As Google I/O 2025 gets underway, CEO Sundar Pichai has made three significant announcements that are focused on the needs of consumers.
These efforts, which are driven by Google’s Gemini AI models, include Project Mariner, which updates agentic AI capabilities that can assist users in automating tasks.
It also includes Google Beam (formerly Project Starline) updates and real-time speech translation in Google Meet; and the ‘better’ Project Astra, which will be rebranded as Gemini Live camera conversation. Pichai revealed that HP will be bringing Google Beam, formerly known as Project Starline, to computers.
In essence, it is a technological project created to improve remote communication by making it more organic and engaging. This technology simulates in-person interactions during video chats by combining artificial intelligence, 3D imagery, and other cutting-edge technologies.
Key Features of Google Beam
Pichai emphasised that Google Beam’s primary advantages include lifelike depiction through realistic 3D imaging and the ability to make authentic eye contact, which is frequently lacking in traditional video chats.
The project’s second component is real-time speech translation in Google Meet, which enables communication between persons who do not speak the same language.
Additionally, Google said that the AI-generated translation will maintain user voices, tones, and facial expressions. Subscribers can presently access the functionality in both Spanish and English. Later this year, Google plans to test this capability with Workspace users in Portuguese, German, and Italian, among other languages.
Gemini Live for iPhones and Android
Project Astra, a fascinating research initiative that was initially presented at I/O, examines the potential of a universal AI assistant that can comprehend your surroundings.
The camera and screen-sharing features of Project Astra are now integrated into Gemini Live. From preparing for interviews to training for marathons, people are utilising technology in intriguing ways.
All Android users currently have access to this feature, and iOS users will begin to receive it from now on.
Project Mariner
Updates to Project Mariner, a Chrome plugin created by Google DeepMind that enables users to automate web browsing tasks using an AI agent, are the third major announcement.
An AI agent that can comprehend and interact with websites to do tasks like research, booking, and purchasing is created using the Gemini AI paradigm. According to Pichai, the AI tool can now handle up to ten jobs concurrently.
For instance, the Gemini app’s new Agent Mode will enable users to accomplish even more. If they are looking for a flat, it will be helpful to locate properties on websites such as Zillow that fit their requirements, modify filters, and use MCP to view the listings and even arrange a tour.
Subscribers will soon be able to access an experimental version of Agent Mode via the Gemini app. Additionally, it helps businesses like Zillow by increasing conversion rates and attracting new clients.
Vaibhav Taneja, an Indian professional, is making waves around the world as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tesla, earning an incredible $139.5 million in 2024. It is among the largest compensation packages given to a CFO in history.
This amount, which greatly exceeded his base income of $400,000, was primarily derived from stock options and equity awards given to him after his promotion. Taneja was positioned as one of the highest-paid financial executives in company history thanks to this remarkable salary, which surpassed the salaries of prominent tech executives like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai.
India is where Vaibhav Taneja’s adventure started. He graduated from Delhi University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Commerce, became a chartered accountant in 2000 through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and then became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States in 2006.
He worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in India and the United States for about 17 years, rising to the position of Senior Manager in Assurance. He began his career with the electric vehicle behemoth in 2016 when he joined SolarCity, the solar energy company that Tesla eventually purchased.
Striking Success with Dedication and Hard Work at Tesla
Taneja became an Assistant Corporate Controller at Tesla following the 2017 SolarCity merger. He rose swiftly through the ranks, finally replacing Zach Kirkhorn as Chief Financial Officer in August 2023 after being appointed Chief Accounting Officer in 2019 and promoted to Corporate Controller in 2018.
He currently plays a significant part in Tesla’s Indian expansion strategy as a director of Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited. For the most part, Taneja’s record-breaking $139.5 million remuneration plan is stock-based and will vest over a four-year period.
Tesla shares were worth about $250 at the time of the award, but by May 2025, they had increased to $342, making the prize even more profitable. In the same year, his salary surpassed Sundar Pichai’s $10.7 million and Satya Nadella’s $79.1 million.
Additionally, it exceeded the $86 million CFO remuneration record that Nikola’s CFO set in 2020. Taneja belongs to a certain category of business executives as a result.
Why Taneja is Getting High Pay-Cheques Despite Tesla’s Ongoing Challenges?
Despite falling EV deliveries, narrowing margins, and more global competition, Taneja is getting a rise from Tesla. Some say that compensating CEOs who exhibit great financial stewardship is essential for navigating through unpredictable market situations, while others criticise such high executive salaries.
The criticism of Tesla’s executive pay arrangements has increased as a result of Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, facing legal battles over his own revoked $56 billion compensation package.
Taneja is frequently characterised as a calm, strategic leader with extensive knowledge of company integration and financial operations. He is known for his quiet competence rather than flamboyance. Professionals all throughout the world, particularly those from the Indian diaspora, find inspiration in his success story.
With more than 20 years of expertise, Taneja is currently in charge of Tesla’s financial strategy, demonstrating that exceptional achievement can be achieved with technological know-how, global flexibility, and the capacity to negotiate challenging corporate environments.
When we think of real estate technology, our minds often jump to glamorous listings platforms, smart home automation, or digital mortgage solutions. But beneath the surface of these headline-grabbing innovations lies a quieter but no less significant revolution: property inspection software.
Often overlooked, this category of real estate tech is transforming how property managers, landlords, and asset owners manage risk, reduce operational friction, and make smarter decisions at scale. In fact, what was once a clipboard-and-pen process is now a mobile-first, data-driven operation, and it’s changing the game from the ground up.
The Legacy of Manual Inspections
For decades, property inspections were conducted using static checklists, scribbled notes, and disposable cameras. Reports were created manually (often days later), and follow-ups were scattered across emails and spreadsheets.
This system was not only slow, but it was also error-prone and reactive. Property issues were often addressed only after significant damage occurred, and valuable historical data was lost in the shuffle. In industries where compliance, asset preservation, and tenant satisfaction are paramount, this approach simply wasn’t sustainable.
Enter: The New Era of Inspection Apps
Modern property inspection software has brought inspections into the 21st century. These tools, often mobile-first apps, allow field inspectors to conduct assessments on the go, capture geotagged photos and videos, and generate instant digital reports.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Today’s leading apps integrate features like:
AI-powered defect recognition
Voice-to-text note taking
Real-time syncing across teams
Customizable inspection templates
Cloud-based analytics and audit trails
Together, these advancements turn inspections from isolated events into strategic data touchpoints.
Why It’s a Big Deal for Real Estate Operators
This might sound like a niche improvement, but the ripple effect is massive. Here’s why property inspection software is becoming essential for real estate professionals and property tech startups alike:
1. Operational Efficiency
Mobile inspections drastically reduce the time it takes to assess a property and deliver reports. What used to take hours or days can now be done in minutes, with fewer errors and no paper involved.
2. Risk Management & Compliance
Automated records, time-stamped images, and digital signatures provide a robust audit trail. This protects companies during disputes, improves insurance claims, and keeps teams aligned with compliance regulations.
3. Data-Driven Asset Management
Inspection apps aren’t just digital checklists, they’re data collection tools. By aggregating findings across properties and time periods, operators gain insights into common failure points, maintenance cycles, and capital planning needs.
4. Improved Tenant Experience
Faster, more consistent inspections mean quicker issue resolution. This results in happier tenants and stronger retention, key drivers of profitability for property managers.
The Rise of Vertical SaaS in PropTech
The surge in property inspection software is also part of a larger movement: the rise of vertical SaaS industry-specific software platforms that offer deep, specialized functionality.
Unlike generalist tools that try to be everything to everyone, property inspection apps like SnapInspect focus solely on solving challenges in property and asset management. This allows them to build features that align perfectly with user needs, from offline access in remote areas to automated bulk reporting for enterprise clients.
The result? Higher adoption rates, better user satisfaction, and real business impact.
A Tech Revolution That Doesn’t Need the Spotlight
The best tech doesn’t always make headlines. Sometimes, it’s the software that works quietly behind the scenes, improving reliability, efficiency, and customer trust that delivers the most value.
As more property firms embrace digital transformation, property inspection software is proving itself to be one of the most impactful, cost-effective innovations in the real estate space. Whether you’re a startup founder, a facilities manager, or an investor watching the next wave of proptech, it’s time to pay attention to this quiet revolution.
Ready to see it in action? SnapInspect is leading the charge with a mobile-first platform built for real estate professionals, offering powerful inspection tools, smart automation, and AI-driven insights.
A number of former workers have claimed in the last three months that the poisonous work culture at Pocket FM is severely harming staff members. Posts regarding workers in the company’s Indian headquarters who said they were fired without sufficient notice are common on social media.
And social media complaints aren’t limited to Indian workers. During its months-long investigation, several media houses have reported that there are a number of problems at Pocket FM, including disgruntled former contractual employees in the US who have taken the company to court.
The startup is based in Bengaluru and has a parent company in the US. Even though the US accounts for almost 80% of Pocket FM Corp’s income, the company is facing a possible class action lawsuit, according to many lawsuits filed against it in the US.
According to at least 11 “independent contractors”, Pocket FM violated several US regulations and legislation pertaining to worker classification, wage provisions, and working conditions.
