In a market with enormous growth potential, the Indian government plans to introduce a new cooperative-based taxi service called “Sahkar Taxi” nationwide as an alternative to well-known ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber. In Parliament on 26 March, Union Minister Amit Shah unveiled the idea, announcing that the new service will register four-wheeler taxis, rickshaws, and two-wheeler taxis. Additionally, he stated that Sahkar Taxi will guarantee that all profits flow directly to the drivers rather than big businesses, in contrast to current private firm services.
Reaping Financial Benefits for the Drivers
The Minister added that a government-run cooperative sarkar taxi service similar to Ola and Uber will be introduced in the upcoming months on a cooperative basis. Rickshaws, four-wheeler taxis, and two-wheeler taxis will all be registered by the service. The drivers of the vehicle will be the only recipients of the earnings from this service, not any large industrialists. The proposed action will pit the government against Uber, Ola, Rapido, and the recently developed app taxi aggregators like BluSmart, all of whom are fighting for a bigger share of the enormous market in the most populated nation in the world. With robust growth projections, rising Internet penetration, shifting lifestyles, and rising incomes, the market may also have plenty of room for new participants, even though the supply of app-cabs isn’t keeping up with demand. Prabhjeet Singh, president of Uber India and South Asia, had previously informed a media outlet that a lack of vehicles is making it difficult for ride-hailing services in India to satisfy growing customer demand, pointing to high asset ownership costs as a major obstacle.
State Governments Testing India’s Taxi Market
The Indian taxi industry is currently valued at $23.40 billion and is expected to reach $44.18 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. With the introduction of Yatri Sathi by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC administration in West Bengal, a comparable model is already in place. The service was first offered in Kolkata and has subsequently spread to Siliguri, Asansol, and Durgapur, among other places. Yatri Sathi is a handy and accessible choice for travellers around the region since it offers prompt dispatch, local language assistance (English or Bengali), reasonable fares, and round-the-clock customer service. Namma Yathri, a privately held taxi services app in Karnataka, uses a similar business model by guaranteeing that all earnings go to the drivers. With a variety of services like taxis, two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and pooling possibilities, the app gives drivers more control over their income while allowing passengers access to economical and effective modes of transportation.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fined HDFC Bank INR 75 lakh after discovering that the bank had not followed certain of the guidelines outlined in the RBI’s Know Your Customer (KYC) master guidance. Notably, the RBI is referring to a KYC master circular that was last modified on November 6, 2024, having been issued on February 25, 2016. In a March 26, 2025, press release, the RBI said that HDFC Bank Limited (the bank) had been fined INR 75.00 lakh (Rupees Seventy-Five Lakh only) by an order dated March 24, 2025, for failing to comply with specific guidelines the RBI had given regarding “Know Your Customer (KYC).” In accordance with Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the RBI was granted the authority to impose this penalty.
How it all Begin?
The RBI went on to clarify in its statement that the bank’s financial status as of March 31, 2023, was the subject of a Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023) of the bank. A notice was sent to the bank asking it to provide justification for why it should not be penalised for its failure to follow the RBI’s instructions, based on supervisory findings of non-compliance and related correspondence. The RBI made it clear that this financial penalty is specifically tied to regulatory compliance shortcomings and has nothing to do with the legitimacy of any transactions or agreements the bank has made with its clients. Furthermore, the penalty has no bearing on any further actions the RBI may take against HDFC Bank.
HDFC Fails to Provide Satisfactory Response
In its official statement, the RBI stated that, among other things, it determined that the following charges against the bank were upheld, justifying the imposition of a monetary penalty, after taking into account the bank’s response to the notice and other submissions made by the bank. Based on its evaluation and perception of risk, the bank did not assign some of its customers to the low, medium, or high risk categories. Rather than assigning a Unique Customer Identification Code (UCIC) to every customer, the bank assigned numerous UCICs to certain consumers.
Why Banks Need to Follow RBI’s KYC Guidelines?
