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  • Smart Travel Startups: Lessons in Balancing Convenience, Customization, and Sustainability

    This article has been contributed by Ms Leena Jhungroo, Managing Director, Travel Lounge Leisure & Tours Ltd.

    In a time when travel has shifted from luxury to lifestyle, innovative travel start-ups are changing how we travel by integrating convenience, personalization, and sustainability. These innovators are utilizing technology to provide personalized experiences while incorporating sustainability practices throughout the journey. Ranging from carbon-neutral booking platforms to AI-powered itinerary planners that provide economic opportunity for local communities, they are showing the world that travel can be effortless and ethical. As Leena Jhungroo, Managing Director, Travel Lounge Leisure & Tours Ltd. states: travel moving forward must cater not just to one’s preferences, but the needs of the planet and its inhabitants. 

    Convenience

    Redefining Seamless Travel: A crop of new-age travel start-ups is disrupting the convenience of travel. These companies, utilizing an end-to-end service model, are eradicating years of pain points from travel, allowing travellers to research, book and manage their itinerary in one digital environment. These digital-first services provide features like live-predictive fares, instant re-booking, mobile check in and accommodating customer support all of which create improved transport and travel experiences in challenging scenarios. Many of these new travel companies are not only relieving pain points, they are also creating elements of wellness and productivity within the journey. Some of these could include access to quiet spaces for work or resting, and also flexible short-term stays so that travellers can recharge during layovers.

    Customization

    Innovative travel start-ups are changing how people venture around the world by prioritising personalization in their model. Rather than generic itineraries, they curate itineraries based around the individual’s passions, whether they be culinary explorations of hidden neighbourhoods, private art walks with local curators, or immersive outdoor experiences catered to a traveller’s pace and desires. This shift from passive sightseeing to meaningful engagement has also given rise to more equitable, culturally rooted experiences. By blending global standards of service with local authenticity, these platforms make the case that true seamless travel isn’t just about convenience, it’s also about the journeys, that have a personal, purposeful connection to the places we have visited.

    How Indian Startups Are Leading the Sustainability Movement
    Sustainability is no longer just a corporate duty but an essential business requirement. Startups can ensure long-term success by integrating eco-friendly practices.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesVarun Bhardwaj

    Sustainability

    Building Tourism Models of the Future: Innovative travel start-ups have broken with convention, integrating sustainability as part of their business models to help shape the future of tourism. They engage in eco-conscious partnerships with local suppliers who value ethical sourcing, renewable energy, and low-impact operations, so that the travel footprint is minimal. Their use of community-based tourism is also a critical element – a concept that places locals in decision-making positions, repeatedly.

    It simultaneously showcases the local culture while providing authentic, immersive experiences. Start-ups utilize transparency and trust in their approach with travellers. They share sustainability metrics and third-party certifications as a way to empower travellers with information to make choices. And, lastly, sustainability storytelling is also important to inspire action by demonstrating positive impacts through narratives that shift travel from a form of consumption to a form of contribution and supports responsible tourism on a global scale. 

    Partnerships & Ecosystem

    Travel Ecosystem Growth Cycle
    Travel Ecosystem Growth Cycle

    Start-ups are realizing that sustainable growth lies not only with their own offerings, but also with adding themselves to ecosystems. Rather than focusing on standing alone, start-ups are working with participants in finance, insurance, mobility, hospitality, and local communities to develop layered value propositions that take travel innovation beyond conventional travel models.

    By combining seamless payments, travel protection, sustainable transportation, and added value to the authentic community-based stay experience, they are integrating the trip in a way that combines convenience, customization, and sustainability. This canvas of an ecosystem benefits the travel experience, while enabling more resilient, future-ready networks where each player’s advantages support the rest of the network, and the traveller enjoys a coherent, well-designed end-to-end experience.

    Human Touch in a Tech-First World

    As travel start-ups in India are working to improve and speed up journeys, the real challenge is to keep travel human.  AI can map itineraries in just minutes and via algorithms can book entire vacations in seconds, but convenience does not produce connection. The modern traveller chooses experiences that are seamless journeys as well as personal experiences that retain their preferences, anticipate their needs, and serve small moments of layering care. Innovative start-ups pair technology with human intuition: curators that remediate interferences, the concierge that surreptitiously layers special touches that turn a trip into memories. In this age defined by automation, emotional resonance breeds trust. The future of seamless travel will belong to the product fixers that pair speed with soul.

