B2B e-commerce marketplace Bizongo is under heightened scrutiny after auditors flagged concerns over financial irregularities. Once seen as a rising star in India’s startup ecosystem, Bizongo is now navigating governance challenges, leadership transitions, and creditor pressure. The company’s board has launched a fresh investigation into the matter, raising questions about corporate governance and financial controls in India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem. Major investors, including Accel, Chiratae Ventures, B Capital, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), are overseeing the developments.
Auditors Raise Red Flags
In January 2025, Bizongo’s statutory auditors, BSR & Co. LLP, flagged potential irregularities in the company’s FY24 financials, Moneycontrol reported, citing internal communications and regulatory filings. The auditor’s report pointed to questionable vendor-customer relationships, duplicate entities sharing addresses, and missing Proof of Delivery (POD) documents.
Although the auditors did not directly conclude fraud, they recommended an independent investigation to verify the authenticity of the transactions. Following this, Bizongo’s board initiated a fresh investigation to ensure all aspects of the flagged issues were thoroughly examined. The company engaged PwC to assist with the forensic review.
Link to Earlier Employee Fraud Incident
The fresh concerns reignite scrutiny around a previous fraud incident discovered in April 2024. At the time, Bizongo found that a mid-level finance employee had allegedly defrauded the company of over INR 21 crore through fictitious transactions. This was linked to Bizongo’s now-discontinued supply chain financing vertical.
Bizongo had filed a police complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), leading to an FIR against the former employee. Initially, the company maintained that the fraud was restricted to the shuttered unit. However, the latest auditor findings have raised concerns about the strength of Bizongo’s overall governance.
Leadership Changes and Business Realignment
Amid these challenges, Bizongo has undergone significant leadership restructuring. In March 2025, co-founder and CEO Sachin Agarwal stepped down and moved to a board role. Former Flipkart executive Prahalad Krishnamurthi was appointed as the new group CEO. Gaurav Singhania assumed the role of CFO, and Gulshan Kaushik became Chief Business Officer. New heads for technology and financing businesses were also brought in.
Investor-appointed board members, including representatives from Chiratae Ventures and B Capital, resigned during the governance overhaul.
In response to the turmoil, Bizongo shut down its supply chain financing vertical in September 2024 and pivoted its focus to two new business lines: BizongoBuy, catering to raw material procurement, and BizongoFin, offering financial services to SMEs.
The company claims that following these changes, it has achieved 100% compliance in its operations.
Mounting Creditor Pressure
Separately, Bizongo is facing pressure from creditors over pending dues. Although the company claims to have reduced its debt from INR 1,000 crore to around INR 100 crore, Moneycontrol reported that some lenders are exploring legal options to recover the remaining amounts.
Future Outlook
Founded in 2015, Bizongo has raised over $334 million from investors such as Accel, Tiger Global, B Capital, and Chiratae Ventures. It was last valued at $980 million in October 2023.
The company aims to complete its FY24 audit by the end of April 2025. Bizongo has stated that it is taking the necessary time to ensure all disclosures are complete and compliant, given the scale of its internal restructuring.
With governance issues affecting many Indian startups, Bizongo’s future depends on the outcome of its ongoing investigations and its ability to rebuild trust with lenders and investors.
AI courses are some of those tailored for product management and training to equip product managers with knowledge of integrating AI into product development processes. These usually start with the introduction of AI, machine learning, and generative AI concepts before enabling product managers to understand technology in terms of what it could do and what it cannot do. There is a lot of focus on identifying practical AI use cases, designing ML-powered features, and aligning them to product strategies and roadmaps. Most of these course offerings also include hands-on experience-based professional case projects like drafting PRDs for AI features, prototyping AI applications, and explorations in academia regarding large language models (LLMs).
The rest of the syllabi talk about prompt engineering, natural language processing, and using tools like ChatGPT to integrate those within product workflows. It also majors in AI’s strategy and ethics and affirms better cross-functional though they offer flexible loading and self-study for tailoring courses for either beginners or seasoned professionals.
AI Product Management Specialization (Duke University, Coursera)
AI Product Management Specialization – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
Duke University’s AI Product Management Specialization on Coursera is a complete package program that offers insight into artificial intelligence and machine learning products without needing programming skills for professionals. It has three core courses covering the fundamentals of ML, project management around ML initiatives, and human factors in AI, with a good focus on ethics and privacy. With projects such as building ML models, establishing AI-driven solutions, and applying human-centered design, participants of this program can build skills relevant to product management, product ownership, engineering, and executive positions across any industry. No prerequisites of technical experience are present, thereby allowing students to build AI expertise to spot opportunities, lead ML projects.
Pros
Beginner friendly
Emphasis on practical application and industry best practices
Ethical and privacy standards in the product design
Cons
Limited to professional certification and not a technical one
Duration of 4 months and 5 hours per week might be demanding for some learners
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
1 month
$39.76
3 months
$79.76
6 months
$119.63
AI Product Manager Nanodegree (Udacity)
AI Product Manager Nanodegree – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
Designed for absolute beginners, offering highlights of project work, the AI Product Manager Nanodegree targets aspiring as well as existing product managers interested in understanding, designing, and leading AI-powered products that do not require programming skills. It believes that business, AI technology, and product management naturally merge. Therefore, while technical skills are useful to have, this program focuses instead on applying these skills. The curriculum consists of four courses and three hands-on projects covering topics including AI for business, dataset creation, model building using tools like Google AutoML, and measuring impact. The assignments are based on real-life scenarios, such as creating AI business proposals and monitoring plans during post-deployment.
Pros
Personalized mentor support and detailed project feedback
Access to the support community
Covers the full life cycle of an AI product
Cons
Course material is not accessible post-completion
Higher price compared to other online course providers
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
All Access Monthly
$149.40/month
All Access bundle
$127/month
AI Product Manager
$949/month
AI Training for Product Professionals (Pragmatic Institute)
AI Training for Product Professionals (Pragmatic Institute) – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
AI Training for Product Professionals is a dedicated workshop that aims to instill practical skills in generative AI and prompt engineering in product managers and marketers. The areas this program will focus on will include real-world applications in product management, such as marketing strategy optimization, prototyping, and weighing the opportunities versus risks presented by AI. AI tools will be applied to tutoring participants on how AI can improve decision-making and increase workflow efficiency in practice. This workshop is designed for professionals in the field of product management, marketing, communications, and leadership and offers an optional one- or two-day online version. It delivers up-to-the-minute content based on current AI trends and use cases.
