Ola Electric, a manufacturer of two-wheeler electric vehicles (EVs), has received an administrative warning from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for breaking its rules. Ola Electric is facing charges for using social media to reveal important details about a planned shop network expansion before first alerting the stock exchanges. According to the current regulations, listed companies must notify stock exchanges of all material information as soon as possible, but no later than “twelve hours from the occurrence of the event or information.” Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder, chairman, and managing director of the electric vehicle manufacturer, released the information about the planned expansion about four hours prior to the firm sharing the data with the exchanges, according to Ola Electric’s filing with the exchange. In its warning letter to the company, SEBI noted that although the aforementioned information was released on the stock exchanges by Ola Electric at 1:36 PM (BSE) and 1:41 PM (NSE) on December 2, 2024, it was first announced on X (formerly Twitter) at 9:58 AM on the same day by Bhavish Aggarwal, the company’s promoter and Chairman-cum-Managing Director.
Ola Electric Falling to Provide Information to all Investors
The company was also found guilty by the markets authority of not giving all investors the information in a way that was “equal and timely.” The listed EV manufacturer “failed to take into consideration the interest” of all of its stakeholders, SEBI further noted. In its notice to the company, the regulator stated that Ola Electric had violated Regulations 4(1)(d), 4(1)(f), 4(1)(h), and 30(6) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. SEBI “warned and advised” the company to be “careful in the future” and to enhance its compliance standards to prevent recurrence of similar occurrences, while acknowledging that it took the violations “very seriously.” Additionally, it warned of “enforcement action” should such incidents recur and instructed the corporation to take corrective action. This comes one week after Pritam Das Mohapatra was named the new compliance officer and corporate secretary by the EV manufacturer. He is in charge of monitoring Ola Electric’s adherence to SEBI regulations and the current governance structure.
More Trouble for Ola Electric
The aforementioned warning was sent on the same day that the Karnataka High Court denied Ola Electric’s request to have a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on charges of unfair practices, deceptive advertising, and suspected violations of consumer rights revoked. The HC granted some mercy and gave the EV manufacturer a six-week postponement to reply to the consumer protection watchdog’s show-cause notice, even though the CCPA notice demanded Ola Electric to submit new papers.
January 03, 2025 – Kolkata: Arghya Sarkar, the founder of Recruitment Mantra, has emerged as a beacon of hope and determination for aspiring entrepreneurs and job seekers across India. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the extraordinary ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success. Today, Arghya stands as a symbol of triumph, but his journey to success was anything but straightforward.
Arghya’s story began like many others—filled with dreams but overshadowed by challenges. Struggling academically, he dropped out of a management program, a decision that left him questioning his future. Faced with uncertainty, he defied conventional expectations and ventured into entrepreneurship without formal qualifications or prior experience. His determination to succeed was unshakable, but the harsh realities of business soon caught up with him.
Several early ventures ended in failure, leaving Arghya burdened with debt and emotionally drained. Yet, he refused to let these setbacks define him. Each failure became a lesson, and with every stumble, he grew more determined to find his footing. Just when it seemed things couldn’t get worse, life threw another challenge his way.
In 2021, Arghya faced a personal and professional crisis as his 12-year marriage ended, leaving him at his lowest point—without a business, savings, or emotional support. But instead of succumbing to despair, he made a choice that changed everything: to own his failures and rebuild his life from scratch.
Armed with nothing but a laptop, a rented office in Kolkata, and a belief in his ability to succeed, Arghya founded Recruitment Mantra. This time, his vision extended beyond building a profitable business—he aimed to create a lasting legacy. Recruitment Mantra would be a platform to empower individuals, support businesses, and make a meaningful impact on society.
What distinguished Arghya was his focus on innovation and empathy. Recognizing the potential of technology, he integrated AI-driven recruitment processes before they became industry norms. His solutions catered to startups with limited budgets and streamlined hiring for established corporations. More importantly, he infused his business with empathy, understanding that the right job could transform someone’s life. Having experienced rock bottom himself, Arghya knew the power of second chances.
Arghya Sarkar, Founder Recruitment Mantra
Today, Recruitment Mantra is one of India’s leading HR consultancies, connecting companies with the right talent and job seekers with life-changing opportunities. For Arghya, however, success is measured not by profits but by the lives he has touched and the opportunities he has created.
Arghya’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating challenges:
Self-Reflection Fuels Growth: Arghya’s success began with a willingness to face his shortcomings and take responsibility for his failures. Change starts with looking inward.
Consistency Outshines Talent: Talent alone isn’t enough. Arghya’s ability to persevere and show up every day, despite obstacles, was the foundation of his success.
Beliefs Shape Your Future: Even in his darkest moments, Arghya held onto the belief that better days lay ahead. His unwavering faith in himself kept him moving forward.
Vision Drives Reality: Long before Recruitment Mantra became a success, Arghya visualized his achievements daily. His clear vision motivated him to keep pushing forward.
Failures Teach Vital Lessons: For Arghya, failure wasn’t the end but a necessary part of the journey. Each setback offered valuable insights that propelled him closer to his goals.
Arghya Sarkar’s story isn’t just about business success; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It reminds us that setbacks, no matter how significant, are not the end of the road. They are opportunities to learn, grow, and emerge stronger.
To anyone feeling disheartened by failures or overwhelmed by challenges, Arghya’s journey is proof that success is built on persistence, self-belief, and the courage to keep moving forward. Your setbacks are merely chapters in a larger story, and as long as you keep turning the page, extraordinary things await.
Let Arghya Sarkar’s story inspire you to dream, strive, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity to rise. Success, as his journey shows, is not about avoiding failure but learning to rise each time you fall.
If you are a high school or college student, you probably spend a lot of time using Google to discover new information, conduct research and create thesis statements.
One of the best features of Google Chrome is its ability to add extensions. Not using extensions on Chrome is a big crime. This is because extensions skyrocket your productivity and help you save time.
In this article, I will tell you the 33 best chrome extensions for students. Trust me, these extensions will simplify your life.
All the extensions are free to use. Some of them do have a premium plan but, even with their free plan, you would be able to do dozens of things.
Without further ado here are the top extensions for students.
And to make it much simpler, I have further classified the Chrome extensions into different categories such as Chrome Extensions for studying, writing, researching, sharing notes, generating citations, and increasing productivity.
The list below contains the name of extensions that can make studying easy and interesting.
Zorbi
Chrome Extension
Zorbi – Flashcards from PDFs and Notion
About
It allows easy memorization of the material by converting them into flashcards.
Ratings
4.9
Price
Free
Chrome Extension Zorbi
Using this extension you can create flashcards with just a couple of shortcuts. It is a great way to learn difficult topics which you tend to forget again and again.
Features:
You can easily create flashcards from any website or PDF.
You can also add screenshots, pictures, and text directly inside the extension.
If you write notes in Notion you can turn them into flashcards.
Zorbi predicts when you will forget the topic and shows you the flashcard at that time so, you never forget them again.
Using the Zorbi mobile app you can do a quick 10-minute revision.
Memorize!
Chrome Extension
Memorize!
About
A perfect extension to help you out with questions and answers. One can easily create their own question papers with answer sets.
Ratings
4.5
Price
Free
Memorize! Extension
Memorize! Is an easy-to-use and lightweight chrome extension that help you in memorizing answers to a given set of questions.
Features:
Create a set of questions and answers to them.
Decide how long you want to wait between each question.
When you hit the start button all the questions are shuffled.
All the questions to which you have given the right answers are removed from the given set of questions.
You will keep getting questions until you give the right answer to all of them or until you click stop.
Reverso
Chrome Extension
Reverso – Translation, dictionary
About
It is an AI-powered tool that helps in translation of the sentences.
Ratings
4.6
Price
The premium plan starts at 5.99 USD/Month.
Reverso Extension
Whenever we have to find the translation of a particular word or sentence we copy it on the clipboard and paste it into Google Translate. This process is time-consuming and boring.
To get rid of this process you can install the Reverso chrome extension.
Reverso with its powerful big data algorithms and machine learning translates in real-time. You can translate while reading articles and watching movies. The best part here is that it is completely free.
Features:
Select the text which you want to translate and let Reverso do its magic.
Get subtitles translations on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, TED Talks, and more.
Translation powered by AI in 15 languages.
Get accurate results based on millions of real-life multilingual texts.
Save the words that you like and review them back later on.
You can also find out the pronunciation of the translated word.
Reverso syncs your translation history and favourites.
Learn vocabulary with flashcards, quizzes, and games on Reverso Context mobile app.
SwiftRead
Chrome Extension
SwiftRead – read faster, learn more
About
It is an AI-powered reading tool.
Ratings
4.5
Price
The premium plan starts at 2.99 USD/Month.
SwiftRead Extension
Do you want to increase your reading speed?
Then SwiftRead is one of its kind speed reading extension that can help you read two or three times faster.
SwiftRead employs a visual method known as Rapid Serial Visual Presentation, or RSVP, which is used by the world’s top-speed readers.
The main factors slowing down your reading speed are sub-vocalization (reading aloud in your head), unconscious re-reading, and eye movements, all of which are reduced or eliminated by this technique.
Features:
The extension works on news articles, blog posts, and emails.
You can also directly paste the text which you want to read faster into SwiftRead.
