GlobalBees, a FirstCry affiliate, keeps losing employees. According to various media reports, over the past three to four months, three members of GlobalBees’ board of directors have resigned: Kaveesh Chawla, board representative of Premji Invest; Sudhir Kumar Sethi, board representative of Chiratae Ventures; and Harsha Deepak Kumar, board representative of Lightspeed India Partners.
According to a media report, the directors had to leave in order to prevent any possible conflicts or regulatory difficulties because GlobalBees is a FirstCry subsidiary and thus had access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI).
According to a spokeswoman for Premji Invest, the company generally refrains from holding board positions in publicly traded firms or their subsidiaries. Premji Invest resigned from the Board of FirstCry and GlobalBees, a FirstCry subsidiary, several months ago in accordance with this concept.
A media report claims that Premji and Chiratae are still involved with FirstCry and are its stockholders. They are leaving GlobalBees in accordance with UPSI regulations.
By preventing anyone with access to sensitive information from trading a company’s stocks before the information is made public and its effect is reflected in the market price, SEBI’s Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) regulations seek to prevent insider trading.
Exit Culture Getting Popular at GlobalBees
Additionally, all of these significant departures coincide with certain senior-level departures from GlobalBees: CEO of GlobalBees Nitin Agarwal (exited April 2025) InternationalBees’ CBO, Damandeep Soni (exited August, 2024) Globalbees Senior Vice President Mohit Saxena exited in February 2025.
Home, kitchen, furniture, and appliance category head Abhishek Biswas (who exited in March 2025) and Operations Executive VP Venkatesh SS Deepak Khetan, Head of Corporate Development and CFO (exited June 2).
Founded in 2021, GlobalBees invests in and buys D2C brands that offer goods on Flipkart, Amazon India, and other online marketplaces.
It collaborates with businesses that have developed products in specialist markets like sports, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), home organisation, and lifestyle based on consumer data. Among other brands, the startup has previously purchased Candes Technology, andMe, and The Clownfish.
Financial Dynamics of GlobalBees
Lightspeed and SoftBank are among the investors in the business, which has garnered more than $175 million in total capital to date. Players like BRND.ME (previously Mensa Brands), Evenflow, and GOAT Brand Labs are competitors of the startup.
As part of the first tranche of its INR 146 Cr infusion, FirstCry invested INR 73 Cr in GlobalBees just last month.
AI tools are front-ends for their services in the print-on-demand or POD marketplace, just automating all stages and boosting overall efficiency in the workflow. They can take trend updates and initiate design sketches with a mockup so that sellers can now produce more personalized and diverse products daily while being the least designed. Automation works for order processing, inventory management, and digital triage for ‘de facto’ customer services, minimizes possible errors and process times, while targeting marketing and creating customer experiences, thus engagement and loyalty. Integrating these inputs with e-commerce would result in better processing, forecasting demand, and improving inventory through predictive analytics. Insight into real-time summary ad-hoc can drive strategic decisions and bring rapid change in the market.
Artists, designers, and creatives seeking an AI-powered platform for generating high-quality, imaginative images from text prompts.
Midjourney – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Midjourney is an image-creating factory that employs generous quantities of AI and text to produce images that work great for print-on-demand systems. This particular thing changes how quickly one can bring a creative concept to life by drastically reducing what is commonly a very laborious process in creating visuals; one is now able to iterate over designs with a dynamic flair and without the classical expertise that personnel need in graphic engineering. The AI model automatically translates text into something perfect that satisfies the most sophisticated designs or future generations in the color palette. The integration of text into images has a large range of image styles and color-updating the file.
Entrepreneurs, artists, and creators looking to launch or scale custom product lines with seamless print-on-demand fulfillment and global shipping.
Printful – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Printful is a premium POD platform founded on the concept of using AI technology to minimize the load of product creation, fulfillment, and even shipping without having to stock any inventory. The key features of Printful AI services include the Smart Image Tool, which detects transparency and resolution issues in images, automatically improving low-quality images for better print results. Automated content review tools (Amazon Rekognition, for example) identify copyright and inappropriate content, thus keeping all endpoints legal. Quality assurance automation consists simply of a uniform application. AI-powered process optimization speeds things up concerning file checks and order processing. Printful’s easy-to-use interface, widespread reach, and sophisticated automation make it the right pit stop for POD entrepreneurs.
Pros
Easy-to-use interface
Free versions available for smaller businesses
Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms
Cons
Limited supplier choices
Issues with customer support
Pricing
Printful offers custom pricing; contact them for a quote.
Printify
WEBSITE
www.printify.com
Rating
4.8
Free Trial
Yes
Best For
Entrepreneurs and creatives seeking a user-friendly, inventory-free platform to design and sell custom products globally through a vast network of print providers.
Printify – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Printify is a large print-on-demand (POD) platform utilizing AI-driven tools to enable entrepreneurs, artists, and businesses to create, sell, and fulfill custom merchandise while not having to maintain an inventory. AI Image Generator, in a snap, converts text prompts for professional designs, which effectively tests and targets niches expeditiously. Mockup Generator, in turn, actualizes products, while Operation Routing System is responsible for redirecting orders in cases where a provider contrarily failed to fulfill the order. AI optimizes shipping routes and costs as well, setting up the Provider Ranking System, helping sites attain top print partners according to quality, affordability, and location.
