According to reports, EV powerhouse Tesla is getting closer to entering India by establishing an assembly plant in Satara, Maharashtra. According to a media report, the Elon Musk-led company plans to establish a completely knocked down (CKD) plant to assist in controlling the import duties on its components.
CKDs are assembly plants that enable local assembly capabilities for a business by shipping all of the various completed components of a car from various locations. This comes a few months after it was revealed that the Andhra Pradesh government has been working tirelessly to get the multinational EV manufacturer to invest by offering incentives and that its economic development board had even produced a pitch for the purpose.
However, the attempts appear to have failed. According to the aforementioned article, which cited a source, Tesla was in negotiations with Megha Engineering, a company based in Hyderabad, and other businesses to purchase property in a joint venture for its CKD initiatives. However, the talks were unable to proceed.
Tesla to Launch EV by Last Quarter of Current Fiscal Year
By the end of the current fiscal year, it is anticipated that Tesla will be able to introduce its own constructed EVs. The development coincides with the resignation of Prashanth Menon, the leader of Tesla’s India division.
According to additional reports, Menon has called for his resignation for personal reasons. It was previously reported that Tesla had received land offers from the state of Maharashtra in places like Chakan and Chikhalin, which are close to Pune. With domestic companies like Mahindra and Tata Motors operating there, Chakan is regarded as a centre for Indian automakers. Cooper Corporations, a supplier of vehicle components, is also based in Satara.
Tamil Nadu and Gujarat were among the other states vying to host Tesla’s manufacturing facility. The amount of land that Tesla will purchase for its assembly plant project is currently unknown.
Tesla has already decided on locations for its shops in Delhi and Mumbai. It has also signed an agreement with EFC, a coworking space organisation, to lease a 30-seat office space in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for INR 3 lakh per month. On its website, Tesla states that it is also seeking Indians for a minimum of thirty different roles.
India’s New EV Policy Providing Favourable Business Environment to Tesla
The country’s new EV regulation has made it more conducive to Tesla’s commercial success, and the company’s efforts to enter India have accelerated. According to a new regulation that was implemented in March of last year, businesses who agree to establish manufacturing facilities in the nation will be required to pay a reduced charge on EV imports.
According to the proposal, companies that agree to invest at least INR 4,150 Cr (about $500 Mn) in India to establish manufacturing facilities will have their import duties on vehicles with a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of $35,000 or more lowered by 15% for five years.
In an effort to draw in foreign investment, India is also seeking to lower import taxes on 35 components needed in the production of EV batteries.
With the rise of technology, it was just a matter of time before people shifted to online transactions. While this mode of payment became popular, many companies introduced the idea of e-wallets. One company that stands out in this space is MobiKwik. It is an Indian fintech unicorn that has made digital payments simpler and more accessible for users.
Behind the success of MobiKwik is a determined leader, Upasana Taku. The company was founded in 2009 by Upasana Taku and Bipin Preet Singh. Taku has played an important role in building the company and taking it to greater heights. Under their leadership, MobiKwik became a prominent player in the fintech industry. In December 2024, the company went public with its IPO opening for public subscription.
In this article, learn more about MobiKwik’s co-founder Upasana Taku, her education, her career, the challenges faced, and more.
Upasana Taku – Biography
Name
Upasana Taku
Birthplace
Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Born
1980
Nationality
Indian
Education
B.Tech in Industrial Engineering (NIT Jalandhar), MS (Stanford University)
Profession
Entrepreneur
Position
Co-Founder, Executive Director & CFO of MobiKwik, Co-Founder of Zaakpay
Upasana Taku was born into a Kashmiri family in Gandhinagar and grew up in a family of academicians. She completed her schooling in Surat and went on to pursue engineering at the prestigious Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar. Taku holds a B.Tech degree in Industrial Engineering from that institute. She did her MS in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University, USA.
Upasana Taku – Career
After completing her Master’s, Upasana Taku’s career began in 2004 at HSBC Auto Finance in San Diego. She worked as a Business analyst in product management, where she was successful in many areas, like marketing and outreach, forecasting, and market research. She then joined PayPal in 2006. There, she worked as a Senior Product Manager. During her tenure at PayPal, she learned about payment systems in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Apart from that, she also gained knowledge about risk detection and fraud management, user experience, and design at PayPal.
All these experiences laid a solid foundation for the founding of MobiKwik in 2009. In 2012, Upasana Taku launched Zaakpay, a payment service by MobiKwik. It offers mobile and online payment solutions to eCommerce companies in India, staying true to the values of its parent company.
Currently, Upasana Taku serves as the Co-founder, Executive Director, and CFO of MobiKwik, where she continues to work on the company’s financial strategies and growth.
Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku – MobiKwiki Co-Founders
In 2008, although she had a comfortable life with her corporate job, she realized that she no longer wanted to be a corporate drone. According to her, work was becoming too easy, even though she worked on some high-impact projects and accumulated millions of dollars. But she wanted to come back to India and contribute to the Indian startup ecosystem. Well, this was the turning point of Taku’s career!
Her family didn’t support her decision to return to India, as they saw it as a big risk. At PayPal, she had a successful career, and she enjoyed a comfortable life. Despite all this, she was back in India in 2008.
While she was figuring out her next steps, she worked with Drishtee, a rural microfinance NGO, in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, helping to empower local communities while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in rural India.
