This article has been contributed by Vaibhav Kandpal, CEO & Founder, Lead Experts.
Brands now approach client loyalty differently because of gamification, which turns mundane transactions into interesting experiences. Gamification is essentially adding game-like features to loyalty programs, like levels, challenges, and rewards. Customers find loyalty programs more enjoyable as a result of this strategy, which also promotes repeat interactions. The approach has become quite popular across industries, and big Indian companies like Google Pay and CRED have effectively employed gamified strategies to boost client retention and engagement.
The Concept of Gamification
Gamification operates by utilizing the reward system in the human brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and satisfaction that is released into the brains of customers when they accomplish a task, such as completing a challenge in a loyalty program or earning points for a purchase. This feeling of accomplishment encourages repeat behavior, which fuels the loop of customers wanting to interact with the company further.
Gamified systems encourage customers to actively participate, in contrast to traditional loyalty programs that frequently involve passive point accumulation. These interactive experiences, which range from spinning virtual wheels to finishing seasonal challenges, are captivating and unique. In addition to improving consumer satisfaction, this active engagement strengthens the brand’s emotional bond with its audience. A key component of gamification is personalization, which enables brands to personalize rewards according to consumer preferences. Customers feel appreciated and acknowledged by the brands as a result of this personalised approach, resulting in stronger brand loyalty.
Important Components of Gamification
Effective gamified loyalty programs include a few essential components. One essential component is point collection, in which users collect points for various activities, such as buying something, sharing a post, or referring a friend. These points can be earned and exchanged for benefits. CRED has made good use of this approach in India by giving “CRED coins” to consumers who use the app to pay their credit card bills. These coins can be exchanged for raffle entries, discounts, or exclusive deals, adding interest to regular financial management.
Quests and challenges are yet another potent element. Customers are encouraged to participate as soon as possible to prevent missing out because these are frequently time-bound. One excellent example is Google Pay‘s “Go India” promotion, in which customers accumulated virtual tokens of Indian towns through transaction completion. With its festive themes, the campaign used time-limited challenges to encourage frequent usage.
Tiers and levels create a sense of progression, rewarding customers as they move through different phases. New advantages are unlocked at each level, encouraging users to interact with the application more effectively. Unpredictability is added via surprise rewards, which keeps consumers interested and involved. These sporadic rewards, like unexpected sales or extra points, generate enthusiasm and promote ongoing brand engagement.
Gamified loyalty gains a sense of community through social competition in the form of leaderboards and challenges. By highlighting exceptional achievers, leaderboards appeal to people’s need for recognition. This encourages more users to join, extending the loyalty program’s reach through a cycle of social sharing and engagement.
Indian Market Examples
Gamification has been enthusiastically adopted by the Indian market. Google Pay stands out as an example, particularly during holidays when it introduces themed promotions like “Go India.” In order to increase engagement, users are urged to make transactions in order to earn city tokens, which correspond with seasonal and cultural contexts. In addition to increasing sales, this establishes a cultural connection with clients, which makes loyalty programs relatable and enjoyable.
CRED has adopted a different strategy by making financial responsibility more like a game. By rewarding customers who pay their credit card bills with CRED coins, it turns a tedious chore into an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. For daily prizes, the platform also features interactive games like spin-the-wheel, which keeps users interested even after they pay their bills. This strategy not only promotes sound financial practices but also strengthens client loyalty by making money management enjoyable.
A number of trends are anticipated to shape the future of loyalty programs as gamification develops. AI-powered hyper-personalization enables brands to customize challenges and rewards to each customer’s unique interests and behaviors. Due to the increased relevance brought about by this degree of personalization, loyalty programs become more interesting and successful.
Financial well-being is another area where gamified loyalty programs are growing. These days, apps encourage saving, investing, and financial objectives by including elements of games. Brands are increasing user accessibility and engagement with financial literacy by incorporating progress bars, badges, and incentives for reaching financial milestones.
Through the idea of tokenized rewards, blockchain technology has been making an impact on loyalty programs. These blockchain-based incentives provide digital points real value by being exchangeable or redeemable across platforms. This adaptability creates new chances for brand collaborations in addition to expanding the reach of reward programs.
Another new trend is community-based gamification. Brands are starting to emphasize team-based challenges and collective rewards rather than just individual accomplishments. In line with the growth of social commerce and community-driven marketing, this strategy fosters a feeling of community and belonging.
Challenges and Prospects for the Future
Despite the many advantages of gamification, brands nevertheless face some obstacles. The danger of excessive gamification is one major worry. Customers may grow weary if brands use game elements excessively without changing their strategies. For long-term success, the experience must be balanced and kept interesting.
Another important issue is the perceived value of rewards. Customers may stop participating in the program if they believe that the benefits are not worth the work. Keeping customers engaged requires that rewards are worthwhile and in line with their expectations.
There are numerous prospects for gamified loyalty innovation in the future. Brands that incorporate social concerns might attract a socially conscious audience by rewarding eco-friendly purchases or philanthropic gestures. The attraction of loyalty programs can be increased in varied markets like India by implementing regionalized techniques that take into account local preferences and culture.
Another intriguing option is cross-platform collaborations. Consumers can benefit from increased flexibility and value when brands enable them to earn points on one platform and use them on another.
In conclusion
Customer loyalty has been transformed by gamification, which turns conventional programs into dynamic and captivating experiences. The possibility of highly customized, community-based, and socially meaningful loyalty programs will only increase with the development of technology. Brands that emphasize on producing enjoyable and meaningful experiences will have an advantage over competitors and convert occasional customers into loyal customers. The potential of gamified loyalty lies in its ability to evolve, innovate, and establish a deeper connection with consumers combining the thrill of gaming with the fulfillment of brand loyalty is what will determine its future.
Ever dreamed of having a snazzy logo for your business without breaking the bank? Well, you’re in luck! AI logo makers are here to save the day (and your wallet). These nifty tools are shaking things up in the design world, giving you the power to create eye-catching logos without needing a degree in graphic design or a hefty budget. In this article, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the top AI logo generators that won’t slap a pesky watermark on your masterpiece. We ain’t claiming big yet but these tools can help you whip up professional-looking logo packs in a snap, all thanks to their clever automated processes. Let’s start with some known ones!
Wix Logo Maker – Free AI Logo Generators Without Watermark
You’re in for a treat with Wix Logo Maker, a tool that’s shaking up the world of ai logo generators for all the right reasons. This clever platform combines user-friendliness with AI, making it a top pick for anyone looking to create a good looking logo without breaking the bank.
Interface
The magic starts when you answer a few simple questions about your brand. What’s your company name? What industry are you in? How would you describe your brand’s vibe? Based on your answers, the AI whips up a bunch of logo options tailored just for you. The AI doesn’t just stop at creating logos, though. It also suggests colour palettes and font combinations that match your brand’s personality. Great. Isn’t it? We know, right?
Editing & Download Options
Once you’ve picked a design that catches your eye, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get creative in the editing studio. This is where you can really make your logo shine and stand out from the crowd. Want to switch up the colours? No problem. Fancy a different font? Go for it. You can even add icons, shapes, and images to give your logo that extra oomph. The best part? You don’t need to be a design whiz to use these tools. They’re all super intuitive, so you can let your creativity run wild without getting bogged down by complicated software.
Here’s a pro tip: before you dive into customising, take a moment to check out Wix’s Logo Maker best practices. It’ll help you avoid any design hiccups down the road and ensure your logo looks top-notch.
So, you’ve created a logo you love. What’s next? It’s time to download it and start showing it off to the world! Wix Logo Maker offers a range of download options to suit different needs and budgets. If you’re not quite ready to commit, you can download a free, low-resolution sample to test out on your site. It’s a great way to see how your logo looks in action before you make any purchases.
