On May 7, IFFCO-Tokio, a leading general insurer, announced the debut of “Comprehensive Home Protector”, a home insurance product that eliminates any insurance gaps.
The product covers the risk of loss or damage to the insured’s and their family’s tangible assets, interests, and liabilities. The insurance product is designed in accordance with the guidelines of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). It includes de-bundled fire coverage, and the insured can select “Basic Fire Cover” in addition to choosing additional coverage for other natural and man-made disasters.
It covers sections, such as earthquakes, storms, cyclones, typhoons, tempests, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, inundation, lightning, landslides, acts of terrorism, riots, strikes, malicious damage, bush fires, forest fires, damage caused by the actions of civic authorities, etc.
Other Benefits Offered by the Company
Additionally, personal money, critical documents, and cards lost outside of the insured’s house under specific circumstances are covered by this policy. In addition to covering the cost of replacing lost or damaged documents and items, such as share and stock certificates, deposit receipts, insurance policies, title deeds, manuscripts, passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, and personal records and certificates, the policy also covers the cost of returning lost money.
Coverage for belongings damage when moving residences from one area to another is one of the most important features of IFFCO Tokio’s home insurance policy. Damages from fire, lightning, bridge collapse, carrying vehicle overturning, derailment or accident, robbery, and dacoity are all included in this feature.
Some of the policy’s most notable features include loss of jewellery and other valuables, damage to fine art, fixed glass, and sanitary fittings; breakdown of household appliances, portable electronics, and bicycles; accidental death or disability of the insured; protection from loan payments in the event of death or disability; and personal liability insurance.
Taking Care of Tenant’s Liability
Tenant liability to the homeowner for damage to the structure, the contents provided by the owner or landlord, electrical installations, underground and above-ground tanks, fixed glass/sanitary fittings, and other fixtures, fittings and interior decorations is also covered by the policy.
Those who purchase the policy directly from IFFCO Tokio will receive a flat 10% early bird discount on the policy premium as part of the company’s launch extravaganza.
Niharika Singh, Executive Director, Marketing, IFFCO Tokio General Insurance, commented on the exciting product’s debut, saying that Comprehensive Home Protector’s introduction is a major turning point in IFFCO-Tokio’s history. There are as many risks associated with the brand as one could encounter at home or when moving.
Additionally, the business has built it such that the consumer can select the risks and only pay the premium for those risks that are likely to be revealed. By offering this coverage, the company hopes to ensure that the policyholder purchases peace of mind in addition to the policy.
Snapchat stands out as the most vibrant and fast-paced platform on social media. What started in 2011 as an app for disappearing messages has now transformed into a full-blown platform where creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses make serious money.
While everyone’s busy talking about Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Snapchat is quietly becoming a goldmine for creators and businesses. But here’s the thing: Snapchat is massively underrated, and that’s precisely why right now is the golden moment to tap into it.
If you’ve been wondering, “Can I actually make money on Snapchat?” the answer is a big, resounding YES. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how you can make money on Snapchat in 2025, the skills you need, the strategies that work, and how to get started today, even if you’re starting from scratch.
If you’re looking to build a personal brand, grow your business, or earn money through content, Snapchat is a massive opportunity you can’t afford to ignore.
Let’s break it down:
Massive User Base
While other apps feel crowded and competitive, Snapchat is where real opportunities are hiding. As of early 2025, the platform boasts over 750 million monthly active users globally. And these aren’t just casual scrollers; Snapchatters open the app more than 30 times a day on average!
Whether you’re a creator or a business, that’s an enormous pool of potential fans, customers, and collaborators waiting for you.
Snapchat Monetization Program
The Snapchat Monetization Program rewards creators for creating original and engaging content. It offers several built-in monetization tools, such as Spotlight payouts, Snapchat Ads, Creator Marketplace, and Snapchat+ subscriptions to help users make money with the app. In addition to tracking their performance and accessing brand deals, Snapchatters can utilize the Creator Hub to monetize premium content.
Young, Highly Engaged Audience
Snapchat is the playground of Millennials and Gen Z. Over 60% of Snapchat’s users are between 13 and 34 years old, a group that not only dominates social media but also spends big online. They’re trendsetters, impulse buyers, and loyal to brands they vibe with.
If your brand or content speaks to this age group, Snapchat gives you direct access without the noise of older, slower platforms.
Low Competition Compared to Other Platforms
While Instagram and TikTok are flooded with brands, influencers, and ads, Snapchat still feels fresh. There’s less competition for attention, meaning your content has a higher chance of standing out.
It’s like being early to a party that’s about to get packed. The first ones to show up get the best seats.
How Creators Are Making a Profit On Snapchat?
10 Tips for Making a Profit On Snapchat
Snapchat is not just for sending funny Snaps anymore, as this app is turning into a serious money-making machine for creators who know how to work it.
Here’s exactly how creators are making real profits on Snapchat today:
Earning from Snapchat Spotlight
Snapchat’s Spotlight is like TikTok meets free money! When creators post short, entertaining videos on Spotlight, they have a shot at getting a cash payout based on the video’s views, shares, and engagement levels.
You don’t need to be a mega influencer to win; many small creators with just a few thousand followers have made anywhere from $250 to $50,000 in payouts. Snapchat has reportedly given millions of dollars monthly to Spotlight creators since its launch.
Pro Tip: Keep your videos authentic, trendy, and under 60 seconds for the best results.
Building Brand Deals and Sponsorships
Brands love Snapchat because it feels personal and raw, not overly polished like Instagram. Creators who build loyal followings are landing sponsored Snap Stories, takeovers, and product placements from companies eager to reach Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Payment varies widely depending on your audience size, engagement rates, and niche. Some micro-influencers earn $500 to $5,000 per campaign.
Pro Tip: Focus on building an authentic community first brands prefer creators with real engagement over vanity metrics.
Promoting Affiliate Products
Affiliate marketing on Snapchat is exploding. Creators join affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, fashion brands, tech gadgets, etc.), then promote links through their Snaps and Stories. Every time a follower purchases through their link, the creator earns a commission, sometimes between 5% to 30% of the sale price. It’s a smart way to turn daily product recommendations into passive income.
Pro Tip: Use trackable links (like Bit.ly) and highlight the benefits of the product in a real-life context to boost conversions.
Offering Premium Subscriptions
Snapchat introduced Snapchat+, a paid subscription service where users get extra features, and creators are using it to offer exclusive private stories and behind-the-scenes content for a monthly fee.
Additionally, creators can sell access to private groups or chats where fans get bonus content like early product drops, advice sessions, or special tutorials. Some creators are earning thousands monthly from dedicated fans who want VIP access.
Pro Tip: Create “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) by teasing exclusive content on your public stories.
Selling Digital Products or Services
Creators are using Snapchat’s close-knit, personal vibe to sell their own digital goods, like e-books, courses, Lightroom presets, merchandise, templates, or virtual consultations.
