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  • Rahul Joseph on How White Gold is Revolutionising Gold Buying with Transparency, Technology, and a Customer-Centric Approach

    In this insightful interaction, Rahul Joseph, Founder and CEO of White Gold, shares the journey of transforming the disorganised gold-buying market with a transparent, customer-first approach. He discusses the company’s growth since 2017, expanding from 5 to over 50 stores across Karnataka and Kerala. Joseph explains how services like advanced valuation technology and cashless payments make White Gold stand out. He also talks about rising gold prices, shifting consumer behaviors, and the challenges White Gold faces in expanding its presence and reaching new markets.

    StartupTalky: What inspired you to start White Gold, and how has your vision evolved since its inception in 2017?

    Mr. Joseph: The gap in the gold-buying market motivated the inception of White Gold. The market itself was disorganised, which highlighted the need for a more effective way of transacting gold that prioritises customers. The goal was to devise a viable system for customers who wanted to sell their gold under transparent circumstances while avoiding any stigmas attached to gold selling.

    Since we started in 2017, our outlook has changed dramatically. From 5 stores, we have grown to more than 50 stores today, spread across the states of Karnataka and Kerala. It is this passion for invention and customer service that has put us at the top of the industry today. In 2019, rebranding allowed us to further our quest of providing a unique, efficient, and professional gold-selling experience.

    StartupTalky: How has White Gold’s customer-first approach contributed to its rapid growth in the gold-buying industry?

    Mr. Joseph: White Gold’s rapid growth can be largely attributed to our core principles of honesty, integrity, and transparency. We ensure fair valuations, straightforward transactions, and consistent pricing (i.e. MCX-led live gold rates), which helps us build trust with every customer. Our stores are designed to be visually appealing and welcoming, creating a positive atmosphere that enhances the customer experience.

    The success of our customer-first approach is reflected in our strong word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers. We have built lasting relationships by consistently prioritising the needs and satisfaction of our clients.

    StartupTalky: What makes White Gold’s gold liquidation process unique, and how do you ensure customer satisfaction with the experience?

    Mr. Joseph: Our gold liquidation process is designed to be exceptional, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a strong commitment to transparency at every step. We prioritise customer convenience by offering instant payment options through secure, cashless digital transactions. This not only enhances the overall experience but also ensures that the process is seamless and time-efficient for our clients.

    To guarantee precise and accurate valuations, we incorporate advanced German spectrometers into our procedures, which utilise cutting-edge techniques to assess the quality and purity of gold accurately. In addition, we feature a live gold rate display, allowing customers to stay fully informed about current market prices, which empowers them to make well-informed decisions.

    Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our approach. Throughout the valuation process, we provide comprehensive explanations of our methods and criteria. Our dedicated and well-trained staff members take the time to engage with each customer, ensuring they feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the services they are receiving. By fostering an environment of trust and clarity, we aim to instill confidence in our clients, making their experience as positive and reassuring as possible.

    StartupTalky: With gold prices expected to cross Rs 1 lakh by 2025, what impact do you foresee on the market and consumer behaviour?

    Mr. Joseph: As gold prices increase, we expect a rise in sales driven by liquidity, as many customers aim to capitalise on the higher market value. Individuals may opt to convert their idle gold into cash for various reasons, including urgent financial needs or to diversify their investments.

    In this context, the demand for dependable and trustworthy gold-buying services, such as White Gold, is likely to grow. As consumers become more informed about their options, they will increasingly seek professional and transparent services to ensure they receive the best value for their gold.

    StartupTalky: How does White Gold manage gold price fluctuations to maintain consistent liquidation rates and customer satisfaction?

    Mr. Joseph: To effectively handle price fluctuations, we utilise a dynamic pricing strategy that allows us to update our rates on our website regularly. This approach ensures that our customers have access to real-time pricing that accurately reflects current market conditions, offering them the most competitive and fair rates.

    Additionally, we prioritise transparency in our valuation process, which is essential for building trust with our customers, especially in times of changing gold prices. We take the time to educate our clients about how market fluctuations can affect gold valuations. This knowledge empowers them to feel secure in the fairness of the valuation process and confident that their gold is being assessed appropriately.

    StartupTalky: Are customers increasingly using gold as a liquidity option, or is there still more focus on holding it as a long-term investment?

    Mr. Joseph: Gold has long been considered a stable long-term investment, particularly in rural regions. However, there is a noticeable shift occurring in how gold is being utilised, with an increasing number of individuals viewing it as a liquidity option. This trend is especially evident during financial emergencies or when quick access to cash is necessary. While gold continues to be a favored investment for many, a growing segment of customers is seeking to liquidate their gold holdings to address immediate financial requirements.

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    StartupTalky: What steps is White Gold taking to ensure sustainability and ethical practices in sourcing and handling gold?

    Mr. Joseph: At White Gold, our focus is on ethical sourcing and sustainability in the gold-buying process. We prioritise working with customers who can provide legitimate documentation, which helps us ensure that the gold we purchase is free from unethical origins. To maintain accuracy and integrity in our valuations, we utilize certified German spectrometers and calibrated weighing scales.

    Moreover, we regularly conduct training programs for our staff to reinforce the importance of ethical practices in every transaction. This commitment fosters a culture of trust and integrity within our operations, ensuring that our customers receive fair and transparent services.

    StartupTalky: How has the introduction of a cashless payment system transformed White Gold’s operations and customer experience?

    Mr. Joseph: The implementation of a cashless payment system has brought about significant changes to our operations. Transactions are now executed more quickly, securely, and seamlessly, resulting in an overall more efficient experience for customers. This system has also contributed to lowering operational costs and reducing the risks linked to cash handling.

    For customers, the cashless payment option enhances convenience and safety, especially for high-value transactions. Additionally, this transition has improved our brand image, positioning us as a modern and tech-driven enterprise that prioritises customer satisfaction and security.

    StartupTalky: What are the plans for expanding White Gold’s network, and what challenges do you see in this growth journey?

    Mr. Joseph: We have exciting plans for expansion, with a goal to open 10 additional stores in Karnataka to consolidate our leadership position. We also aim to expand into other southern states in India.

    However, there are challenges to navigate, especially competition from unorganised players in new markets. Additionally, educating customers in these regions about White Gold’s proposition and the professional approach undertaken to scale the services will be crucial. We will also need to adapt our operations to local preferences and behaviors to ensure our continued success.

    StartupTalky: Gold has always been seen as a valuable asset, but with rising prices and other investment opportunities available, how do you think people are now viewing and selling their gold?

    Mr. Joseph: With gold prices on the rise, we are seeing an increasing inclination among consumers to sell their gold for liquidity purposes. This is especially true as more people diversify into other investment options like mutual funds and stocks.

    White Gold provides a trusted platform for individuals looking to monetise their gold assets, offering them the best value in a transparent and professional manner. We also educate customers on how to get the most out of their gold, ensuring they understand the full value of what they are selling.

