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  • Amazon Layoffs 2025: 30,000 Corporate Jobs to be Cut in Major Restructuring Move

    According to various media reports, Amazon plans to lay off up to 30,000 corporate employees starting on October 28 in order to reduce costs and make up for hiring too many staff during the pandemic’s peak demand. The number is close to 10% of Amazon’s around 350,000 corporate employees, although it only makes up a small portion of the company’s 1.55 million total workforce.

    This would be Amazon’s biggest layoff since it began laying off over 27,000 employees in late 2022. Over the past two years, Amazon has reduced the number of employees across a number of businesses, including podcasts, devices, and communications. A number of divisions might be impacted by the layoffs that start this week, including operations, devices and services; Amazon Web Services; and human resources, often known as People Experience and Technology, or PXT.

    Amazon CEO Calling the Move ‘Excess of Bureaucracy’

    Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, is taking steps to cut back on what he has called too much bureaucracy, including by laying off managers. Earlier this year, he added, he set up an anonymous complaint line to find inefficiencies, which has resulted in almost 1,500 responses and more than 450 process modifications. In June, Jassy predicted that more job losses would probably result from the growing usage of AI tools, especially when it comes to automating repetitive and routine jobs. It wasn’t immediately clear how many jobs would be cut in this round.

     According to those with knowledge of the situation, the figure may fluctuate over time as Amazon’s financial priorities alter. According to a previous Fortune story, a 15% reduction might be applied to the human resources department. It wasn’t immediately clear how many jobs would be cut in this round. According to those with knowledge of the situation, the figure may fluctuate over time as Amazon’s financial priorities alter.

    As per previous Fortune story, a 15% reduction might be applied to the human resources department. Another reason for the severity of the layoffs, according to two of the sources, is that a programme that was started early this year to get workers back to work five days a week—one of the strictest in the tech industry—has not produced enough attrition. Because they reside far from the business’s headquarters or for other reasons, some employees who don’t swipe in every day are being told they have voluntarily left Amazon and must go without severance pay, which saves the company money.

    Layoffs a New Trend in Tech Sector: Layoffs.fyi

    According to a website that tracks tech job cuts, Layoffs.fyi, 216 companies have shed roughly 98,000 workers so far this year. It came to 153,000 for the entire year 2024. AWS, the cloud computing division of Amazon, announced second-quarter revenues of $30.9 billion, a 17.5% increase that was far less than the 39% and 32% gains for Microsoft’s Azure and Alphabet’s Google Cloud, respectively.

    AWS’s third-quarter revenues are expected to have increased by roughly 18% to $32 billion, which is a modest slowdown from the 19% increase in the previous year. Many of the most well-known online applications, including Snapchat and Venmo, were taken offline during a 15-hour internet outage last week, leaving AWS still in shock.

    It looks like Amazon is anticipating another strong holiday shopping season. Like in the previous two years, it intends to provide 250,000 seasonal jobs to assist in staffing warehouses and other needs.

    Quick Shots

    •Amazon to lay off up to 30,000 corporate employees
    starting October 28, 2025.

    •Represents about 10% of its 350,000 corporate staff
    but a small share of its 1.55 million total workforce.

    •Marks Amazon’s largest layoff since 2022, when
    27,000 employees were cut.

    •Amazon aims at reducing costs and correcting
    over-hiring during pandemic demand surge.

  • Kiran Deshpande: The Tech Mahindra Veteran and Mojo Networks Co-founder

    When you hear the name Kiran Deshpande, you may only think of his popular son, Shantanu. But Kiran’s own story in India’s technology world is no less inspiring and filled with innovation and bold leadership.

    From the study of engineering at BITS Pilani and IIT Bombay, he developed a career that combined both technical prowess and strategy. He revolutionized companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, and Mojo Networks, making an impact in the industry.

    What’s really unique is that he’s someone who does it from a people-first perspective and balances growth with empathy and ethical leadership. Through mentoring startups and guiding young entrepreneurs, Kiran has been shaping the next generation of Indian tech leaders in a very subtle way.

    In this profile, we explore his early life, career journey, leadership style, and lasting impact.

    Kiran Deshpande – Biography 

    Full Name Kiran Deshpande
    Known For Former CEO & MD of Tech Mahindra, Co-founder of Mojo Networks, Father of Shantanu Deshpande (Bombay Shaving Company)
    Nationality Indian
    Education B.E. (Honours) in Electronics – BITS Pilani M.Tech in Electrical Engineering – IIT Bombay (Class of 1978)
    Major Roles Vice President (R&D), Interactive Multimedia Resources, USA (1992–1996) Managing Director & CEO, Tech Mahindra (1996–2001) Co-founder & CEO, Mojo Networks (2001–2019)
    Key Achievements Scaled Tech Mahindra’s revenue from ₹32 crore to ₹450 crore (1996–2001) Filed 35+ international patents through Mojo Networks Spearheaded the world’s largest Wi-Fi customer deployment project from India

    Kiran Deshpande – Early Life and Education
    Kiran Deshpande – Career Beginnings
    Kiran Deshpande – Leadership Style
    Kiran Deshpande – Recent Statement (2022 Work-Culture Post)
    Kiran Deshpande – Real-World Example

    Kiran Deshpande – Early Life and Education

    Kiran Deshpande is an accomplished engineer with strong ties to India’s premier institutions. He earned his B.E. (Honours) in Electronics from BITS Pilani and went on to complete an M.Tech in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) (class of 1978).

    Although his exact birthplace is not publicly documented, Deshpande has roots in a Maharashtrian family and eventually made Pune his home. He remains a Pune resident, where he lives with his wife Rajani (a yoga instructor and classical musician). 

    From his very start, Deshpande’s education was firmly technical; he did not take an MBA, instead building on his engineering degrees. This solid technical foundation set the stage for a four-decade career in India’s technology and telecom sectors.