By using SwiftRead, you can easily teach yourself to read at a speed of 400 words per minute or more, which is twice as fast as the average reader’s 200 words per minute.
The above graph shows the percentage of students using digital learning tools in their everyday studies by their sections. The graph is derived from US eLearning Statistics shared by enterpriseappstoday.com
Chrome Extensions for Writing
The list below contains the extensions that are very much helpful in writing work.
Text Blaze
Chrome Extension
Text Blaze
About
Allows the creation of smart text expansions and speeds up the workflow.
Ratings
4.9
Price
Free
Text Blaze Extension
When you are continuously writing assignments, projects, and emails you have to constantly write some repetitive things like the introduction or the thank you note.
To save time you can use Text Blaze.
It is an awesome tool through which you can save certain sentences and create a shortcut for them.
Next time when you write the shortcut the whole sentence will automatically appear on your screen.
You can also create customizable templates which you can use with just a click.
Features:
Save your precious time by creating snippets for your repetitive writing. Give a shortcut to your snippet and the next time you use the shortcut the text will magically appear on your screen.
Share your snippets with your team.
Insert standard greetings, commonly used phrases, canned responses, text, calendar links, and signatures.
Create dynamic templates that have custom fields in them which you can edit when you insert the templates.
The templates will automatically write the current date and can also perform basic calculations.
Using the Text Blaze Assistant you can easily find your templates.
Wordtune
Chrome Extension
Wordtune – AI-powered Writing Companion
About
AI-powered writing tool that helps in increasing the overall quality of the written text.
Ratings
4.8
Price
The premium plans start from 9.99 USD/Month
Wordtune Extension
As a student, you need to write dozens of assignments, emails, and messages to your teachers and classmates.
Many times you don’t like what you have written and want to express it in other words.
Sometimes, you want to change the tone and length of your sentences.
In all such scenarios, you can use Wordtune. It is an AI-powered writing companion that will help you to write more clearly.
Features:
Wordtune will analyze your sentences and will suggest you different ways to rewrite them.
You can rewrite the entire sentence, phrase, or just a single word.
Expand your English vocabulary.
Write a sentence in a foreign language and change it to English.
Works seamlessly with Gmail, Google Docs, Outlook (web version), Facebook, Whatsapp (web version), and more!
QuillBot for Chrome
Chrome Extension
QuillBot for Chrome
About
AI-powered tool that provides a helping hand in writing better, faster, and smarter.
Ratings
4.6
Price
The premium plans start from 9.99 USD/Month
QuillBot for Chrome
QuillBot extension is similar to Wordtune. QuillBot can both paraphrase and correct grammar errors, unlike Wordtune, which can only paraphrase.
It can also summarize your text.
We recommend you install both QuillBot and Wordtune on your system.
This is because in their free there is a limit on how much you can paraphrase on a daily basis.
So, if you have exceeded the daily limit of Wordtune you can start using QuillBot.
You can get rid of this problem by upgrading to their premium plans.
Features:
Fix your grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.
Find a concise and compelling way to rewrite the sentence.
Summarizes news articles, long emails, papers, and more.
Speech to Text (Voice Recognition)
Chrome Extension
Speech to Text (Voice Recognition)
About
It helps in the easy conversion of speech to text.
Ratings
3.5
Price
Free
Speech-to-Text (Voice Recognition) Extension
Research shows that speech dictation is 3.0x faster than typing on a keyboard.
So, if you quickly want to write your assignment or project you should consider speaking instead of just mere writing.
Features:
Easily convert your speech to text.
In order to start recording, you just need to click on the microphone logo.
Once you are done speaking press (Ctrl + C) to copy the text.
Researching is a common task for students. Irrespective of whether it is a common task, researching is time-consuming.
The list below contains the extensions that are helpful in researching.
Google Dictionary (by Google)
Chrome Extension
Google Dictionary (by Google)
About
Helps in understanding difficult words and their meanings.
Ratings
4.4
Price
Free
Google Dictionary (By Google) Extension
While researching on Google you come across several words of which you don’t know the meaning.
To know the meaning of the word you copy the word and paste it on Google.
This is a very tedious process!
To simplify this you can install the Google Dictionary chrome extension which is made by Google itself.
Features:
Double-click on any word and see its definition in a small pop-up bubble.
Keep track of the words you’ve looked up so you can practice them later.
Download the history as a CSV file.
Power Thesaurus
Chrome Extension
Power Thesaurus
About
It is a thesaurus extension that helps with meanings and synonyms.
Ratings
4.6
Price
The premium plans starts from 2 USD/Month
Power Thesaurus Extension
We all know about Power Thesaurus. But, very few people know that it also has a chrome extension.
A Power Thesaurus is a free-of-cost online thesaurus for writers, which was introduced by Dictionary.com.
Features:
Search for synonyms, antonyms, and definitions without leaving the web page.
Use the Thesaurus extension on the menu bar to search manually for the word.
Postlight Reader
Chrome Extension
Postlight Reader
About
Helps in removing unnecessary things from the webpage like advertisements, etc.
Ratings
3.9
Price
Free
Postlight Reader (Previously Known as Mercury Reader) Extension
Whenever we open a website we are bombarded with tons of ads.
The ads appear on the top, side, and down and where not!
Not to forget the annoying popups that hamper our reading experience.
To get a clean reading experience you can install Postlight Reader.
Features:
Removes all the ads from the webpage leaving only text and images.
Adjust typeface and text size.
Switch between light and dark themes.
Send the formatted articles to Kindle.
Speechify
Chrome Extension
Speechify Text to Speech Voice Reader
About
Converts any text into an audio for easy reference.
Ratings
4.4
Price
Free
Speechify Extension
If you are tired of reading blog posts and lengthy research papers then give Speechify a try.
This chrome extension turns any text into high-quality, natural-sounding audio. Basically, it turns all the text into an audiobook.
Features:
Listen to docs, articles, PDFs, emails, and various other formats.
4.5x your reading with 900 words per minute.
The voices sound more human-like and not robotic in any way.
In the free version, you get 10 standard reading voices.
The floating widget always stays on the screen and allows you to play, pause, and change the reading voice or speed.
The extension highlights the words and sentences it is speaking.
Save an audio bookmark of your web page.
All the bookmarks are automatically synced to the cloud, so if you install their mobile app on your device, you can start listening exactly where you left off.
Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google)
Chrome Extension
Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google)
About
Access the videos to watch in the floating video for better control over other ongoing tasks.
To enable this extension just click the highlighter icon in the location bar every time you open a new webpage.
If you constantly click on the highlighter the ink in the pen will reduce showing that it cannot highlight more. This is a great feature because highlighting everything defeats the purpose of highlighting.
AlphaText
Chrome Extension
AlphaText – Make text readable!
About
It helps in increasing the readability of any digital document by changing their appearances.
Ratings
4.7
Price
Free
AlphaText Extension
Sometimes we come across articles where the text is not at all readable. At such times, the Alpha Text chrome extension comes in very handy.
Features:
Increase the font size of the text.
Change the font style and adjust the line spacing.
Optimize text and background color.
Save your favorite style sets.
Remove distracting images, videos, and fancy backgrounds.
Visor
Chrome Extension
Visor
About
Helps in protecting eyes from the damage by applying mutlipe methods on the document to be read next.
Ratings
4.0
Price
Free
Visor Extension
Are you not able to focus or read properly when you see a huge pile of text in front of you?
Do you have an eye strain after constantly reading articles on the internet?
If you said yes to the above questions then Visor is for you.
It is a screen dimmer and reading aid that helps you to read with full concentration.
Features:
Dims the screen.
The Visor’s overlays and point of focus feature allow you to decide how many lines you want to read.
In the chrome web store, they have mentioned that its point of focus feature will assist people with visual perceptual difficulties such as Dyslexia, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress to read better.
Notes are shared between friends and teachers very often. A few extensions provide a great help in the process of sharing notes. The extensions are listed below.
Save to Google Drive
Chrome Extension
Save to Google Drive
About
A conventional tool to help in sharing and storing of the files.
Ratings
4.0
Price
Free
Save to Google Drive Extension
Google Drive is a convenient tool to share files between our classmates and teachers.
If you regularly use Drive then this is for you.
Features:
Save web content, browser screenshots, documents, images, and HTML5 audio and video directly to the Drive by right-clicking on it.
You can also add annotations and highlight stuff in real-time.
Now, you may ask me why haven’t I mentioned extensions like Loom or Nimbus Capture.
I am not recommending them to you because in their free version you can only record videos for 5 minutes.
If this time limit is okay for you then yes you can go forward with Loom or Nimbus Capture.
Although if you don’t want any time restrictions then download this extension.
Features:
You can record unlimited videos of your tab, desktop, or any application.
Record with your webcam and microphone.
Add text, create arrows and draw on the screen while you are recording.
Highlight your clicks.
Trim or remove sections of your recording.
Export as mp4, gif, and WebM, or save the video directly to Google Drive.
No watermarks on the exported video.
Everything is absolutely free and no sign-up is needed.
Chrome Extensions for Generating Citations
Referencing study material is very common. Citations are also required in making projects and theses. Hence, to help out with citations, the extensions are listed below.
MyBib
Chrome Extension
MyBib: Free Citation Generator
About
It is a great bibliography and citation generator extension.
