreat: A Cautionary Tale of E-
Commerce Ambitions

Snapdeal, founded by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal in 2010, emerged as one of India's
leading e-commerce platforms, offering a wide range of products across categories such
as electronics, fashion, and household essentials. The company quickly gained popularity
among Indian consumers, driven by aggressive marketing campaigns, competitive pricing,
and a vast seller network.
Snapdeal's early success was fueled by strategic partnerships, robust funding rounds, and
favorable market conditions in India's burgeoning e-commerce landscape. The company
secured investments from prominent venture capital firms and attracted global attention
as a potential rival to established players like Flipkart and Amazon in the Indian market.
However, Snapdeal's ambitious growth trajectory soon encountered headwinds as the
company grappled with operational challenges, customer service issues, and intense
competition. Amidst mounting losses and dwindling investor confidence, Snapdeal faced a
series of setbacks, including failed merger talks with Flipkart and significant layoffs to
streamline its operations.
Despite efforts to pivot its business model, focus on profitability, and divest non-core
assets, Snapdeal struggled to regain its footing in the fiercely competitive e-commerce
market. The company's decline was exacerbated by a lack of strategic direction, internal
conflicts, and a shifting regulatory landscape, ultimately leading to a significant loss of
market share and valuation.
In a bid to salvage its business, Snapdeal underwent a series of restructuring initiatives,
including a pivot towards a marketplace model and a renewed focus on value-conscious
consumers in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. However, these efforts proved insufficient to reverse
Snapdeal's fortunes, and the company gradually receded from the limelight of India's e-
commerce industry.
The rise and retreat of Snapdeal serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring entrepreneurs,
highlighting the challenges and pitfalls of scaling a startup in a hyper-competitive market
environment. The case study prompts MBA students to critically analyze the factors
contributing to Snapdeal's decline, including strategic missteps, market dynamics, and
leadership challenges.
Case Study : Foodpanda's Rise and Retreat: A Tale of Challenges in India's
Food Delivery Market

Foodpanda, founded in 2012 by Ralf Wenzel, was one of India's leading food delivery
platforms, offering a wide range of culinary options to customers across various cities. The
company initially gained traction by capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for online
food ordering and delivery services in India's urban centers.
With strategic partnerships, aggressive marketing campaigns, and innovative delivery
models, Foodpanda quickly expanded its presence in the Indian market, establishing a
strong foothold in key metropolitan areas. The platform boasted a diverse selection of
restaurants, cuisines, and delivery options, catering to the evolving tastes and preferences
of Indian consumers.
Despite its initial success, Foodpanda faced stiff competition from established players like
Zomato and Swiggy, as well as emerging startups entering the food delivery space. The
company struggled to differentiate itself in a crowded market, grappling with challenges
related to delivery logistics, customer service, and restaurant partnerships.
Moreover, Foodpanda encountered internal issues, including operational inefficiencies,
management changes, and strategic missteps, which further undermined its competitive
position and financial performance. The company found it challenging to sustain its
growth momentum and profitability amidst mounting losses and declining market share.
In 2016, Foodpanda underwent a significant restructuring, including the sale of its Indian
business to competitor Ola in a bid to streamline operations and focus on core markets.
However, the acquisition failed to revive Foodpanda's fortunes, and the company
continued to face challenges in regaining market traction and investor confidence.
Ultimately, Foodpanda's struggles in the fiercely competitive food delivery market led to
its eventual retreat from India, as the company failed to overcome the challenges posed
by market dynamics, competition, and internal operational issues.
Case Study : Practo: Revolutionizing Healthcare through Technology

Practo, founded by Shashank ND and Abhinav Lal in 2008, is an Indian healthcare

technology company that offers a platform for patients to find doctors, book
appointments, and access digital health records. In a country where accessing quality
healthcare services can be challenging due to logistical barriers and fragmented
information, Practo aimed to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers
using technology.
At its inception, Practo faced skepticism and challenges in convincing both patients and
doctors to adopt its platform. However, the founders persisted in their vision of leveraging
technology to democratize healthcare access and improve patient outcomes. They
focused on building user-friendly interfaces, integrating innovative features such as online
appointment booking and telemedicine consultations, and expanding their network of
healthcare providers.
After years of perseverance and strategic iterations, Practo began to gain traction,
especially among urban millennials and tech-savvy consumers seeking convenience and
transparency in healthcare. The company's platform became increasingly popular for its
ease of use, comprehensive database of healthcare providers, and value-added services
such as online prescription refills and digital health records.
Practo's success was also fueled by broader trends in digital adoption and changing
consumer behaviors, as more Indians embraced smartphones and internet connectivity.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and
remote healthcare services, further boosting Practo's relevance and user base.
Despite initial challenges and skepticism, Practo's patient-centric approach, technological
innovation, and strategic partnerships positioned it as a leader in India's digital healthcare
space. The company's success serves as a testament to the transformative power of
technology in addressing longstanding challenges in the healthcare sector and improving
access to quality medical services.