In the subcontinent, she met a lot of people and extracted ideas about the buzzing sectors and unsolved gaps in the business and startup ecosystem. According to her, a wallet like PayPal was not popular in India. Therefore, users could never imagine a cashless world. Well, the example of India gave the idea to resolve this gap and work for the advancement of technology in the country.
While working on her ideas and project, she happened to meet Bipin Preet Singh in India through a common friend. Together, they started their fintech venture with a shared vision of disrupting the payments industry in India.
“It was a time when our parents would go to a nearby shop to recharge phones and that is when the idea of a mobile wallet business struck us which could pave a way to make consumer payments simpler. Fast forward to now, India is at the cusp of a digital revolution and the payments industry is witnessing a disruption like never before. We kind of saw this coming almost a decade ago,” said Taku in an interview.
Upasana Taku co-founded MobiKwik in 2009 with Bipin Preet Singh, who serves as the CEO and is also her husband. MobiKwik is one of India’s leading mobile wallets and financial services platforms. The app allows users to make payments like mobile recharges, bill payments, and bank transfers. It also offers services like instant digital loans, investment options in digital gold, mutual funds, fixed deposits, and credit card bill settlements.
A key feature of MobiKwik is Pocket UPI. This allows users to make UPI payments without linking their bank accounts. Under Upasana’s leadership, MobiKwik has expanded its services, making it one of the most trusted and widely used platforms in India.
Upasana Taku – The Journey of MobiKwik’s Growth and Milestones
Upasana Taku’s Mobikwik is very simple and need-based. Initially, they launched the company as a recharge platform, and soon, within a few years, it became the face of mobile wallets in the country. At a time when people were dependent on physical cash for a trivial amount like INR 10, Taku revolutionized the sector by bringing the concept of a physical wallet onto the big stage. Presently, a millennial or Gen Z cannot imagine going to a shop for small recharges; all he/she need is to use an app to cover all the recharges. Now, Mobikwik has grown exceptionally as a company. In 2010, the company hired its first employee, and it was somehow very difficult for the team to find someone with the same mindset to serve the community.
In 2011, the team grew very slowly, with a team member count of six! They were dependent on the home-office sector. Even on their wedding day, Taku and Bipin Preet had to work for the company! Later in 2011, they rented their first office which had five rooms. Within a short period, they were growing at an exceptional pace and were a team of 35 people by June 2012. In September 2012, the team applied for RBI’s PPI license, and they received it in July 2013.
This was a milestone for the team as it was a symbol of their growth. The first round of the company’s funding was $5 million, which enabled them to shift to a larger office in Udyog Vihar, Gurugram, with 50 employees. The second round of funding came in 2015, they were able to draw funding of $25 million from Sequoia Capital, American Express, Tree Line Asia, and Cisco Investment.
Under her leadership, MobiKwik achieved major milestones, becoming a unicorn startup in October 2021 and launching its IPO in December 2024.
Upasana Taku’s journey has not been easy. When she was starting MobiKwik, she faced some tough challenges, especially because she was a woman in a male-dominated field. During investor meetings, she was often asked personal questions like why she wasn’t married by 30 or how many children she had. People even mistook her for her husband’s assistant instead of recognising her as a co-founder. New employees at the company would also question whether they should report to her or a male manager.
Taku faced gender bias in the investor meetings as well. She shared that some financiers told her they preferred male founders. In response, she would confidently say that her male counterparts might not be able to answer their questions as well as she could. She made it clear that she would never work with such people.
Despite these challenges, she remained focused, communicated clearly, and continued working towards the success of her company. Even when she was pregnant, she didn’t slow down. Upasana continued working and even attended a board meeting just a day before her cesarean surgery. Coming from a lower-middle-class background, she worked hard to earn a scholarship to study at Stanford University in the US.
While things are slowly getting better for women in business, Upasana acknowledges that there is still progress to be made. Her story is a great example of how, with hard work, determination, and courage, women can overcome any challenge.
Upasana Taku – Success Mantra
Taku’s mantra “Kick up a storm or die trying” has helped her to stay focused in difficult times. According to her, Tenacity is the key. Hence, her hard work and desire to serve the startup community have made her an inspirational figure for many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Upasana Taku – Awards and Recognitions | First Woman to Lead a Payments Company in India
Forbes “Asia’s Women to Watch (2016)”
Best Woman Entrepreneur Award 2017 by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
In 2018, she received an award from the President of India for being the First Woman to lead a Payment Gateway Startup in India.
Forbes Asia’s Power 25 Businesswomen (2019)
In 2024, she was honoured with the ‘Unstoppable Icon’ award and recognised as India’s Leading Tech Founder & one of the Top 15 Richest Self-made Women in India.
In April 2025, Taku was recognized in Fortune India’s “100 Most Powerful Women in Business 2025” list, celebrating her impactful leadership and achievements in fintech.
Taku has been appointed as the Vice-President of the Executive Committee at the Unified Fintech Forum (formerly DLAI).
Upasana Taku is the co-founder and CFO of Mobikwik, India’s leading mobile wallets and financial services company.
What is Upasana Taku age?
Upasana Taku was born in 1980 into a Kashmiri family in Gandhinagar and grew up in a family of academicians.
What is Upasana Taku education?
Upasana Taku’s education includes a B.Tech in Industrial Engineering from NIT Jalandhar and an MS from Stanford University.
What is Upasana Taku net worth?