Because Snapchatters are usually loyal and trust creators more, selling here feels less salesy and more natural. Creators in niches like fitness, finance, lifestyle, and photography are crushing it by offering personalized products.
Pro Tip: Soft sell. Show how your product improves their life rather than aggressively pushing it.
Cross-Promoting Other Platforms
Many creators use Snapchat as a traffic driver for their main revenue platforms, like:
They tease exclusive drops, tutorials, or giveaways on Snapchat to drive loyal fans to these other platforms.
Pro Tip: Offer mini “trailers” or sneak peeks on Snapchat to make followers curious enough to click through.
Hosting Virtual Events and Paid Meetups
Snapchat is excellent for building hype around paid virtual events like workshops, webinars, online courses, fan Q&As, or even coaching sessions. Creators promote their events via stories or direct snaps and collect payments through event platforms like Eventbrite or private payment links (Stripe, PayPal). Even better, small, niche fan meetups promoted through Snapchat feel intimate and exclusive.
Pro Tip: Use countdown stickers, early bird offers, and “last few seats” urgency tactics in your stories.
Crowd-sourcing and Fan Donations
Loyal Snapchat audiences are happy to support creators financially through:
Direct donations (via Cash App, Venmo, PayPal links)
Merchandise purchases
Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee memberships
Creators often tie donations to milestones (“Help me reach $X to create a documentary!”) or fun challenges.
Pro Tip: Always thank your supporters publicly in your Stories it builds even deeper loyalty and encourages more donations.
Selling Merchandise
Once you’ve built a loyal and engaged community on Snapchat, it’s the perfect time to launch your own merchandise and let your fans wear their support proudly.
Snapchat makes it easy for creators to sell merch directly through the app. With features like the Snapchat “Shop” and integration with Shopify, you can set up a storefront where followers can browse, buy, and check out without ever leaving Snapchat.
Creators can also use the Snap Store to manage their inventory, showcase exclusive drops, and offer limited-edition products, making the shopping experience fast, personal, and super interactive. Currently, Snap Store delivery is only available in the United States.
Pro Tip: Drop exclusive merch for milestones (like follower counts or viral moments) to create buzz and drive quick sales.
Running Snapchat Ads
Running ads on Snapchat is one of the smartest ways to grow your audience, promote your small business, or drive more eyes to your content. And here’s a secret for even better results: use user-generated content (UGC) in your ads! Real photos or videos from your customers feel more authentic and relatable, which can seriously boost your ad performance.
Snapchat offers a few powerful ad formats based on your goals:
Basic Snapchat Ads: Show a quick image or short video between user Stories or Spotlight videos. Great for brand awareness and quick impressions.
Sponsored Snaps: Send direct message ads straight to your target audience’s inbox, perfect for starting conversations and building personal connections.
Promoted Places: Highlight your physical location or business directly on Snap Map so local Snapchatters can easily find you.
Pro Tip: Keep your ads short and visually appealing to gain your potential customers’ attention.
Random, unplanned snaps won’t magically grow your audience or income. If you’re just posting for the sake of it without knowing your goals (brand awareness, engagement, sales), you’re wasting time.
Ignoring Engagement
Engagement is everything on Snapchat. If someone DMs you, replies to your Story, or comments on your Spotlight, you need to reply.
Ignoring your audience makes you look disinterested and damages your community vibe fast.
Selling Too Soon
Jumping into sales pitches before building trust is a recipe for disaster. People come to Snapchat to be entertained, inspired, or educated, not sold to immediately.
Neglecting Content Quality
Blurry photos, dark videos, and boring captions will make people skip your Snaps fast.Fans and followers are more likely to engage with content that feels real and relatable, so keep it casual and interactive, rather than polished and staged.
Not Thinking Like a Viewer
If you wouldn’t watch your own Snap, why would anyone else? Sometimes, creators get so wrapped up in “posting content” that they forget about the experience for the viewer. If the answer’s no, tweak it until it is.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Snapchat offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals and businesses looking to make money in 2025. Snapchat offers multiple ways for creators, small business owners, and side hustlers to monetize their accounts. Whether you’re interested in Spotlight, brand partnerships, private stories, or running ads, the platform has a variety of opportunities to make money.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of Snapchat?
Snapchat is a free to download mobile messaging application. It is used to share photos, videos, text, and drawings.
Can you get paid from Snapchat?
As a user, you have the opportunity to earn by following ways:
Creating and promoting products
Affiliate Marketing on Snapchat
Advertising for brands
Designing and launching your own Snapchat filters
Is Snapchat Secure?
Snapchat is quite secure, as it uses encryption on photos and videos sent on the app.
In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian stock markets have shown the most amazing resilience. The Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex have not only withstood the geopolitical storm but have managed to post gains. This is a very good sign for investor confidence. Even on May 7, when Indian forces executed Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Indian indices closed in positive territory. Such performance over the last month really underscores the depth of India’s Economic strength.
Pakistan’s KSE 100 Plummets Under Pressure
By contrast, the Karachi Stock Exchange in Pakistan has suffered investor jitters. Since cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan have picked up, going back to April 22, the KSE 100 index has tumbled over 6 percent. On the day of Operation Sindoor alone, it was down more than 5 percent during trading before recovering some losses to close the day only 3 percent lower than the previous day. Not only does the index reflect fears over events in Pakistan and the possible escalation of tensions with India, it also once again calls attention to the KSE’s own chronic problems. Since the KSE essentially closed after the results were announced from the election in early May, it has now only opened twice; given the current environment, it’s possible that international investors may have the KSE on a watch list for heightened risk.
Historical Trends Reinforce India’s Stability
Historical events have shown that the Indian markets have been resilient when confronted with issues of a geopolitical nature. Research done by Anand Rathi and Bajaj Broking reveals that during past confrontations, like the Kargil conflict or the Balakot air strike, Indian indices only fell back marginally. And those pullbacks were largely attributed to factors affecting the global markets, with the Indian market being part of that global ecosystem.
The starkly different market reactions arise from very different kinds of economic health. India, the world’s fifth-largest economy and on track to soon surpass Japan, enjoys rapid growth, sustained public investment, and healthy domestic consumption. By contrast, Pakistan suffers from really poor economic health, as suggested by weak key indicators: high inflation, currency volatility, and a dependency on IMF bailouts.
Moody’s recently said that prolonged tensions would likely derail Pakistan’s modest recovery, putting fiscal consolidation at risk and access to foreign financing in jeopardy. But India’s macroeconomic stability, notwithstanding significant geopolitical headwinds, looks pretty much as it has always looked, and is bolstered by recent foreign institutional investment of the kind that hasn’t been seen since 2021.
The emerging market story is a well-worn one. When investors get nervous, they seek the shelter of economic strength. And what demonstrates the most economic strength is the fundamentals.
Elon Musk’s satellite internet project has finally got a go-ahead from the Indian government to set up operations after nearly three years of wading through bureaucratic channels. Starlink now moves toward getting its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license cleared. A letter of intent has been issued, marking a significant go-ahead for the company to set up operations in a market where it has pushed back against domestic telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, who opposed Starlink in favor of auctioning spectrum.