Pros
Extensive product catalogue
Competitive pricing
Designs are powered by AI
Cons
Constraints on the artwork file size
Limitations in custom packaging
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Premium
$29/month
Enterprise
Custom Pricing
Podbase
WEBSITE
www.podbase.com
Rating
4.9
Free Trial
Yes
Best For
Entrepreneurs and creatives seeking a user-friendly platform to design and sell custom tech accessories with high profit margins and fast global fulfillment.
Podbase – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Podbase is a specialized print-on-demand (POD) platform with AI automation and quality control so that sellers can better create, manage, and fulfill custom products efficiently. The platform is focused on tech accessories, wall art, and drinkware, integrating effortlessly with various e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. Key features include an AI-based automated workflow for order management and customer communication, a mockup generator that is easy to use, and AI quality checks that prevent design errors before production. Within automated fulfillment, 24-hour fast shipping, human customer support, and a tracking dashboard for profit boost the seller experience. Podbase is the best fit for sellers interested in fast fulfillment, consistent support, quality products, and high-profit margins in niche categories.
Pros
Strong customer support
Regular updates on new features
Faster order processing and shipping
Cons
Limited product range
No free plan users pay per sale
Pricing
Podbase offers custom pricing; contact them for a quote.
DesignNBuy
WEBSITE
www.designnbuy.com
Rating
4.0
Free Trial
Yes
Best For
Print businesses and eCommerce platforms seeking AI-powered web-to-print solutions for product customization, order management, and scalable online storefronts.
DesignNBuy – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
DesignNBuy is an excellent, comprehensive AI web-to-print solution platform for on-demand printing businesses from micro-enterprises to mega-enterprises. It streamlines the entire print lifecycle, including online presentation, automatic production, and delivery. Among its numerous features, one of the most amazing is the smart suggestion AI design editor, 3D product configurator with live previews, and the formidable template builder supporting consistent branding. Apart from that, there is a form-based personalization for bulk orders, an AI-powered file preflight check, centralized order management, and automated workflows. Dynamic pricing and instant quotes are also possible with a smart pricing engine, while multi-storefront and omnichannel features encompass a larger market. It has made implementation attainable through seamless outsourcing integration and mobile responsiveness.
Pros
Personalisation for retail and corporate clients
Supports multi-vendor and reseller models
Faster order processing and shipping
Cons
Steep learning curve for advanced features
Customisation requires technical expertise
Pricing
DesignNBuy offers custom pricing; contact them for a quote.
PrintJourney
WEBSITE
www.printjourney.ai
Rating
4.4
Free Trial
Yes
Best For
Entrepreneurs and creatives seeking an AI-powered platform to automate design creation, SEO optimization, and product publishing in the print-on-demand industry.
PrintJourney – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
PrintJourney is designed to be a complete one-stop AI-powered platform that automates and enhances every aspect of the print-on-demand (POD) business, from design creation to publishing and catalogue management. Its ability to generate creative designs with the aid of AI (using models like Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, Midjourney) allows users to create unique images from text prompts and accept wide formatting and aspect ratio parameters within the design creation process. Further, one can use the creatively inspiring Brainstorm Assistant to assist in overcoming the creative block, while the bulk publishing feature brings one-click listing options across platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Printify. Also, it does all the necessary work regarding SEO optimization, dynamic catalog management, and image enhancement operations.
Pros
Automates design creation and publishing
AI driven SEO optimisation
User-friendly interface
Cons
Advanced features require connecting 3rd party platforms like Printify or Shopify
Designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs seeking an intuitive platform with AI-powered tools for creating high-quality, customizable designs suitable for branding, print-on-demand, and digital content.
Kittl – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Kittl is the AI-powered graphic design platform specifically built for print-on-demand (POD) businesses. It provides a full set of creative tools to make designing, customization, and product visualization easy to perform. Intuitive interface features make it beginner-friendly, as well as professional artists and designers looking for high-quality print-ready artwork. Some of the key features include an AI generator for images, vectors, and clip art; an AI background remover; an image upscaler; and a quote generator. It supports multi-product designs on an infinite canvas and has a built-in mockup generator for visualizing creations within merchandise. Kittl gives access to thousands of fonts, illustrations, templates, and real-time team collaboration.
Creators, designers, and teams looking for an AI-powered platform to generate videos, presentations, and social media content quickly with customizable templates and collaborative tools.
Wondr AI – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Wondr AI is an all-in-one artificial intelligence platform that serves as a powerhouse engine to automate and simplify each of the stages in a print-on-demand business. The user can create thousands of original designs and get those ready for printing within minutes, automate product mockups, listings, and promotions on popular social media, and run the whole workflow with as little manual labor as possible. Automated listings and mockups, AI-powered design generation, enhancement tools for images, and integration with platforms such as Printify or Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop, Google Shopping are just a few key functionalities. Users can set their templates for workflow, enrich them by AI third parties, and access premium Shopify themes for a professional storefront.