Ratings
4.8
Price
Free
MyBib Extension
MyBib allows you to create APA style, MLA format, and Harvard referencing style citations for free. You can cite any webpage or even a PDF.
The citations can be pasted directly into your academic papers and assignments.
Features:
More than 9,000 citation formats, including APA 6, APA 7, MLA 8, Harvard, AMA, and Chicago, can be used to format webpages and PDFs.
All the citations can be directly pasted into your paper or you can save them to your bibliography for later.
Cite This For Me
Chrome Extension
Cite This For Me: Web Citer
About
Helps in creating website citations in multiple reference styles.
Ratings
3.8
Price
The premium plans start from 8.99 USD/Month
Cite This For Me Extension
If you didn’t like using the MyBib chrome extension for generating citations then you can give this extension a try.
Cite This For Me can create website citations in the APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard referencing styles with just a click.
Features:
Visit the webpage which you want to cite and click the button to generate a correctly formatted citation.
You can paste the citation into your research work or add it to your online bibliography.
Chrome Extensions to Skyrocket Productivity
Staying productive is a very difficult task for students. They tend to lose focus at certain intervals.
And to help them out, certain extensions are available.
Check out the Google Chrome Extensions listed below to increase productivity.
Although whenever you go on YouTube you get distracted by the home feed videos, related videos, comments, end-screens and so much more.
Instead of watching some informative video, you end up wasting hours of your precious time on watching some random videos.
UnHook helps you to get rid of this problem by throwing all of the distractions out of your screen.
Features:
Hide homepage recommendations, trending tab, related videos, comments, shorts tab, suggestions wall, and end-screen video suggestions with just a click.
You can also turn off autoplay or annotations.
With 20+ options you can customize your YouTube experience.
StayFocusd
Chrome Extension
StayFocusd
About
Helps in increasing the productivity of work by restricting the time flow.
Ratings
4.5
Price
Free
StayFocused Extension
StayFocusd increases your productivity by blocking all of the time-wasting sites. In this way, you can focus on the things that matter the most.
Features:
The extension increases your focus by restricting the amount of time you can spend on time-wasting websites.
Block entire sites, specific subdomains, specific paths, specific pages, and even specific in-page content (videos, games, images, forms, etc).
Once you’ve exhausted your allotted time, the sites you’ve blocked will be inaccessible for the remainder of the day.
uBlock Origin
Chrome Extension
uBlock Origin
About
It help in stopping the ads from popping up.
Ratings
4.7
Price
Free
uBlock Origin Extension
Whenever a website is opened you are bombarded with dozens of ads that appear on the top, bottom, and side, making reading the content difficult.
To stop these ads you can install this extension.
If you have read our 5 Best Ad Blockers For Chrome article then you know that uBlock Origin is a powerful ad blocker.
It is an open-source platform that is completely free to use.
Features:
uBlock Origin is a CPU and memory efficiency extension which means it will not slow down your computer.
It has dozens of filters to which you can subscribe. Some of the pre-loaded filters are EasyList(ads), EasyPrivacy (tracking), Peter Lowe’s Ad server list (ads and tracking), and Online Malicious URL Blocklist.
You can create your own global or local rules to override entries from filter lists
In this method, you first identify a single task that you want to accomplish. Then you set a timer for 25 minutes.
You keep working with focus concentration for 25 minutes. Once the alarm rings, you get a 5-minute break.
After the break, you again work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After repeating this process 3-4 times you take a long break of 30 minutes.
Using this chrome extension you would be able to apply the Pomodoro technique.
Features:
Make a to-do list and highlight the day’s most important task.
Start a 25-minute timer on your home screen.
Once 25 minutes is over, a short timer of 5 minutes will start.
You can change the Pomodoro/Breaks lengths.
Using its continuous mode you can skip a break.
Set up reminders and break down your task into small actionable steps.
Create enduring habits by using effective recurring due dates like ‘Every Monday’.
Get detailed statistics of your time distribution and tasks completed.
Sync your data into iPhone, Mac, Android, Windows, iPad and Apple Watch.
Dualless
Chrome Extension
Dualless
About
Helps in the splitting of a browser window into two sections giving the dual monitor look.
Ratings
4.1
Price
Free
Dualless Extension
If you always wanted a dual monitor but, couldn’t afford it then this extension is for you. Dualless splits your browser windows into two parts.
Features:
Split the current browser window into a pair.
Select among the following aspect ratios: 3:7,4:6,5:5,6:4,7:3
Merge split browser windows back into a single window.
Relaunch the previously used site in a new tab and windows will be split in the recorded ratio.
Print Friendly & PDF
Chrome Extension
Print Friendly & PDF
About
Helps in adjusting or modifying the printing file and also comverting files to a PDF.
Ratings
4.4
Price
Free
Print Friendly & PDF Extension
Print Friendly & PDF chrome extension removes all the ads from the page before you print.
In this way, you can print documents that are readable.
Features:
Easily remove all the ads and navigation bars from the page before you print.
Delete any unwanted images and text.
Increase or decrease the text size.
PDFs will have clickable links.
Toby for Chrome
Chrome Extension
Toby for Chrome
About
Helps in easy organization of browser tabs for a quick access.
Ratings
4.3
Price
Free and a customized pricing plans available
Toby for Chrome Extension
When you are researching for your project or assignment your Chrome browser is filled with 10-15 tabs.
At such times you can easily forget which information is in which tab.
Toby allows you to sort tabs into different lists.
In this way, you will always know which tab has which information.
Features:
Organize your browser tabs into Toby and access them anytime with just a click.
With its search bar, you can easily find any tab in your collections.
I Don’t Care About Cookies
Chrome Extension
I don’t care about cookies
About
Directly hide or block the cookie popup when found unrequired.
Ratings
3.9
Price
Free
I don’t care about cookies Extension
Are you irritated by the cookies that you get when you open a new website?
If yes then this extension will make your life easier.
If accepting cookies is needed for the website to work properly the extension will automatically accept the cookies for you.
Sometimes it will accept all and sometimes only necessary cookie categories.
The extension doesn’t delete cookies.
Conclusion
Since we are moving towards digital education more and more students are spending their time on Chrome.
In such a scenario, these extensions will definitely speed up your school or college work.
Share this article with your friends and help them study more efficiently.
FAQs
What are some cool Chrome extensions?
Some of the coolest chrome extensions for students are as follows:
SwiftRead
Memorize!
Zorbi
Dualless
Visor
Speechify
Wordtune
Reverso
Focus To-Do
Postlight Reader
Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google)
Weava Highlighter
uBlock Origin
What are some good extensions for Google Classroom?
Some of the good extensions for Google Classroom are:
Grammarly
Insert Learning
Nearpod
Mote
Screencastify
BookWidgets
What is the best browser for the student?
Google Chrome is considered the most used and best browser for students.
Do Google extensions use RAM?
Yes, chrome extensions use RAM for them to run smoothly. But the amount of RAM used by each extension is different. Some of the extensions use limited RAM, whereas some can use extra RAM.
The shift from software to entrepreneurship may not be the regular changeover; it hasn’t been unknown for many successful entrepreneurs like Mukesh Bansal, co-founder of Myntra. Mukesh shifted software to create an online shopping platform that resonated with an entire generation.
Myntra has been India’s fastest-growing fashion and lifestyle eCommerce platform since its launch. But what made Myntra a popular platform compared to its competitors, such as Amazon? The answer is the journey of Mukesh Bansal.
In this Startuptalky article, we have covered Mukesh Bansal’s biography and how he built Myntra and transformed it. We will explore Mukesh Bansal’s success story, including his early life, history, net worth, childhood, personal life, education, investments, achievements, and more.
Mukesh bansal was born in haridwar in a middle class family. His father was an employee at BHEL, Haridwar. Moreover, he completed his early education from a senior secondary school in Haridwar.
Later, he joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kanpur, and got his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering in 1997. At the same time, while in college, Mukesh became interested in entrepreneurship, spending his hours in the library reading books by industry legends like Lee Iacocca, Sam Walton, and Akio Morita. By his third year, he had decided to conquer the entrepreneurial journey.
Mukesh Bansal is an entrepreneur and innovator of great merit. He has been prominent across eCommerce, wellness, and technology sectors.
Mukesh graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, with a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering in 1997. His first job came as a system analyst with Deloitte in Chicago. With a move to Silicon Valley, he started up in 1999. He experienced various startups during his tenure, including work at NexTag, Centrata, and newScale, while gaining valuable insight into technology, business strategy, and scaling operations.
Ashutosh Lawania, Vineet Saxena, and Mukesh Bansal founded Myntra in 2007. The platform was created as a gift item personalisation platform, but under Mukesh’s strategic leadership, it was pivoted to become a fashion and lifestyle product platform. In the process, Myntra became India’s largest online fashion platform, which was characterised by pioneering initiatives and customer orientation.
Myntra was successful; Flipkart bought it in 2014 for about $330 million. Mukesh joined Flipkart as Head of Commerce and Advertising Business post-acquisition and helped Flipkart pull off eCommerce leadership post-acquisition.
Bansal co-founded Cure Fit with Ankit Nagori in 2016. Cure Fit is an all-in-one solution for complete health and fitness. Cure Fit aggregates many services, including fitness, nutrition, mental well-being, and primary healthcare. The flag services offered under Cure Fit include the following services:
Cult Fit: A variety of workout programs are available at fitness centres.