While the exact net worth of Upasana Taku is not publicly available, in 2024, she was recognised as India’s Leading Tech Founder and one of the Top 15 Richest Self-made Women in India by CNBC-TV18.
What is Upasana Taku’s MobiKwik net worth?
As of May 12, 2025, MobiKwik’s market capitalisation stands at approximately INR 1,925 crore (around $232 million), based on its current share price of INR 247.80. This reflects a significant decline from its peak valuation of INR 4,102 crore (approximately $494 million) during its IPO debut in December 2024.
Who is Zaakpay founder?
Zaakpay, co-founded by Upasana Taku and Bipin Preet Singh (also MobiKwik co-founders), is a payment gateway service provided by MobiKwik. It focuses on fast, innovative digital payment solutions, tackling challenges in payments, reconciliations, and user experience. Recently, Zaakpay received RBI approval to operate as an online payment aggregator, further enhancing its capabilities.
In response to recent worries about layoffs in its business process outsourcing (BPO) segment, Hexaware Technologies clarified that the cuts were not related to artificial intelligence (AI), as some media reports had claimed.
The corporation clarified that the seasonality of its business activities was the main cause of the workforce adjustments. After a story by a renowned media outlet prompted the clarification, Hexaware responded in greater detail to another media house.
Hexaware underlined in its statement that although AI may have long-term effects on the BPO sector, AI technology had nothing to do with the Q1CY’25 staff cutbacks. Rather, they were propelled by consistent business oscillations linked to seasonal demand in the BPO industry.
BPO Business Witnessing Decline
According to Hexaware’s description of the workforce changes in Q1CY’25, the BPO segment had a 500-person decline, while the IT division saw an increase of about 100 personnel. Variations in client needs and market conditions that affect demand at different times of the year were cited as the cause of this seasonal variability, which is typical in the BPO sector.
The business recognised the increasing significance of AI and continued to invest in the technology with the goal of improving service delivery and operational efficiency. It emphasised, however, that the present layoffs were a reaction to the cyclical nature of the BPO industry and were not the result of these AI-driven initiatives.
According to a Hexaware statement, its CEO provided an update on the overall workforce changes during Q1CY’25 in an interview with a media outlet on April 30, 2025. He brought up the possible long-term effects of AI on the BPO industry, but it’s important to make clear that the seasonality of the business—not AI—was the reason for the BPO workforce’s decline.
This clarification was made in the midst of Hexaware’s impressive financial success. According to the company’s most recent Q1CY’25 earnings report, net profit increased 17.02% to INR 327.20 crore from INR 279.60 crore in the same quarter of 2024. Additionally, sales increased 16.7%, from INR 2748.80 crore in Q1 2024 to INR 3207.90 crore.
Hexaware’s Overall Performance Remains Robust
Hexaware’s overall performance is strong even with the BPO division’s employment cutbacks. In order to enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency, the company has made significant strides in its IT operations and is still investing in AI and other cutting-edge technology.
A crucial component of Hexaware’s operations, the BPO industry is frequently impacted by shifts in customer needs and seasonal demand. The corporation clarified that these layoffs were consistent with industry norms, which dictate that companies adjust their workforces in response to market demands.
Hexaware emphasised that the company’s strategic usage of AI was focused on increasing business process efficiency over time, even though the long-term role of AI in changing the BPO landscape is still possible.
The company’s current workforce adjustments were unconnected to AI. Hexaware is still optimistic about its chances for future expansion. The business is well-positioned for future success because of its IT division’s impressive performance and its unwavering focus on creating AI solutions.
Hexaware wants to remain at the forefront of industry trends as the BPO sector develops and new technical innovations are implemented, guaranteeing its capacity to adjust to the shifting needs of the market.
JustDeliveries, a new-age cold chain logistics startup redefining mid-mile logistics for India’s food and beverage sector, has raised INR 5.5 crore funding in a round co-led by VC Grid and NABVentures. Investors included LetsVenture, Anay Ventures, FAAD Network and others.
The capital infusion elevates JustDeliveries’ total funding to $2 million (approximately INR 15.9 crore), further enabling its mission to bring structure and reliability to India’s $200 billion logistics landscape, where 90% of operations remain unorganized and prone to inefficiencies. The funds will be used to enhance its technology capabilities and expansion into three new cities including Lucknow and Chennai. Currently it has its operations in Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune.
Since its inception, JustDeliveries has emerged as a critical partner for over 100 F&B brands, including industry leaders like ITC, Swiggy, Blue Tokai, Biggies Burger, and Naturals Ice Cream. The company’s asset-light, plug-and-play third-party logistics (3PL) model addresses the acute challenges of transporting perishable goods across India’s vast and complex supply chains. Showing remarkable traction, JustDeliveries achieved a 2.4x year-over-year revenue growth in FY25, sustained by a 10.6% average monthly growth rate. The startup reached a pivotal milestone in December 2024 by attaining city-level profitability across all operational hubs – Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad – while maintaining negligible bad debts and industry-leading receivables turnaround times.
JustDeliveries has a strong leadership team and has recently elevated Pradeep Murugesan and COO and cofounder.