    StartupTalky: How do you see White Gold positioning itself to become a prominent player in the gold-buying industry in India?

    Mr. Joseph: We are positioning White Gold to become the largest organised gold-buying player in South India. Through strategic investments in digital advertising and regional sports teams, we are working to expand our visibility and reach.

    As we grow, we will continue to focus on technology, transparency, and a customer-first approach to differentiate ourselves from other industry players in the overall gold sector. By expanding our footprint and catering to the customer’s needs, we aim to cement White Gold’s position as a leader in the gold-buying industry.

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  • NVIDIA Marketing Strategy: From Gaming Graphics to AI Powerhouse

    NVIDIA Corporation is a brand synonymous with artificial intelligence and cutting-edge graphics processing. Founded in 1993 by the visionary trio – Chris Malachowsky, Jensen Huang, and Curtis Priem. Undergoing a remarkable evolution, the brand has evolved from a simple graphics card manufacturer to a multifaceted leader in high-growing sectors.

     The start of NVIDIA began with the building of the first GPU, which slowly revolutionized the way graphics are processed. One of the company’s earliest successes was in the gaming industry. Slowly the company expanded into fields such as Artificial Intelligence, professional visualization, and data centers. Today, NVIDIA’s GPUs are assorted into multiple applications, from supercomputers to workstations to gaming rigs.

    At the core NVIDIA remains a powerhouse of Graphics Processing Units, and has specialized in creating processors for parallel processing. From providing breathtaking video game visuals to developing complex simulations for media production, scientific research, and engineering, NVIDIA’s GPUs are the backbone of visual computing. But, NVIDIA’s reach goes further than graphics. The company leverages its expertise in GPU technology to advance in AI with platforms such as NVIDIA Clara, and NVIDIA DGX Systems in fields such as medical discovery, drug-creating, self-driving cars, financial forecasting, and more.   

    Overall, NVIDIA’s dedication to quality, innovation, and partnership has made it a household name in the world of technology. With a strong marketing strategy, the brand has now positioned itself to remain a dominant force in the upcoming years. 

    NVIDIA Marketing Mix
    Some Campaigns that worked

    NVIDIA Marketing Mix

    The marketing mix of NVIDIA includes the 4P’s of Marketing – Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The brand is associated with multiple Technology and IT industries.

    NVIDIA Product Strategy:

    NVIDIA is a tech company with multiple products under its wing. Knowing for its PC graphic chips, the brand brings games and home movies to life. Created for GPU, it has expanded into sectors such as SHIELD Tablet, SHIELD Android, and SHIELD Portable. The product mix of NVIDIA includes: 

    • Consumer Graphics Cards (series): Targeting gamers and general consumers, the GeForce series includes GTX and RTX lines. The RTX models are famous for their AI-driven features and Ray-tracing capacities. 
    • Tesla/Quadro Series (Professional Graphics Cards): These are designed for professional use in 3D rendering, arsign, and scientific computations. The Quadro series focuses on graphics-intensive applications whereas Tesla cards are created for high-performing AI and computing tasks. 
    • NVIDIA Shield (Media and Gaming): This line includes media streaming products and gaming devices. NVIDIA Shield TV is one of their most famous media players with gaming features. 
    • Data Center Products: NVIDIA has made significant changes in data center technology, such as GPUs for big data analytics, data research, and deep learning. The company’s data center solutions are important for the creation of the infrastructure of AI and cloud computing. 
    • AI and Deep Learning: This includes solutions of both hardware and software with DGX systems that are designed for AI research and deep learning. These platforms are used by companies developing AI technology and research institutions. 
    • Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence: NVIDIA has also developed technology for AI applications and VR environments that support both software and hardware systems. 
    • Networking Hardware: With the acquisition of Mellanox technologies, NVIDIA has expanded its products to include high-performing networking hardware that includes important supercomputers and data centers. 
    • Software Options: NVIDIA provides software solutions that include GameWorks for gaming developers, CUDA for parallel computing, deep learning platforms, and AI for platforms such as cuDNN and TensorRT. 
    • Automotive Technology: NVIDIA’s DRIVE platform is a major player in the automotive sector that provides AI solutions for self-driven cars that include in-vehicle computing, simulation, and training. 
    • Jetson Embedded Systems: The platform Jetson includes power-efficient modules for embedded AI and other computing applications.
    NVIDIA’s Brand Value World Wide From 2021 to 2024
    NVIDIA’s Brand Value World Wide From 2021 to 2024

    NVIDIA Pricing Strategy: 

    NVIDIA has a skimming pricing policy for its consumers in the market to gain a maximum competitive advantage by earning a higher revenue. Price skimming helps NVIDIA make a distinctive mark on its brand equity simply to grow financially at reasonable rates. 

    The brand’s pricing strategy is a blend of market-driven dynamics, value-based positioning, and cost-based pricing, that reflects its status as one of the leaders in the GPU and AI technology sector. 

    • Cutting-edge technology at premium prices: NVIDIA has a premium pricing model for its top-tier products that reflects its superior performance, advanced technology, and unique features. This approach underlines not only the high value of the products but also NVIDIA’s position as a leader in this sector. 
    • Mid-Range and Entry-Level Competitive Pricing: For its mid-range and entry-level markets, NVIDIA has a competitive pricing strategy. The company tends to balance performance with affordability to appeal to general users and casual gamers. This helps the brand stay relevant in the market as a strong contender in this segment. 
    • Market Trends and Competition decide its dynamic price: The pricing of its products is also subject to industry trends and competition. It adjusts its prices based on market demand, technological advancements, and new product launches, making sure that they stay relevant. 
    • Tiered pricing for different market segments: NVIDIA has a tiered pricing strategy for its multiple markets and segments. This allows them to cater to different user needs and budgets so as to penetrate the market over different demographics. 
    • Seasonal promotions and bundles: The brand also leverages seasonal promotions and bundling options to add to customer value. These offers and discounts help attract price-sensitive customers and clear inventory of any new launches. 

    NVIDIA Place Strategy: 

    NVIDIA has a global presence with over 40 regional offices across America, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, India and UAE. With its widespread distribution network, it sells its products via multiple retailers and distributors. NVIDIA’s place strategy is as follows: 

    • Global distribution network: NVIDIA products are available worldwide through its retailers, distributors, and eCommerce platform for better market reach and access. 
    • Partnering with PC Manufacturers: The brand collaborates with leading PC manufacturers to integrate its GPUs into pre-built computers and systems. 
    • Data Centers and Enterprises: NVIDIA partners with data centers and enterprises to specialize in GPUs and AI solutions for high-performing systems. 
    • Collaborating with Cloud Service Providers: It works closely with major service providers to embed its technology into AI and machine learning. 
    • Direct Sales via the website: Selling products directly through its website with exclusive editions, latest models, and detailed products. 

