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Cross cultural expansion a herculean task, says YourLibaas CEO Khalid Raza Khan

As part of our leadership series, we at APN News got in touch with Khalid Raza Khan, CEO & Founder of Indian eCommerce company YourLibaas which recently expanded into the UAE. The key learnings and insights from the excerpts shall be a model to consider during an expansion.

Published

5 years ago

on

Khalid Raza Khan

By Anil solanki

During the last decade, there has been an increasing trend of Indian startups expanding internationally. Earlier unheard of, global expansion is now on the cards even during initial rounds of funding as founders consider India as a launching pad for experimentation and testing product-market fit. Access to liquidity and efficient knowledge transfer are catalysts to expansion within the eCommerce and consumer-tech domain primarily – FirstCry, MakeMyTrip, Byju’s, OYO, the list goes on.

As part of our leadership series, we at APN News got in touch with Khalid Raza Khan, CEO & Founder of Indian eCommerce company YourLibaas which recently expanded into the UAE. The key learnings and insights from the excerpts shall be a model to consider during an expansion.

Khalid founded YourLibaas in 2014 and pioneered designer lawn apparel within India. The homegrown startup features International designers such as Sana Safinaz, Maria B, Gul Ahmed, Khaadi and so on. Post establishing a firm ground within the Indian market, they expanded to the UAE eyeing the customers within the MENA region.

What made you decide to expand internationally? Why UAE?

We have been operating YourLibaas in India since founding it in 2014. Primarily, the designers we feature at our platform are based in the UAE. During the last 7 years, we established a strong solid presence in the domestic market within the pakistani suits segment. The next logical step was backward integration which meant moving closer to the origin within the supply chain.


To top that, UAE also has a sizable diaspora from the Indian subcontinent that is familiar with the product we sell. Even prior to making the move, most of the international customers were from the MENA region. Specifically UAE because of the ease of doing business, friendly regulatory frameworks, higher consumer buying power, and a market ripe for disruption.

What are the key challenges and roadblocks during a global expansion?

The challenges for each individual are naturally going to be different, but there would be a common overarching scheme. From my experience, one key aspect is cross cultural management. The consumer behaviour, cultural differences, buying patterns, awareness about the tech environment, and expectations that drive customer satisfaction metrics were unexpected.

For instance, we learnt how express delivery was the bare minimum expectation when we initiated operations into the UAE. Consumers were habituated to deliveries within a matter of hours. It would only be possible with an efficient hyperlocal model, one which is only possible for grocery startups within India. We had to rethink our delivery model and initiate partnerships with hyperlocal logistics and warehousing companies. The key is sequencing the priorities and taking swift action to adopt the right strategy.

Another critical success factor is defining the goals of the expansion, both across strategic and financial terms and closely monitoring the KPIs to measure success towards achieving the slated goals. An oft-ignored step would be training – The domestic team we brought in had to be upskilled through collaborations with external agencies within the country. Execution is a different ball game within a new market. What worked well in India may not necessarily do so in the UAE. There are differences in regulation, cultures, consumer behaviour and the eCommerce landscape – all of which requires rethinking and revamp the approach.

What is your advice to entrepreneurs and founders planning to make the key move?

I would like to warn about where one could essentially go wrong. First and foremost, a successful product within the domestic market does not necessarily translate into success within the target market. That’s a myopic view one should take away – remember how consumer patterns are different.

We lost a sizable chunk of our initial investment learning it the hard way – the logistics and warehousing cost trying to replicate the Indian model here. External consultants or hiring from the host country would have saved us increasing the probability of success. If possible, local partnerships also go a long way establishing trust and credibility and a shorter time to market.

Starting small and scaling once an initial set of loyal customers are onboarded is another lesson. Focus on favorable demographics you clearly understand for those initial set of customers. The Indian diaspora is your best bet – they are literally in significant numbers round the globe.  Repeat the cycle and then scale up opening to the larger market. More likely than not, Indian founders shall have done that earlier given the amount of diversity within India itself. What works for you in Delhi might not in Tamil Nadu.

One can keep abreast with the latest updates from the company through @yourlibaas at Instagram.

By Anil Solanki

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Latest business news

Xbox announces 3,200 layoffs as Asha Sharma outlines major restructuring plan

Xbox has announced plans to lay off 3,200 employees over the next year while introducing a major restructuring programme that includes management changes, studio restructuring and cost-cutting measures.

Published

2 months ago

on

July 7, 2026

By

XBOX layoff

Xbox has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,200 employees, representing around 20 per cent of its total staff, over the coming year as part of a broader restructuring programme linked to Microsoft’s increased investment in artificial intelligence.

According to an email shared with employees by Asha Sharma, the company will begin the process immediately, with 1,600 employees leaving on Monday, while the remaining job reductions will take place during FY27. The company also plans to divest four gaming studios and is preparing to separate from another.

Business reset planned amid financial challenges

In her message to employees, Sharma said the company’s current financial position required significant changes, stating that Xbox’s business was operating at substantially lower margins than comparable platform and publishing companies.