NABVENTURES is a venture growth equity fund that invests in agriculture, food, rural businesses and agri/rural financial services at early to mid-stage. “NABVENTURES is excited to continue supporting JustDeliveries as they scale their innovative cold chain logistics solutions. Their impressive growth, focus on profitability, and strong client base underscore our confidence in their ability to transform the F&B supply chain landscape by driving efficiency and reducing wastage. NABVENTURES is pleased to be a part of their journey in building a more resilient food supply chain.” – Ashish Km Choudhury, CIO, NABVENTURES Ltd
VC Grid is a leading return-driven fund backed by Venture Catalysts, India’s leading integrated incubator and accelerator platform. Commenting on the investment, Vansh Oberoi from VC Grid, said, “JustDeliveries represents a rare convergence of operational discipline, scalable innovation, and market timing. In a sector traditionally burdened by high capital expenditure and fragmented service providers, Mansi and her team have engineered an asset-light platform that delivers consistent cold chain integrity while achieving early profitability, a feat that eludes most logistics startups. Their ability to maintain an impressive month-on-month growth in a competitive sector reflects both operational maturity and strategic foresight. We believe JustDeliveries is poised to become the backbone of India’s F&B logistics ecosystem. This investment aligns with our mission to back category-defining companies solving systemic challenges.”
Mansi Mahansaria, Founder of JustDeliveries, said, “When we launched JustDeliveries, we recognized that solving the gaps for the F&B industry required more than just infrastructure-it demanded a fundamental rethinking of logistics partnerships. By integrating technology with a flexible asset network, we have built a platform that scales with our clients’ needs while ensuring cost efficiency and reliability. We’re fortunate to have a set of investors who believe in building a valuable company on a strong foundation. This funding enables us to deepen our tech stack, become net profitable, and take our services to three new cities by FY26.”
With India’s cold chain logistics market projected to grow at a 23.5% CAGR through 2030, driven by rising demand for perishable foods and pharmaceuticals, JustDeliveries’ tech-enabled model addresses a critical infrastructure gap. The startup’s expansion into three additional cities will extend its geographic footprint to eight major hubs, aligning with client demands for pan-India distribution.
In an attempt to restructure the company, Panasonic Holdings announced on May 9 that it will layoff 10,000 employees and anticipate spending 130 billion yen ($896.06 million) this fiscal year. According to a statement, the electronics company plans to lay off employees mostly during the current fiscal year, with half of those layoffs occurring in Japan and the other half abroad.
The reductions will be made by combining sales and indirect operations, closing locations, and letting go of Japanese workers who are retiring early. Panasonic’s website states that it employs about 228,000 people worldwide.
Through restructuring, the company hopes to increase group profitability and reach a 10% return on equity, which is a measure of profitability, by the fiscal year that ends in March 2029. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, Panasonic also stated that it will aim for a group adjusted operating profit of at least 600 billion yen, in part because of a reorganisation of its consumer electronics division, the closure of businesses that are losing money, and the simplification of its IT expenditures.
In an update of its makeover released in February, the business stated that it will examine the operational efficiency of its group companies, specifically in the back-office and sales divisions.
Restructuring and Future Plans
Its lifestyle business, which comprises heating and ventilation systems and home electronics, would account for nearly half of the restructuring costs. The remaining 40% will be allocated to “other” industries, which includes its holding company.
It didn’t anticipate incurring any restructuring expenses in its energy division. Due to anticipated increases in sales of batteries and energy storage systems, Panasonic also projected a 39% increase in operating profit at its energy division that produces batteries for electric vehicles, bringing it up to 167 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.
In the year ending in March, the energy company, which produces batteries for Tesla (TSLA.O), opens a new tab, and other vehicles made 120.2 billion yen, falling short of its own projection of 124 billion yen. Panasonic predicted that its overall operating profit for this fiscal year would drop by 13% to 370 billion yen.
Reason for the Layoffs
In an April interview with a Japanese publication, Yuki Kusumi, the CEO of Panasonic Holdings, stated that layoffs are required to outperform competitors. According to a report, the action is a component of the company’s management reform, which aims to address the significant changes in the global business climate.
Panasonic intends to reduce its personnel, streamline and combine indirect tasks, and withdraw or close down businesses that are losing money.
In its fiscal 2024 earnings report, which was made public that same day, Panasonic stated that its net profit fell 17.5% year over year to 366.2 billion yen (roughly 2.53 billion US dollars), while its revenue was 8.46 trillion yen (roughly 54 billion US dollars), down 0.5% from the previous fiscal year.
Franchising has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, both in India and globally. The days when franchise decisions revolved solely around brand names and investment brackets are long gone.
It’s 2025, we are in a digital-first, innovation-driven era where consumer behaviour is rapidly changing, new-age technologies are running operations, and entrepreneurs are no longer looking for just “safe bets”; they are seeking meaningful, scalable, and future-proof business models.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur hoping to escape the 9-to-5 grind or a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio, this article will take you step by step through everything you need to know.
Starting a business is challenging, but franchising offers a smarter path with key advantages:
Proven Success – While independent startups face a 70-80% failure rate within five years, franchises see only a 10-15% failure rate.
Faster Profitability – Leverage an established brand to attract customers and reach break-even sooner.
Expert Guidance – Get comprehensive training and ongoing support instead of navigating entrepreneurship alone.
Built-In Network – Connect with a community of franchisees who share insights, strategies, and resources.
11 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Franchise
11 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Franchise
Know Your Franchise Preferences
Starting a franchise is like starting any new business; you need to know what you want. Before you jump in, ask yourself these key questions to pick the best path:
What are my goals? Do you want more income, a better work-life balance, or a career change? Your “why” will guide your franchise choice.
