Cognizant, a provider of information technology (IT) services, intends to hire 20,000 new hires by 2025. The company wants to broaden its talent pyramid and get ready for managed services and software development driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
“Since we are now receiving a lot of work related to managed services, the 20,000 new hires will now form our pyramid. Therefore, that will begin to accelerate our headcount,” said Cognizant’s Chief Executive Officer Ravi Kumar S. He informed about this development at a news conference following the results of the March quarter.
“It’s a good time to re-baseline the pyramid now that organic growth has returned,” Kumar continued. In the IT industry, a pyramid structure typically means that there are more people with less experience and fewer with higher expertise, which lowers wage bills.
Due to significant acquisitions in the financial services and health sciences verticals, the US-based IT services company exceeded Street revenue projections in Q1 Q1CY25.
More Jobs in the IT Industry in Current Fiscal
Due to uncertainties in the market climate, Cognizant’s Indian peers have refrained from disclosing the precise hiring goals for FY26 at the same time as the announcement of the fresher recruitment. However, according to management commentary thus far, the top five IT companies are expected to add between 80,000 and 84,000 IT jobs during the current fiscal year.
Executives from the company have noted that the real number can fluctuate greatly. Cognizant’s own development platform, FlowSource, which blends machine-generated and human code, will be used to train the new hires. In reference to the AI-first method being implemented at the freshmen level, Ravi stated, “When you’re doing it for the first time and doing it that way, that’s the only way you’ll know how to code.”
It is anticipated that implementing code help platforms early on will increase productivity throughout the development cycle. Additionally, Cognizant is still hiring specialist candidates from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) for positions as full-stack developers and power programmers.
Exploring New Opportunities with Fresh Talent
The company, which is headquartered in Belcan, is also investigating the development of new positions as part of the “Vector 3 of agentification”. This term refers to next-generation service models that may not necessitate conventional engineering skills.
The CEO highlighted new prospects for non-engineers with operations, domain, and other experience, saying, “These are labour pools we didn’t address in the past.” According to Ravi, the services major employs over 60,000 people who joined the company straight out of college and have worked there for more than ten years. “
And that is the middle management of the company, which is the core of the business.” With talent depth in both India and the US, Kumar claimed that Cognisant stands out in the Global Capability Centre (GCC) market thanks to its extensive industry-spanning subject expertise. As of right now, the company has six GCC transactions, and more than twenty are in the works.
With an emphasis on Townhouse by OYO-branded hotels, Oyo has declared its intention to enter the food and beverage industry. It plans achieve this goal by establishing in-house kitchens and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) carts/lobby stores at its company-serviced hotels, the firm said on May 1.
According to Oyo, this programme will provide in-house cooking services to guests at 1500 of its company-serviced hotels in FY26. By choosing the “Kitchen Services” option, visitors will be able to place meal orders through internet channels such as OTAs and the Oyo app.
Depending on the specific hotel profile and backend infrastructure, the kitchen configuration could range from a full-fledged commercial kitchen for a large menu to a pantry setup for basic food items, according to Oyo.
Introducing QSR Carts and Lobby Stores
Oyo is launching QSR carts and lobby stores under the “Townhouse Cafe” brand in addition to in-house kitchens. According to the firm, the menu will emphasise reasonably priced meals that include both continental and regional cuisine.
According to Oyo, on a steady-state basis, it anticipates that F&B will add 5%–10% to hotel revenue. Since January of this year, Oyo has started a pilot program at 100 company-serviced hotels in a few cities, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, to test the idea.
According to the firm, this has cleared the path for the nationwide launch in the next fiscal year. Chief Operating Officer Varun Jain, Providing ‘fresh’, ‘convenient’, and ‘quality’ meal options throughout its network, Oyo stated, the project seeks to improve the in-hotel eating experience for travellers.
A network of “trusted F&B experts” is being established in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow, according to Oyo, to assist this.
Broader Push to Increase Revenue Streams
The QSR initiative appears to be a component of Oyo’s larger effort to increase income by offering related services. The company has previously ventured into the food industry; in 2019, it started a cloud kitchen business but shut it down during the pandemic.
Despite being a logical progression of the hotel industry, food operations demand specialised knowledge and committed staff. Oyo probably learnt a lot from its first try and now seems more equipped to grow its food company in a more strategic and sustainable way.
Oyo Hotels and Homes Pvt. Ltd. reported a 15% drop in revenue from INR 1,312 crore to INR 1,113 crore for FY24, a significant drop.
The company declared a profit of INR 11.5 crore over a loss of INR 27 crore in FY23, according to documents filed in January with the Registrar of Companies.
This was mainly due to a reduction of INR 6 crore in overall expenses and a positive growth in extraordinary items from a loss the previous year.
Although LG left the smartphone industry in 2021, the firm promised that its customers would receive three years of support in all formats. That is now over, and the business is telling its customers about the significant announcement that will take effect in July 2025.
LG has said that it will stop releasing any more security patches in the coming months due to the shutdown of its official server, which distributes software updates.
Although the majority of people may have switched to other phones by now, if some people are still using an LG phone, now is the ideal moment to upgrade.
Why this News is a Warning Sign for Users?
One of LG’s major announcements concerns the shutdown of the LG Bridge and Update service. LG customers may rely on The Bridge to apply updates for their devices and back up their data. With support for these services coming to an end, LG phones will soon be at serious risk of security breaches and become easy targets for hackers.
Based on these timetables, it appears that the business is confident in its present customer base, which by now ought to have switched to other companies. Although LG has a sizable appliance market in India and is a well-known brand in that market, the company’s mobile phone venture did not turn out as planned.
Some people may not be aware, but Google and LG collaborated on the original Nexus phones, which were later replaced by Pixels. Although LG’s phones came at a variety of pricing points, they lacked the Chinese firms’ adaptability, and their track record in the nation was comparable to that of Sony.
Nevertheless, LG surprised everyone by releasing phones like the LG Wing, which had a spinning multi-screen experience.
Sluggish Sales Stall Production in India
Due to dwindling local and international demand, about half of India’s mobile phone manufacturing capacity—which was developed under the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme—is either underutilised or repurposed.
According to a study by a financial media house, market analysts and industry executives blame this underutilisation on the decline in demand for entry-level smartphones and feature phones. According to data from the research firm Counterpoint Research, by the end of 2024, India’s ability to produce mobile phones had surpassed 500 million units.
A somewhat smaller range of 400–420 million units has been anticipated by the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA). According to the study, actual production is still about 250 million units per year, of which 200 million are sold domestically and the remainder—mostly iPhones—are exported.
Production is being driven by PLI-eligible manufacturers like Hon Hai (Foxconn), Tata Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and Dixon Technologies. Due to their inability to reach goals, smaller companies like Lava International, Karbonn, and Micromax have either shut down or switched to manufacturing wearables and telecom equipment.
Cricket players Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, together with Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Bimal Parekh and Aamir Khan, have invested in the pre-IPO round of power transmission company Karamtara Engineering.
Backwards-integrated, Karamtara Engineering produces goods for the transmission lines and renewable energy industries. It can act as a one-stop shop for solar structures (trackers and fixed-tilt) because of its wide range of products.
The company sells overhead gearbox line hardware fittings and accessories, lattice structures for gearbox lines and fasteners for the solar, wind, gearbox and industrial sectors.
According to a public statement, the company’s promoters, Tanveer Singh and Rajiv Singh, engaged in a secondary sale to transfer 3,409,724 equity shares at a total price of INR 310 each, for a total of INR 106 crore.
Khan acquired 1,29,050 shares for INR 4 crore, Kapoor acquired 1,61,300 shares for INR 5 crore, while Karan Johar acquired 4.85 lakh shares for INR 1.5 crore. According to the notice, Sharma and Bumrah also paid INR 2 crore apiece for 64,520 shares.
In January, Company Raised INR 307 Crore
On January 10 of this year, Karamtara, which is in competition with listed companies such as Inox Wind, KP Green Engineering, Premier Energies, Waaree Energies, and Suzlon Energy, raised INR 307.17 crore by offering 98.08 lakh shares at the same price to a number of investors.