Strategic Meetings Accelerate Progress
Starlink’s latest movement in India traces high-profile dealings with the Indian leadership. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had a discussion that provided a glimpse into the kind of collaboration between star companies and high-profile world leaders that is common in the modern political economy. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starlink also pressed its case for going to market in India in meetings with senior government officials. Pressing the play button on the Indian digital economy is a promise that Starlink, a bridge in satellite technology, makes to the Indian government.
A New Chapter in India’s Broadband Landscape
Starlink’s arrival presents a real alternative to old-school terrestrial broadband networks like cable and fiber. With about 7,000 satellites currently in orbit, it’s also the much larger player in the satellite broadband space, and the much cheaper one, too. Still, with that much space in the sky, Starlink’s coverage is unmatched, and resilience is built into a system that can route around terrestrial failures, whether due to natural disasters or human errors. Pricing remains an open question, but the first tier of customers in India will probably be well-heeled urban households and businesses seeking a reliable alternative.
Compliance and Localization
The Department of Telecommunications has now granted approval. There had been some concern that the stringent new guidelines released by the department, demanding, among other things, that public and private satellite internet providers support India’s regional navigation system, NavIC, might hobble Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. Starlink already has its phased rollout plan in place, clearly outlined in the 50-page application document it submitted last July, in which it also detailed how it would comply with the new regulations. Implementation of the plan will be closely monitored by the Indian government.
The threat to Google’s long-standing dominance in search may be affecting its user base. Signals point to changing user behavior. At a federal antitrust trial, Apple executive Eddy Cue testified that for the first time ever, searches through Apple’s Safari browser dropped last month. According to Cue, more and more people are now using AI tools to find information, rather than traditional search engines like Google’s. The testimony moved the market, with Google’s stock diving over 9% in the afternoon after the news came out. It also highlights the high stakes of the relationship between the two companies, which has Google paying Apple more than $20 billion a year to be the default search engine on its devices.
AI Rivals Gain Ground
The sharp drop in Safari searches coincides with the rising fame of AI search alternatives like OpenAI, Perplexity AI Inc., and Anthropic PBC. These are much more powerful alternatives to what you get in a standard search engine, explained Cue. In a not-so-distant future, he sees Apple using these AI platforms as search options in Safari. But don’t expect them to take over from Google as the number one choice anytime soon.
Google’s Push Into AI
Under relentless pressure, Google has been turning sharply toward AI, integrating its Gemini AI engine into the core search business. The company now works to transform conventional searches into AI-powered query responses, but with mixed results thus far. Despite the early hiccups and public ridicule, including the infamous “glue pizza” incident, Google has kept pushing the narrative that its AI enhancements are yielding positive results. During the latest earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai told analysts that AI Overviews drive increased search usage, with users finding the search experience more rewarding and nearly comprehensive.
Google Must Speed up Innovation
Apple’s revelation has fanned the flames of fear that the foundation of Google search, which is the foundation of its $2 trillion valuation, could be in for some long-term trouble. We now need to consider the very real possibility of AI search engines steadily encroaching on Google’s territory. And while Apple’s current stance is to keep AI engines as optional add-ons and not as default options, the trajectory seems to be toward a use case where, in increasing numbers, we sidestep the kind of searches for which we currently rely on Google. For Google, all of this means the imperative to reassure us that it’s not just innovating but also adapting—reassuring these investors, in particular, that in a very fast-evolving digital landscape, it won’t be left behind.
The benchmark interest rates of the US Federal Reserve were kept at between 4.25% and 4.50% in the most recent policy meeting held on May 7, 2025, under the direction of Chairman Jerome Powell. This meeting and its outcome were instead more about the steady and cautious approach the Fed is trying to telegraph to markets. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) was essentially saying in this meeting, much as it had in the previous meeting, that it is closely watching developments and is willing to adjust either up or down if something unexpected comes along. This reflects a balancing act the Fed is trying to achieve: sticking to its inflation targets without derailing what seems to be a steady, albeit slow, economic expansion.
Powell’s Response to Trump’s Remarks
At the post-meeting press conference, Powell dealt with recent criticisms leveled by President Donald Trump. Trump had called for immediate rate cuts to stave off an impending economic slowdown. In an April post on Truth Social, he criticized Powell’s pace in adjusting rates, dubbing him “Mr. Too Late,” and pressed for some semblance of a timely response that would lower the cost of borrowing.
“With these costs trending so nicely downward, just what I predicted they would do, there can almost be no inflation, but there can be a SLOWING of the economy unless Mr. Too Late, a major loser, lowers interest rates, NOW,” Trump had said in his Truth Social post.
In response to all this, Powell stated that such comments from the executive branch have no impact on the Fed’s operations. He went on to emphasize that the Federal Reserve remains completely focused on its dual mandate.
“Doesn’t affect doing our job at all. We’re always going to do the same thing, which is we’re going to use our tools to foster maximum employment and price stability for the benefit of the American people,” US Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told the press. Powell asserted that the Fed is an independent agency and continues to make its policy calls on the basis of a three-part assessment of the data, risks, and outlook.
Vigilance and Flexibility
Inflation has eased somewhat, but the economy still faces some headwinds. So the Fed’s strategy is one of vigilance and, maybe more important, flexibility. Fed Chair Jerome Powell made it clear in his press conference that the central bank is not in a rush to move, either tighten or loosen, but it stands at the ready to adjust if new risks pop up that could threaten to push the economy off its current positive trajectory.
Fed’s FOMC committee reaffirmed its intention to make adjustments as necessary to keep supporting the economy while also safeguarding against a sudden rise in the unemployment rate or in inflation. The measured approach the Fed is now taking, and has signaled it will continue to take, aims to maintain a stable inflation rate and keep investors confident.
Concerns have been raised that the recent escalation between India and Pakistan could shake foreign investment sentiment. However, analysts suggest the actual impact may be muted. India’s economy, now valued at USD 4 trillion, has minimal direct trade with Pakistan, limiting immediate financial exposure. In fact, despite cross-border missile strikes grabbing headlines, local equity, currency, and bond markets showed almost no reaction. Investors seem to be betting that the situation is unlikely to lead to a full-blown conflict. Considering this, Ajay Marwaha, head of fixed income of the Nuvama Group, said that the broader investment landscape might well remain unaffected.
Historical Resilience of Indian Markets
India’s past tiffs with its neighbors offer some comfort. Take, for example, the 2019 India-Pakistan flare-up. After that kerfuffle, the rupee held its ground against the dollar, and yields on Indian bonds saw a very modest rise after which they promptly headed downward. Or consider the Galwan Valley clash with China in 2020. The rupee weakened a fraction after that incident, which was an intense fight, but quickly stabilized.
Domestic Strength Balances External Caution
The robust domestic market of India serves as a buffer from capital market volatility linked to global geopolitical events. Portfolio flows to India are only temporarily affected, even by major external developments like military conflicts or massive natural disasters.