    Kiran Deshpande – Career Beginnings

    Deshpande entered the IT industry at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 1978 and quickly took on significant responsibilities. In fact, early in his tenure, he was hand-picked by legendary leaders (including F.C. Kohli) for overseas assignments: he helped establish TCS’s U.S. presence by setting up the Dallas office in 1985 and the Boston office in 1987.

    By the late 1980s, he returned to India to lead TCS’s Object Technology Group (building the MasterCraft suite of software tools) and the AI group, as well as to drive important CASE-tool initiatives. 

    In October 1992, Deshpande left TCS to become Vice President of R&D at Interactive Multimedia Resources (IMR) in the U.S. (a role he held until May 1996). 

    In June 1996, he stepped into the public limelight as Managing Director & CEO of Tech Mahindra (then Mahindra British Telecom). Over the next five years, he built the company from a small startup into a major telecom-services player 

    Under his leadership, Tech Mahindra’s revenue grew from INR 32 crores (≈INR 320 million) in FY 1996 to over INR 450 crores by FY 2001, a period in which he also navigated the company through IPO preparation (later postponed due to market turbulence) and laid the groundwork for future expansion. 

    These early roles, at TCS, IMR, and Tech Mahindra, established Deshpande as a rising leader in India’s tech industry, blending deep technical work with general management responsibilities.

    Kiran Deshpande – Leadership Style

    Colleagues and observers describe Deshpande as a pragmatic, people-oriented leader with strong ethics. He is known for setting bold growth targets while stressing team empowerment and integrity. 

    For instance, in his later years, he has publicly advised business leaders to build capable teams: during a TiE masterclass, he urged entrepreneurs to “hire people who are smarter than you” and to cultivate a “strong ethical culture” within the company. 

    His focus on ethics and mentorship is echoed by his long tenure in the startup community: as President of TiE Pune (2016–2019), he personally mentored over 30 startups, and he regularly gives talks and university lectures on entrepreneurship. During the tech industry downturn of 2022–23, Deshpande warned CEOs about over-hiring and urged a more humane, practical approach to management. 

    Kiran Deshpande – Recent Statement (2022 Work-Culture Post)

    In August 2022, Deshpande’s son Shantanu (CEO of Bombay Shaving Co.) sparked controversy with a LinkedIn post urging young professionals to work “18-hour days” early in their careers. While Kiran Deshpande did not publicly issue a direct rebuttal to his son’s specific remarks, his own communications during that period underscore his thoughtful tone on work culture. 

    Notably, in January 2023, Deshpande wrote on LinkedIn about the tech-sector layoff wave. In that post, he urged greater empathy from corporate leaders, advising, “Don’t give any notice period but speak with the people before walking them out. Minimum courtesy, please!”. 

    He also warned CEOs to remain frugal and judicious so that the industry doesn’t face a “nasty fall”. The tone of these remarks is calm but firm; he calls for professionalism and civility even when difficult decisions are needed. While not mentioning Shantanu or the 18-hour post, Deshpande’s message implicitly champions a balanced and humane workplace culture. 

    Kiran Deshpande – Real-World Example

    Deshpande’s career is marked by high-impact projects that reshaped companies and industries. One striking example was his turnaround of Tech Mahindra in the late 1990s. 

    When he became CEO in 1996, TechM was a INR 32 crore (320 million) startup; by 2001, he had driven growth to over INR 4.2 billion in revenue (about a 63% compound annual growth rate). 

    Under his guidance, profits kept pace (growing ~110% CAGR) and the company prepared for a public offering. This dramatic expansion, over an order of magnitude in five years, illustrates his strategic vision and execution. 

    Another example is Mojo Networks (formerly AirTight Networks), the Wi-Fi security company he co-founded in 2001 after leaving Tech Mahindra. Deshpande helped develop Mojo’s wireless intrusion prevention systems (WIPS) and later cloud-managed secure Wi-Fi products 

    Under his 18-year leadership as CEO, Mojo became a pioneer in Wi-Fi security: his team filed more than 35 international patents and even executed “the world’s largest Wi-Fi customer creation and deployment” from India. 

    The company’s innovative technology attracted global attention and funding, culminating in an acquisition by Arista Networks (a Nasdaq-listed networking firm) in 2019. 

    Conclusion

    Kiran Deshpande’s legacy is that of a builder and mentor in the Indian tech ecosystem. Over 40+ years, he helped transform organizations, from scaling up Tech Mahindra’s revenues to creating world-class networking products at Mojo, and then turned his attention to helping others succeed. He remains an angel investor, board advisor, and TiE leader, sharing his experience with the next generation (e.g., teaching entrepreneurship to IIT students). He is well-known and revered by many startups and CEOs in Pune and elsewhere; according to one profile, his example of “building big companies from scratch” strongly inspired his son, Shantanu.

    Shantanu Deshpande: Founder of Bombay Shaving Company | Education | Investments | Family | Biography
    Discover the extraordinary journey of the Bombay Shaving company founder, Shantanu Deshpande. Learn about his education, family, career, and more. Shantanu Deshpande wiki.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesKanimozhi Sivakumar

    FAQs

    Who is Kiran Deshpande?

    Kiran Deshpande is an Indian technology leader and entrepreneur known for his transformative leadership in companies like Tech Mahindra and Mojo Networks.

    What is Kiran Deshpande’s educational background?

    Kiran Deshpande holds a B.E. (Honours) in Electronics from BITS Pilani and an M.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay (Class of 1978). His strong technical foundation has guided his 40+ year career in technology and telecom.

    How is Kiran Deshpande connected to Shantanu Deshpande?