The company received preferential allocations from well-known investors such as Jagdish Naresh Master, Utpal Hemendra Sheth, Singularity Growth Opportunities Fund, Gaurav Trehan, Quantum State Investment Fund, Ananta Capital Venture Fund, Jaidev Rajnikant Shroff, Axia Select Opportunities Fund, Mithun Padam Sacheti and Siddhartha Sacheti, and MNI Ventures.
Karamtara Engineering, situated in Mumbai, intends to raise INR 400 crore through an offer-for-sale process and INR 1,350 crore through a fresh issue component. In the offer-for-sale, promoters Tanveer Singh and Rajiv Singh would each be selling shares valued at INR 200 crore.
How Company Plans to Utilise Fresh Proceeds?
By using INR 1,050 crore of the proceeds from the new issuance to pay down debt and the remaining money for general corporate reasons, the company hopes to drastically lower its debt load. As of November 2024, it had outstanding acceptances under letters of credit totalling INR 733.6 crore and outstanding borrowings from banks and financial institutions totalling INR 586.4 crore.
JM Financial, ICICI Securities, and IIFL Capital Services will be the book running lead managers in charge of the public offering. In January, Karamtara Engineering submitted preliminary documents to the Sebi, the market watchdog, requesting permission to raise INR 1,750 crore through an IPO.
In FY2024, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 102.65 crore, more than doubling the INR 42.36 crore recorded in the previous fiscal year. FY2023 revenues increased from INR 1,600.31 crore to INR 2,425.15 crore.
Remember those big yellow shopping bags, overflowing racks of $5 crop tops, and packed stores at your local mall? That was the golden age of Forever 21, topping the list of budget-friendly fashion empires that made runway-inspired looks accessible to millions of young shoppers worldwide.
However, by March 2025, Forever 21 announced plans to shut down all U.S. operations, marking a significant retreat from the American retail landscape. This decline underscores the challenges traditional retailers face in adapting to the digital age and shifting consumer preferences.
So, what went wrong with Forever 21? Why did it stumble again, even after getting a second chance? Let’s break down the three main reasons behind Forever 21’s downfall: a warning for any brand battling to survive in the cutthroat world of fast fashion.
Forever 21 – How a Fashion Empire Captured the Mass Market?
It began in 1984 when Do Won Chang and his wife, Jin Sook Chang, Korean immigrants, opened a modest 900-square-foot store in Los Angeles under the name Fashion 21. The store targeted the Korean-American community with trendy yet affordable clothing, making $700,000 in sales in its very first year.
What made Forever 21 stand out in the crowded fashion industry was its “fast fashion” model. The brand quickly translated runway trends into budget-friendly apparel, often delivering them to stores within weeks. This lightning-speed supply chain attracted teens and young adults eager to wear the latest styles without breaking the bank.
Throughout the 2000s, Forever 21 aggressively expanded, both domestically and globally. Its large-format stores often replaced closed-down anchor stores in malls, giving the brand a strong physical presence. Celebrity endorsements, influencer marketing, and appeal to the Instagram generation helped cement its image as a go-to fashion destination.
By 2015, Forever 21 had become a $4.4 billion empire with over 800 stores in 57 countries, making it one of the largest specialty apparel retailers in the U.S.
The Demise of Forever 21 – From Global Giant to Bankruptcy
First Bankruptcy Filing (2019)
In September 2019, Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking a pivotal turning point in the company’s history. This filing was a response to the brand’s mounting financial difficulties, which were driven by several factors such as declining sales, failure to compete in E-commerce & massive shift in consumer preferences, which we will discuss in detail in the upcoming section.
The bankruptcy filing allowed Forever 21 to restructure its operations, renegotiate its debts, and attempt to turn its business around. The bankruptcy allowed Forever 21 to restructure operations and cut losses. It announced plans to close 178 stores globally and exit unprofitable international markets to focus on core regions like North America.
The Role of Authentic Brands Group
After Forever 21’s first bankruptcy in 2019, it was acquired in early 2020 by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), along with Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties. Known for reviving struggling retail brands, ABG aimed to reposition Forever 21 for a digital-first future.
However, despite efforts like influencer collaborations, global expansion, and e-commerce upgrades, the brand couldn’t shake off its outdated image. The revival lacked long-term impact, and Forever 21 continued to lose relevance in a market dominated by agile, trend-savvy competitors.
Second Bankruptcy Filing (2025)
The second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed by Forever 21 in 2025 followed several years of struggling to revive the business following the initial bankruptcy in 2019. Following the first bankruptcy, Forever 21 came under the ownership of Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a company known for reviving distressed retail brands like Aeropostale and Barneys New York. ABG, along with retail real estate giants Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties, aimed to stabilize and reposition Forever 21.
Despite the strategic shift and financial backing, the brand continued to face deep-rooted structural issues, including an outdated business model, poor digital infrastructure, and a rapidly changing fashion landscape. Even with new management, Forever 21 struggled to shake off its “fast fashion dinosaur” image. The management’s efforts, like digital collaborations, celebrity partnerships, and product line revamps, failed to resonate long-term with modern shoppers.
The second bankruptcy filing in 2025 reflected deeper structural issues within Forever 21’s business model, which were exacerbated by external factors such as the decline of mall-based shopping and the rapid rise of e-commerce. Despite its early success, Forever 21 struggled to adapt to the changing retail environment and ultimately became another casualty of the shifting dynamics of the fashion industry. As a result, they closed all U.S. stores.
The Downfall of Forever 21 – 3 Critical Mistakes That Sank the Brand
Overexpansion and the Decline of Mall Traffic
Forever 21’s aggressive expansion strategy, which initially seemed like a winning formula, began to backfire. The brand’s massive stores in prime mall locations were once a key to its success. However, as e-commerce gained popularity and consumer preferences shifted, physical retail lost its appeal. Malls, which had once been bustling hubs for shopping, saw a decline in foot traffic, impacting brands like Forever 21 that relied heavily on in-person sales.
By the time Forever 21 realized the shift in consumer behavior, it was left with a large number of underperforming stores that drained resources. The high overhead costs of maintaining these locations proved unsustainable, especially as more consumers embraced online shopping. This contributed to the brand’s first bankruptcy filing in 2019.
Missed E-Commerce Opportunity
While competitors like Zara, H&M, and ASOS rapidly adapted to the digital era, Forever 21 lagged. The company’s e-commerce platform remained outdated, offering a cumbersome shopping experience that couldn’t compete with more user-friendly, efficient websites.
Even after Forever 21 attempted to revamp its online presence, the damage was done. The brand struggled to shed its outdated image, with digital-first competitors like Shein gaining significant market share. Forever 21 couldn’t effectively meet the evolving needs of consumers who preferred shopping online, contributing to a steady decline in its customer base.
Changing Consumer Preferences and Ethical Concerns
Perhaps the most significant factor in Forever 21’s downfall was its failure to evolve alongside changing consumer values. As sustainability became a key concern for modern shoppers, Forever 21’s fast-fashion model drew increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. Brands like Patagonia and Everlane, which prioritized ethical production and sustainability, grew in popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z.
Additionally, Forever 21 struggled with inclusivity, particularly with size diversity, and failed to respond to growing demands for body-positive fashion. Forever 21’s failure to adapt to these shifts caused its once-loyal customer base to move on to more aligned competitors.
Lessons Learned and Conclusion
The downfall of Forever 21 serves as a powerful reminder that adapting to the fast-changing retail world is crucial. The brand failed to keep up with consumer behavior changes and digital transformation. Despite the growing popularity of e-commerce and mobile-first experiences, Forever 21 continued to rely heavily on outdated physical retail strategies. The brand appeared out of touch with modern shoppers due to its inability to adapt to a tech-driven world.
Forever 21 was once the go-to mall brand, but after two bankruptcies, its story is now a warning for businesses everywhere. It adapted and changed fast fashion forever, but when it refused to rethink its old ways, it fell behind its competitors. Its downfall proves one thing: in retail, you can’t just chase trends, you have to plan, innovate, and grow smartly to survive. Forever 21’s legacy reminds us that in business, growth without innovation is simply a countdown to collapse.
