MC Insider: A flying laptop, a power flip and Korea Inc’s India play

This founder seems to be channelling the go-getter energy of another prominent founder in the ecosystem.

Nearly everyone who’s interacted with this founder says the vibes are unmistakable: bold talk, and occasional swipes at rivals.

But the aggression may have gone too far. During a tense internal meeting, the founder is said to have hurled a laptop at an employee, an incident now doing the rounds in startup circles.

Maybe it’s time VCs slipped an anger-management clause into their next term sheet.

Two industry titans grabbed lunch over the weekend. One, a hungry, sharp-eyed founder; the other, a seasoned executive from a global giant. Not too long ago, the MNC ruled the roost. But over salads and small talk, both acknowledged the shift: the giant has stumbled, and the scrappy founder is now the one everyone’s chasing.

With his company crowned market leader, he’s got venture capitalists lining up like it’s the season’s hottest concert — tickets sold out, backstage passes begging for his attention. His biggest headache? Too many suitors.

Meanwhile, the global giant is plotting a comeback, with rumours of an acquisition to claw back lost ground. But the founder isn’t flinching. Not yet. Not ever? Time will tell….

If you thought South Korean giants such as Hyundai Motors and LG Electronics were flocking to Dalal Street purely for those eye-popping valuations, think again!

We pick up that several Korean conglomerates are now eyeing India through M&A and joint ventures to plant deeper roots in the world’s fastest-growing economy. Take this group, for instance, famous for its family feuds and its candy brand that’s a household name in Indian homes. That’s not all, skincare brands behind the emergence of "Korean glass skin" are also eyeing an India entry.

The timing couldn't have been better with both countries agreeing to deepen ties in economy and security at the G20 summit.