On net, India has recently seen substantial foreign investor participation in its domestic capital markets. By adding to their existing holdings in the domestic equity markets, foreign institutional investors increased their overall exposure to Indian equities to USD 889 billion as of May 2023. Despite a modest pullback in the Indian rupee in the first quarter of 2023, the local equities being held by these foreign investors delivered a currency-adjusted return of 12% from 2022 to early May 2023.
Focus on Trade Deals and Structural Reforms
India’s immediate conflict notwithstanding, its long-term investment appeal is rooted in trade and economic reforms that are going in the right direction. Just days ago, a milestone free trade agreement with the U.K. was finalized, and discussions with the U.S. for a bilateral pact are progressing nicely, with many suggesting for the global slowdown and trade dispute resolution to be seen as a great opportunity for India.
These two developments, along with India’s plans to lower tariffs on raw materials in order to encourage the kind of manufacturing that goes with a truly ‘Make In India’ reality, are pivotal for growth. And that makes the short-term jitters that are affecting the stock market a much lesser worry.
Vijay Vittal Mallya, popularly known as Vijay Mallya, is an Indian businessman and an ex-Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). He was born in Kolkata, on 18 December 1955. He can be commonly recalled as the former owner of the IPL cricket team of Royal Challengers Bangalore and the former owner of Kingfisher Airlines.
Furthermore, he is also the ex-chairman of the biggest spirits manufacturing company in India, United Spirits. Mallya still retains his post as the chairman of United Breweries Group.
He is also the face of one of the biggest financial scandals in India and is a subject of extradition efforts by the Indian Government. Let’s understand the complete story of Vijay Mallya.
Vijay Mallya lost an appeal against bankruptcy in April 2025 in London’s High Court. The court had earlier declared him bankrupt because he owes more than 1 billion pounds (about $1.28 billion) to banks, including the State Bank of India.
Mallya, who now lives in the UK, has been fighting a long legal battle with the banks and the Indian government since his airline, Kingfisher Airlines, shut down in 2012.
Vijay Mallya – Family
Vijay Mallya was born to an affluent business family as a son of the former chairman of the United Breweries Group, Vittal Mallya and Lalitha Ramaiah. Soon after his father’s death, Mallya succeeded his father to become the chairman of the United Breweries Group at the early age of 28.
Vijay Mallya, now 69, married Sameera Sharma, an air hostess of Air India, in 1986, and their first son, Siddharth Mallya was born on May 7, 1987. However, his first marriage didn’t last long, and soon after they were divorced, Mallya married Rekha Mallya, who is his present wife, in June 1993. He adopted Rekha’s daughter, Leila during the time of his marriage and also has two daughters from his present wife, Leanne, and Tanya.
Vijay Mallya – Education
Mallya spent his school and college days in Kolkata. He was a student of La Martinière Calcutta, where he was appointed House Captain of Hastings house in the final year, following which, he went on to be admitted to St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, where he graduated with an Honours in the Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1976.
He interned in his family’s businesses during his college days. Post-graduation, Mallya flew to the United States and joined as an intern at the American part of Hoechst AG.
Though Vijay Mallya was born to humble parents, he never decided to settle for a quiet life like his father. He had soaring ambitions and a desire to exceed them. His journey started with United Breweries, which was already an MNC business conglomerate, comprising over 60 companies.
As soon as he joined the business, he worked hard to grow the business and managed to increase the overall turnover by around 64%, reaching US $ 11 billion in 1998-1999. He was already living a lifestyle of that of kings, being dubbed as the “King of Good Times” that eventually became the tagline of Kingfisher.
In the year 2005, Mallya launched his new airline company, Kingfisher Airlines to further diversify his business, which later on became the cause of his downfall.
Kingfisher Airlines
Vijay Mallya – When and How Did the Bubble Burst?
Within a relatively short span of time, Vijay Mallya got what he aimed for but continued to dream bigger. Kingfisher Airlines was launched at the peak of his career when he was already living a lifestyle that most people cannot even dream of but after a brief spell of success and with skying debts, it was finally shut down in 2012.
Vijay Mallya’s success didn’t seem to last long not because of his ambitious dreams but due to his dishonest ways to achieve the same.
Kingfisher Airlines was a business built on a platform of losses, and as a result of which it has echoed losses ever since it was launched. Intending to overcome the financial burdens, which started to weigh heavy by then, Mallya decided to fly overseas. However, according to the rules, an airline company needs to run its local operations successfully before it can look forward to flying internationally.
Here, Mallya planned to rush things by acquiring another low-cost airline company, Air Deccan by paying over the odds but this viciously backfired Mallya, catalyzed by the rising loans and catapulted by the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009.
Revenue of Kingfisher Airlines
At the end of 2009, Kingfisher Airlines was already due for a massive sum of Rs 7,000 crores, a major part of which was siphoned by Mallya as loans from 17 Indian banks allegedly to shell companies in Britain, Switzerland, and Ireland. Furthermore, he also left staff underpaid and even unpaid when he couldn’t meet the due amount. Kingfisher Airlines finally crashed in 2012 with the aircraft seized.
Vijay Mallya Timeline
How Banks Gave the Loan to Kingfisher?
Banks give loans based on the collateral of the same amount given in the loan. But these banks gave loans to Vijay Mallya on items like office stationery, boarding pass printers, folding chairs, computer screens, and wood tables as collateral. The bank’s willingness to provide loans based on current assets as capital created suspicions on the bank officials who passed their loans.
Also, the loans given by SBI were on the trademarks and Goodwill of Kingfisher airlines kept as collateral. SBI chairman OP Bhatt was involved in providing such fraud loans to him.
Banks lost their money because of the officials who granted and processed the loans, without checking all the collaterals and taking securities that were to be followed as per rules and regulations. They came under the pressure of their seniors who were bribed by Vijay Mallya. Also, he took the help of his political connections to process such big loans.
The loans taken on the name of Kingfisher Airlines and UB group weren’t used for its actual cause. Banks never knew that the loans taken by Vijay Mallya were laundered overseas to various tax havens. All this was done with the help of shell companies.
Mallya would have the bank loans moved to these shell firms, which were set up with sham directors for this reason. These companies did not have any source of income and weren’t active at all. The loans taken were only to further his agenda. The directors placed in the shell companies would act according to the command of Mallya. The money was transferred to seven different countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland, France, and South Africa.
Furthermore, Vijay Mallya diverted the money he got from the loans to fund his IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore. He bought the most expensive IPL team RCB at INR 476 Crore with the money of public sector banks. Around 77 payments were done by the SBI bank account of Kingfisher Airlines to the IPL Vendors. He had spent massive amounts lavishly over cricketers from the borrowed money of the banks.
At first, this case seemed similar to those in businessmen getting unlucky. But a closer look reveals this is was a case of smart money laundering. As our Indian banking sector is still developing, there are many loopholes in the system. People like Vijay Mallya took the advantage of such loopholes and made their unhealthy marks on the economic system.