    Nvidia – Changing the World with AI and Graphics
    Nvidia creates parts & systems that use artificial intelligence to improve computer visuals in gaming and other forms of media. Know more about the company here!
    StartupTalkySarika Anand

    NVIDIA Promotional Strategy: 

    NVIDIA pledges to make a difference in both local and global communities by completing its Corporate Social Responsibility. In 2015, NVIDIA donated more than 3 million dollars to NGOs and has taken other initiatives to help fight cancer. 

    The company is also focused on empowering women with healthy living conditions and education. The brand offers training in online retail, photography, filmmaking, and learning computers so underprivileged women can improve their skills to earn a living. It has also adopted multiple marketing strategies to increase brand awareness via social media, television ads, magazines, and its website. Some of their promotional strategies are: 

    • Strategic Partnerships and Sponsorships: NVIDIA collaborates with eSports tournaments, game developers, and industry events to highlight its products and engage with core gaming audiences. 
    • Community engagement and support: Maintains a strong presence in online communities that offers support, fosters a loyal customer base, and engages with users across its social media platforms. 
    • Using digital marketing and social media: One key factor of the brand’s advertising strategy is its robust digital marketing approach. By using social media channels like Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram the brand can highlight its upcoming products and Industry partnerships.   
    • Targeted content marketing: NVIDIA’s content marketing establishes its experts and attracts the brand’s biggest customers across multiple sectors. Thanks to its blog and YouTube channel, the brand explains its products in sectors such as data centers, automotive, and gaming industries. With multiple tutorials, webinars, and case studies, audiences remain engaged with the brand. 
    • Influencer marketing and community engagement: Another powerful tool for the brand, it collaborates with gamers, tech influencers, and YouTubers to reach younger audiences who value authentic reviews and recommendations. These influencers offer in-depth reviews of products that showcase the real-world application of graphic cards. 
    • Display and Video ads: Video ads are a core factor in NVIDIA’s digital strategy. Multiple ads run across platforms such as YouTube, and Google, where GPU visuals are showcased. The brands also use retargeting strategies to interact with potential customers through display ads.  

    Some Campaigns that worked

    • The Crop Circle Marketing Campaign: In 2013, the people in Salinas CA, USA found a drawing carved out in a field that they felt was done by aliens. NVIDIA clarified that it was done by them as a marketing campaign to launch their new Tegra K1-192. The idea of the campaign was that the team felt their product was highly advanced for their time, and the brand wanted to market it in a unique way to grab users’ attention. 

    Salinas crop circle behind the scenes

    • NVIDIA GeForce – PC Gaming Anywhere: Launched in 2021, PC Gaming Anywhere was a marketing campaign created to promote their GeForce Now cloud gaming service in Australia. The campaign showcased three ads where people played games in funny locations to portray that you can play anywhere. 
    • Speak Visual Marketing Campaign: The Speak Visual Marketing Campaign was launched to create general awareness to bring creativity to their life. The image they set up was that anything thought in their minds could be brought to reality by using NVIDIA’s powerful GPU graphic processing cards. 

    Conclusion 

    NVIDIA Corporation revolutionized the tech industry by inventing the world’s first GPU or Graphics Processing Unit in 1999. This resulted in the launch of a whole new industry and even as late as 2022 the brand was still considered a market leader. 

    The marketing strategy also showcases their efficiency in using different digital marketing and offline tools to establish the brand’s prowess in innovation, and adaptation that helps resonate with its target audience. Whether it be data center professionals, gamers, or other segmented users, the brand’s digital marketing strategy highlights its understanding of each user and the overall market. 

    FAQs

    Who is NVIDIA’s target market?

    Audience composition can reveal a site’s current market share across various audiences. NVIDIA’s audience is 71.71% male and 28.29% female. The largest age group of visitors are 18 – 24 year old.

    What is NVIDIA’s current business strategy?

    NVIDIA’s strategy revolves around leveraging its expertise in GPU technology to drive innovation and create new opportunities. 

    What is NVIDIA’s main product?

    Its GeForce line of GPUs are aimed at the consumer market and are used in applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and PC gaming. 

    Is Nvidia a MNC?

    Nvidia Corporation (/ɛnˈvɪdiə/, en-VID-ee-ə) is an American multinational corporation. It is based in Santa Clara, California. They make graphical processing technologies for computers and mobile devices like smartphones.

  • The Man Behind the First Unicorn and Future Mobile Innovation: Naveen Tewari

    Naveen Tewari, whose name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial excellence, is the genius behind not just one but two multi-billion-dollar companies: InMobi and Glance. But behind every success story is a tale of struggle, which in Naveen’s case started from the serene streets of Kanpur and became a world empire. 

    Tewari’s path has been anything but ordinary—from launching India’s first unicorn to shaking up mobile advertising and content delivery. He has turned adversity into opportunity, using a foundation of innovation, resilience, and deep knowledge of technology’s power to change the world and build his legacy. This StartupTalky article will tell the amazing story of the man who didn’t just ride the wave of change but made it.

    In this StartupTalky article, we will explore Naveen Tewari’s success story, including his early life, history, childhood, personal life, education, achievements, and more.

    Name Naveen Tewari
    Born December 14, 1977
    Hometown Kanpur
    Alma Mater IIT Kanpur
    Harvard Business School
    Profession Businessperson
    Known For Founder and CEO of InMobi
    Net Worth $202.56 million

    Naveen Tewari – Early Life
    Naveen Tewari – Career
    Naveen Tewari – Investments
    Naveen Tewari – Controversies
    Naveen Tewari – Awards and Recognitions
    Naveen Tewari – Quotes

    Naveen Tewari – Early Life

    Naveen Tewari’s life of entrepreneurial success was carved out in an environment he grew up in, one of learning and nurturing curiosity and innovation. He was born into a nurturing home and developed by a pedagogic father whose very essence, like his mother’s, was the urge for intellectual exploration and ambition. Their encouragement fostered Naveen’s entrepreneurial spirit, laying a strong foundation for a future leader.

    From a young age, Naveen was naturally curious about technology and problem-solving. He was raised to think for himself and follow big ideas, qualities that made his career.

    Naveen began pursuing Computer Science Engineering at the illustrious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. IIT Kanpur is famous for its challenging course curriculum and competitive culture, which became the cradle in which Naveen’s passion for technology and entrepreneurship began to develop. He excelled in the scholastic fraternity and participated in surreal technical and entrepreneurial ventures, leading to practical innovation and leadership experiences. Those experiences refined his technical capabilities and helped seed his advent into entrepreneurship for the future.

    Naveen took an MBA at Harvard Business School to complement his technical background with a strong understanding of business. 

    Naveen Tewari – Career

    In 2000, Naveen started his career as an engagement manager at McKinsey & Company, where he drove the development of strategies for the top conglomerates of India. However, it was at McKinsey that he learned about how business dynamics and market strategies work.

    Naveen, in 2007, along with three friends, began mKhoj, a mobile search engine, but that did not materialize. However, the group soon shifted to mobile advertising and began InMobi in 2008.