Reiterating the January 2004 instructions, the “Know Your Customer” guidelines were released in February 2005 in response to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) recommendations on combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) and anti-money laundering (AML) standards. These guidelines are now the global norm by which regulatory bodies formulate anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism funding strategies. International financial ties now require that the nation’s banks, financial institutions, and NBFCs adhere to these requirements. The Reserve Bank’s Department of Banking Operations and Development has provided banks with comprehensive guidelines based on the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s paper on Customer Due Diligence (CDD) for banks, with indicative suggestions where deemed necessary. NBFCs are equally subject to these rules.
Therefore, it is recommended that all NBFCs adopt it with appropriate modifications based on their activities and make sure that, within three months of the date of this circular, a proper policy framework on “Know Your Customer” and anti-money laundering measures is developed and implemented with the Board’s approval. Before December 31, 2005, NBFCs were urged to make sure they were completely in compliance with the guidelines.
On March 26, Bharti Airtel declared that its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services would be available in India. With some plans, it offers users access to a vast collection of on-demand content from 29 OTT streaming apps, including Netflix, ZEE5, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and many more. In addition to 600 well-known television channels, Airtel’s new IPTV subscriptions offer Wi-Fi that can be used at home or at work.
Pricing and Other Benefits
According to a press release, Airtel has introduced IPTV services in India, with Wi-Fi options starting at INR 699 per month. 350 TV channels, 26 streaming applications, and a 40 Mbps Wi-Fi connection are all included in this plan. Similar benefits are provided by the INR 899 package, which has a speed boost of 100 Mbps. Customers can choose the INR 1,099 package in the interim if they want to take advantage of faster internet connections. It provides 28 streaming apps, including Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime subscriptions, and 200 Mbps Wi-Fi. Plans costing INR 1,599 and INR 3,000 include 350 TV channels, 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps internet connections, plus Netflix, which completes the suite of streaming apps.
30 Days Complementary Service on Purchase
The telecom company claims that as part of an introductory offer, any Airtel customers who purchase IPTV plans through the Airtel Thanks App will receive up to 30 days of free service. With the absence of Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, and the Northeastern regions, where the launch is scheduled for a few weeks from now, IPTV services are accessible in 2000 Indian cities. All new customers can take use of IPTV when they purchase new Wi-Fi plans from Airtel. Existing customers can upgrade to IPTV plans in the interim by visiting any Airtel store or using the Airtel Thanks app.
According to Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Connected Homes and Chief Marketing Officer at Bharti Airtel, the launch marks the beginning of a new age in home entertainment, where cutting-edge technology skilfully combines a variety of streaming apps with traditional linear TV to provide consumers with an immersive online experience. We are confident that customers will have a wonderful convergent home experience with Airtel IPTV, supported by Airtel’s fast Wi-Fi.
In today’s overcrowded world of e-commerce, where high competition and customer loyalty are hard-won, FirstCry has emerged as a shining example of creating a brand that connects deeply with its audience. The brand was founded in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha and operated as an online platform for baby and kids’ products.
But how did FirstCry get this glorious success? The answer lies in its brilliant marketing strategy, which has the essence of emotional storytelling, data-driven decisions, and a deep understanding of its target audience.
Let’s discuss FirstCry’s marketing strategy and disclose the secrets behind its success.
What Makes FirstCry’s Marketing So Irresistible to Parents?
FirstCry’s journey is a testament to the power of a well-executed marketing strategy. By putting parents and their needs at the center of everything it does, FirstCry has built a successful business & also created a brand that millions of families trust and love.
Understanding the Target Audience – Parents and Their Emotions
At the heart of FirstCry’s marketing strategy is a deep understanding of its target audience: parents. Parenting is one of the most emotional journeys in life, filled with joy, anxiety, love, and a constant desire to provide the best for one’s child. FirstCry taps into these emotions.
Emotional Storytelling: FirstCry’s advertisements and campaigns often revolve around the emotional bond between parents and children. For example, their campaigns highlight moments like a baby’s first steps, a mother’s sleepless nights, or a father’s pride in his child. These relatable scenarios create a strong emotional connection with the audience.
Parenting Content: FirstCry doesn’t just sell products; it provides value to parents through its Parenting Blog and YouTube channel. From tips on breastfeeding to advice on toddler tantrums, FirstCry positions itself as a trusted partner in the parenting journey.