    Travel start-ups are transforming the travel industry by demonstrating that convenience, customization, and sustainability can be achieved. Through technology, they are simplifying travel planning and adding personalization, but are also advocating for sustainable practices that benefit the local community and planet. As travel becomes a way of life, these innovators offer a model for a more conscious future where every trip is effortless, meaningful, and in alignment with global sustainability goals. 

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  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 30th September 2025: Fyno Raises $4M, Ignosis $4M, boAt Appoints New CEO, Zelio E-Mobility SME IPO & More

    India’s startup ecosystem continues to witness robust investor interest as funding rounds, leadership changes, and IPOs shape the market. This roundup highlights key developments from 30th September 2025, including enterprise messaging platform Fyno raising $4 million in a seed round, fintech startup Ignosis securing $4 million in pre-Series A, defense tech startup Unmannd raising $2 million, boAt appointing Gaurav Nayyar as CEO, and Zelio E-Mobility launching its INR 78 crore SME IPO. These developments reflect continued momentum across fintech, edtech, deeptech, defense tech, and consumer electronics sectors, underscoring the vibrant growth of India’s entrepreneurial landsca

    Company Amount Raised Funding Round Lead Investor(s) Sector
    Fyno $4 million Seed Arkam Ventures; 3one4 Capital Enterprise Messaging / CPaaS
    Ignosis $4 million Pre-Series A Peak XV Surge; Force Ventures; Razorpay Ventures; Kunal Shah Fintech / Financial Data
    SuperFam $400K Pre-seed Fundamental VC; Untitled Ventures; SSV Fund Family Management / Privacy Tech
    Climaty AI $2 million Seed Turbostart; Angel Investors CliMarTech / Sustainable Marketing
    Vama INR 22 crore Pre-Series A Wavemaker Partners EdTech / Career Development
    HFS INR 800 crore Growth Funding House of Hiranandani NBFC / Small Business Lending
    Assessli INR 44.37 crore Series A Foxhog Ventures DeepTech / Behavioral AI
    Unmannd $2 million Pre-seed Speciale Invest; Accel Defense Tech / Autonomous Drones

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 30th September 2025

    Fyno Raises $4 Million in Seed Round

    Enterprise messaging startup Fyno has raised $4 million in a seed funding round led by Arkam Ventures and 3one4 Capital. The Bengaluru-based platform helps businesses streamline communication and collaboration. The fresh funds will be used to expand its customer base, enhance product capabilities, and scale operations across financial institutions and other enterprises.

    Ignosis Raises $4 Million in Pre-Series A

    Fintech infrastructure startup Ignosis has raised $4 million in a pre-Series A round led by Peak XV Surge, with participation from Force Ventures, Razorpay Ventures, and Kunal Shah. The funding will be used to scale engineering, business, and compliance teams, build finance-specific AI solutions, and enhance its financial data intelligence platform.

    SuperFam Raises Pre-Seed Funding

    Family management platform SuperFam has secured $400K in a pre-seed funding round led by Fundamental VC, along with Untitled Ventures and SSV Fund. The startup focuses on privacy-first tools for family organization, and the funds will accelerate product development, AI copilot integration, and user acquisition.

    Climaty AI Raises $2 Million

    CliMarTech startup Climaty AI has raised $2 million in a funding round led by Turbostart, with participation from angel investors. The platform provides carbon-conscious marketing solutions for brands and agencies. The funds will support global expansion and the development of its Agentic AI ecosystem.

    Vama Raises INR 22 Crore in Pre-Series A

    Edtech startup Vama has raised INR 22 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Wavemaker Partners. The platform focuses on career development and skill-building for young professionals, aiming to expand its offerings and improve engagement.

    HFS Raises INR 800 Crore

    House of Hiranandani-backed NBFC HFS has raised INR 800 crore to empower small entrepreneurs with accessible financing solutions. The funding will help scale operations, expand lending portfolios, and support MSMEs across India.

    Assessli Raises INR 44.37 Crore

    Deeptech startup Assessli has raised INR 44.37 crore from Foxhog Ventures to build the first large behavioral models. The platform aims to revolutionize assessment and evaluation processes across industries using AI-driven insights.

    Unmannd Raises $2 Million in Pre-Seed Round

    Unmannd, a defense technology startup specializing in autonomous drone systems, has secured $2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Speciale Invest and Accel. The funds will be utilized to commercialize its aerial logistics platform, Titan, advance its interceptor system, Fury, from proof-of-concept to market readiness, scale its engineering team, and explore export opportunities to international markets.