Here is a list of how much loan was taken from each bank:
Rs 1,600 crore
State Bank of India
Rs 800 crore
PNB
Rs 800 crore
IDBI Bank
Rs 650 crore
Bank of India
Rs 550 crore
Bank of Baroda
Rs 430 crore
United Bank of India
Rs 410 crore
Central Bank of India
Rs 320 crore
UCO Bank
Rs 310 crore
Corporation Bank
Rs 140 crore
Indian Overseas Bank
Rs 90 crore
Federal Bank
Rs 60 crore
Punjab & Sind Bank
Rs 50 crore
Axis Bank
Rs 600 crore
3 other Banks
Rs 150 crore
State Bank of Mysore
The government of India despite its repeated attempts for extradition, is yet to arrest him from the UK, where he has fled post the issuance of the warrants against him.
“The evil that men do lives after them; the good is often interred with their bones.”
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act was rolled out by the Indian government in 2018 and by this act, Vijay Mallya was labelled as the first fugitive economic offender of the nation. He is now remembered by the same.
Vijay Mallya studied at La Martiniere School in Kolkata and later graduated with a degree in commerce from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. He was known for being a bright student and also actively participated in extracurricular activities during his college years.
Is Vijay Mallya still the owner of Kingfisher?
No, Vijay Mallya is no longer the owner of Kingfisher Airlines. The airline, which he founded in 2005, ceased operations in 2012 due to severe financial difficulties and accumulated debts. By 2013, Kingfisher Airlines had lost its license to operate, and Mallya had exited the airline business.
What is Kingfisher owner name?
Vijay Mallya was the founder and former owner of both Kingfisher Airlines and Kingfisher beer, he no longer holds ownership or control over either entity.
What is Vijay Mallya net worth?
In 2013, Forbes estimated Vijay Mallya’s net worth at approximately $750 million. By 2022, some reports suggested his net worth had rebounded to around $1.2 billion. As of March 2025, corporate filings indicate that Mallya holds public shares in three companies, with a combined value exceeding INR 4,683 crore (approximately $560 million).
When Warren Buffett handpicked his successor, the world knew it had to be someone extraordinary. Greg Abel was officially announced as the CEO at Berkshire Hathaway, stepping into the shoes of one of the most iconic investors the world has ever seen. But while Buffett’s name echoes through Wall Street, Abel has spent decades operating behind the scenes, quietly preparing himself to become one of the most influential figures in global finance.
So, who is Greg Abel? And what does his leadership mean for Berkshire’s future? Let’s break down the life, career, and investments of Greg Abel, the man steering the $870 billion empire that Warren Buffett built.
Greg Abel, born on June 1, 1962, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, grew up in a working-class neighbourhood during the city’s boom-and-bust economic cycles. During his youth, Abel developed a passion for hockey and football, often playing with neighbourhood kids until called in for dinner. He pursued higher education at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, majoring in accounting.
After completing his degree, Abel began his professional career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Edmonton and subsequently transferred to the firm’s San Francisco office. In 1992, he joined CalEnergy, a geothermal electricity producer, marking the beginning of his extensive career in the energy sector.
Greg Abel – Family and Personal Life
Greg Abel is one of the most influential executives in American business, but when it comes to his personal life, he prefers to stay under the radar, much like his mentor, Warren Buffett. Abel was previously married and has three children. He resides in Des Moines, Iowa, where he has been involved in local community initiatives.
Although little is publicly disclosed about his children or current relationship status, reports suggest that he shares a close bond with his family and prefers spending downtime with them over public appearances. His upbringing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a grounded personality, traits that continue to define his leadership style.
Greg Abel began his career as an accountant and analyst at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This early role gave him a solid foundation in financial analysis and business strategy. Abel’s big break came when he joined CalEnergy, an energy company in the U.S., in the early 1990s. At the time, CalEnergy was an aggressive acquirer of energy assets. Abel quickly rose through the ranks due to his strong financial acumen and leadership skills.
In 1999, CalEnergy acquired MidAmerican Energy and adopted its name. That same year, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bought a controlling interest in MidAmerican Energy. This marked the beginning of Abel’s long association with the Berkshire family. Abel played a critical role in building MidAmerican into a powerhouse, with investments in utilities, pipelines, and renewable energy. Under Abel’s leadership, MidAmerican was rebranded as Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) in 2014.
In 2018, Greg Abel was named Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway’s non-insurance operations, placing him in charge of a wide portfolio of businesses like BNSF Railway, Dairy Queen, Duracell, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
In May 2021, Warren Buffett publicly confirmed that Greg Abel would be his successor as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett said, “The directors are in agreement that if something were to happen to me tonight, it would be Greg who’d take over tomorrow morning.”
The official transition was announced in May 2024, with Abel set to become CEO on January 1, 2026. Buffett will remain Chairman of the Board, guiding Abel during the early stages of his leadership.
In recent years, Greg Abel has emerged as a key figure at Berkshire Hathaway, taking charge of a vast portfolio of non-insurance businesses. As Vice Chairman, he oversees some of the conglomerate’s most critical operations, including BNSF Railway, Dairy Queen, and the rapidly expanding Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Under his leadership, these subsidiaries have continued to scale efficiently. Despite playing such a pivotal role, Abel has maintained a notably low public profile, choosing execution over exposure and focusing on long-term performance rather than media attention.
Abel played a pivotal role in operating Berkshire Hathaway’s operational framework, streamlining its subsidiaries for better performance while upholding the decentralized management philosophy Buffett championed. Under his leadership, Berkshire’s energy arm, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, became a key player in the U.S. renewable energy transition, with over $38 billion invested in wind, solar, and transmission infrastructure by early 2025.
Following his official promotion, Abel emphasized a focus on capital discipline, long-term shareholder value, and reinforcing Berkshire’s succession plan, reassuring markets during a crucial transition period. In Q1 of 2025, the company reported record operating earnings of $9.64 billion, demonstrating its ability to drive sustainable growth across its diverse portfolio from energy and transportation to manufacturing and consumer goods.
Taking over from Warren Buffett isn’t just a promotion; it’s stepping into the spotlight after one of the greatest performances in business history. Greg Abel has spent years managing Berkshire Hathaway’s sprawling non-insurance businesses, from railroads to energy, but he hasn’t directly handled the company’s legendary investment portfolio or its insurance empire, two pillars of Berkshire’s success.
Despite that, Abel has earned Buffett’s full confidence. He’s widely respected inside Berkshire for his operational brilliance, capital discipline, and steady hand. He has consistently emphasized preserving the company’s hallmark values: independence, integrity, and a long-term investment mindset. Abel faces towering expectations.
Buffett’s genius was in spotting undervalued companies, negotiating deals nobody else could, and building one of the world’s most admired conglomerates. With Berkshire Hathaway now valued at over $1.2 trillion, replicating that level of outperformance in today’s more mature and competitive markets is no easy task.