    Kiran Deshpande is the father of Shantanu Deshpande, founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 27th October 2025: Banana Club, HYDGEN & Neulife Raise Fresh Capital; Lenskart IPO Announced, Vodafone Idea Gets Relief

    India’s startup ecosystem witnessed notable activity on 27th October 2025, with fresh funding rounds across diverse sectors including fashion, clean energy, and nutrition. Banana Club, HYDGEN, and Neulife secured new capital to drive their respective growth and expansion plans. Meanwhile, the business landscape saw two major corporate developments — Lenskart announced the price band for its much-anticipated IPO, and Vodafone Idea received crucial regulatory relief from the Supreme Court, boosting investor confidence.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 27th October 2025

    Company Amount Round Lead investor(s) Sector
    Banana Club INR 12.25 crore Expansion / Growth (not explicitly named) Men’s fashion / D2C clothing
    HYDGEN US$5 million Equity + Debt Transition VC Green hydrogen / Industrial clean-energy
    Neulife US$1 million Seed Funding Subhkam Ventures; Singularity Ventures Premium protein / Performance nutrition

    Clothing brand Banana Club raises expansion capital

    Premium men’s fashion label Banana Club has secured INR 12.25 crore at a valuation of INR 245 crore, according to the company’s announcement. The Bengaluru-based brand says the funds will support opening a flagship store in HSR Layout, plus further scaling of its omnichannel business (stores plus e-commerce). The brand, founded in 2011, operates in-house manufacturing for high-street men’s fashion and claims to offer runway-inspired styles at accessible pricing.

    HYDGEN raises growth capital for on-site green hydrogen systems

    Deep-tech startup HYDGEN has raised US$5 million in a mixed equity-and-debt round led by Transition VC, with participation from Cloudberry Pioneer Investments, Moringa Ventures and strategic family offices. The Mangalore- & Singapore-based company builds anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers enabling industries to generate ultra-pure hydrogen on-site. It plans to use the fresh capital to upgrade its production facility (for a semi-automated line), enhance its single-stack capacity to 250 kW from its current 1–100 kW range, and expand into Japan, Europe and the Middle East.

    Neulife raises seed funding to expand premium protein range

    Bengaluru-based nutrition brand Neulife has secured US $1 million in seed funding led by Subhkam Ventures and Singularity Ventures. The funds will help the company expand its premium protein portfolio, boost manufacturing, and strengthen distribution across India, aiming for a 15% market share in the premium nutrition space.

    Key Business News for 27th October 2025

    Lenskart Solutions launches its IPO with strong valuation ambitions

    Indian eyewear omni-channel retailer Lenskart has fixed its initial public offering (IPO) price band at INR 382 to INR 402 per equity share (face value INR 2) and will open subscription from October 31 to November 4, 2025. The total issue size is around INR 7,278 crore, comprising a fresh share issuance worth about INR 2,150 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of over 12.75 crore shares by promoters and early investors. At the upper end of the band, the implied valuation is around INR 69,700 crore (≈US$8 billion). The proceeds are expected to be used to strengthen marketing, expand technology infrastructure, and open more company-owned stores across India.

    Vodafone Idea Ltd receives regulatory relief via Supreme Court decision

    The telecom operator Vodafone Idea has been under significant financial stress due to its large legacy liability of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. On 27 October 2025, the Supreme Court of India allowed the government to review the dues owed by Vodafone Idea under a more flexible framework, potentially easing the company’s cash-flow burden and improving its ability to invest in network roll-out. Following the decision, the company’s shares saw a sharp jump, reflecting renewed investor optimism.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 24th October 2025
    India’s startup and business ecosystem saw notable developments on 24th October 2025, with multiple funding rounds and key corporate announcements.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesStartupTalky News

  • Vasudha Madhavan on Powering India’s Green Finance Revolution through Ostara Advisors

    In this exclusive interaction with StartupTalky, Vasudha Madhavan, Founder & CEO of Ostara Advisors, talks about pioneering climate-tech investment banking in India. She shares how spotting a capital gap in clean mobility and sustainability led her to build Ostara—a platform connecting mission-driven founders with global investors. With over $125 million in climate capital facilitated, Madhavan discusses attracting f irst-time global investors, driving strategic M&A like Greaves Cotton’s acquisition of Ampere Vehicles, and identifying high-potential sectors such as EVs, energy storage, and industrial decarbonisation. She also highlights the role of India’s progressive climate policies, her vision for the next decade of green finance, and her experience as a woman leader reshaping specialized investment banking through purpose-driven innovation.

    StartupTalky: Ostara pioneered climate-tech investment banking in India. What gaps did you see in the ecosystem in 2015 that led you to start the firm?

    Ms. Madhavan: In 2015, I had started seeing a stark gap in the ecosystem. On the one hand, there was a clean mobility and climate-tech innovation wave with entrepreneurs creating world-changing solutions. On the other hand, access to capital and the appropriate advisory was severely lacking. Most generalist advisors were not familiar with the industry nuances of such businesses, and this meant that founders found it difficult to raise money, or to find the right investors.

    The epiphany moment for me was 2017–2018 when I headed India’s first electric two-wheeler M&A transaction, Greaves Cotton’s buyout of Ampere Vehicles. It was an experience that underscored the opportunity in clean mobility as much as the staggering capital gap in the industry. It dawned on me that if climate-tech had to scale successfully, it had to have specialized investment banking expertise to bridge the gap between mission-led founders and international investors.

    Ostara Advisors was born out of that conviction, with a mission to build a focused platform that channels capital into climate-tech and clean mobility companies, helping visionary founders scale sustainable innovation.

    StartupTalky: With $125M in climate capital facilitated, what key factors have enabled Ostara to consistently attract first-time global investors to India?

    Ms. Madhavan: At Ostara Advisors, three key drivers have aided us in successfully attracting first-time international investors to India.

    First, our extensive technical expertise ensures that every business we showcase is investor-ready. We carry out thorough research, consult industry titans for specialised input, and ensure that our clients are due diligence compliant. Such a degree of readiness inspires confidence among international investors looking at Indian opportunities for the very first time.