    Key Business News for 30th September 2025

    boAt Elevates Gaurav Nayyar to CEO to Drive Next Growth Phase

    boAt, India’s leading audio and wearables brand, has appointed Gaurav Nayyar as its new Chief Executive Officer. Nayyar, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer, brings over two decades of strategic and operational experience, including eight years at Bain & Company. This leadership transition reflects boAt’s commitment to professionalizing its management and positioning itself for future growth. Co-founders Sameer Mehta and Aman Gupta will continue to play active roles, with Sameer assuming the position of Executive Director and Aman serving as a Non-Executive Director on the Board.

    Zelio E-Mobility Launches INR 78 Crore SME IPO to Accelerate Expansion

    Zelio E-Mobility, a rapidly expanding electric two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the launch of its INR 78 crore SME Initial Public Offering (IPO), which went live on September 30, 2025. The IPO comprises 57,60,000 equity shares, including a fresh issue and an offer for sale. Proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for establishing a new manufacturing facility, repaying borrowings, and meeting working capital needs. Founded in 2021, Zelio has achieved significant growth, reporting INR 172 crore in revenue and INR 16 crore in profit after tax for FY25.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 29th September 2025
    India’s startup ecosystem continues to see strong investor interest as funding rounds, corporate developments, and product launches shape the market.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesSanvi Barjatya

  • Ayurvedic Kids Makeup Brand Mishmash Naturals Raises ₹2.4 Crore in Pre-Seed from Inflection Point Ventures, IIT Delhi Angel Network and Others

    • Raipur-based Mishmash Naturals is India’s first Ayurvedic beauty and self-care brand focused on children aged 3–14.
    • The funding will be used to expand their portfolio, invest in R&D and venture into UAE and other GCC markets where demand for certified-safe and natural children’s products continues to grow.
    • Mishmash Naturals aims to redefine children’s beauty and self-care by blending Ayurveda with global safety standards.
    • So far, Inflection Point Ventures has invested over INR 800 Cr across 250+ startups.

    Mishmash Naturals, India’s first Ayurvedic beauty and self-care brand focused on children aged 3–14, has raised INR 2.4 crore in a pre-seed funding round. The round saw participation from Inflection Point Ventures, IIT Delhi Angels Network (led by marquee IIT Delhi alumni, Tejinderpal Miglani, Mohit Rana, Alok Mittal, Shivani Singh Kapoor, Pradeep Gupta and Priyank Shanker Garg), along with 37 other prominent angel investors, including Nihit Jain (MakeMyTrip), Rahul Anurag (Voltas), Kamlakar Rao (BCG), Piyush Kumar (Urban Vault), Riddhi Verma Ayyagari (Baby-Led Weaning India), and Anurag Tayal (Google).

    The funding will be used to expand Mishmash’s product portfolio, invest in R&D and dermatological testing, support the upcoming launch of skincare, body care and haircare products tailored for sensitive skin and strengthen the distribution of its clean beauty line for children. In the coming months, the company also plans to launch additional SKUs and expand its offerings in self-care for children. 

    Founded by Kanika Singh Chopda, Labdhi Chopda, and Aditi Chaturvedi, Mishmash Naturals was born out of a personal experience when Kanika’s daughter suffered a severe allergic reaction to adult makeup during a school event. Recognising a critical gap in the market for safe, age-appropriate products for children, the founders set out to build India’s first Ayurvedic beauty and self-care brand exclusively for kids.

    Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, IPV, says, “There is a clear gap in the market for safe, purpose-built personal care products for children. Mishmash Naturals fills that void with a balance of empathy and science. Their products are not only clean and natural, but they are also dermatologically tested, age-appropriate, and formulated with a deep knowledge of what developing skin needs, not just for the moment, but every single step of the way. By merging the wisdom of traditional Ayurvedic practices with global safety standards, the team is creating a new category of self-care products for children that is both thoughtful and scalable. It’s an innovation that’s long overdue, and Mishmash is leading it with clarity and conviction.”

    Kanika Singh Chopda, Co-Founder, says, “At Mishmash Naturals, we’re redefining how children engage with beauty and wellness by blending Ayurvedic tradition with scientific rigour. Over 40% of our resources go into product development to meet pharmaceutical-grade safety standards, even if it costs us three times more than conventional cosmetics. For us, premium means uncompromised safety and formulations designed especially for children. We believe kids should have safe choices to explore their creativity.”

