By now, if you are suffering from Groupon-clone-fatigue, count us on your side. We have covered almost 10+ clones and even now, we do get to know about one clone a day.
But then this is all gonna change as we have learnt that Groupon is launching its service in India very soon.
Oliver Samwer, one of the founders of CityDeal (European ‘clone’ which has been acquired by Groupon) is currently in India and he has invited some of the notable group deal sites for discussions.
Most Likely Candidate?
Snapdeal/Khojguru are among the popular discount sites, but if you go by investors comfort factor, Taggle is a logical choice for acquisition/partnership (both Taggle and Groupon have a common investor, i.e. Battery Ventures).
While we don’t know whether the discussions are related to acquisition talks, but it’s for sure that Groupon is launching in India and expect an unrest in this space.
So far, only two companies have got funded and a few corporate houses too have jumped in this business. The space is not considered investor-friendly, as most of the VCs aren’t sure of scalability of this me-too model, unless the founding team brings core FMCG selling experience.
Who do you think can survive the attack of original? Most importantly, given India’s unique offline model, do you think Groupon can create the same brand as what they have done otherwise?
Updated [on Jan 10, 2010] : Groupon has entered India via SoSasta acquisition.
Recommended Read: Business Model of Group Buying sites in India.
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The Group Buying Story So Far
- – Taggle Raised $8.75mn from Battery Ventures and Greylock Partners
- – Group Buying Site SnapDeal Buys Bangalore Based Grabbon
- – Snapdeal Funding from NEA-IUV? Details
- – Group Buying Site Wanamo Acquired, To Change Avatar To DealsAndYou.com