Contractual Trap of Pocket FM
The core of these numerous allegations is that Pocket FM has set up a contractual trap, purposefully misclassifies workers, fails to provide payroll records, minimum wages, severance compensation upon termination, and more.
In the US, a large number of applicants claim that they were fired without cause, that they were not given rest or meal breaks, and that Pocket FM retaliated against them for voicing these concerns.
In response to a media inquiry, Pocket FM denied that there were any disparities in the recruiting procedure of contractual workers in the US and stated that the accusations are unfounded. The company also stated that hiring contractual workers for short-term projects is standard procedure in the content and entertainment sector.
Employees in India have frequently complained that their contracts are terminated long in advance of a project’s completion, leaving them unemployed with little warning.
The class action lawsuit filed against Pocket FM by former contractors may have significant effects on future growth due to the company’s reliance on US income.
Beyond this, though, a bad reputation has been created among creative professionals due to claims of a hostile environment and strict deadlines for creative work. Many of these workers have taken to social media to vent their frustrations, and those who have the option to sue the corporation have done so.
Financial Outlook of Pocket FM
When Rohan Nayak, Nishanth KS, and Prateek Dixit founded Pocket FM in 2018, it was an audio entertainment platform that offered serial material in a variety of languages and genres, such as romance, drama, thriller, fantasy, and science fiction.
In the initial years, Pocket FM talked about developing a new category for audio series in India that was based on micro-transactions as a revenue model. The company’s full attention was on the Indian market during this time.
Pocket FM’s US launch was a huge success, and it might even be argued that its microtransaction method was always anticipated to perform better in the US due to the country’s greater per capita income and established podcast consumption market.
Although this could not be independently confirmed, Pocket FM said that its top line increased 68% in FY25 and that its global sales jumped 496% to INR 1,051.97 Cr in FY24.
The CEO of Builder.ai, a British artificial intelligence startup supported by Microsoft Corp. and the Qatar Investment Authority, announced that a major creditor had taken the majority of the company’s funds, prompting the company to file for bankruptcy.
Manpreet Ratia, the CEO of Builder.ai, stated in an interview on 20 May that Viola Credit, which gave the software company $50 million in debt last year, had taken $37 million from the company’s accounts, leaving it with $5 million.
Ratia did not provide a clear explanation for the seizure. According to Ratia, the business, which has operations in the US, UK, India, the UAE, and Singapore, will declare bankruptcy when the time comes, in accordance with the procedures in each of those countries.
Ratia stated that he had to make the tough choice to fire the majority of Builder.ai’s staff due to the startup’s financial difficulties. According to him, the company’s remaining $5 million is in Indian banks and was unable to be utilised for employee payments because of limitations on the flow of funds beyond the nation.
Downfall of Builder.ai
One of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, QIA, spearheaded a $250 million fundraising round for the company two years prior, and the current proceedings represent a remarkable fall from grace. In 2023, Microsoft also invested equity as a component of a strategic alliance.
Builder.ai disclosed to a news agency less than two months ago that it had engaged auditors to review two years’ worth of accounting and that it had been compelled to reduce sales predictions given to investors. This was in response to enquiries from the agency on the worries of former workers regarding the company’s exaggerated sales figures.
The mistakes made by Builder.ai highlight the dangers of investing in promising AI firms too quickly, as investors aim to duplicate the achievements of industry titans like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Following ChatGPT’s launch, London-based Builder.ai capitalised on investor excitement in AI to draw in well-known investors. Ratia took over as CEO in February after Sachin Dev Duggal, the company’s founder, resigned.
At the time, Builder.ai also demanded Duggal to give up four of the five seats he controlled and reduced the size of its board from nine to five.
According to a statement from Builder.ai, the company has not been able to bounce back from prior decisions and historic setbacks that have severely strained its financial position. It further stated that the corporation will designate an administrator to oversee its operations.
More Trouble for Builder.ai
The business has also received investments from the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corp., Hollywood tycoon Jeffrey Katzenberg’s WndrCo, Lakestar, and SoftBank Group Corp.’s DeepCore incubator.
Bankruptcies in the US are not the same as insolvency cases in the UK, where Builder.ai is headquartered, and other nations with comparable legal systems. A court-approved administrator oversees insolvencies in the UK, working directly with creditors and avoiding the incumbent managers.
In the US, managers remain in their positions, and a federal judge must authorise any significant moves, such as borrowing funds or selling assets.
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The digital demand for smart applications is exploding like it was never before. To satisfy our daily food needs, we all buy groceries. You only need an app on your Android phone to have all of your grocery orders delivered to your comfortable couch, eliminating the need to go to the store for your daily requirements. With only a few taps on your mobile device, you can get your groceries now.
Companies are working to reduce the time it takes to deliver groceries in the grocery delivery business. Gorillas, JOKR, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit, are some of the companies from all over the world that are competing with the primary goal of reducing delivery time and transporting supplies in 10-15 minutes, and so is Zepto.
Zepto app is not another grocery delivery app but a platform that promises 10-minute deliveries of groceries, built to revolutionize the selling and deliveries of groceries. With Zepto by their side, customers can conveniently purchase 25000+ products and get them delivered to their doorstep with the help of Zepto’s 10-minute e-grocery delivery app.
Learn all about Zepto company, India’s first unicorn startup in 2023, its founders, history, funding and investors, business and revenue model, startup story, growth, revenue, challenges, and more.
Zepto is a startup based in Mumbai that offers a 10-minute grocery delivery service. The owners of Zepto, Aadit Palicha, and Kaivalya Vohra launched Zepto to provide customers with ultra-fast grocery delivery.
Specializing in delivering groceries before the turn of a year is what Zepto is hailed for. It has worked with 86+ dark store owners in 13 different areas in 2021, generating over one million deliveries. To fulfill orders promptly, Zepto employs its network of ‘cloud shops’ or micro-warehouses.
Zepto’s secret of the trade lies in its capacity to routinely offer an extensive range of goods for delivery in under ten minutes. It’s at the heart of everything the company does, and it’s why they’ve been able to grow so quickly while maintaining incredible client loyalty.
Zepto operates in multiple cities with a 1000+ strong workforce and delivers 25000+ products, including fresh produce, daily essentials, health products, and more, within 10 minutes. Utilizing advanced technology and optimized delivery centers, the company is transforming the Indian grocery segment. With rapid commerce on the rise, Zepto’s innovative approach positions it as a leader in the grocery delivery sector, capitalizing on the growing demand for faster delivery services in India.
Zepto launched Zepto Atom, a paid analytics tool to help brands understand customer behaviour in real time in May 2025. Co-founder Aadit Palicha announced it on LinkedIn, calling it a big step for how brands grow on the platform.
Zepto Atom builds on the free Brand Portal, adding advanced features like:
Live PIN-code level maps to track performance area by area
Real-time data on sales, views, and conversions, updated every minute
With these tools, brands can improve pricing, ads, and stock where needed, helping them grow faster.
Zepto – Industry
As per IMARC Group’s analysis, the Indian online grocery market attained a value of $6.8 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, the market is anticipated to experience substantial growth and is projected to reach $37.0 billion by 2028. This growth trajectory indicates a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.3% during the period from 2023 to 2028.
The sector has expanded in prevalence in the past few years as a result of evolving customer habits, growing urbanization, and a tech-savvy generation that prefers to make online purchases.
As per RedSeer, India’s quick commerce market is set for impressive growth, projected to expand by 10–15 times by 2025 and reach a market size of nearly $5.5 billion. This substantial growth is expected to surpass other markets, including China, in terms of quick commerce adoption.
As their standard of living increases and their daily schedules get tighter, consumers are flocking to customized and convenient internet platforms for grocery shopping instead of walking down to the local shops.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of online grocery delivery became increasingly evident. As a consequence of social distancing constraints, consumers are converting to online grocery shopping, which is not only convenient but also safer.
Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, both 19-year-old childhood pals, founded Zepto after walking out of Stanford University’s renowned computer science department to return to their home country, India, and start up a business. The Zepto company began its operations in April 2021.
Kaivalya Vohra
Kaivalya Vohra is the CTO and Co-Founder of Zepto. He was also the founder and CTO of KiranaKart. He also attended Stanford University to pursue a degree in Computer Science, but like Aadit, he decided to leave the university. Kaivalya, along with Aadit, participated in Y Combinator as well.
Aadit Palicha
Aadit Palicha is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zepto. He was also the founder and CEO of KiranaKart. After completing an IB diploma from GEMS Education in Mathematics and Computer Science, Palicha then went for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Stanford University, however, he quit the program in the middle to launch his firm. Aadit then completed Y Combinator Grade: W21 and started with PryvaSee as a Project Lead. Aadit Palicha then founded GoPool, his first startup, when he was just 17. He left the same in April 2020 and founded KiranaKart and then Zepto.
Many of us have “startup ideas,” but even the most creative among us struggle to see them through. Palicha and Vohra had both enrolled at Stanford to earn a Computer Science degree but had dropped out to follow their business passions instead.