Pros
Flexible scheduling
Practical and immediate skills for product management professionals
Interactive workshops
Cons
Course material is not accessible post-completion
Higher price compared to other online course providers
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
One Time
$1,095.00 / One Time + Taxes
IBM’s AI Product Manager Professional Certificate
IBM’s AI Product Manager Professional Certificate – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
This professional certification contains IBM AI Product Manager on the Coursera platform and is a beginner-friendly, truly comprehensive program that teaches learners to embrace the core part of product management with advanced knowledge of AI and generative AI to be able to prepare them for a career in AI product management. The entire course is composed of ten different courses designed to provide knowledge on Agile methodologies, stakeholder management, AI fundamental knowledge, prompt engineering, foundation models, and AI ethics. Students also engage in hands-on projects such as product concepts, project charters, sprint planning, and work with generative AI to produce text, images, and code. No prerequisites are required to study this program.
Pros
No prerequisite for technical knowledge
Hands-on workshops
Comprehensive and well-structured curriculum
Cons
A time commitment of 3-6 months might be a challenge for busy learners
Subscription costs depend on completion speed
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
1 month
$50.07
3 months
$100.14
6 months
$150.22
Product Management for AI & Data Science Course (Udemy)
Product Management for AI & Data Science Course (Udemy) – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
Udemy’s Product Management for AI & Data Science Course is a newly added course to its long list of programs. This is a very introductory program meant to help a product manager in their journey of bridging the gap between business purposes and the AI/data science team. The course is a very robust foundation in product management, in addition to what it teaches on AI/data science concepts, from what would be the differences between data analysis vs. data science and algorithms vs. AI. Subjects like role clarity, business strategy execution with user research, AI prototyping, and project lifecycle management have also been accommodated. Also highlighted are ways of leading technical teams while improving stakeholder communication.
Pros
Short and best suited for busy professionals
Hands-on workshops
Comprehensive and well-structured curriculum
Cons
A time commitment of 3-6 months might be a challenge for busy learners
Subscription costs depend on completion speed
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Lifetime access
$7.13
AI Product Manager Certification (Product School)
AI Product Manager Certification (Product School) – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
The AI Product Manager Certification is a live, cohort-based program offered by Product School for product managers who are in the field or want to enter this field and use AI and generative technologies as innovation tools. In reality, this program consists of boards taught by real AI product leaders from some of the top Silicon Valley firms. This program takes about 15 hours to complete over 3-4 weeks. Also, small classes encourage personalized learning. The learning ranges from generative AI to LLM optimization to prompt engineering, system architecture, and AI experimentation. Portfolio-ready projects, such as an AI product roadmap and PRD, are executed by students. This also includes live case studies, one-on-one coaching, resume reviews, and lifelong access to material.
Pros
Taught by industry experts
Ongoing access to course materials
Access to the large alumni network
Cons
Less focus on deep technical AI development
Subscription costs are higher
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Single certification
$2,999
Unlimited certification
$4,999/year
AI for Product Management: Mastering the Future (Zeda.io)
AI for Product Management: Mastering the Future (Zeda.io) – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
AI for Product Management: Mastering the Future was an AI-enabled platform and training solution, property of Zeda.io, to help product managers and the teams involved in making data-smart decisions. It anchors the entire product lifecycle-from his putting in the evidence towards a built-in roadmap and enabling AI insights automation to giving organizations better capacity to streamline their workflows. The site houses several product assets, roadmaps, personas, and wireframes, gathering them under one roof as well as stealing the show with machine learning analyzing multi-channel feedback. More than 5,000 integrations are making it real-time collaborative tools and include AI-based prioritization to back revenue-driven decisions. Other features offered are idea validation, automated notes for releases, PRD templates, and Notion or Confluence integration.
Pros
14-day free trial available
User-friendly and collaborative
Covers full product life cycle management
Cons
Pricing is every year and may not be suitable for all teams
No mobile app
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Starting Price
$499/month (billed yearly)
AI Product Management Course (One Month PM)
AI Product Management Course (One Month PM) – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
One Month PM’s AI Product Management Course is a fast-paced, cohort-based program designed to give product managers and other professionals practical skills for real product workflows and strategies in AI integration. The primary focus of the course is on hands-on learning rather than theoretical teaching, including learning prompt engineering, applying AI tools, and using generative AI for automation, data analysis, ideation, and customer feedback. Such a course is only for non-technical professionals; there is no programming or previous AI experience required. Students will enjoy a real-time cohort interacting with peers and expert instruction from experienced product leaders in a relatively short, time-efficient format. Awarded at graduation.
Pros
Beginner-friendly for nontechnical backgrounds
Encourages peer interaction and community support
Covers full product life cycle management
Cons
Does not cover the full aspects of AI in depth
Cohort timings are rigid and may not be suitable for all
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Monthly Membership
$138.48/month
Yearly Membership
$681.21/yearly
AI Powered Products 101 (Dr. Marily Nika)
AI Powered Products 101 (Dr. Marily Nika) – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
AI-Powered Products 101 is a course created by Dr. Marily Nika that demystifies AI product management with a practical, beginner-friendly, cohort-based approach. It is designed specifically for aspiring and early career product managers, executives, and professionals from very different backgrounds; classes will not require coding skills or previous AI knowledge. This course offers a “learn by watching” approach, where students watch as Dr. Nika mentors a real startup from the gig economy. There are five step-by-step modules that cover AI basics, MVP development, tooling, data visualization, and the product lifecycle. Students do no-code prototyping together with a vibrant 250+ community, being instructed by an alum of Google and Meta.
Pros
Practical modules
Encourages peer interaction and community support
Frequent updates on curriculum changes
Cons
Not suitable for people looking for advanced training
Fixed cohort timings are not suitable for all users
Pricing
Plan
Pricing
Starting Price
$499
AI Product Management Bootcamp & Certification
AI Product Management Bootcamp & Certification – Best AI Courses for Product Managers
AI Product Management Bootcamp & Certification is a three-month intensive online program that provides aspiring as well as experienced product managers with adequate skills to manage AI initiatives. The participants will work with AI engineers, data scientists, and designers to build real AI products during these three months so that they can gain hands-on experience and develop a strong project portfolio. The curriculum encompasses everything from generative AI, prompt engineering, RAG, MLOps, and LLMs to product strategy etc. There is no coding required, so people coming from all walks of life may engage in it. Resume review, interview preparation for AI product managers, and access to a focused network of referrals from alumni.