Which type of industry do I want to start my business in? Don’t force yourself into a business you won’t enjoy. From food and retail to fitness, education, or cleaning services, there’s a franchise for every interest.
How involved do I want to be? Some franchises need daily hands-on work; others let you manage from a distance. Know what role suits you best.
What are my strengths? Play to them. Whether it’s sales, operations, or people management, choose a model that lets you shine and outsource the rest.
What’s my budget? Franchise costs vary widely, from under INR 10 lakh for service-based businesses to over INR 1 crore for retail or food chains. Know your financial limits before you commit.
When you know your preferences, you’ll find the franchise that fits, not just financially, but personally and professionally.
Research Franchise Opportunities in Your Chosen Industry
Once you’ve locked in your goals, budget, and preferred industry, it’s time to explore brands that offer franchise opportunities. Start with the big names, established players with a strong presence across cities and states.
Look into their franchising models, eligibility, and support systems. Shortlist the ones that align with your criteria, and reach out directly to begin the conversation.
Look at top brands in your industry, and visit websites like:
FranchiseIndia.com
Franchising.com
BizBuySell
Franchise Gator
Reach Out to Promising Franchisors
Most brands have dedicated franchise pages on their websites, use them to explore details, and send an inquiry. Good franchisors usually respond within 24 hours and offer to schedule a call. If they take much longer, it could be a sign to look elsewhere.
Ask Smart Questions on Your First Franchisor Call
Your first call with the franchisor is a casual, two-way conversation. Use it to get a feel for the brand and clarify the basics.
Ask:
Where are they actively expanding?
How well are other franchisees doing?
What kind of support and training do they offer?
Also, find out what they expect from you. Some franchisors prefer partners with specific industry experience, while others look for strong people skills, business sense, or a drive for sales and growth.
This is your chance to see if your background and goals match their ideal franchisee profile. If it clicks, move forward. If not, keep exploring.
Once you’ve shortlisted a brand, visit a few of their outlets in different areas. Check if the branding, cleanliness, and customer service are consistent across locations. Well-maintained, professionally run stores are a strong sign that the franchisor supports its partners and maintains high standards.
Talk to Existing Franchisees
Do you want to see the real picture? Then, speak directly with current franchise owners. Ask about the franchisor’s support, ongoing fees, and whether they get exclusive rights in their area.
Many brands also host “Discovery Days” where you can meet franchisees and ask questions. Industry events like the International Franchise Association’s annual conference are also great for exploring and comparing franchise opportunities firsthand.
Add Up All Potential Franchise Starting Costs
Starting a franchise might seem like an exciting venture, but it can also come with hefty costs. It’s crucial to get a clear understanding of your financial commitment before diving in. And that’s where the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) becomes your best friend.
The FDD lays out all the costs you’ll face, including:
Franchise fees: These are the upfront costs to get the franchise rights.
Royalties: A percentage of your sales paid to the franchisor, usually monthly or quarterly.
Vendor payments: Some franchises require you to buy products, materials, or services from specific vendors, often at premium prices.
Brand fund contributions: Many brands ask franchisees to contribute to a marketing fund used for national or regional campaigns.
But there’s more to consider than just these fees. Here are a few other hidden costs you might face when starting your franchise:
Equipment: Depending on your franchise type, you might need to buy special equipment or set up systems to manage your operations.
Build-out costs: For a retail or restaurant franchise, this includes renovating and outfitting your store to meet brand standards.
Marketing & Advertising: Don’t forget about the cost of local marketing campaigns to attract customers to your new location.
Business licenses and permits: These are mandatory in almost every state and city, and the fees vary depending on the industry and location.
Employee salaries: Don’t overlook staffing costs! You’ll need to hire and pay employees to get your franchise running smoothly.
Once you’ve added up all the above costs, you will have a better idea of the total investment. Keep in mind that many franchisors require you to meet certain financial criteria, such as liquid capital (easily accessible cash or assets) and net worth requirements.
Meeting these requirements ensures you have enough financial stability to cover all startup expenses and navigate the early stages of your franchise.
Evaluate ongoing costs like vendor fees, as franchisors often require franchisees to buy from specified suppliers with preset markups, which could increase your expenses.
Check the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for details on the franchisor’s litigation and bankruptcy history, as well as the number of open and closed locations. Understand the reasons behind any closures and consider speaking with former franchisees for valuable insights into potential challenges.
Review the Item 19 Document
Franchisors often provide an Item 19 document detailing potential sales, revenue, and profit. Ensure it includes data from both company-owned and franchise locations. If they refuse to share this, ask why.
Understand Your Territory Rights & Support System
When you buy a franchise, you’re not just getting the brand; you are also getting territory rights. That means the franchisor should promise not to open another outlet too close to yours. Make sure this is written in your agreement.
Ask things like:
“Do I get exclusive rights in my area?”
“Can another outlet open nearby?”
Make Your Final Franchising Decision
Now comes the big moment, signing the contract. But before you put pen to paper, hit pause and reflect on the journey so far.
Ask yourself:
Did I feel comfortable asking questions to the franchisor?
Were there any red flags, or even yellow ones, that I ignored?
Is there a clear, realistic path to profitability?
Did I feel supported, not just sold to?
Remember, most franchise agreements lock you in for 5 to 10 years. So this isn’t just a business, it’s a long-term partnership.