Why It Works: Emotional storytelling builds trust and loyalty. Parents don’t just see FirstCry as a store; they see it as a partner in their parenting journey.
Omnichannel Presence – Online and Offline Integration
FirstCry Offline Store
FirstCry’s success lies in its potential to run online and offline channels. While it started as an e-commerce platform, it quickly expanded into the offline space to cater to a larger audience.
E-commerce Dominance: FirstCry’s website and app are user-friendly, offering several products, from diapers and baby food to toys and clothing. The platform frequently runs discounts, cashback offers, and loyalty programs to keep customers engaged.
Offline Stores: FirstCry has over 500+ offline stores across India, making it accessible to parents who prefer in-store shopping. These stores are designed to be child-friendly, with play areas and interactive displays, creating a delightful shopping experience for both parents and kids.
Hybrid Model: FirstCry’s omnichannel approach allows customers to shop online and pick up their orders in-store or return online purchases at physical stores. This flexibility enhances customer convenience and builds trust.
Why It Works: By offering multiple shopping options, FirstCry ensures that no parent is left behind, whether they prefer the convenience of online shopping or the reassurance of in-store purchases.
Data-Driven Personalization – Making Every Parent Feel Special
FirstCry leverages data analytics to offer a personalized shopping experience. By analyzing customer behavior, purchase history, and preferences, FirstCry tailors its marketing efforts to individual needs.
Personalized Recommendations: The platform uses AI and machine learning to recommend products based on a child’s age, developmental stage, and previous purchases. For example, if a parent buys diapers for a newborn, FirstCry might suggest baby wipes, feeding bottles, or onesies.
Email and SMS Campaigns: FirstCry sends personalized emails and SMS alerts about discounts, new arrivals, and parenting tips. These messages are timed to align with key milestones in a child’s life, such as birthdays or developmental stages.
Retargeting Ads: FirstCry uses retargeting ads to re-engage customers who have abandoned their carts or browsed specific products. These ads often feature discounts or limited-time offers to encourage purchases.
Why It Works: Personalization makes parents feel valued and understood. It’s not just restricted to selling products but about solving problems and making parenting easier.
FirstCry is known for its aggressive discounting strategy, which has played a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers.
FirstCry Coupons: The platform frequently offers coupons and promo codes, especially during festive seasons like Diwali or Independence Day. These discounts are heavily promoted through social media, email campaigns, and partnerships with coupon websites.
FirstCry FirstClub: FirstCry’s loyalty program, FirstClub, offers exclusive benefits like free delivery, early access to sales, and additional discounts. This program encourages repeat purchases and builds customer loyalty.
Referral Programs: FirstCry incentivizes customers to refer friends and family by offering discounts or cashback for successful referrals. This word-of-mouth marketing strategy has helped the brand grow its customer base organically.
Why It Works: Discounts and loyalty programs keep parents wanting more. Who doesn’t love a good deal?
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
FirstCry has formed strategic partnerships to expand its reach and enhance its product offerings.
Mahindra Retail Acquisition: In 2016, FirstCry acquired Mahindra Retail, which operated the BabyOye brand. This acquisition helped FirstCry strengthen its offline presence and expand its product portfolio.
Disney Collaboration: FirstCry partnered with Disney to launch a wide array of co-branded products, including clothing, toys, and accessories featuring popular Disney characters. This collaboration appeals to kids and parents, making it a win-win for the brand.
Celebrity Endorsements: FirstCry has collaborated with celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and its advertising campaigns. These endorsements add credibility and star power to the brand, making it more appealing to a larger audience.
FirstCry’s Collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan
Why It Works: Social media and influencer marketing help FirstCry build a loyal community of parents who trust and love the brand.
Social Media and Influencer Marketing
FirstCry’s social media strategy is a masterclass in engaging with its audience. The brand actively uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with parents and showcase its products.
Parenting Influencers: FirstCry collaborates with parenting influencers and mommy bloggers to promote its products. These influencers share their personal experiences with FirstCry, making the brand more relatable and trustworthy.
User-Generated Content: FirstCry encourages customers to share photos and videos of their children using its products. The user-generated content is featured on its social media pages, creating a sense of community and authenticity.