The story of Zepto started during the COVID-19 outbreak. The concept for Zepto sprang from the limitations of their houses. A surge in demand for delivery services meant that groceries and other necessities would arrive in a couple of days, creating a void for quick delivery. As a result, Zepto was created with all this insight.
These teenagers were abruptly detained, because of Covid norms, detained in their Mumbai homes after significant collaboration on many projects, including a ride-hailing commuting app for kids. Even while grocery delivery, which was deemed important by local authorities, was still permitted across much of the nation as the virus spread, the duo battled to get their provisions as the illness expanded.
While Zepto is the focus of attention, Palicha and Vohra’s first venture, KiranaKart, did not receive the same acclaim. Zepto, on the other hand, is inspired by KiranaKart. KiranaKart, as its name implies, was a supermarket delivery service. It had made arrangements with Kirana merchants to provide groceries in 45 minutes or less. A $730,000 pre-seed round was led by Global Founders Capital, 2 AM Ventures, Contrary Capital, and angel investors. At the time, Vohra and Palicha planned to make the first 1.5 lakh deliveries for INR 1.
As two bachelors living alone, the founders found it most difficult to obtain food, therefore, they focused their applications on grocery delivery. So, whereas KiranaKart, their first startup, tried to make grocery delivery easier for Kiranas, Zepto aims to shorten delivery times.
Zepto – Name, Logo, and Tagline
Zepto Logo
The firm, which uses the term “Zepto” to denote “a factor of 10⁻²¹, i.e. 0.000000000000000000001,” named after a minuscule unit of time, offers a 10-minute grocery delivery service, surpassing numerous well-funded competitors.
Zepto’s tagline says, “Groceries delivered in 10 minutes”.
Zepto – Business and Revenue Model
Zepto delivers groceries in ten minutes through a system of dark storefronts and mini-warehouses, on up to 90% of orders. Zepto works in the quick commerce segment of India. It is designed to be customer-centric and built around the instant service model.
To ensure a flawless delivery experience, Aadit says that their average delivery time is 8 minutes and 47 seconds. Through a chain of dark stores or retail distribution centers, the Mumbai-based company employs a hotspot method to cater largely to digital purchases.
A dark store is a tiny neighborhood storehouse that customers cannot visit but purchase online to get packaged delivery. While dark stores are not new to the Indian industry, Aadit believes that the idea has yet to be completely explored. Population, traffic dynamics, topography, road patterns, weather conditions, last-mile operational improvement, real estate prices, and other geographic data and local intelligence aid Zepto in optimizing its connectivity. Furthermore, the startup’s dark warehouses and cool rooms are custom-designed to satisfy particular criteria such as ease of travel, allowing packers to move as swiftly as possible to fill orders.
Location intelligence and geographic data, such as topography, population, road patterns, traffic dynamics, weather, last-mile supply availability, real estate values, and so on, are said to help Zepto optimize its network.
Zepto, the Mumbai-based quick commerce unicorn, achieved unicorn status in August 2023 after raising $200 million in a Series E funding round, which brought its valuation to $1.4 billion. This milestone marked the end of India’s 11-month unicorn drought. The Series E round was led by The StepStone Group, with participation from Goodwater Capital and existing investors.
In June 2024, Zepto raised $665 million, which valued the company at $3.6 billion. Just a few months later, on August 30, 2024, Zepto raised $340 million in Series G funding, which increased its valuation to $5 billion. The Series G round was led by General Catalyst, with Dragon Fund and Epiq Capital joining as new investors. Existing backers such as StepStone, Lightspeed, DST, and Contrary also increased their investments, reflecting strong confidence in Zepto’s growth potential.
In November 2024, Zepto raised another $350 million from a group of domestic investors, led by Motilal Oswal’s private wealth division, at a flat valuation of $5 billion. This brings the total funding raised by Zepto to $2 billion.
Glade Brook Capital Partners, Nexus Venture Partners, StepStone Group
Nov 8, 2023
Series E
$31.3 million
Goodwater Capital, Nexus Venture Partners
Aug 25, 2023
Series E
$200 million
StepStone Group
May 2, 2022
Series D
$200 million
Y Combinator Continuity Fund
Dec 20, 2021
Series C
$100 million
Y Combinator Continuity Fund
Oct 31, 2021
Series B
$60 million
Glade Brook Capital Partners
Mar 22, 2021
Series A
$6.5 million
Nexus Venture Partners
Sep 1, 2020
Pre Seed Round
–
Contrary
Zepto – Shareholding
Zepto Shareholding Pattern (as of October 2024)
Zepto shareholding pattern as of October 2024 (source: Tracxn):
Zepto Shareholders
Percentage
Aadit Palicha
0.9%
Kaivalya Vohra
0.7%
Nexus Venture Partners
18.6%
Glade Brook Capital
10.3%
StepStone Group
9.8%
Y Combinator
8.7%
LGF Scale I
7.8%
Rocket Internet
3.0%
General Catalyst
4.1%
Goodwater Capital
1.8%
Razor’s Edge Ventures
1.6%
Contrary
1.6%
Kaiser Permanente
2.3%
avra
1.3%
SpringBlue Capital
1.0%
Lightspeed Venture Partners
0.8%
Global Founders Capital
0.8%
Crimson
0.5%
Vanderbilt University
0.3%
Mangum
0.3%
Bayhouse Capital
0.2%
Mehta Ventures
<0.1%
Contrary Capital
<0.1%
Zpt Holdings
2.1%
AZ04
1.4%
Kiranakart SPV
0.6%
Sayacorps
0.4%
C Opportunities
0.1%
Jung Lish Lee
2.3%
Oliver Jung
0.7%
Oleg Wladimir Nicolas Tscheltzoff
0.2%
Aditi Javesh Jhaveri
<0.1%
Manoj Chawla
<0.1%
Kavit Dilip Palicha
8.0%
Jaideep Vohra
6.7%
Other Investors
1.0%
Among the shareholders, Nexus Venture Partners holds the largest stake, holding 18.6% of Zepto. Other prominent owners of Zepto include Y Combinator, Glade Brook Capital, StepStone Group, and co-founders Aadit Palicha (along with Kavit Dilip Palicha) and Kaivalya Vohra (along with Jaideep Vohra), among others.
Zepto – IPO
Zepto plans to go public in 2025. To prepare for its IPO, the company set up a new entity, Zepto Marketplace Private Limited, in October 2024 to simplify its operations. Zepto currently operates under a B2B model, sourcing products directly from brands and selling them to its partner companies, which then distribute the products to customers under a licensing agreement.
In January 2025, Zepto completed its domicile shift from Singapore to India ahead of its IPO, which is now expected to raise between $800 million and $1 billion, including secondaries. Initially, the company targeted a $450 million primary capital raise.
Zepto has hired Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Axis Capital as advisors for the IPO. This marks a key step in its journey as a leader in the quick commerce industry.
Zepto has seen impressive growth, serving 10 major cities with 1,000+ employees. They deliver more than 5,000 products, revolutionizing the Indian grocery segment with 10-minute delivery, advanced tech, and optimized centers.
Engineering, operations, marketing, and financial positions are also available at Zepto. Palicha claims that month-over-month growth is 200%, with a monthly retention rate of 78%.
“We are looking at a pretty crazy runrate,” he said. “In the past one and a half months, we have grown our business by 10 times. And now we are working to grow another 10 times by February or March,” said Palicha in December 2021.
Zepto, when it was a five-month-old startup, had secured a valuation of $570 million after raising $100 million in a Series C round headed by Y Combinator’s Continuity Fund, which was a 2X increase from its previous valuation of $60 million only 45 days before that. Zepto raised another round led by Y Combinator to lift its valuation further to $900 million, so there is certainly impressive growth that the company has received in funding as well.
Another positive development for Zepto has been the expertise it has been able to acquire. Plenty of well-known senior executives from Uber, Flipkart, Dream11, Amazon, and Pharmeasy have joined the team.
According to Palicha, one of the reasons why several entrepreneurs have chosen Zepto is that it has enabled individuals who had transferred from Mumbai to Bangalore to come back to their homes. He says, nevertheless, that the startup’s rapid development, rigorous execution, and ambitions have captivated others who share his interests. “We’ve been able to walk the walk,” he said.
“They originally launched with a different model, swiftly pivoted to quick commerce in August 2021 and are now adding 100,000 new customers every week, 60% of them women. Their attention to detail on the logistics experience is unparalleled and this has enabled them to scale to most major metros in just 5 months. Simply put, we’re confident Zepto will win in this space over the long-term,” said Anu Hariharan, a partner at Y Combinator, in a statement.
Zepto has demonstrated significant growth in recent times, with the majority of its dark stores now operating profitably. According to co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha, Zepto has successfully established its presence in major metro cities in India with over 300-400 dark stores. Impressively, approximately 50–60 percent of these dark stores have started generating cash flows, indicating the effectiveness of Zepto’s business model and operational strategies. This noteworthy achievement highlights Zepto’s commitment to sustainable growth and profitability in the fiercely competitive quick-commerce industry.
