The D2C Download: Bengaluru Edition — Conversations, Connections, and Cold Brews!

Here at SaaS22, we’re all about fostering meaningful connections within the SaaS space. That’s why we were thrilled to co-host “The D2C Download: Bengaluru Edition” earlier this year, in association with ZEPIC and Axeptio. And what a night it was!

Picture this: 41 attendees from 30 different companies, all buzzing with energy and eager to explore the real-world impact of AI on the D2C landscape. The venue was alive with conversation, the connections were flowing, and the cold beers helped to fuel the innovative spirit.

Setting the Tone

Krish Ramachandran, Founder & CEO at SaaS22, kicked off the evening with a powerful opening note. He highlighted the evolving technology landscape and emphasized why partnerships and human connections are now more vital than ever. It was the perfect way to set the stage for a high-energy evening of learning and networking.

Product Spotlights: Ideas in Action

We were excited to showcase some cutting-edge solutions with two dynamic product demos. Sreelesh Pillai from ZEPIC presented their AI-powered marketing automation platform, demonstrating how it helps D2C brands create personalized experiences faster and more efficiently. Yeshas Nakshathri from Axeptio then took the stage to demo their user consent management solution. It was inspiring to see how technology is taking centre stage in streamlining critical business functions.

Panel Unplugged: AI — Hype vs Reality

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the no-holds-barred panel discussion on how D2C brands are leveraging AI to streamline marketing, inventory, and operations. Moderator Siddhartha Ahluwalia (Neon Fund) led a dynamic conversation with panelists Vibin Prabhakaran (DaMENSCH), Pallav Bihani (Boldfit), Sudarshan Gangrade (Lo Foods), and Vamsi Krishna (Startup Coach).

The insights were invaluable, offering a balanced perspective on the realities and potential of AI in the D2C world. Pallav shared how his team at Boldfit was leveraging AI to streamline inventory management, optimize stock levels, and reduce waste. Vibin detailed how DaMENSCH was using AI to predict product planning and seasonality with greater accuracy, ensuring they meet customer demand effectively. Sudarshan enlightened us on how Lo Foods was scaling their marketing efforts with AI — from generating copy and creating creatives faster to iterating quickly on their website and gaining powerful SEO insights.

A key takeaway from the discussion was the collective vision that AI serves as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for human ingenuity. The panelists all imagined a world where AI empowers humans to run leaner, fitter, faster, smarter, and more efficient teams. The audacious idea of a two-member marketing team capable of running a reasonably-sized D2C company highlighted the transformative potential of AI in amplifying human capabilities.

Networking Moments: Over Beer & Banter

Of course, no SaaS22 event is complete without ample networking opportunities. Attendees sipped on craft beers, enjoyed delicious food, and dived into conversations that sparked new collaborations. We believe that the best connections often start off the record, and this event was a testament to that.

The Buzz

We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received. Attendees raved about the “great crowd,” “great curation,” and “super relevant content.” Many appreciated the informal energy and the fact that the event was “just the right size” for meaningful interactions.

Until Next Time, Bengaluru!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this evening so special. Your energy, insights, and enthusiasm are what drive us to create these valuable experiences. To those who missed out, don’t worry — ZEPIC will be back in Bengaluru on July 15 with the Z Factor Club — Marketing, AI: Hype vs Reality. RSVP here, and stay tuned for more updates!

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