Rishi Jaitly Navigating the Intersection of Culture and Business in India

Rishi Jaitly, CEO of Times Bridge, is a seasoned professional with a remarkable career spanning Google, YouTube, and Twitter. In 2016, he took on the role of CEO at Times Bridge, the strategic investment arm of the Times Group. His mission: to facilitate international businesses’ seamless entry into the Indian market. In this interview, Rishi shares insights into his approach to impact investing, the evolving digital landscape in India, and the challenges and opportunities of bridging cultures in a diverse and dynamic market. Over the last ten years, Rishi has been instrumental in helping global mission-driven internet platforms adapt to the unique challenges of the Indian market. During this period, he witnessed significant transformations. Two key changes stand out: the surge in mobile usage and the growing prominence of non-English languages in the digital landscape. These shifts have reshaped India’s digital ecosystem and opened up new opportunities.

However, Rishi emphasizes that achieving success in India requires a multifaceted approach beyond just market entry. It involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, businesses, sports federations, and the entertainment industry. While market entry is relatively straightforward, creating lasting impact and meaningful connections with consumers demand a deeper commitment to the local culture.

The Power of Culture:

For Rishi, culture is the key to winning in India. It’s not merely about introducing products or marketing campaigns but about immersing them in the cultural fabric of the country. This includes understanding and engaging with the diverse languages, traditions, and practices across India. To succeed in this market, businesses must adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond superficial engagement. Times Bridge plays a pivotal role in this cultural integration, drawing on the rich legacy of the Times Group. Founded in 1838, the Times Group has not only thrived as a legacy media business but also successfully transitioned into the digital realm. Its portfolio includes successes like Gaana, Magic Bricks, and Cricbuzz, showcasing a deep understanding of consumer growth, scale, and innovation.

Selecting the Right Partners:

Times Bridge focuses on partnering with later-stage companies that have already proven their business models in their home markets. It looks for businesses that prioritize India as a significant user and revenue market. Rishi believes that aligning with entrepreneurs who are genuinely committed to India is essential. This alignment includes both the leadership’s vision and the company’s mission. Times Bridge has curated a diverse portfolio of companies, spanning various sectors such as transportation, hospitality, music, climate, well-being, enterprise, education, and content. While the portfolio’s current composition reflects market interests and opportunities, Times Bridge remains sector-agnostic and open to future expansions.

One notable absence in the portfolio is fintech. Rishi explains that Times Bridge is open to engaging with businesses across sectors, including fintech, as long as they prioritize digital accessibility and product availability.

Global NGOs and Social Entrepreneurs:

In addition to working with businesses, Times Bridge aims to bring global NGOs and social entrepreneurs to India. Rishi recognizes the significant role that India plays in international development and the potential for partnerships that drive positive social impact. Times Bridge recently made its first investment in China, signalling its intention to extend its impact beyond India. While the Chinese market presents unique challenges, Rishi sees it as an opportunity to collaborate with select Chinese entrepreneurs and build global partnerships.

For Rishi and Times Bridge, impact investing is not solely about financial returns. It’s about creating a lasting legacy of global brands that have embraced and enriched India’s diverse culture. Their commitment extends beyond market entry to meaningful, sustainable engagement with Indian consumers. As India prepares for parliamentary elections, Rishi is confident that India’s open digital landscape will continue to attract global businesses. He believes in engaging with the government and fostering collaboration to drive innovation and growth. Ultimately, the Indian consumer’s enthusiasm for both domestic and global digital innovations remains a driving force, offering endless opportunities on the horizon.

In the coming years, Rishi Jaitly and Times Bridge are poised to leave an indelible mark on the intersection of culture and business in India, fostering connections that transcend borders and transform industries.