Interactive Campaigns: FirstCry runs several campaigns such as contests, quizzes, and giveaways for more engagement. For example, during Mother’s Day, the brand might conduct a contest asking parents to share their favorite parenting moments to win prizes.
Why It Works: Social media and influencer marketing help FirstCry build a loyal community of parents who trust and love the brand.
In recent years, FirstCry has expanded its offerings to include parenting services under the FirstCry Parenting brand. This includes:
Parenting Workshops: FirstCry organizes workshops and webinars on child nutrition, early education, and parenting tips. These events position FirstCry as a thought leader in the parenting space.
Health and Wellness Products: FirstCry now offers a range of health and wellness products for kids and parents, including vitamins, supplements, and skincare products.
Educational Toys and Books: FirstCry has expanded its product range to include educational toys, books, and learning aids, catering to the growing demand for early childhood development products.
Why It Works: By expanding its offerings, FirstCry ensures that it remains relevant to parents as their children grow.
FirstCry’s Global Ambitions
While FirstCry dominates the Indian market, it has also set its sights on global expansion. The brand launched operations in the United Arab Emirates in 2019 and expanded to Saudi Arabia in 2022, bringing its expertise in baby care and parenting products to enter into new markets.
Localized Offerings: FirstCry tailors its product offerings and marketing strategies that go well with the cultural and regional preferences in every market. For example, in the Middle East, the brand offers a range of modest clothing for kids, while in Southeast Asia, it focuses on lightweight and breathable fabrics.
Partnerships with Local Brands: FirstCry collaborates with local brands and retailers to establish a foothold in new markets. These partnerships help the brand navigate regulatory challenges and build trust with local customers.
Why It Works:
FirstCry’s global expansion strategy is successful because it focuses on localization and strategic partnerships by adapting its product offerings to match cultural preferences—such as modest clothing in the Middle East and breathable fabrics in Southeast Asia as it ensures relevance and appeal in diverse markets.
Emotional Connection: Tap into the emotions of your target audience to build a strong brand connection.
Omnichannel Approach: Integrate online and offline channels to provide a satisfactory customer experience.
Data-Driven Personalization: Use data to offer personalized recommendations and targeted marketing.
Huge Discounts: Offer discounts and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with brands and influencers to expand your reach and credibility.
Community Building: Engage with your audience through social media, user-generated content, and interactive campaigns.
Continuous Evolution: Adapt to the changing needs of your audience and expand your offerings to stay relevant.
Conclusion
FirstCry’s success can be attributed to its customer-centric approach, emotional storytelling, and data-driven strategies. By understanding the needs and emotions of its target audience, FirstCry has built a brand that parents trust and love.
Its omnichannel presence, aggressive discounts, and strategic partnerships have further solidified its position as India’s leading baby care retailer. But what truly sets FirstCry apart is its mind-blown marketing strategies to connect with the audience.
From a baby products retailer to a comprehensive parenting platform, FirstCry has continuously adapted to meet its customer demands. As the brand expands globally, its marketing strategy will continue to engage parents worldwide.
On March 26, President Donald Trump announced broad plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and light trucks into the United States, with the declaration that the decision would be permanent. Collection will start on April 3 after the tariffs go into force on April 2. “We will impose a 25% tariff on all automobiles that are not produced in the United States,” stated the President. In the Oval Office, Trump declared, “This will be permanent.” “We start off with a 2.5% base, which is what we’re at, and go to 25%.” “This will continue to spur growth like you haven’t seen before,” he said, asserting that the action would encourage economic growth. However, there are no tariffs if your car is built in the US. Days before Trump is anticipated to reveal a more comprehensive set of trade policies, the announcement was made. He has designated April 2 as “liberation day” and plans to impose a broad range of so-called reciprocal tariffs on imports that his administration claims are unjustly subject to taxes from US trading partners.
What are the Key Benefits of this Move?