Eat fit: Healthy meal delivery services.
Mind Fit: Mental health yoga and meditation sessions.
Care Fit: Primary healthcare services.
Cure Fit has led the Indian wellness industry with its innovative business model and massive investments.
In 2020, Mukesh started Meraki Labs, India’s first startup studio. It’s part of nurturing startups by providing funding, mentorship and strategic guidance. They have supported prominent startups like Skyroot Aerospace, Groww, and Gigforce. It gives a seed range from $250,000 to $5 million and has a community of over 100 founders. Meraki Labs is a powerhouse in the Indian startup startup ecosystem backed by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India) and Accel.
Mukesh’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his companies:
Nurix AI: In 2024, Mukesh launched Nurix AI, a generative AI solution for enterprise companies.
Olympic Gold Quest: He is a board member of this non-profit foundation and helps nurture Indian athletes to achieve Olympic success.
Mukesh Bansal – Podcast and Writing
Mukesh also hosts the podcast SparX, where he interviews visionaries, thought leaders and experts to explore transformative ideas. He is also a celebrated author, publishing books such as No Limits and Hacking Health, highlighting his knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship, health, and personal development.
Mukesh Bansal’s career reflects his capability to innovate, adapt, and lead across different industries. He has revolutionised e-commerce with Myntra and promoted wellness with Cure. Fit and empowered startups with Meraki Labs, leaving an indelible mark on India’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Mukesh Bansal – Personal Life
Mukesh Bansal is married with two children. His family does not play second fiddle in his life. His sisters are achievers, too—one works at Google in the US, and the other at HCL in Noida.
Mukesh Bansal is an entrepreneurial powerhouse in the Indian eCommerce landscape. India’s largest online fashion retailer and one of the most innovative and resilient founders, known best for creating how people shop for fashion.
In 2007, Mukesh returned to India with a plan to do something meaningful. Along with his friends Ashutosh Lawania and Vineet Saxena, who are also IITians, he co-founded Myntra and started its operations in Bangalore. Myntra started by offering personalised gifting products like T-shirts, mugs, and caps. While the early investors felt that e-commerce was futile, Mukesh never lost faith in the concept.
Mukesh’s Myntra team practised a startup culture of innovation and humility at his office in Bangalore. Between 2007 and 2010, the company experimented with corporate gifting to enlarge its base. But the market for individualised gifting was somewhat limited, said Mukesh, who pivoted.
Mukesh realised by 2010 that fashion was an untapped and highly potential category within the Indian e-commerce sector. The fashion industry had reached a whopping $50 billion, which was unorganised and had much growth potential. It was not easy to transition that model as this meant closing the painstakingly crafted personalised gifting business that had taken four years to build.
Myntra Financials FY24
As CEO, Mukesh led Myntra to become a fashion-centric platform, selling products from global brands such as Puma and Nike and its private labels. Although investors initially doubted the fashion space, they soon rallied behind Mukesh’s vision.
In a relatively short period, Myntra became the leading fashion platform in India, grew rapidly, and raised huge funds. The company was at the forefront of technology and lifestyle in the online fashion. As of 2014, Myntra’s success caught the attention of Flipkart, which subsequently acquired Myntra in a much-publicized deal. Mukesh continued to lead Flipkart simultaneously as Myntra’s Chief Executive Officer.
Under Mukesh’s stewardship, Myntra successfully integrated two companies while retaining its brand identity. Flipkart acquired Myntra to enhance its eCommerce presence and enable Myntra to benefit from Flipkart’s resources and scale.
Mukesh had spent almost a decade at Myntra and Flipkart before quitting in 2016 to explore new opportunities. There was no underlying conflict with his decision to leave; it was more of a desire to reconnect with his roots as an early-stage entrepreneur. Mukesh remembered his tenure at Myntra as a roller coaster ride full of challenges and successes.
Myntra has been the journey of Mukesh Bansal, a man with vision and flexibility. From dominating the online fashion space to personalised gifting, he pivoted and innovated. His Silicon Valley experiences and entrepreneurial acumen have left an indelible mark.
Mukesh Bansal is an angel investor, and he has invested his money into many promising companies for the exchange of equity. Below is the list of companies Mukesh Bansal is an angel investor in:
Date Announced
Organisation Name
Dec 2024
FirstClub
Aug 2024
Truva
Dec 2022
Virgio
Dec 2021
NuShala
Nov 2021
Cult. fit
May 2021
Mensa Brands
May 2021
Skyroot Aerospace
Sep 2019,
Kawa Space
Apr 2019
CRED
Jul 2018
Groww
Mukesh Bansal – Awards and Recognitions
Mukesh Bansal has been awarded witht the following accolades:
Featured in Fortune India’s list of 40 Under 40.
Myntra was named one of Business Today’s Coolest StartupsStartups under his leadership.
Honoured with the IIT Kanpur Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2021
Mukesh Bansal – Interesting Facts
From 1999 to 2006, he was an engineer and product manager with various early-stage companies, such as eWanted, Centrata, NexTag, and newScale.
Myntra initially started to sell personalised gift items like T-shirts, mugs, pens, and caps.
Myntra spent 2007 to 2010 in corporate customised gifting.
In 2011, Myntra changed its business model and relaunched its focus on fashion.
Work experiences inspired the work culture at Myntra in different startup startups, Mukesh Bansal said in one of the media interviews.
In 2014, Flipkart spent $330 million to acquire Myntra, the biggest e-commerce acquisition to date in India.
He joined Flipkart in January 2016 as Head of Commerce and Advertising Business, upping the talent ideology and helping the company earn $5 billion annually.
Mukesh Bansal quit Flipkart and Myntra in February 2016, but he remained an independent advisor to them.
In India, he was appointed as the President of Tata Digital.
Mukesh Bansal is also on the board of the Olympic Gold Quest, a non-profit foundation that supports Indian athletes in winning Olympic gold medals.
Mukesh Bansal is a fitness freak who practices mixed martial arts and yoga daily every day. He often posts pictures of his workout sessions on social media.
Groww and Skyroot, a company that builds solid-engine rockets to carry satellites to space, are some of the start-ups he has invested in.
He is also an author and an entrepreneur. In 2022, he released the book No Limits, in which he shared how to use human potential through the art and science of high performance.
FAQs
Who is Mukesh Bansal?
Mukesh Bansal is an Indian entrepreneur, co-founder of Myntra, and former CEO of the company. He is also the co-founder of the fitness platform, Cure.fit, which focuses on health and wellness.
What is Mukesh Bansal education?
Mukesh Bansal completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
What is Mukesh Bansal age?
Mukesh Bansal was born in 1976. He is 49 years old.
Varun Alagh is the Co-Founder and Chief Dad of Honasa Consumer Private Limited, which established its first-ever baby nourishing brand, Mamaearth, in November 2016. The company is based in Gurugram, India. Mamaearth is declared Asia’s first MadeSafe-certified brand. Varun founded the toxin-free baby, beauty, hair, face, and body care brand Mamaearth with his wife, Ghazal Alagh, who plays the major role of Chief Mama at the company. As of January 6, 2025, Mamaearth’s market value is $928 million, with a stock price of $2.86 and 325 million shares.
We will explore Varun Alagh’s success story, including his early life, history, net worth, childhood, personal life, education, achievements, and more.
Varun Alagh – Biography
Name
Varun Alagh
Born
1984
Nationality
Indian
Education
Delhi College of Engineering; XLRI Jamshedpur
Profession
Entrepreneur
Position
Co-Founder, Chief Dad & CEO, Honsasa Consumer Pvt Ltd (Mamaearth)
After completing his studies, Varun joined Hindustan Unilever Limitedin 2007. During the first year, he worked as a Business Leadership Trainee. He was a part of this one-year training program. Varun then spent six months in Marketing with Lakme and Lifebuoy. He spent another six months in Customer Marketing and Sales in North India.
After completing his training for one whole year, he was employed as the Area Sales Manager of Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Delhi NCR, in May 2008. He was responsible for a 600 crore business through 29 people, spread across 22 categories under Home care, personal care, foods, and beverages.
After two years, he was promoted as the Area Sales and Customer ManageratDelhi NCR and Rajasthan in 2010. He managed a team of 37 people with 67 customers, delivering a direct distribution of 55,000 retail outlets across Delhi and Rajasthan.
After nine months, he was again promoted to the Regional Brand Manager Innovations South Asia- Deodorants. As a part of this role, he managed Innovations and communications for Sure/Rexona Deodrants in South Asia and Market development and digital strategy for Asia.
He left Hindustan Unilever in March 2012 and joined Diageo PLC as the Senior Brand Manager – Smirnoff. This role assigned him the job of managing one of the world’s largest premium spirits brands, Smirnoff, which is India’s largest Vodka brand, too. Moreover, he looked over the above and below the line (ATL & BTL). This also included the Digital and On-trade activation for Smirnoff across India.
He joined The Coca-Cola Company in May 2013 and worked as the Brand Manager for two years. Varun managed to deliver the brand business, market share, and equity targets through a collation of various marketing acts. Alagh was then promoted to Senior Brand Manager, where his role was to manage Customer Marketing for the Coca-Cola trademark across India and South-West Asian countries. He eventually left the company in November 2016, and it was in the same month that he started Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd., the parent of Mamaearth.