Pros
Suitable for entry-level and experienced professionals
Well-drafted course that aligns with industry standards
Covers both the technical and strategic parts of product management
Cons
Not suitable for people who prefer a self-paced
A time commitment of 3 months is required, which might be a challenge for busy professionals
Pricing
Depends on the type of module chosen
Conclusion
Product managers who have been through such programs can spot opportunities for AI and work collaboratively with technical teams in driving ethical and customer-oriented AI product initiatives. Whether offered in the forms of intense boot camps, hybrid online specializations, or hands-on workshops, these courses suit different experience levels, from beginners to seasoned ones, providing some worthwhile career boost and strategic insight.
Lastly, AI education equips the product manager to work their way into an intricate AI technologies framework quite confidently, to embrace ethical innovation, and to steer organizations toward an advantage in the marketplace that is progressively AI-enabled.
FAQs
What are some key skills that AI courses for product managers typically cover?
The courses often cover AI/ML fundamentals, data literacy, ethical AI practices, AI product strategy, and collaboration with data science teams.
How can AI skills help a product manager in their role?
AI skills enable data-driven decisions, personalize user experiences, automate tasks, identify market trends, and develop innovative AI-powered features.
India’s lithium-ion battery industry is seeing a sharp rise in production capacity, growing from about 18 gigawatt hours in 2023 to a projected 150 gigawatt hours by 2030. This growth is mainly because of the rising adoption of electric vehicles and the demand for better energy storage solutions.
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited is playing a significant role in this transformation. Established in 2019, the company focuses on manufacturing high-quality lithium-ion battery solutions for electric vehicles, solar applications, energy storage systems, and more. Operating from a modern facility, the company offers innovative and eco-friendly battery solutions for different industries.
In this article, explore more about Maxvolt Energy, its founders, business model, funding, challenges, growth, and more.
Maxvolt Energy – Company Highlights
Company Name
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited
Headquarters
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sector
Cleantech, Lithium Battery, Energy Storage
Founder
Bhuvneshwar Pal Singh, Vishal Gupta, Satendra Shukla
Founded
2019
Website
maxvoltenergy.com
Maxvolt Energy – About
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited, established in 2019, is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of lithium battery packs for electric vehicles (EVs), solar applications, energy storage systems, and medical device batteries. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a dedicated team, Maxvolt ensures high reliability and efficiency in every lithium battery pack.
Maxvolt Energy – Industry
The global EV battery market is projected to reach a total addressable market (TAM) of USD 300 billion by 2035. Maxvolt Energy is strategically positioned to capitalise on this growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. The company is currently experiencing 5x revenue growth year-over-year. This strong growth is driven by a combination of factors, including innovation in lithium battery technology, an expanding dealer and distributor network, and a consistent focus on quality and reliability. Customer satisfaction and after-sales support also remain key priorities.
To sustain this momentum, Maxvolt Energy continues to invest in research and development, strengthen its supply chain, and explore new market opportunities.
In addition, the company is taking several steps to establish a robust global presence. These include forming strategic partnerships, expanding manufacturing capacity, and ensuring compliance with international standards. Maxvolt is also working on repurposing used batteries for various stationary applications and setting up a lithium battery recycling plant. Its goal is to build a comprehensive ecosystem that supports sustainability and long-term growth.
The company is actively searching for a suitable location in Gujarat and plans to finalise site selection by the end of the next financial year. Furthermore, Maxvolt Energy’s leadership is focused on enhancing its R&D facility and establishing a dedicated production line for energy storage system (ESS) batteries.
Maxvolt Energy – Founders and Team
Bhuvneshwar Pal Singh, Mukesh Gupta, Vishal Gupta, Satendra Shukla (left to right)
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited was co-founded by Bhuvneshwar Pal Singh (MD & CFO), Vishal Gupta (Chairman & CTO), and Satendra Shukla (CBO & CEO) in 2019.
Vishal Gupta is a young technocrat with sharp analytical and forecasting skills and is adept at catering to India’s burgeoning electric vehicle industry with cutting-edge battery solutions to satisfy current as well as future needs. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from a highly reputed institution in the country, Vishal is also accredited with an Advanced Programme in E-Vehicle Technology (Electric Vehicle) from IIT Delhi.
Satendra Shukla, the Chief Business Officer at Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited, brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and dedication to the organisation. With over 12 years of professional experience, this young business leader started his journey at Maxvolt to revolutionise the battery market with cutting-edge lithium technology. Besides being an MBA (Finance), Satendra is very adept at developing viable plans and strategies for this ground-breaking organisation in the energy sector. However, his key responsibility area is not restricted to financial planning and budgeting; he is equally impressive in other core areas of business, such as business analytics, forecasting, business development, quality assurance, and team management.
Bhuvneshwar Pal Singh is the Promoter, Managing Director, and CFO of the company. A B.Com. Graduating from Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur (2008), he joined the company in 2020 and has 4+ years of experience in finance. He oversees finance, accounts, and administration, ensuring business execution, resource efficiency, and quality standards. As a strategic and results-driven leader, he provides guidance to the Board of Directors to develop effective policies and drive business success.
One of Maxvolt Energy’s founding forces, Mukesh Gupta, Marketing Head, with a prestigious MBA degree in Marketing Management and more than a decade of demonstrated experience, is successfully pursuing the organisation’s ambitious goals of developing world-class lithium architecture that transcends industry norms in empowering electric bikes, scooters, and solar energy.
Maxvolt Energy Industries Ltd. was founded in response to the growing need for clean energy and the surge in electric vehicle adoption. Co-founders Vishal Gupta and his team were deeply passionate about renewable energy and aimed to revolutionise the battery industry with advanced lithium-ion packs.
Extensive research was conducted into the challenges faced by electric vehicles and energy storage systems, such as slow charging and limited battery life, leading them to identify lithium-ion batteries as the ideal solution.
They analysed market trends and emerging technologies to validate their concept, setting clear goals and features with a focus on fast-charging, lightweight, and durable batteries. Prototypes were developed and tested a lot. The team also engaged with industry experts, investors, and early users to discuss their concept. The innovative approach and strong commitment to sustainability received positive feedback, encouraging them to move forward with their plans.
Maxvolt Energy – Mission and Vision
The company’s mission is to provide the best quality products and best solutions for its markets that are globally compliant, technologically advanced, and intelligent for the demanding present and future in a way that creates value for its customers, vendors, employees, and shareholders.