She said the layoffs were not a reflection of employees’ commitment or abilities but were part of a wider effort to strengthen the company’s long-term business.

The workforce reduction comes as Microsoft continues implementing AI-focused cost-cutting measures across its operations. Overall, the technology company is reportedly cutting 4,800 jobs, with Xbox accounting for the largest share.

Sharma also described the gaming sector as experiencing one of its most challenging hardware periods and said the company needed to “reset Xbox” to improve its future performance.

Company to streamline operations and reduce management layers

As part of the restructuring strategy, Xbox plans to simplify its organisational structure, revise its content portfolio and improve platform operations.

According to Sharma, the company currently loses 64 cents for every dollar invested annually, making operational efficiency a key priority.

She said Xbox would increasingly support independent game creators by offering open development tools and broader audience access.

The restructuring will also see Mojang and King report directly to Sharma. She said both studios have evolved into major gaming platforms with large monthly active player bases and will play a central role in Xbox’s future strategy.

To improve decision-making, the company plans to significantly reduce its management hierarchy. Sharma said some departments currently have as many as 14 management layers, which slow down operations. Xbox aims to reduce this to no more than five layers, and in some cases, only three.

The company will also reduce vendor spending by 50 per cent as part of its cost-saving measures.

Helen Chiang promoted to Chief Operating Officer

Alongside the restructuring announcement, Sharma confirmed the promotion of Helen Chiang to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer.

Chiang will oversee profit and loss responsibilities across Xbox’s content, hardware, platform and services divisions while reporting directly to Sharma.

According to Sharma, the new operating structure is intended to improve investment decisions, strengthen accountability and better integrate the company’s various business units.

Despite the ongoing restructuring and job cuts, Sharma said Xbox remains committed to long-term growth and plans to continue investing heavily in the business, while placing greater emphasis on disciplined spending and strategic priorities.

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India News

Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on June 29? Here’s what RBI calendar says

Banks in Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram will remain closed on June 29, 2026, due to regional holidays, while banking operations will continue normally in most other states.

Published

3 months ago

on

June 29, 2026

By

Bank Holidays

As June comes to an end, many customers are wondering whether banks across the country are open on June 29, 2026. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) holiday calendar, bank operations will not be affected nationwide, but branches in some states will remain closed due to local holidays.

Banks closed in these states on June 29

Banks will remain shut in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, June 29, on account of Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti. In addition, bank branches in Mizoram will remain closed to observe Remna Ni, a regional public holiday.

However, bank branches in most other states and Union Territories are expected to function normally as June 29 is not a nationwide banking holiday.

Will online banking services remain available?

Even when physical branches remain closed, customers can continue using digital banking facilities. Services such as internet banking, mobile banking, UPI transactions, ATM withdrawals and cash deposits at ATMs will remain operational.

Customers planning to visit a bank branch are advised to check with their local branch beforehand, as holiday schedules may vary depending on the state and local observances.

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India News

Union Budget 2026 highlights: Nirmala Sitharaman Raises Capex to Rs 12.2 Lakh Cr, West Bengal Gets Major Allocation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament today. Follow this space for live updates, key announcements, and policy insights.

Published

8 months ago

on

February 1, 2026

By

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives to present Union Budget 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will shortly present the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha, marking her ninth consecutive Budget. The annual financial statement is expected to outline the government’s policy priorities, reform agenda and spending plans for the coming year. Stay tuned for live updates, key announcements and immediate reactions as the Budget speech unfolds.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled her ninth Union Budget today, beginning her speech at 11 am.

Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth Union Budget today, with the finance minister scheduled to begin her speech at 11 am.

Budget 2026 live updates: Presenting the Union Budget for 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the occasion coincided with Magh Purnima and the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas. She noted that over the past 12 years, India’s economic journey has been defined by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation.

The budgeted fiscal deficit for fiscal 2026 is estimated at 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP)

Planned capital expenditure this fiscal year Rs 11.2 lakh crore

Rare earth corrdiors in Odisha and Kerala

Hi-tech tool rooms to be set up by PSUs

Construction equipment scheme to be launched

Container manufacturing scheme for Rs 10,000 crore over 5 years

Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund

Semi-conductor mission to get Rs 40,000 crore

Rs 12.2 lakh crores for infrastructure development

Dedicated RITES to repurpose land of Central PSUs

20 new waterways over next 5 years to be connected

7 high-speed corridors on rail

High-level committee on banking for next phase of Viksit Bharat

Capital expenditure hike of to ₹12.2 lakh crore in Budget 2026, with West Bengal receiving a significant share of allocations.

Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative aimed at boosting the khadi, handloom, and handicrafts sectors.

High-speed rail corridors: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, Varanasi-Siliguri, Pune-Hyderabad

Five university campuses to be established near industrial corridors

Lakpati Didi program expanded in Budget 2026 to reach more beneficiaries across India.

Fiscal deficit for FY26 revised to 4.4%; Budget Estimate for FY27 set at 4.3%.

TCS on overseas tour packages cut to 2% to ease travel costs

Tax holiday to foreign companies that provide cloud services by setting up data centres in India till 2047

17 cancer drugs exempted from import duties

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