Fintech startup POP collaborates with contemporary fashion brand Saaki, co-founded by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and entrepreneur Sushruthi Krishna. This collaboration enables POP users to purchase Saaki’s exclusive collections using POPcoins, the platform’s digital reward currency. The alliance aims to expand Saaki’s reach to a broader audience while reinforcing POP’s position as a leading payments-to-commerce platform.
Saaki, launched in 2020, has rapidly gained traction in the women’s fashion sector. Through this partnership, the brand plans to grow its business by 300% within the next 2-3 years. POP, founded by ex-Flipkart executives, differentiates itself from competitors like PhonePe and Google Pay with its native reward system. POPcoins can be redeemed across various D2C brands spanning beauty, personal care, electronics, fashion, and home goods within the POPclub app.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu expressed her excitement, emphasizing Saaki’s mission to empower women through fashion. POP’s founder Bhargav Errangi highlighted the synergy between the two brands in delivering value to modern Indian consumers. Saaki plans to roll out exclusive product lines on POP in the coming months, further solidifying this strategic partnership.
1. Introduction to POP and Its Business Model
1.1 Founding and Background
POP, a fintech startup founded by former Flipkart executives, has positioned itself as a disruptive payments-to-commerce platform. Unlike traditional digital wallets, POP integrates a rewards-based economy through its proprietary digital currency, POPcoins. This approach enhances customer engagement and brand loyalty.
1.2 Revenue Model and Market Position
POP generates revenue by partnering with D2C brands and enabling transactions via its POPcoins system. Businesses benefit from increased visibility and customer retention, while users enjoy a gamified shopping experience. With over a million active users, POP ranks among India’s top 25 UPI apps.
1.3 Key Offerings and Unique Proposition
POPcoins function as a universal reward currency, redeemable across a wide range of brands. Categories include fashion, beauty, electronics, and home essentials. This system positions POP as more than a payment platform, transforming it into an integrated commerce ecosystem.
2. Saaki: A Fashion Brand with a Vision
2.1 Founding and Growth
Established in 2020, Saaki is a contemporary fashion brand co-founded by Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Sushruthi Krishna. The brand has built a strong presence in the Indian fashion industry, known for its stylish yet accessible designs.
2.2 Expansion Plans
With the partnership, Saaki aims to grow by 300% in the next 2-3 years. The brand plans to launch exclusive collections on the POP app, catering to a broader audience.
2.3 Brand Philosophy and Customer Engagement
Saaki embodies a vision of empowering women through fashion. Samantha Prabhu emphasizes creating outfits that are both fashionable and functional, appealing to modern women.
3. The POP collaborates with Saaki: A Strategic Move
3.1 How the Partnership Works
POP users can purchase Saaki products using POPcoins. This partnership offers customers an alternative payment method, increasing affordability and accessibility.
3.2 Advantages for POP and Saaki
- For Saaki: Increased brand exposure and expanded market reach.
- For POP: Strengthened platform utility and enhanced consumer engagement.
3.3 Insights from the Founders
Bhargav Errangi, Founder of POP, stated, “POP aims to be the choice platform for modern Indian customers, and Saaki embodies a fresh vision for women’s fashion.” Samantha Ruth Prabhu added, “Saaki is more than a fashion brand—it’s about confidence and empowerment.”
4. Industry Trends and Competitive Landscape
4.1 Growth of the D2C Market
India’s D2C sector is experiencing rapid growth, with fintech and fashion collaborations becoming a major trend. POP’s approach aligns with this evolution, offering an integrated shopping experience.
4.2 Competing Platforms
While platforms like PhonePe and Google Pay dominate the digital payments space, POP’s reward-based commerce model differentiates it from competitors.
5. Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
5.1 Saaki’s Upcoming Launches
Saaki plans to introduce more exclusive product lines on POP, reinforcing its digital-first strategy.
5.2 POP’s Growth Roadmap
POP aims to onboard more D2C brands, enhancing its commerce offerings and expanding its user base.
6. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
6.1 Strategic Partnerships Drive Growth
Startups can accelerate expansion through collaborations with complementary brands. POP collaborates with Saaki, this demonstrates that how fintech and fashion can merge for mutual benefit.
6.2 The Power of Reward-Based Commerce
Incorporating reward systems enhances customer retention and engagement, a strategy that fintech firms can leverage.
6.3 Adapting to Digital-First Consumer Behavior
With online shopping becoming dominant, businesses must prioritize digital-first strategies to remain competitive.
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The Startups News is the go-to platform for India’s startup ecosystem. Covering the latest startup updates, funding trends, and emerging business strategies, we bring you exclusive insights into the world of entrepreneurship. Whether it’s fintech collaborations, D2C brand expansions, or disruptive innovations, The Startups News delivers timely, relevant, and in-depth coverage.