Maxvolt Energy’s vision serves as its foremost inspiration, i.e., to develop a world-class lithium-based battery manufacturing facility that transcends industry norms, empowering electric bikes, scooters, and solar energy.
Maxvolt Energy – Products/Services
Maxvolt Energy Products
Maxvolt Energy provides energy storage solutions to the electric vehicle industry, renewable energy sector, consumer electronics, and lighting solutions, with a special focus on recycling lithium-based batteries to reduce environmental impact and create a sustainable path for various industries in the future.
Innovation has driven technology advancements at Maxvolt. Its Active Balancer Technology improves battery capacity and fire resistance, along with enhanced operational heat management, active battery control, and battery endurance solutions designed to significantly increase battery life. Maxvolt’s lithium batteries also feature over-temperature alarms and a sleep switch for added safety when the battery is not in use.
These innovations are supported by onsite assistance across 19,000+ pin codes and a battery take-back programme, reflecting the company’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Through ongoing innovation, Maxvolt focuses on improving performance, promoting sustainability, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Cross-functional collaboration within the company supports continuous process improvement, while advanced systems such as ERP software offer an integrated approach to operations, from inventory tracking to waste reduction.
Maxvolt Energy – Business Model
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited is a rapidly growing Indian company specialising in lithium-ion battery solutions, catering to electric vehicles (EVs), solar applications, and energy storage systems.
The company operates through a dual business model, serving both B2B and B2C markets. In the B2B space, Maxvolt supplies lithium battery packs to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Versatile E-Scooters, Mantra E Bikes, Odysse, Ormax, and Tunwal E-Vehicles.
On the B2C front, it has reached over 1.5 lakh customers with products like e-scooters, e-rickshaws, and e-cycle batteries. The company differentiates itself through customer-centric initiatives like a 3-year replacement warranty and a 100% buyback program for used batteries.
Maxvolt Energy – Challenges Faced
Maxvolt Energy’s initial journey came with several significant challenges. These included entering a nascent industry within the country, facing technological limitations, dealing with raw material scarcity due to complete import reliance on China, and a shortage of skilled labour. Despite these obstacles, the company successfully prototyped an e-cycle battery, followed by batteries for e-scooters, e-rickshaws, and inverters, with minor adjustments leading to fully functional prototypes.
At present, the key challenges involve sourcing raw materials, as lithium battery cells continue to be imported from China. There is also a need for better charging infrastructure and greater public awareness about the applications and benefits of electric vehicles.
Maxvolt Energy has successfully raised $1.5 millionin funding from multiple angel investors, including Hitesh M Patel, Vivek Kumar, Vikas Kumar, and more.
This significant capital infusion will support Maxvolt Energy’s ambitious plans to advance sustainable energy solutions and strengthen its market position by introducing fast-charging lithium-ion batteries soon.
With its commitment to innovation and quality, Maxvolt aims to develop world-class lithium battery architectures for various sectors, including electric bikes, scooters, and solar energy systems, while adhering to global compliance and technological advancements.
Maxvolt Energy – Financials
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited has demonstrated remarkable financial performance, with FY 2023-24 revenue soaring to INR 48.37 crore, reflecting a 253% growth from the previous year’s INR 13.68 crore. The Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at INR 5.21 crore, with Earnings Per Share (EPS) jumping from INR 1.33 to INR 7.07.
Maxvolt Energy – Recognition and Achievements
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited marked a significant milestone as it officially debuted on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Emerge platform. The listing follows the successful closure of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on February 14, 2025. It saw an overwhelming subscription of 3.3 times, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s growth potential and leadership in clean energy solutions.
Maxvolt Energy’s IPO, which opened from February 12 to 14, 2025, witnessed robust investor demand, with Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) getting oversubscribed 6.76 times, while Non-Institutional Investors (NII/HNIs) and Retail Investors subscribed 1.81 times and 1.97 times, respectively. A total of over 6.59 million shares were applied for against the 1.99 million shares offered. The IPO was priced between INR 171 and INR 180 per share, with a bid lot of 800 shares.
Maxvolt Energy – Competitors
In terms of market competition, Maxvolt faces strong rivals in the Indian battery manufacturing space, including established names like Exide Industries, Amara Raja Batteries, Okaya Power Group, and Loom Solar—each offering a wide range of energy storage solutions for EVs and renewable sectors.
Maxvolt Energy – Future Plans
Maxvolt has charted out an ambitious expansion strategy. A key part of its future plans is the establishment of a dedicated lithium battery recycling plant. While recycling currently takes place at its Ghaziabad facility, the company is actively scouting for a site in Gujarat, with plans to finalise the location by the end of the next financial year.
Additionally, Maxvolt is preparing to launch a new line of fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, with prototypes aiming to cut down charging time to 1–2 hours. With a 106% year-on-year revenue growth and expanded production capacity at its Ghaziabad plant, Maxvolt is all set to play a significant role in India’s clean energy transition.
FAQs
What is Maxvolt Energy?
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited is a rapidly growing Indian company specialising in lithium-ion battery solutions, catering to electric vehicles (EVs), solar applications, and energy storage systems.
Is Maxvolt Energy a listed company?
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited marked a significant milestone as it officially debuted on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Emerge platform. The listing followed its successful IPO closure on February 14, 2025.
When was Maxvolt Energy founded?
Maxvolt Energy Industries Limited was established in the year 2019.
Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.
Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management firms, has built a reputation for providing low-cost, investor-focused financial solutions. With a mission to stand for value, transparency and long-term growth, the company has consistently prioritized the interests of its clients. Its broad range of mutual funds, ETFs and advisory services cater to both individual and institutional investors, reinforcing its commitment to making investing accessible and affordable.
The firm’s expansion into global markets, along with its deep focus on economic trends, highlights its proactive approach to navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape. Whether through cutting-edge ETFs, a growing presence in emerging markets, or its forward-looking economic outlook, Vanguard remains dedicated to delivering value to its investors.
In this StartupTalky article, we will explore Vanguard’s journey, including its founder, business model, investments, growth, and more.
Vanguard is a well-known investment management firm headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Vanguard operates across the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, with branch offices and a strong online presence.
They help people and institutions grow their money through a wide range of financial products and services.
As one of the “Big Three” index fund managers (alongside BlackRock and State Street), Vanguard specializes in low-cost, long-term investment options.