Pros
Affordable plans
Seamless third-party integrations
Flexible automations
Cons
Steep learning curve
Limitations on custom uploads
Pricing
Wondr AI offers custom pricing; contact them for a quote.
Designers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and marketers seeking an AI-powered platform to create high-quality, customizable product mockups across various categories like apparel, accessories, tech, and home & living.
Mockey – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Mockey is a free AI-based mockup generator designed to create excellent and realistic product mockups easily and quickly for the Print-on-Demand (POD) businesses, designers, and marketers. With over 5000 templates divided into more than 25 categories, such as apparel, tech, and home decor, this project smoothens the process of product visualization for e-commerce and marketing. The utmost highlights of the product include AI product photos, a 3D mockup generator, sticker designing tools, a background remover, and constant updates for new templates. Mockey provides an Android app, allows free watermarkless downloads, and is generally intuitive and easy to use. It may sometimes not meet the requirements of businesses that look for more specific, advanced customization options.
Pros
Real-time collaborations
High-quality quality realistic images
Vast template selection
Cons
Generic Styles
Learning curve for 3D features
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Pro
$9.9/month
Max
$19/month
Lifetime Pro
$199 one time
Mockuuups Studio
WEBSITE
www.mockuuups.studio
Rating
4.5
Free Trial
Yes
Best For
Designers, marketers, and developers seeking an intuitive platform to create high-quality, customizable device mockups.
Mockuuups Studio – AI Tools For Print-on-Demand Business
Mockuuups Studio is an intuitive and AI-powered mockup generator that helps print-on-demand (POD) businesses, designers, and marketers to instantly create ultra-realistic designs of their products. With over 4,500-8,000 templates ranging from tech products, apparel, packaging, and many more, it drag and drop to create tons of customization options like background, lighting, and color. Smart AI filters will suggest the trends for the day, and the library section will offer realistic environments for product mock-ups that look pricy, with realistic exports in high-definition quality and all devices, from desktops to web apps. Homework should also include Figma integration, API access, and features for collaborative sharing.
Pros
Instant generation of mockups
High degree of customisations
User-friendly interface
Cons
Limited advanced editing
Occasional performance issues
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Professional
$20/month
Team
$30/user/month
Conclusion
AI tools have begun revolutionizing the print-on-demand industry by automating and optimizing each business stage: design creation, fulfillment, and marketing. It helps entrepreneurs and businesses to create unique and high-quality products in a fast manner, thus enabling the streamlining of workflows and data-based decision-making for better efficiency and profitability. With the decreasing manual work, maximization of creative output, and enablement to provide customized customer experiences, AI solutions offer seamless scalability into any operation and create a level of competitiveness in a fast-paced changing environment. Adoption of such technologies is becoming a necessity for all intending sustained growth and innovation within the print-on-demand sector.
AI tools for print-on-demand are software or platforms that use artificial intelligence to automate or enhance various aspects of your POD business, such as design creation, product mockups, and marketing.
What are some AI tools for print-on-demand Business(POD)?
Some AI tools for print-on-demand Business(POD) are Mockuuups Studio, Mockey, Wondr AI, Kittl , PrintJourney, Midjourney, Printful.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to use these AI tools?
Many AI tools for POD are designed with user-friendliness in mind and have intuitive interfaces, making them accessible even to those with limited technical skills.
What if you could turn your doodles, quotes, or creative ideas into products people love and get paid for it? Imagine your designs printed on t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, without buying inventory or handling shipping.
That’s the magic of Print on Demand. It’s a simple, low-risk way to start your own online business from home, and anyone can do it. In this article, you will learn exactly how to launch a print-on-demand business in 2025, step by step, with no upfront investment. Whether you are looking for a fun side hustle or a full-time income, this could be your perfect starting point.
Print on Demand (POD) is a business model that allows you to sell custom-designed products, like t-shirts, mugs, posters, books, and more, without holding any inventory. You create the design, and a third-party supplier takes care of printing, packing, and shipping each item only after a customer places an order.
This simply means that there is no upfront investment in stock, no storage or shipping hassles, and low financial risk, making it ideal for beginners and creatives. POD is especially popular among artists, content creators, and entrepreneurs who want to test new ideas, run side hustles, or build e-commerce brands.
And with the global print-on-demand market projected to hit $48.4 billion by 2032, there’s never been a better time to tap into this booming space.
Print on Demand (POD) is a low-risk way to launch an online business. You create the designs, your POD partner prints, packs, and ships the products only when an order is placed.
Here’s how it works, step by step:
Pick a Print-on-Demand Platform
Start with a reliable POD platform like Printify, Printful, or Gelato. These services integrate easily with Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, and more. They offer a catalog of customizable products ready for your designs.
Choose Products to Sell
Select what you want to customize: t-shirts, mugs, posters, phone cases, and more. Make sure the products fit your brand and niche. Most platforms let you preview how your design will look before publishing.
