UniBlurb #6

Good morning! and welcome to the sixth edition of UniBlurb - Your Weekly Dose of Management. Today, we will be going over:

#Reliance’s strategic game
#Startup Disaster
#Small and Mid-cap bubble
#Internships, Competitions & Events

MONDAY MOTIVATION

OUR TWO CENTS
Reliance Industries’ Strategic Acquisition: A Calculated Move in the Media Chessboard

In the high-stakes game of media moguls, Reliance Industries just played a masterstroke, snagging a cool 13.01% of Viacom18 from Paramount for a whopping $517 million. It’s like Monopoly, but with real channels and a lot more zeros. This move isn’t just about owning a bigger piece of the TV pie; it’s a strategic play in the entertainment endgame. With TV18’s stake in Viacom18 jumping to 70.49%, Reliance is not just passing ‘Go’ but collecting way more than $200.

This acquisition is a tech-savvy power move. Imagine, 40 television channels, including the likes of Comedy Central and MTV, now dance to the tunes of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest maestro. It’s a digital symphony, harmonizing content streaming with JioCinema’s platform, and setting the stage for a merger with Disney’s Indian assets that’s music to investors’ ears.

So, as Reliance’s stock ticks up, despite the market’s moody blues, one can’t help but wonder: In the grand orchestra of media, is Reliance composing a symphony that could redefine the industry’s future? Cue the dramatic music and ponder away!

OUR TWO CENTS
Navigating the Startup Squall

In the tumultuous tides of the startup ecosystem, 2023 emerged as a year of reckoning. Over 35,000 startups found themselves navigating the choppy waters of closure, as the ‘funding winter’ blew in with an icy chill. The technical undercurrents of this phenomenon were complex: a persistent inflationary environment kept interest rates aloft, while investors, with a weather eye on the horizon, braced for potential growth squalls. Deal volumes plunged like a barometer in a storm—from 1,611 to a mere 880—while the average deal size shrunk from $16 million to $11 million.

This contraction in the startup stratosphere wasn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; it translated into over 20,000 layoffs, with edtech bearing the brunt of the blizzard. Yet, as we stand in 2024, there’s a glimmer of hope that the worst may have passed. The survivors, with viable economics and growth trajectories, continue to sail forward. Will they navigate to calmer seas or find themselves adrift once more? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain—the startup odyssey continues, with lessons aplenty in its wake.

OUR TWO CENTS
Bubble Trouble: Assessing Frothy Valuations in Small and Mid-Cap Stocks

In the bustling bazaar of the Indian stock market, a frothy foam seems to be rising, and it’s not from the celebratory lassi of success. The SEBI chief has waved a red flag, warning of a potential bubble in the small and mid-cap stocks. These pint-sized powerhouses, with market caps cozying up to ₹5,000 crore and their bigger siblings stretching up to ₹20,000 crore, have been the darlings of the day-traders and the nightmares of the naysayers. Since February 19, while the Nifty strutted up by nearly one percent, over 80% of the BSE Small-cap index constituents have been seeing red. It’s like a game of musical chairs, and the music’s getting faster. The SEBI’s ‘froth’ alert hints at valuations that are more ‘off the charts’ than a rocket launch without NASA’s nod. So, investors, buckle up! It’s a roller coaster ride in the stock market’s wild west, where the tumbleweeds of uncertainty roll, and the only sheriff in town is the vigilant SEBI, keeping an eye on the exuberant escapades of the equity enthusiasts.

INDUSTRY CONNECT
Internship opportunities

1. Growtomation (Digital Marketing Intern)
   
   You will be working for both B2B and B2C clients in setting up their HubSpot CRM, marketing and sales processes. You will be planning, monitoring, and implementing the setup customized to their business.
   Apply Here!

2. The OmniJobs (Business Development Intern)
   
   You will be working in a team of go-getters to help spread the service of The OmniJobs to the masses. You would be showcasing the unique way of the Training and Placement program to the job seekers and will be responsible for converting prospects into qualified leads.
   Apply Here!

3. Startup Sherpa.io (Startup Consultant Intern)
   
   You will undertake a wide array of responsibilities, including administrative duties, client communication, strategic planning, and more. This position is ideal for a versatile, startup-enthusiastic individual with excellent communication skills and a proactive problem-solving approach. You will gain invaluable experience by working closely with startups, offering insights, and contributing to their growth and success.
   Apply Here!

EVENTS ON THE RISE
Best events and competitions in the upcoming week

1. Episteme 2024 (SRCC)
   
   Episteme, India's largest undergraduate finance festival, is organized annually by the Finance and Investment Cell, SRCC. The linchpin of every finance enthusiast's college life, Episteme harbors highly engaging, thought-provoking, and renowned events ranging from Mock-Stocks to M&As to Geopolitical Simulations. Episteme 2023 was heralded as a true one-of-its-kind event, witnessing pan-India participation by 10,000+ students from the best colleges and B-schools across 6 events and a plethora of enriching speaker sessions.
   Register Here!

2. Metamorphosis 2.0 (SRCC)
   
   Metamorphosis 2.0, hosted by the Training and Development Cell at Global Business Operations, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC-GBO). Get ready to witness a transformational journey through the realm of strategic management, where knowledge, competition, and fun converge to create an unforgettable experience.
   Register Here!

3. Fraud Fortify (KMC Delhi)
   
   Knowledge and wit are all you need to overcome this hurdle and step closer to victory. This Fraud Fortify will test your financial acumen and your analytical and problem-solving skills.
   Register Here!