Shopify Logo Maker – Free AI Logo Generators Without Watermark
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make your own custom logo with this one. The process is as simple as pie – just visit their website, click ‘Get Started’, and you’re off to the races. You’ll be asked to choose your business category (there’s even a ‘Tech’ option for all you tech-savvy folks out there), and then you’ll get to pick where your logo will appear.
Once you’ve done that, Shopify‘s clever AI will work its magic and generate a bunch of designs for you to choose from. But the fun doesn’t stop there! You can tweak and tinker with your chosen design to your heart’s content. Want to change the colours? Go for it. Fancy a different font? No problem. You can even add icons and edit layouts to create a logo that’s as unique as your business.
Industry-specific designs
The logo creator will help you choose from countless industries, each with their own specialised logo style. This means you’re not just getting a generic logo – you’re getting one thattruly represents what your business is all about. Now, here’s the best part – the logomaker is completely free! There are no hidden fees or upfront costs. You can create and customise your logo to your heart’s content without spending a penny. And when you’re happy with your design, you can download high-resolution PNG files that are perfect for use across all your social media platforms.It doesn’t stop at just giving you a logo. Oh no, they go the extra mile. When you download your logo, you’ll also get a full suite of branding assets. This includes perfectly sized files for social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter. You’ll even get transparent vector files, which are super handy for publishing your logo online or printing it on large banners.
And speaking of printing, the files you get from the logomaker by Shopify are primed for use on business cards and other cool printed swag. So whether you’re networking at a conference or handing out freebies at a trade show, your logo will look sharp and professional.
Now, let’s talk templates. Canva HAS got thousands of them, all ready and waiting for you to make your mark. Whether you’re after something sleek and professional or fun and quirky, there’s a template with your name on it. The best part? These templates aren’t just pretty – they’re smart too. They come with designer-approved colour combinations, so you don’t have to worry about your logo looking like a colour wheel explosion. And with Canva’s drag-and-drop editor, customising these templates is as easy as pie. No design degree required!
But wait, there’s more! Canva’s templates aren’t just for logos. You can create everything from social media posts to full-blown presentations, all with that same professional polish. It’s like having a whole design team in your pocket!
Canva’s ChatGPT plugin integration
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Canva’s just levelled up with its ChatGPT plugin integration. This nifty feature brings the power of Canva right into your ChatGPT conversations. Fancy creating a social media post for your Black Friday sale? Just ask ChatGPT, and it’ll whip up some options using Canva’s templates.
But here’s where it gets really cool. Once you’ve got your design, you can click straight through to Canva to edit it. Want to change the colours? Go for it. Fancy a different font? No problem. You can even add your own logo or images. It’s like having a direct line from your brain to a finished design.
And let’s not forget about the video. With Canva’s ChatGPT plugin, you can create Instagram Reels or TikTok videos with just a few clicks. Simply describe what you want, and ChatGPT will serve up some video templates. Then, hop into Canva to customise them with your own content. It’s video creation made ridiculously easy!
Looka’s secret weapon is its AI-powered software that whips up logo designs faster than you can say “branding”. No design skills? No problem! Just tell Looka a bit about your business, and it’ll generate hundreds of custom logo mockups in the blink of an eye. The best part? You’re in the driver’s seat. Don’t like what you see? Simply tweak the designs using Looka’s user-friendly editor. Change colours, adjust sizes, or swap out symbols until you’ve got a logo that perfectly captures your brand’s vibe. It’s like having a personal designer on speed dial, minus the hefty price tag!
Looka’s colour palette recommendations
Choosing the right colours for your logo can be a bit of a head-scratcher. But don’t worry, Looka’s got your back! The tool uses colour theory to suggest palettes that’ll make your logo pop. Whether you’re after something bold and energetic or cool and professional, Looka’s colour recommendations have got you covered. Want to create a sense of harmony? Try an analogous colour combo. Looking for something with more punch? Go for complementary colours. Looka even takes into account colour psychology, helping you pick hues that’ll resonate with your target audience.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try out some of Looka’s special features? You could add a gradient for a modern touch, or even go for a metallic foil effect to give your logo some extra sparkle. Looka’s Brand Kit is like a branding bonanza. You’ll get over 300 templates for everything from invoices to email signatures, all personalised with your shiny new logo. And for all you social media mavens out there, Looka’s got you covered with ready-to-go versions of your logo for all the major platforms. Need business cards? No sweat. The Brand Kit includes 20 professional design templates, so you can start networking in style. To top it all off, you’ll get a handy guide that lays out your logo’s fonts and colours, making it a breeze to keep your branding consistent across all your materials.
ChatGPT with DALL-E – Free AI Logo Generators Without Watermark
You can dip your toes into logo creation with ChatGPT and DALL-E without spending a penny. The free version allows you to whip up a couple of logos before it politely asks you to take a breather for 23 hours. It’s like a teaser trailer for the full movie!
But if you’re hungry for more, ChatGPT Plus is where the magic really happens. For $20 a month, you get access to the more advanced GPT-4 model, which means smarter, more nuanced responses to your logo requests. Plus, you’ll enjoy perks like faster response times and priority access to new features. It’s like having a VIP pass to the hottest design party in town!
ChatGPT’s image quality for logos
When it comes to image quality, ChatGPT with DALL-E doesn’t disappoint. The AI understands nuance and detail better than ever before, translating your ideas into exceptionally accurate images. It’s like having a mind-reading designer at your fingertips!
However, it’s worth noting that while the quality is impressive, it might not always hit the bullseye on the first try. For instance, when asked to create a logo for a dog food company aimed at Gen Z, it struggled a bit with translating written phrases into graphic assets. But don’t let that put you off – with a bit of back-and-forth and some clever prompting, you can guide the AI to create something truly spectacular. While ChatGPT with DALL-E is a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that it’s not a replacement for human creativity. Think of it as a collaborative partner in your design process. It can generate ideas and visuals at lightning speed, but you’re the one who brings the human touch, the understanding of your brand, and the final decision-making power.
Plan
Pricing
Free
$0/month
Plus
$20/month
Pro
$200/month
Team
$25 – $30/month
Enterprise
Custom
Conclusion
As we wrap up, it’s clear that these AI logo generators are more than just tools – they’re game-changers in the world of branding. They’re giving small businesses and startups the power to compete visually with bigger players, all while saving time and money. Whether you’re a tech whiz or a complete novice, these platforms make it easy to bring your brand to life. So why not give them a try? Your perfect logo might be just a few clicks away. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe to StartupTalky’s newsletter ‘Smell The Coffee’ for AI tools, insights, industry takes, startup decoding, business model overviews and some exclusive giveaways only reserved for our subscribers.
What are the best AI Logo Generators Without Watermark?
Here are some of the best AI Logo Generators Without Watermark:
Wix Logo Maker
Shopify Logo Maker
Canva
Looka
ChatGPT with DALL-E
Is it possible to generate a logo using AI?
Yes, AI can generate logos using design algorithms and templates.
Are AI logos legal?
AI-generated logos are legal, but their originality and copyright depend on the specific design and usage rights. It’s important to ensure no infringement on existing trademarks.
December is here, bringing the Christmas spirit with it. The Christmas season is filled with traditions like decorating the tree, baking delicious cakes and cookies, and having cozy parties.
One more thing that now comes with the season is the Christmas advertisements. These ads bring great charm among the people and prove to be an amazing marketing tool.
Christmas makes the whole month of December a happy month. It is a time when people are in their happiest and brightest spirits.