Greg Abel – Awards & Recognitions
Horatio Alger Award (2018): He was honoured with the Horatio Alger Award in recognition of his perseverance and success in overcoming adversity to achieve professional and personal success.
Canadian Business Leader Award (2024): In 2024, Abel received the Canadian Business Leader Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the business community. This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and a commitment to the community.
The global consumer audio market is expected to grow from $127.70 billion in 2025 to $343.60 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 13.17% during the forecast period (2025–2033), according to Straits Research.
Sonic Lamb, an audio technology brand, is reshaping the way people experience sound. Known for its patented Hybrid Driver Technology, Sonic Lamb offers an immersive, multi-sensory audio experience by combining air, bone, and skin conduction. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience, Sonic Lamb is set to make a lasting impact on the global audio market.
In this article, explore more about Sonic Lamb, its founders, business and revenue model, funding, challenges, growth, and future plans.
Sonic Lamb, developed by Rapture Innovation Labs, is a pioneering audio brand renowned for its patented Hybrid Driver Technology.
An innovation that delivers a subwoofer-like experience, enabling headphones and other audio products to reproduce a full-spectrum sound where traditional subwoofers are absent or limited. Unlike conventional headphones, Sonic Lamb offers a unique listening experience by combining air and body conduction, allowing users to both hear and feel the music.
The brand is dedicated to redefining audio engagement by creating a multi-sensory experience where sound is not just heard but physically felt, immersing listeners in a deeper, more resonant way.
Sonic Lamb – Founders and Team
Navajith Karkera and Jagath Biddappa are the co-founders of Raputure Innovation Labs (Sonic Lamb).
As the CEO of Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd., Navajith leads strategic direction, fundraising, investor relations, business development, sales & marketing, and team building.
A Mechanical Engineer from Sahyadri College of Engineering, Mangalore, Navajith possesses deep expertise in electronics, product development, rapid prototyping, system design, and PCB design. After graduation, he pursued entrepreneurship-focused programs from NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore, NID Ahmedabad, and Wadhwani Foundation. He also participated in the On Deck fellowship program in California, gaining insights into the global startup ecosystem and international markets.
His experience spans P&L management, business and financial modelling, technology commercialisation, product strategy, business development, and communications.
Jagath Biddappa, CTO
As the Chief Technology Officer, Jagath oversees technology, R&D, product development, manufacturing, and supply chain.
An Electronics Engineer from Sahyadri College of Engineering, he specialises in Embedded Systems, Acoustics, Audio Signal Processing, Wireless Technology, and IoT. With a strong background in hardware solutions, Jagath has contributed to mobility startups and developed acoustics solutions for a med-tech company, reducing its dependency on European technologies.
Team, Work Culture, and Hiring Philosophy at Rapture Innovation Labs
Rapture Innovation Labs (Sonic Lamb) Team
Today, Rapture Innovation Labs has grown into a 35-member team of engineers, designers, and marketers, all passionate about pushing the boundaries of audio technology.
The work culture at Rapture Innovation Labs is characterised by:
Innovation-first: The team loves to experiment and break norms.
Customer-obsessed: Every decision is based on creating the best audio experience for the end user.
Fast & Fun: The team works hard but never forgets to enjoy the ride.
The hiring philosophy is centred around the idea that the company does not hire employees; it hires partners, people who take charge, think outside the box, and want to be part of something groundbreaking. If that sounds like a fit, they encourage individuals to join the team.
Board of Advisors
Rakesh Pandey: Ex-Director of Research & Acoustics at Bose Corporation with 29 years of experience advising us on Product & Technology.
Ratish Pandey: Ex-General Manager at Bose Corporation and one of the key persons for launching Bose in IMEA region with 20 years of experience advising us on business and Go To Market. Also, an Angel investor in Rapture.
Kiran Mani: Ex-Google managing Android and Google Play at APAC region and currently CEO at Viacom 18 and Jio-Hotstar advising us on Marketing, Strategies and Investments. Also, an Angel investor in Rapture.
Sonic Lamb – Startup Story
Sonic Lamb was not conceived in a corporate boardroom or a high-tech lab. It was born out of passion, persistence, and a bold vision shared by Navajith Karkera and his co-founder right after graduating from Sahyadri College of Engineering in Mangalore. They always believed that sound is more than just an auditory experience; it should be felt. That belief led them on a journey to redefine how people experience audio.
Their journey started with a Smart Helmet, an engineering project they worked on as part of a team called Dreamers. The helmet allowed riders to access navigation, music, and calls without blocking their ears, making for a safer and more connected ride. The idea attracted attention from major companies, but due to regulatory challenges surrounding tech-enabled helmets, they had to pivot. Instead of seeing it as a setback, they saw it as an opportunity.
In 2019, after several iterations of their Impulse Driver technology, they had their ‘Eureka!’ moment by accident. One weekend, while testing their latest driver design, they integrated it into a pair of headphones. The result? It felt like a home theatre on their ears. The headphones did not just produce sound, they delivered a physically immersive experience, similar to feeling the bass from a subwoofer but without directing sound into the ears. They knew they had something revolutionary, and this is how Sonic Lamb was born.
The initial response was a mix of curiosity and skepticism, after all, feeling sound through headphones was an unconventional idea. But once people tried their prototypes, their reactions were overwhelming. That gave them the confidence to push forward.
They refined their technology, developing the Hybrid Driver System, which combines air conduction with impulse drivers (using bone and skin conduction) to create an immersive sound experience. Their dedication and innovation earned them global recognition, including selection as one of six startups in Denmark’s Sound Acceleration Program.
Today, Sonic Lamb stands as a proudly Made-in-India brand, tested and tuned in Denmark, and has been recognised on Forbes 30Under30 India and Asia. Their recent feature on Shark Tank India is another milestone in their journey to transform how the world experiences sound.
At Sonic Lamb, the belief is that music is not just meant to be heard; it is meant to be felt.
Sonic Lamb – Vision and Mission
Sonic Lamb envisions transforming the way people experience sound by offering a deeply immersive audio experience that goes beyond conventional listening. The brand aspires to create a world where sound is not just heard but also felt, creating a multi-sensory connection to music. Through its proprietary Hybrid Driver Technology, Sonic Lamb aims to redefine audio engagement, making sound more realistic, captivating, and immersive.
At Rapture Innovation Labs, the core belief is that sound is more than just an auditory experience, it is a multi-sensory journey that resonates through the body and soul. The mission is to deliver audio in its purest form, replicating the immersive feel of a live performance. The company is driven by innovation, user experience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in hardware technology. Every product it creates is backed by deep research and engineering precision, ensuring that users do not just hear sound but they feel it.
Motto: “Don’t Just Hear, FEEEL the Music.”
This reflects the company’s mission of bridging the gap between hearing and experiencing sound, ensuring every beat, bass drop, and melody is felt as much as heard.
Sonic Lamb – Name, Tagline, and Logo
Sonic Lamb Logo
When naming the brand, Rapture Innovation Labs wanted something that captured two fundamental elements: Sound and Sensation.