Upload Your Designs
Use the platform’s free mockup tools to upload and apply your artwork. Not a designer? Use AI tools, stock art libraries, or hire freelancers on Fiverr or Upwork. Aim for original, trend-aware designs.
Set Up Your Online Store
Connect your POD platform to an eCommerce store or marketplace. Platforms like Shopify let you build your own branded site, while Etsy and Amazon offer built-in traffic for quick exposure.
Start Selling
Once your products are listed, promote them on social media, through email marketing, or with influencer shoutouts. When a customer places an order, your POD provider starts the production process.
Let Your Supplier Handle Fulfillment
You don’t have to deal with inventory or shipping. Your POD supplier prints, packs, and ships the item directly to your customer’s door. All you focus on is marketing and customer service.
Example: Let’s say the e-commerce platform charges you $10 to print and ship a custom mug. You list that same mug on your online store for $20. When a customer places an order, you pay $15 to the POD service, and the remaining $10 is your profit.
Pros and Cons of Print on Demand
Pros
Easy to Start
Print-on-demand services make it incredibly easy to start an online business. You don’t need deep entrepreneurial knowledge, extensive marketing skills, or advanced design expertise. The onboarding process is often streamlined, with beginner-friendly guides and templates to assist you in getting your store live.
Once you’ve designed your products, listing them for sale can take mere minutes. This means you can quickly test new designs, adjust to market demand, and scale your business as needed.
No Inventory and Low Risk
You don’t need to buy inventory in bulk with print-on-demand services. Your print-on-demand provider handles the manufacturing and shipping of products once a customer places an order. Since products are made to order, you won’t need to worry about warehousing or stocking products, keeping operational costs low.
Outsourced Fulfillment
Once a customer places an order, your print-on-demand partner takes care of the entire process from printing the design to shipping it directly to the customer. This allows you to focus on marketing, product development, and growing your business without worrying about logistics. POD services often have international fulfillment centers, so you can easily expand your business to global markets without the complexities of international shipping.
Customization at Scale
Print-on-demand allows for the creation of highly personalized and unique products. You can sell custom designs for apparel, accessories, home decor, and more, catering to niche markets and personal tastes.
Cons
Higher Cost Per Item
Since you’re not ordering products in bulk, the cost per unit is generally higher compared to traditional wholesale methods. This can impact your profit margins, particularly for low-ticket items. As a result, your pricing may be less competitive compared to larger businesses that buy in bulk.
Limited Control Over Product Quality
One of the significant drawbacks of POD is the lack of control over the quality of products. The printing process can vary, and some POD providers may not consistently deliver high-quality results. This could lead to customer dissatisfaction if products do not meet expectations.
Longer Production Time
Unlike traditional retail, where products are already on hand and ready to ship, POD businesses print products after an order is placed. This means production times can be longer, impacting delivery speed.
Lower Profit Margins
Due to the higher per-unit costs of POD products, your margins can be thinner than if you were buying in bulk. To offset this, you can raise your prices, but this could affect competitiveness.
In 2023, the global Print-on-Demand market was valued at $7.67 billion.
This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030.
Around 20% of retail customers are willing to pay up to 20% more for personalized designs.
How To Make Money Online with Print-on-Demand E-commerce with 6 Simple Steps?
Make Money Online with Print-on-Demand E-commerce with 6 Simple Steps
Come Up With A Business Idea
Your success starts with one thing that is knowing who you’re selling to. A defined target audience shapes everything, be it your product designs, ads, or marketing efforts.
Here’s how to find yours:
Research trends – What’s hot? What are people buying?
Define your audience – Age, interests, income, lifestyle.
Spy on your competition – What are they selling and who’s buying it?
Learn from your audience – Dive into their hobbies, struggles, and passions.
Get feedback – Poll your followers or run a quick survey. Adjust as needed.
Design Products
In print-on-demand, your designs are your products. A killer design can turn a plain t-shirt into a bestseller. Here’s how to create winning designs:
Focus on emotion – Make your audience feel something: humor, nostalgia, pride, or inspiration.
Use design tools – Platforms like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or hire freelance designers if needed.
Start simple – Stick to clean, bold, and readable designs, especially for apparel.
Test ideas – Launch a few designs and see what gains traction before investing more.
Get inspired – Browse Etsy, Pinterest, or social media trends for ideas that connect with your niche.
Choose the Right Print-on-Demand Partner
Your success starts with the partner you pick. The right one ensures top-notch product quality, happy customers, and a strong brand image. Look for:
Automation – Fast, error-free order fulfillment through auto-forwarding.
Customization – Control listings, pricing, and product variations with ease.
Analytics – Smart insights into sales and customer behavior to fuel growth.
Set Up Your Online Store
Now that you’ve got designs, it’s time to go live. Your store is where your brand comes to life, and customers start buying.
Pick a platform – Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, or Amazon—choose what fits your goals and budget.
Connect your POD partner – Ensure smooth order processing by integrating your store with your print-on-demand provider.
Brand your store – Use a clean layout, catchy product names, and engaging product descriptions.