The White House estimates that these tariffs will bring in about $100 billion a year. Although analysts caution that higher costs could harm consumer demand and economic growth, the government is certain that this money can help lower the budget deficit and assist American industry. An imported car may cost about $12,500 more if manufacturers pass the entire tariff cost on to consumers. The average cost of a new car is already close to $49,000, so middle-class buyers might find it difficult to afford new cars. According to the Trump administration, the tariffs will incentivise automakers to relocate their manufacturing to the United States, generating jobs. As evidence that his policies are effective, Trump pointed to Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel facility in Louisiana. Restructuring supply networks takes time, despite the White House’s claim that tariffs will boost the US auto industry. Before any benefits appear, automakers and consumers may have to pay more in the short run, and job losses may occur.
What are Repercussions of this Move?
European Union (EU) and Canadian leaders slammed the levies and warned of potential economic disruptions. While the EU issued a warning about harm to consumers and trade relations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to protect Canadian companies. Other countries may impose countermeasures in response to the tariffs, which may start a worldwide trade war. Trump has previously threatened to impose a 200% tax on European alcohol in response to the EU’s proposal of a 50% levy on US spirits. Economists caution that these tariffs may restrict consumer options and increase inflation. They are a component of Trump’s larger economic agenda, which also includes tariffs on energy, computer chips, steel, and aluminium.
Musk’s Tesla Suffers Setback but May Still Prevail
All of Tesla’s automobiles are produced in the United States, mostly at its operations in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas. Because of this, the business has a significant edge over competitors like GM, Ford, and global brands like Hyundai, Toyota, and Volkswagen that mostly depend on imports or cross-border supply networks. However, many of the parts used in Tesla’s automobiles are imported, even if the final assembly takes place in the United States. This covers everything from lithium-ion battery cells and electric motors to the raw materials needed to produce EVs. Now that those parts are subject to taxes, Tesla’s production costs and maybe sticker prices will go up.
Tesla is already struggling with dwindling market share and growing competition at the moment of the levies. Musk has cautioned investors that this year could see a slowdown in the company’s growth rate. In a more competitive EV market, higher production costs brought on by tariffs may make price competition more difficult. Musk is resisting any notion that Tesla will gain an advantage on its own, even with that protection. Like other manufacturers, the company’s intricate worldwide supply network is nonetheless at risk.
Mumbai, India – 27th March 2025: Twiddles, the mindful snacking brand founded by cricket legend Yuvraj Singh in partnership with Alfinity Studios, is making waves in India’s booming premium snacking industry. In just three months since its launch, Twiddles has achieved phenomenal traction, driven by an increasing consumer demand for nutritious, high-quality snacks. The brand is now on track to cross INR 2 crore in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) in the upcoming quarter. Twiddles has also recorded an impressive revenue growth projecting an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of INR 125 crores by the next financial year. India’s premium snacking market is set to grow from INR 42000 crore in 2023 to ₹95000 crore by 2032.
“Balance is at the core of everything I do, whether on or off the field. Twiddles embodies this philosophy by blending indulgence with health. After all, no one eats perfectly every day of the month, and it’s okay to indulge. With Twiddles, it’s just that you can do the same mindfully”, said Yuvraj Singh, Co-founder of Twiddles.
Twiddles has quickly carved out a niche, attracting over 20,000 unique customers. The brand boasts an 8% website conversion rate—well above the FMCG D2C industry average—and an impressive 13% repeat purchase rate. Recent industry reports reveal that over 68% of Indian consumers now prioritize healthier snacking options, with protein-rich and clean-label products witnessing the fastest growth.
Fueling this momentum, Twiddles is gearing up to expand its product portfolio with new launches, including peanut butters, protein bites, and savory protein-based snacks. The brand’s Almond Crumble Chocolate Spread has already become a bestseller, with over 10,000 jars sold, while more than 50,000 energy bites have been purchased across platforms. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 94% of reviews on Amazon and the brand’s website reflecting high satisfaction.
The brand’s early success is fueled by strategic marketing, innovative product offerings, and strong consumer trust. Yuvraj Singh’s credibility as a co-founder and him being a health philanthropist have built strong trust. Within its first month, Twiddles garnered over 30 million social media impressions and made a significant impact at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), engaging with over 500,000 visitors. Its strategic partnerships with leading e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms have expanded availability across key metro cities, enhancing accessibility like never before.
“Our initial momentum is a testament to the vast potential of India’s premium snacking segment,” said Rishi Dewan, Co-founder of Alfinity Studios. “With Yuvraj Singh as a co-founder, we are combining credibility, innovation, and deep consumer insights to build a brand that resonates with modern snackers.”