Many companies find this happy spirit a great opportunity to market their products and services. For this, they indulge in making Christmas advertisements to attract customers. So, in this article, we will share some of the most creative Christmas ads of all time.
Christmas is celebrated every year to celebrate the joy of Jesus Christ’s birth. It is a holiday that everyone enjoys with their friends and family.
People start prepping for it from early to mid-December. It is the time to put the lights on Christmas trees, invite friends and family, and wait for our Santa Claus.
Another important thing that almost everyone indulges in during the season is shopping. It is the time when markets are full of discounts and various offers. It is also the time when our screens and papers get flooded with Christmas advertisements.
Christmas and The Advertisements
Today is the time when no business can flourish well in the absence of marketing. Advertisements have always been there, right from an early age. Earlier, there were print, radio, and television ads. Now, along with these, we have got online advertising.
Online advertising is huge. It includes email marketing, content marketing, social media advertising, mobile advertising, etc.
Advertising plays an important role in promoting a brand. It is playing an even more important role during the festive season. Creative ads develop interest among the customers and help them connect with a brand.
It helps a brand attract more sales traffic for a product or service. Christmas is the time of the holidays. The Christmas ads are of great benefit to travel businesses. These ads make the customers want to travel during the holidays.
Best Christmas Advertisements of All Time
Some ads are thoughtful and creative enough to leave an amazing impact on the audience. Here are some of the best Christmas ads of all time:
John Lewis’s 2024 Creative Christmas Ad – The Gifting Hour
John Lewis’s 2024 Creative Christmas Ad – The Gifting Hour
John Lewis’s 2024 Christmas advertisement, “The Gifting Hour,” follows Sally, who’s left her shopping to the last minute. Rushing into a John Lewis store, she tumbles through a rack of dresses and is transported back to her childhood home. As she relives memories with her sister, from childhood fun to teenage drama, Sally searches for the perfect gift.
Set to Richard Ashcroft’s “Sonnet,” the ad shows the joy of finding the perfect gift. It’s a heartwarming story with a nostalgic feeling that makes you smile. Towards the end of the ad, Sally picks the perfect present and shares a sweet moment with her sister. In 2024, John Lewis also offers a chance for aspiring musicians to cover “Sonnet” for the Christmas Day advert.
Disney Christmas Holiday Advertisement – The Boy & The Octopus
Disney Holiday Short – The Boy and The Octopus
Disney never fails to put a smile on our faces. Be it the Disney shows, movies, or advertisements, they all just spread a vibe of joy and happiness. Disney UK released its 2024 Christmas short film, The Boy and the Octopus. In this holiday short, a young boy forms an unlikely friendship with an octopus during the holidays. The octopus helps him feel less alone, adding a touch of fun and magic to his Christmas. They share moments like decorating the tree, watching festive movies, and enjoying all the special holiday traditions.
This creative Christmas advertisement shows how unexpected friendships can brighten our lives. It’s a sweet reminder that the holiday season is about sharing time with those who make us happy.
Best Christmas Commercials – Magical Christmas | Lidl Ireland
Lidl’s 2024 Christmas ad, directed by Oscar-winning Tom Hooper, beautifully highlights the joy of sharing. The story in the ad begins with a young girl noticing a boy on the sidelines, cold and without a hat, as others enjoy sledging. Later, after helping an elderly woman with her bags, the woman gives the girl a bell and encourages her to make a wish. During her family’s festive dinner, the girl wishes for the boy to receive a Lidl Christmas hat, which comes true, showing the magic of kindness.
In line with this message, Lidl has reopened its Toy Bank scheme for 2024, aiming to donate over 100,000 toys to children this year who might not otherwise receive a gift. Additionally, Lidl has launched a festive truck tour across nine UK cities, offering giveaways, festive food, and free samples, featuring Lidl employee-turned-Santa lookalike Nick.
Waitrose Sweet Suspicion Ad
Best Christmas Commercials – A Waitrose Mystery | Christmas Advert 2024
Waitrose’s 2024 Christmas ad kicks off with a festive mystery that keeps viewers hooked. On Christmas Day, the beloved No.1 Waitrose Red Velvet Bauble Dessert goes missing, and Detective Matthew MacFadyen is called in to solve the case. With a star-studded cast of suspects, including a grandmother and a hostess, the ad keeps you guessing. As you try to guess who took the dessert, Waitrose shows off its tasty holiday food, perfect for celebrations.
This is just part one of a two-part story, with the second part set to reveal the thief. Waitrose cleverly mixes fun and mystery with delicious holiday food, making this ad stand out this season.
Marks & Spencer Christmas Ad 2016
Best Christmas Ads – Marks & Spencer Advertisement
M&S Christmas advertisement in 2016 was quite different from the usual. They made an appealing appearance of Mrs Claus in the ad.
The ad begins with a small boy named Jake. He and his sister are seen quarrelling over small things. Before Christmas, Jake decides to gift his sister something. So, he writes to Mrs Claus about it.
Mrs. Claus decides to fulfil Jake’s wish herself and deliver beautiful red shoes for his sister. The ad shows that apart from Santa, Mrs Claus is there to fulfil some special requests.
This advertisement made so many people cry and feel the emotions presented. This is how the brand showed that it is always there to listen to its customers.
In 2020, Coca-Cola decided to keep its Christmas ad away from the topic of the pandemic. Instead, they showed a beautiful relationship between a father and daughter.
The ad begins with a small girl giving her dad a letter to post to Santa Claus. But he forgot to post the letter. So, decides to go on a challenging journey to the North Pole. He is seen facing various harsh conditions in his way.
In the end, when the letter opens, it has a small and sweet wish in it. It says, “Dear Santa, please bring Daddy home for Christmas.”
Coca-Cola, with this ad, delivered a simple yet emotional message. The message was that this Christmas, give something that only you can give. It showed us the importance of togetherness during the festivals.
Apple’s Christmas Advertisement – ‘The Song’
Best Christmas Ads – Apple Advertisement
The brand Apple likes to keep its ads like its products simple yet attractive. It surely knows how to be creative and thoughtful but also simple at the same time. In 2014, Apple made an ad showing a young girl preparing a gift for her grandmother.
In the ad, the girl uses her iPhone to record her grandmother’s old records. Using Apple’s technology, she created a duet with her grandma’s records. The girl then gifted it to her grandmother. It was a thoughtful ad that developed an emotional connection among the audience. It is considered as one of the best holiday ads.
For the year 2021, Apple has used another creative way to promote itself during Christmas. The ad doesn’t show any Apple devices. The only thing is that it was created with iPhone 13 Pro.
Disney created an animated short film for their 2020 Christmas ad. The ad revolves around Lola and her favorite toy- Mickey Mouse.
At the beginning of the ad, Lola’s father gifts her the toy. Later in the ad, she gifts her toy to her granddaughter. Mickey Mouse begins to symbolize Lola’s childhood in these years.
The ad produced an emotional angle for the audience. It showed the importance of relationships and childhood memories. It was a beautiful advertisement that touched the hearts of the viewers. It is regarded as the best Christmas advertisement of all time.
Amazon Christmas Advertisement 2021 – ‘Kindness, The Greatest Gift’
Best Christmas Ads – Amazon Advertisement
Amazon has come up with its latest Christmas advertisement. The theme revolves around the acts of kindness by strangers.
In the ad, a young girl is seen getting overwhelmed by her daily activities in the post-pandemic times. She is seen to be struggling to deal with study deadlines, partying, and the city traffic.
The ad then shows that her neighbor notices her being alone. After that, they both are sitting in a park, where the neighbor lady is feeding birds. Both of them share a smile.
The lady then gifts the girl a bird feeder from Amazon. This act of kindness by a stranger has touched the hearts of the audience. It is one of the most beautiful Christmas advertisements that illustrate the importance of kindness.