Zepto Financials
Zepto Financials FY24
Zepto Financials
FY22
FY23
FY24
Operating Revenue
INR 142.3 crore
INR 2,026 crore
INR 4,454 crore
Expenses
INR 532.7 crore
INR 3,350 crore
INR 5,754 crore
Profit/Loss
INR 390.3 crore (loss)
INR 1,272 crore (loss)
INR 1,248 crore (loss)
In FY23, the quick-commerce startup’s operating revenue stood at INR 2,026 crore. In FY24, Zepto’s operating revenue saw a growth of about 120%, reaching INR 4,454 crore.
Zepto’s losses saw a slight decrease of 2%in FY24, to INR 1,248.6 crore from INR 1,272 crore in FY23.
Expenses
In FY24, Zepto’s total expensessaw a massive rise of 71.6%, reachingINR 5,747 crore, up from INR 3,350 crore in FY23.
Zepto’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) surpassed $1 billion (INR 8,300 crore) in FY24, marking a significant milestone. The company also reported a 140% year-on-year growth, with 75% of its dark stores achieving full EBITDA positivity by May 2024.
Zepto has encountered some challenges lately, and in one of the recent ones, there were instances of founder and investor impropriety within the quick commerce delivery startup. Ansh Nanda, an alleged co-founder of the startup said that he was forced to relinquish his stakes in the startup by the other cofounders and by Nexus Ventures. This was carried forward by Nanda, who lodged an FIR against the cofounders of Zepto and the Nexus Ventures partner, Suvir Sujan. However, the co-founders responded to the same without much delay by approaching the Delhi High Court. Zepto is the third startup that is backed by Nexus and where one of the co-founders has been named in an FIR. YoloBus and Acko were two other companies that dealt with the same before.
Zepto – Controversies
A Delhi-based workers’ union, the Rajdhani App Workers Union (RAWU), has filed a complaint on 20th May, 2025, with the Delhi Labour Department against Zepto and its vendor, Kilton Geo Engineering Pvt. Ltd., alleging exploitative conditions for around 50 delivery workers recruited through Zepto’s Rural Mobilisation Program. The union claims workers were misled about wages, accommodation, and benefits, and faced wage deductions, poor living conditions, and unfulfilled promises of bonuses and free food. Zepto has responded by stating that it is investigating the matter and auditing vendors, while maintaining that the issue is localized and not representative of its broader operations.
Zepto – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
Zepto’s marketing strategy has been a key driver of its rapid growth in the quick-commerce industry. The creative brilliance of L&K Saatchi & Saatchi was evident in three earlier ads promoting Zepto’s products and services.
Building on this success, Zepto continued to impress with new campaigns featuring celebrated singers like Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, and Usha Uthup during the IPL season of 2022. These unique and melodic campaigns resonated with audiences, boosting Zepto’s visibility and brand appeal.
Furthermore, the launch of the “Nahi Milega” campaign in March 2023, featuring the character “Uncle Ji,” highlighted unlimited free deliveries, solidifying Zepto’s position as the go-to platform for ultra-fast and cost-effective grocery delivery. With an innovative approach and successful marketing initiatives, Zepto has emerged as a leading player in the competitive quick-commerce industry, catering to the needs of time-conscious consumers.
Dunzo is another startup, that uses its Xpress Mart dark shop network to deliver groceries in Bengaluru in 19 minutes and competes with Zepto.
Zepto – Future Plans
Zepto currently operates in major cities across India, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata. The company has ambitious plans to multiply its dark stores and expand its delivery network with profitability in focus.
Zepto has sped up its store expansion, increasing its target from 700 to 1,200 stores by March 2025. With over 650 outlets in operation as of January 2025, the company is strengthening its presence in the quick commerce space.
A new key driver of Zepto’s growth is its food and beverage division, Zepto Café, which is currently in 15% of its dark stores. With an estimated ARR of INR 160 crore, Zepto Café is expanding rapidly, adding over 100 outlets monthly and targeting an INR 1,000 crore revenue run rate by FY26.
The company is projecting gross sales of $5.5 billion in the final quarter of FY26, with an aim to achieve positive EBITDA (excluding ESOPs).
The ultimate goal is to become a publicly listed company. Co-founder and CEO, Aadit Palicha, has expressed optimism about Zepto’s IPO in 2025.
FAQs
What is Zepto?
Zepto is a startup based in Mumbai that offers a 10-minute grocery delivery service.
Who owns Zepto?
Zepto owners are Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, two childhood friends.
Zepto started in which year?
Zepto was founded in September 2020 and began operations in April 2021.
How Zepto started?
Zepto was started in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, two Stanford dropouts, to deliver groceries quickly. They began in Mumbai with a 10-minute delivery model, using dark stores to fulfill orders fast.
Which companies does Zepto compete with?
Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Blinkit, and Dunzo are some of the top competitors of Zepto.
How does Zepto delivery work?
Zepto delivers groceries in 10 minutes through its network of dark stores and micro-warehouses. The median delivery time is 8 minutes and 47 seconds, ensuring a swift and efficient delivery experience.
Is Zepto a unicorn startup?
Zepto became the first Indian unicorn startup in 2023 after raising a Series E round worth $200 million in August 2023. This round increased Zepto’s valuation to $1.4 billion.
Is Zepto publicly listed?
No, Zepto is planning to go public in 2025 with its IPO, which is expected to raise between $800 million and $1 billion.
Which is Zepto parent company?
Zepto parent company is Kiranakart Technologies Private Limited.
In an arena where the digital economy is blossoming, messaging apps have evolved beyond simple communication tools to become platforms for commerce and content sharing. Among them, Telegram, founded by Pavel Durov, has distinguished itself through a unique combination of speed, security, and privacy.
Telegram is amazingly free and open-source software that offers tons of facilities, such as cloud-based instant messaging, end-to-end encryption, and many others. Telegram offers its users dozens of interesting features. They can create their sticker sets as well as create bots. The users can create or join different channels that provide tons of fascinating content for users to subscribe to.
Telegram does not believe in selling ads for promotion because the personal data shared with advertisers could go against its ethos. That’s why all the funding for Telegram comes directly from Pavel Durov. In case of increasing the revenue number, Telegram would begin users’ donations funding or the freemium model.
In June 2022, Telegram switched to freemium when it introduced paid subscriptions. Additional features, such as double the number of channels they could follow, faster download speed, and premium stickers, were provided to the paying users. Reducing fees and taxes, the in-app revenue of the platform exceeded $1 million in October 2022. The largest share came from iOS users.
Telegram Monthly Active Users
Telegram is a company that operates in fair secrecy and prioritizes its affirmation of freedom from any pressure that could come from the market or any other nationally assigned restrictions. Telegram has gained immense popularity among its customers in many countries across the globe.
The question of how Telegram earns money is particularly intriguing, given its steadfast approach to user privacy and ad-free experience. This insight adds a compelling layer to the app’s business model, setting it apart from competitors and making it a fascinating subject for analysis. This article is all about the intricacies of Telegram’s fiscal strategies, offering insights into how Telegram works and how it earns money without compromising its core principles. Furthermore, we shall also look at the challenges and risks associated with this approach, providing a comprehensive overview that sheds light on the financial underpinnings of one of the most innovative messaging platforms today.
The very popular open-source messaging application, Telegram, provides various facilities to its customers, including file sharing, VoIP, end-to-end encryption on video calls, and many others. Telegram was founded in August 2013 by Nikolai Durov and Pavel Durov. The company is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and Dubai, UAE, and is operational. Telegram is the highest preferred messaging application in Uzbekistan and Iran. Today, Telegram has over 700 million active users.
In 2023, Telegram reached around 1 billion downloads, ranked by worldwide downloads, and is the 7th most popular non-gaming app in Google Play. Telegram is an open-source application, but its server is closed-source. More than 15 billion messages are sent through Telegram every day.
Here’s a more detailed look at Telegram’s growth:
March 2014: 35 million users
April 2020: 400 million users
April 2022: 500 million users
July 2023: 800 million users
March 2025: 1 billion users
Telegram has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its user base from 35 million in March 2014 to 800 million by July 2023—a surge of over 2185%. Notably, the platform doubled its users from 400 million to 800 million between April 2020 and April 2022 alone.
Telegram provides its server, which is distributed to five data centers located in various regions to minimize the company’s data load. The operational centers are established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the legal center was established in London, United Kingdom.
Telegram’s business model stands out in the competitive scene of messaging apps by focusing on user-centric features and robust privacy measures. This approach not only differentiates it from other platforms but also highlights its unique selling propositions (USPs) that make it a powerful tool for users worldwide.
Telegram Business Model | How Telegram Makes Money
Telegram’s business model is entirely based on users’ convenience and features. The company was founded in 2013, but it hasn’t generated much revenue. Back in 2018, Telegram revealed its intentions to create its blockchain network called Telegram Open Network (TON), as well as a cryptocurrency token called Gram. The goal of this project was to transform the way people communicate online by providing a secure and decentralized platform for various applications, including payments. Through an Initial Coin Offering, Telegram raised more than $1.7 billion. But later, in 2019, the SEC stopped this plan and announced it was unlawful (The SEC alleged that Telegram’s Gram tokens were unregistered securities and that the company had violated securities laws).
After this, the co-founder Durov kept the company up with the money he earned from selling the VK stake he owned.