    Alongside his tenure at InMobi, Naveen cofounded Glance in 2019, helping the business amass a strong reputation for quickly delivering custom content. He was also a member of the Narayana Health Board of Directors (2023–present), Anuva Board of Directors (2023–present), and Paytm Board of Directors (2015–2017). He invested in over 30 startups, including Razorpay and NestAway, and co-founded iSPIRT, which encourages entrepreneurs and product innovation in India.

    Glance Financials FY24
    Glance Financials FY24

    In FY23, the company reported an operating revenue of INR 325 crore, total expenses of INR 1,448 crore, and a loss of INR 1,094 crore. In FY24, revenue increased to INR 614 crore, while expenses rose to INR 1,569 crore, resulting in a reduced loss of INR 929 crore.

    Glance: Revolutionizing Smartphone Experiences, One Lock Screen at a Time | Startup Story | Founders | Business Model | Growth
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    Naveen Tewari – Investments

    Naveen Tewari, the founder and CEO of InMobi, is an entrepreneur and a reputed angel investor powered by strategic investments in many startups and different business lines. His investment portfolio is stunning, spanning from seed to Series A. Here’s a detailed overview of his investments:

    Bright Money

    Fintech company Bright Money helps people manage and optimize their finances. Its goal is to use data-driven approaches to help people pay off debt and save effectively. Naveen invests in fintech startups that use technology to solve real-world problems.

    Factors.AI

    Factors.AI is focused on automating business operations using AI and machine learning. They propose to predict the needs and trends in real-time to make business processes more efficient. When Naveen invests in a startup, it indicates that he sees potential for AI-driven companies that can disrupt traditional.

    Klub

    Investments in specific sectors, such as consumer goods and wellness, can enhance quality of life. Naveen joined Klub to help SMBs access more flexible financing options.

    Kaarva

    Kaarva is a women’s health and wellness brand dedicated to creating personal and intimate care products. Tewari’s interest in innovative consumer goods and wellness sectors, which seek to enhance the quality of life, is evident from his investment here.

    PiggyRide

    PiggyRide is a ride-sharing platform connecting parents to secure and reliable rides for their children. Backed by Techstars and Tewari, it stands for family-oriented tech solutions that aim to improve everyday living for all young families.

    Dextra

    Dextra is a custom software development company that provides businesses with a platform for accessing scalable tech solutions. Naveen invested in this company because he believes businesses need software development to grow efficiently.

    Yulu

    Yulu is an electric mobility startup that provides eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation solutions in urban areas. Its products include electric bikes and scooters. Tewari’s investment signals his faith in sustainable transport solutions, which are becoming more important in cities today.

    Wooplr

    Wooplr is a social discovery platform where users share and discover products. It combines social media with e-commerce, creating a unique shopping experience. Naveen’s investment focused on supporting platforms that bridge the social media and commerce gap.

    Springboard

    Springboard is an online learning platform that offers mentoring-based courses on various subjects. Its main purpose is to help people develop their careers. Tewari supports this platform because he believes in education and skill development.

    Indus OS

    Indus OS is a mobile operating system that delivers regional language support and helps bridge the language gap for non-English users. Tewari backs this startup because he’s interested in technology that democratizes access to digital tools for the underserved.

    InMobi | Indian Mobile Advertising Tech Company | Company Profile
    InMobi was founded in 2007(as mKhoj) by Naveen Tiwari, Mohit Saxena, Amit Gupta and Abhay Singhal in Bengaluru. Know more about its company profile, etc.
    StartupTalkySarika Anand

    Naveen Tewari – Controversies

    InMobi’s Location Tracking Controversy

    In 2020, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined InMobi for tracking user locations without consent. Google’s fine, which amounted to $950,000, was much smaller, at $2.7 billion for a similar issue. However, Naveen Tewari cleared the air and said that the violation was not deliberate but a software glitch. He also stressed that InMobi took the initiative to report the problem to the FTC and has proactively rectified the mistake.

    Tewari pointed out that Google’s fine resulted from longstanding issues, while InMobi’s was a one-off, unintentional oversight. InMobi’s speedy disclosure of the glitch and willingness to do so openly stood out as a reflection of the company’s integrity and proactive attitude toward privacy regulations.

    Naveen Tewari – Awards and Recognitions

    Naveen Tewari has received many distinguished honors and accolades for his exemplary leadership in the technology and entrepreneurship eras. As a tending entrepreneur, the Prime Minister, who honored him with India’s Future Leaders Award in 2015, shook hands with Naveen. That same year, Fortune included him on the 40 Under 40 list, which described him as one of the most potent and respected businesspeople.  

    Naveen was awarded the Pathbreaker of the Year award for revolutionizing the industry. He received the Forbes India Leadership Award for Best Startup earlier, further proving his entrepreneurial ability. His work within the technology field was so revolutionary that it was one of the world’s 100 Most Creative People, a testimony to his global influence.

    In 2013, Naveen won the ‘Distinguished Alumnus’ award for Entrepreneurship Excellence at IIT Kanpur. Also, in 2013, the Pathbreaker of the Year was brought to him by the Narendra Modi government, which greatly respected him. 2013 had him shipping along as the seventh most important man on Business Insider’s Mobile Power List and 2012 at the second. In 2013, he was also named by The Drum’s Mobile Top 50, which denotes his international eminence in mobile technologies.

    Naveen Tewari – Quotes

    💡
    The most important lesson to remember is that failure is inevitable, but so is success, so rebound.

    FAQs

    Who is Naveen Tewari?

    Naveen Tewari is the founder and CEO of InMobi, a global mobile advertising technology company.

    What is Naveen Tewari education?

    Naveen Tewari is an IIT Kanpur graduate and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

    What is Naveen Tewari net worth?

    Naveen Tewari’s net worth is $202.56 million.

  • Amid the DeepSeek Frenzy, Meta Plans to Invest “Hundreds of Billions of Dollars” in AI

    Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, isn’t overly concerned about DeepSeek’s ascension, even though the Chinese AI lab’s rapid rise has shocked Wall Street and Silicon Valley. In fact, Zuckerberg stated on January 29 that Meta’s open-source strategy, which is based on the large language model (LLM) Llama, has “strengthened our conviction that this is the right thing for us to be focused on.”

    “There’s a number of novel things that they did that we’re still digesting… a number of advances that we will hope to implement in our systems, and that’s part of the nature of how this works,” Zuckerberg stated on the company’s earnings conference call. Every new firm that launches, whether or not it is a Chinese competitor, will have some new innovations that the rest of the industry may learn from, according to the head of Meta.

    DeepSeek’s Gain Causing Tremors Among Established Players

    With its boasts of creating a model that can compete with top-tier models from American companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Google for a fraction of the cost, DeepSeek has thrown Wall Street into a collapse over the past week, especially with regard to AI-related equities. Investors were alarmed by this since IT companies were spending billions of dollars developing their AI models and goods.

    Zuckerberg stated during the earnings call that he continues to think that making significant investments in infrastructure and capital expenditures will eventually provide a competitive edge. “It’s probably too early to have a strong opinion on what this means for the trajectory around infrastructure and capex,” he stated.