Conclusion
Besides doing your research and asking the right questions, choosing the right franchise also means picking one that matches your skills, interests, and financial goals.
A good way to start is by thinking about what you’re good at, like leading a team, talking to customers, selling products, or doing hands-on work. These strengths can help you run a successful business.
Once you know your strengths, look for a franchise that fits your personality and the kind of future you want. That way, you’re not just starting a business, you are building something that’s exciting, fulfilling, and right for you.
A franchise is one such business which is authorized to allow others, known as “franchisors,” to distribute their products and services. Franchise businesses are generally larger businesses/companies empowering their franchisors with numerous business opportunities.
How do you choose a franchise that is right for you?
By carefully considering your ‘why,’ conducting thorough research, and evaluating key factors like brand reputation, education & support, and location.
What is the easiest franchise to start?
Fast-food franchises are often considered ideal for beginners because they offer a proven business model with streamlined operations.
At its Hosur facility, Tata Electronics is dramatically increasing the volume of enclosures it produces for Apple’s iPhones. According to a media report, Tata Electronics wants to triple its current capacity of about 50,000 enclosures.
The ramp-up will probably occur before Apple’s annual product introductions, which happen in September. This is the second phase of the Hosur facility’s build-out. Before the fire that occurred at the facility in September of last year, Tata Electronics had reached a capacity of roughly 50,000 enclosures, according to the article.
This setback prompted the company to halt its rapid expansion. After the fire, it took them a while to get back on track. However, the capacity has returned to its pre-fire levels.
India to Become iPhone’s Manufacturing Hub
The expansion drive by Tata Electronics follows recent remarks by Apple CEO Tim Cook that India will take over as the main location for iPhone production for US-sold devices. During Apple’s Q1 earnings call on May 1, Cook stated that the company anticipates that the majority of iPhones sold in the US will be made in India during the June quarter.
He went on to say that practically all iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods items sold in the US would be made in Vietnam. With his statement regarding India, Cook signalled a dramatic change in the Cupertino-based company’s production approach and solidified the notion that Apple was, in fact, seeking to diversify its supply chain away from China.
Apple’s Indian vendors are doing all in their power to seize this chance.
Apple Moving Away for China
Tata Electronics announced earlier this year that it has purchased a 60% controlling interest in Pegatron Technology India (PTI). Less than a year ago, in March 2024, the company acquired Wistron’s India operations, which were situated in Narsapura, Karnataka.
This was interpreted as an attempt by the business to solidify its position inside the Apple global value chain (GVC). Additionally, a media outlet revealed last week that Jabil, another Apple supplier, was also considering expanding the production of its AirPods casings in India. All of this is indicative of Apple’s larger effort to diversify its Chinese supply base in the face of persistent trade tensions between the US and China and uncertainty surrounding global tariffs.
For example, Foxconn’s India division, another Apple supplier, has benefitted greatly. It is anticipated that the Tainwanese contract manufacturer will continue to increase its investments in mobile assembly in India.
The company is expanding into new production locations in India and diversifying its portfolio, as evidenced by the construction of a massive factory in Bengaluru and a brand-new facility in Hyderabad that is focused on AirPods.
According to reports, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has suggested giving investors more freedom to co-invest with alternative investment funds (AIFs). According to a media report, the regulatory board recommended lifting the ban on AIF investment managers offering advisory services for listed shares.
To put it simply, co-investment mainly enables the fund to concentrate on areas other than ticket size and portfolio management. Co-investments are typically offered by funds when an investment is too big to fit within the fund or to preserve control over an investment and foster ties with their LPs, who will be tapped for future fundraising.
Moreover, AIF is a privately pooled investment vehicle that collects money from investors in accordance with a predetermined investment policy and uses it as capital for the investors’ advantage.
According to the research, under specific circumstances, it has been suggested that managers of AIFs be permitted to provide co-investment opportunities to AIF investors through the co-investment vehicle (CIV) model.
Separate CIV Scheme for Each Investment
Additionally, it stated that, in accordance with the shelf PPM for the CIV scheme submitted to the markets regulator, a distinct CIV scheme ought to be introduced for every co-investment in the prospective business being considered for investment under notification to SEBI.
Up until now, co-investors were required to sell their shares at the same time as AIF on the same conditions and exit price, which limited investor flexibility and made the funds seek to loosen these regulations.
The change follows calls from venture capital and private equity firms to loosen co-investment requirements in the AIF route starting in 2022. In the meantime, SEBI loosened its regulations in February, allowing AIFs to retain their investments in dematerialised form as of July.
This is revealed at a time when SEBI is continuously changing the AIF industry’s framework in response to input and difficulties. In September of last year, the regulatory body changed its framework for valuing AIF investment portfolios.
It stated that securities that were not listed, non-traded, or thinly-traded would be valued in accordance with the current mutual fund regulations (SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996).
Investor Awareness Gets a Boost with SEBI, Ministry’s ‘Niveshak Shivir’ Rollout
A strategic planning conference for the Niveshak Shivir project is held in Mumbai by SEBI and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), which is part of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Niveshak Shivir is a national investor support programme designed to increase financial literacy, lessen dependency on middlemen, and make it easier for investors to recover unclaimed profits and shares. Investors will be able to communicate directly with corporate representatives and Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs) for end-to-end support through the initiative’s dedicated helpdesks.
Later this month, the “Niveshak Shivir” programme will be launched in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, with ambitions to spread to additional cities with significant amounts of unclaimed investor assets.