But lately, Telegram has experienced immense growth because of this, the company has monetized the service. In 2020, Telegram’s CEO, Durov announced on his public Telegram channel that they would be monetizing Telegram’s services.
Telegram would not charge any cost to the users, nor would it show any ads in private or group chats. That’s why Telegram is looking forward to other methods to gain enough revenue.
Telegram Boosts Business Model with Premium AI Bot Automation
Telegram’s latest update strengthens its business model by expanding automation features for Premium Telegram Business accounts. Businesses can now integrate third-party bots—including AI-powered ones—to handle messaging, profile updates, transactions, and story posting. These bots can be granted granular permissions, such as managing messages or editing posts, enhancing workflow automation for business users. This focus on advanced automation and premium business tools highlights Telegram’s strategy to monetize its vast user base through paid subscriptions and value-added services tailored for enterprises and professional users.
User-centric Focus – The X Factor
Telegram has been pretty vocal about its emphasis on user convenience and a feature-rich experience. Unlike many other messaging apps, Telegram was not designed with profit generation as its primary goal. Instead, the platform focuses on providing a seamless and enhanced messaging experience. This is evident from its introduction of innovative features such as chat folders, message scheduling, and the ability to edit sent messages, which significantly enhance user convenience. The platform’s dedication to maintaining an ad-free environment in private chats underscores its commitment to user experience over revenue generation. BTW, there’s a Telegram X as well for people who love flexibility. Phew!
Privacy Is Precious, Indeed
Telegram’s approach to privacy is revolutionary and forms a core part of its business model. The platform offers end-to-end encryption for private conversations, ensuring that only the communicating users can access the messages. Telegram’s stringent data protection policies are highlighted by its record of disclosing zero bytes of user data to third parties, including governments. This commitment is further supported by features like two-factor authentication, self-destructing messages, and customizable privacy settings that allow users to control who sees their profile information and messaging status.
Feature Set, Spoil Them With Options
Telegram’s array of unique features significantly contributes to its standing as a preferred messaging app. The platform supports a multitude of user-friendly features, such as the ability to send silent messages, which do not disturb the receiver, and the option to delete messages for all participants long after they have been sent. Additionally, Telegram offers advanced security features like passcode and biometric locks for individual chats, enhancing personal security. The app’s ability to handle large groups and broadcast channels effectively, coupled with minimalistic, privacy-conscious sponsored messages, provides a balanced approach to user engagement and platform monetization.
Telegram, thus, not only ensures a high level of user satisfaction but also aligns with the growing global demand for digital privacy and secure communication. This strategic focus on user benefits over direct profitability sets Telegram apart in the digital communication space, making its business approach a powerful example of innovation and user-first orientation in technology.
What Is Unique About the Business Model of Telegram
Telegram runs on a very smooth business model, and the most unique thing about it is that Telegram wasn’t made to make a profit. The messaging application Telegram was founded to make messaging handy for users with many fascinating features. It has a whole bunch of features that make it unique from the other applications. These features are:
Telegram offers the option of editing the text after sending it. You can also delete them from both sides at your convenience.
You can access your messages anytime from any device through the availability of a cross-platform.
Options for replying, hashtags, and mentioning to make your chatting more fruitful.
A feature to mute any group so that you don’t get unnecessary notifications.
A feature to pin any message, which will be displayed at the top of the chat screen.
Share any file with a maximum size of 2GB ormore.
How Does Telegram Make Money | Telegram Revenue Model
Telegram Revenue (In-App Purchases)4GB
Telegram does not make any profit from its application and services. In 2020, there was zero revenue made. The founders believe in providing fast and secure messaging. Telegram does not believe in selling ads for promotion because the personal data shared with advertisers could go against its ethos. Telegram. In June 2022, Telegram launched Telegram Premium, a subscription model that offers extended limits, faster download speed, and larger file uploads.
Although the company does have backup plans in case of urgent money, Telegram would look for non-essential paid options to generate money. Telegram prioritizes its customers the most and provides them with the best features for free. Telegram usually makes money from its founders, which is a significant source of income. Telegram also started offering a variety of in-app purchases, such as premium stickers and emoji packs. These purchases generate revenue for Telegram through the App Store and Google Play Store.
Current Revenue Streams
Telegram has innovatively expanded its revenue streams, adapting to the evolving digital verticals while maintaining its user-centric philosophy.
Telegram Revenue Streams
Here’s a closer look at the primary sources through which Telegram generates revenue:
In-app Purchases
Telegram introduced “Telegram Stars,” an in-app payment system that allows users to buy digital goods and services within the platform’s mini-apps, such as games and productivity tools. This system not only enhances the user experience by integrating a seamless transaction process but also adheres to the digital product sale guidelines of major app stores. Users can purchase Stars directly in the app and use them for a variety of digital products, enhancing engagement within the Telegram ecosystem. Additionally, these Stars can be converted to TON, the native token of The Open Network, through the Fragment exchange, highlighting Telegram’s innovative approach to in-app purchases.
Premium Subscriptions
Telegram Premium, launched as a voluntary subscription service, offers users additional exclusive features while supporting the app’s development. Features like doubled limits, 4GB file uploads, and advanced chat management are just a few of the benefits that enhance user interaction and platform utility. This subscription model is part of Telegram’s sustainable monetization strategy, driven by user contributions rather than traditional advertising, allowing the platform to remain independent and prioritize user privacy and satisfaction.
Sponsored Messages
The Telegram Ad Platform facilitates the creation of sponsored messages displayed in large public channels with over 1000 subscribers. These messages are designed to increase audience loyalty and boost brand engagement without disrupting the user experience. Sponsored messages on Telegram are unique as they do not contain external links; instead, they direct users to the brand’s channel, fostering a more immersive interaction. This method of advertising emphasizes content quality and relevance, aiming to build long-term trust and loyalty among users.
Through these diversified revenue streams, Telegram continues to thrive as a powerful messaging platform, balancing profitability with its commitment to user privacy and satisfaction. The strategic implementation of these monetization methods underscores Telegram’s unique business approach, setting it apart from other messaging apps in the market.
Here’s a detailed overview of Telegram’s global downloads on the App Store and Google Play since 2017:
Telegram App Downloads
Key Features of Telegram
Telegram offers tons of features to make messaging convenient for users. Some of the features are-
Lock Chat – where you can lock any of your chats with a password.
Self-destructing Media – where you can put a timer on any of your media, and it will be destroyed after that specific time.
Two-step verification – where you can protect your account from being hacked with two steps of verification.
Delete sender’s messages – where you can delete any message or chat from both sides (receiver and sender).
Telegram Premium – It is a paid version of Telegram that includes exclusive additional features. Telegram Premium features with a higher upload size, fast download speed, Premium Stickers, Advanced Chat Management, and more.
Telegram offers dozens of features and user preferences. The Telegram app is specially designed for people above the age of 16 years, with no parental controls overhead. This messaging application targets the youth with many end-to-end encrypted features.
Comparison with Other Messaging Platforms
Revenue Models of Other Apps
When comparing Telegram to other messaging platforms like WhatsApp, the revenue models reveal distinct approaches. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, primarily utilizes the WhatsApp Business API to support businesses in automating communication and managing customer interactions effectively. This includes features like approved message templates and conversational chatbots, which enhance the customer experience by personalizing interactions based on the user’s profile. Additionally, WhatsApp introduced a payment feature in India, allowing direct bank transfers within the app, ensuring secure transactions without storing sensitive financial data.
In contrast, Telegram focuses on user contributions and minimal advertising through its unique features, such as Telegram Premium and sponsored messages. Telegram Premium offers enhanced capabilities for a subscription fee, while sponsored messages in large public channels provide a non-intrusive advertising option, aligning with Telegram’s user privacy commitment.
User Privacy and Data Handling
Privacy and security are paramount in today’s digital communication industry. Telegram and WhatsApp both offer end-to-end encryption, but their implementation differs significantly. WhatsApp encrypts all communications by default, ensuring that only the communicating users can access the content. However, its backups stored on cloud services are not encrypted, which could pose a security risk.
Telegram, on the other hand, provides optional end-to-end encryption through its “Secret Chats” feature, which is not enabled by default. Regular chats use client-server encryption and are stored on Telegram’s servers, accessible across multiple devices. This flexibility is appealing to those who prioritize convenience but raises concerns for users seeking stringent privacy measures. Telegram’s commitment to user privacy is further emphasized by features like self-destructing messages and customizable privacy settings, which are not as prevalent on WhatsApp.
Market Positioning
The market positioning of Telegram and WhatsApp reflects their differing priorities and user base appeal. WhatsApp’s widespread adoption and default encryption make it a preferred choice for everyday users seeking reliable and straightforward communication. Its integration into the broader Meta ecosystem also provides seamless connectivity with other services, appealing to a vast global audience.
Conversely, Telegram appeals to users who value privacy, flexibility, and extensive features. Its ability to handle large groups and channels, coupled with robust file-sharing capabilities (supporting files up to 2GB), positions it as a versatile platform suitable for both personal and professional use. Telegram’s design and open API also attract tech-savvy users and developers looking for a customizable and secure messaging environment.
