Aishwarya Vadgama (MBA 2020): Quick commerce and tech startups at the heart of India’s growth

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?

As a core team member at a stealth-mode startup in Mumbai, I am leading the end-to-end launch of two FMCG brands, guiding them from concept to market. My role involves crafting high-impact strategies through financial modeling, business planning, and in-depth market analysis to identify growth opportunities. Additionally, I drive the execution of go-to-market strategies to accelerate market entry, enhance brand positioning, and optimise customer engagement.

Q2. Please describe Mumbai in three words.

Mumbai is home, diverse, and unstoppable.

The city never sleeps and never stops dreaming. Whether you’re catching a train at 4am or sitting by Marine Drive watching the sea, Mumbai’s warmth and inclusiveness will always make you feel at home. It’s a city where there is space for everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from. Words can’t fully capture Mumbai’s spirit – it is magic.

Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in India and why?

India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with a projected annual growth of 15% across various multiple sectors. This growth is fuelled by government initiatives, digital transformation, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) adoption, and improved connectivity. Technology is the cornerstone of this growth, with fintech and quick commerce leading the way.

The digital payments space has been revolutionised by platforms like Paytm and Razorpay, setting new benchmarks for convenience. Simultaneously, consumer demand for ultra-fast delivery has spurred the rise of quick commerce, a US$2.8 billion market projected to grow to US$1.5 trillion in the next 4 to 5 years, especially, in urban areas.

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study in CUHK Business School, and that you look forward to making it happen again?

I miss a lot of things! The beautiful CUHK campus in Shatin, rushing to Professor Thomas Bain’s class at 6:45pm, sipping tea with batchmates at the dorm, and the rigorous C-Suite sessions led by Professors Chris Lobello and Haydn Pound. Most of all, I miss the bonding I had with people from all over the world!

Snapshots of Aishwarya during her MBA studies (on the far right in the top photo) bonding with colleagues.

CUHK Business School has a proud network of over 45,000 alumni in 50 countries. To explore our inspiring alumni stories, please click here. If you reside out of Hong Kong, please also feel free to connect with our GLOBAL ALUMNI AMBASSADORS in your locality and foster a stronger alumni community worldwide with us!