Shein acquired a one-third stake in Forever 21’s operating company, Sparc Group.
Why is Forever 21 closed in India?
The decision to potentially close Forever 21 stores was influenced by years of financial losses they have incurred, leading to withheld royalties and rent payments to maintain operations.
Is Forever 21 an Indian brand?
Forever 21, is an American multinational fast-fashion retailer headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Tesla Inc. has firmly denied media reports claiming its board is looking to replace Elon Musk as CEO. The controversy began on April 30, 2025, after The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an article suggesting Tesla had quietly initiated a search for Musk’s successor amid concerns about his divided attention and the company’s recent financial challenges.
A Report That Sparked a Storm
The WSJ article, citing unnamed sources familiar with internal discussions, claimed that Tesla’s board had reached out to executive recruitment firms. The report attributed this alleged move to several factors, including Musk’s increasing political involvement, particularly his role in the Trump administration’s newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE)—and Tesla’s sharp 71% drop in first-quarter profits for 2025.
It also noted growing investor unease, as Tesla’s stock has declined roughly 30% since the beginning of the year. According to the article, the board was discreetly exploring leadership options in response to these developments.
Tesla and Musk Respond Swiftly
Within hours of the article’s publication, Tesla issued an official denial via its X (formerly Twitter) account. The statement, attributed to Chairwoman Robyn Denholm, read:
“Earlier today, there was a media report erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk, and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead.”
Elon Musk also responded directly and forcefully via X, writing:
“It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the @WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors!”
He followed up with a blunt statement:
“WSJ is a discredit to journalism.”
It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the @WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors! https://t.co/9xdypLGg3c
While Tesla and Musk have denied any active CEO search, the WSJ report brought renewed focus to concerns about Musk’s level of engagement with Tesla. His leadership roles across multiple ventures, including X, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, have led to ongoing speculation about his bandwidth.
These concerns have grown in light of Tesla’s recent financial results. The company reported a 71% year-on-year decline in quarterly profits and a 9% drop in revenue, with earnings falling from $21.3 billion to $19.3 billion in the January–March period. Musk has since reassured investors during Tesla’s latest earnings call that he plans to “refocus” on the company, but questions remain about how much time and attention he can actually devote to Tesla.
A Broader Context
This isn’t the first time speculation around Musk’s future at Tesla has emerged. As the head of several companies, questions around his long-term commitment to Tesla have remained. Any suggestion of succession, real or speculative, carries major implications for Tesla’s stock and long-term strategy, given how closely Musk’s leadership is tied to investor confidence.
Despite recent financial setbacks, Tesla continues to expand its EV business and remains a global leader in the electric mobility space. As of now, there is no official indication from the company that a leadership transition is being planned.
Final Thoughts
This situation shows how sensitive the relationship is between media reports, company leadership, and public trust. While Tesla has clearly denied any search for a new CEO, questions about Musk’s focus and the company’s financial future remain.
For now, Elon Musk continues to lead Tesla with full support from the board. Whether that’s enough to ease investor concerns may depend on how the company performs next, and how clearly Musk proves he’s still fully committed.
Adani Group, a ports-to-power conglomerate led by Gautam Adani, has apparently halted talks for a $10 billion semiconductor collaboration with Tower Semiconductor of Israel. The move came after an internal assessment that found the idea currently lacked strategic and commercial feasibility, according to a media report.
Adani Group’s intention to establish an INR 83,947 Cr ($10 Bn) semiconductor manufacturing factory with Israel’s Tower Semiconductor was authorised by Maharashtra’s cabinet in September of last year.
This move supported India’s goal of becoming a worldwide centre for chip manufacture and was anticipated to generate 5,000 jobs. In phase 1, the semiconductor plant will be able to produce 40,000 wafers per month; after phase 2, this capacity will rise to 80,000 wafers per month.
Why the Deal was Paused?
The Adani Group had previously said that the project was being considered. But after the most recent evaluation, the business withdrew its statement, citing concerns about demand, particularly in India. The report went on to say that the choice was more strategic in nature.
After evaluating it, Adani made the decision to wait, even if it is possible that this will restart at a later date. Without providing specifics, another story stated that the group was dissatisfied with the amount of money Tower was willing to contribute to the relationship.
According to the article, Adani wanted Tower to have more financial stake in the contract, even though Tower was supposed to contribute technological expertise.
Chipmaking Sector in India
As of now, India lacks a functional chip manufacturing facility. In July 2023, a $19.5 billion joint venture between Taiwan’s Foxconn and Indian company Vedanta collapsed due to delays in incentive clearances and project prices, which New Delhi had questioned.
The most well-known projects now in progress are a $2.7 billion chip packaging unit by U.S.-based Micron and an $11 billion chipmaking and additional chip testing plant by the Tata Group.
According to a UBS estimate this month, the United States and China together account for 54% of the world’s semiconductor end demand. This year, India will have a 6.5% share.
Set Back for Modi Government
To increase chipmaking in India, the western state of Maharashtra announced in September of last year that Adani Group and Tower had been approved to establish a plant that would produce 80,000 wafers each month.
Their production partnership was expected to create about 5,000 jobs. The agreement, which signalled the Adani Group’s entry into the semiconductor sector, is probably going to be a significant blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative.
The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) forecasts that the country’s semiconductor market will reach $103.4 billion by 2030, up from $52 billion in 2024.
According to the report, demand from key industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, military, information technology (IT), telecommunications, and mobile phones is driving the increase.
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India’s digital lending market is on a rapid rise, projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025. With increasing smartphone usage, growing financial awareness, and a nationwide push for financial inclusion, the demand for fast, secure, and accessible loan solutions is stronger than ever. Among the key players transforming this space is Olyv, one of India’s most trusted personal loan providers.
Olyv stands out for its customer-first approach, offering instant approvals, competitive interest rates, flexible repayment options, and a seamless digital experience. Powered by advanced technology, smart risk models, and strong partnerships, Olyv is simplifying the borrowing experience and enabling financial freedom at scale.
In this article, explore more about Olyv—its founders, business and revenue model, funding journey, challenges faced, growth trajectory, and more.
Olyv – Company Highlights
Name
Olyv
Headquarters
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Sector
Fintech
Founders
Rohit Garg, Jayant Upadhyay, Amit Chandel, Vinay Singh
Olyv, formerly known as SmartCoin, was founded in 2017 as an app-based consumer lending platform that partnered with RBI-registered lenders to provide quick personal loans to underbanked self-employed and salaried individuals in India. Over the years, Olyv has evolved into a comprehensive digital financial platform, offering a wide range of services, including higher ticket size loans (upto 5 lakh), digital gold savings, and credit score management products.
With over 4 Crore users and a presence across 19,000+ pin codes, Olyv is ISO-certified and has become a trusted name in the fintech space. Backed by reputed investors like LGT Lightorck, Olyv is supported by a team of ~500 professionals dedicated to empowering the next billion pan-Indian population through technology-driven financial solutions. Olyv is also an active member of industry bodies like DLAI and FACE, working to improve the fintech ecosystem for both customers and industry players.
Olyv – Industry
India’s fintech market is one of the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025. Olyv operates in the digital lending space, which is a significant segment of this market. With increasing smartphone penetration and digital adoption, the demand for accessible financial products is expected to grow exponentially. Olyv aims to capture a significant share of this market by expanding its offerings and reaching underserved populations.
Olyv – Founders and Team
Rohit Garg – Olyv Co-Founder and CEO
Rohit Garg, Amit Chandel, Vinay Kumar Singh, and Jayant Upadhyay are Co-Founders of Olyv.