The first hydrogen-powered truck in India, which can transport 40 tonnes of freight over a 200-kilometer radius, was used for mining operations in Chhattisgarh, the Adani Group announced on 10 May.
As part of its efforts to promote cleaner transportation, the group’s flagship company, Adani Enterprises, waved off hydrogen fuel cell trucks. In addition, the corporation stated in its official statement that the diesel trucks utilised in its logistics operations will eventually be replaced by these hydrogen-powered trucks.
Adani is working with a major automaker and an Indian and foreign energy technology company to build vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cell batteries for cargo transportation. With three hydrogen tanks and clever technology, each truck can transport up to 40 tonnes of cargo across a 200-kilometre distance.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Flagged Off the Truck
In Raipur, Vishnu Deo Sai, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, waved off the first truck. Coal will be transported to the state power plant via it from the Gare Pelma III Block. According to Sai, Chhattisgarh’s introduction of the nation’s first hydrogen-powered truck is a testament to the state’s dedication to sustainability.
The state’s carbon footprint will be greatly reduced by such activities, which will also establish new industry standards. In addition to being at the forefront of supplying the nation’s electrical needs, Chhattisgarh sets the standard for sustainable operations. Adani Enterprises was chosen following a competitive bidding procedure to be the mine developer and operator for the Gare Pelma III block by the state-owned Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited.
He continued by saying that the Adani Group’s commitment to decarbonisation and ethical mining is demonstrated by the plan for hydrogen-powered trucks. By using solar energy, digital projects, autonomous dozer push technology, and tree transplanters to move trees, the state government is building model mines with less environmental impact.
According to Vinay Prakash, CEO of Natural Resources and Director of Adani Enterprises, the company wants to set new benchmarks for sustainable mining methods while ensuring that everyone has access to cheap, dependable electricity.
Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL) and Adani Natural Resources (ANR) collaborated on the project. Adani Enterprises is the parent company of both organisations. ANR will purchase hydrogen cells from ANIL, a company that also produces wind turbines, solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen.
Hydrogen Most Environment Friendly Option
The most prevalent element, hydrogen, emits no toxic gases. In terms of range and load capacity, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are comparable to diesel trucks; however, they produce only warm air and water vapour with little noise. Because most mining equipment runs on diesel, using cleaner fuels will cut down on noise and pollutants.
Additionally, it will lessen India’s carbon footprint and oil imports. According to the statement, Adani Natural Resources is the first company in Asia to implement Dozer Push Semi-Autonomous Technology, which will increase sustainability and safety. Coal, minerals, and metals are produced and processed by ANR for use by businesses and end consumers.
Its varied business portfolio includes liquified petroleum gas, rock phosphate, iron ore, copper, aluminium, minerals, bunkering, and integrated resources management.
Established in 2013 and based out of Bengaluru, Ather Energy now plays a major role in the Indian electric two-wheeler market. It is well established for its high-performance electric scooters like the Ather 450 Apex, 450X Pro, and Rizta. The technology has made remarkable feats with remote connectivity, including a touchscreen dashboard, predictive maintenance, and real-time connectivity via IoT sensors. Besides, it also enables over-the-air software updates and route optimization through cloud computing, and above all, enhances the overall user experience.
The company has built a network of Ather Grid with over 1,000 fast charging points across 80 cities, which includes home charging solutions for Ather and other EVs for the use of customers. Ather reported a net loss of INR 1,059 crore in FY24, although revenues stand at INR 1,754 crore and filed for a INR 4,500 crore IPO. Funded by Hero MotoCorp, NIIF, and GIC, Ather has advanced the modeling of smart, connected, and sustainable mobility in India.
This company came into being in April of 2013 with Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, alumni of IIT Madras. Initially, their focus was battery technology, which was soon transitioned into what became India’s very first smart electric scooter(EV). Indeed, very early support, including time spent at the IIT Madras incubation cell and seed funding by the Technology Development Board and angel investor Srini V Srinivasan, really netted Ather with good traction. In 2014, the company landed a breakthrough investment of $1 million from Flipkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansal, shortly followed by a $12 million infusion from Tiger Global in 2015. Ather’s prototype, the S340, released in 2016, came with a touchscreen dashboard among other connected features, and it raised the bar concerning what an electric scooter in India could offer. In 2018, they commercially launched the Ather 450, and it became the fastest electric scooter in India.
Hero MotoCorp made its strategic investment in Ather in 2016, and a full-fledged manufacturing facility in Hosur will be operational by 2021. Ather went on to scale rapidly by manufacturing well over 100,000 scooters by early 2023. In addition to this, it had added new offerings to its product portfolio, expansion of the Ather Grid network, and international operations in Nepal that began in 2023. Ather’s first IPO in 2025 was a landmark occasion for the company.
Ather Energy intends to promulgate a business model around selling premium and tech-enabled electric scooters, while serving the Indian EV ecosystem broadly. Direct-to-consumer sales are an alternative way for Ather to bypass the traditional dealership network and allow for better control of prices, quality of customer service. Its scooters, such as the Ather 450X, are meant to exemplify high-powered, feature-filled products with smart dashboards, custom ride modes, and OTA updates for their urban and tech-savvy clientele. The company opts to keep things asset-light by outsourcing battery cell production and sharing partnerships for experience centers and service operations, all advantages for agility and faster adoption of new tech.