Vanguard – Industry
Vanguard Group is a global leader in investment management, renowned for its low-cost, long-term investment strategies. As of January 2025, Vanguard manages approximately $10.4 trillion in assets, making it the second-largest asset management firm globally after BlackRock. The company offers a diverse range of investment products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and retirement services, catering to individual investors, institutions, and financial professionals. Vanguard’s unique investor-owned structure allows it to prioritize client interests by minimizing costs and enhancing transparency.
Vanguard was founded in 1975 by John C. Bogle, an investor and business magnate known for revolutionizing the investment world with the concept of low-cost index funds. Bogle championed long-term investing, reducing fees and avoiding speculation. His philosophy was simple: an ideal investment strategy involved buying a low-cost index fund covering the entire U.S. market, reinvesting dividends and holding it for life.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1929, Bogle’s early life was shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression, which led his family to financial struggles and his parents’ divorce. Despite these challenges, he excelled in mathematics and earned a scholarship to Blair Academy, later graduating magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1951. His senior thesis, “The Economic Role of the Investment Company,” caught the attention of Walter L. Morgan, founder of the Wellington Fund, who offered him a job.
Bogle went on to challenge traditional investment norms, prioritizing investors’ interests over profits. His legacy continues to shape the investment world today.
Current Leadership – Salim Ramji (CEO)
As of July 8, 2024, Salim Ramji serves as the CEO of Vanguard, making history as the first external hire to lead the firm. He also sits on Vanguard’s board of directors.
Background & Experience
Former senior executive at BlackRock and McKinsey & Company
Holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and politics from the University of Toronto
Earned a Master’s in Law from Cambridge University
CFA charterholder with deep expertise in asset management
Beyond finance, Ramji is committed to social impact, serving as a trustee at Graham Windham, a New York-based child-welfare organization and is part of the International Leadership Council at the University of Toronto.
Vanguard – Startup Story
The Birth of Vanguard – John C. Bogle’s Vision
John C. Bogle began his investment career in 1951 at Wellington Management Company, steadily climbing the ranks to become president. However, a disagreement following a corporate merger in 1974 led him to part ways with the firm. Rather than walking away from the investment world, Bogle seized the opportunity to create something revolutionary—he founded The Vanguard Group.
The First Index Fund – A Bold Move
In 1976, Bogle launched the First Index Investment Trust, which later became the Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX). At the time, the concept of index investing—tracking the overall market rather than trying to beat it—was seen as unconventional. Growth was slow at first, but by the 1980s, other firms began adopting his model, proving Bogle’s vision was ahead of its time.
Vanguard – Mission and Vision
Mission
Vanguard Group is dedicated to providing a broad range of investment products and services that empower clients to build long-term wealth. By prioritizing investors’ needs, the company ensures fair treatment, transparency and cost-effective solutions. With a focus on high-quality financial advice, retirement planning and accessible investment options, Vanguard strives to give clients the best possible chance for success. Keeping costs low remains a core principle, allowing investors to retain more of their returns while benefiting from strategic, long-term investment opportunities.
Vision
Vanguard envisions itself as a leader in the asset management industry, setting the standard for innovation, reliability and client-focused investment solutions. The company is committed to delivering outstanding financial products and services that drive superior investment results. By continuously enhancing its offerings and maintaining exceptional client service, Vanguard aims to be the trusted choice for investors seeking sustainable growth and long-term financial success.
Vanguard – Name and Logo
John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard, named the company after the British naval ship HMS Vanguard, which served as Admiral Horatio Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Bogle chose this name to symbolize leadership, resilience, and a pioneering spirit—values he aimed to instill in his investment firm.
In 2020, Vanguard unveiled a new logo featuring a minimalist design that emphasizes the brand’s solidity and professionalism. The updated logo removed the ship imagery previously associated with the brand, signaling Vanguard’s move toward modernity and a more understated visual language.
Vanguard Logo
Vanguard Group – Business Model
Innovation and Cost Efficiency
Vanguard is committed to keeping investment costs low, allowing clients to retain more of their returns. Through economies of scale, the firm consistently reduces expense ratios across its funds, offering both Investor Shares and Admiral Shares, the latter featuring lower costs for higher investment thresholds. Vanguard also leverages cutting-edge financial models, such as the Vanguard Capital Markets Model® (VCMM) and the Vanguard Asset Allocation Model (VAAM), to enhance investment decision-making. These sophisticated tools analyze global financial trends, forecast long-term asset returns and optimize portfolio allocations, ensuring that investors benefit from data-driven, strategic asset management.
Vanguard Group – Revenue Model
Expense Ratios and Revenue Model
Vanguard generates revenue primarily through the expense ratios of its mutual funds and ETFs. These fees, paid by investors, are significantly lower compared to industry standards, reinforcing Vanguard’s commitment to cost efficiency. Despite the low expense ratios, the sheer volume of assets under management makes them a substantial income source for the firm. Vanguard’s focus remains on long-term wealth-building rather than high-fee investing, aligning with its mission to put investors first.
Platform and Investment Approach
Vanguard’s digital platforms, including its website and mobile app, cater best to buy-and-hold investors seeking low-cost, diversified portfolios. While its user interface may not be as modern or feature-rich as some competitors, it effectively supports passive investment strategies. However, for traders looking for advanced tools or active investing features, Vanguard intentionally does not compete in that space, instead reinforcing its core philosophy of long-term, low-cost investing.
Vanguard Group – Challenges Faced
Customer Service and Technological Challenges
One of the most pressing challenges for Vanguard under its new CEO, Salim Ramji, is addressing poor customer service and operational inefficiencies. Clients have reported trading errors, incorrect balances and difficulties in reaching customer support, leading to Vanguard being ranked the lowest in customer satisfaction among eight major brokerages. Despite these shortcomings, investor inflows remain strong, highlighting the trust investors continue to place in Vanguard’s low-cost model. However, improving service quality will be crucial for maintaining long-term customer loyalty.
Technology Struggles and Leadership Gaps
Vanguard has also faced persistent technology dysfunction, which is surprising given that former CEO Tim Buckley previously led the IT and web services divisions. Under his leadership, the firm struggled to modernize its digital experience, leaving its platforms outdated compared to competitors. As a firm that revolutionized investing by lowering costs and democratizing access, Vanguard now faces the challenge of ensuring that its technology and service infrastructure align with the needs of today’s investors. Salim Ramji’s leadership will be tested in his ability to enhance digital platforms, optimize client interactions and uphold Vanguard’s legacy of investor-first innovation.
Vanguard Group – Funding and Investors
Vanguard operates as a client-owned firm, meaning it is owned by its investors, allowing it to reinvest profits to lower costs rather than relying on external funding or private investors.
