Today on the PRmoment India podcast, we have Vineet Handa, CEO and founder of Kaizzen, on the outlook of PR startups in India, why you should not start-up to sell, and the outlook for 2025-2026.

In April this year, Vineet marked 25 years in the PR profession. He talks us through his journey from Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh to Delhi, his first experience with the dreaded pink slip while interning at the production company of an iconic Bollywood superstar, and his mentors in PR.

Vineet also decodes the recent surge in PR startups, reviews why work dropped for PR firms in 2024, its impact on salary increments and whether growth will pick up in the new financial year.

Listen in.

Here is a summary of the main points discussed:

At 5 minutes: 

Vineet discusses the changes in PR over the years, emphasising the shift from 24-hour news cycles to 24-second news cycles due to technology.

• Vineets says, "Now the way journalism has changed, PR has to change. Journalism has changed. Newspapers are okay to have AI led stories. Newspapers are okay to do editing by AI.  A sub-editor or the editor's positions are now in danger."
• Vineet adds, "The relevance of print is reduced day by day. You know, print still. Valid in probably, I would not even say in town B is it's further down. Cat C cities are where the print is still relevant.
• Vineet explains the importance of understanding platform economics and creating a balanced media strategy for clients.

At 10 Minutes 

Challenges and Opportunities

Social Media Platform Economics 

• Vineet explains the importance of understanding YouTube platform economics and creating a balanced media strategy for clients.
• Vineet shares his optimism about the future of independent PR agencies in India, predicting significant growth in the sector.

At 22 Minutes 

Review of 2024 for PR growth 

• Vineet says, "One of the biggest reasons why the last six months or last year has been tough because of the slowdown in complete funding for startups. Second, the whole US elections, Trump coming in. You know, there were a lot of conversations around and there was not much clarity in the system."
• Impact on Salary Increments
• Forecast for 2025