    Second, our focused global outreach is based on a solid international network across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. We screen investors whose mandates match particular sector trends, especially in climate-tech. By spending time shaping their perception of the Indian market and establishing a robust loop of feedback, we position ourselves more sharply and engage more intensely.

    Finally, our model is based on relationships, which results in lasting value generation. We focus on developing partnerships, rather than completing one-off transactions. This approach ensures fair price discovery, alignment of stakeholder incentives, and efficient closing. As a result, first-time investors in the growing climate-tech industry in India feel very comfortable and confident.

    StartupTalky: How do you see strategic M&A shaping the climate-tech ecosystem, especially in sectors like electric mobility and decarbonisation? 

    Ms. Madhavan: Strategic mergers and acquisitions are instrumental in accelerating climate-tech ecosystems and the adoption of new technologies. Globally, from 2021-2024, there have been over 750 climate-tech mergers and acquisitions worth greater than USD 170 billion. Electric mobility is one of the leading themes in climate-tech and decarbonisation is another.

    In India, the Greaves Cotton-Ampere acquisition signifies a watershed moment. Following the acquisition of Ampere Vehicles in 2018, Greaves Cotton changed its business model from being a traditional auto components vendor to being an EV OEM in the new electric two-wheeler market which was rapidly evolving at that time.  By FY2025 it is forecast that e- 2Ws will represent almost 58% of all EV sales in India, having experienced a steep growth curve due to acquisitions.

    These acquisitions accelerate scale and distribution for startups, whilst at the same time help incumbents to future proof their portfolio, improve ESG credentials and directly contribute to decarbonisation through the subsequent uptake of clean technologies.

    StartupTalky: Having closed landmark transactions such as Greaves Cotton’s acquisition of Ampere, what lessons stand out from these early climate-tech deals?

    Lessons from Climate-Tech Deals

    Ms. Madhavan: The landmark transactions such as Greaves Cotton’s acquisition of Ampere Vehicles (EV two-wheeler pioneer) and leading Corporate Mobility platform, Routematic’s $40m Series C fund-raise highlighted several critical lessons for building India’s climate-tech ecosystem. 

    They proved that traditional industries can embrace clean technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, validating climate-tech as both viable and investable. Traditional ICE mobility sectors, such as the employee mobility market, can become transformational opportunities for EV adoption – as well as AI-driven mobility can be a powerful catalyst for resource efficiency on crowded Indian roads.

    These deals also showed the importance of crafting strong narratives and providing data-driven insights to bridge investor trust gaps in a nascent sector. They underscored the need for persistent market education through reports, newsletters, and industry dialogues to establish credibility. Finally, they demonstrated that precise execution and clear founder positioning not only unlock capital but also set benchmarks that catalyze broader investor participation and sustained inflows into climate-tech.

    StartupTalky: Climate-tech startups often require longer gestation periods. What strategies do you recommend for founders to stay investment-ready through this journey?

    Ms. Madhavan: To stay in investment readiness with prolonged gestation periods, climate-tech founders need to focus on the following: 

    • Unit Economics Discipline: Have early signs of margins and cost savings tracked and reported, with a path to profitability as volumes increase. 
    • Adaptive GTM Strategy: Continuously improve the go-to-market strategy based on insights around segmentation, acquisition efficiency, and conversion. 
    • Strong Finance Function: Invest in an efficient forecasting, reporting and compliance function that demonstrates financial readiness and transparency. 
    • Operational Agility: Build lean, tech-enabled operations that can scale, with processes in place that ensure quality and margin. 
    • Data-Driven Story Telling: Use quantifiable milestones and KPIs in all functions to regularly signal strength of execution that builds investor confidence.

    StartupTalky: Which climate-tech sub-sectors in India—such as EVs, energy storage, or carbon management—do you see offering the most attractive opportunities today?

    Ms. Madhavan: In India, the most attractive opportunities today are emerging in a few high-impact climate-tech sub-sectors. Electric mobility is scaling rapidly, and smart energy management platforms are critical for balancing grid demand and optimizing charging infrastructure. Battery storage is another priority area, as it underpins both renewable integration and reliable EV adoption.

    Industrial decarbonization is also gaining strong traction, with technologies like green hydrogen and green cement moving from pilot to scale. Circular economy models are transforming waste into valuable resources, while biofuels are beginning to replace fossil fuels in industrial use.

    What excites me is that this momentum cuts across mobility, energy, and materials, with companies scaling faster than ever. The growth-stage funding gap remains a challenge, but the underlying opportunity is clear. These sub-sectors align closely with India’s climate goals and infrastructure priorities, making them highly investable today.

    StartupTalky: How is the current policy and regulatory environment (such as FAME incentives, EV policies, or carbon frameworks) influencing investor interest in climate-tech?

    Ms. Madhavan: Impact of India’s Regulatory and Policy Environment on Climate-Tech Investment

    India’s 2025 policy and regulatory environment is also driving climate-tech investment strongly. The FAME-II program, which has offered INR 11,500 crore of support, has driven the uptake of more than 16 lakh electric vehicles, 5,100 e-buses, and 7,400 charging points. Complementary schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for automobile and battery production, PM E-DRIVE, and PM e-Bus Sewa are supporting local manufacturing, increasing infrastructure, and promoting adoption, reducing entry costs and driving high growth in the EV and climate-tech space.

    The Draft Climate Finance Taxonomy and the new compliance carbon market standardize ESG screening, lower greenwashing risk, and open up new asset classes in carbon avoidance and related digital solutions. GST incentives, including a 5 percent rate on electric vehicles, further enhance cost competitiveness and investor returns.