    Tejinderpal Miglani, lead investor at the IIT Delhi Angels Network, says, “Mishmash Naturals represents the future of conscious beauty and self-care, starting with our youngest consumers. Their mother-led, research-intensive approach is exactly the kind of innovation we believe can create global products from India. This is also our first investment as a network, which makes it especially meaningful and aligned with our vision to support strong IIT Delhi alumni teams in creating world-class products.”

    The brand currently offers a wide range of toxin-free products, including the Ayurvedic Play Safe Makeup Set for kids with natural blush, eyeshadow, lip balms, and glosses made with sunflower wax, shea butter, and beetroot; Ayurvedic child-safe sunscreen; and a complete Ayurvedic body care range with shampoo, lotion, body wash, and oil. All products are natural, ayurvedic, vegan, cruelty-free, free from parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and other well-known irritants.

    The children’s beauty and personal care market in India is still at a nascent stage, but rising demand for certified-safe, natural products is witnessing rapid growth. With a strong regulatory edge through AYUSH certification and formulations aligned with international safety standards, Mishmash Naturals is uniquely positioned for global expansion. Building on their foundation in India, Mishmash is also seeking expansion into the UAE and other GCC markets, where the demand for age-appropriate, safe, and natural products is on the rise.

  • ED Raids Reliance Infra and ADAG Firms in FEMA Probe

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 30 September, 2025 carried out searches at six locations in Indore and Mumbai. The action was part of its probe into alleged illegal remittances abroad by Reliance Infrastructure, a company under the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG). The searches were linked to violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

    Focus on Loan Diversion Allegations

    According to officials, the probe revolves around alleged diversion of loans worth more than INR 17,000 crore by Reliance Infrastructure (R Infra). Findings from a SEBI report claimed that R Infra routed funds to other Reliance Group companies through inter-corporate deposits (ICDs). These transactions were allegedly done via a firm named CLE, which was not disclosed as a “related party.” Officials say this was to avoid approvals from shareholders and audit committees.

    ED sources also said they have contacted 39 banks to check whether due diligence was followed when the loans were sanctioned. Questions have been raised on why banks did not flag the defaults earlier.

    Reliance Infra’s Response

    In a statement, Reliance Infrastructure said that the current ED searches relate to an old matter from 2010. That year, the company had awarded a contract for the Jaipur-Ringus toll road to Prakash Asphaltings & Toll Highways. The company said the project was domestic in nature, with no foreign exchange involved, and was later handed over to the NHAI.

    Reliance Infra added that the searches will have “absolutely no impact on the business operations, financial performance, shareholders, employees, or stakeholders of the company.” The firm also said it is cooperating with the authorities.

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    Wider Probe Against Anil Ambani

    The action comes as part of a larger investigation into alleged financial irregularities across several ADAG companies. ED officials are looking into suspected laundering of over INR 20,000 crore, some of which may have been moved abroad through undisclosed bank accounts and foreign assets.

    Earlier in August, Anil Ambani was summoned to the ED headquarters in New Delhi. His statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He was asked about foreign assets and transactions linked to his companies.

    The ED has also issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Ambani, preventing him from leaving India. On August 23, his Mumbai residence was searched by the CBI in a separate case involving alleged misuse of funds received from the State Bank of India.

    Previous Arrests and Developments

    In a related case, the ED arrested Partha Sarathi Biswal, managing director of Biswal Tradelink Pvt Ltd, on August 1. He is accused of arranging fake bank guarantees worth INR 68.2 crore on behalf of Reliance Power, another ADAG company.

    The Reliance Group has consistently denied wrongdoing. It has claimed that past allegations, including those of fund diversion, are based on old matters and that actual exposures were far lower than reported.

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  • Zomato and Swiggy Introduce Food Health Scores as Quality Concerns Rise in India

    Even as fine-dining restaurants modify their menus to satisfy the growing demand for healthier cuisine, food delivery services Zomato and Swiggy have added health-focused ratings—”health scores” and “protein drops”—amid mounting scrutiny over food quality.

    In an X post, Zomato creator Deepinder Goyal stated, “For years, something about Zomato made me uneasy.” He also announced the addition of a healthy score based on AI and restaurant data to the platform’s menu.

    Last week, Swiggy launched its rating system. In a LinkedIn post, Deepak Maloo, its VP of culinary strategy, customer experience, and new projects, referred to it as the next drop in the high-protein, low-calorie, gluten-free, and fry-free categories.

    Users’ Social Media Calls Now Addressed by Swiggy and Zomato

    On social media, both platforms—which control the majority of India’s food delivery market—have come under fire for facilitating the speedy delivery of occasionally unhealthy, frozen, or occasionally unfresh food. Shantanu Deshpande, the creator of Bombay Shaving Company, wrote on LinkedIn that Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto should not be used.

