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2023 Success Stories: Postudio’s growth, DashLoc’s retail surge, and Tonic Co’s AI-centric vision for 2024
Mumbai: As we approach the conclusion of 2023, we embark on a retrospective journey through the narratives of three visionary ventures. Founders from post-production, hyperlocal retail, and creative technology share insights into their industries, recounting milestones achieved and unveiling ambitious plans for the upcoming year. Join us in this year-end exploration as we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and forward-looking visions that characterise these stories of growth and transformation.
Here is the year-end quote below on behalf of Postudio co-founder Dhawal Gusain, DashLoc co-founder & head of growth Sumit Singh, Tonic co-founder and creative technologist Ashay Kshirsagar
Postudio co-founder Dhawal Gusain
Postudio is an on-cloud and on-demand Post-Production platform with a vision to disrupt the fast-growing 20B dollar Video Post-Production market globally that still uses offline workflows and on-premise technologies. Harish and I, having cumulatively spent more than three decades in a variety of leadership roles in the media and entertainment industry, truly believe in the potential of Postudio and thus have been building it full-time since the start of 2023.
2023 was a watershed year for the media & entertainment industry at large. The strategic shift from ‘growth’ to ‘profitability’ that started around mid-2022 culminated in 2023. Multiple large and small companies in this sector executed their cost-cutting plans this year especially since revenue growth was muted amidst a global slowdown. While cost savings are just one of the numerous benefits Postudio offers – others being ease of use, on-demand scalability and best-in-class content security; this macro trend expedited Postudio adoption, especially among large enterprises. Postudio has been consistently 30-40 per cent more cost-effective when compared to existing on-premise solutions.
Going from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) at the start of this year to clocking a very robust revenue today and negotiating multiple large deals with a few of the largest companies in this sector in India, it suffices to say that Postudio had a tremendous year in 2023. With this early success, our plans for 2024 are far more ambitious. We plan to bolster our platform with new features for customers especially AI and/or Generative AI-powered features in line with the latest advancements in the market. We aspire to reach a market leadership position in the Indian enterprise segment by the 2024 exit. We also plan to launch our international expansion strategy in 2024 starting the US market.
DashLoc co-founder & head of growth Sumit Singh
“As we close the curtains on this transformative year, the retail sector in India has surged forward, navigating through challenges with unwavering resilience. The year 2023 witnessed an impressive 46 per cent year-on-year growth in retail sector leasing across major Indian cities, showcasing the sector’s robust expansion despite evolving landscapes. DashLoc, India’s trailblazing enterprise retail hyperlocal online presence platform powered by Gen AI, mirrored this fortitude with a year of remarkable strides. Our journey extended beyond establishing mere online footprints; it was about empowering enterprises to amplify footfall to their physical outlets while elevating brand visibility across diverse channels. Collaborating with over 50 esteemed clients spanning BFSI, FMCG, Lifestyle, Hospitality, Automobiles, Building Materials, and Appliances, DashLoc turned clicks into meaningful drives, calls, and visits. Our commitment translated into a two times higher conversion rate and delivered an exceptional five times ROI, coupled with a staggering 43 per cent surge in branded search impressions. Looking ahead, as the retail landscape evolves further, our vision remains steadfast. With offline retail projected to contribute around 89.3 per cent to the Indian market by 2024, DashLoc pledges to continue pioneering hyperlocal discovery and growth strategies. Our unwavering dedication is to empower enterprises, redefine online presence, and bridge the gap between digital accessibility and physical presence”– said DashLoc co-founder and head of growth Sumit Singh.
Tonic Co, founder and creative technologist Ashay Kshirsagar
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the digital landscape is poised for a transformative journey. In the coming year, AI is set to take centre stage in shaping the future of creative content. With advancements in machine learning and deep neural networks, AI will become an invaluable tool in generating innovative and personalised CGI solutions.
One of the key trends we anticipate is the widespread adoption of subscription models for bespoke creative services. This approach allows businesses to access tailored CGI content on a recurring basis, fostering long-term partnerships and ensuring a continuous stream of fresh and relevant visuals.
Additionally, the integration of 3D technology in e-commerce is poised to be a game-changer. As consumers increasingly seek immersive online experiences, 3D visuals will revolutionise the way products are showcased and interacted with.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