Make it mobile-friendly – Most shoppers browse on phones. Your store should be fast and easy to navigate
Market Like a Pro
Even the best products won’t sell if no one knows they exist. Marketing is the fuel for your sales engine.
Use social media – Share your products on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest to get organic reach.
Run paid ads – Facebook and Google ads help target the right buyers faster.
Build an email list – Collect emails and send updates, offers, or product launches.
Offer discounts – Limited-time promos create urgency and drive conversions.
Collaborate with influencers – Tap into their audience to boost trust and visibility.
Analyze & Optimize
Success isn’t just about launching; it is solely about improving. Keep testing and tweaking based on what works.
Track performance – Use analytics tools to monitor traffic, sales, and top-performing products.
Fix what’s not working – If something isn’t selling, tweak the design, pricing, or product page.
Scale what works – Double down on bestsellers with ads, bundles, or new variants.
Print on Demand can be a great way to make money when done right. It’s a popular online business model for entrepreneurs, artists, and creators worldwide. You can start a new business or grow your current one with low financial risk by using a trusted Print-on-Demand service. Keep your goals clear, be consistent, and stay consistent. Success will come with time.
Print-on-demand is an e-commerce fulfillment method where products are only printed when an order is placed, eliminating the need for upfront inventory.
What are pros of print-on-demand (POD)?
Pros of print-on-demand are Easy to Start, No Inventory and Low Risk, Outsourced Fulfillment, Customization at Scale.
What are cons of print-on-demand (POD)?
Cons of print-on-demand are Higher Cost Per Item, Limited Control Over Product Quality , Longer Production Time, Lower Profit Margins.
According to reports, BluSmart’s current backers, which include BP Ventures and ResponsAbility Investments, intend to provide $30 million (INR 253.64 Cr) to help the electric taxi hailing business get back on its feet.
According to media reports, the money will be in the form of unsecured debt and will assist the business in covering its operating commitments, such as outstanding debts and employee salaries. According to the article, the investment proposal is contingent upon the resignation of co-founder Anmol Singh Jaggi.
Why Brand Shut Down its Operations?
After Gensol Engineering was accused of document falsification, share price manipulation, and embezzlement for personal indulgences by its promoters, Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, SEBI issued an interim order, which caused the ride-hailing startup to halt operations.
As a result, 10,000 of its drivers lost their jobs. Earlier this month, over 80 of these drivers gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to express their displeasure and call for government action.
The predicament of BluSmart demonstrates the disastrous effects of governance problems in businesses that need a significant amount of operating money. About 2.5 billion Indian rupees (about $30 million) are still owed to the company, and 8,700 electric cars are left unattended, putting their batteries and other parts at risk of deterioration.
In the Indian startup scene, where businesses frequently put expansion ahead of accountability frameworks, this pattern of governance issues impacting funding and operations is typical. Effective governance is crucial for preserving investor trust, according to research, especially in industries like electric mobility that need constant capital infusion.
Many companies still find it difficult to put strong structures in place early in their lives, despite the 2013 Companies Act’s introduction of provisions to boost governance.
Despite having previously secured a sizable investment, BluSmart’s situation illustrates how governance failures can swiftly lead to operational breakdown, with employees going underpaid and services suspended.
Roadblocks of India’s EV Taxi Market
Data indicates that, notwithstanding BluSmart’s issues, electric taxis have strong operational benefits, with energy costs of INR 0.82/km as opposed to INR 6.50/km for diesel vehicles. These economics contribute to the explanation of the significant future potential of the worldwide EV taxi business, which is expected to increase from $24.59 billion in 2024 to $80.77 billion by 2034.
The problem at BluSmart, however, highlights the extremely narrow operating margins and intricate infrastructure requirements that make EV fleet operations especially susceptible to interruption. BluSmart’s fleet of 8,700 abandoned cars shows how much of its valuable assets are in danger when operations stop, leading to a series of issues that go beyond a simple outage.
For EV fleets to succeed, dedicated charging infrastructure is still necessary. Inadequate infrastructure can lead to operational bottlenecks that can swiftly turn into major failure spots. Indian ride-hailing businesses face significant obstacles as they compete in a market worth $13.4–15 billion, which is still controlled by established players like Ola and Uber.
GoTrust, a leading privacy compliance and data governance startup, announced the successful closure of a $400K pre-seed funding round led by Aevitas Capital Private Limited. The funding round also saw the participation of an acclaimed Indian actor and entrepreneur, further solidifying GoTrust’s position in the data compliance industry. GoTrust is a next-generation platform for privacy, data protection, and digital trust. It helps organisations take full control of their data, stay compliant, and build customer confidence.
The investment amount remains undisclosed, but the funding will be allocated towards accelerating product development, expanding the talented team at GoTrust, and broadening the company’s reach in both domestic and international markets. GoTrust provides businesses with tools to navigate complex data protection regulations, including features such as consent management, data mapping, and risk assessment. The platform is aimed at helping companies meet compliance standards while building customer trust.