    Meta’s Plan to Outrun its Competitors

    According to Zuckerberg, Meta plans to spend “hundreds of billions of dollars” on AI infrastructure in the long run. He declared last week that Meta will increase its AI efforts by investing between $60 billion and $65 billion in 2025. According to him, a large portion of the compute infrastructure will probably transition from the pre-training stage to creating strong “reasoning” models and superior products that will be sold to billions of customers.

    Because you can “apply more compute at inference time in order to generate a higher level of intelligence and a higher quality of service,” Zuckerberg stated that this “doesn’t mean you need less compute.”

    “As a company that has a strong business model to support this, I think that’s generally an advantage that we’re now going to be able to provide a higher quality of service than others who don’t necessarily have the business model to support it on a sustainable basis,” he stated.

    Launch of Llama 4 in the Upcoming Month

    In the upcoming months, Meta intends to release Llama 4 with native multimodal and agentic capabilities. “Llama 4’s training is going really well. Pre-training for Llama 4 mini is complete, and both our reasoning models and the larger model appear to be doing well,” Zuckerberg stated.

    “With Llama 3, we wanted to make open source competitive with closed models, and with Llama 4, we want to lead,” he continued. Zuckerberg said that it will be feasible to create an AI engineering bot with coding and problem-solving skills comparable to those of a competent mid-level engineer by 2025.

    DeepSeek to Operate on Indian Servers, Says Union Minister
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  • Union Minister: DeepSeek On Indian Servers Will Soon Address Privacy Issues

    India will soon host the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek on local servers, according to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in order to allay privacy worries about cross-border data transfers. Since DeepSeek is an open-source AI model that may be hosted on Indian servers, the minister stated as much during a news conference on the IndiaAI Mission. “This project is currently being worked on by our team. The framework and other information, including the number of servers and capacity needed, have been prepared, Vaishnaw stated.

    Strengthening Country’s Data Protection System

    In keeping with the nation’s worries about data protection, Vaishnaw also stated that all of the open-source models will soon be housed on Indian servers. The IT community was recently rocked by DeepSeek‘s ability to create its own LLM using just 2,000 Nvidia H800 GPUs. For comparison, OpenAI‘s ChatGPT-4 uses one lakh GPUs, specifically the more sophisticated H100. Furthermore, the Chinese business asserted that, in contrast to OpenAI’s $100 million investment, it was able to accomplish this with a mere $6 million.

    The development coincides with the government’s efforts to safeguard Indians’ digital data, as data protection has become a major area of attention. The draft regulations for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act were recently made available for public comment until February 18 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

    India’s Plan on Building its Own AI Foundation Model

    According to the draft, data fiduciaries—entities that decide how personal data is processed—must give data principals—end users whose data they are collecting—all the specific information they need to give them so they can decide whether or not to use their personal data. In the meantime, DeepSeek’s success has sparked a discussion in India about the necessity of creating its own core models. Vaishnaw stated during the conference that India intends to use the IndiaAI Mission to develop its own huge language models.

    Abhishek Singh, additional secretary, Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), stated during his visit to GIFT City in Gujarat on 27 January that India is seeking proposals for developing its own foundational model in order to compete with foreign AI foundational models that serve as the basis for numerous applications such as ChatGPT and Gemini. He added that how India creates a basic model has been a major problem.

    At the moment, every core model that a nation uses, including ChatGPT, Llama 3, Gemini, and Claude, is foreign. China has now developed Deepseek and other models as well. To create an Indian foundational model, India must invest and offer financial assistance. The foreign fundamental models can provide incorrect or unsuitable answers because they were trained on western data sets and are not adapted to Indian languages and contexts.

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  • Zepto Introduces a 10-Minute Instant Return and Exchange Service

    Quick commerce unicorn Zepto is now offering 10-minute returns and exchanges for certain product categories. The firm posted on LinkedIn, “Now, return or exchange your Zepto orders in just 10 minutes.” The majority of Zepto’s categories are covered by its return policy, with the exception of stock keeping units (SKUs) for items like utilities, disposables, and innerwear.

    According to a company spokeswoman, returns are accepted in the majority of categories, with a few exceptions made for safety, health, or legal reasons. Innerwear, gold and silver coins, pooja necessities like dhoop, diya, and pooja cloth, accessories like socks, disposables like tissues, and practical items like water filters are all non-returnable.

    More Details of the Newly Formed Zepto’s Return Policy

    Customers can inspect the products upon arrival and initiate an exchange or refund with the necessary proofs on the platform, if accessible, according to the startup’s terms of usage. Zepto will provide coupons or vouchers equal to the refund amount for items paid for with cash on delivery. “After returns are validated, refunds are started right away, though bank processing times may affect how long it takes for money to appear in a user’s account. We provide coupons or vouchers equal to the return amount for COD orders,” Zepto stated.

    Zepto is not the first player in rapid commerce to provide instant rewards, though. Rival Blinkit launched a return policy for apparel and footwear last year in a few cities, including Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR. Zepto’s action coincides with growing rivalry in the fast commerce market. While incumbents Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are attracting customers with discounts and a broad range of products, newcomer Flipkart Minutes has turned up the heat by offering free deliveries.

    Recent Developments at Zepto

    Nevertheless, Zepto has launched the new offering as it prepares to list on Indian bourses in the near future. A few days ago, the company’s chief financial officer (CFO), Ramesh Bafna, announced that the unicorn of quick commerce had moved its headquarters from Singapore to India, reportedly seeking to increase the size of its initial public offering (IPO) from the $800 million previously planned to $1 billion.

    The Aadit Palicha-led company is expected to file its draft IPO papers with market regulator SEBI by March or April. In terms of finances, Zepto’s operating revenue more than doubled to INR 4,454.52 Cr in the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24) from INR 2,025.70 Cr in the previous fiscal year, driven by the growing popularity of quick commerce. The unicorn also managed to reduce its loss by just 2% to INR 1,248.64 Cr in the fiscal year under review from INR 1,271.84 Cr in FY23.

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  • India Prepares for the AI Challenge by Developing its Own LLM Fundamental Model

    IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on January 30 that the Indian government has chosen to develop a large language model of its own domestically as part of the INR 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, just days after a startup Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) lab unveiled the low-cost foundational model DeepSeek.

    Additionally, the government has chosen ten businesses to provide 18,693 graphics processing units, or GPUs—high-end CPUs required to create machine learning tools that can be used to build a basic model. These firms include CMS Computers, Ctrls Datacenters, Locuz Enterprise Solutions, NxtGen Datacenter, Orient Technologies, Jio Platforms, Tata Communications, Yotta, which is funded by the Hiranandani Group, and Vensysco Technologies. Yotta has promised to supply 9,216 GPUs, which accounts for over half of the total.

    According to Vaishnaw, ministry teams have been collaborating closely with professors, researchers, startups, and others for the past one and a half years. The government is currently soliciting ideas for creating India’s own basic model. The model is free of prejudices and will take into account the Indian background, languages, and culture.

