e-commerce
Assiduus expands into South America
Mumbai: Assiduus, a renowned innovator and leader in multi-market ecommerce distribution, has announced its expansion into South America.
With the expansion, Assiduus expects to capitalize on the region’s booming e-commerce market and empower non-LatAm brands to reach millions of potential customers across South America.
Despite being a rapidly growing market, South America remains under-penetrated for non-regional brands. However, Assiduus believes there is a huge appetite for international brands, particularly those of US origin.
Market data suggests that ecommerce sales in Latin America are expected to rise to $160 billion by 2025. With the current growth rate, others are even more bullish, forecasting the surge to be up to $200 billion by the end of 2025. Hence, Assiduus does not just look forward to entering another market but also to opening up a unique opportunity for brands globally.
Assiduus’ founder and CEO Somdutta Singh is confident that this expansion will be a game-changer for brands in the region and play a pivotal role in Assiduus’ growth trajectory. By establishing a presence in South America, the company looks forward to expanding its client offerings and base and solidifying its position as the leading global ecommerce accelerator: “South America represents a vibrant landscape for ecommerce. We’re excited to empower brands and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to grow their business with Assiduus and deliver great value and a convenient shopping experience for customers across South America. We’re providing our industry-leading expertise to brands, enabling them to navigate complexities like global logistics and fulfilment, access to buyer data and analytics, marketplace and inventory optimization across global platforms. This empowers brands to focus on what they do best – creating exceptional products for global audiences.”
Assiduus also looks forward to benefiting South American consumers by facilitating access to a wider variety of quality products. Their commitment to facilitating a smooth shopping experience ensures a convenient journey for customers across the region, making it easier than ever to discover and purchase their desired brands.
e-commerce
Flipkart rolls out 105 per cent bonus for 20,000 employees
Strong FY25 performance drives payouts even as layoffs and shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: In a year where belts were tightened and rewards loosened, Flipkart seems to be playing both offence and defence trimming roles on one hand while handing out a generous 105 per cent bonus on the other. The Walmart owned e commerce major has rolled out a 105 per cent bonus payout for 2025, covering nearly 20,000 employees, signalling a year of steady operational momentum even as the company navigates restructuring pressures. The payout, communicated internally by chief human resources officer Seema Nair, is tied to performance across key metrics including growth, operational efficiency, financial outcomes and people indicators, a combination that suggests the company is inching closer to its long stated goal of sustainable profitability.
Employees at SD level and below are set to receive their bonuses in March, while payouts for senior leadership, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents, will follow after the close of the performance cycle. The elevated 105 per cent multiplier stands out in a sector where cautious payouts have increasingly become the norm, pointing to what appears to be a relatively strong internal scorecard for FY25.
Yet, the announcement arrives with a noticeable contrast. Earlier this year, Flipkart reduced its workforce by around 300 roles as part of its annual performance review process. While officially framed as performance driven, the juxtaposition of layoffs alongside above target bonuses reflects a more nuanced balancing act, one that prioritises cost discipline while continuing to reward and retain high performing talent.
This dual approach is becoming increasingly common across the technology and e commerce landscape, where companies are navigating an uneven hiring environment while under pressure to deliver profitability. Rewarding top contributors, even amid selective workforce reductions, allows firms to maintain morale and retain critical talent without losing sight of financial prudence.
At the same time, Flipkart is also undergoing leadership shifts that hint at a broader strategic recalibration. Nishant Verman has been appointed senior vice president for corporate development and partnerships, while group chief financial officer Sriram Venkataraman is set to step down. Ravi Iyer will take on expanded responsibilities within the finance function, marking a reshuffle at the top as the company gears up for its next phase.
These changes come amid reports that Flipkart is planning to shift its holding structure back to India, a move widely interpreted as groundwork for a potential public listing. While timelines remain fluid, the combination of stronger financial discipline, leadership restructuring and employee incentivisation suggests a company preparing itself for greater scrutiny and scale.
For employees, the 105 per cent payout offers a welcome boost in what has otherwise been a period of adjustment. For Flipkart, it is a signal that even as it cuts where necessary, it is willing to spend where it counts. In the high stakes game of growth versus profitability, the company appears to be hedging its bets carefully, rewarding performance while reshaping itself for what could be its most defining chapter yet.