    India has drawn more than $2 billion in climate-oriented investments in 2024, with top investors shifting from pilot scales to strategic bets in energy, transportation, waste, and cooling industries. International institutions like the European Investment Bank, IFC, and Temasek are actively facilitating this shift. In the next two to three years, India’s climate finance is likely to concentrate on scalable solutions that could drive the clean shift at scale.

    StartupTalky: Looking ahead, how do you expect India’s climate-tech investment landscape to evolve over the next 5–10 years?

    Ms. Madhavan: India’s climate-tech industry is positioned to grow rapidly over the next 5 to 10 years and will move well beyond electric mobility. And there is a large investment opportunity as the $27 billion per year financing gap to net-zero will be closed. Renewable energy integration, including load shifting and battery storage, will support grid stability and energy utilization. Funding will flow into the industrial and construction space into biofuels, including compressed bio-gas, green hydrogen, carbon-efficient cement, and other sustainable materials. Circular economy solutions, including recycling of batteries and biofuels, will further scale as companies try to reduce waste and emissions. Carbon capture and utilization will allow opportunities to embed CO₂ into concrete, fuels, and other products. In summary, the climate-tech ecosystem in India is poised for a large upswing in investment in energy, industrial, and environmental technology, with financial outcomes and tangible outcomes for the environment.

    StartupTalky: For international investors exploring India’s climate-tech ecosystem, what are the key factors they should keep in mind before deploying capital?

    Ms. Madhavan: First and foremost, India represents an enormous market opportunity. Aiming to contribute nearly one-fifth of its GDP by 2030, the country’s digital economy faces strong demand for climate-tech solutions in both the energy, mobility, and industrial space due to the growing sustainability agenda. The intersection of digital progress and green transition represents a significant investment opportunity.

    • Equally important is India’s talent advantage. With more than 370 million youth, and the largest STEM graduate pool, with more than 2 million new graduates each year, India represents both skill and scalability. This level of technical talent allows for the development and deployment of climate-tech innovation efficiently and at a global standard.
    • From a policy standpoint, India offers a favorable investment climate and mitigates investment risk. The government is spearheading initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which collectively exceed $2 billion in funding, the Critical Minerals Mission, and various deep-tech startup policies, which are encouraging innovation in the renewable energy, circular economy, and decarbonisation sectors.
    • Finally, as capital from the rest of the world begins to flow into climate-tech, investors will need to sift through levels of hype and amounts of actual innovation. The best way to do this is to find startups that have a clear way to differentiate their technology, a validated financial track record, and a certification of measurable climate impacts–assessable through a rigorous process of technical due diligence, product demos, and comparative evidence against peers in India and others global peers. 

    StartupTalky: As a woman entrepreneur leading in a highly specialised financial domain, what has your journey been like, and what advice would you share with aspiring women in climate finance?

    Ms. Madhavan: My journey as a woman entrepreneur in climate finance has been both challenging and rewarding. Being a newcomer in a specialized, male-dominated industry has meant working harder to establish credibility, but belief in the need for targeted capital advisory in the climate-tech space kept me pushing forward. Growing Ostara Advisors has been about demonstrating that both deep experience and your purpose can fill a critical gap in the ecosystem. 

    The highlight has been getting to work with amazing women leaders like Hemalatha Annamalai from Ampere Vehicles and Kavitha Ramachandragowda from Routematic who are shaping the story of sustainable innovation in India. At Ostara, I am proud that we have built a women-majority team, showing that diversity is a strength even in specialised finance.

    My encouragement to prospective women in climate finance is to carry yourself with belief and preparation. Develop deep expertise, find networks and mentors, and call out bias when it happens to you. Your point of view counts and can often offer a different or more effective outcome, as that just might lead to better and more equitable solutions. Surround yourself with the ways to grow and a supporting network and be bold about doing so. I try to pay this forward through mentoring young women in this space through Aspire For Her and encourage them to lead with confidence.

  • Ethisure Corporate Services Raises USD 2.5 Million Seed Funding to Accelerate Growth of Arthos Corporate Services

    Ethisure Corporate Services Private Limited (“Ethisure”) — the holding company of Arthos Corporate Services Private Limited (“Arthos”) — has announced the successful completion of its USD 2.5 million seed funding round. The capital infusion will enable Arthos to strengthen its position as an emerging player in India’s wealth management and fixed income ecosystem.

    The funds will be strategically deployed to expand Arthos’ product suite, build a proprietary technology stack, and establish a stronger geographic footprint across key financial hubs in India. A part of the investment will also be directed towards acquiring regulatory licenses, empowering Arthos to offer a more comprehensive range of investment solutions and participate meaningfully in the domestic fixed income market.

    Commenting on the milestone, Vibhor Mittal, Co-founder of Arthos, said: “Arthos was started with a vision to simplify and promote trust and transparency in the investment process for retail and HNI investors. The funds raised will help us accelerate our journey towards building a values-driven wealth platform that combines innovation with integrity. This investment reinforces confidence in our mission to create wealth with values — for our clients, partners, and the ecosystem.”

    An investor in the round commented: “Arthos is addressing a critical gap in India’s wealth management space by combining deep domain expertise with a transparent and technology-led approach. We are excited to back a team that brings credibility, experience, and long-term vision to a rapidly evolving sector.”

    About Arthos Corporate Services Private Limited

    Founded by Vibhor Mittal, Moulik Patel, and Sarath Bhaskaran, Arthos Corporate Services is engaged in wealth advisory and debt syndication, providing end-to-end investment and fund-raising solutions for HNIs, family offices, and enterprises. The co-founders bring together over 50 years of collective experience in financial services, capital markets, and investment structuring.

    Arthos currently works with over 100 channel partners and over 1,000 HNI and Family Office investors, facilitating transaction volumes exceeding ₹4,000 crore across asset classes including Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs), Pass-Through Certificates (PTCs), unlisted equity, and mutual funds since inception (April 2025).