At Olyv, the work is strategically divided among the co-founders based on their expertise. Rohit Garg, as the Co-Founder & CEO, leads the company’s vision, strategy, and overall business growth. Amit Chandel, the Co-Founder & CTO, oversees technology and innovation, ensuring a seamless digital lending experience. Vinay Kumar Singh, the Co-Founder & CPO, focuses on product development, enhancing user experience, and driving innovation in financial offerings. Jayant Upadhyay, the Co-Founder & COO, manages operations, ensuring efficiency in processes and execution. Together, they combine their strengths to make Olyv a trusted financial partner for users in India.
Olyv – Startup Story
Olyv was founded with the vision of providing quick and accessible credit to underserved users in India. The inspiration came from recognizing the financial struggles of individuals who lacked access to traditional credit due to limited credit history or formal financial footprints. The founders saw an opportunity to bridge this gap using technology and data-driven risk assessment. To validate the idea, they leveraged digital lending models, analyzing customer behavior and repayment patterns to refine their approach. By focusing on simplicity, speed, and reliability in financial services, Olyv has been able to not only scale massively but also in a profitable manner, validating the business model.
Olyv – Mission and Vision
Mission
Olyv’s core beliefs revolve around trust, transparency, and innovation. The company is committed to bridging the credit gap for underserved communities by using cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless and user-friendly financial services.
Its mottoaligns with its mission to provide accessible and affordable financial solutions, enabling individuals to achieve their aspirations and improve their financial well-being. By combining technology, customer-centricity, and strategic partnerships, Olyv is dedicated to creating a sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem for emerging India.
Vision
Olyv’s short-term vision focuses on expanding its reach and enhancing its product offerings to serve the underserved population of India, particularly in Tier 2+ cities. This includes leveraging advanced AI and machine learning to analyze user behavior, predict financial needs, and deliver highly personalized financial products with unmatched accuracy and speed. Olyv further aims to elevate its growth through embedded partnerships and expanding its product offerings based on customer needs.
Olyv aims to become a one-stop digital financial platform in the long term, empowering the next billion Indians with technology-driven financial products that foster financial inclusion and wellness.
Olyv – Name, Tagline and Logo
Olyv Logo
The name ‘Olyv’ was conceptualized with the understanding of keeping a uniquely significant name for the brand that is category-extendable and also extremely easy to pronounce. The company also has anecdotal references of “Olive” being a beacon of prosperity and growth across multiple global cultures. Choosing a lucid name like Olyv was a call taken with an in-depth understanding of both historical as well as practical references. The fact that the new name ‘Olyv’ is attributed to the higher brand mentions as compared to the previous brand name is a testimony to the seamless adoption and brand awareness amongst the customers.
The Olyv Logo is designed with the thought of a dart and an upward trending arrowhead, where the dart shows the depth of its product offerings, and the upward trending arrowhead signifies the growth and progress of its customers enabled via Olyv’s offerings.
The tagline “Jahan Sapne Wahan Olyv” is an ode to its relentless pursuit to be the partner to the aspirations of the ‘Emerging India’ democratizing credit access for all.
Olyv – Business Model and Revenue Model
Olyv operates as a comprehensive digital financial platform, offering a range of products such as personal loans, digital gold savings, and a credit score. Its business model revolves around leveraging advanced AI and machine learning to provide tailored financial solutions to underserved and underbanked individuals, including self-employed professionals, gig workers, and salaried individuals. Olyv generates revenue and profits through a combination of its core offering, i.e. digital lending (through interest on loans and processing fees) and cross-selling other services including digital gold savings and credit score management.
The platform’s pricing is competitive, with interest rates and fees structured to ensure affordability while maintaining healthy profit margins. By focusing on financial inclusion and using technology to minimize operational costs, Olyv has achieved a scalable and sustainable revenue model. Additionally, strategic partnerships, such as the one with Sourav Ganguly, are expected to drive customer acquisition and retention, further enhancing profitability and market penetration.
Olyv – Product/ Services
Olyv offers a range of financial products, including unsecured personal loans, digital gold savings, and credit score management. The app allows users to avail of personal loans through RBI-registered lenders, enabling safe loan approvals and disbursements. It solves the problem of financial exclusion by providing underserved individuals with access to credit and savings tools, helping them achieve their financial goals.
Olyv – Launching Company Strategies
The company began by tapping into their networks—family and friends—to build an initial customer base. This approach provided valuable feedback and allowed them to refine their offering early on. Social media played a crucial role in amplifying their reach, enabling them to connect with early adopters. Additionally, word-of-mouth marketing proved highly effective, as satisfied users recommended their services to others.
Importantly, the company prioritized direct conversations with customers to better understand their challenges and preferences. This hands-on, customer-centric approach helped build trust and ensured they were addressing a genuine problem. By remaining focused on the customer and staying agile, they were able to grow organically and establish a strong foundation for Olyv.
Olyv – Growth
Olyv has a massive distribution with 4 Crore users and a pan-India presence, disbursing loans to 19,000+ pin codes across the country. To date, Olyv has disbursed approximately 1 billion in loans across around 6 million loans with about 75% repeat customers. The new products launched in the last few quarters (including digital gold savings and credit score management) are scaling rapidly and have helped reach over 2.5 million MAUs across its platform, already contributing to the company’s bottom line.
It has partnered with reputed investors, and its impact has been recognized at platforms like the World Economic Forum.
Olyv – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
Since its launch, Olyv has implemented several innovative strategies to drive customer growth and retention, particularly targeting underserved segments of society, including self-employed individuals, early-salaried professionals, and customers from Tier 2+ cities. One of the key strategies has been leveraging advanced AI and machine learning to offer personalized financial solutions, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience. Olyv has also focused on building trust and transparency by clearly communicating loan terms, interest rates, and repayment processes, which has been critical in attracting and retaining customers who are often skeptical of digital financial platforms.
Additionally, strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Sourav Ganguly, have played a significant role in driving awareness and adoption of Olyv’s services across India. This partnership has helped Olyv reach a wider audience, particularly in smaller cities and towns, while reinforcing its mission of financial inclusion. By continuously expanding its product portfolio to include services like larger loans, digital gold savings, and credit health management, Olyv has been able to meet the evolving needs of its customers, fostering long-term loyalty and growth.
Sourav Ganguly’s Collaboration with Olyv
Olyv – Challenges
Olyv has encountered several challenges on its journey to becoming a leading digital financial platform. One of the key challenges was assessing the creditworthiness of individuals with limited or no formal credit history. Olyv tackled this by leveraging advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze alternative data points, enabling them to provide personalized loans while minimizing risks.
Additionally, scaling operations to meet the growing demand for financial services in India posed a challenge. With the support of strategic funding from investors, Olyv expanded its product offerings and enhanced its technological infrastructure. By focusing on innovation, customer trust, and strategic partnerships, Olyv has successfully navigated these challenges, emerging as a trusted platform for financial management in India.
Olyv – Funding
Olyv has been successfully raising capital across instruments, including equity, venture debt, and debt, to support its mission of driving financial inclusion for underserved communities in India. Over the years, the company has attracted investments from prominent fintech investors. This funding has enabled the company to transition from a consumer lending platform to a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem, offering services such as larger loans, digital gold savings, and credit score management. Supported by a strong network of investors and a clear vision, Olyv continues to innovate and grow, aiming to empower the next billion Indians with accessible and technology-driven financial solutions.
Here are the funding details of Olyv as sourced from Tracxn:
Date
Round
Amount (USD)
Lead Investors
Jan 02, 2024
Series B
1.66M
Trifecta Capital
Aug 08, 2023
Series B
1.73M
India SME Investments
Jul 11, 2023
Series B
2.97M
Lightrock
Nov 02, 2022
Series B
3.93M
Lightrock
Feb 14, 2022
Series B
6.89M
India SME Investments
Feb 17, 2020
Series A
7M
Anita Lifestyle Udyog
Jul 08, 2017
Seed
2.04M
01VC
Feb 20, 2017
Seed
500K
Unicorn India Ventures
Olyv – Key Tools and Software
Olyv uses in-house advanced AI and machine learning tools for credit score checks, risk assessment, and customer engagement. The app is built on a robust tech stack to ensure scalability and security.