Varun Alagh – Co-Founder, Chief Dad & CEO of Mamaearth
Varun pursued a Bachelor of Engineering specializing in Electrical Engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering (2001-2005). He later earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) in Finance and Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur (2005-2007).
While Varun was completing his post-graduation degree course, he had a chance to work with companies like Colgate Palmolive, Havells Electric, Madura Garments, Maruti, and Nokia in the form of internships and LIVE projects.
Varun Alagh – Personal Life
Mamaearth Company Owners – Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh
He is married to Ghazal Alagh, who is the Co-founder and Chief Mama of Mamaearth. She looks after the product development, content, and community management of the company. Before that, she had worked in the IT corporate world. The couple has two sons. A son named Agastya had been diagnosed with a skin-borne disease called eczema since birth.
Varun Alagh – Professional Life and Journey So Far!
Varun worked with Unilever for four years and 11 months,i.e., from May 2007 to March 2012. Here, he got to learn how to add value to a brand. Varun also worked for another brand, Smirnoff, at Diageo PLC for one year and three months, i.e., from March 2012 to May 2013.
He worked with the Coca-Cola company for three years and seven months, i.e., from May 2013 to November 2016. He excelled in building brand value for nine long years by working with several renowned companies.
He founded Mamaearth in November 2016,providingarange of toxin-free baby skincare products. Both Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh had a suitable background in handling such a brand professionally, which was eventually developed due to personal reasons.
When Varun and Ghazal realized that their newborn son, Agastya, had a skin-borne disease called eczema, his skin was allergic to a lot of substances and turned red and itchy when exposed to such chemicals. The couple had to look for toxin-free baby care products in the market. Varun Alagh’s net worth stands at $14.40 Million.
Business Idea
The doctor advised using only natural products to avoid the worsening of his condition, but Mr. and Mrs. Alagh found that most of the baby care products in India contained toxins in one form or another. Besides, they did not think it fit to compromise with the quality. Therefore, they had to request their relatives and friends traveling abroad to bring back toxin-free skincare brands for their children. According to Varun Alagh, Mamaearth was founded after they found no alternative for proper toxin-free brands for babies in India, and the US products were becoming an added financial burden.
Honasa Consumer Private Limited is classified as a non-government company registered at the Registrar of Companies, New Delhi. The authorized share capital of the company is INR 3,400,351,400, and its paid-up capital is INR 1,363,495,490.
Varun Alagh bought 1.8 lakh shares worth INR 4.5 crore in the company, according to stock exchange filings on December 3, 2024. He previously owned 31.88% of the company and now owns 31.93%.
Varun is the Co-Founder, Chief Dad, and Get Stuff Done Officer at Honasa Consumer Private Limited. The company exists to provide honest, natural, and safe products. Mamaearth is the first brand of the company that focuses on reducing parenting stress by providing solutions to parent and baby problems in the form of safe, international standard products.
The Directors of the company include Varun Alagh, Ghazal Alagh, Vettakkorumakankav Siva, Subramaniam Sita, Rahul Chowdhri, and Ishan Mittal. The company started with a combined investment of Rs 90 lakh by Varun, Ghazal, and a few of the angel investors.
Varun serves as Mamaearth’sCo-Founder and Chief Dad, headquartered in Gurugram, India. He founded the company in November 2016, primarily as a babycare products brand, which saw good growth and thereby expanded to several other categories, including – Beauty, Hair, Face, and Body care, and currently targets a range of audiences, including babies, moms to be, and men above the age of 15 years too.
Within two years of the startup, the company got a retail turnover of Rs 20 crore. By 2020, Mamaearth’s net worth was over Rs 100 Crore. The company eventually turned out to be the first unicorn in India in 2022 by raising $52 million on January 1, 2022.
Mamaearth has its own website, where one can shop from a diverse range of body care, hair care, organic beauty, and baby care products. The baby care range of Mamaearth can also be accessed through various e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Firstcry, and Nykaa. It also has a presence across 120+ major cities in India.
Famous Bollywood celebrity Shilpa Shetty, who herself is a mother of two babies, became the brand ambassador of Mamaearth in 2017. She believed that toxin-free products are the best. Thus, she invested around $250K in the company. Shilpa Shetty reportedly made about Rs. 45.14 crore after selling her 13.93 lakh shares during the Mamaearth IPO’s Offer-for-Sale phase. She still has over 2.30 lakh shares in the business, which are currently worth roughly Rs. 7.4 crore. Moreover, Mamaearth also raised other funding led by Fireside Ventures and Stellaris Ventures Partners.
Mamaearth – Asia’s First Made-Safe Certified Brand
Varun Alagh – Investments
Varun Alagh has invested in numerous startups to date. The Co-founder has been noted for 40+ investments, the last of which came in on July 12, 2023, where he invested $1.04 million in GreenFortune.
Name of the company
Funding round
Investment date
GreenFortune
Seed Round
July 12, 2023
Solar Ladder
Seed Round
May 03, 2023
KikiBix
Seed Round
March 31, 2023
AdmitKard
Series A
February 20, 2023
Xeno
Seed Round
March 14, 2022
One Impression
Seed Round
January 6, 2022
Nestasia
Series A
December 15, 2021
Shiprocket
Series E
December 10, 2021
Pristyn Care
Series E
December 8, 2021
Doss Games
Pre-Seed Round
December 6, 2021
Early Steps Acacdemy
Seed Round
November 24, 2021
Wiggles India
Seed Round
October 28, 2021
BeepKart
Seed Round
September 22, 2021
Ayu Health
Series A
September 15, 2021
Varun Alagh – Awards and Recognition
He received the Business Unit President Award (December 2015) for being a lead member in the MIT ICE project for turning around FBO business in 2015 from the President of Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia. Varun Alagh’s age was only 39 when he was honored with this achievement.
He was conferred with the Above & Beyond Award (September 2015) for going beyond the call of duty on an organization-wide project from the Leadership team of Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.
He received the Business Unit President Award (December 2014) for leading excellent ideation and execution in the Coca-Cola Zero launch in India from the President of Coca-Cola India South West Asia.
He was conferred with the I am a Diageo Award (March 2013) for excellent execution of the Smirnoff Nightlife Activation Nationally as the President of Diageo India.
He has been listed among the top managers in HUL for two years consistently.
Mamaearth’s parent company, Honasa Consumer, launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on October 31, 2023. The IPO was open for subscription until November 2, 2023, and was fully subscribed on the last day. The IPO price band was set at ₹308-324 per share, and the lot size was 46 equity shares. The IPO raised ₹1,701 crore.
Honasa Consumer, the parent company of Mamaearth, has lost its unicorn status after its shares dropped by about 29% in November 2024. The shares closed at Rs 237.70 each, bringing the company’s total market value down to Rs 7,721 crore, or about $902 million. The company had filed for an IPO with a valuation of Rs 10,500 crore in November 2023.
The IPO was a success, with the shares listing at a premium of 2% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on November 7, 2023. The grey market premium (GMP) for Mamaearth’s IPO was ₹31 on the day of listing, indicating a strong listing. The company’s strong brand recall, innovative products, and focus on digital marketing have been key factors in its success. Mamaearth is well-positioned to continue to grow in the coming years, as India’s beauty and personal care market is expected to reach ₹20,000 crore by 2025. Varun Alagh turned to social media to articulate his journey with Mamaearth so far:
“The joy of building is just pure elation, it’s so much better than moaning, critiquing, regretting and most importantly inaction. This is a momentous occasion for us but in the journey of building it’s just another moment, we shall cherish it but move on to looking for more amazing moments as we build for decades to come. While we are here, thanks a ton everyone.”
FAQs
Is Mamaearth an Indian brand?
Yes, Mamaearth is an Indian company and is based out of Gurugram, Haryana.
Who are Mamaearth founders?
Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh are the founders of Mamaearth.
Who are the promoters of Mamaearth?
Mamaearth promoters are husband-wife duo Varun and Ghazal Alagh, founded in 2016.
Is Mamaearth chemical-free?
All of Mamaearth’s products are 100% chemical-free. Mamaearth is the only “Made Safe” certified toxin-free brand in India, which is free of all known toxins that are banned in most countries.
What is Mamaearth net worth?
As of January 6, 2025, Mamaearth’s market value is $928 million, with a stock price of $2.86 and 325 million shares. For the year ending March 31, 2024, Mamaearth earned $238 million in revenue.
What is Varun Alagh education?
Varun pursued a Bachelor of Engineering specializing in Electrical Engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering (2001-2005). He later earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) in Finance and Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur (2005-2007).
What is Mamaearth founder net worth?
The net worth of Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth is $20 million.
Who owns Mamaearth?
Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh are the co-founders and majority owners of Mamaearth.
What is Varun Alagh age?
Varun Alagh was born in 1984 and is 41 years old.
Who is Mamaearth CEO?
Varun Alagh is the chief dad and CEO of Mamaearth company.
What is Varun Alagh net worth?
The net worth of Varun Alagh is $14,40 million as of 2023.
The Indian startup ecosystem has experienced significant growth, driven by a surge in entrepreneurial activities, increased access to venture capital, and a burgeoning culture of innovation. One of the factors contributing to this evolution is the emergence of television shows like Shark Tank India, an Indian adaptation of the popular American reality TV show Shark Tank which has become a prominent platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas, seek investments, and gain exposure to a wide audience.