Date of funding
Funding Amount
Round Name
Investors
Jan 10, 2022
Undisclosed
Series B
Raymond James
Mar 24, 2020
Undisclosed
Series B
Perseus Mining
Feb 15, 2018
$31.7M
Series B
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Vanguard Group – Investments
Vanguard Group investments as sourced from Tracxn:
Investment Date
Company Name
Sector
Founded
Location
Mar 11, 2025
Norm Ai
Enterprise Applications
2003
New York
Jan 9, 2025
Talen Energy
Energy
2015
USA
Jul 28, 2022
Powerhandz
Sports Tech
2014
USA
Jul 12, 2023
Riot Platforms
FinTech
2000
Colorado
Jul 12, 2023
Marathon Digital Holdings
FinTech
1997
Florida
Nov 06, 2024
Writer
Enterprise Applications
2012
California
Aug 15, 2024
Vanilla
FinTech
2019
California
Apr 17, 2015
Flipkart
Retail
2007
Bengaluru
Nov 01, 2021
Altruist
FinTech
2018
California
–
MicroStrategy
Enterprise Applications
1989
Virginia
Feb 18, 2024
Carvana
Consumer
2012
Arizona
Dec 11, 2015
Ola
Consumer
2010
Bengaluru
–
Oracle
Enterprise Infrastructure
1977
Texas
–
Dropbox
Enterprise Applications
2007
California
–
Box
Enterprise Applications
2005
California
–
Longboard Pharmaceutical
Life Sciences
2020
California
Feb 04, 2019
Allakos
Life Sciences
2012
California
–
STAG Industrial
Financial Services
2010
Massachusetts
–
MKS Instruments
–
1961
Massachusetts
–
Overstock
Retail
1999
Utah
–
Equifax
FinTech
1899
Georgia
Jul 24, 2017
Sixty
Media & Entertainment
2002
Norway
Oct 14, 2016
AGCO
Food and Agriculture
1990
Georgia
–
Cloudera
Enterprise Infrastructure
2008
California
Vanguard Group – Financials
Financials
FY24
FY23
Total Investment Income
$20.36 billion
$12.13 billion
Total Expenses
$162.12 million
$118.60 million
Net Increase in Net Assets
$18.30 billion
$10.45 billion
Vanguard Financials
Vanguard Group – Online and Social Media Presence
Vanguard’s Social Media Presence and Themes
Facebook – A platform for interactive discussions on investing, where users can engage with Vanguard and fellow investors to share insights, tips and experiences.Theme: Community engagement, financial education and investor insights.
Instagram – Investment topics from A to Z, making financial concepts accessible and easy to understand.Theme: Educational content, financial literacy and simplified investment concepts.
YouTube – Vanguard’s products and services, along with detailed discussions on various investment topics.Theme: Informative videos, tutorials and product deep dives.
X (formerly Twitter) – A fast-paced news source delivering the latest updates on investing, personal finance and market trends for those on the go.Theme: Timely updates, quick insights and market trends.
LinkedIn – Expert perspectives on investment strategies, economic trends and industry insights.Theme: Thought leadership, economic analysis and professional networking.
Vanguard Group – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
Vanguard – “V for Value” Campaign
Vanguard – “V for Value” Campaign
Launched in March 2020 in the UK, Vanguard’s “V for Value” campaign, created by AML Group, highlights the company’s commitment to low-cost, investor-first financial solutions. The campaign features a 30-second TV spot showcasing people making the “V for Value” sign, emphasizing Vanguard’s mission to provide real value to investors.
Supporting its people-first approach, the campaign includes TV, print, digital and outdoor ads, with media handled by The7Stars and film direction by Chris Gaffey. Vanguard’s Personal Investor platform has gained significant traction, recognized by Which? as a top-rated investment platform in the UK. This campaign reinforces Vanguard’s ethos of fairness, transparency and value in investment management.
Vanguard Group – Awards and Achievements
Morningstar Ratings
Several Vanguard funds have earned 5-star ratings from Morningstar, including:
Vanguard Wellesley Income Admiral
Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral
Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund
NerdWallet Awards
Vanguard Digital Advisor was awarded “Best Robo-Advisor for Low-Cost Investing” for 2024 among 14 robo-advisors, based on management fees (50%), expense ratios (40%) and account fees (10%).
Vanguard has received this award consistently since 2021, with evaluations based on yearly data.
ETF.com Awards
Vanguard’s Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) won Best New U.S. Fixed Income ETF at the 10th annual ETF.com Awards in April 2024.
Forbes Advisor
7 Best 401(k) Plans for August and September 2024 by Forbes Advisor.
Vanguard Group – Competitors
Vanguard competes with major investment firms in asset management, ETFs and financial advisory services. Key competitors include:
Vanguard is set to introduce the Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF (VSDB), an actively managed fixed-income ETF to be overseen by the Vanguard Fixed Income Group. In addition, the firm is expanding its global footprint with a new technology development office in Hyderabad, India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation and operational efficiency.
The U.S. economic outlook for 2025 remains positive, with GDP growth projected to stay just above 2%. However, core inflation is expected to decline only gradually toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, making significant interest rate cuts unlikely. Vanguard forecasts that the Fed’s policy rate will remain between 3.75%–4%, reflecting a cautious approach to monetary policy. Economic momentum is expected to be driven primarily by supply-side factors, including increased productivity and an ample labor supply.
In emerging markets, monetary policy easing is anticipated to expand, though interest rates may remain in restrictive territory. The strength of the U.S. dollar poses a risk of inflationary pressure in these economies, potentially affecting trade and investment flows. Trade developments will likely remain a focal point throughout the year.
What is Vanguard primarily known for in the investment world?
Vanguard is primarily known for its pioneering role in popularizing low-cost investing through its index funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
How did Vanguard revolutionize the concept of low-cost investing?
Vanguard’s unique mutual ownership structure, where the fund shareholders own the company, allows it to operate at cost, passing savings to investors through lower expense ratios.
Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Mamaearth, has never shied away from sharing her entrepreneurial journey, one that’s deeply intertwined with her identity as a mother and a woman in leadership. Through her honest LinkedIn posts, Ghazal has been sharing lessons from her personal journey, showcasing how motherhood and entrepreneurship are not opposing forces but powerful allies.
Blending Business with Bedtime
One of her recent reflections struck a chord with many. She shared how, at 11 pm, while finishing a strategy deck, her younger child asked for a spontaneous bedtime story. Without hesitation, she paused the entrepreneur in her and embraced the “mum” role, complete with stuffed toys and silly voices.