Both platforms have carved niches that cater to specific user needs, whether it’s enhancing user privacy or integrating business functionalities. The choice between Telegram and WhatsApp often depends on the user’s priorities, such as default security features versus flexible privacy controls and rich feature sets.
Most Popular Global Mobile Messenger Apps as of February 2025, based on Number of Monthly Active Users
As of February 2025, WhatsApp leads the global messaging space with 2 billion monthly active users, reflecting its deep penetration in international markets, especially outside the U.S. In comparison, WeChat reported over 1.38 billion users, and Facebook Messenger had around 947 million users globally. The rise of instant messaging services—allowing real-time text communication over the internet—has been fueled by the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile apps. These platforms have evolved far beyond simple text, now offering group chats, multimedia sharing (images, videos, audio), and interactive features like stickers and emoticons, making them versatile tools for both personal and professional communication.
Telegram’s steadfast focus on privacy and security, while a significant unique selling proposition, also brings forth substantial regulatory challenges. The platform’s commitment to user privacy and its encrypted communication services limit its ability to regulate content effectively. This has led to controversies, especially when governments demand oversight over illegal activities. The absence of a clear procedure for moderating public channels based on government requests can lead to speculation and uncertainty about Telegram’s operations, potentially affecting its reputation and user trust.
Competition
In the competitive circles of messaging apps, Telegram faces formidable opponents like WhatsApp, Viber, and Slack, each with its own set of advanced features and user base. While Telegram prioritizes privacy and speed, its competitors often integrate more comprehensive business tools and broader ecosystem connections, which might attract a segment of users looking for more than just secure messaging. Balancing innovation in privacy with competitive features that appeal to a broader audience remains a critical challenge for Telegram.
Sustainability Concerns
Despite its popularity, Telegram’s business model, which prioritizes user convenience over profit generation, raises sustainability concerns. The platform’s reluctance to monetize through traditional methods like advertising or data selling, while admirable, means it must rely on alternative revenue streams such as optional paid features and in-app purchases. This approach may not sustain the financial needs required for scaling operations and developing new technologies. Furthermore, its historical lack of revenue generation as of 2020 puts additional pressure on the platform to find viable long-term financial strategies without compromising its core values.
Conclusion
By weaving together innovative in-app purchases, a premium subscription model, and non-intrusive sponsored messages, Telegram has carved out a unique niche. It has demonstrated that a business model can thrive on principles that prioritize user benefits over sheer profit, highlighting its unique selling proposition (USP) as a haven for secure and private communication. This strategic focus has not only distinguished Telegram among its peers but has also set a benchmark for integrating user-centric values with sustainable monetization strategies in the tech industry. Looking ahead, Telegram’s approach hints at broader implications for messaging platforms and digital businesses at large. Its ability to generate revenue while steadfastly maintaining its core commitments presents a powerful case study on the potential harmonization between user privacy and business growth. Telegram’s model, underscored by a veteran understanding of business intricacies and a deep commitment to research-backed solutions, sets a compelling precedent for future innovation in technology, privacy, and user engagement.
Telegram is a privacy-focused secure messaging application that has grown immensely in the last few years. There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to Telegram. For now, we have the best knowledge regarding its business model.
FAQs
What is the Telegram App?
Telegram is a cloud-based, cross-platform instant messaging service that offers fast, secure messaging, groups, channels, bots, and secret chats.
How much is Telegram’s revenue?
Telegram does not make any profit from its application and services. As of 2020, there is zero revenue made. However, they have started their in-app purchases worldwide and generated 6.1 million U.S. dollars in February 2024.
Who is the founder of Telegram?
Pavel Durov and Nikolai Durov founded Telegram in 2013. Pavel Durov is also Telegram’s CEO.
Who is Pavel Durav?
Pavel Durav is the co-founder and CEO of Telegram.
Is Telegram an Indian app?
No, Telegram was created by a Germany-based tech organization – Durov Software Industry.
Which is the best alternative to Telegram?
Signal messaging app is the best alternative to Telegram.
Who are the top competitors of Telegram?
Telegram’s top competitors include:
Viber
Signal
WhatsApp
Slack
Intis Telecom
How Telegram earn money?
Telegram makes money through various methods such as affiliate marketing and referral programs. Channel or group administrators can share affiliate links or referral codes, earning commissions for every purchase or sign-up made through these referrals.
What is Telegram business model?
Telegram’s business model includes earning from in-app purchases, advertising, promotions, and forming partnerships and collaborations. This model supports the provision of free services to users while also funding its operational needs and promoting growth.
How can businesses utilize Telegram?
Businesses can use Telegram by integrating bots that automate message processing and responses. These bots facilitate the integration of existing tools and workflows, or the implementation of AI assistants to manage communications within the platform.
Can you legitimately earn money using Telegram?
Yes, earning money on Telegram is legitimate. Channel owners can profit through sponsored posts and advertisements. The income from these sources varies depending on the number of subscribers and their engagement levels in the channel.
Is Telegram profitable?
No, Telegram is not yet profitable but is generating revenue through Premium subscriptions, in-app purchases, and sponsored messages.
How to make money on Telegram?
You can make money on Telegram by creating channels or groups to sell products, offer paid content, or promote services. Many creators also earn through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or by building mini-apps that use Telegram’s in-app currency, Telegram Stars.
In the annals of mobile phone history, Nokia once reigned supreme with its robust devices and iconic brand. However, as the smartphone revolution took hold, Nokia’s fortunes took a sharp turn, leading to a notable decline in its market share and influence. The fall of such a prominent industry leader begs the question: What were the reasons behind Nokia’s failure? What is Nokia’s failure story?
This post focuses on the reasons why Nokia failed after enjoying unrivaled dominance in the mobile segment for several years. The ferocious and mighty telecom giant Nokia was well known for its products’ hardware and battery life. By understanding the lessons from Nokia’s failure story, we can gain valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of the technology industry and the critical importance of adaptation and innovation.
For years, it was the talk of the town. User satisfaction with Nokia’s mobiles was globally recognized. The company launched the first internet-enabled phone in 1996, and by the start of the millennium, Nokia had also released a touch-screen mobile prototype.
This was the start of a revolution in the mobile phone industry. The Finnish giant was the largest cell phone maker in 1998. Nokia overtook Motorola, a move that was hard to predict. So, what led to the downfall of Nokia? It wasn’t a single factor but a myriad of reasons, most of which resulted from Nokia’s resistance to change. We present to you the main reasons behind Nokia’s failure.
In the fast-paced world of technology, companies that fail to adapt to changing trends and consumer demands can quickly find themselves left behind. Nokia, once synonymous with mobile phone supremacy, experienced a significant downfall due to its resistance to smartphone evolution. As competitors embraced the shift towards smartphones, Nokia’s reluctance to fully embrace this revolution became one of the key reasons for its failure.
Nokia failed to take advantage of the Android bandwagon. When mobile phone manufacturers were busy improving and working on their smartphones, Nokia remained stubborn. Samsung soon launched its Android-based range of phones that were cost-effective and user-friendly.
Nokia’s management was under the impression that people wouldn’t accept touchscreen phones and would continue with the QWERTY keypad layout. This misapprehension was the start of its downfall. Nokia never considered Android as an advancement and neither wanted to adopt the Android operating system.
After realizing the market trends, Nokia introduced its Symbian operating system, which was used in its smartphones. It faced usability issues and lacked the app support and developer ecosystem that rival platforms like iOS and Android offered. The clunky user experience and limited app selection hampered Nokia’s ability to compete effectively. Also, it was too late by then, with Apple and Samsung having cemented their positions. It was difficult for the Symbian operating system to make any inroads. This is the biggest reason behind Nokia’s downfall.
Nokia was slow to recognize the potential of smartphones and the shift from feature phones to touchscreen devices. They failed to anticipate the demand for devices with advanced capabilities, such as app ecosystems and touch interfaces. This led to a loss of market share to competitors like Apple’s iPhone and Android-based smartphones.
The Deal With Microsoft
Another reason for Nokia’s failure was the ill-timed deal with the tech giant Microsoft. The company sold itself to Microsoft at a time when the software behemoth was fraught with losses.
Nokia’s sales screamed the mobile phone maker’s inability to survive on its own. At the same time, Apple and Samsung were making significant strides in innovation and technological developments.
It was too late for Nokia to adapt to the dynamic and rigorous changes in the market. Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia is considered to be one of the biggest blunders and wasn’t fruitful for either side.
The partnership limited Nokia’s ability to differentiate itself and left it dependent on Microsoft’s success in the mobile industry. The Windows Phone platform struggled to gain traction, further impacting Nokia’s market position. This case study provides valuable lessons for businesses considering similar alliances and emphasizes the importance of aligning visions, complementary strengths, and adaptable strategies.
Nokia’s Failed Marketing Strategies
Nokia Net Sales Worldwide, 2011-2024
Marketing plays a crucial role in shaping a brand’s success and perception. In the case of Nokia, its decline can be attributed, in part, to failed marketing strategies that hindered its ability to compete effectively in the mobile phone market.
