D2C

Fireside’s Kannan Sitaram on the consumption slowdown, beauty’s future, and consumer tech opportunities

Pranav Balakrishnan

December 16, 2024 | 13 Min Read

VS Kannan Sitaram, a seasoned FMCG veteran and venture capitalist, shares his insights on India’s D2C landscape amid an urban consumption slowdown. In a candid conversation, he discusses the challenges facing brands, Honasa’s recent challenges, and emerging opportunities in consumer tech.

Venture capitalist VS Kannan Sitaram stands as a pivotal yet understated partner at Fireside Ventures, the investment firm that has been instrumental in driving India's direct-to-consumer (D2C) revolution over the past decade.

While his colleague Kanwaljit Singh has been the public face of the firm—best known for backing now-household brands such as wearables giant BoAt and Mamaearth’s parent company Honasa—Sitaram brings a distinctive depth of experience from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

With a robust background that includes serving as COO of Dabur and a recent tenure as CEO of Innovative Foods (maker of frozen food brand Sumeru), Sitaram offers a unique perspective that sets him apart in the venture capital landscape. This experience helps him connect with many founders in a way few of his peers can.

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