Looking ahead, Twiddles plans to scale its presence further through product innovation, influencer collaborations and an omnichannel retail strategy designed to maximize visibility and customer engagement. With a strong foundation and a fast-growing market, Twiddles is poised to redefine India’s premium snacking landscape and establish itself as a category leader.
About Twiddles
Twiddles is a premium health-focused snacking brand co-founded by cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh in collaboration with Alfinity Studios. Designed to redefine guilt-free indulgence, Twiddles offers a range of high-protein, nutrient-rich bites and spreads made with premium ingredients like almonds, cashews, roasted seeds, and natural sweeteners. Free from palm oil and artificial additives, Twiddles combines taste, nutrition, and conscious choices to cater to modern consumers seeking healthier alternatives. With products available online on Amazon, Blinkit, and its official website, Twiddles is rapidly expanding its presence in both digital and offline retail markets.
Major exits include Prescinto AI’s acquisition by IBM and Parablu’s sale to CrashPlan, showcasing the attractiveness of IPV-backed startups.
IPV portfolio companies raised 25 follow-on rounds in 2024, attracting top-tier investors and providing 30-40% IRRs through optional exits.
IPV has achieved 47 exits out of a 200+ startup portfolio over the last five years, a significantly higher exit rate compared to industry norms.
Inflection Point Ventures, the most active angel network in India, announces 14 exits from 2024, delivering an IRR of ~36% and reinforcing its ability to generate liquidity for its investors. With 47 successful exits from a portfolio of 200+ startups, IPV has delivered exit opportunities at a rate well above industry norms, reinforcing its strong track record in venture investing.
“Our focus has always been on identifying and supporting businesses with the potential to scale and deliver strong returns,” said Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO of IPV. “Despite the market slowdown, our ability to deliver consistent exits reflects the strength of our portfolio and the trust we’ve built with both investors and founders.”
IPV has successfully facilitated multiple high-return exits, demonstrating its expertise in identifying scalable businesses. Among them, Aksum (52% IRR, 1.55x MoM), Conscious Chemist (54% IRR, 1.45x MoM), and Qubehealth (53% IRR, 4.06x MoM) delivered significant investor returns. These exits, along with several others, reinforce IPV’s strategy of backing high-potential startups that create meaningful investor value.
While the funding winter persisted, IPV portfolio companies secured 25 follow-on rounds, an achievement that stands out in a challenging market. These rounds were led by renowned global and domestic investors, reinforcing strong conviction in IPV-backed startups and their growth potential.
This continued investor confidence is evident in the backing IPV startups have received from top-tier funds. Goodwater Capital invested in Stage, alongside Blume Ventures, which also backed Fashor. Kazam attracted funding from Vertex Ventures, Avaana, and Chakra, while Sorin and Piper Serica supported Freed. DS Group’s investment in Samosa Party further highlights the trust established investors place in IPV’s portfolio. Adding to this momentum, Tim Draper’s investment in BonV Aero reinforces IPV’s rigorous due diligence, showcasing the confidence of globally recognized investors in IPV-backed startups.
Another major highlight of the year was the appearance and funding of two IPV-backed startups—Speed Kitchen and Metashot—on Shark Tank Indiathat , further underscoring the visibility and credibility of IPV startups in the larger ecosystem.
Some of these strategic investments were structured as blended primary and secondary transactions, providing optional exits to IPV investors, delivering 30-40% IRRs with a 3- 4x return.
“The ability of our startups to attract follow-on funding from top-tier VCs and corporates underscores the quality of companies we back,” said Ankur Mittal, Co-founder of IPV. “By consistently identifying high-growth potential and fostering strategic relationships, we ensure that our investors benefit from both capital appreciation and early liquidity.”
Beyond securing fresh capital, IPV-backed companies have also proven to be attractive targets for acquisitions and strategic collaborations, validating their strong technology and market potential. Prescinto AI, an AI-powered platform optimizing renewable energy assets, was acquired by IBM, integrating its technology into IBM’s Maximo Application Suite to enhance the energy sector’s efficiency and sustainability. This exit delivered a 28% IRR with a 2.17x return. Similarly, Parablu, a data protection company, was acquired by CrashPlan, a global leader in cyber-ready data resilience. The acquisition not only integrated Parablu’s solutions but also onboarded its team, ensuring a smooth transition and continued business growth. This exit generated an IRR of ~30% with a 2.2x MoM in 36 months.