“Storytime taught me patience and creativity, which I carry into the boardroom. And being an entrepreneur taught me problem-solving – handy when you’re figuring out how to get a toddler to sleep,” shared Ghazal.
In the past, she admits she might’ve felt torn between work and home. But today, she views both roles as supporting and enriching to one another. The patience and empathy built through parenting translate into stronger leadership. Similarly, the resilience and quick thinking honed in business? Equally handy at bedtime.
Overcoming Bias & Owning Her Role
This wasn’t always the case. In an earlier post, Ghazal opened up about the early days of becoming a leader. A 20-something woman with a newborn at home and a brand-new company, everything was new to her. In her post, she shared that she even overheard that some employees had quit because they didn’t want to report to a young, inexperienced woman founder.
“Am I too young? Too inexperienced?” she had asked herself.
That moment brought on a wave of impostor syndrome, but she didn’t let it define her. Instead, she chose to let her work speak louder than others’ doubts. She learnt every aspect of her business, walked into meetings with confidence, and, most importantly, embraced her identity as a woman leader and mompreneur.
“Fast forward to a few years later, some of those very people who left actually reapplied to our company, and this time they had no issues reporting to me. Life has a funny way of coming full circle.”
One Rich, Crazy, Beautiful Life
What ties both stories together is a powerful message: we’re not balancing two lives, we’re living one rich, messy, beautiful life. And yes, it takes a strong support system, including family, mentors, co-founders, and a team to make it work.
“To any woman facing bias: I see you. I can’t promise it gets better, but I can promise it’s all worth it,” Ghazal highlighted.
Ghazal’s honesty reminds us that every stereotype shattered, every challenge overcome, makes the journey a bit easier for the next generation of leaders.
To the parent-preneurs, young founders, and women in leadership, keep going. Because, as Ghazal says, “the best revenge is massive success.”
According to reports, the Centre is willing to change its Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC) in light of the results of previous free trade agreements and the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. The March 2024 announcement of SMEC has not yet been implemented.
The plan allows authorised EV manufacturers to establish production plants in India for EV four-wheelers with a $500 million minimum expenditure. The programme also imposes a 15% tariff charge on imported EVs.
The government may change the policy to draw in international manufacturing companies if the BTA talks result in 15% import auto tariffs and targeted investment amounts, according to a media report.
India and US in Discussion Regarding Proposed BTA
The planned BTA, which will cover tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and customs facilitation, is presently being discussed between the US and India. In order to facilitate trade, both nations will be expected to reduce or do away with customs tariffs if the agreement is implemented.
In addition, India is negotiating free trade agreements with a number of nations, including Belgium, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Main Goals of the SMEC
The SMEC programme seeks to entice international EV producers to put money into India’s expanding EV sector.”
The initiative would also help place India on the world map for manufacturing EVs, generate employment, and meet the goal of “Make in India”, the government had stated when the scheme was announced last year.
In addition to minimum investment amounts and import tariff rates, the programme mandates that manufacturing facilities achieve a minimum domestic value addition (DVA) of 25% and be operational within three years of the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ (MHI) approval date. After the facility is set up, the corporation should reach 50% DVA in 5 years.
Even though the programme is gaining popularity worldwide, industry titans like VinFast and Tesla continue to struggle with India’s high EV import tariffs.
Tesla’s CEO Taneja India’s Current Tariff a Major Roadblock
The current tariff structure in India, according to Tesla’s CFO Vaibhav Taneja, is a barrier to the company’s entry into the Indian market.
It is important to remember that imported cars valued at more than $40,000 (more than INR 34 lakh) CIF (cost, insurance, and goods) are subject to a 100% tariff in India. Additionally, by the end of June this year, Vietnamese EV giant VinFast plans to build its India unit in Tamil Nadu.
With an initial commitment of $500 million over the first five years, this plant is a component of VinFast’s $2 billion investment in the nation.
Ola Electric is under more pressure than ever after the Transport Ministry requested trade certificates from the Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer. According to a media outlet, the company received a show-cause notification .
The notice stated that Ola Electric must respond to the aforementioned questions within seven days of receiving this letter in order to prevent any negative consequences.
Notice Also Seeking Details of Sales and Service Centres
On 24 April, Ola received a new show-cause notice that requested information on the number of sales and service centres the business now operates. The notice further asked about the number of trade certificates it has obtained in the last three years and the date of issuance of each certificate.
Additionally, Ola Electric must clarify if its facilities are used to store unregistered automobiles. In addition to the aforementioned, the EV manufacturer must disclose the model and variant-by-variant information for the 7,820 EV scooters it sold in February.
Ola Electric stores operating without a trade certificate have been asked to close by the Maharashtra transport department, according to a media source. In a show-cause email to RTOs, Maharashtra’s joint transport commissioner stated that action should be taken to close the centre and rescind the original trade certificate.
Outcome of the Raid Conducted on Ola Outlets
Out of 146 Ola stores overall, 121 were discovered to be operating without a trade certificate at the time of the raid. 192 Ola electric scooters have been confiscated by the authorities, and 75 of these have already been closed.
Regarding a letter from the authorities ordering the immediate closure of more than 100 showrooms in Maharashtra, Ola responded in an exchange filing on April 25. It stated that the brand was unaware of any such conversations or occurrences.
Furthermore, through its notification dated March 21, 2025, the business has already notified the exchange that it has received notices in four states about trade certifications for outlets situated in those states.
Unit Sale Discrepancy
The e-scooter manufacturer was recently under investigation for a discrepancy between its reported February sales and actual registrations. Ola reported selling over 25,000 units in their filing on February 28.
The official portal’s automobile registration tally, however, provided a different picture. Only 8,600 Ola Electric scooters were registered on the portal during that time, according to the data.
Since the government has become aware of this disparity, the ministries of highways, road transport and heavy industries have asked the business for information in order to elucidate Ola’s sales numbers.
The “large gap” between car registrations according to the VAHAN portal and sales according to the company’s regulatory filing on February 28, 2025, for the month of February this year is the subject of these enquiries.
In response, the SoftBank-backed company informed the ministry that its February sales comprised client reservations for 1,395 Roadster X motorcycles and 10,866 third-generation e-scooters. The business called them “confirmed orders”.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas revealed on 24 April that AI’s voice assistant would be available on its iOS app. Perplexity presents a competitive alternative to Apple’s redesigned Siri assistant, which is powered by Apple Intelligence.