Olyv – Social Media Campaigns
One of Olyv’s most successful marketing campaigns has been its rebranding initiative, which marked its evolution from SmartCoin to Olyv. This campaign was designed to communicate the company’s transformation from a consumer lending platform to a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem. The rebranding highlighted Olyv’s expanded offerings, including larger loans, digital gold savings, and credit score management, while emphasizing its mission to empower underserved Indians.
The campaign leveraged a mix of digital marketing, social media engagement, and storytelling to connect with its target audience, showcasing real-life success stories of users who benefited from Olyv’s services. By focusing on trust, transparency, and financial inclusion, the campaign resonated deeply with its audience, driving significant user engagement and reinforcing Olyv’s position as a leader in the fintech space. This strategic effort not only strengthened brand recall but also aligned with Olyv’s vision of fostering financial wellness for emerging India.
Olyv – Startups Program/External Support
Olyv has participated in programs like Google’s Launchpad Accelerator, which provided mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, helping the company scale its operations.
Olyv – Awards and Achievement
Fintech Startup of the Year – 2025 by the jury of ET BrandEquity
Best AI Application of Tech for Good at the Financial Express Futech Award 2022, and was recognized at the prestigious World Economic Forum for its mission to drive tech-enabled financial inclusion.
Olyv has been celebrated at national and international platforms, including Google’s Launchpad Accelerator and the Global Inclusive50 by MetLife, VISA, and IFC.
Olyv’s biggest achievement lies in transforming from a credit-led platform to a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem, offering services like larger loans, digital gold savings, and credit health management. Supported by marquee investors including Lightorck, and as an active member of DLAI and FACE, Olyv continues to lead the way in fostering financial inclusion and wellness for emerging India.
Over the next 1–2 years, the company’s primary focus will be on scaling operations and enhancing its offerings to better serve customers. Taking inspiration from successful rebranding and growth strategies, such as those implemented by Olyv, it plans to invest significantly in technology and innovation to improve user experience. This includes expanding its product portfolio, leveraging data analytics for personalized solutions, and strengthening its digital presence through targeted marketing campaigns.
In addition, the organization aims to forge strategic partnerships and explore new markets to drive growth. By prioritizing customer-centric approaches and maintaining agility in its strategies, it is confident in achieving sustainable growth and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
FAQs
What is Olyv?
Olyv is an app-based consumer lending platform that partnered with RBI-registered lenders to provide quick personal loans to underbanked self-employed and salaried individuals in India.
What are the benefits of using Olyv for a personal loan?
The advantages of using Olyv could include speed, convenience, transparency, competitive interest rates, or a more streamlined application process.
Is Olyv approved by RBI?
Olyv is also registered with the RBI and adheres to the regulations set by the Reserve Bank of India.
Google has said that it will change its performance grading system to give higher bonuses and stock awards to top performers while possibly cutting lower-performing employees’ pay.
The vice president of worldwide compensation and benefits at Google, John Casey, told staff members in an email headlined “Strengthening our performance culture” that more people will have the chance to receive the “Outstanding Impact” rating in yearly evaluations.
Casey stated, “High performance is more important than ever to achieve the goals we’ve set,” adding that the alterations are being made to “further reward top contributors” inside the organisation.
Focusing on Top Performers
The modifications particularly influence Google’s Googler Reviews and Development (GRAD) annual evaluation system. This system assigns a score to employee performance ranging from “not enough impact” to “transformative impact”.
The majority of workers usually fit into the “Significant Impact” group. More staff will be eligible for the coveted “Outstanding Impact” grade under the new structure, which has a direct impact on pay. Additionally, managers who perform well in the “Significant Impact” area will be rewarded with larger discretionary funds.
Casey did concede that these adjustments would be “budget-neutral”, which means that some workers will earn lower pay in order to pay for the raises for high achievers.
Someone’s Loss is Someone’s Gain
In the email, Casey informed the employees that the firm would like to make clear that, in order to finance this, the equity and bonus individual multipliers for Significant Impact and Moderate Impact ratings would be slightly reduced.
Notably, significant impact will continue to be a high rating; if it is attained, the employee will still receive more than his desired bonus. The adjustments were confirmed by Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini, who said, “We’re making these changes to further reward top performers and continue our momentum across the company.”
The pay adjustments are in line with a larger trend in the tech sector, where organisations such as Microsoft and Meta are raising performance standards. These changes will affect Google’s 2026 pay planning and year-end reviews.
In his email to employees, Casey came to the conclusion that the aforementioned adjustments are budget-neutral and that the company is still investing in extensive and very competitive perks and compensation.
Google Fires Hundreds of Employees from its Android, Pixel, and Chrome Groups
According to a media report, Alphabet’s Google has let go of hundreds of workers from its Platforms and Devices business. This division is in charge of important products like the Chrome browser, Pixel devices, and Android software.
The layoffs come after a voluntary departure programme that was made available to staff members in January.
The action is a component of a continuous reorganisation that started last year when Google combined its Chrome and Android teams under the Pixel and Devices group. This group is headed by Rick Osterloh, a company executive. The combined company employed around 20,000 people at the time of the merger.
There’s no dearth of inspiring movies if one considers cinematic contributions across the globe each year. Movies like “The Wolf of Wall Street” have given rise to a new genre: entrepreneurial cinema. India is second to none when it comes to producing movies promoting entrepreneurship and the startup culture. Bollywood & Hollywood Business movies can teach various lessons on how to start and run a business. Baazaar and other Bollywood films are changing the Indian population’s mindset towards the world of business. Whereas Hollywood business movies such as The Pursuit of Happiness & The Godfather have no match!
If you’re an entrepreneur or someone who wants to build a career of his own, there comes a time in life when everything goes downhill, leaving you helpless and underconfident. Motivation is a factor everyone needs on a timely basis to keep going. Even the most successful entrepreneurs need motivation and inspiration from time to time. Watching inspirational movies is one of the proven ways to get motivated.
Whether you enjoy reading books, bingeing web series or like to watch movies, we’ve got you all covered! If you are a Movie person, go ahead and read this article to find the list of some amazing inspirational movies for entrepreneurs.
We have listed some of the best Bollywood and Hollywood business-related movies for entrepreneurs. Even if you aren’t remotely associated with entrepreneurship, these movies will still benefit you with great insights and learnings. Have fun watching these Hindi & English business movies!
Bollywood is now churning out quality films every other day. The Bollywood Business movies in the list are some noteworthy attempts at making high-standard films that ooze out inspiration and motivation. Every film out there, be it Bollywood or Hollywood, has a thing or two to teach. Here is the list of the best business movies in Hindi:
1. Guru
Movie Name
Guru
IMDB Rating
7.8/10
Release date
12 January 2007
Best Business Movies in Bollywood – Guru
Lesson from the movie: Persistence and determination are key to building a successful business.
Guru is undoubtedly Abhishek Bachchan’s most popular movie. The movie is a brilliant reflection of the life of the man who started the Reliance empire, Dhirubhai Ambani. Although the makers of the movie never openly claimed that the cinematic venture was Dhirubhai’s story, the audience and critics who saw the film could scrutinize Dhirubhai Ambani’s rise being portrayed on the silver screen.
Mani Ratnam’s directorial ingenuity makes the movie appealing especially if you’re an innovative soul seeking to start your own venture. You will get some insight into what entrepreneurship meant in the 1950s! Guru is one of the best Bollywood movies on business and a must-watch. The most important lesson it has for young entrepreneurs is self-confidence. Do what you want to and not what others want you to. Which is one of the key principles of any business. Being confident in your decisions and taking charge is what entrepreneurship is all about. It is one of the best business-related movies in Hindi.
Srikanth – Best Bollywood Movie Based on an Entrepreneur’s Real-Life Story
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Lesson from the movie: No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, believing in yourself and staying determined can help you achieve your dreams.