The heart of Ather’s strategy is the development of the ecosystem. It has set up Ather Grid—a proprietary charging network that is open to other EVs—to build convenience and infrastructure. Atherstack is their in-house software platform that enables connected services, digital upgrades, and customer engagement. With an intense focus on in-house R&D, sustainability, and brand innovativeness, Ather positions itself as a leader in clean mobility, keeping long-term value at the forefront rather than swimming with the current industry model.
How Ather Energy Makes Money I Revenue Model of Ather Energy
Ather Energy revenue sources comprise:
Electric Scooter Sales
The main revenue stream accounts for about 90% of total revenue. The main contributing models here are the Ather 450X, 450S, and 450 Apex, with 65-plus percent sales being of the 450X variants.
Vehicle Accessories and Stock-in-Trade
Another 3% of revenue comes from accessories and associated products.
Services
This covers after-sales servicing, maintenance, connected services, and so on, contributing 7% to total revenue.
Charging Fees (Ather Grid)
Users are charged for fast charging using subscription or pay-per-use price plans at the Ather Grid network. Usually, charging fees are INR 15–20 a session or INR 1 a minute, with a few free sessions for subscribers. This is a small but growing source of revenue.
Other Operating Revenue
A handful of other minor sources, about 0.2%.
FY24 Financials
Total Revenue from Operations (FY24): INR 1,754 crore
Net Loss (FY24): Over INR 1,000 crore.
Market Share: Some 11.5% in the Indian electric two-wheeler market.
Vehicle sales are the core revenue generator for Ather, with smaller, growing shares from accessories, services, and charging infrastructure. High topline revenues mask Ather’s heavy losses due to cost competition.
Ather Energy Unique Selling Proposition
The key differentiator that Ather Energy offers is a perfect blend of the latest technologies, top-notch performance, and a complete electric ecosystem for vehicles. Hence, its smart scooters, like the Ather 450X and 450 Plus, come with features such as digital dashboards, over-the-air software updates, real-time diagnostics, and mobile app integration—turning the scooters into super-high-tech “gadgets on wheels.” Not just these, such scooters give excellent acceleration, good range, and reliability equivalent to that of petrol counterparts. Ather is different due to its charging network-Ather Grid, among India’s few such sets, providing owners with comfortable and often free fast charging options, besides allowing monetization from other EV users.
The other aspect of customer experience control that Ather adopts is a direct-to-consumer model sales from purchase until after-sales. The company also has a recurring revenue source in subscriptions to services like maintenance, software upgrades, and roadside assistance. Their sustainability, innovation, and customer-first ideology of providing a highly customizable ride profile and proactivity in providing support suit the environmentally conscious, tech-savvy, metropolitan individuals. Well, it leads to this holistic approach that makes it the leading player in the fast-evolving electric mobility landscape of India.
Ather Energy SWOT Analysis
Ather SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Product Innovation: The electric scooters from Ather have become known for their advanced technology, smart features like digital dashboards, OTA updates, and high-end design.
Brand Presence and Investor backing: Backed by Hero MotorCorp and NIIF.
In-house Manufacturing: In-house manufacturing fuels controls their quality and innovation.
Charging Network Expansion: This provides customers with seamless access to charging stations.
Commitment towards Sustainability: The Brand positions itself as eco-friendly, which connects very well with environment-conscious consumers.
Weaknesses
Premium Pricing: More targeted towards the premium segment, which makes it expensive for the masses.
Limited to Urban Areas: Currently restricted to top-tier cities rather than rural areas.
Reliance on Imported Components: Dependence on imports for various raw material components, like batteries.
Under Utilisation of Capacity: Low utilisation of manufacturing hampers capital efficiency and return on investment.
Opportunities
Growth in the EV Space: Awareness among consumers and government incentives are further expanding this space.
In-house Battery Production: This can provide a strong moat over the supply chain.
Expansion in the Product Line: Launching more products and penetrating the mass markets.
International Footprints: As the Indian market saturates, Ather can gradually focus on International Markets.
Collaborations: Partnerships with OEMs, tech firms, or charging networks can accelerate growth.
Threats
Strong Competition: Competition from Ola Electric, TVS, Bajaj Auto, and Hero Motorcorp.
Regulatory Roadblocks: Changes in policies and regulations about EVs can pose a threat.
Fluctuations in the Raw Materials: Changes in the prices of lithium and semiconductors can slow the growth
What distinguishes Ather Energy’s offerings is the combination of best-in-class technology, serious performance, and a complete ecosystem around electric vehicles. Their smart scooters—Ather 450X and 450 Plus—have digital dashboards, over-the-air updates, real-time diagnostic capabilities, and mobile app integration that amounts to the creation of high-tech “gadgets on wheels.” Besides, the scooters boast impressive acceleration, a good ride range, and a reliability level equal to petrol-based scooters. Another notable feature setting Ather apart is the company-run Ather Grid, one of the charging networks in India, where fast charging is provided at times conveniently and free of cost for the owners while monetizing from the other EV users.
Ather Energy is a startup focused on designing and selling premium electric two-wheeler vehicles for the Indian market. It is one of the best electric scooter startups in India.
Who are Ather Energy owners?
Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain founded the Indian electric vehicle company Ather Energy in 2013.
What is the headquarters location of Ather Energy?
Ather Energy is an Indian electric vehicle company headquartered in Bengaluru.