One notable misstep in Nokia’s marketing approach was its unsuccessful implementation of umbrella branding. Companies like Apple and Samsung successfully adopted the umbrella branding model, with flagship products like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series acting as the focal point for expanding their product lines. However, Nokia failed to follow suit and capitalize on the umbrella branding strategy, missing out on the opportunity to create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.
Additionally, Nokia’s marketing efforts struggled to maintain the user trust that the company had built over the years. Inefficient selling and distribution methods further eroded consumer confidence and made it difficult for Nokia to reach its target audience effectively.
While Nokia attempted to regain momentum by introducing hardware and software innovations, these offerings were often late to the market and lacked the uniqueness that would have set them apart from competitors. Rivals had already released similar features and devices, diminishing Nokia’s ability to capture consumers’ attention and regain market share.
The failure of Nokia’s marketing and distribution strategies played a significant role in its ultimate decline and exit from the mobile industry market. Without a strong brand identity, effective distribution channels, and timely innovations, Nokia struggled to compete with rivals who had successfully aligned their marketing strategies with evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Nokia’s failure to keep pace with changing technology and trends played a significant role in its decline. While the company had earned a reputation for its hardware, it didn’t prioritize its software lineup, which proved to be a crucial oversight.
Initially, Nokia was cautious about embracing technical advancements to mitigate the risks associated with introducing innovative features to its phones. However, this approach hindered the company’s ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving market.
The business needed diversification, but it was too late by the time Nokia realized this. Instead of being amongst the early initiators, Nokia transitioned when almost every major brand had already started producing awesome phones.
This case study shows Nokia’s failure to keep up with changing technology and its delayed response to industry trends significantly contributed to its downfall.
Internal Issues in the Company
Internal issues played a significant role in Nokia’s downfall. Frequent disagreements within management on strategy and execution led to uncoordinated efforts and reduced the effectiveness of decision-making.
The company’s once-innovative business culture grew more rigid hampering creativity and slowing its ability to respond to market changes. Continuous leadership changes only deepened internal conflicts.
With shifting strategies and no clear direction, Nokia lost its unified vision, leading to confusion and inefficiency. These internal struggles were a key factor in the company’s decline.
Overestimation Of Strength
Nokia overestimated its brand value. The company believed that even after the late launch of its smartphones, people would still flock to stores and purchase Nokia-manufactured phones. This turned out to be a misconception, as consumer preferences had shifted towards other brands.
People still make predictions that Nokia will retain the market leadership if it uses better software at its core. However, this is far from the truth, as seen today.
The company got stuck with its software system, which is known to have several bugs and clunks. Nokia felt its previous glory would help alleviate any sort of trouble. Unfortunately, things didn’t play out that way.
Unfortunately, the market dynamics had changed, and consumers were no longer willing to overlook the shortcomings of Nokia’s software. Competitors had surpassed Nokia in terms of user experience and software innovation, leaving Nokia struggling to regain its position.
Nokia’s lack of innovation in its products significantly contributed to its failure case study. While brands like Samsung and Apple came up with advanced phones every year, Nokia simply launched the Windows phone with basic features, failing to keep up with the industry’s rapid progress..
The Nokia Lumia series was a jump-start measure, but even that collapsed due to a lack of innovation. The unattractive and dull features didn’t help. In the era of 4G, Nokia didn’t even have 3G-enabled phones. Nokia also came up with the Asha series, but it was game over by then.
Wrong decisions and risk aversion brought about the decline of the mobile giant. Nokia refrained from adopting the latest tech. Nokia’s failure became a powerful case study that made organizations realize the importance of continuous evolution and enhancements. The journey of what was once the world’s best mobile phone company to losing it all by 2013 is quite tragic. Nokia’s failure was not solely due to its lack of innovation but also its shortcomings in leadership and guidance. These factors, combined with its inability to adapt to market demands and technological advancements, sealed the company’s fate.
Organizational Restructuring at Nokia
Nokia underwent a sudden and significant organizational shift by adopting a matrix structure driven by enhancing agility within the company. However, this abrupt change resulted in dissatisfaction among stakeholders, particularly as key individuals in top management departed from the organization. These individuals, who had played instrumental roles in establishing Nokia as a leading company, were no longer part of the decision-making process.
The shift to a matrix structure also brought about internal challenges, as stability in top management, a crucial element for organizational coherence, was disrupted. Over just five years, Nokia experienced two CEO replacements, preventing employees from fully adapting to new leadership goals and visions. The frequent leadership changes created instability and hindered consistent strategic direction. The lack of continuity in leadership contributed to employee dissatisfaction and impacted the overall cohesiveness of the organization. Employees and other stakeholders found it challenging to align with successive CEOs, leading to a breakdown in communication and a sense of disconnect within the company.
The Symbian vs. MeeGo OS Dilemma at Nokia
Nokia’s problem arose when its R&D division underwent a split, with one faction dedicated to enhancing the Symbian operating system and the other focused on developing MeeGo. Nokia’s failure story is largely attributed to its outdated OS, as the company stuck with Symbian OS for too long, ignoring the growing dominance of Android and iOS. The competing claims of superiority between the two teams led to internal friction, causing delays in the release of new phones. The company grappled with the challenge of harmonizing divergent technological directions, impacting its ability to bring innovative products to market in a timely manner. This internal competition within the R&D division created a complex dynamic, hindering Nokia’s efficiency and potentially affecting its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving smartphone market.
Nokia’s downfall can be attributed to its failure to analyze market trends and adjust its strategy accordingly. The company neglected the burgeoning smartphone market, ultimately missing a significant opportunity for growth. Rather than capitalizing on this evolving landscape, Nokia could have revitalized its position by enhancing its existing software, such as Symbian. Unfortunately, the lack of strategic foresight and adaptability led to a missed chance to stay competitive in the dynamic tech industry.
Moreover, the oversight in market analysis and strategic planning eroded Nokia’s market share and diminished its relevance in the rapidly changing consumer electronics landscape. The company’s reluctance to pivot and innovate in response to market dynamics ultimately contributed to its decline in the face of evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.
Poor Strategic Decisions
Nokia’s management made key strategic errors, including underestimating the shift toward lifestyle-driven smartphones like the iPhone and overvaluing the demand for mobile phones and cameras as standalone products. The company was slow to adapt to the growing importance of software ecosystems and app-based user experiences. As competitors embraced innovation, Nokia struggled to keep pace, eventually losing its dominant position in the mobile market.
Summary of Nokia’s Downfall
Cause
Impact
Ignored smartphone trends
Fell behind Apple and Android
Stuck with outdated Symbian OS
User experience lagged behind competitors
Poor leadership decisions
Delayed innovation, weak developer ecosystem
Microsoft partnership (Windows)
Failed to gain traction against Android/iOS
Underestimated importance of apps
Weak app store ecosystem compared to Apple App Store and Google Play
Fragmented product lineup
Confused customers and diluted brand value
Inconsistent marketing
Failed to excite global markets compared to Apple/Samsung hype
Focused on hardware, not software
Missed the shift to integrated software-hardware experiences
Internal bureaucracy
Slowed decision-making and innovation
Failure to attract developers
Limited app ecosystem, especially for Windows Phone platform
Late adoption of touchscreen tech
Competitors set new user expectations
Conclusion
The fall of Nokia company can be attributed to a combination of factors that hindered its ability to adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in the mobile phone market. The resistance to smartphone evolution, missed opportunities, ineffective marketing strategies, and the deal with Microsoft all contributed to its downfall. Ultimately, Nokia’s decline serves as a reminder of the importance of staying agile, embracing change, and continuously evolving to meet consumer demands.
FAQs
Why did Nokia fail?
Not switching to Android, lack of innovation, not upgrading the software, and overestimating the brand value were some of the reasons that led to Nokia’s failure.
What is Nokia?
Nokia is a consumer electronics company popular for its mobile phones. It is one of the largest mobile phone manufacturers in the world.
Is Nokia still around?
Yes, the company is still running, but it has shut down some of its plants.
What happened to Nokia?
Once a dominant force, Nokia clung to outdated software, allowing Android and iOS to surge ahead, leaving the brand lagging. Despite its focus on new technologies, Nokia’s legacy now lives on in the realm of Android.
Why Nokia company failed to compete with Samsung and Apple?
Nokia didn’t adopt Android and focused on its hardware more than its software, which is why it failed to compete against Samsung and Apple.
Are there any new Nokia smartphones coming in the near future?
Though Nokia might seem dominant on the phone front, the company occasionally comes up with some new phones/smartphone devices. Here are some of the Nokia smartphones that are likely to be launched in 2022:
Nokia 2760 Flip 4G
Nokia C21 Plus
Nokia 6.4
Nokia Suzume
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
Nokia C21
Who took over Nokia?
Nokia phones were robust and dependable companions of the pre-smartphone era. However, Nokia’s Java and Windows phones failed to stand out in the market dominated by Apple and Android phones. The Android phone manufacturing companies like Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony, Motorola, and other Chinese smartphone developers like MI, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, and the Apple IOS devices took over Nokia in the mobile sector.
What lessons can other businesses learn from Nokia’s failure?
Nokia’s failure highlights the importance of embracing change, anticipating market trends, and continuously innovating to meet customer expectations. It underscores the need for effective marketing strategies, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to adaptation and innovation in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
Was Nokia’s lack of innovation a significant factor in its decline?
