Samrat Sengupta, the creative force behind Socialee, with an impressive track record of over a decade in reshaping the global e-commerce landscape. Samrat Sengupta’s journey serves as a remarkable testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and exceptional leadership.
From trailblazing new e-commerce ventures to establishing Socialee, Samrat Sengupta has consistently fueled his passion for revolutionizing the shopping experience and empowering creators. His dedication has propelled him to the forefront of the industry.
In his role as the Founder and CEO of Socialee, Samrat Sengupta is driving a paradigm shift by merging video commerce with influencer marketing. This dynamic fusion is not only transforming how consumers engage but also creating unprecedented opportunities for creators to monetize their talents. Samrat’s relentless pursuit of bridging technology with consumer needs firmly establishes him as a pivotal influencer in shaping the future of digital commerce.
A complete journey about the Samrat Sengupta company?
Over the course of five years, I embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship and innovation, spearheading the inception of multiple groundbreaking e-commerce enterprises from the ground up. Notable among these ventures were Fabfurnish and Jabong in India, both of whom eventually found their new home with Flipkart. My endeavors extended globally as I played a pivotal role in establishing Daraz in Bangladesh, an achievement that culminated in its acquisition by Alibaba, and Jumia in Africa, a company that made its mark on the NYSE in 2019. This tenure with Rocket Internet’s venture development team provided me with a profound insight into the intricacies of effective e-commerce operations.
Following my rewarding tenure with Rocket Internet, I assumed the leadership of the fintech division at Tokopedia, Indonesia’s largest e-commerce powerhouse, backed by the immense support of Alibaba. Subsequently, I briefly collaborated with Shopee, Southeast Asia’s premier e-commerce platform, where I laid the foundation for Shopee Mall and Premium businesses, expanding their reach across Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
In 2019, I embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Dubai to play a pivotal role in establishing the MENA office for Pattern, a prominent American decacorn. My journey continued as I joined GMG, taking charge of their omnichannel and e-commerce ventures, which encompass renowned brands like Sun and Sand Sports and Nike.
However, my passion and dedication took a fresh turn in December, refocusing on championing equitable compensation for creators and nano-influencers within the region. This profound commitment led to the inception of Socialee, a venture that we proudly launched just last month, starting right here in the UAE.
The journey of the entrepreneur?
Armed with an MBA from IIM Calcutta, India’s preeminent business school, I had the privilege of immersing myself in an intellectual ecosystem that brought me into contact with some of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. It was during this transformative period that I made a pivotal decision to enter the dynamic world of e-commerce under the wing of Rocket Internet.
This choice was a divergence from the conventional path, as I had previously secured a coveted job offer from McKinsey during my campus recruitment. However, the allure of the rapidly evolving digital frontier proved irresistible, and I embarked on a journey that has since become an enduring passion, never once looking back.
How does the company plan to achieve its goals?
My vision is crystal clear: Socialee is destined to be the driving force behind a transformative revolution in the creator economy, beginning right here in our region and extending its influence globally. My aspiration is to build a business that not only makes a mark but leaves an indelible legacy, touching the lives of countless individuals across generations.
Picture a world where anyone, regardless of their background or resources, can step into the realm of consumer goods entrepreneurship with Socialee as their trusted gateway. Our platform will be the catalyst for empowering individuals to seamlessly navigate the entire journey of product creation, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. This grand vision encapsulates not only my personal ambition but also the overarching mission of our company, where innovation and empowerment intersect to redefine what’s possible.
What motivates you to persevere through difficult times?
Given the dynamic nature of my industry and my current role as a founder, it is absolutely essential for me to stay at the forefront of global technological advancements. The birth of Socialee was a direct result of my keen insights, honed through my past roles, into the profound impact of influencer marketing and the burgeoning creator economy. In a world where there are over 300 million creators, it’s disheartening that only a select few at the pinnacle enjoy significant earnings. With the creator economy poised for rapid growth, this issue is on the brink of becoming even more pronounced.
As any adept P&L (Profit and Loss) manager would confirm, the most promising outcomes often stem from nano creators – those individuals with a social media following ranging from 7,000 to 20,000. It may come as a startling revelation that an astonishing 61% of these creators do not earn any income. This is the precise challenge we are committed to addressing, drawing upon my extensive expertise in the e-commerce sphere.
How do you incorporate creative ideas to differentiate yourself?
In the landscape of the GCC market, Socialee carves out a distinctive niche for itself, even though formidable players exist in other regions. Our unique offering blends the essence of Amazon and TikTok, with a particular focus on the beauty industry but with an innovative twist.
At Socialee, we provide a platform that showcases carefully curated content spanning a wide array of categories, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. This content is often elusive on conventional social media platforms or, if available, tends to get lost in the sheer volume of content. What sets us apart is our commerce experience, which is exclusively video-based. This approach differentiates us from traditional e-commerce platforms that predominantly rely on search functions.
It’s a particularly effective approach in segments like beauty, where consumers seek expert guidance on product usage, ingredients, and benefits. In essence, we function as a video-driven discovery and shopping platform. It’s worth noting that in more mature markets like China and the US, video commerce already accounts for a significant portion—approximately a quarter—of total e-commerce sales.
Another compelling aspect of our platform is our creator monetization system. Here, creators with follower counts ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 can start monetizing their content right from the outset. Our mission parallels what Spotify accomplished for musicians: We aim to provide sustainable financial rewards to creators each time their content is viewed, engaged with, or leads to purchases.
Message to Samrat Sengupta customers and viewers
I hold a strong conviction that the fundamental skill set for individuals embarking on their professional journeys, irrespective of their industry, comprises unwavering ambition and an insatiable thirst for learning. I consistently encourage every member of my team to immerse themselves in a wide range of experiences as quickly as possible, recognizing that learning often springs from setbacks. As leaders, it is our responsibility to foster a culture that not only embraces failure but actively encourages swift recovery.
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