“We are thrilled to have the backing of Aevitas Capital at this critical stage of our journey,” said Himanshu Gautam, Founder and CEO of GoTrust. “In today’s data-driven world, privacy and compliance are paramount for every business. Our goal at GoTrust is to simplify compliance, empowering companies to focus on growth while seamlessly aligning with global privacy standards. This investment will further propel us towards achieving that mission,” he further added.
Anurag Seth, Co-Founder and CEO of Aevitas Capital, emphasised, “We are incredibly optimistic about the evolving global privacy landscape. In a world where data privacy regulations are constantly evolving, every company, regardless of size, must have access to the right tools to navigate the fast-changing compliance landscape. GoTrust’s innovative approach positions them perfectly to meet this critical need and support businesses in adapting to the dynamic compliance requirements.”
The investment arrives at a significant juncture marked by increasing regulatory scrutiny on data protection, propelled by frameworks like India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, GDPR, and CCPA. GoTrust is strategically positioned to meet this rising demand by providing user-friendly and adaptable compliance solutions tailored to organisations of varying sizes, ensuring seamless adherence to evolving data protection standards.
About GoTrust
GoTrust is a next-generation platform for privacy, data protection, and digital trust. It helps organisations take full control of their data, stay compliant, and build customer confidence.
The platform integrates easily with existing systems and offers key features like automated data discovery, consent and preference management, DSR automation, compliance tracking with DPO Runbook (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, DPDPA), third-party risk management, and centralised policy updates. With GoTrust, businesses replace manual, scattered processes with a secure, scalable solution, reducing risk, saving time, and strengthening digital trust.
The makers of ChatGPT have exciting news. OpenAI’s Sora picture generator is now available for free via ChatGPT. Now, all users have to do to create photos for free is enter a prompt using words, just like they usually do.
The chatbot has been merged with this capability, which functions similarly to other AI tools: simply type to create photorealistic visuals. Currently, only users with a Plus or Pro subscription can generate videos, which is still a paid service.
The tremendous processing power and complexity required to produce high-quality video material are perhaps the reasons that paywalls exist. Subscribers are able to create videos up to 20 seconds long and with a resolution of 1080p.
By making this change, OpenAI is expanding the use of generative picture technologies, encouraging further innovation, creativity, and discovery. Powerful tools are available to users without charge, at least for photographs.
How to Access Sora?
Sora is easy to use; users may open it just within ChatGPT. To begin, they must create a username, which functions similarly to a social media account and serves as a public identification for sharing their creative photographs.
Although users can save their own work, they will not be able to download other people’s work. The UI itself is simple and well-known, and it closely resembles Meta’s recently announced AI software for iOS and Android.
These pictures are available for download; they are saved in PNG format and do not have a watermark. Nevertheless, it will continue to leave its mark on the metadata, potentially revealing that OpenAI Sora was the developer.
Users can customise their photographs or movies created with Sora by selecting from a variety of pre-set styles, a range of aspect ratios, and the amount of variations. Film Noir, Balloon World, Pixel Art, Cartoonify, and other visually distinctive options are among them; each is intended to produce a distinct style.
Sora has a social feed that shows user-generated photos and videos. Because of the interface’s resemblance to social media, browsing content, seeing what other people are creating, and getting creative inspiration is simple.
Personal Media Library
Additionally, Sora offers users a personal media library that is well-structured into categories including Uploads, Favourites, My Media, and Trash.
Users can also group their creations under unique category names for improved content management.
Additionally, Sora has an integrated social feed that allows users to view other people’s photos and videos. Social media apps served as inspiration for the platform’s design, which makes it simple to browse, find inspiration, and view what the Sora community is producing in real time.
~The partnership creates the opportunity for MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh to access Solar finance through device financing~
Aerem Solutions and OMC Power have entered into a strategic partnership to unlock INR 200 crore in financing for rooftop solar solutions targeted at India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration is designed to scale solar adoption among MSMEs by providing access to affordable finance, supporting India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Under this agreement, Aerem, through its NBFC, will enable credit facilities of INR 200 crore to OMC Power’s customers, enabling MSMEs to invest in energy-efficient solar systems with easy financing solutions. This initiative reflects both companies’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth and promoting clean energy practices, especially in underserved regions such as Uttar Pradesh.
Mr Vikesh Agrawal, Co-founder and COO, Aerem Solutions, stated, “At Aerem, we are committed to catalysing India’s journey to a greener and low-carbon economy. This INR 200 crore credit partnership is a key step in that direction. MSMEs are central to India’s Net Zero ambitions, and by empowering them with easy access to solar financing, we are integrating sustainability into the core of our financing strategy”.
Mr Rohit Chandra, Managing Director and CEO, OMC Power said, “This partnership marks a major milestone in enabling MSMEs to embrace clean energy. At OMC, we believe that democratizing access to sustainable solutions is essential to India’s Net Zero future. Our collaboration with Aerem brings together complementary strengths to create real impact at the grassroots level. This initiative is expected to significantly expand the footprint of distributed solar solutions across MSMEs, supporting energy cost savings, business competitiveness, and environmental stewardship.”
The partnership combines Aerem’s expertise in climate-focused financing with OMC Power’s deep operational presence and understanding of grassroots energy needs. Together, the two companies aim to remove financial barriers and accelerate distributed solar deployment for MSMEs across India.