“Sonic” represents pure sound, precision, and audio innovation.
“Lamb” symbolises breaking stereotypes, with a playful, jester-like persona that embodies warmth and a deeper sensory connection.
The tagline, “Don’t just hear, Feeeel it”, encapsulates the essence of Sonic Lamb. Unlike conventional headphones that only let users hear sound, Sonic Lamb makes them feel it, just like being at a live concert or experiencing a subwoofer-powered home theatre. The tagline keeps it simple while conveying this immersive experience.
The logo features Sonic, a character who is not just a lamb but a symbol of individuality and creativity. Sonic challenges the herd mentality, embodying authenticity, originality, and purpose over fleeting trends. His philosophy, “Why follow the herd when you can lead with purpose?”, reflects the company’s commitment to making a lasting impact rather than just chasing trends.
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Sonic Lamb is not just about sound, it is about a revolution in experiencing music.
Sonic Lamb – Products/Services
Sonic Lamb Headphones
Sonic Lamb, by Rapture Innovation Labs, is revolutionising the way people experience audio with the world’s first hybrid driver headphones featuring WooferPads™. Unlike traditional headphones that rely solely on air conduction, Sonic Lamb integrates both air and body conduction, delivering not just sound, but a deep, physical sensation that replicates the feeling of a live concert or a high-end home theatre system.
The technology behind Sonic Lamb is the proprietary Hybrid Driver System, which combines:
Air Conduction for detailed sound clarity
Impulse Drivers (WooferPads™) using bone and skin conduction to deliver deep bass that users do not just hear but physically feel
This innovation solves a fundamental problem in personal audio: traditional headphones either overemphasise bass at the cost of clarity or fail to deliver a truly immersive experience. Sonic Lamb bridges that gap, allowing users to experience the full spectrum of sound without excessive volume, making it a safer and more engaging way to enjoy music.
Sonic Lamb operates on a direct-to-consumer (D2C) and retail distribution model, selling through its official website, major e-commerce platforms, and select offline stores.
The primary revenue stream comes from premium headphone sales, priced at INR 17,999 ($239 internationally), ensuring healthy margins while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its revenue streams by supplying and licensing its proprietary Hybrid Driver Technology for applications in automotive audio, gaming, home entertainment, and VR sectors where immersive sound can create a next-level experience. This strategic move will position Rapture Innovation Labs not just as a headphone brand but as a leader in audio innovation across industries.
Sonic Lamb – Funding
Sonic Lamb has raised a total funding of INR 5.35 crore, with its current valuation standing at INR 50 crore as of May 2025.
Here are the funding details as sourced from Tracxn:
Date
Round
Amount
Investors
Feb ’25
Angel
INR 50 Lakh
Peyush Bansal
Oct ’23
Grant
INR 60.0 Lakh
SINE, DST, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Govt of Karnataka
May ’23
Seed
INR 2.2 Crore
Sushre Global, Vibhuaya Technologies, Pearltri Global
Amit Pawar, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Education
Vijay Bharadwaj, Director, IBM Workforce Management
Sharada Satrasala, Formerly with Qualcomm and Texas Instruments
How Funding Has Fuelled Sonic Lamb’s Growth: The capital raised has played a vital role in supporting Rapture Innovation Labs (Sonic Lamb) across multiple fronts:
R&D of its patented Impulse Drivers and development of Sonic Lamb headphones
Digital marketing initiatives
Inventory procurement and manufacturing setup in India
Securing patents and trademarks
Certification processes to enable sales in North America and the EU region
Funding Journey & Challenges: Raising capital as a deep-tech hardware startup came with its own set of challenges, especially due to longer R&D cycles and the capital-intensive nature of hardware development. However, the team at Rapture Innovation Labs successfully navigated these hurdles through a strategic approach:
Leveraging Tech Reviews & Publications: Awareness generated through trusted tech media led to organic sales and built credibility, sparking inbound interest from potential investors.
Building Investor Confidence: Early traction and visible global demand helped reassure investors, particularly as the team maintained efficient marketing spends.
Overcoming Market Skepticism: The team focused on educating the investor ecosystem about how Sonic Lamb’s patented technology is pioneering a new category in personal audio.
Next Steps: With future funding, Rapture Innovation Labs plans to:
Scale production and marketing
Strengthen exports and retail distribution
Seed B2B partnerships
Expand the product line
All these efforts are directed towards positioning Sonic Lamb as the category leader in physically immersive audio experiences.
Sonic Lamb – Launching Company Strategies
Sonic Lamb was launched with a strong community-driven approach, focusing on early adopters, music lovers, and tech enthusiasts who value cutting-edge innovation. The first 100 customers were acquired through three key strategies:
Crowdfunding and Pre-orders: The team built curiosity around their unique technology, securing early believers who were eager to experience a new way of listening to music.
Tech Influencers and Reviewers: Collaborations with trusted voices in the industry helped create organic awareness and credibility through their reach and insights.
Word-of-Mouth and Referrals: Passionate early users became strong advocates, sharing their experiences and supporting growth through genuine recommendations.
By combining these strategies, Sonic Lamb not only validated its product but also built a loyal community that continues to fuel its growth.
Sonic Lamb – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
Scaling from the first 100 customers to over 10,000 has been a journey driven by strategic growth and consistent customer retention efforts. The team at Sonic Lamb has always prioritised an experience-first approach, ensuring that people do not just hear about the brand but truly feel it. Several key strategies have fuelled this growth:
Experience-First Approach: Given the uniqueness of the product and the unparalleled audio experience it offers, hands-on demos became the preferred method. Whether through offline experiences, influencer collaborations, or participation in major tech expos like CES, the real difference of Sonic Lamb is understood only when it is experienced.
Tech Reviews: In-depth reviews and validation by respected tech reviewers helped establish credibility, providing authenticity and support for the company’s claims.
Shark Tank India: Being featured on Shark Tank India brought significant visibility and a strong credibility boost. The confidence expressed by the sharks strengthened consumer trust and positioned Sonic Lamb as a leading innovator in audio technology.
Referral and Loyalty Programmes: Early adopters played a crucial role as brand advocates. Well-structured referral and loyalty initiatives encouraged word-of-mouth promotion, which contributed significantly to organic growth.
Strategic Partnerships: In addition to the direct-to-consumer model, Sonic Lamb expanded into premium retail stores and collaborated with technology and music influencers to effectively reach its target audience.
Marketing Spend and Growth Hacking
The focus has been on high-ROI digital campaigns, influencer-driven outreach, and content-led awareness. Instead of heavy advertising expenditure, the team leveraged organic reach, public relations, and strategic digital marketing to drive sustainable growth and maintain strong customer engagement.
By remaining committed to the core mission of making music not just heard but felt, Sonic Lamb continues to expand its community and transform the way people experience sound.
Sonic Lamb – Challenges Faced
If someone had explained just how difficult the entrepreneurial journey would be, the founders might have reconsidered. However, as engineers passionate about innovation, they never viewed obstacles as setbacks. Instead, each challenge became a learning experience and an opportunity that helped shape Sonic Lamb’s evolution.