KFC’s Red Hot Christmas commercial promotes their limited-time menu item, Red Hot Chicken – a spicy fried chicken available during Christmas. The advertisement features a family enjoying a traditional Christmas meal with a spicy twist. They are all seen relishing the spicy flavor of KFC’s Red Hot Chicken. The ad also has a catchy jingle that highlights the chicken’s spiciness.
The KFC Red Hot Christmas advertisement effectively connects with viewers’ emotions by portraying the joy of sharing a special meal with loved ones. The family’s contagious smiles and expressions of satisfaction create a sense of warmth and togetherness, reminding viewers of the true meaning of Christmas. The spicy element adds a touch of adventure and excitement, appealing to those who seek a more thrilling holiday experience.
John Lewis Christmas Ad 2011
Best Christmas Ads – John Lewis Advertisement
I have encountered some of the most captivating and memorable Christmas advertisements created by John Lewis, a prominent UK department store. These ads are unique because they combine beautiful music and movie-like storylines to showcase the magic of gift-giving in just 90 seconds. What’s remarkable about them is that they convey a poignant narrative without words.
One particularly noteworthy Christmas advertisement from John Lewis, dating back to 2011, stands out as a masterpiece in this genre. It is praised for its unique twist and the emotional climax it builds, creating a truly heartwarming and memorable viewing experience. The ad captures the festive spirit and leaves a lasting impression, making it a standout among the John Lewis Christmas advertisements collection.
Hershey’s Christmas Ad – Christmas Bells
Best Christmas Ads – Hershey’s Advertisement
The Hershey’s Kisses – Christmas Bells Advert is a commercial that has become a timeless classic since its debut in 1989. Amongst the flurry of holiday advertising, it stands out as a captivating symbol of the Christmas season, thanks to its heartwarming charm and mesmerizing animation. It is considered one of the shortest and best Christmas ad ever produced.
The success of the ad lies in its simplicity. There is no dialogue or complex storyline, and the focus remains solely on a heartwarming performance by a group of Hershey’s Kisses that have been transformed into a handbell choir. As the Kisses sway and jingle to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” they create a magical spectacle that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and togetherness.
Microsoft Christmas Ad – Let There Be Peace on Earth
Best Christmas Ads – Microsoft Advertisement
In 2015, Microsoft launched a touching advertisement titled “Let There Be Peace On Earth” during Christmas. The ad stood out for its unconventional approach of mentioning Apple while conveying a message of peace despite the long-standing rivalry between the two tech giants. The ad’s message was to promote peace and unity during the holiday season.
As the Microsoft employees gathered near Apple’s office, they engaged in a heartwarming moment by singing a carol alongside children. The lyrics emphasize the desire for peace on Earth, echoing, “Let there be peace on Earth and let it start with me.”
The advertisement’s message urges advertisers and marketers to acknowledge the potency of positive and unifying themes. By highlighting the concept of “Let there be peace, and let it start with me,” the commercial aims to evoke warm and cozy emotions that align with the spirit of the festive season. It underscores the significance of extending gestures of friendship, a universally appreciated sentiment, particularly during the holiday season. Festive advertising can help attract more customers and spread holiday cheer.
Lenovo Christmas Ad – The Joy Of Giving
In this heartwarming video ad by Lenovo, the narrative begins with a kind gesture from a poor old man crafting a wooden horse for a little girl. Touched by the moment, the girl brightens the old man’s Christmas. At the spot where he sleeps on the sidewalk, the girl places a gift and a Christmas tree, using a Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro Tab to project lights, attracting more gifts from passersby. The video culminates with the old man waking up to the festive surprise.
The ad’s genius lies in using the Yoga Tab 3 Pro’s in-built projector, seamlessly integrating the product into the storyline. The video beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas, emphasizing the joy of giving during the festive season, and is one of the best Christmas commercials ever.
Christmas is the time when happiness seems to be blowing in the air. A good Christmas advertising is that which adds up to this happiness. The ads that develop an emotional connection tend to attract more consumers.
Every Christmas, almost every brand comes up with a new advertisement. These festive ads help the brands to attract more consumers. But some ads develop a bond with the consumers and stay in the heart forever. Thus, the relationship between Christmas and advertisements is like cookies and Choco chips. It sweetens up the festive vibe a bit more.
FAQs
What are the best Christmas ads?
Apple’s Christmas Advertisement – ‘The Song’ and Coca-Cola’s Christmas Advertisement – ‘The Letter’ are a few of the best Christmas ads.
What makes a good Christmas commercial?
To make an effective Christmas ad, you should evoke an emotional reaction in the audience or make them chuckle. The ad should be memorable and worth sharing with others.
What is the oldest running Christmas commercial?
M&M (1996), Campbell’s Snow Man (1993), Corona Christmas (1990), I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up (1989), and Tootsie Pop (1970) are some of the oldest running Christmas commercials.
The global sports technology market is projected to reach USD 53.1 billion by 2030. Within this industry, a new entrant making its mark is SportsSkill. Co-founded by Abhinav Sinha and Chetan Desai, SportsSkill is bridging a key gap in the sports ecosystem. The company provides a tech-driven platform that gives real-time performance insights for athletes, coaches, and parents.
In this article, explore more about SportsSkill, its founders, business model, funding, challenges, growth, and more.
Founded in 2021 by Abhinav Sinha and Chetan Desai, SportsSkill is a tech-driven platform designed to bridge the gap in the sports ecosystem. With decades of experience in squash and tennis, the founders recognized the need for a structured way to track and analyze sports performance. SportsSkill connects athletes, coaches, and parents, offering actionable insights on performance, fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
SportsSkill is designed as a B2B2C platform, ensuring seamless operation for schools, academies, and parents. It’s not just about athletes—it’s about the entire ecosystem.
The company has received an overwhelming response since its inception. Recently, in rural Maharashtra, they supported a young squash player who has since risen to become one of the top players in India, reinforcing the motivation behind starting the company.
SportsSkill – Industry
SportsSkill operates within the rapidly expanding sports technology industry, encompassing innovations to enhance athletic performance, coaching, and fan engagement. As of 2024, the global sports technology market is valued at approximately USD 16.8 billion. It is projected to reach USD 53.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% during 2024–2030.
SportsSkill’s target market includes athletes, coaches, educational institutions, and sports academies seeking data-driven tools to improve performance and training methodologies. It aims to capture a significant portion of this burgeoning sector by focusing on user acquisition and engagement metrics.
Over the next five years, the team at SportsSkill anticipates the sports technology industry will experience substantial growth, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and data analytics. These innovations are expected to become integral to training regimens, injury prevention, and fan interaction, leading to widespread adoption across various sports disciplines.
In alignment with these industry trends, SportsSkill envisions becoming a global leader in sports technology within the next 5–10 years. Its strategic plans include expanding its user base to 5 million across regions such as MENA, the USA, and Europe.
Abhinav Sinha (left) and Chetan Desai (right) – SportsSkill Founders
SportsSkill was founded by Abhinav Sinha and Chetan Desai, who shared common interests and met a couple of times in events and tournaments. Their shared passion for sports was the foundation of this partnership. Both of them have been deeply involved in sports for decades—Chetan has over 55 years of experience in tennis, and Abhinav has more than 20 years of experience in squash. Their professional journeys gave them firsthand insight into the gaps in the sports ecosystem, particularly the lack of accessible, data-driven training tools. These shared observations naturally led them to collaborate and start SportsSkill.
Chetan brings his vast experience in sports and a deep understanding of grassroots challenges. His ability to connect with players and coaches on a fundamental level has been instrumental in shaping the platform. Chetan oversees the sports ecosystem side of the business, focusing on understanding the needs of coaches, athletes, and institutions. He works closely on user engagement and product validation.