    Built on the guiding principles of Trust, Transparency, and Prosperity, Arthos aims to become a leading platform in India’s wealth and fixed income landscape — blending traditional investment wisdom with cutting-edge technology to create meaningful financial outcomes.

    About Ethisure Corporate Services Private Limited

    Ethisure Corporate Services Private Limited is the holding company of Arthos Corporate Services and serves as the strategic entity driving innovation, and growth within the Arthos ecosystem. Through its subsidiaries, Ethisure shall focus on creating a trustworthy, transparent, and value-based financial services network that caters to diverse investor needs.

  • Amazon Crosses $20 Billion E-Commerce Exports from India, Targets $80 Billion by 2030

    Amazon, the massive online retailer, announced on 27 October that it had exceeded its goal of $20 billion in total exports from India over the past ten years and is now aiming for $80 billion in outflows by 2030. Since its introduction in 2015, Amazon has registered over 200,000 exporters who sell over 750 million domestic products under its Global Selling programme.

    Over the past year, the company’s overall seller base has increased by more than 33%. Amazon’s 2020 intention to facilitate $10 billion in e-commerce exports by 2025 was then changed to $20 billion in the same time frame.

    Amazon Enjoying Fruitful Ride in India

    The company claims that categories such as health and personal care (45%), beauty (45%), toys (44%), home (39%), clothing (37%), and furniture (36%) have the strongest 10-year (2015–2025) compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The momentum, according to Srinidhi Kalvapudi, head of Amazon Global Selling India, is a reflection of Indian companies’ aspirations and the expanding significance of e-com exports in international trade.

    Building on this success, Amazon is committed to making international selling easier through technological innovation, capacity building, and ecosystem partnerships as it strives to reach its $80 billion cumulative e-commerce export target by 2030. It is still dedicated to supporting India’s e-commerce export expansion in keeping with the government’s objective of achieving $200–$300 billion by 2030.

    US and EU Top Markets for Amazon

    The two largest international markets for Amazon under the programme are the US and the EU. Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, France, Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia are a few additional markets, though.

    When asked how the company’s exports are affected by changes in international trade rules, such as the elimination of the “de minimis” system, Kalvapudi responded that it’s a long-term story of structural strengths and creating skills that can compound over time. Because it is a structural tale rather than a seasonal one, Amazon continues to concentrate on these controllable inputs. Building the appropriate capacities is also important, and we have already surpassed the targets. Prior to the ‘de minimis’ exemption, packages under $800 could enter the US duty-free and with no scrutiny.

    Quick Shots

    •Amazon surpasses its $20 billion e-commerce export target from
    India.

    •Sets a new goal to reach $80 billion in exports by 2030.

    •Achieved through the Amazon Global Selling program launched in
    2015.

    •Over 200,000 Indian exporters registered under the program.

    •Sellers offer 750+ million ‘Made in India’ products globally.

    •Seller base up 33% in the past year.

  • Vodafone Idea Gets Relief as Supreme Court Allows Centre to Reassess Additional AGR Dues

    Following the Supreme Court’s decision to permit the Central government to re-examine the matter of reevaluating the telecom operator’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR) obligations, Vodafone Idea’s stock price surged by more than 9% on Monday. Following the SC’s decision, Vodafone Idea’s stock increased 9.45% to INR 10.53 per share on the BSE. The Supreme Court noted that the question is within the Union government’s policy purview and that it does not perceive any obstacle to the Centre re-examining the issue and reaching a suitable conclusion.

    What SC said in Vodafone’s Case?

    The Supreme Court said that there was no reason to stop the Centre from re-examining the matter, which was a huge relief to the financially troubled telecom operator. The court on 27 October gave the government permission to reevaluate the demand for AGR dues and to resolve the telecom operator’s complaints without involving the courts.

    Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, speaking on behalf of the Union government, requested more time, and the hearing was postponed. B.R. Gavai, the Chief Justice of India, rescheduled the hearing for the fourth time and instructed Mehta to take a firm stance on the issue. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran made the observation that the government’s policy discretion would control any decision pertaining to relief for the telecom operator.

    What is AGR and Why Vodafone Challenged DoT’s Demand?

    The Supreme Court postponed hearing Vodafone Idea’s petition in the AGR dues matter until October 27 on October 13. The indebted telecom company has contested the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) demand, aiming to settle further AGR claims totalling INR 5,606 crore for the years up to FY2016–17.

    The revenue amount known as AGR is used to determine the spectrum charges and licensing fees that telecom businesses are required to pay to the government. At the request of the telecom company and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Centre, the top court had previously postponed the hearing on the plea multiple times. The federal government had previously stated that it was working with the corporation to find a solution. According to Mehta, the government had a direct stake in Vodafone Idea’s existence because it owned over 50% of the company.

    Vodafone Idea has requested that the DoT, in accordance with the “Deduction Verification Guidelines” of February 3, 2020, thoroughly reevaluate and reconcile all AGR dues for the period up to FY 2016–17. The supreme court denied telecom companies’ requests to correct alleged flaws in the computation of AGR dues owed by them earlier this year, refusing to reconsider its 2021 judgement.

    The Supreme Court ordered telecom service providers to pay INR 93,520 crore in AGR-related debts within ten years in September 2020. 10% of the total dues, as determined by the DoT, must be paid by March 31, 2021, according to the directive. The rest amount must be paid in yearly instalments between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2031.

    Quick Shots

    •The Supreme Court allowed the Centre to reassess Vodafone
    Idea’s additional AGR dues.

    •Vodafone Idea’s shares jumped 9.45% to ₹10.53 on the BSE
    following the verdict.

    •The Centre has sought more time to decide on the issue; hearing
    adjourned after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s request.

    •The Centre owns over 50% of Vodafone Idea, giving it a direct
    interest in the company’s financial survival.