From a Failed Smart Helmet to a Revolutionary Headphone
The team’s initial project, a Smart Helmet, was innovative and fulfilled its technical promise. However, it lacked commercial viability. In a fortunate turn of events, the impulse driver technology developed for the helmet was repurposed into headphones. This pivot led to the creation of Sonic Lamb, a product that delivered not only great audio clarity but also deep, feel-the-music bass similar to that of a loudspeaker.
Market Outreach – Getting People to “Feel” the Sound
Sonic Lamb redefined personal audio by offering a sensory music experience. The challenge, however, was that the headphones appeared like any other. Consumers needed to experience the product to understand its true difference.
Solution: The team relied on event participation, influencer marketing, and collaborations with tech reviewers. These strategies provided hands-on exposure to the product and helped build credibility, demonstrating how Sonic Lamb transformed the way people listened to music.
Manufacturing in India – The Cost Challenge
The vision extended beyond innovation. It included manufacturing the product entirely in India. However, high production costs posed a major challenge.
Solution: Through crowdfunding, the team raised initial funds to set up in-house manufacturing, keeping costs manageable while maintaining quality.
Funding – From a College Project to a Startup
The founders, both engineering students from modest backgrounds, faced significant difficulty in securing the funds necessary to turn their concept into a real business.
Solution: With the help of government grants, support from Deshpande Startups, early angel investors, and eventually, a feature on Shark Tank India, Sonic Lamb gained the financial backing and validation needed to grow.
What began as a failed helmet project has become a breakthrough innovation in personal audio. Every challenge has made the team more resilient. Today, Sonic Lamb is focused on scaling, diversifying its product range, and becoming the preferred brand for immersive sound experiences.
Sonic Lamb – Marketing Strategy
One of the most successful marketing strategies for Rapture Innovation Labs (Sonic Lamb) has been leveraging experiential marketing. As Sonic Lamb delivers a unique sensory experience, traditional advertising was not sufficient, they needed people to actually feel the difference.
Live demonstrations at tech events, collaborations with influencers, and their appearance on Shark Tank India played a key role in building awareness and credibility. The Shark Tank episode, in particular, resulted in a significant spike in website traffic and sales.
In addition, targeted digital campaigns highlighting key USPs such as “World’s First Subwoofer Headphones” and “Feel the Music, Not Just Hear It” helped position Sonic Lamb as a category-defining product, drawing the attention of both tech enthusiasts and audiophiles.
Sonic Lamb – Startup Programs and External Support
Startup programs: SoundHub Accelerator program in Denmark, support from Deshpande Startups, T-HUB, SINE IIT-B, NSRCEL IIM-B
Grants: TIDE 2.0 from Meity, NIDHI Prayas from DST and Elevate100 grant from the Government of Karnataka.
Government-sponsored schemes: KESDM (Govt. of Karnataka) financial assistance for International patent, international product certifications and R&D
Accelerators: SoundHub Accelerator Denmark for audio competence and global benchmarking, as well as product testing and tuning
Incubators: Deshpande Startups
Sonic Lamb – Growth
Sonic Lamb Founders at Shark Tank India
Sonic Lamb is growing at an exciting pace. The brand has established a strong presence in India and is now expanding globally. Its patented Hybrid Driver Technology has struck a chord with audio and tech enthusiasts, resulting in a loyal and growing user base.
The appearance on Shark Tank India marked a significant turning point, not only boosting brand awareness but also driving a notable surge in demand. To meet this, the team is scaling production and broadening its market reach.
Sonic Lamb currently operates from its headquarters in India, with manufacturing and testing collaborations in Denmark to further refine its technology. The response from users has been exceptional; thousands have already experienced the immersive audio Sonic Lamb delivers, and industry experts are beginning to take notice.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on expanding the product line, scaling production, and strengthening the brand’s global presence. With strong customer feedback, industry recognition, and a growing market share, Sonic Lamb is well on its way to becoming a global audio brand.
Sonic Lamb – Recognitions and Achievements
Sonic Lamb Founders’ Achievements
Sonic Lamb has been recognised globally and nationally for its innovation in audio technology. Some of our key achievements include:
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia & India: The founders were featured for redefining how the world experiences sound.
What Hi-Fi? Award for Innovation: Recognised for pioneering the world’s first hybrid driver headphones with WooferPads™.
Selected for SoundTech Accelerator in Denmark: One of the only seven startups globally, and the only one from outside Europe.
Promising Startup of Hubli-Dharwad-Belagavi: Recognised at TiECon for innovation and impact in the region.
Featured in Top Tech Publications: TechRadar, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express, and more.
KPIT Sparkle Gold Award: Won for early-stage innovation in audio technology.
Shark Tank India Season 4: Garnered interest from multiple Sharks on the panel, further solidifying our position as a category-defining brand.
Showcased at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the world’s largest consumer technology event.
Sonic Lamb – Competitors
Sonic Lamb faces competition from several well-established legacy premium headphone brands, including Sony and JBL.
Sonic Lamb – Future Plans
Product Innovation & Expansion
Next-Gen Sonic Lamb Headphones: The brand is enhancing its hybrid driver technology with improved sound personalisation and more refined WooferPads™.
Automotive Integration: Advancing Sonic Lamb’s Sonic Seat technology to bring immersive sound to car seats, aiming to create a next-level in-car audio experience.
Global Market Expansion
Sonic Lamb is strengthening its presence in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, where the demand for high-quality audio experiences is rapidly growing.
The brand is expanding retail partnerships to bring Sonic Lamb to premium electronics stores and experience centres worldwide.
R&D & Tech Enhancements
Significant investments are being made in AI-powered personalised sound tuning for users.
There are continuous improvements to battery life, wireless connectivity, and material durability.
Sonic Lamb is advancing its proprietary audio algorithms to offer a richer, more immersive experience.
Community & Brand Growth
Sonic Lamb is building an engaged global community of audiophiles, musicians, and gamers who love immersive sound.
The brand is leveraging its exposure from Shark Tank to drive brand awareness and strategic collaborations.
There is an ongoing expansion of direct-to-consumer sales via e-commerce, partnerships, and collaborations with content creators and influencers.
FAQs
What is Sonic Lamb?
Sonic Lamb, developed by Rapture Innovation Labs, is a pioneering audio brand renowned for its patented Hybrid Driver Technology. It is revolutionising the way people experience audio with the world’s first hybrid driver headphones featuring WooferPads™.
Who are the founders of Sonic Lamb?
Navajith Karkera and Jagath Biddappa are the co-founders of Raputure Innovation Labs (Sonic Lamb).
Did Sonic Lamb secure funding from Shark Tank India?
Yes, Sonic Lamb secured INR 50 lakh in funding from Peyush Bansal on Shark Tank India for 1% equity and 1% advisory equity, with a valuation of INR 50 crore. This funding helped fuel their growth and further establish their presence in the audio technology market.
