A tech founder asked me yesterday a simple question:

“Can I survive running a niche profitable business?”

My response: No.

The only way to survive is to constantly innovate and grow. You don’t have a choice whether you are funded by VC or not. There is no place to hide.

Reliance would have died running only its profitable oil business...it’s relentless focus on data and retail makes it relevant in today’s world.

ITC would die by not thinking beyond a very profitable cigarette business.

It’s timely focus on growing its food business gives it a chance to survive.

HDFC bank has been hugely successful for the last two decades.

But its tech stack is broken.

If it doesn’t pay attention to the tech on priority, it would die.

Fintechs and digital banks would eat it alive.

Even a local favourite mithai shop is under attack if it doesn’t adopt to digital deliveries and more importantly to changes in consumer preferences.