“Our focus goes beyond just funding—we actively support our startups in scaling and securing strategic exits,” said Mitesh Shah, Co-founder of IPV. “By enabling them to attract the right investors and acquirers, we ensure liquidity opportunities for our investors, even in challenging market cycles.”
A report by the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) and EY highlights that only 10-15% of startups in India provide successful exits to investors. IPV has consistently exceeded market trends, with more than half of its portfolio businesses already obtaining exits or follow-on investment. This impressive track record demonstrates IPV’s ability to handle market obstacles and generate meaningful results for its investor community.
About Inflection Point Ventures and Physis Capital
Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) is an angel investing platform with over 23,500+ CXOs, HNIs, and Professionals investing together in startups. The firm supports new-age entrepreneurs by providing them with monetary & experiential capital and connecting them with a diverse group of investors.IPV has launched a $50 Mn CAT 2 VC fund, Physis Capital, to invest in Pre-Series A to Series B growth-stage startups. The fund has already deployed capital in two startups so far, with a few deals in advanced stages of the pipeline.
Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and a popular judge on Shark Tank India, recently shared his thoughts on career growth in a LinkedIn post. He believes promotions are no longer based on tenure or loyalty. Simply staying at a company for years does not guarantee success. Instead, employees must take the right actions to move ahead. He shared three best ways to get promoted in a job.
1. Speed and Agility Matter More Than Experience
Anupam Mittal said that today’s market is moving ten times faster than before. Taking months to analyse and plan can leave you behind. Instead of overthinking, he suggests quick decision-making and rapid execution. The ability to adapt fast is the new intelligence.
Today’s business environment is changing quickly. Trends emerge and disappear within months. Those who take too long to study and strategise often miss opportunities. He suggests that professionals should focus on first principles, test their ideas quickly, and keep improving based on results. This approach helps employees stay ahead of the curve and become valuable assets to their companies.
2. Progress Over Movement
Working long hours does not guarantee success. Mittal recalls working 90-hour weeks that led nowhere. He has also seen one well-thought-out project deliver more value than months of effort. Promotions go to those who track their progress every week and ensure real impact, not just movement.
Many professionals mistake being busy for being productive. But promotions are not given for hard work alone; they are earned through meaningful contributions. Employers value employees who measure their progress and improve continuously. Instead of spending time on tasks that do not drive results, professionals should focus on projects that bring real change to the business.
3. Ownership Over Entitlement
Simply showing up at work is not enough. According to Mittal, the workplace is not a school where attendance earns passing marks. Employees must take ownership, make decisions, and push things forward. Companies reward those who act like leaders, not those who just wait for promotions.
Taking ownership means going beyond job descriptions. Employees should identify problems, offer solutions, and take responsibility for their outcomes. Those who step up and think like business owners are more likely to be recognised.
Take Charge of Your Career
Mittal advises professionals to stop waiting for promotions. Instead, they should align their work with business goals, offer great value, and then ask for the raise or position they deserve. He followed these principles before becoming a founder and found success.
If employees want to grow, they need to prove their worth. Instead of relying on past achievements, they should show how they contribute to future success. Companies promote those who create impact, take initiative, and shows leadership qualities.
Final Thoughts
Promotions are no longer about waiting for years. To move ahead, employees must be quick, show real progress, and take initiative. Anupam Mittal’s message is simple: work smart, take ownership, and make yourself valuable. Those who adapt fast, deliver results, and show leadership will always grow in their careers.