    Additionally, please make the product palatable if you are so eager. On September 30, Goyal’s post went viral and elicited a range of conflicting responses. While some were appreciative of the move, others called attention to the reportedly “low hygiene standards followed by smaller cloud kitchens”.

    Zomato’s Goyal Admits-Platform Not Providing Healthy Options

    Another group of people claimed that the platforms’ health scores had flaws. In his X post, Goyal claimed that although Zomato made ordering takeaway and dining in easier than ever, it never really improved people’s quality of food. In actuality, Zomato made it difficult for people to obtain genuinely healthful cuisine, even though they might select a salad or smoothie bowl.

    “Healthy eating is no longer a fringe trend; it’s a mainstream movement,” said Zorawar Kalra, owner of the Farzi Cafe and Masala Library restaurants. These days, menus feature more plant-based options and lighter, ingredient-driven cuisine. “Gourmet meets mindful” is the way of the future for dining.

    The changes coincide with an increase in India’s market share for meal delivery services. According to a survey by Swiggy and Bain & Company, the nation’s food delivery market could reach INR 2 lakh crore by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 18%. This development would be supported by digitisation, consumer preference for ordering in and experimenting, and rising disposable incomes.

    Quick Shots

    •Zomato’s health score is powered by AI and
    restaurant data, offering users a clearer view of nutritional quality.

    •The move follows rising social media criticism over
    unhealthy, frozen, or poor-quality food from delivery platforms.

    •Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal acknowledged that the
    platform historically made access to truly healthy food difficult.

    •While many praised the step toward mindful eating,
    others highlighted concerns over hygiene standards in smaller cloud kitchens.

  • Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic Gets Approval in India for Type-2 Diabetes

    India has approved Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, marking a major step in modernising treatment for type-2 diabetes and obesity. The once-a-week injection, already popular worldwide for its dual benefits in blood sugar control and weight management, will soon be available in India on prescription. Experts say this move could reshape chronic disease care in a country where lifestyle illnesses are rising sharply.

    A New Step in Chronic Disease Care

    India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has approved Ozempic (semaglutide injection) for adults with type-2 diabetes. The once-a-week injectable drug, developed by Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk, will be available only on prescription.

    Novo Nordisk India’s managing director, Vikrant Shrotiya, called it a “much needed move” for diabetes care. He said the launch will complete the company’s semaglutide portfolio in India, which also includes oral tablets and obesity treatments.

    Why Ozempic Matters

    Ozempic was first cleared by the US FDA in 2017. While its main use is blood sugar control in type-2 diabetes, the drug is also known for helping with weight loss. This dual benefit has made it one of the most talked-about medicines worldwide.

    India has over 101 million people living with diabetes and more than 254 million with obesity. The numbers have doubled in the past decade. With such high rates, experts see Ozempic as an important addition to India’s fight against lifestyle diseases.

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    Costs and Competition

    Novo Nordisk has not yet revealed the Indian price of Ozempic. However, its related product Wegovy, approved for obesity management, is reported to cost between INR 17,000 and INR 26,000 per month depending on the dose. Other competing GLP-1 drugs, like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), are also in the market with prices starting at around INR 14,000.

    Industry experts expect costs to come down when patents expire and generic versions enter the market. Novo Nordisk’s patent for semaglutide is due to expire in 2026, opening the door for Indian drugmakers.

    Benefits and Risks

    The main benefits of Ozempic include:

    • Better blood sugar control in diabetes
    • Noticeable weight loss at higher doses
    • Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke in high-risk patients

    But there are also cautions:

    • Common side effects include nausea and vomiting
    • Some reports link it to pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and kidney problems
    • Animal studies showed thyroid tumour risks, leading to safety warnings
    • High costs may limit access for many Indians

    Doctors say the drug should only be taken with proper medical supervision.

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    Global Buzz and Local Relevance

    Globally, Ozempic has become a household name, partly due to celebrity users like Elon Musk and Amy Schumer. In India, however, the focus is on its medical role rather than its weight-loss fame.

    The World Health Organization recently added semaglutide to its essential medicines list, reflecting its importance in treating diabetes and obesity.

    Experts believe the approval could boost India’s anti-obesity market, valued at about INR 752 crore, with semaglutide already contributing more than half of it.