    Sharing his views on the subject, Giridhar LV, CEO and Co-founder, Nuvepro Technologies opoined, “India’s AI journey is no longer about catching up—it’s about leading with innovation. With the rapid advancements in AI, India is stepping up by developing its own Large Language Model (LLM)—a foundational AI model tailored to the country’s diverse linguistic and industry needs. Unlike generic global models, this initiative aims to create an AI framework deeply rooted in India’s unique datasets, regional languages, and cultural nuances. By investing in homegrown AI capabilities, India is ensuring data sovereignty, reduced dependency on foreign models, and AI solutions that align with local industries. The push towards indigenous AI development also aligns with the government’s Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, fostering self-reliance in technology.”

    Focus on Developing Fundamental Model

    In addition, Vaishnaw stated that the government is in contact with a minimum of six developers to construct the foundational model, which may take four to eight months. “In the coming months, we will have a world-class foundational model,” the minister stated. However, he omitted to mention the companies the government is currently in contact with or the estimated cost of building the model. Regarding assisting with the acquisition of computing power, Vaishnaw stated that approximately 10,000 GPUs out of the 18,693 that have been authorised for empanelment are prepared for installation today.

    In a few days, the government will open a shared computing facility where researchers and businesses can access the power of computers. Higher-end GPU access will cost INR 150 per hour, while lower-end GPU use would cost Rs 115.85 per hour. The government would provide end customers with a 40% price subsidy to further facilitate access to these services.

    Proposal from IndiaAI Mission

    The IndiaAI Mission’s plan states that the bids for building LLMs will be shortlisted based on a number of criteria, including the approach’s innovativeness, scalability and sustainability, financial viability, and ethical considerations, among others.

    Additionally, the Centre will choose candidates based on the teams’ abilities, the viability of the submissions, and their potential impact. According to a blog post on the IndiaAI website, a panel of experts will analyse the submitted proposals before inviting the chosen candidates for a thorough presentation. It is anticipated that startups aiming to create an LLM that is developed domestically will also have access to this AI compute. Although it is still unclear if the prospective foundational AI model will be implemented, optimism depends on India’s startup ecosystem’s resourcefulness, inventiveness, and talent pool.

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  • Before its IPO, OfBusiness Becomes a Public Company

    B2B marketplace unicorn OfBusiness has taken another step towards becoming a public business in anticipation of its initial public offering (IPO). On January 27, the board of OfBusiness approved a resolution to convert the company from a private to a public entity. According to the company’s regulatory papers, OfBusiness changed its name from OFB Tech Private Limited to OFB Tech Limited after receiving board approval.

    This comes after rumours circulated that OfBusiness intended to launch its $750 million to $1 billion initial public offering (IPO) in the second half of 2025. According to reports, it is aiming for an IPO valuation of $6 billion to $9 billion. Asish Mohapatra, Ruchi Kalra, Vasant Sridhar, Bhuvan Gupta, and Nitin Jain founded OfBusiness in 2016. Through its platform, the company offers financing and raw material procurement services to SMEs in the manufacturing and infrastructure industries.

    It assists clients in obtaining raw materials for the construction and infrastructure industries, as well as metals, chemicals, polymers, agri-commodities, and petrochemicals. At a valuation of $5 billion, OfBusiness last secured $325 million from investors such as Tiger Global, Softbank, and Alpha Wave Ventures II in December 2021. To date, it has raised around $878 million in total capital.

    OfBusiness’ IPO Preparations

    According to reports, OfBusiness has chosen five bankers to oversee its first public offering (IPO): Axis Capital, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Bank of America. A $200 million new issue of shares will be part of its public offering, with the remaining shares being offered for sale (OFS). In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), the company claimed a 30% increase in net profit from INR 463.2 Cr to INR 603 Cr.

    From INR 15,342.6 Cr in FY23 to INR 19,296.3 Cr in the year under review, operating revenue increased by more than 25%. Oxyzo Financial Services, the fintech division of OfBusiness that offers SMEs cash flow-based finance for the purchase of raw materials, is also aiming to go public. Over 70% of Oxyzo is owned by OfBusiness.

    More Companies Opting for IPO this Year               

    In 2025, more than 20 cutting-edge tech companies are considering going public amid the surge in startup IPOs. Among the firms hoping to debut on Dalal Street this year are ArisInfra, Ather Energy, BlueStone, Smartworks, and Razorpay.  Additionally, Lenskart, Groww, Zepto, and Pine Labs are preparing for their first public offerings.

    Prior to its eventual public listing, Zepto, a Singapore-based firm focused on fast commerce, reverse-flipped to India earlier this month. Companies including Razorpay, Mensa Brands, Udaan, and Eriditus are also considering a “desh wapsi” in an attempt to profit from the nation’s burgeoning startup scene and rekindled investor interest in cutting-edge digital equities.

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  • Union Budget 2025: Key Expectations and Impact on India’s Economy and Businesses

    The Union Budget 2025, set to be announced on February 1, will be key in shaping India’s economic future. It is expected to focus on boosting growth, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure. The government may introduce changes in taxation and policies that will affect sectors like healthcare, education, and business. While addressing the current economic challenges, the budget will aim to build a stable and sustainable future. In this article, we will look at what industry experts are expecting from Budget 2025 and how it could impact businesses and the economy.

    Transforming Healthcare with Proactive Health Plans and Digital Infrastructure

    Sushant Roy, Co-Founder, COO, and CBO, Alyve Health, emphasised that with the approach of Union Budget 2025, it is crucial to highlight the transformative role of comprehensive health plans in promoting proactive healthcare. He noted that these plans are reshaping healthcare behaviour by encouraging regular check-ups, personalised assessments, and sustainable habit-building activities.

    To accelerate this shift, he recommend the government focus on:

    • Strengthening Digital Health Infrastructure: Ensuring access to personalised health plans and data-driven insights for better adherence and outcomes.
    • Standardising Annual Health Assessments: Promoting early detection and preventive care as a national priority.
    • Expanding Access to Underserved Regions: Leveraging technology to bridge healthcare disparities.
    • Improving Access to Immediate Expert Consultation and Health Education: Empowering individuals with timely advice and the knowledge needed to make informed health decisions.

    Focus on Nurturing India’s Startup Ecosystem

    Priyanka Salot, Co-Founder, The Sleep Company, expressed hope for continued focus on nurturing India’s dynamic startup ecosystem. She said, “Ahead of the Union Budget, we are hopeful to see continued focus on nurturing India’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has emerged as a highly innovative and driving force for economic growth. With the growth of D2C brands and e-commerce, startups are transforming industries, and we expect the government to further strengthen policies that support their growth.”

    Access to capital at the right time remains one of the critical factors for startups as they prepare for their next phase of growth or eye public listing. The abolishment of Angel Tax as announced in the Interim Budget was a critical step in the direction of easing financing woes by startups. We look forward to more initiatives such as this to ease investment regulations, which will spur the growth of startups.