Yes, Nokia’s lack of innovation in its product lineup played a significant role in its downfall. The company failed to keep pace with rivals who consistently introduced advanced devices and embraced evolving market demands, which resulted in Nokia losing its competitive edge.
Why did Nokia fail in India?
Nokia lost its phone industry dominance by sticking to outdated software, missing the smartphone revolution, and experiencing a significant sell-off. Despite not going out of business, Nokia’s cautionary tale highlights the vital role of innovation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, with the company still present in network tech and patents.
Why Nokia stopped making phones?
Nokia stopped making phones because it failed to keep up with smartphones. It stuck with old software (Symbian), reacted slowly to iPhone and Android, and lost market share. Microsoft bought its phone business in 2014.
Jean-Pierre “JP” Conte has announced the launch of his new family office, Lupine Crest Capital. The official launch took place on March 5, 2025.
Strategic Vision for Lupine Crest Capital
The newly formed family office, Lupine Crest Capital, will deploy strategic capital across diverse asset classes, leveraging Conte’s extensive experience in the private equity sector. According to the announcement, the family office will focus on three primary areas: private equity, real estate, and venture investments, with an emphasis on transforming mid-sized companies into industry leaders.
Conte’s new family office aims to apply his proven investment expertise to companies typically generating between $50 million and $500 million in revenue. The family office will target businesses across sectors where Conte has demonstrated success throughout his career, including healthcare, financial services, software, and industrial technology.
“Entrepreneurship and innovation form the bedrock of American economic growth. Through my new family office, I am looking forward to investing in the next generation of businesses to give them the boost they need to go from good to great,” shared Conte. This optimistic outlook aligns with his vision for the family office, which will target mid-sized companies with revenues between $50 million and $500 million across sectors where he has demonstrated success.
Building on Decades of Private Equity Leadership
The establishment of Lupine Crest Capital builds upon Conte’s remarkable 35-year career in private equity and investment leadership. Conte described the venture as “an exciting new avenue to continue my life’s work of helping companies achieve their full potential,” highlighting the continuity between his previous work and this new chapter in his career.
As a distinguished leader in private equity, Conte has overseen extraordinary growth throughout his career, transforming investment operations and building impressive portfolios. Under his stewardship, he has guided middle-market private equity investments across the United States, investing in high-quality companies across multiple industries.
And, Lupine Crest is now poised to harness these decades of experience with Conte helming his family office.
A Self-Made Success Story
JP Conte’s journey to becoming one of private equity’s respected figures began with his education at Colgate University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1985. He then gained valuable experience in the financial sector, starting his finance career that same year at a bank in New York City. After earning his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989, Conte entered the private equity field shortly thereafter.
Within just three years, Conte rose to leadership positions, demonstrating the business acumen and leadership capabilities that would fuel decades of success. His approach emphasized collaborative culture and a focus on building teams of top specialists capable of transforming companies into industry leaders.
This background, refined throughout his 35 year career, provided Conte with the expertise and perspective now being applied to Lupine Crest Capital. The name itself —Lupine Crest— evokes imagery of growth and elevated perspective, aligning with the family office’s mission to transform promising companies into industry leaders.
Investment Strategy and Focus Areas
Lupine Crest Capital’s investment strategy appears to combine elements of traditional private equity with the more flexible approach characteristic of family offices. While maintaining focus on sectors where Conte has demonstrated expertise—healthcare, financial services, software, and industrial technology—the family office structure potentially allows for more patient capital and creative investment approaches.
The family office will target companies with strong leadership that experience solid growth and generate superior investment returns. This approach mirrors Conte’s successful strategy throughout his career, where he has built a reputation for identifying promising businesses and helping them reach their full potential through strategic guidance and operational improvements.
By focusing on mid-sized companies with revenues between $50 million and $500 million, Lupine Crest positions itself in a market segment where transformational growth remains possible but might be overlooked by larger private equity firms focusing on larger acquisitions. This middle-market focus has been a sweet spot for Conte throughout his investment career.
Broadening Investment Horizons
The launch of Lupine Crest Capital continues Conte’s pattern of broadening his investment activities through carefully considered new ventures. Conte has demonstrated interest in diverse investment opportunities, including sports and international business investments.
Since late 2022, he has served on the board of Eagle Football Holdings LLC, an investment group that owns stakes in prominent soccer clubs worldwide, including Olympique Lyonnais (France), Botafogo (Brazil), and Crystal Palace (England). This venture blends his personal interests with business, as Conte has stated he backed the Lyon football club deal in honor of his late father’s love of the sport.
The establishment of Lupine Crest Capital as Conte’s family office follows a similar pattern of strategic expansion, allowing Conte to pursue investment opportunities aligned with both his expertise and personal interests.
A New Chapter in Private Equity
As he builds his family office, Lupine Crest Capital, Conte continues his leadership in private equity, guiding investment strategy and organizational culture now for his own family office. This multilayered approach highlights his commitment to both excellence.
Throughout his distinguished career, Conte has successfully raised billions in investment capital and built a track record of successful investments. His continued success in the private equity arena provides a strong foundation from which he can explore additional investment avenues through his family office.
By establishing this family office now, Conte positions himself to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities he observes in the market.
Investment Leadership & Philanthropic Impact
Jean-Pierre “JP” Conte is an American business executive and philanthropist with over 35 years of experience in private equity leadership. Throughout his career, he has transformed investment operations into industry leaders with substantial assets under management.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Conte has established himself as a significant philanthropist, focusing on causes such as neuroscience research. In 2017, he founded the J-P Conte Family Foundation to channel his charitable efforts. Following the loss of his father to Parkinson’s disease that same year, Conte shifted much of his philanthropy toward funding research on neurodegenerative diseases, recently making a major $5 million pledge to UCSF in November 2024 to establish two endowed professorships in neurology.
Conte earned his undergraduate degree from Colgate University in 1985 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989. Throughout his career, he has held numerous corporate board positions with companies in the healthcare and life sciences domain, including ConnectiveRx, Signant Health, and Advarra.
The launch of Lupine Crest Capital as Conte’s family office represents a significant milestone in JP Conte’s investment career, allowing him to expand his influence while continuing to apply the expertise and strategic approach that have defined his success. As this new venture develops, it bears watching how Conte’s proven strategy of transforming promising companies into industry leaders will manifest through this more flexible investment vehicle, potentially creating new opportunities across healthcare, financial services, software, and industrial technology sectors.
Is 35 already too late, or just the beginning? That’s the question Prabhkiran Singh, Co-founder and CEO of Bewakoof, recently reflected upon in a heartfelt LinkedIn post that struck a chord with many.
Having turned 35, Singh shared the internal conflict many professionals face, torn between societal milestones and personal evolution. His candid thoughts offer a reminder that success doesn’t follow a linear or age-bound path.
The Silent Pressure of Age
“Some days I thought, ‘I should’ve done more by now. These are my peak years.’ Other days, I felt at peace – like maybe I’m just getting started,” Singh confessed.
In a world obsessed with early achievements, the thirties are often painted as a final checkpoint. But Singh’s reflection questions this race. Why do we equate age with achievement? And why do we panic when we haven’t ticked off every goal by a certain birthday?
Trading Productivity Hacks for Perspective
At the start of the year, Singh made a resolution that took a different route from the usual “growth hacks” or “CEO routines”. Instead, he chose to read autobiographies, not for answers, but for companionship.
“Not for tips, just for company,” he wrote.
The three autobiographies he picked were:
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Freedom by Angela Merkel
What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
Each story, rooted in its own struggles and triumphs, gave Singh a broader view of time and purpose.
Real Lives. Real Timelines
Singh highlighted how each icon was still “figuring it out” at 35:
Obama had just lost a congressional race and was teaching law.
Merkel had only just entered into a political career after years as a physicist.
Oprah was only beginning to evolve her show into something bigger than television.
These were not tales of overnight glory but of slow, meaningful growth.
“Turns out, most people I admire were still figuring it out too,” Singh remarked.
The Peace of Letting Go
Reading these lives helped Singh declutter his own expectations. The takeaway? You don’t need to peak in your 20s or even your 30s.
“Peace that affirms you only need a few good years to make a big leap.”
Singh’s words are a gentle reminder that growth is not linear. Some of the most impactful years might still be ahead, and that’s not just okay, it’s powerful.
A Quiet Reminder for Founders
For entrepreneurs constantly chasing milestones like funding rounds, exits, or “by-30” success stories, Prabhkiran’s reflection is a quiet reminder: growth isn’t always loud, linear, or age-bound. Sometimes, the most powerful shifts happen internally, when you pause, listen to stories that have endured, and realise you’re not late, just layered. Whether you’re 25 or 45, it’s never too late to build something meaningful, especially when you’re building from clarity.
A New Definition of Progress
Singh’s reflection isn’t just about age, it’s about reframing how we view success, pressure, and progress. In an age of social comparison and startup hustle, it’s refreshing to hear a founder say: “Maybe age-related milestones aren’t the finish line we make them out to be.”
Sometimes, just living and learning is progress enough.