Words like startups, stake dilution, seed funding, and ROIs have become common topics of day-to-day drawing room discussions after the Shark Tank India Season 1 was broadcasted in 2021. Commoners and the Indian middle class have become more interested in discussing the pros and cons of running a startup, coming up with new ideas, ownership, and entrepreneurship has become a dream come true.
Change of Mindset
Gone are the days when kids or collegians used to hesitate to discuss their minds about opening their enterprise. I can talk of myself, my 4-year-old son aims to sell (wholesale) ration like dal, rice, and millets after being in touch with a few uncles who have started their venture of selling fully organic grocery, food grains, pulses, and millets. I will not say that it is directly because of Shark Tank India, I would say it is a ripple effect. His uncles have taken inspiration from the varied episodes of the reality show running on prime time at 9 pm on Sony Liv.
The mindset of middle-class income groups has slowly evolved and they are open to the idea of owning an enterprise or business of their own. Thanks to television, OTT platforms, rapidly evolving social media, and brand publicity of a platform called ‘SHARK TANK INDIA’ that has made its space in every drawing room.
Media Visibility
The show that invites applications from the whole country has helped people feel the media and its power. Shark Tank India episodes have significantly boosted the visibility of startups by showcasing their products, services, commodities, and supplies to a more than 140 crore audience within India. This exposure has immensely helped firms, SMEs, potential investors, customers, and partners.
The show has not only opened a gateway for increased visibility, it has opened a vast arena for investments, mutual cooperation, and development for the entire business community throughout the world. One can get orders, deals, and new credit lines after an entrepreneur’s story has been aired on a national TV channel. Thanks to the National Democratic Alliance-led Indian government which has shown the dream of ‘Startup India’ to the whole world. The Narendra Modi-led government has helped streamline policies, rules, and regulations to invite more and more investments in the small-scale sector.
Indian government held hands with entrepreneurs in the way of Startup India, Digital India, Make in India, and many more such programs. Today, India has 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world, and it is expected to witness year-on-year (YoY) growth of 12-15% consistent annual growth.
Secure Investments
The show promotes secure investments from successful and experienced investors so-called Sharks, who have dealt with the know-how of beginning a venture, taking required approvals, complying with the norms, and facing all the obstacles during their entrepreneurial journey.
Their insights, experiences, advice, and unbiased feedback can be very valuable in shaping the direction of upcoming enterprises.
‘Amrit Kaal’ or Golden Period for Young Entrepreneurs
The stories of Sharks rather successful investors or businessmen/businesswomen cite a wonderful example for the decades to come and the upcoming generation who will be witnessing the ‘Amrit Kaal’ an auspicious period of 25 years between India’s 75th and 100th independence anniversaries. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also signified the same and gave enough emphasis on funding for startups by announcing a corpus fund of Rs 1 lakh crore for the country’s tech-savvy youth in her Budget Speech on February 1.
Democratize Funding
The injection of funds is crucial for a startup’s growth and development and would become a huge deterrent if the demands of the business are not met. The show has given enough room for commoners to unhesitatingly pitch for funding on a social platform irrespective of the repercussions involved. The show has given the power to a hard-working entrepreneur to dream big, aim high, and be persistent in their effort to boost the company’s operations and focus on profitability regardless of enough funding at home.
There have been 320 pitches across two seasons of the show. The show’s third season has just aired on January 22. Sharks have invested Rs 128 crore in 176 of 320 startups, of which one-third went to food and beverage companies and personal care products. The categories featured on the show tend to reflect emerging trends in the Indian space, such as eCommerce, food and beverage, health and wellness, and education.
The reality show, inspired by its US counterpart, has helped budding businessmen to start a new narrative of being prudent, and gutsy enough to present their business ideas and seeking investment from a panel of seasoned investors or ‘sharks.’
This may contribute to a more vibrant economy, startup ecosystem, and healthy work culture in India. If most of the young minds think for their venture wherever necessary, just imagine what would happen.
With too much supply of ‘startups’, the competition would rise.
Every household will have one entrepreneur just like India has one engineer in every household.
Winning in the startup ecosystem would become tougher and tougher with time. And, people will start dropping off once the market finds an equilibrium.
At the same time, it may be dangerous to have so many business houses, what would the private sector do? I am sure that everyone will have their niche, uniqueness, and brand supremacy that will help them thrive and sustain in the ever-evolving, technologically-equipped market. The presence of an innovator or an upcoming CEO in the show can serve as a market validation. Maybe just by being in the show, or securing investments on the Shark Tank platform, one can gain enough traction, confidence of customers, flashy deals, and attractive offerings, which the entrepreneur might have not even thought of.
New Contacts and Networks
The entrepreneurs featured or participants on Shark Tank India will gain access to media, different networks, and websites where they can generously promote their products and supplies. A network of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors would be keen to join hands with the budding entrepreneurs. This network would not only provide ongoing support, guidance, and connections but also threads that will be tied beyond the show as well.
Shark Tank India Season 4 has been launched on 6th January 2025.
The success rate of any startup funding would depend on how true and reliable are the people (sharks) who are emerging as judges on the show. One may be very sweet and welcoming on television but may be very different in actual behavior and vice versa. What is shown on the screen may not be the entire truth of Shark Tank India. The stories, experiences, and personal behaviors matter a lot when it comes to running a successful show. A lot of participants have not talked about behind-the-scenes stories of Shark Tank India. It won’t be a surprise if tomorrow someone comes up and says that he/she was not paid a penny, which was promised on air. There have been stories in the media where participants have complained of not receiving the promised share from many sharks.
In the latest Season of Shark Tank India, the sharks are exploring extra safeguards for their equity stakes by considering royalties based on sales.
In the last two seasons of the reality show, where startups seek investments from experienced entrepreneurs, two kinds of deals were on the table—equity-based and debt-based. The latest add-on –royalty––is the fresh ingredient incorporated to enhance the overall flavor of the deal, making the culinary experience even more appetizing.
One can say that these are prosperous times for sharks but challenging times for entrepreneurs. In the previous two seasons, no shark invested more than 10% of their net worth. One in five deals involved debt to keep the money secure. To avoid risks, the sharks largely remain restricted to their domain expertise.
Season One Round-up
Reasons for Rejection by Sharks
While the initial pitch on the show may create excitement and interest, the due diligence process that occurred afterward often revealed more about the companies, sometimes the sharks pulled back from their initial offers.
There may be a case that sharks who are posing as judges, and their firms, may not be doing very well in terms of finances. Their own companies may be making losses, have overvaluation, or have not been earning enough profits. Still, their identity as a shark is undeterred, their business acumen, innovative ideas, intelligence, and vision can’t be questioned.
Future Aspects
It’s essential to note that the impact of Shark Tank India on the startup ecosystem will depend on various factors, including the success stories that emerge from the show, the strategies employed by the entrepreneurs post-investment by sharks, market policies, and the overall economic and business climate within the country.
Shark Tank India is a business reality show where entrepreneurs pitch ideas to investors for funding. It boosts startup growth and inspires innovation but faces criticism for focusing on drama and high valuations. Despite this, many startups, have grown after the show.
What is the role of Shark Tank in promoting startups?
Shark Tank India helps startups by providing funding, mentorship, and visibility. It inspires innovation, connects entrepreneurs with investors, and boosts business growth through media exposure. Many startups have scaled quickly after appearing on the show.
What is the impact of Shark Tank India?
Shark Tank India has supported startups by offering funding, guidance, and exposure. It has sparked innovation, promoted business ideas, and motivated aspiring entrepreneurs. Several startups have expanded rapidly after featuring on the show, establishing it as an important platform for growth in India.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani is highly esteemed in the Indian business realm, particularly for his role as co-founder and managing director of the Hiranandani Group. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping India’s real estate sector, earning him recognition as one of the country’s foremost billionaire entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on innovation, a sharp eye for opportunities, and a commitment to excellence, Hiranandani’s journey underscores the transformative potential of entrepreneurship and vision.
Under his leadership, the Hiranandani Group has not only redefined city skylines but also inspired a new wave of aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue ambitious goals. His ascent from humble origins to a billionaire real estate tycoon is a testament to his relentless drive, unwavering vision, and exceptional leadership. Through his efforts, Hiranandani has not only transformed urban landscapes but also set new standards of excellence within the real estate industry. As India undergoes rapid urbanization and growth, the legacy of Niranjan Hiranandani and the Hiranandani Group will undoubtedly be symbols of innovation, quality, and sustainable development.
In this article, we will learn about Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s family, education, achievements, history, net worth, investments, controversies, and more.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani Biography
Name
Niranjan Hiranandani
Born
8 March, 1950
Nationality
Indian
Education
B.Com, Sydenham College, Mumbai Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Position
Managing Director and Founder of Hiranandani Group of Companies
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani was born in Mumbai on March 8, 1950. He attended Campion School in Mumbai for his schooling and earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Sydenham College, also in Mumbai. He became a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and earned his doctorate degree after researching real estate.