Abhinav’s background complements Chetan’s background, focusing on operational strategy and product development to ensure the platform delivers measurable impact. He focuses on technology, operations, and scaling the business.
Together, they drive the strategic direction of the company. They are a small but dedicated team headquartered in Pune. Their passion for sports, innovation, and collaborative approach, along with their focus on the grassroots level, helps them ensure every team member is aligned with their mission to democratize sports technology.
They prioritize hiring individuals who are not only skilled but also share a passion for sports and technology. Their mindset is simple: hire for attitude and train for skills. Whether it’s developers for their tech platform or community managers working directly with grassroots players, they look for people who understand the transformative power of sports.
Advisors and Mentors
SportsSkill benefits from the mentorship and advisory support of KP Balaraj, a seasoned professional with extensive private equity experience and a national-level athlete background. His dual expertise in finance and sports provides invaluable insights, guiding the company’s strategic direction and growth initiatives. His involvement underscores SportsSkill’s credibility and potential within the sports technology sector.
SportsSkill – Startup Story
Abhinav Sinha and Chetan Desai have been lifelong athletes—Chetan has over 55 years of experience in tennis, and Abhinav has more than 20 years of experience in squash. Through their experiences, they realized a stark gap in the sports ecosystem. While there’s a structured system for tracking academic performance in schools, sports lack a similar framework. Players, parents, and even coaches didn’t have access to meaningful, data-driven insights to guide their journey. That’s when the idea struck: Why not create a platform that bridges this gap and democratizes sports technology?
The ideation process was deeply rooted in Abhinav and Chetan’s experiences and observations in India and abroad. They identified the key pain points—lack of performance tracking, insufficient fitness, mental well-being integration, and limited tech adoption in grassroots sports. To validate the idea, they contacted coaches, academies, and parents to understand their challenges. The response was overwhelmingly positive; they were excited about a holistic platform to track an athlete’s progress.
Prototyping began with a simple framework for SportsSkill. They focused on making the system intuitive and accessible, especially for grassroots players. During this time, they spoke extensively with academies in Pune and Hyderabad and experienced professionals like KP Balaraj, a national-level athlete, who eventually became one of SportsSkill’s key investors. Their feedback validated the concept and gave the co-founders confidence to move forward.
The initial reactions from those Abhinav and Chetan spoke to were encouraging but also instructive. Many pointed out the need for affordability and seamless integration into existing systems. These insights shaped their approach, ensuring SportsSkill was impactful and accessible to athletes across all levels. The journey from ideation to prototyping has been enriching, and their support and feedback have propelled them to where they are today.
SportsSkill’s vision, both in the short and long term, is deeply rooted in the commitment to democratizing sports technology. The aim is to make it accessible to every athlete, coach, and institution, regardless of their level or location. This long-term commitment is a testament to the belief in the transformative power of sports technology.
In the short term, by 2025, the company aims to deepen its impact in India and expand into global markets like MENA, the USA, and Europe. This involves scaling the platform, enhancing features like matchplay analysis and performance tracking using big data, and developing products tailored specifically for schools to integrate sports tech into educational systems.
In the long term, by 2027-28, the team envisions a world where every athlete, whether in a metro city or a remote village, can access advanced training tools, data-driven insights, and personalized coaching. This vision guides their long-term strategy and underscores their commitment to leveling the playing field for talent everywhere.
At the core of running SportsSkill is a deep belief that sports should be more than just an extracurricular activity—a discipline that shapes lives. SportsSkill’s motto, ‘Believe to Achieve,’ reflects this ethos. It’s not just about training harder; it’s about providing the right tools and insights to empower athletes to unlock their full potential while building a supportive environment for parents, coaches, and schools to nurture this journey.
SportsSkill – Name and Logo
SportsSkill Logo
The name SportsSkill was born from the idea of celebrating the diverse and dynamic nature of sports. Every sport demands a unique combination of skills—be it physical, mental, or strategic. From an athlete’s strength and agility to a player’s precision and focus, skills are the building blocks of excellence in sports.
By combining the words sports and skill, the co-founders created a name that reflects their mission: to highlight the importance of developing, mastering, and celebrating these abilities. It’s simple, memorable, and universal—resonating with athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts alike.
At its heart, SportsSkill represents more than just the act of playing; it symbolizes growth, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. It’s a name that encapsulates the spirit of sports and the skills that make them extraordinary.
SportsSkill – Products/Services
SportsSkill is a sports technology company that bridges the gap between athletes, coaches, parents, and institutions by providing data-driven tools to enhance performance and overall development in sports. Coaches, parents, and athletes can access performance metrics, track progress over time, and receive actionable recommendations for improvement. The platform also gamifies training with features like SkillCoins to motivate and keep athletes engaged. By integrating elements like fitness, nutrition, mental well-being, and technical skills, SportsSkill offers a 360-degree approach to sports training. Over the next few years, SportsSkill looks to integrate more AI, machine learning, and relevant sensor technology.
A major gap is the need for more structured data and performance insights in grassroots and amateur sports. Athletes often train in silos without actionable feedback, and parents and coaches struggle to track development. SportsSkill resolves this by centralizing data and providing real-time feedback, enabling smarter training and better talent nurturing. Additionally, it fosters a social environment that promotes knowledge sharing and inspiration through videos and resources tailored for athletes.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
Holistic Data Integration: Combines data from various sources—like human intelligence, AI, wearables, sensors, and used inputs—into one intuitive dashboard.
Affordability and Accessibility: Low-cost subscription plans make it feasible for grassroots players and schools.
Personalization: AI-driven insights tailor training to individual needs, addressing everything from skill improvement to injury prevention.
Gamification: Rewards athletes with SkillCoins, encouraging engagement and motivation.
Scalable Ecosystem: A B2B2C model connects athletes, schools, academies, and parents, making it suitable for grassroots and professional environments.
Innovation
Technology: Going forward, SportsSkill will employ more AI and machine learning to analyze and interpret data. The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with emerging tech like smart bands and sensor-equipped gear. The system processes data from multiple sources to provide meaningful, actionable user insights. Big data analytics is also key, enabling predictive insights and long-term tracking. Alongside SportsSkill, they operate Chance2Sports, a nonprofit initiative to identify and nurture talent from underserved regions. This program connects seamlessly with SportsSkill by scouting young talent, providing tools and training, and helping them secure sponsorships.
SportsSkill operates on a B2B2C business model, catering to athletes, coaches, schools, and sports academies. The platform integrates seamlessly into existing sports ecosystems to deliver personalized training, performance tracking, and data-driven insights. SportsSkill provides a unified platform for tracking and improving athletic performance. The platform is subscription-based, designed to be affordable and accessible to grassroots players, schools, and institutions. This ensures scalability while keeping the barrier to entry low for users from diverse economic backgrounds.
Revenue Model
Subscription Plans: The core revenue stream comes from low-cost subscriptions, making the platform accessible to users across different demographics.
Institution Partnerships: Revenue is also generated through collaborations with sports academies, schools, and organizations that adopt SportsSkill’s technology for their training programs.
International Strategic Partnerships: This is another source of revenue generation for SportsSkill.
Premium Features: These will soon be available, which will be revenue-generating.
SportsSkill – Launching Company Strategies
Before launching, Abhinav and Chetan validated the POC with several people across all capacities, from the sports angle with established coaches/academies and sportspersons across different sports to established individuals in the corporate sector who viewed the POC from a business and revenue/scalable model. This helped them get the first 100 users as well.