  • How to Get a ₹10 Lakh Business Loan: A Complete Guide

    Running a business successfully requires both vision and capital. Whether you want to expand operations, upgrade equipment, or manage working capital, access to timely finance plays a crucial role. If you are a business owner looking for an INR 10 Lakh Business Loan, understanding the process and eligibility can help you secure funds easily and manage the loan responsibly.

    In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about getting a Business Loan, including eligibility, documentation, and how to apply online.

    What Is a Business Loan?

    A Business Loan is a financial product designed to provide funding for business-related needs such as expansion, equipment purchase, or operational expenses. These loans are often collateral-free, which means you do not need to pledge any property or asset to secure the loan.

    In India, digital platforms have made applying for a Business Loan easier than ever. You can now submit your application online, upload necessary documents, and receive funds directly into your bank account once approved.

    For entrepreneurs and small business owners, an INR 10 Lakh Business Loan can be a great way to meet short-term or long-term business goals.

    Key Features of a Business Loan

    Before applying, it is important to understand the main features of a Business Loan:

    • Loan Amount: You can get financing starting from INR 7 Lakh up to INR 1 Crore, depending on your business needs and eligibility.
    • Interest Rate: Attractive rates starting from 15%* per annum.
    • Tenure: Flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months*, giving you enough time to manage repayments smoothly.
    • Collateral-Free: No need to mortgage any property or asset to get the loan.
    • Quick Disbursal: Funds are credited directly to your account after verification and approval.
    • Simple Documentation: Minimal paperwork with fully digital processing.
    • Overdraft Facility: Access extra funds conveniently when needed.

    These features make Business Loans a reliable funding option for entrepreneurs across industries.

    Eligibility Criteria for a Business Loan

    Lenders use specific criteria to assess your eligibility before approving the loan. Here’s what you need to qualify:

    • Age: Applicant must be between 24 and 65 Years*.
    • Business Vintage: The business should have been operational for at least 3 Years.
    • Annual Turnover: Between INR 80 Lakh and INR 500 Crore.
    • Credit History: Minimum of 6 months of credit history.
    • Ownership: The applicant should own the residence or office premises.

    Maintaining a clean credit record and a consistent income flow increases your chances of getting an INR 10 Lakh Business Loan.

    Documents Required for a Business Loan

    Before applying, prepare the following documents required for business loan to ensure a smooth process:

    KYC Documents

    • PAN Card of the entity and owners.
    • Entity registration documents, such as GST registration, Shop Act, or Certificate of Incorporation.

    Identity and Address Proof

    • Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport.
    • Utility bill or rent agreement for address verification.

    Financial Documents

    • Last 2 Years’ audited financial statements and Income Tax Returns.
    • Last 12 months’ bank account statements.
    • Latest 6 months of GST returns.

    Ownership Documents

    • Utility bill, sale deed, or property tax receipt as proof of business ownership.

    Submitting complete and accurate documentation helps in faster processing and verification.

    Fees and Charges for Business Loan

    Before you apply, it is important to know about the applicable fees and charges.

    Charge Type

    Details

    Processing Fees

    Up to 3% of sanctioned amount + applicable taxes

    Late Payment Charges

    2% per month on overdue EMI*

    Prepayment Charges

    After 6 months of disbursement – 2% + taxes on prepaid amount

    Foreclosure Charges

    After 6 months – 5% + GST on outstanding amount

    Repayment Swap Charges

    ₹ 500 + taxes (only for branch visits)

    Legal Fees and Charges

    Up to ₹ 50,000 + taxes

    Recovery Charges

    Up to ₹ 15,000 + taxes

    Knowing these charges in advance helps you plan your repayment more effectively.

    How to Apply for a Business Loan Online?

    Applying for a Business Loan is simple and can be completed online in a few steps.

    Step 1: Apply Online

    Visit the lender’s website and go to the Business Loan section. Click on “Apply Now” and fill in details like your business name, annual turnover, and required loan amount.

    Step 2: Document Submission

    Upload the required documents such as KYC proofs, financial statements, and bank account details. Ensure that all documents are recent and correctly scanned.

    Step 3: Verification Process

    The lender verifies your application, documents, and credit score. Some lenders may contact you for additional details or to confirm business information.

    Step 4: Approval and Disbursal

    Once approved, the loan amount is credited directly into your registered bank account. Disbursal may take a few hours or up to two working days, depending on the lender’s internal process.

    Benefits of a Business Loan

    1. Access to Immediate Funds: A Business Loan gives you access to capital that can be used for various business purposes.
    2. Flexible Repayment Options: Choose a repayment tenure that suits your cash flow, ranging up to 60 months*.
    3. Collateral-Free: No need to mortgage any asset, making it ideal for small businesses.
    4. Digital Convenience: Apply online and track your loan application easily.
    5. Business Growth: Use the funds for expansion, inventory purchase, or upgrading business infrastructure.

    How an INR 10 Lakh Business Loan Can Help Your Business?

    An INR 10 Lakh Business Loan can significantly support your business goals. Here’s how:

    • Expand Operations: Open a new branch, hire more staff, or invest in marketing.
    • Purchase Equipment: Upgrade machinery or tools to increase production efficiency.
    • Manage Working Capital: Maintain smooth operations during lean periods.
    • Invest in Technology: Modernise systems and software to improve productivity.
    • Meet Seasonal Demands: Build inventory to cater to high-demand periods.

    Proper utilisation of the loan can help strengthen your business and improve profitability over time.

    Conclusion

    Securing an INR 10 Lakh Business Loan can be the stepping stone your enterprise needs to scale new heights. By maintaining proper financial discipline, preparing the right documents, and choosing a trusted lender, you can ensure a smooth borrowing experience.

    Financial institutions like L&T Finance offer Business Loans with competitive interest rates starting from 15%* per annum, flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months, and a collateral-free process. With a seamless digital application journey and transparent charges, L&T Finance supports entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable business growth.