Srikanth is based on the real-life story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur from a small village in Andhra Pradesh. Born into a family of farmers, Srikanth faced numerous challenges due to his disability. Despite being told he couldn’t study science in school, he fought for his right and excelled, scoring 98% in his board exams. After being denied admission to Indian engineering institutes, he became the first international blind student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Upon returning to India, he founded Bollant Industries, a company that provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities by manufacturing eco-friendly products. His journey showcases the power of resilience, innovation, and the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed.
In 2025, Srikanth expanded his influence by becoming a judge on Shark Tank India Season 4, using his experiences to mentor and support budding entrepreneurs.
This film is a testament to the idea that with passion and perseverance, one can turn adversity into opportunity, making it a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Lesson from the movie: The value of honesty and integrity in business dealings.
Whenever we talk about the top 10 business movies in India, a name that cannot be skipped is Rocket Singh. Rocket Singh is based on a man (having the same name as the movie title) who is employed as a salesperson. He goes on to launch his own company in the same segment that too while doing his day job. Rocket Singh uses his employer’s resources for setting up his own venture without letting his boss know about it.
The movie had an excellent storyline and characterization, which weren’t utilized to the fullest. As a result, Rocket Singh didn’t deliver the impact it was capable of. People starting their own ventures ought to watch this movie for some cues and tricks.
4. Band Baaja Baarat
Movie Name
Band Baaja Baarat
IMDB Rating
7.2/10
Release date
12 January 2007
Lesson from the movie: The importance of teamwork and collaboration in entrepreneurship.
Band Baaja Baaraat is based on the escapades of a girl and a boy. The girl, Shruti, is determined to do something big in life. On the other hand, the boy, Bitoo, is nonchalant, just going with the flow. He finds solace in chilling out with his friends at the University of Delhi. The clichéd Bollywood formula ensures the two end up meeting each other.
But hold on, here’s the entrepreneurial stuff—they decide to start a wedding planning venture. The only rule they need to follow is not to love each other. Though this is a work of fiction, you do learn tidbits about a wedding planner’s job and the Indian way of doing business.
5. Badmaash Company
Movie Name
Badmaash Company
IMDB Rating
6/10
Release date
7 May 2010
Badmaash Company – Best Business Movies in Bollywood
Lesson from the movie: Taking calculated risks and thinking outside the box can lead to success.
Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma starrer Badmaash Company was ahead of its time and was a hit. Badmaash Company is about four friends who do the wrong things in the right way to make hoards of cash.
You will enjoy Badmaash Company because of the idea it depicts. Some things may feel out of place (illogical?), but then what’s Bollywood without some hard-to-explain scenes? Young individuals would love the film because of the bling shown. Hands down, this is one of the most entertaining and fun movies on business Bollywood.
6. Corporate
Movie Name
Corporate
IMDB Rating
6.5/10
Release date
7 July 2006
Lesson from the movie: The dangers of greed and corruption in the corporate world
The Bipasha Basu starrer movie is the only movie that strongly depicts the negative traits of corporate life. Corporate, true to its name, ruminates on how the corporate industry works.
You get to see the ethics and the culture of a workplace. The film provides insights into how huge industries function and what employees do to cope with professional issues.
7. 3 idiots
Movie Name
3 idiots
IMDB Rating
8.4/10
Release date
25 December 2009
Lesson from the movie: The importance of pursuing one’s passion and thinking creatively.
3 Idiots is the perfect combination of inspiration, comedy, emotion, and last but not least, love. It is the story of 3 college friends with varying outlooks on education. 3 Idiots propagates the message that formal degrees and certificates are not necessarily a testament to one’s knowledge.
The movie compels the audience to think beyond the established norms in order to live a fulfilling life. An excellent movie that broke many box office records.
8. Wake Up Sid
Movie Name
Wake Up Sid
IMDB Rating
7.6/10
Release date
2 October 2009
Lesson from the movie: The benefits of embracing change and taking risks
Though it may not promote startups or entrepreneurship directly, the movie shows why it’s important to be familiar with the struggles of life. This movie projects the life of a rich kid, Sid.
If not below average, he is okayish in his studies and is interested in hanging around with friends. It is when he leaves his house due to some father-son arguments does he realize the challenges of a middle-class family. It is one of the best business movies in Hindi.
9. Hindi Medium
Movie Name
Hindi Medium
IMDB Rating
7.8/10
Release date
19 May 2017
Lesson from the movie: The importance of adapting to changing market trends and customer needs
Hindi Medium is about a self-made businessman struggling to get his daughter admitted to a reputed school. The institution demands that the parents be literate. As a result, he decides to get her admitted through a quota reserved. The family shifts to a below-average place of living and quits the comforts it was used to.
The movie simultaneously depicts the challenges faced by the poor and the rich. You will enjoy the subject and the humor depicted. Spoiler alert, but the lesson is that education from a big school does not always result in success. Every entrepreneur will enjoy this Bollywood movie.
10. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Movie Name
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
IMDB Rating
8.1/10
Release date
15 July 2011
Best Business Movies in Bollywood – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Lesson from the movie: The value of work-life balance and enjoying the journey towards success
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara teaches us to live life to its fullest and enjoy the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. The characters are plagued by personal problems and have lost the charm of living.
A three-week group vacation makes them realize that it’s not worth being stressed out and hesitant all the time. With an amazing direction and a plot full of twists, you’ll definitely love the film.
11. Raajneeti
Movie Name
Raajneeti
IMDB Rating
7.1/10
Release date
4 June 2010
Lesson from the movie: The consequences of power struggles and political maneuvering in business
As the name suggests, Raajneeti is based on political vendetta and vengeance. The political backdrop, the tussle for power, and a formidable cast teach you the challenges and situations one’s going to face in a competitive environment.
12. Special 26
Movie Name
Special 26
IMDB Rating
8/10
Release date
8 February 2013
Lesson from the movie: The importance of strategy and planning in executing successful business operations
Movie buffs and entrepreneurs should watch Special 26 to see the wonders of creative thinking and execution. Special 26 takes place in the eighties. A group of tricksters carries out one of the biggest heists in India. Just to let you know, this is based on a real-life event.
13. Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai
Movie Name
Once Upon A Time in Mumbai
IMDB Rating
7.4/10
Release date
30 July 2010
Lesson from the movie: The significance of building a strong brand and reputation in business
The film speaks volumes about illegal businesses and trades, making it one of the must-watch business-related movies in Hindi. The under-the-table transactions, the tussle for power, backstabbing, etc., are relevant to the corporate culture of today. Entrepreneurs could use this movie as a guide for identifying unethical practices and not going astray.
14. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Movie Name
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
IMDB Rating
8.2/10
Release date
11 July 2013
Lesson from the movie: The importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges and setbacks
This Bollywood movie is a massive source of inspiration for many of us. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag goes beyond being a biography and teaches a few lessons on dealing with unforeseen hardships.
Lesson from the movie: The benefits of setting clear goals and working towards them with dedication and focus
Lakshya is another inspirational movie dealing with life in general. Its song “Lakshya” often graces music playlists when one seeks motivation. The movie dawns on the realization that fear of failure is the only obstacle one may face in achieving his or her goals and aspirations.
Lesson from the movie: The power of collaboration and community-building in entrepreneurship
This movie first came out in 1976, and it has a setting in rural India. The complications faced by the veterinary Dr. Rao in setting up a milk cooperative for the villagers, which disturbs the socio-economic condition of the village, are shown.
The Hindi feature film becomes a great and early example of entrepreneurship in India. Depictions of gender problems, caste discrimination, and lack of support are evident in this 1976 movie, Manthan, starring Girish Karnad and Smitha Patil.
17. Tumse Na Ho Payega
Movie Name
Tumse Na Ho Payega
IMDB Rating
7.6/10
Release Year
2023
Best Business Movies Hindi – Tumse Na Ho Payega
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Lesson from the movie: Simple ideas, determination, and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges and building a successful business.
Tumse Na Ho Payega is a feel-good story of Gaurav Shukla (Ishwak Singh), a young entrepreneur who starts a home-cooked lunch delivery service. Inspired by Varun Agarwal’s book, Gaurav begins his venture with a simple idea but faces many challenges along the way. As he tries to grow his startup, he has to deal with doubts from others and unexpected hurdles.