Previously, the update was only available to Android users. While announcing the news, Srinivas stated on X that anyone may ask it to play anything, including favourite music, podcasts, and difficult-to-find videos.
For example, playing the video of Katy Perry kissing the ground after falling from the rocket, the Donald Trump version of Baby Shark, or the podcast in which Andreessen talks with Lex about browsers.
Additionally, it can send emails using Apple Mail or set up meetings using Apple Calendar, though Srinivas notes that the functionality is still a little “janky”. Furthermore, the AI assistant can arrange a cab trip from Uber and search for a restaurant you want to visit.
How to Operate the New Feature?
Users can click the microphone button to begin speaking as soon as the program opens. Even when they are not using the app, users can still communicate with the voice assistant. Furthermore, unlike Apple Intelligence, which is limited to iPhone 15 Pro models and later, the software is compatible with slightly older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 13.
The assistant still lacks ChatGPT’s ability to access the phone camera and provide context for a photo. Additionally, it lacks the ability to set alarms, silence notifications, or access iPhone settings.
Additionally, Srinivas told users that after turning on voice mode, it takes three to four seconds to connect with the assistant; however, they are aiming to reduce this time. He pointed out that, similar to how people use Siri, he can set his iPhone’s action button to Perplexity Voice Mode so he can utilise this without opening the programme.
According to recent sources, as Apple reorganises its leadership, the new Siri has been further postponed until 2026.
More and More big Companies Opting for AI
Big businesses are setting the example as organisations begin to implement administrative reforms intended to create future value from emerging AI. Organisations are starting to take actions that have a direct impact on their bottom line, such as reworking procedures as they use gen AI and assigning senior leaders to crucial positions like managing AI governance, according to the most recent McKinsey Global Survey on AI.
The results also demonstrate that companies are hiring for new AI-related positions and retraining staff to take part in AI deployment as they attempt to reduce an increasing number of gen-AI-related hazards. Businesses with yearly sales of at least $500 million are evolving faster than smaller ones.
According to reports, tech firm Meta has laid off employees in its Reality Labs division, mostly affecting hardware development and Oculus Studios teams. One of the projects affected is Supernatural, a virtual reality fitness game that Meta purchased for more than $400 million.
According to the firm, the change is intended to increase productivity while maintaining the company’s commitment to creating content for Supernatural and Quest. These recent layoffs come after a larger round of job cuts in February.
That month, Meta slashed about 3,600 positions, or around 5% of its global employment, citing performance-related issues. The precise number of layoffs is yet unknown. The layoffs are in line with CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s goal of creating a more streamlined, flexible company.
Meta Facing Outrage on Social Media
Social media users reacted negatively to the February layoffs, with many blaming the corporation for putting executive compensation ahead of the livelihoods of normal workers.
In addition to public outrage, a number of former Meta employees claimed that the layoffs weren’t just performance-based. Some said they were fired for reasons unrelated to their work performance or even while they were on authorised leave.
Meta, one of the most popular social media sites in the world, mostly makes money via advertising. As it fights for the top spot in the rapidly changing field of generative AI technology, the company’s multibillion-dollar investment in AI infrastructure is fueled by that revenue stream.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses with AI will soon be Available in India
The Ray-Ban Meta, one of Meta’s newest smart glasses, will soon be available in India, the company has revealed. These glasses, which are powered by Meta AI and provide a distinctive fusion of fashion and technology, were created in collaboration with the international eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica.
The glasses were first released in a few regions last year, but they are now being released in more nations, such as Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, with India likely to follow. The glasses, which are made for hands-free interaction, allow users to send messages, control music, translate languages, and ask questions by simply saying, “Hey Meta.”
They can take pictures, record videos, and make calls via apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger in addition to having built-in cameras and speakers.
The Ray-Ban Meta spectacles were initially introduced in September 2023 as the successor to the original Ray-Ban Stories, which were released in 2021. With this new iteration, Meta has expanded app support, enhanced design, enhanced sound quality, and added more potent AI functions.
The glasses are made to feel and look like standard Ray-Bans. However, they are now packed with smart technology that allows users to keep their phone in their pocket and stay connected.
According to a media source on April 25, Apple intends to move the assembly of all iPhones sold in the US to India by the end of the year. President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats on Chinese imports are the driving force behind this daring effort.
The initiative is a component of a larger goal to diversify Apple’s supply chain away from China, which continues to control the majority of the tech giant’s production facilities. If this change is successful, India’s current output of iPhones would double to nearly 60 million units per year by 2026.
US the Most Important Market for iPhone
Apple’s most significant market is the United States. According to IDC, it made up about 28% of the company’s worldwide iPhone shipments in 2024. International Data Corporation (IDC) is the world’s leading provider of market intelligence, data, and events for the consumer technology, telecommunications, and information technology sectors.
In addition to helping Apple avoid high tariffs, shifting the manufacturing of iPhones headed for the US out of China lowers the long-term geopolitical risk associated with US-China ties. The change is a direct response to Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” policy.
His government attacked China with tariffs that included a 20% charge on smartphones and once reached as high as 145%. Even if phones and other electronics were recently spared, the comfort seems to be short-lived.
Additionally, Trump has proposed additional taxes targeted at goods with a lot of semiconductors, which may affect Apple’s whole product range.
iPhone Production in India
According to a media agency’s estimate, Apple produced $22 billion worth of iPhones in India in the fiscal year that ended in March 2025, a 60% increase over the previous year. India currently supplies 20% of the world’s iPhones, a percentage that is expected to rise quickly.
Along with Tata Electronics, which purchased Wistron’s business and currently manages Pegatron’s production, the majority of its production is housed at Foxconn’s expansive campus in Tamil Nadu.
Apple’s production strategy, which had been mostly focused on China for almost 20 years, is now at a turning point. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration in India is assisting in paving the road. Apple may profit from new $2.7 billion subsidy programmes intended to increase semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, as well as production-linked incentives.
But there are still difficulties. Even though iPhone assembly is the last step in the manufacturing process, Apple still gets a lot of its componentry from Chinese vendors. According to experts, it might take years to move the entire supply chain.
It might take up to eight years to shift only 10% of Apple’s manufacturing out of China. Additionally, the change goes against Trump’s stated insistence that businesses “bring jobs home”.
According to analysts, India is a better option because the US lacks the infrastructure and labour force necessary to sustain mass iPhone manufacture.
Nitin Konde