About Aerem
Aerem is India’s pioneering end-to-end solar platform, making solar adoption simple for businesses nationwide. Through its comprehensive approach addressing financing, equipment quality, and implementation, Aerem has established itself as the leader in India’s distributed solar ecosystem. The company has enabled over 800 MW of solar capacity across India, financed 800+ projects, and built a network of 2,000+ installation partners. Aerem operates through NetZero Finance, India’s only RBI-licensed solar-focused NBFC, and SunStore, a B2B marketplace connecting solar equipment manufacturers, distributors, and installers. As “Aapka Solar Saathi,” Aerem is dedicated to transforming India’s approach to distributed solar energy while delivering exceptional returns for businesses and supporting local solar entrepreneurs.
About OMC Power Pvt Ltd
OMC Power Pvt. Ltd. is a pioneer in enabling the energy transition at the grassroots level. Since 2011, the company has established and operates over 500 clean energy plants, delivering reliable power to telecom towers, institutional rooftops, rural communities, and MSME customers. With a mission grounded in innovation and inclusivity, OMC continues to advance renewable energy adoption across underserved regions, empowering communities and MSMEs alike toward a more sustainable future.
The president of the union that represents workers announced on 2 May that General Motors is cutting off roughly 750 employees at its Oshawa Assembly facility as it adjusts shifts because of US tariffs.
According to a news release from Unifor, the plant, which employs about 3,000 people, will switch from operating on three shifts to two shifts beginning this autumn. Unifor would not permit GM to barter Canadian jobs in order to win over Donald Trump.
Lana Payne, national president of Unifor, described the action as a careless choice that directly affects Unifor’s members and might have repercussions for the whole network of auto parts suppliers. In addition to the 1,500 employees who work elsewhere in the supply chain, the plant will lay off about 750 workers, Payne told a media house.
The shift change “will impact approximately 700 workers”, according to GM spokesman Marie Binette’s email, though she did not call the action a layoff. “We are committed to supporting employees through the transition,” she stated.
Why Company Decided for a Layoff?
Workers in Oshawa’s car industry have been preparing for the effects of U.S. tariffs on their livelihoods, and now they are facing layoffs. Last month, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% duty on all automobile imports into the United States.
In an email to a media company, GM spokesperson Jennifer Wright stated that the company’s Oshawa facility will resume operating on two shifts due to anticipated demand and the changing trade situation.
As GM refocuses the Oshawa facility to produce more trucks in Canada for Canadian consumers, these adjustments will contribute to a sustainable manufacturing footprint. According to Unifor, light and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickup vehicles are produced at the Oshawa factory for the North American market.
These trucks are also assembled at plants in the United States and Mexico. As per Payne, GM has already given the required six months’ notice of layoffs. She stated that during those six months, she will fight back with her members every day in an attempt to persuade General Motors to change its decision.
PM Offers Sympathy to Affected Workers
In his first significant press conference since winning the federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his “deepest sympathy” for the impacted employees and their families. The government is “fighting hard” for the auto industry, he added, and “making sure companies act in true partnership … in maintaining employment and investment in Canada.”
“If not, there will be consequences for those companies,” Carney stated. Payne called the announcement of shift reduction by General Motors before Carney and US President Donald Trump started negotiations on a new economic agreement premature and disrespectful.
Under Canada’s remission framework, Unifor urged the federal government to “review and reconsider” GM’s tariff-exempt status. According to the government’s website, this framework exempts businesses from paying retaliatory Canadian tariffs on US goods.
In order to reiterate their dedication to Canadian investment and production, the union is also requesting that Carney speak with automakers.
500 workers will be let go by CrowdStrike. The decision to lay off roughly 5% of its global workforce was made public by the cybersecurity software company on 7 May.
George Kurtz, the CEO of the company, claims that this choice is consistent with the plan to advance artificial intelligence’s use in business operations. A regulatory filing was used to announce the layoffs. CEO Kurtz clarified that artificial intelligence has become a key component of the business’ operations in a memo that was part of the filing.
According to him, AI is helping CrowdStrike increase creativity, lessen the need for aggressive hiring, and enhance departmental results. According to Kurtz, AI has always been a key component of the business’s operations.
AI helps brands innovate from idea to product more quickly and flattens the hiring curve. It increases client results, expedites the go-to-market process, and boosts front and back office productivity. AI is a force multiplier for the entire company.
CrowdStrike will Continue Hiring
In spite of the layoffs, CrowdStrike reiterated that it will keep hiring in crucial areas, especially in its go-to-market and customer success teams, in order to achieve its goal of $10 billion in recurring revenue annually.
Between $36 million and $53 million will be charged as a result of the layoffs, which are anticipated to be finished by the end of the fiscal second quarter.
According to Kurtz, the business will start holding meetings with impacted workers the next day and will finish these discussions as soon as feasible throughout all regions, in compliance with regional regulations and consultation mandates.