SportsSkill – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
At SportsSkill, the team is thrilled to see significant traction within a short time. Guided by the belief that “Customer is King,” they actively engage with the users, gathering their valuable feedback to ensure they evolve in tandem with the ever-growing demands of the sports community.
To enhance user engagement and create a dynamic experience, they have incorporated features designed to keep players motivated and immersed:
Skill Coins: A rewarding system that gamifies skill development, incentivizing consistent practice and achievements.
Challenge Feature: A platform for players to test their abilities, compete with others, and push their limits.
These sticky features are more than just tools—they reflect SportsSkill’s commitment to building an ecosystem that serves, excites, and empowers the users. As the company grows, the focus remains on innovation, customer satisfaction, and fostering a vibrant community of sports enthusiasts.
SportsSkill – Challenges Faced
One of the major challenges the co-founders faced early on was convincing investors and stakeholders about the potential of sports technology. Integrating tech into grassroots and amateur sports was still relatively niche when they started. They met over 50 investors initially, many of whom didn’t fully understand the space or its growth potential. This made fundraising particularly challenging. However, when Abhinav and Chetan connected with KP Balaraj, his dual private equity and sports expertise validated their vision. His insights and eventual investment boosted their confidence and lent credibility to their efforts.
Another significant challenge was building trust among grassroots players, coaches, and parents unfamiliar with tech-driven training tools. To address this, they focused on creating a simple, user-friendly platform and kept subscription costs low to ensure accessibility. All these efforts were validated when schools and academies across Pune, Hyderabad, and Indore embraced the platform.
Experimentation and learning have been integral to SportsSkill’s journey. For example, they introduced gamification through SkillCoins to encourage engagement among athletes. This worked well, keeping players motivated and involved. On the other hand, while they initially envisioned a broader geographic expansion, they soon realized the importance of focusing on a few cities first to establish a strong foundation before scaling further.
Current challenges include scaling the platform, maintaining affordability, and addressing diverse user needs. The sports tech industry in India is still maturing, and while they see growing interest, integrating advanced tools like wearables and AI remains a work in progress. Additionally, ensuring seamless adoption in rural areas requires consistent training and awareness-building among coaches and parents. SportsSkill’s focus remains on solving these issues through innovation and strategic partnerships.
SportsSkill – Funding
SportsSkill raised funding from KP Balaraj, a seasoned investor with experience in private equity and sports. While the specific amount, stage, or valuation was not mentioned, this investment played a critical role in validating the company’s vision and scaling its operations.
The funding has enabled SportsSkill to refine its platform, expand operations to cities like Hyderabad, Baroda, Pune, Indore, and Kolkata, and enhance its grassroots programs such as Chance2Sports. It also provided the resources to build affordable and accessible sports technology tailored to schools and academies.
SportsSkill – Growth
SportsSkill’s Abhinav with Athletes
SportsSkill is growing steadily, expanding its reach, building partnerships, and offering innovative solutions to transform sports training in India. Its growth can be better understood through the following points:
Operating Locations:
SportsSkill is headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, and has established operations in cities like Hyderabad, Baroda, Indore, and Kolkata, with plans to expand further.
Userbase and Notable Clients/Partners:
The platform caters to sports academies, schools, coaches, and players across India. It impacted over 1000 users, focusing on racket sports and expanding into team sports. Key partnerships include collaborations with sports academies and grassroots programs like the Chance to Sports initiative.
SportsSkill’s success is reflected in its strong user response, including positive feedback from schools, academies, and parents. Its efforts to integrate affordable, AI-driven tools have created significant value in underserved areas.
Investor Confidence:
A major milestone in the company’s journey was securing investment from KP Balaraj, whose expertise in private equity and personal background as a national-level athlete validated SportsSkill’s vision and scalability.
SportsSkill – Future Plans
Over the next 1-2 years, SportsSkill plans to focus on enhancing its product features and expanding its business footprint. The company aims to integrate big data analytics to improve performance tracking, matchplay insights, and goal setting while also developing specialized features tailored for schools to integrate sports technology into educational systems.
On the business front, SportsSkill is targeting global markets, including MENA, the USA, and Europe, as part of its broader strategy to reach 5 million users. At the same time, it plans to strengthen its presence in Indian cities and onboard new locations.
Additionally, grassroots initiatives like Chance2Sports will continue to play a key role in identifying untapped talent, providing advanced training tools, and offering sponsorship opportunities, ensuring holistic growth across all levels of the sports ecosystem.
FAQs
What is SportsSkill?
SportsSkill is a sports technology company that bridges the gap between athletes, coaches, parents, and institutions by providing data-driven tools to enhance performance and overall development in sports.
Who are the founders of SportsSkill?
Abhinav Sinha and Chetan Desai are the co-founders of SportsSkill.
What is the business model of SportsSkill?
SportsSkill operates on a B2B2C business model, catering to athletes, coaches, schools, and sports academies.
Veranda Learning, an education company based in Chennai, has been given permission to finance up to INR 250 crore through a preferred issue as part of a larger fundraising plan that would be completed this fiscal year. The company is overjoyed by the strong reaction to the private placement, which was spearheaded by well-known investors. According to a statement from Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning, the company’s successful financing gives it a strong capital base to fuel its next stage of expansion and shows that investors believe in the company’s potential for success. The money will be used by the corporation for expansion of its current operations, deferred consideration payments, and acquisitions.
The company run by Suresh Kalpathi intends to pay INR 126.2 crore for a 51% share in BB Publications Private Limited and INR 45.5 crore for a 65% share in Navkar Digital Institute Private Limited. A reputable online resource for prospective CAs, BB Virtuals was formed by Bhanwar Borana, a CA instructor with more than 12 years of expertise. Veranda intends to broaden its audience and provide additional resources through BB Virtuals to assist students earning professional certifications in commerce. Navkar, a well-known offline platform for Gujarati CA candidates, was established by educator Hiteshkumar Shah, who has over 17 years of teaching expertise.
Acquisitions will Enhance Veranda’s Portfolio
Together with JK Shah Classes, these additions will expand Veranda’s current portfolio of coaching services for chartered accountants, cost management accountants, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. According to Kalpathi, the Chennai-based business is on schedule to complete all acquisitions this fiscal year, and no additional stock dilution in Veranda Learning is anticipated after this fiscal year.
Veranda purchased Kerala-based Logic Management Training Institutes in April in an effort to broaden its clientele and offer a greater selection of educational programmes. Logic also works with JK Shah Classes as a key component of Veranda’s commerce education program. This occurred one month after BPEA Investment Managers helped it raise INR 425 crore in debt financing through non-convertible debentures. Veranda has invested more than INR 1,000 crore to acquire more than a dozen businesses, making acquisitions the cornerstone of its whole growth plan.
Strengthening the Foundation by Hiring Experts
In an effort to professionalise the board with education leaders, the Chennai-based education corporation appointed three new board members: Prof. Jitendra Kantilal Shah, Prof. Ashok Misra, and N. Alamelu. By hiring Aditya Malik as Group Chief Operating Officer, Veranda Learning has already taken a step towards professionalising its executive management with the goal of bolstering operations and leadership. In the school industry, which is currently dealing with a reality check due to layoffs and financing issues after the pandemic-driven spike, Veranda is still growing and expanding.
Veranda reduced its losses and more than doubled its sales in FY24. Veranda’s strategy, a four-pillar approach—academics, commerce, government exam preparation, and study abroad—is centred on adding value. According to the corporation, the commerce vertical has already performed well, with an anticipated profit of Rs 100 crore for FY26 and an EBITDA of INR 120 crore for FY25. Core operational efficiency is measured by EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and repayment.
