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The strange and sudden rise of subscription businesses

There’s Ola share pass. Soon, there will be Zomato Gold and MMT Black. Also, The Times Group’s new online subscription media product under Times Internet. Companies in India are increasingly looking at a business model once considered niche

07/11/17

Venkat Ananth

Indian unicorn startups are following Amazon's lead (Prime) in launching their own subscription-based products and services

In India's startup ecosystem, the subscription model was considered niche, restricted to those catering to specific needs

Ola, with its 'Share Pass' was one of the earliest to offer a subscription-based service. Others like MakeMyTrip are now following suit

In subscription-based models, the ultimate power is in the hands of the customer: she chooses whether to renew or drop-off

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The largest media company in India is waking up to it. Soon, Times Internet, a subsidiary of Bennett Coleman & Company (BCCL) will launch an online subscription-based media product. The editorial team is being put together as you read this.

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