His father, Lakhumal Hiranandani, was an ENT surgeon who received the Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India. Niranjan has an elder brother named Navin Hiranandani and a younger brother named Surendra Hiranandani. He is married to Kamal Hiranandani and has two children, a daughter named Priya and a son named Darshan. Priya is married to Cyrus Vandrevala, who is a businessman based in London, while Darshan is married to Neha Jhalani, the daughter of Shabnam and Pradeep Jhalani, a Delhi-based businessman.
Dr. Hiranandani recently showed Sharan Hegde, a content creator, around his big 25,000-square-foot penthouse in the city. The video, titled “You Won’t Believe What’s Inside Hiranandani’s 25,000 Sq Ft Luxury Penthouse,” has caught a lot of attention online. It highlights luxury living in a city often criticized for small homes and heavy traffic.
You Won’t Believe What’s Inside Dr. Hiranandani’s 25,000 Sq Ft Luxury Penthouse
Niranjan Hiranandani – Early Life
Niranjan Hiranandani embarked on his career as a teacher of accounting. In 1981, he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing his first business, a textile weaving unit located in Kandivali, Mumbai.
Equipped with a strong educational background and ambition to excel in the real estate domain, young Niranjan Hiranandani, together with his brother Surendra Hiranandani, laid the foundation of the Hiranandani Group in 1978. Although the company had humble beginnings, it swiftly gained acclaim for its dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Over time, the Hiranandani Group has evolved into one of India’s premier real estate developers, boasting a diverse portfolio encompassing residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
Niranjan Hiranandani – Career
Together with his brother Surendra, he acquired 250 acres of land in Powai, Mumbai, initiating a real estate venture named Hiranandani Gardens. Encouraged by the success of Hiranandani Gardens, Niranjan Hiranandani and his team proceeded to undertake numerous other noteworthy projects across Mumbai and beyond. Ranging from luxurious residential complexes to expansive IT parks and integrated townships, the Hiranandani Group’s portfolio expanded significantly.
Niranjan Hiranandani – Journey so Far
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani has made a significant impact on the Indian real estate scene by transforming Powai and Thane, two Mumbai suburbs. Back in the late 1980s, when these areas were largely undeveloped, he recognized their potential. His vision was to create self-sustaining communities offering modern amenities and green spaces. Leading the Hiranandani Group, he initiated ambitious projects like Hiranandani Gardens in Powai and Hiranandani Estate in Thane. These integrated townships set new standards for urban planning, featuring well-designed residential complexes, commercial areas, schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. Today, Powai and Thane are bustling communities, drawing residents and investors alike, due to Hiranandani’s foresight.
Despite his success, Hiranandani remains grounded, prioritizing values like integrity, honesty, and hard work. He attributes much of his achievements to teamwork, acknowledging the contributions of his dedicated team at the Hiranandani Group.
He founded Hiranandani Hospitals in Powai and Thane, reflecting his commitment to healthcare.
As the founder Chairman of Yotta Infrastructure, he launched NM1, the world’s second-largest data center, in Navi Mumbai.
He was ranked among the top 10 Indian real estate tycoons by the Grohe Hurun report in 2020 and held the second position in the Real Estate Sector according to the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List (2020).
Hiranandani Group’s co-founders Surendra and Niranjan though now pursuing independent ventures, jointly own assets, notably the Powai Township, which they developed. In 2016, they sold part of their commercial and retail assets in Powai to Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management for $1 billion.
Through his family office Nidar Group, Hiranandani is investing in energy infrastructure, focusing on natural gas pipelines and gas storage terminals.
Niranjan Hiranandani – Hiranandani Group of Companies
At the core of Niranjan Hiranandani’s achievements is his steadfast dedication to quality and creativity. He strongly believes that real estate is not just about constructing buildings but about crafting enduring, livable environments that enrich residents’ lives. In pursuit of this goal, Hiranandani has introduced numerous innovative concepts and technologies in India’s real estate sector. For instance, the Hiranandani Group was among the earliest developers in India to embrace mixed-use developments, integrating residential, commercial, and retail spaces within single townships. This approach optimizes land usage and fosters lively, self-sufficient communities where people can live, work, and enjoy leisure activities without lengthy commutes.
Alongside mixed-use developments, Hiranandani has been a pioneer in incorporating eco-friendly practices and sustainable design principles into its projects. From implementing rainwater harvesting systems to harnessing solar energy, the Hiranandani Group is dedicated to minimizing its ecological impact and advocating for sustainable living.
As Hiranandani guides the Hiranandani Group forward, his vision remains centered on innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With several ambitious ventures on the horizon, including the creation of smart cities and sustainable urban infrastructure, Hiranandani is poised to leave an even more profound mark on India’s real estate landscape in the years ahead.
Niranjan Hiranandani – Investments
Niranjan Hiranandani made an investment in Goodfellows on November 17, 2022.
Announced Date
Organization
Funding Round
November 17, 2022
Goodfellows
Seed Round
Niranjan Hiranandani – Philanthropy and Associations
In addition to his accomplishments in the business realm, Hiranandani is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors and commitment to social responsibility. He strongly advocates for giving back to society and actively participates in various charitable initiatives and community development projects.
Through the Hiranandani Foundation, the philanthropic wing of the Hiranandani Group, Hiranandani has helped in causes like education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The foundation operates schools, hospitals, and vocational training centers in underprivileged areas, extending quality education and healthcare services to numerous individuals.
Hiranandani is associated with 17 schools, including the Hiranandani Foundation School in Powai and Thane.
He has served as the past president of the Maharashtra Chambers of Housing Industry and chaired the Mumbai City Development and Environment Committee of the Indian Merchants Chambers (IMC).
Hiranandani holds the position of President of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), a body established under the Government of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
He has also served as the President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), a century-old trade association aimed at shaping the country’s trade and industrial landscape.
Hiranandani’s involvement extends to various advisory roles, including serving as an advisor to the Government of India on housing and habitat policy and as the former president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
He chairs the Priyadarshni Academy, focusing on social and cultural initiatives, and serves on the boards of trustees for several temples and educational institutions.
Hiranandani played a pivotal role in establishing the HSNC University, Mumbai, as a cluster university. Affiliated with institutions like K.C. College and H.R. College, this university aims to provide quality education and is operated by the H(S)NC Board, an esteemed educational trust of which Hiranandani has previously served as president.
Niranjan Hiranandani – Controversies
In October 2021, Niranjan Hiranandani was implicated in the Pandora Papers, accused of concealing $60 million in multiple offshore trusts. Hiranandani defended himself by stating that the funds held in the offshore account in the British Virgin Islands belonged to his son Darshan Hiranandani, who resides in Dubai.
Additionally, there is an arbitration case initiated by his daughter Priya Hiranandani, alleging that her father and brother breached a business association agreement signed by the three parties in May 2006.
According to the anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Hiranandani Group failed to deposit its employees’ Provident Fund (PF) in 2003-04. The Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) conducted an inquiry and determined that the sum involved amounted to Rs 9 crore.
Niranjan Hiranandani – Awards and Recognitions
Hiranandani has been awarded with the following awards:
Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani received the NDTV Property Awards 2013 for his exceptional contribution to the real estate sector.
He was also honored with the Construction Week India Awards 2012 Hall of Fame in Real Estate.
FAQs
Who is Niranjan Hiranandani?
Niranjan Hiranandani is the Founder and MD of Hiranandani Group of Companies.
What is the Hiranandani Group of Companies about?
With over four decades of expertise in the real estate industry, the Hiranandani Group stands as one of India’s foremost premium developers.
What is Niranjan Hiranandani net worth?
The net worth of Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani is $1.4 billion (2025).
What is Niranjan Hiranandani education?
Niranjan Hiranandani earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Sydenham College, Mumbai. He became a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and earned his doctorate degree after researching real estate.
Who is Niranjan Hiranandani daughter?
Priya Hiranandani-Vandrevala is Niranjan Hiranandani daughter.
What is Niranajan Hiranandani age?
Niranjan Hiranandani age is 74 years. His date of birth is 8th March 1950.
Who is Niranjan Hiranandani father?
Lakhumal Hiranand Hiranandani was the father of Niranjan Hiranandani.
StartupTalky presents Recap’24, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2024 and discuss their vision for the future.
In 2025, the skincare market in India is projected to generate a revenue of $10.23 billion. This shows a growing demand for safe, effective, and innovative skincare solutions. Among the key players driving this growth is CITTA, co-founded by Akanksha Sharma, Monisha Sharma, and Tanay Sharma. Combining the wisdom of “Dadi Nani Ke Nuskhe” with modern scientific advancements, CITTA has established itself as a trusted brand in the baby and skincare industry.
In this edition of Recap’24, we feature CITTA, a brand celebrated for its natural ingredients, transparency, and innovation. Akanksha Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of CITTA, shares insights into the brand’s journey, its most popular products like the Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70, and campaigns like #LetsThinkBeyondColour. She also discusses CITTA’s vision for the future, focusing on conscious consumption and personalised skincare solutions.
StartupTalky: What inspired you to start CITTA, and what was the vision behind the brand’s creation?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: CITTA was born out of a deep respect for the wisdom of Indian traditions and the care passed down through generations in our family. Rooted in the time-honored wisdom of #DadiNaniKeNuskhe, CITTA combines trusted skincare remedies passed down through generations with the precision and advancements of modern science.