  • Lenskart IPO Price Band Fixed at INR 382–INR 402 Per Share: Check Issue Size, Dates, and Details

    With its initial public offering (IPO) opening for subscriptions on October 31 and closing on November 4, eyewear retailer Lenskart is poised to make its eagerly anticipated market debut. In order to raise new funds and give early investors a sizable exit opportunity, the business has set the price range at INR 382–402 per equity share of face value INR 2. Supported by billionaire Radhakishan Damani, Lenskart’s initial public offering (IPO) is one of the year’s most anticipated in India’s rapidly expanding consumer technology sector.

    October 30th is the planned date for the anchor investor allocation. Bids must be made in multiples of the lot size, which has been fixed at 37 equity shares. With a fresh issuance of INR 2,150 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 12.75 crore shares by promoters and current investors, the overall issue size is projected to be around INR 7,278 crore, or roughly INR 5,128 crore at the top end of the price range.

    How Lenskart Plans to Utilise Proceeds?

    Promoters and early investors will sell 12.75 crore shares through an offer for sale (OFS), while the business intends to raise INR 2,150 crore through a new share issuance. The new issue’s proceeds will be utilised to improve brand and marketing campaigns, fortify technology infrastructure, and open more company-owned stores.

    Investor confidence in Lenskart’s development potential is demonstrated by the IPO, which comes after a pre-IPO investment of INR 90 crore from DMart founder Radhakishan Damani. Alpha Wave Ventures, Temasek, Kedaara Capital, and SoftBank are among the current investors in the eyewear company. After Tata Capital, HDB Financial Services, and LG Electronics, Lenskart’s IPO is expected to rank as the fourth-largest public offering of 2025 with this offering.

    Lenskart’s Dominance in India’s Eyeware Sector

    Peyush Bansal founded Lenskart in 2008 as an online platform for eyewear. Since then, it has grown into an omnichannel retailer with more than 2,500 locations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and India. It has been able to scale quickly while maintaining affordability and high margins thanks to its vertically integrated business model, which spans design, manufacture, and retail.

    With revenue of INR 6,625 crore, up 22% year over year, Lenskart declared a net profit of INR 297 crore in FY25, a significant turnaround from a loss of INR 10 crore in FY24. Stronger brand engagement, more cost-effectiveness, and benefits from its technology-led model were cited by the corporation as the reasons for its better success.

    Quick Shots

    •Lenskart’s IPO opens on October 31 and closes on
    November 4, 2025.

    •Anchor investor allocation is scheduled for October
    30.

    •Fixed at INR 382–INR 402 per equity share of face
    value INR 2.

    •Investors can bid in multiples of 37 equity shares.

  • Neulife Raises $1 Million Seed Funding to Power Growth in India’s Premium Protein Market

    Neulife, a protein-forward and R&D-focused performance nutrition brand, has raised $1 million in its maiden seed funding round, co-led by Subhkam Ventures and Singularity Ventures. The round also saw participation from Sunicon Ventures, Cosma Ventures, and select high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). Prior to this round, Neulife had remained fully bootstrapped.

    The funds raised will be channelled into key strategic areas, including product innovation, advanced research and clinical trials, expanding Neulife’s protein product portfolio, and driving its global growth and market expansion.

    Founded in 2014 by fitness industry veteran Samit Gupta, widely recognised as a pioneer of sports nutrition in India, Neulife has built a strong foundation in performance nutrition. Gupta is now steering Neulife’s mission to deliver scientifically validated, metabolically superior proteins following the brand’s D2C launch in 2022.

    Samit Gupta, Founder & CEO, Neulife, said, “As a carb-free ketogenic athlete myself for over a decade now, I have always struggled with my protein supplements – since they were fundamentally designed wrong, and contradict the way Protein actually occurs in nature – always with Fat source for optimal protein synthesis and energy efficiency. With Neulife, we’ve solved that problem, and are creating proteins that go beyond absorption – delivering true metabolic advantages and higher protein efficiency with our patented Ketofuel® MCT technology. In a market that has, for long, been underserved by generic, copycat supplements, we’re on a mission to plug the gap with metabolically superior Proteins that provide higher protein efficiency and absorption gram for gram against any other Protein, anywhere. The latest seed funding round serves as a key milestone in accelerating Neulife’s journey in the Premium Proteins space, validating our potential and mission, and fuelling our growth.”

    Rishabh Kathotia, Partner, Subhkam Ventures, commented, “We believe that Neulife is addressing critical gaps in India’s performance nutrition market with its differentiated, science-first approach. Samit and his team bring unmatched experience and R&D depth to this category, which really impressed us and prompted us to invest, helping them build a legacy in this booming industry.”

    Neulife’s proteins and nutritional products are powered by its patented Ketofuel® technology, enabling 30%+ higher efficiency and absorption compared to conventional whey and plant-based proteins. Beyond optimising gut health, Neulife’s formulations offer ketone-boosting and protein-sparing effects, resulting in enhanced muscle protein synthesis and greater protein efficiency.

    Yash Kela, Partner, Singularity Ventures, added, “Neulife’s patented technology and focus on protein efficiency position them uniquely to become a category leader in India and beyond. By blending science and innovation with their domain expertise and advanced research capabilities, Neulife is poised to become India’s most trusted performance nutrition brand; and we’re now happy to be a part of their growth story as their early backer-investor.”

    Neulife was among the first nutrition brands in India to establish an in-house R&D unit, operating it for six years and filing five patents (two granted and three pending). Before its product launch in 2022, this foundation in research helped the brand achieve strong scientific credibility.

    With this latest fundraise, Neulife aims to capture approximately 15% of the premium proteins market by 2028, while also planning to raise an additional $3 million by the end of 2026 to further accelerate its growth trajectory.