Get All Access for $5/mo

As Walmart Acquires Flipkart, Indian Inc Celebrates This is Walmart's second stint to enter the Indian market after it parted ways with its partner – Bharti Group in 2013

By Vanita D'souza

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Flipkart

With Softbank confirming Flipkart's buyout, Indian startup ecosystem just recorded one of the biggest exits of the venture capital-backed company.

While some applauded the deal, other stakeholders raised their concerns related to future of Flipkart's sellers, customer experiences, centralized competition between Amazon- Walmart, and most importantly, the impact on smaller e-commerce players.

The Noise

On 9th April, soon after Softbank's CEO Masayoshi Son during an earnings webcast accidentally confirmed the deal, Walmart issued a statement on the Flipkart's buyout wherein the former will pay USD 16 billion for an initial stake of approximately 77 per cent in the Indian e-commerce company.

This is Walmart's second stint to enter the Indian market after it parted ways with its partner – Bharti Group in 2013. The US-giant presently runs around 21 B2B Best Price cash-and-carry stores along with one fulfilment centre in India.

Announcing the deal, Doug McMillon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart said, "India is one of the most attractive retail markets in the world, given its size and growth rate, and our investment is an opportunity to partner with the company that is leading the transformation of e-commerce in the market."

Walmart also said it is actively looking for new ways to serve customers along with the moving speed. While, the Flipkart investment provides a unique opportunity, consistent to the retailer with the approach of looking for innovative ways to grow. "The investment transforms Walmart's position in a country with more than 1.3 billion people, strong GDP growth, a growing middle class and significant runway for smartphones, internet and e-commerce penetration," the announcement read.

Expert Opinion

Adrian Lee, Research Director, Gartner suggests that deal is part of Walmart's global expansion strategy. "This should not be observed without mention to Alibaba Group's intent to become the third player in India. With the massive user base, India looms as an attractive market for retailers. It's currently estimated that 15 per cent Indian consumers will be shopping online by end of 2018, and the relatively untapped growth potential is attracting the commerce giants.

"Homegrown companies stand to benefit in the long run. As consumers are more attuned and comfortable to shopping online with e-commerce marketplaces, we see vertical specialists (largest categories being fashion, second electronics) benefiting. High value, more discerning consumers who want differentiated choices and unique offers will seek out specialists to fulfil this need," he pointed out.

Indian Inc Applaud

Amid multiple concerns related to the deal, the Indian Inc and the venture capital community celebrated the deal as Vani Kola, Managing Partner, Kalaari Capital noted this deal as milestone not just for the company but also for the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Fellow entrepreneur Kunal Bahl, Founder, Snapdeal congratulated Flipkart's Co-founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal. It was rumoured that Flipkart was keen to acquire Snapdeal but the deal didn't see the day's light.

While, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder of Paytm, tweeted that the deal speaks about the openness of the Indian market.

Ace investor Ronnie Screwvala, referring to his exit at the UTV Group, empathised with Sachin and tweeted an emotional message for the entrepreneur.

On the other side, Ananth Narayanan CEO of Jabong and Myntra (Acquired by Flipkart) expressed his excitement to be part of Flipkart 2.0.

Vanita D'souza

Former Senior Correspondent, Entrepreneur India

I am a Mumbai-based journalist and have worked with media companies like The Dollar Business Magazine, Business Standard, etc.While on the other side, I am an avid reader who is a travel freak and has accepted foodism as my religion.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

A Former Corporate Lawyer Now Makes Six Figures on YouTube — Here's How She Does It

Here are the secrets to starting and growing a successful YouTube channel, according to a YouTuber with millions of subscribers.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.