We realized that while the world is filled with skincare products, there was a gap in offerings that truly combined this rich heritage with the advancements of modern science. We set out to create CITTA – a brand dedicated to providing safe, natural, and transparent skincare solutions for babies, kids, and even adults. Our vision has always been to make every child feel the endless love of a grandmother through products that uphold the highest standards of quality and care.
StartupTalky: 2024 has been a year of impressive growth for CITTA. What were the key factors that contributed to expanding your team?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: Our team’s expansion from 10 to over 80 employees was fueled by several factors. First, the growing demand for our high-quality, natural skincare products created the need for more hands on deck. Second, our focus on diversifying our product portfolio, such as expanding into adult skincare and launching new baby care products, necessitated additional talent.
Lastly, our efforts to establish CITTA as a recognized and trusted brand in the competitive skincare market required investments in marketing, product development, and operational support. We’ve built a team passionate about innovation, tradition, and excellence, and their commitment has been instrumental in our growth.
StartupTalky: Your #LetsThinkBeyondColour campaign was impactful. What prompted this initiative, and how do you ensure your marketing strategies align with your brand’s core values?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: The #LetsThinkBeyondColour campaign was inspired by a pressing societal issue we couldn’t ignore: the deeply ingrained obsession with skin color, even for babies. Parents, under societal pressure, often search for ways to make their child’s skin fairer, perpetuating unrealistic and damaging beauty standards. We felt it was our responsibility to challenge this narrative. The campaign sought to encourage and empower parents to rethink these biases and celebrate the innocence and joy of their children, regardless of skin tone.
StartupTalky: CITTA expanded its baby care line in 2024. Which new products have been the most successful, and why do you think they resonated with your customers?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: Among our new launches, the Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 PA++++ has been a standout success. Parents appreciate the sunscreen for its high level of protection and baby-safe formulation. Besides, it is also enriched with humus extract, which stimulates skin immunity and restores skin microbiome. The common thread is that each product reflects our commitment to blending time-tested Indian skincare traditions with the safety and efficacy demanded by modern parents.
StartupTalky: You’ve ventured into adult skincare as well. How do you maintain the same commitment to safety and natural ingredients across both your baby and adult product ranges?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: Our approach to adult skincare mirrors our philosophy for baby care: safety, natural ingredients, efficacy, and transparency are non-negotiable. Our team of R&D experts has conducted meticulous research and rigorous quality checks to ensure all our products meet the highest standards. For adults, we’ve drawn on traditional Indian nuskhes while addressing specific skincare needs with modern scientific advancements.
StartupTalky: What were the most significant challenges CITTA faced in 2024 and how did you overcome them?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: One of our biggest challenges was navigating the competitive landscape of the skincare industry while staying true to our core values of safety and transparency. Educating customers about the importance of natural, effective ingredients over harsh alternatives required consistent efforts. Additionally, scaling our operations to meet growing demand was another hurdle. We overcame these challenges by staying focused on our mission, investing in a talented team, and leveraging customer feedback to refine our products and messaging.
StartupTalky: What trends or opportunities do you foresee for growth in the baby and skincare industry in the next 2-3 years?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: We see a continued shift toward conscious consumption, with parents prioritizing safe and transparent products. Skincare solutions that blend traditional wisdom with modern science will likely remain in demand. Personalization is another key trend, with customers seeking products tailored to their specific needs.
Additionally, digital-first strategies and direct-to-consumer models will continue to be critical for brand growth. At CITTA, we aim to lead these trends by innovating our product offerings, expanding into niche skincare categories, and embracing technology to connect with our audience.
StartupTalky: How has customer feedback shaped the development of your products?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: Parents often share their concerns, preferences, and ideas, which guide our product development process. Listening to our customers ensures we stay relevant and responsive to their evolving needs.
StartupTalky: How do you utilise social media in your overall marketing strategy, and which platforms have been most effective for growing CITTA’s presence? Are there any particular growth hacks that worked well for you?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been particularly effective in building our community, while YouTube has helped us share educational content and campaigns like #LetsThinkBeyondColour. One growth hack that worked well was leveraging user-generated content – parents sharing their experiences with CITTA products have built trust and authenticity around our brand. Influencer collaborations and targeted ads have also helped amplify our reach.
StartupTalky: As a founder, what advice would you give to other founders in the skincare industry?
Ms. Akanksha Sharma: Stay true to your vision and core values, even as you scale. The skincare industry can be competitive, but building a brand rooted in authenticity and transparency will earn customer trust over time. Invest in research and prioritize quality as customers are becoming increasingly informed and discerning.
Cofounder Vinay Hiremath of Loom, which Atlassian purchased for $975 million in 2023, wrote a blog post detailing his experiences and fears following the sale of his profitable firm. In a blog post titled “I Am Rich and I Have No Idea What to Do with My Life,” he recounted the different interests he examined after learning he no longer needed to work for money anymore. He detailed his experiences, including rejecting a $60 million job offer, quitting a relationship, and making futile attempts at robotics and government reform.
I’m in the completely unrelatable situation of never having to work again after selling my business. In a depressing manner, everything seems like a side mission. Despite having limitless freedom, I am unsure of how to use it. “This post isn’t meant to garner sympathy or boast,” he stated.
Recalling the Hard Times
Despite being offered a possible $60 million compensation as CTO, Hiremath struggled to stay with the acquiring business, as he disclosed in the blog post. “What is the point of money if it is not for freedom?” he said, rejecting it. The Loom cofounder went on a journey to the Himalayas with no prior expertise, but it ended abruptly when he became ill and needed to be rappelled down a mountain. His buddies encouraged him to join the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and work for Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk after he recovered. Hiremath was able to secure the job, but he left after only four weeks after deciding it wasn’t a good fit.
“I therefore cancelled my plans to go to Washington, DC, and set out on a mission to save our country alongside some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever encountered after four demanding and intoxicating weeks.” He added, “And I purchased a one-way ticket to Hawaii.”
Hiremath concluded his blog post by stating that he is studying physics in the jungles of Hawaii. He intends to launch a business that produces tangible goods. He stated that he is content that his new business does not have to duplicate Loom’s success.
About Vinay Hiremath
Born in 1991, Vinay Hiremath dropped out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign after just two years. He relocated to Palo Alto, California, in order to pursue his love of startups. In 2018, Forbes listed him as one of the 30 under 30.
His first noteworthy job was as a software developer at Backplane, a well-funded Silicon Valley firm that focused on creating online communities. During their tenure at Backplane, Shahed Khan was introduced to Vinay Hiremath, with whom he subsequently co-founded Loom. Vinay Hiremath has also made investments in start-ups such as Enterpret Company.
He co-founded Loom with Joe Thomas and Shahed Khan in the early 2010s. Users of the video-sharing website Loom can produce and distribute short videos. Forbes claims that it currently serves over 14 million people and 2 lakh enterprises.
In its initial stages, Loom was mere weeks away from bankruptcy. Hiremath used all of his credit cards to keep the business solvent. As co-founder and former CTO of Loom, he grew the company from zero to 250 employees, helped raise $200 million in funding, and increased the number of users to over 30 million worldwide.
According to reports, iBus Network and Infrastructure Pvt. has inked a share purchase deal with telecom carriers Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to transfer their full ownership of the joint venture Firefly Networks Ltd. According to exchange filings, both telecom companies would sell their 50% ownership in Firefly Networks to iBus Network for a total cash consideration of INR 4.5 Cr each. It is expected that the transaction will close within 30 business days of the parties’ agreement being executed.
Firefly will no Longer be a Part of JV
After the completion of this transaction, Firefly Networks will no longer be a joint venture between Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel. The filing states that the transaction is not categorised as a related-party transaction and that closing conditions must still be met. In a separate filing, Vodafone Idea stated that it would earn INR 4.5 Cr for the sale of its full 50% stake in Firefly. Wi-Fi hotspots are managed and monetised by Firefly, which also supplies Wi-Fi infrastructure to partners in major Indian cities, including public areas, malls, cafes, hospitals, corporate parks, and transit hubs. iBus Network and Infrastructure, which is backed by investors like the International Finance Corporation and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, specialises in providing Wi-Fi managed services and in-building telecom network solutions.
About iBus
iBUS, which was founded in 2013 by Ram Sellaratnam, Subash Vasudevan, and Sunil Menon, provides cellular and Wi-Fi access at various locations, including hospitals, airports, and IT parks. iBus Sync (broadband services), iBus Find (customer behaviour analyser), iBus Talk (data connectivity inside buildings), and iBus Sense (IoT-enabled communication platform) are among its product offerings. To increase its footprint in foreign markets, the firm raised INR 280 Cr (about $34 Mn) a few months ago from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a part of the World Bank Group.
Current Financial Graph of Vodafone
Vodafone Idea’s consolidated revenue from operations climbed by 2.02% year over year from INR 10,716 crore in Q2 FY24 to INR 10,932 crore in Q2 FY25 and by 4.03% quarter over quarter from INR 10,508 crore in Q4 FY24, according to its most recent filing. The quarter ended in September 2024.
From a loss of INR 8,738 crore in Q2 FY24 to a loss of INR 7,176 crore in Q2 FY25, Vodafone’s consolidated net loss has dropped 17.87% year over year. The net loss of the company has increased by 11.56% on a quarter-over-quarter basis from INR 6,432 crore in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Nitin Konde