PayU, a digital payment aggregator, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have introduced inFINity 2.0, a fintech-focused accelerator program for early-stage Indian startups, its second cohort. Startups looking to raise less than $10 million between the seed and Series A rounds will be the program’s objective. According to a statement from PayU, the program’s application period will begin on December 12 and end on February 15, 2025. Beginning in March 2025, InFINity 2.0 is a 12-week hybrid accelerator program. Virtual office hours are held after a three-day in-person boot camp in Bengaluru. PayU added that it has invested up to $5 million in any business that meets its investment requirements. Benefits of InFINity 2.0 include access to PayU’s vast merchant, bank, and consumer networks; a customised masterclass taught by professionals in the banking, fintech, and finance sectors; and possible investment opportunities from Prosus and other investors.
Shailaz Nag and Nitin Gupta launched PayU. In 2002, Jose Velez, Martin Schrimpff, Arjan Bakker, and Grzegorz Brochocki founded the Nasper Group, which is owned by Prosus. With Nitin Gupta and Shailaz Nag as cofounders, its Indian affiliate, PayU India, was established in 2011. In addition to India, it offers financial and payment services throughout Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. “This collaboration aims to empower the nation’s fintech entrepreneurs to accelerate their businesses and develop innovative solutions that address the dynamic financial needs of Indians by leveraging PayU’s operational expertise alongside Prosus’ extensive investment expertise and AWS’s leading cloud solutions,” said Anirban Mukherjee, chief executive at PayU.
Perks that Selected Cohort will Receive
According to a statement from the payments business, the chosen cohort will receive $100,000 in PayU Startup Program credits and discounts, as well as AWS Activate credits, to help them develop. A year has passed since the first iteration of inFINity was introduced in July 2023 in collaboration with AWS and Chiratae Ventures, including a group of 30 entrepreneurs and ending with a $5 million seed investment in the cross-border payments platform BRISKPE. According to Mukherjee, collaboration’s dedication to promoting innovation and nourishing the fintech ecosystem for early-stage Indian entrepreneurs is reflected in InFINity 2.0. “As we continue to invest in India’s fintech ecosystem, we have funded significant fintech businesses like Fisdom, IndiaGold, and Vayana,” he added.
Fierce Competition in India’s Fintech Sector
In terms of finances, PayU India, which is owned by Prosus, had a 12% increase in sales to $237 million in the first half of the fiscal year that ended in March 2025 (H1 FY25). Additionally, PayU asserts that during that time, it onboarded more than 4,000 merchants. According to Prosus’ H1 FY25 report, the company’s total payment value (TPV) increased by 25% during that time. The program was announced by PayU at a time when the fintech business is clearly becoming more competitive.
The potential of their technological developments is boosting investor confidence as they extend their service offerings, explore new markets, and improve their technology. Through its Pre-Series B investment round earlier, Mumbai-based fintech firm Snapmint raised $18 million via a combination of debt and equity to improve its technology, provide new BNPL products, broaden its product offerings, and bring on new merchants. To bolster its position in the supply chain finance segment and increase its presence in important industries, Mintifi, another fintech business, raised $180 million (more than INR 1500 crore) in its Series E funding round a few days ago through a combination of main and secondary transactions.
TBO Tek Greece Single Member Private Company is a wholly owned subsidiary established in Greece by Tek Travels DMCC, a subsidiary of B2B travel company TBO Tek. Tek Travels DMCC has authorised and issued a capital of 2,000 shares as a result of this incorporation; each share is worth EUR 10, or INR 17.83 lakh. Nevertheless, the organisation has not yet started conducting business in Greece. “We would like to notify you that Tek Travels DMCC, a significant subsidiary of the Company, has established a wholly owned subsidiary in Greece, called TBO Tek Greece Single Member Private Company,” TBO Tek stated in an exchange filing.
This subsidiary’s main goal is to help its parent company’s commercial operations, including marketing and promotion-related tasks. This action is a component of TBO’s larger plan to increase its presence throughout Europe, not only in Greece. This is central to TBO Tek’s aggressive growth throughout Europe and beyond through a number of acquisitions and the creation of subsidiaries.
Exploring the International Markets
As part of its strategy to increase its presence in the area and broaden its worldwide reach, TBO Tek formed a new wholly owned subsidiary in Indonesia earlier this month. To increase its presence in the area, TBO Tek established a new wholly owned subsidiary in the Canary Islands earlier in September under the name TBO Jumbonline Canarias. Last year, TBO Tek also paid INR 90.4 Cr to acquire Swiss company BookaBed AG in order to expand its market position in the UK and Ireland. Purchasing Island Hopper in 2019 to enter the Indian Ocean Islands and Gemini Tours & Travels in 2022 to enter the Maldives are two further purchases.
“It seeks to acquire companies with strong supply and distribution skills and then establish an ecosystem around its platform to improve the long-term value of our platform for buyers and suppliers,” TBO Tek stated in its investor presentation for the September quarter. TBO Tek was established in 2006 and offers tour operators and travel brokers travel solutions. Among other things, it provides dynamic packages, hotel and travel booking APIs, and white-label solutions.
Performance at the Stock Market
In May of this year, TBO Tek debuted on the public market. The BSE lists its shares at INR 1,380, which is 55% more than the issue price. The stock has increased by more than 30% since listing. TBO Tek’s stock price hit an all-time high of INR 2,000 earlier this month. The B2B travel portal’s consolidated net profit increased by 7% to INR 60.1 Cr in Q2 FY25 from INR 56.1 Cr in the same period the previous year, according to financial reports. During the reviewed quarter, the company’s operating revenue increased by 28% to INR 450.7 Cr from INR 352.3 Cr during the same period last year. It increased 7.7% sequentially from INR 418.5 Cr. At 1:50 PM, TBO Tek’s shares were up 3.78% at INR 1634.30 on the BSE.
If you have heard of the Ambani family, possibly the most famous person among them would not be either Mukesh Ambani or his children. The figure is actually his wife, Nita Ambani. A well-known figure in business and philanthropic circles, Nita is the chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and a director at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School. She is one of the co-owners of Reliance Industries and also runs the Mumbai Indians cricket team.
Till 2024, the estimated net worth of Nita Ambani is around INR 2340-2510 crore. This reflects her own contribution to the running and management of all the family businesses along with her philanthropic involvement.
Born to middle-class Gujarati parents in the person of Ravindrabhai and Purnima Dalal in November of 1964, Nita Ambani is an original Mumbaikar and even holds a college degree from the Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. She is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and has proven her dancing talent several times.
Nita Ambani was spotted by Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani at a dance show, where she later met her family with a marriage proposal for the eldest son, Mukesh Ambani. Their marriage was planned after dating for a couple of months back in the year 1985.
After her marriage, she would teach at school for several more years but soon ventured into the family business. She is very close to Dhirubhai Ambani who used to question her on world events every evening. It is her father-in-law whom she attributes to becoming the woman she is today.
Nita and Mukesh Ambani had their twins, Akash and Isha, via IVF seven years after their marriage. But Anant was naturally conceived three years after the twins were born. She is also a grandmother of four little toddlers.
Nita Ambani – founder and chair of Reliance Foundation
Nita Ambani is also the founder and chair of Reliance Foundation, and she is the corporate social responsibility arm for the company, Reliance Industries. She was elected to the Board in 2014 and resigned in August 2023. She preferred to put in all her efforts towards the Reliance Foundation. Nita Ambani still continues to attend all the Reliance Industries Board meetings as a permanent invitee.
Jamnagar Township Project
In 1997, Nita Ambani was working on the company township for the employees who are part of the Reliance refinery in Jamnagar. The project included the construction of environmentally friendly houses for over 17000 residents.