    What This Means for Patients

    For Indian patients, Ozempic offers a modern, convenient, once-a-week option for managing diabetes and possibly weight. But the true impact will depend on affordability, supply, and how widely doctors prescribe it.

    If generics and insurance support expand access, Ozempic could become a game-changer in tackling India’s growing diabetes crisis.

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  • LG Electronics India IPO to Open on October 7: Key Details You Must Know

    LG Electronics India is ready to launch its first Initial Public Offering (IPO) next week. The public issue will open for bidding on October 7, 2025, and close on October 9, 2025. This is one of the biggest IPOs of the year and is expected to attract strong investor interest.

    The Gurugram-based company is a subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., South Korea, and is a leading name in home appliances and consumer electronics in India.

    IPO Dates and Offer Details

    The IPO subscription will be open from October 7 to October 9, 2025.

    • Anchor investors will get a chance one day earlier on October 6, 2025.
    • Share allotment is expected on October 10, 2025.
    • The listing of shares on the BSE and NSE is likely to happen on October 14, 2025.

    The IPO consists of an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 10.18 crore shares. The company is offering shares in a price band of INR 1,080–INR 1,140 per share. At the upper end, LG could raise up to INR 11,600 crore, valuing the company at about INR 77,500 crore ($8.7 billion).

    Quick LG Electronics IPO Snapshot

    Event / Detail Date / Value
    IPO Subscription Window October 7 – October 9, 2025
    Anchor Investor Bidding October 6, 2025
    Share Allotment Date October 10, 2025
    Listing on BSE & NSE October 14, 2025
    Offer Type Offer for Sale (OFS)
    Total Shares Offered 10.18 crore shares
    Price Band INR 1,080 – INR 1,140 per share
    Total Issue Size (Upper End) INR 11,600 crore
    Estimated Valuation INR 77,500 crore (~$8.7 billion)

    Promoter and Objective of the IPO

    The entire IPO is an OFS by the parent company, LG Electronics Inc. This means the funds will go to the promoter selling its stake, and LG Electronics India will not receive fresh capital.

    Despite this, the IPO is being seen as a major milestone. At its peak valuation, LG India could become the No.1 listed appliance maker in India by market cap.

    Market Context and Revival of Plans

    LG Electronics had first filed papers with SEBI in December 2024. While approvals came earlier, the company delayed the listing due to market volatility. Now, with stable conditions and strong investor demand, the IPO plan has been revived.

    The issue also comes at a busy time for the Indian market. Tata Capital’s INR 15,500 crore IPO is opening just a day before, on October 6, 2025. LG’s public issue will be the fourth billion-dollar IPO in 2025, after HDB Financial Services, Hexaware, and Tata Capital.

    Industry Standing and Growth Potential

    LG Electronics India is already a market leader in appliances and consumer electronics. It is ahead of peers like Havells India, Voltas, Whirlpool, and Blue Star in terms of revenue and earnings.

    India’s appliances and electronics market has grown about 7% between 2019 and 2024, and experts expect it to expand by 11% from 2024 to 2029. Rising incomes, urbanisation, and wider adoption in rural areas are driving this growth.

    Bottom Line

    The LG Electronics India IPO is set to be one of the largest in 2025. With strong brand trust, high revenues, and a leadership position in its sector, the IPO will be closely watched by investors.

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  • Siddhidatri’s Wisdom: Women Entrepreneurs Share How They Made Their Business Dreams a Reality

    On the ninth day of Navaratri, we celebrate Siddhidatri, the final form of the goddess Mahadevi. Her name holds the magic of her powers: “Siddhi” means extraordinary abilities, and “Dhatri” means one who gives. She is believed to grant all divine aspirations and make dreams come true.

    Inspired by Siddhidatri’s gift of turning visions into reality, we asked some remarkable women entrepreneurs to share how they’ve transformed their business dreams into real success and fulfilment.

    Let’s explore their stories and see the steps they took to make their aspirations a reality.

    Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility

    Building Yellow Fertility from dream to reality has been a mission of clarity, consistency, and empathy. The clarity was understanding precisely what space I wanted to fill in India’s fertility arena, bringing advanced reproductive care within reach, understanding, and reliable beyond the metros. Consistency was about being present every day, even when obstacles seemed larger than successes, from establishing world-class embryology laboratories to building the right medical staff. Compassion has been at the core, because success in fertility is not just numbers, but the happiness of families we assist in creating.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Anchor your dream on purpose, build the right team, and let impact define success.

    Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk

    Siddhidatri reminds us that with belief, concentration, and effort, even the most ambitious dreams can become real. Transforming Sammyukk from a dream into a thriving business has been an evolution of intention, persistence, and deliberate decisions. I set clear objectives, stayed open to learning, and invested in a positive, ambitious team. Success, to me, is not merely growth in numbers; it is alignment and fulfilment in creating something purposeful.

    To each woman building her dream: believe it can happen, support it with effort, and remain grounded in your ‘why’; that’s where success truly starts 

    💡
    Key takeaway: Success starts with belief, effort, and staying grounded in your ‘why’.

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    Nidhi Sabbarwal, Founder at Kalyanamm Holy Waste Recycling Pvt. Ltd.

    Siddhidatri sparks the energy of accomplishment, and for me, this meant taking a personal test and transforming it into a meaningful company. I started by identifying the issue of floral waste clogging rivers and incense smoke compromising well-being, and developed a solution in the form of natural, low-smoke incense. Early feedback from friends and family helped build confidence to expand.

    From there, building a sustainable supply chain, using biodegradable packaging, and sourcing internationally propelled us forward. True satisfaction comes not just from growth, but from helping people practice rituals aligned with nature.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Address real-world problems thoughtfully, and satisfaction follows purposeful impact.

    Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery

    Making my dream come true required passion, ambition, and planning. I started deliberately with designs true to my style and gradually built the brand with focus and consistency. Investing in quality, building customer trust, and keeping up with retail trends were crucial. Success, to me, is not just about sales, but about making women feel good when they wear our jewellery, creating lasting positive moments.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Consistency and authenticity in delivering value create meaningful success.

    Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder & CEO, Sciative Solutions

    Turning a vision into success required a stepwise approach. We began by understanding unique pricing challenges in each sector and then built AI products that delivered tangible ROI, which established credibility. Growing alongside our clients rather than just selling to them meant their success stories became our biggest growth lever. We expanded methodically across sectors without losing focus, ensuring disciplined and sustainable growth.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Methodical growth rooted in solving real problems ensures credibility and lasting success.

    Tejasvi Madan, Founder and CEO, BeyondBound

    Achievements are milestones, but fulfilment comes when a woman wears BeyondBound and feels unstoppable. Siddhidatri’s energy mirrors the sense of accomplishment I feel, not just in hitting goals, but in making a difference. Every stitch involves hours of testing, tweaking, and fine-tuning, but the true reward is when women embrace their strength through our designs. That is when the vision feels complete.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Fulfilment is measured by the impact your work has on empowering others.

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    Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO of MyDesignation

    Mydesignation is not an overnight success. Turning business dreams into reality has always been about hard work, managing self-doubt, and unwavering consistency. It begins with intention, staying committed, and trusting the process even when results are not immediate. I believe that good work done with integrity eventually finds its way. Success is not magic; it’s a balance of effort, patience, and intention. For me, staying true to my vision and letting meaningful work speak is what counts.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Integrity, patience, and commitment are the true foundations of success.

    Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at Snow World Entertainment

    It started with a unique vision: to challenge the entertainment landscape in India. In the early stages, we avoided easier options to preserve the quality of what we deliver. Starting small, we gained confidence through positive customer feedback and gradually expanded our ventures. After a decade, we operate across India and aim to grow further. Personal satisfaction comes from customer joy; when audiences reflect fun and positivity, I know we delivered our purpose.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Quality and persistence, validated by customer feedback, drive enduring success.

    Akanksha Hazari, CEO & Founder of LoveLocal

    Inspired by Siddhidatri, turning LoveLocal from an idea into a thriving business has been about setting clear goals, staying disciplined, and empowering the right people. We focused on solving real problems for consumers and local retailers, iterated based on feedback, and celebrated milestones. True success comes from creating an ecosystem where everyone benefits, retailers grow, consumers access quality products, and satisfaction extends beyond mere numbers.

    💡
    Key takeaway: Success multiplies when your business benefits the wider ecosystem, not just yourself.

    Drishti Madnani, Co-Founder & Beauty Expert, Shryoan Cosmetics

    We dream of a world where quality cosmetics are affordable, accessible, and inclusive. There’s a strong link between peace and innovation, as creating a culture that encourages thinking outside the box, supports work-life balance, and is transparent in decision-making, creativity thrives. For my fellow women founders, I always recommend focusing on empathy and flexible expectations. A supported team is more innovative and loyal, and a peaceful, respectful environment ultimately boosts productivity while attracting and retaining the talent needed to grow an innovative company.

    💡
    Key takeaway: A culture of empathy and balance drives innovation, productivity, and long-term business growth.