    Salot added that incentivising domestic production would boost manufacturing capabilities. “Incentivising domestic production will further enhance manufacturing capabilities and ease the growth journey of startups. This will also align with the government’s vision to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. We are also keen to collaborate with the policymakers and trade bodies to foster innovation in the ecosystem, and national networking platforms will be instrumental in shaping a tech-driven future.”

    She also mentioned that The Sleep Company is looking for international trade support. “As we aspire to take The Sleep Company beyond national boundaries, making it a legacy brand in the Comfort-tech industry, we are looking for enhanced support on seamless export policies and international trade support. We hope to see stronger regulations to safeguard startups from corporate fraud, ensuring a secure and trustworthy ecosystem.”

    Finally, she shared her views on evolving consumer behaviour, saying, “Lastly, talking from a consumer lens, the buying behaviour and journey of people have evolved over the years, with digital payments taking centre stage. Robust digital payment systems will support streamlining online purchases, thereby enhancing business operations and ensuring customer convenience.”

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    Strengthening the MSME Sector and Supporting Innovation

    Tarun Joshi, Founder and CEO of Join Ventures and IGP.com, mentioned, “The Union Budget 2024’s allocation of over INR 22,000 crore to the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) reaffirms the government’s focus on strengthening this vital sector, often referred to as the backbone of India’s economy. As new-age D2C brands continue to reshape the consumer economy, there’s an increasing need for measures like local manufacturing incentives and smoother processes for GST input credit refunds.”

    He emphasised the importance of investing in advanced technologies. “To help Indian businesses compete globally, it’s essential to invest in advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). We’re hopeful that the upcoming budget will address these priorities, aligning with India’s aspirations to emerge as a global economic leader.”

    Ratish Pandey, Business Coach and Founder, Ethique Advisory, highlighted the factors contributing to the current economic slowdown and emphasised the importance of supporting the SME/MSME sector, which is vital for India’s economy. He shared his key expectations for the upcoming budget:

    • Increased Access to Credit Support: Improving access to affordable and timely credit will be crucial for the growth and survival of SMEs in a volatile economy.
    • Focus on Skill Development: Continued emphasis on skill development programs will enhance productivity and competitiveness for SMEs, the largest employment generator.
    • Support for MSME Manufacturing: Tax breaks and subsidies on capital expenditures will encourage investment and improve efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
    • Structural Support for Exporters: Policy frameworks and incentives are needed to boost the export sector, especially amid a depreciating INR.
    • GST Streamlining: Simplifying GST compliance and reducing operational bottlenecks will enable SMEs to operate more smoothly and contribute to the economy.

    Support for Technology and Innovation

    Pankaj Panjwani, CEO and Founder of KeenSemi (KeenHeads) emphasised that as India approaches Union Budget 2025, the semiconductor and technology sectors are at a critical juncture. To propel India towards becoming a global semiconductor hub, it is essential for the budget to introduce comprehensive measures that strengthen the entire value chain—from design and R&D to manufacturing and talent development.

    India’s National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) requires additional impetus, including increased funding for the homegrown development of high-performance computing semiconductor chip architecture, design, and ecosystem. In 2015, INR 4,500 crore was allocated to NSM for seven years. This year’s budget is expected to allocate over INR 5,000 crore for the next five years to drive HPC and GPU development in India.

    Panjwani highlighted, “Schemes such as the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) must be made more attractive by integrating larger imperatives for startups and companies developing designs tailored to indigenous needs and customers.

    Enhanced incentives for domestic chip production, along with robust support for advanced research in AI, IoT, microcontrollers, and high-performance computing, will be crucial for achieving this vision.

    Investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in the expansion of 5G networks and the establishment of robust data centers, are vital to meet the growing demand for connected devices and services. Additionally, fostering industry-academia collaborations can help bridge the skills gap and ensure a workforce proficient in cutting-edge technologies.

    We remain optimistic that the forthcoming budget will establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and self-reliance in India’s semiconductor and technology landscape.”

    Innovation, Sustainability, and Growth for India’s Ecosystem

    Amar Nagaram, Founder and CEO of VIRGIO, shared that as the Union Budget FY25-26 approaches, they are eager to see a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, which are essential for shaping the future of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “We remain optimistic that the government will continue fostering an environment where businesses like ours can significantly contribute to the nation’s economic and environmental goals.”

    Nagaram said, “For D2C startups, we hope for initiatives that enhance access to affordable logistics, robust digital infrastructure, and streamlined cross-border trade, enabling international scalability. Expanding tax incentives, simplifying compliance frameworks, and introducing funding schemes to drive innovation in technology and sustainability would be invaluable. Targeted measures to improve credit accessibility, encourage digitization, and reduce the overall cost of operations would be transformative. Encouraging collaborations between MSMEs and larger corporations can further catalyze long-term economic growth.

    On the sustainability front, we look forward to policies that incentivize the adoption of green technologies, promote renewable energy investments, and support circular economy initiatives. Such measures will not only help industries align with India’s ambitious climate goals but also ensure a future that is environmentally conscious and economically resilient.”

    Vishal Jain, Co-Founder and CEO of Roadcast, highlighted the important role that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in India’s economic landscape, driving employment, innovation, and GDP growth. He noted that the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises is key in their development and regulation, implementing policies and programs to foster expansion. In the 2024/25 budget, the Indian government announced a billion expenditure plan focused on job creation.

    India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth, positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. As of 2025, India ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, following the United States and China. This rapid expansion is fueled by technological advancements, supportive government policies, and a growing pool of skilled professionals. 

    “With the Union Budget 2025 approaching, industry stakeholders have outlined key expectations to further strengthen the sector with Expansion of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Tax incentives for Research and Development (R&D), Strengthening of Credit Guarantee Schemes, Simplification of the regulatory framework, Enhanced support for digital infrastructure, Greater focus on skill development,” Jain added.

    Karan Sehdev, Founder of Merch Matters, mentioned that as of July 2024, India’s MSME sector employed approximately 20.39 crore individuals. He stated that in the upcoming 2025 budget, the sector seeks simplified tax compliance, particularly in GST, to alleviate administrative burdens and enhance cash flow. Sehdev emphasised addressing the estimated $300 billion credit gap, with expectations for improved access to financing through enhanced funding programs or interest subsidies.

    He also anticipated government incentives for digital technologies and automation to boost efficiency and global competitiveness. Lastly, Sehdev highlighted that infrastructure development and streamlined supply are vital for cost reduction and productivity enhancement, enabling businesses like Merch Matters to achieve multiple milestones and contribute to India’s economic growth.

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    Driving Growth and Innovation in Retail and D2C Sectors

    Saurabh Agrawal, Co-Founder and CEO of Harfun pointed out that the Indian retail and D2C sectors are at a pivotal moment, driven by rapid digital transformation and evolving consumer preferences. “As we approach Union Budget 2025, the apparel and retail sectors call for essential measures to drive growth and innovation within the system.”