Additionally, Kurtz presented the layoffs as a targeted attempt to reorganise the company for sustained expansion. He pointed out that CrowdStrike is consciously choosing to grow in a disciplined manner while still providing value to its clients.
Layoffs Part of Workforce Adjustment
In recent months, the technology industry has seen a broader trend of labour modifications, which includes the layoffs at CrowdStrike. Numerous businesses, including the tech giants, have recently announced additional layoffs; the majority of these have also been connected to the growing impact of artificial intelligence and general financial instability.
Meta apparently laid off more than 100 workers in its Reality Labs business, which specialised in wearable technologies and virtual reality, earlier in April. According to reports, this action was taken to streamline collaboration between teams developing VR hardware and experiences.
In April, Intel also revealed that it would be laying off around 21,000 workers, or over 20% of its staff. The corporation clarified that while it adjusts to changes under its new CEO, the layoffs are a part of a significant restructuring.
In the meantime, Microsoft has decided to stop outsourcing after-sales assistance and is closing its operations in China, which will affect some 2,000 workers.
In an effort to streamline its organisational structure, the corporation is apparently considering further layoffs that might take place in May, possibly focusing on middle management and non-coding positions.
Feline Spirits is a craft alcoholic beverage startup offering premium handcrafted liquors across vodka, whisky and brandy categories.
The funds will be used to expand its product portfolio and enter new geographies.
Feline Spirits has sold over 4.1 lakh bottles across 8 markets, generating more than INR 25 crore in sales in FY25.
So far, Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) has invested over INR 800 Cr across 210+ startups.
Feline Spirits, a homegrown craft alcoholic beverage startup, has raised INR 5.2 crore led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The funds will be utilised to fuel portfolio expansion and support the company’s entry into new geographies.
Feline Spirits is on a mission to build India’s first true craft spirits powerhouse. With a focus on delivering handcrafted liquors inpremium packaging at affordable prices, the brand has developed a diverse portfolio across vodka, whisky, and brandy in the premium and mass-premium segments. The company champions transparency in distilling practices and prides itself on using authentic ingredients, appealing to the evolving tastes of modern Indian consumers.
Founded by Prabhat Sharma (CEO) and Rohit Saxena (COO), Feline Spirits combines the heritage of a 3rd-generation master blender with sharp consumer insight to craft premium spirits that resonate with today’s evolving tastes. By blending traditional distillation expertise with contemporary trends—such as smoother profiles, innovative blends, and modern branding—the duo has successfully carved a niche in a highly competitive market, offering high-end yet accessible spirits that appeal to a new generation of drinkers.
Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder, IPV, says, “India’s alcohol market has long been split between low-quality mass products and overpriced international brands. Feline Spirits bridges this gap by offering premium, handcrafted liquor that’s high in quality, thoughtfully designed, and reasonably priced. Feline is setting a new standard, where well-made, great-looking spirits are no longer a luxury, but the norm.”
Currently operational across 8 states and the union territories, Feline Spirits has already established a notable market presence, driven by a diverse portfolio and having served more than 20 Lakhs customers. The brand continues to expand strategically across both private and government-owned markets.
In FY23–24, Feline Spirits recorded a monthly top-line of over 2 lakh bottles (10,303 cases) with revenue crossing INR 11 Cr. In FY24–25, the company sold over 19,751 cases (4.1+ lakh bottles), generating a sales value of over INR 25 Cr. It has secured operating licenses in 8 markets, including 5 government-owned and operated ones.
Backed by strong liasoning, innovative packaging, and a gross profit (GP) of 55% in the premium segment, Feline Spirits stands out with its commitment to making premium liquor accessible to all. Its unique product designs and strategic value chain partnerships further reinforce its market positioning.
“At Feline Spirits, our vision has always been to redefine India’s alcohol industry by crafting high-quality, premium spirits. Our partnership with IPV has provided us with the right strategic backing to accelerate our expansion and establish Feline Spirits as a formidable player in the market. As we expand our footprint across the country and strengthen our partnerships, we’re excited to lead a transformation in the way consumers engage with and enjoy craft alcohol,” Said Prabhat Sharma, CEO of Feline Spirits.
India’s Spirits market is projected to reach USD 31 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.51% between 2024 and 2028. Globally, the market was valued at USD 1.4 trillion in 2022 and is expected to grow to USD 2 trillion by 2027, highlighting immense potential in this sector.
About Feline Spirits
Feline Spirits, founded by Prabhat Sharma and Rohit Saxena, is a craft alcoholic beverage startup committed to building India’s first true craft spirits powerhouse. With a focus on premium packaging and transparency in distilling practices, the company aims to make premium spirits more accessible.
About Inflection Point Ventures and Physis Capital
Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) is an angel investing platform with over 23,500+ CXOs, HNIs, and Professionals to invest in startups. The firm supports new-age entrepreneurs by providing them with monetary & experiential capital and connecting them with a diverse group of investors. IPV has launched a $50 Mn CAT 2 VC fund, Physis Capital, to invest in Pre-Series A to Series B growth-stage start-ups. The fund has already deployed capital in two startups so far, with a few deals in advanced stages of the pipeline.