The film shows how Gaurav’s hard work, creativity, and ability to adjust to challenges help him turn his small idea into a successful business. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and the ups and downs of starting a business, making it a great addition to the list of best movies for entrepreneurs.
18. Baazaar
Movie Name
Baazaar
IMDB Rating
6.7/10
Release date
12 January 2007
Lesson from the movie: The importance of networking and building relationships in the business world.
Baazaar didn’t generate much buzz, but it was warmly welcomed by the audience and the critics alike. Saif Ali Khan starrer Bazaar is based on how the Dalal Street works and what happens behind the closed curtains. To add some masala, the director has included a fictitious storyline. Although the plot may seem to be predictable, aspiring entrepreneurs would still love this Bollywood movie since it shows what a businessman’s life is all about.
Bollywood & Hollywood Business movies can teach various lessons on how to start a business, grow the business & other entrepreneurial lessons. Here is the list of the best entrepreneurial movies of all time. These business-related movies will surely inspire you. Have a look –
Movies for entrepreneurs – Hollywood
1. The Godfather
Movie Name
The Godfather
IMDB Rating
9.2/10
Release Year
14 March 1972
Lesson from the movie: The importance of building relationships and networking in business
Successful business in one sentence. This movie is an inspiration to all future leaders. It has not just one message but a number of them all, which will directly move you. It focuses on the importance of relationships with family, friends, and even enemies.
The movie makes the young generation understand ethical as well as unethical means to deal with situations that today or maybe tomorrow will definitely come in their way and they’ve to face them.
“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse”
2. GoodFellas
Movie Name
Goodfellas
IMDB Rating
8.7/10
Release Year
12 September 1990
Lesson from the movie: The dangers of unethical behavior and taking shortcuts in business
The 1990 drama-crime film discusses the mob life in New York and gives you a number of lessons, too. Through the dirty drug business, the average life it gives you. Some important lessons include not running away from work, and the value of words, promises and money.
Also, it highlights the need for humour as a must-have requirement in order to live the good life. Laughing at mistakes and at situations makes them easier to deal with, and if not, at least you had a good laugh.
If You’re Part Of A Crew, Nobody Ever Tells You That They’re Going To Kill You”
3. Fight Club
Movie Name
Fight Club
IMDB Rating
8.8/10
Release Year
21 September 1999
Best Business Movies in Hollywood – Fight Club
Lesson from the movie: The value of questioning societal norms and thinking creatively
This movie may not teach you any business lesson, but an important life lesson. The movie was a total flop at the time of its release. However, people later realized the art of this movie. The movie depicts the life of a person who has everything, a good job, apartment, money, etc. But still struggles to be happy.
He is going through many mental problems. Later, he meets a man who teaches him how to live life. This movie tells us how mafia groups are born and what can happen if you are not happy with your life. The movie takes an interesting turn at the end. It is full of mystery, you just don’t realize it till the end.
We buy things we don’t need with the money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.
4. The Godfather Trilogy
Movie Name
The Godfather Trilogy
IMDB Rating
9.2/10
Release Year
14 March 1972
Lesson from the movie: The importance of networking and building relationships
The Godfather Trilogy is possible the all-time best masterpiece of cinema for entrepreneurs. The movie highlights why relationships and building networks matter, why helping people lends itself to a good business and why understanding competition is very crucial.
The movie is intensely entertaining and packed with thrilling, thought-provoking scenes that will surely leave you better prepared to handle your business challenges. The movie addresses issues about competitive strategies, corporate take-overs, alliances, corporate succession, and diversification that will result in the success of your firm.
“I have learned more in the streets than in any class room.”
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
Movie Name
The Wolf of Wall Street
IMDB Rating
8.2/10
Release Year
3 January 2014
Lesson from the movie: The consequences of greed and corruption in business
The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort who was a millionaire stockbroker during his time. It follows through his rise and fall as an entrepreneur and showcases how his firm Stratton Oakmont was engaged in penny stock trading and became unexceptionally successful which drew the attention of the FBI as they suspected securities scams.
Jordan Belfort is an example of what an entrepreneur should not be. He was swayed by greed, driven by unethical practices, had little or no empathy towards people around him, and spent too much time on drugs and alcohol – which eventually led to his downfall. There is also a scene in the movie which features Matthew McConaughey where he describes what it takes to be a stockbroker which is one of the best scenes in the movie.
Work until your bank account looks like a phone number.”
6. The Pursuit of Happiness
Movie Name
The Pursuit of Happiness
IMDB Rating
8/10
Release Year
15 December 2006
“Don’t let anyone tell you, that you can’t do something”
Lesson from the movie: The importance of resilience and persistence in the face of challenges
This movie is very close to reality. It inspires you and tells you that if you want to be “rags to riches” in real you have to go and get whatever you want. It shows struggles in ordinary life that a common man has to face from bad luck to rejection to hard work that goes in vain, it has all.
The honesty of this movie will make you realize the importance of struggle and the need for patience on your way to success.
7. Jobs (2013)
Movie Name
Jobs (2013)
IMDB Rating
7.2/10
Release Year
16 October 2015
Lesson from the movie: The significance of innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship
Michael Fassbender starring Steve Jobs is based on the life of Apple co-founder – Steve Jobs. The movie is a biopic with three sequences – all depicting a pivotal point in Steve’s life. He faces many problems in his personal and professional life while trying to launch three products in the market.
It takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint an intimate portrait of the brilliantly talented man as its epicentre. It is a great movie that is inspirational in its very essence – it shows how great ideas are not born through compromise but through vision and determination.
“I’m not dismissing the value of higher education; I’m simply saying it comes at the expense of experience.”
Lesson from the movie: The power of networking and collaboration in building successful businesses
The movie is based on Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta. It shows an 18-year-old boy learning real business. He learns about the darker side of the business when his idea is stolen.
Protecting your ideas in the corporate world and planning for the worst is what an entrepreneur must always be ready for. Also, Ideas have no value; what matters is applying them in the real world.
Best Business Movies in Hollywood – Glengarry Glen Ross
Lesson from the movie: The impact of competition and pressure in the business world
Glengarry Glen Ross is based on an award-winning play by David Mamet which shows the plight of real estate salespeople during a disruptive and turbulent sales season. The motivational speech given by Baldwin to the sales team is a moving scene in the film.
The movie shows how it is like to function and operate in a high-pressure sales atmosphere and how you need to use your wits in order to survive and thrive. It takes a closer look at the betrayals and lies people endure just to succeed in their field of business, and illustrates how vicious the business world can be.
“If everyone thinks one thing, then I say bet the other way.”
10. Citizen Kane
Movie Name
Citizen Kane
IMDB Rating
8.3/10
Release Year
1 May 1941
Lesson from the movie: The value of building a strong personal brand and reputation in business
Citizen Kane is a movie that even if you are not an entrepreneur, or an aspirant too, you should watch regardless as it is one of the masterpieces of cinema. The movie revolves around the life of Charles Foster Kane who is a newspaper tycoon, loosely based on William Randolph Hearst, and his quest for fortune, fame, and power.
But in the end, Kane comes to a realization and understands what is really important in life. It teaches one that while aspiring to be a successful businessman is a goal of every entrepreneur, it is not the only goal in life.
There is only one person in the world who is going to decide what I’m going to do and that’s me.”
11. Catch Me If You Can
Movie Name
Catch Me If You Can
IMDB Rating
8.1/10
Release Year
25 December 2002
Lesson from the movie: The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in entrepreneurship
Catch Me If You Can is based on a true story about the successful con artist Frank Abagnale who charms everyone with his skill mastery. The movie is a classic film that exemplifies the entrepreneurial journey. It covers important themes like creative problem solving, turning something good out of a bad situation, and good old hustle to reach the top, to reach the success one desires.
You will learn many things from this movie – entrepreneurship skills, creativity and innovation, business vision, perseverance, personal sales techniques, and funding sources. That should, of course, be done with an ethical code of conduct.