Out of the 1,200 engineers that Infosys onboarded in October and November, 40 to 45 more trainees were let go after the company came under fire for firing about 400 trainees who didn’t perform well in its rigorous assessment. An important internal evaluation that Infosys had planned for February 18 at its Mysore campus was indefinitely postponed. Following the company’s decision to fire hundreds of trainees, which sparked outrage from labour unions and prompted government action. According to reports, the evaluation was originally scheduled to include about 800 workers, with results anticipated by February 19, 2025, and possible terminations by February 21. On March 18, the IT services company evaluated these engineers. To give the trainees enough time to get ready, the evaluation was rescheduled. They were also given access to mock exams for improved preparation and sessions to address any questions. At least 45 fresher were told after the test that they had failed the basic skills program because they did not satisfy the requirements to be eligible and did not match Infosys standards.
Mandatory Signing of Separation and General Release Agreement
According to reports, the trainees would get a month’s salary and a letter of release after signing a Separation and General Release Agreement. It has been stated that outplacement support has been promised to the impacted trainees while they look for other employment. The affected trainees have reportedly been offered 12 weeks of external training by Infosys to get them ready for careers in the BPM industry. They can then apply for Infosys’ BPM if they successfully complete the course.
Earlier, Infosys Terminated 400
About 400 trainees were let go by Infosys at its Mysore facility earlier in February after failing to pass required internal tests. Many of them were left feeling distressed and told to leave the area right away. According to a media outlet, trainees who had waited two and a half years to join the organisation after obtaining their offer letters in 2022 were impacted by the mass termination that occurred on February 7. As per an official statement given to a news agency, the corporation justified its actions by stating that all new hires have three chances to pass the test; if they don’t, they won’t be allowed to stay with the company. The corporation claims that the procedure has been in place for more than 20 years and that it is also included in their contract. Starting at 9:30 AM, groups of 50 trainees were brought in with their laptops to begin the methodical terminations. According to a media report, bouncers and security guards were on hand during the event.
Users were unable to complete digital transactions on 26 March’s night due to a major technical problem that interrupted Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services throughout India. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which is in charge of managing UPI operations, admitted to the issue and gave users the assurance that it had been resolved. “The same has been addressed now, and the system has stabilised,” the NPCI said on social media site X. NPCI further added, “We apologise for the inconvenience.” Even though the disruption was only momentary, people who depend on digital payments for everyday transactions were frustrated. A number of well-known UPI applications were impacted, including Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay. A few banks, like ICICI Bank, continued to operate, but others, like HDFC Bank, encountered difficulties. Customers complained about unsuccessful purchases and connectivity problems in droves to Downdetector, a platform that monitors service disruptions.
What is UPI?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) oversees the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a payment system created by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). With their phone numbers or distinct UPI IDs, individuals can send and receive money instantaneously. In contrast to other payment options such as Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), UPI enables users and merchants to request payments by only sending a message via their banking app. The fact that UPI is completely free is one of the main factors contributing to its success. Users are not subject to extra costs from NPCI when transferring any amount of money at any time. Because there is no minimum transaction restriction, it is also frequently used for modest payments at neighbourhood stores. Furthermore, UPI has a practical AutoPay function that enables users to schedule automatic payments for subscriptions and invoices, streamlining and simplifying transactions.
Some Unknown Features of UPI?
One may have observed that several UPI apps give him distinct UPI IDs. This occurs as a result of each app processing transactions through a different banking partner. The bank that is associated with the person’s account determines his UPI ID. Common UPI IDs in Google Pay, for instance, are “@oksbi”, “@okhdfcbank”, “@okaxis”, and “@okicici”. The customer can feel secure if he is worried about the security of UPI transactions. The RBI has put strict security procedures and regulations in place to protect UPI payments, guaranteeing the protection of his money and personal information. To protect sensitive data, like user identities and transaction details, during transmission, UPI uses cutting-edge encryption technologies like TLS, AES, and PKI. Furthermore, UPI lowers the danger of data exposure and unauthorised access by using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) in place of exchanging bank account information.
The device-specific functionality of UPI is another important security aspect. Only the registered device can access Preson’s UPI account, limiting unauthorised use from other devices. In order to improve security, the RBI also implements robust authentication procedures such as biometric verification and two-factor authentication (2FA). Fraudsters can still take advantage of user weaknesses even though the NPCI guarantees strong security on their end by claiming that UPI accounts cannot be compromised. For example, in 2022, over 95,000 instances of UPI fraud were reported as a result of schemes that deceive users into disclosing sensitive information or granting access to their devices.