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  • $175 Million Lie: How Charlie Javice Fooled JPMorgan

    A 32-year-old French American, Charlie Javice, popularly known for her own company, Frank, is now going to jail for fraud. She faked a company to defraud JP Morgan and got caught, found guilty, and is now headed to serve 7 years in prison. JP Morgan, being such a big bank, fell for it and paid around $175 million. It is said that she feels bad and cried, apologising. But will this compensate for the crime committed? Why was JP Morgan careless? So, what’s her story? What did she fake about? For all that, learn more.

    Image Credits - baynews9.com
    Image Credits – baynews9.com

    Who Is Charlie Javice, and What Happened?

    • Charlie Javice is a passionate entrepreneur. She was 24 years old when she started her online business, Frank.
    • It was a company that aimed to help college students complete the complex U.S. financial aid application form (for college).
    • The idea was so fascinating to JP Morgan that it saw Frank as a good value addition.
    • Let’s go back to 2021, JP Morgan acquired Frank for $175 million. The purchase was a strategic move by JPMorgan. It sought to obtain the students’ data (in millions) to expand its customer base.

    Here’s the big catch: those millions didn’t exist. 

    How She Pulled It Off?

    • JPMorgan, as part of due diligence, wanted proof of Frank’s customer base before buying it, as any company would.
    • Javice understood the gravity of the situation and asked her company engineer to fake it. The engineer was brave enough to refuse the idea and warned that it was against the law.
    • Ignoring all the warnings, Javice went ahead and hired an outside data scientist to create a “synthetic dataset” (in short, a fake one).
    • A full-fledged list of famous names and information on millions of students was ready.
    • The act convinced JPMorgan that Frank is genuine, with 4.25 million users, when in reality, it only had around 300,000.

    Javice Vs JPMorgan – The Trial and Sentence

    • Finally, in March 2025, after careful consideration, a New York jury found Javice guilty of fraud.
    • Today, September 30, 2025, the U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein sentenced her to 85 months (just over 7 years) in prison.
    • However, the prosecutors demanded 12 years, calling the act an “audacious” and “greedy” crime.
    • In response, the judge said that she had no criminal history and had done some good work for charities and her family. That’s the reason why she was exempted a little.
    Image Credits - apnews.com
    Image Credits – apnews.com

    Javice in Court

    • Charlie Javice is almost 33 years old and has paid her due apologies to JPMorgan, Frank’s investors, and employees.
    • She admitted in court that she, in fact, committed that crime, saying that she made terrible choices at 28 and claimed that it was a “collapse in character.”
    • She even cried in court, addressing her parents. Apparently, she deeply regrets her mistake and will do so every day. 

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  • Exxon Mobil Cuts 2,000 Jobs: CEO Memo Reveals Tough Restructuring Push

    The oil industry is in hot water, and to survive, the companies are cutting jobs. Here, Exxon joins with plans to shrink its workforce by 2,000 employees. The employees receive a memo on Tuesday (September 30, 2025), leaving several clueless. So, what does the memo say? How did Exxon’s CEO, Darren Woods, address the issue? What does the future of these 2000 employees look like? For that, learn more. 

    Why Is Exxon Mobil Laying off Now?

    Restructuring plan – The company is combining the small offices into a bigger regional hub, meaning fewer offices and centralised teams.

    Efficiency Drive – The company has big plans to reduce its annual spending by $9 billion by 2023 compared to 2019 levels.

    Industry challenges – Especially because the oil industry is going through a tough time:

    • Weaker crude oil prices are pushing profits down.
    • Rapid industry consolidation, where large companies are forming partnerships with smaller ones, results in high competition.

    Several others are also cutting jobs in the sector. Another company, Imperial Oil, has announced that it would cut 20% of its staff and shut its Calgary office.

    Exxon’s History With Layoffs

    Exxon’s CEO, Darren Woods, has announced the situation in a memo sent to the employees on Tuesday.

    The process began in February 2025, when the company merged certain parts of the business to cut costs.

    Exxon has acquired Pioneer Natural Resources for a whopping $60 billion, and to offset the costs, the company is now laying off employees.

    The company cut around 400 jobs in Texas in 2024.

    Final Thoughts…

    Although Exxon Mobil is one of the world’s biggest oil companies, it couldn’t escape the tough time in the oil industry. The company is laying off around 3% to 4% of its total employees. Its total headcount was 61,000 people at the end of 2024, and now it will soon be 2000 fewer. An official response from the company is yet to come out. 

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