Dear Dad, you always told me that an honest man has nothing to fear, so I’m trying my best not to be afraid.”
Lesson from the movie: The significance of taking calculated risks and thinking outside the box
The 1988 Tom Cruise starring film shows a bartender with high aspirations who reads books all the time. The story is a mix of drama and romance. It shows how valuable an idea is.
An entrepreneur is not who works only if the things come out as per him and his ideal choices but is the one who can make his idea work anywhere. Even a bartender can then become a bar owner. And even a shopkeeper is an entrepreneur because he believes in his idea and in the best way can deliver it.
“If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere”
13. Moneyball
Movie Name
Moneyball
IMDB Rating
7.6/10
Release Year
24 February 2012
Lesson from the movie: The benefits of data-driven decision making in business
This movie is based on baseball but is entertaining to all demographics. Brad Pitt portrays Billy Beane who is the general manager of the Oakland A’s. The team is met with a deficit of finances to spend on players and Beane had to discover unique tactics to compete. He overcomes the odds stacked against his team. He decides to take the untested sabre-metric approach toward building his team to achieve incredible results in the MLB (Major Baseball League).
Billy Bean had to adapt in order to survive. He had to take risks and make tough decisions to achieve good results. These circumstances and scenarios are what most startups face when they go against stiff competition from already established ventures. The movie showcases how success can be achieved through risk-taking and inventiveness.
“Hard work may not always end up in success but it will never end up in regret.”
14. Two for the Money
Movie Name
Two for the Money
IMDB Rating
6.3/10
Release Year
7 October 2005
Business-related movie for entrepreneurs – Two for the money
Lesson from the movie: The significance of strategy and planning in building successful businesses
This movie is set in the world of Vegas Professional Football and the gambling world is just one of the places you will visit in the analysis of just how changes happen when things seem out of your control.
Two for the Money stars Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey in a cautionary, no-holds-barred tale about the destructive, shape-shifting power of addiction. It showcases that changes can be made by anybody if the motivation is there deep down. It is a great pick for new aspiring entrepreneurs out there.
“Stats are not enough, you need a voice! These are gamblers ready to risk what they can’t afford for what they can’t have, you’re selling the world’s rarest commodity: certainty, in an uncertain world.”
15. The Big Short
Movie Name
The Big Short
IMDB Rating
7.8/10
Release Year
23rd January 2016
Lesson from the movie: The importance of understanding market trends and predicting market changes
The film is set in the mid of 2oo6- 2007 when some financial experts realise that the housing market in the US is going to collapse after they discover an unstable situation. The films have some of the biggest names in the industry like Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Steve Carell. It is derived from a Non-Fiction book of the same name.
The film describes how those experts with their observation find corruption and fault in the entire system. The story is based on a true event and shows how corruption has caused the housing crisis in the US.
“Everyone, deep in their hearts, is waiting for the end of the world to come.”
16. Margin Call
Movie Name
Margin Call
IMDB Rating
7.1/10
Release Year
21 October 2011
Lesson from the movie: The consequences of unethical decision making in the corporate world
The 2011 thrilling movie tells the tale where risk management, head Eric Dale along with other employees of an investment bank got laid off from their work. The film focuses on the 2008 financial crisis and shows how a group of employees take some actions in a 24-hour time period during the great financial crisis.
The film shows how a big financial institution work and the motivation behind the people working there.
“You know, the feeling that people experience when they stand on the edge like this isn’t the fear of falling – it’s the fear that they might jump.”
17. Barbarians at the Gate
Movie Name
Barbarians at the Gate
IMDB Rating
7.2/10
Release Year
20 March 1993
Lesson from the movie: The power of mergers and acquisitions in business
Barbarians at the Gate tells the story of F. Ross Johnson, the CEO and President of RJR Nabisco and shows his journey on how he tried to buy his own company. During that, a bidding war for the tobacco company started when other companies also started taking an interest in the tobacco company.
The film shows aggressive business tactics that need to be used in a competitive world for survival.
“It’s not the company. It’s the credibility. My credibility. I can’t just sit on the bench and let other people play the game. Not my game. Not with their rules.”
18. Boiler Room
Movie Name
Boiler Room
IMDB Rating
7/10
Release Year
18 February 2000
Business-related movie for entrepreneurs – Boiler Room
Lesson from the movie: The dangers of greed and deception in the financial industry
This Crime drama film depicts the story of a clever college dropout, Seth Davis who got successful after finding a job in a stock brokerage firm. The entire film shows how he got into the world of corruption and greed when he let success get into his head. It shows how in an order to make fast money, the protagonist gets involved in criminal activities and corruption.
“And there is no such thing as a no sale call. A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client some stock or he sells you a reason he can’t. Either way a sale is made, the only question is who is gonna close? You or him? Now be relentless, that’s it, I’m done.”
19. Rogue Trader
Movie Name
Rogue Trader
IMDB Rating
6.4/10
Release Year
25 June 1999
Lesson from the movie: The risks and consequences of insider trading
Rogue Trader follows the story of an investment broker named Nick Leeson who alone cause chaos and bankrupted the oldest bank in Britain named Barings. The story is based on true events and shows how Leeson makes many risky trades in the Asian market and the collapse of the Barings Bank in 1995. The film how greed can actually destroy you slowly if it is not controlled on time.
“A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specified amount of a commodity at a specified price at a future date.”
20. Startup.com
Movie Name
Rogue Trader
IMDB Rating
7.1/10
Release Year
2001
Best Business Related Movies – Startup.com
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Lesson from the movie: Starting a business is tough, and it takes hard work, flexibility, and managing relationships.
Startup.com follows the real-life story of govWorks.com, a dot-com startup founded by two friends, Kaleil Isaza Tuzman and Tom Herman. The film shows their journey of raising money, growing the business, and facing the pressures of growing in a rapidly changing internet world.
Along the way, they deal with personal and professional challenges that not just test their friendship but also their ability to stay focused on the bigger picture. It’s a raw look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and the importance of staying flexible when things get tough.
Movies can inspire you, motivate you, and can help you give a kick start to your life. Also, it can give you a boost to your career. But when you come to reality all these movies will only be emotional support and energy booster. At the end of the day, you have to work hard to get the desired result. Keep striving, keep hustling, keep going. Believe in yourself. Put effort to get the desired result. Till then, keep reading such articles to know more about such interesting topics. You can watch the English movies dubbed in Hindi.
FAQs
What are some of the best business movies for entrepreneurs?
Here are some of the best business movies for entrepreneurs:
The Pursuit of Happiness
Jobs
The Social Network
ROCKET SINGH – Salesman of the year
Guru
Joy
The Founder
The Big Short
Moneyball
Why is a movie like Rocket Singh a must-watch?
There are so many lessons that can be learned from one of the best business movies in Bollywood, Rocket Singh:
Academic excellence does not dictate success.
Take failure and snide remarks in your stride, and let your actions do the talking.
Leaders are born in the most unusual of circumstances.
A humble leader who inspires his team to look ahead of the challenges — a trait every entrepreneur must possess.
What an Entrepreneur should watch?
An entrepreneur should watch movies, other entrepreneurs’ interactive lessons, seminars, interviews, and gain knowledge and act to become successful as an entrepreneur. Among the business related movies he/she should watch Moneyball, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Social Network, Glengarry Glen Ross, Rocket Singh- Salesman of the year, Band Baaja Baarat and Guru.
Is the Indian movie Guru, featuring Abhishek Bachchan, based on a true story?
Guru was based on Dhirubhai Ambani’s life. Dhirubhai’s life was more inspirational than the movie. Dhirubhai was no ordinary successful businessman from India. He had achieved unthinkable feats in his life. From being a young man working in a petrol pump in a foreign land and later becoming the richest Indian.
What are rag to riches movies?
The kind of movies that are based on such protagonists, who eventually become rich and successful towards the end of the movies beginning a career with nothing or close to nothing. The Pursuit of Happyness, Citizen Kane, Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, Forrest Gump, and Slumdog Millionaire are some of the best rags to riches movies.