    He further mentioned the need for enhanced support for digital infrastructure and financing options. “As a growing brand, we believe that policies aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business, including a simplified and uniform GST rate structure to enhance affordability and reduce compliance burdens along with encouraging innovation through tax benefits or grants can have a significant impact.”

    Agrawal also called for expanded support for domestic manufacturing. “Expanding the Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme will bolster domestic manufacturing in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, while rationalizing customs duties is necessary to create a level playing field for local products against imports.”

    Supporting Indian Students in Global Education

    Waseem Javed, Founder and CEO, of EduVib mentioned that the Union Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to acknowledge the growing aspirations of Indian students aiming to pursue education abroad.

    “With over 13.35 lakh Indian students studying overseas in 2024, the importance of creating a supportive and streamlined ecosystem for international education is evident. A focus on simplifying processes and making financial support more accessible could greatly benefit students and their families, enabling Indian talent to excel on a global platform. As a study-abroad consultancy, we remain dedicated to empowering students through technology, personalized guidance, and robust global partnerships. Initiatives that foster international education opportunities will further strengthen India’s role in global education mobility, creating pathways for students to achieve their academic and career goals,” said Javed.

    Energising the F&B Industry for Entrepreneurial Growth

    Rahul Seth, Co-founder, Burger Singh, shared that the upcoming Union Budget presents a wonderful opportunity to energize the F&B industry, which is a vital contributor to the country’s economy.

    “With the right policy measures, including simplified GST regulations and incentives for first-time franchisees, the government can empower businesses to innovate and expand into untapped markets like Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. These steps would not only boost entrepreneurial growth but also create jobs and enhance accessibility to quality QSR options across the country. We are optimistic that this Budget will provide the momentum the F&B sector needs to achieve greater heights and drive economic progress.”

    Growth in India’s Drone Industry

    Satyabrata Satpathy, CEO and Co-Founder, BonV Aero, expressed optimism about the government’s focus on innovation and technological advancements as the Union Budget approaches. “The global drone market, valued at over USD 30 billion in 2023, is growing rapidly, and India’s drone industry, projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2025, stands at a pivotal point. To scale up indigenous capabilities, we urge increased allocation under the PLI scheme for drones, with up to INR 1,000 crore and an extension to all drone manufacturing startups. Taxation reforms on ESOPs taxed at realisation rather than an allotment, would help startups attract and retain talent.”

    “We also propose a dedicated budget for specialised drone parks to address infrastructure gaps and lower entry barriers for startups. These measures will boost innovation, create jobs, and establish India as a global leader in drone technology. At BonV Aero, we are committed to driving this transformation,” added Satpathy.

    Supporting Entrepreneurs and Women Founders for Inclusive Growth

    Dr. Malini Saba, Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Environmentalist, Psychologist, Global Advocate for Women and Girls, and Founder of the Anannke Foundation, expressed that the Union Budget for 2025-2026 has a significant opportunity to drive inclusive growth. She highlighted the importance of simplifying tax laws and making financial resources more accessible, especially for women entrepreneurs, who currently make up only 14% of startups in India.

    Dr. Saba emphasised, “There’s also a pressing need to invest more in both physical and mental health services, especially for women and children in underprivileged areas. Public healthcare spending in India is shockingly low, at just 1.5% of GDP, according to the World Bank. This requires urgent attention. Additionally, improving financial literacy and encouraging long-term savings plans like PPF, EPF, and NPS could significantly boost financial inclusion. Women, in particular, hold only 26% of India’s wealth, according to Credit Suisse, highlighting the importance of this issue.”

    Janet Rajan, Founder and Principal Coach of Growth Collective mentioned that, having started her entrepreneurial journey in recent years, she has experienced firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly in navigating regulations, funding, and market access. She believes that Budget 2025 presents a unique opportunity to ease these burdens. Simplifying regulatory processes, lowering GST rates for early-stage startups, expanding tax holidays, and providing easier access to credit through government-backed funds would be game-changers.

    For first-time founders, she thinks initiatives like affordable coworking spaces, skill development programmes, and mentorship networks could be transformative. Women entrepreneurs, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities, need targeted support through seed funding grants, simplified collateral-free loan schemes, and gender-focused incubators. Access to new-age technology and AI/ML platforms can unlock untapped potential.

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  • Flipkart has Terminated Our Collaboration: Online pharmacy SastaSundar

    According to SastaSundar Ventures, which runs digital platforms with a health focus, its collaboration with e-commerce behemoth Flipkart is now finished. B L Mittal, the founder and executive chairman of SastaSundar, told a news agency that SastaSundar Healthbuddy, a division of SastaSundar Ventures, had reclaimed the brand’s intellectual property rights (IPR) and non-compete agreements from Flipkart Health+ through its recently established subsidiary SastaSundar Healthtech.

    Notably, in 2021, Flipkart Health, a subsidiary of Flipkart, purchased a 75% share in SastaSundar Healthbuddy. SastaSundar Ventures notified the stock exchanges in October 2024 that SastaSundar Healthbuddy has signed a share purchase agreement to transfer Flipkart Health Limited’s whole stake to Flipkart Health Private Limited, Singapore. Both preference and equity shares were sold as part of the transaction.

    According to the company’s filing, SastaSundar Healthbuddy Limited, a significant subsidiary, will get the entire consideration of INR 97.17 Cr. According to Mittal, the business sold Flipkart a 75% ownership in SastaSundar Marketplace in 2021 for INR 750 Cr.

    SastaSundar’s Business Operations

    In an investor presentation in October 2024, the firm stated that it expected the brand to be profitable and planned to invest approximately INR 115 Cr in “technology and brand building” over the following three years. Notably, SastaSundar Ventures has two digital platforms: RetailerShakti, a B2B platform for the distribution of pharmaceutical and wellness products, and SastaSundar App, a B2C platform that offers pharmacy, diagnostic, and wellness services.

    Flipkart Health, on the other hand, is an online pharmacy where customers can purchase medications, medical supplies, and wellness goods. Following Flipkart’s acquisition of SastaSundar, it was introduced in 2022.

    Growing Network of 10 Min Medicine Delivery

    Less than a month has passed since rumours circulated that Flipkart was preparing to introduce a 10-minute medication delivery service under its “Minutes” rapid commerce brand. According to reports at the time, the e-commerce giant had already begun enrolling neighbourhood pharmacies in major cities to supply medications.

    The 10-minute medication delivery service is a noteworthy experiment that Flipkart is not the only one experimenting with. Foodtech titan Swiggy and e-pharmacy major PharmEasy launched a 10-minute medication delivery service in certain Bengaluru areas in October of last year. Next is BigBasket, which is supported by Tata and aims to take advantage of this whitespace by using its sister brand, Tata 1mg, to provide speedy medication delivery.

    In addition, while only having one location in Bengaluru at the moment, Plazza, which was established in November 2024, has also become a rising force in the fast medication delivery market.

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