The latest book of Harsh Pamnani titled From Unknown to Unforgettable explores intricacies of building a successful brand in India’s startup ecosystem. Pamnani shared his observations on the reasons that nearly 90% of Indian startups fail within their initial years. He highlighted that India’s startup scene is dynamic and it is fraught with challenges. It is often tied to inadequate market research, a poor product-market fit, financial mismanagement and difficulties in establishing a trusted brand. Startups often lack the capital and experience to compete in such a crowded market.

Pamnani points to several common mistakes that frequently derail startups. A lack of clear product-market fit is often the first misstep and many new companies fail to address the genuine needs of their target audience. It is compounded by insufficient market research where startups enter the field with a poor understanding of their customers as well as the competitive arena. Brand development tends to be neglected and it leaves startups unable to build customer loyalty or stand out from competitors. Financial mismanagement can quickly drain a resources and an inadequate company culture often fails to attract skilled talent necessary for growth.

Pamnani advocates a blend of efficient systems, customer insights and financial discipline. Startups should establish clear systems to streamline operations and enable them to focus on productivity as well as growth.

He said that the Indian startup ecosystem operates within a unique environment. Indian startups often struggle to secure funding. The cultural diversity across India adds complexity as brands must adapt their offerings to varied regional languages, consumer behaviors and market dynamics.

Pamnani emphasizes that branding is about advertising and also about creating a comprehensive identity. Consistency in design and messaging helps brands stand out in the crowd while emotional connection through branding strengthens trust.