Mumbai Indians
She and her husband are co-owners of the Indian Premier League team-the Mumbai Indians. There are more than 5 titles under their belt currently (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020). Not limited to this, she initiated the ‘Education and Sports for All (ESA)’. The initiative was that in return to society, as being made mandatory by Mumbai Indians under their banner, ESA has seen that over 100,000 underserved children have been approached to create awareness concerning education through various digital avenues.
IOC Membership
In 2016, Ambani was one of the eight candidates nominated as a member of the International Olympic Committee by the Swiss panel. The elections for these members took place at the 129th IOC Session in August 2016. Nita Ambani was the first Indian woman to be elected as an IOC member.
Her Circle
The ‘Her Circle’ is a digital platform for women who compete with its own discussion panels and social networking app. Nita Ambani’s Reliance Foundation launched the ‘Her Circle’ app on International Women’s Day in March 2022. This new initiative helps empower women with modern digital tools. Launched for Indian women, but extended to women overseas, the tool provides ladies with a ‘joyful and safe space for interaction, engagement, collaboration, and mutual support.’ As per Nita Ambani, the platform helps women lean on women and their shared experiences help end problems and improve triumphs for each other.
Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC)
Located in the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, it was the first to be inaugurated within the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, in March 2023. The idea for this centre was to focus on community problems such as outreach programs and competitions, award functions, in-residency Guru-Shishya sessions, and literacy programs for adults. The four-storied building has over 16,000 sq ft of space and over three theatres. The biggest of these is a 2000-seat Grand Theatre that has a lotus-themed chandelier with over 8400 Swarovski crystals.
There are more than three dedicated spaces for performance art centres – The Grand Theatre, The Cube, and The Studio Theatre. The centre also has an Art House with a four-story space for both international and Indian artists.
Nita has received multiple awards and accolades for her work in sports, philanthropy, and CSR. These include:
2015: Entrepreneur of the Year – From All India Management Association (AIMA)
2016: Asia’s 50 Most Powerful Women – From Forbes Magazine
2017: Honored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art – From the Metropolitan Museum of Art
2017: Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Award – For promoting grassroots sports
2018-2019:Best Corporate Supporter of Indian Sports – From Times of India
2023: Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and CSR – From the USA-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
Pravinchandra V Gandhi Award for Excellence in Public Life – From the Rotary Club of Bombay
Global Philanthropist and the Leader of the Year Award – From the Vogue India Magazine
2023: Rotary Citizen of Mumbai Award – From the Rotary Club of Bombay
2024: Nita Ambani was awarded the “Outstanding Contribution to Brand India” at CNBC-TV18’s IBLA in Mumbai.
Nita Ambani is also a part of multiple commissions such as the Public Affairs and Social Development through the Sports Commission, the Olympic Channel Commission, and the Olympic Education Commission.
Nita is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, which played a pivotal role in her introduction to Mukesh Ambani. Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh’s father, saw this performance and later proposed the alliance.
As chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita led efforts in these four areas, namely education, health, rural development, and disaster response.
She owns the IPL cricket team called Mumbai Indians, and she bagged several IPL titles with that very team.
Nita formed a great setup of the Reliance Foundation Young Champs initiative, bringing grassroots football across India to its notice.
She was the first Indian lady to win membership in the International Olympic Committee in 2016.
She founded Dhirubhai Ambani International School one of India’s foremost international schools.
She resides at Antilia, one of the pricey private homes available in this world, in Mumbai.
She is known for her exquisite taste and has a collection of customized tea sets, reportedly valued at ₹1.5 crore, and Hermès Birkin bags.
Nita has been vocal about her fitness transformation. After battling weight issues, she adopted a healthier lifestyle, including yoga and a balanced diet.
Nita is an avid collector of Indian and international art. The Ambani family is known for supporting the arts and culture extensively.
Her sense of style and grace often make headlines. She frequently dons creations by top Indian and international designers.
Despite her immense success, Nita Ambani emphasizes the importance of family and often talks about her close bond with her children—Akash, Isha, and Anant—and her husband Mukesh.
State University of Management – Financial Management
State University of Management MBA – Corporate Finance
RANEPA – Director of Economics and Finance
Marital Status
Four children
Hobbies
Reading, traveling
Biography
Anna Stopnevich is a seasoned corporate finance expert with over 20 years of experience, who successfully transitioned from leading major Russian financial institutions to founding her own financial company in Switzerland. Today, Stopnevich Anna specializes in family office services and business succession planning for global families, helping structure and preserve capital across generations while integrating financial expertise with modern technological solutions.
Educational Foundation and Early Management Positions
Anna Stopnevich was born on February 22, 1979, in Moscow. Her parents were entrepreneurs, and she did well in school.
In 1994, at just 15 years old, Anna Stopnevich began her journey in finance by entering the Moscow Banking School under the Central Bank of Russia. Her dedication to excellence showed early – she graduated with honors in 1998, marking the beginning of a career defined by continuous educational pursuit alongside professional growth.
In 1998, her commitment to education led Stopnevich Anna Vladimirovna to enroll in the State University of Management, earning her degree in Financial Management by 2002. Understanding the importance of staying current with evolving business practices, she later pursued an MBA in Corporate Finance. Anna Vladimirovna Stopnevich further enhanced her expertise through additional studies at RANEPA’s Institute of Business and Business Administration, focusing on Economics and Finance.
In 1998, at the young age of 23, Anna Stopnevich assumed her first management position at a major bank, demonstrating remarkable leadership capabilities by successfully managing a team of 20 professionals ranging from 18 to 60 years old. As her career progressed through major financial institutions, her responsibilities grew substantially. Stopnevich Anna proved particularly adept at managing diverse teams and complex organizational structures, eventually overseeing departments of up to 500 employees in later roles.
In the early 2000s, Anna Stopnevich began developing expertise in treasury operations and corporate finance, skills that would prove fundamental to her future success. Her rapid career progression was marked by an unusual ability to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, consistently seeking educational opportunities that could enhance her professional biography. Anna Stopnevich firmly believes that “in business, you must always keep pace with the times” – a philosophy that would guide her career development for decades to come.
Anna Stopnevich: Developing Corporate Finance Expertise
Anna Stopnevich Has Worked for Merlion Group and Moscow Credit Bank
In 2008, Anna Stopnevich joined Merlion Group, one of the country’s leading IT distributors, as Deputy Financial Director. The timing coincided with the global financial crisis, allowing her to demonstrate exceptional crisis management skills while developing the company’s international financial operations. With contributions from Stopnevich Anna, Merlion expanded its relationships with banks across multiple countries, and by the end of 2011, Merlion’s revenue had increased by 35%, exceeding $3 billion.
In 2012, Stopnevich Anna took on a new challenge at Moscow Credit Bank (MCB), where she would make significant contributions to the institution’s corporate banking services. Her expertise in treasury operations proved particularly valuable as she spearheaded the development of modern cash management solutions for corporate clients. These innovations from Stopnevich Anna helped streamline financial operations for large holding companies, allowing them to manage multiple subsidiaries through unified payment systems.
In 2013, Anna Stopnevich’s achievements at MCB led to her promotion to Vice President of Development. Her deep understanding of corporate finance, combined with previous experience at major industrial holdings where she had implemented centralized treasury systems, enabled her to develop sophisticated financial products that met the evolving needs of corporate clients.
Stopnevich Anna’s approach to corporate finance was marked by an emphasis on structural efficiency and innovation. Throughout her career at various major financial and industrial organizations, she specialized in:
restructuring corporate assets
establishing unified treasury operations
developing international trade finance solutions
During this period of her biography, Anna Stopnevich also worked with complex holding structures, where she consistently demonstrated an ability to optimize financial operations and implement effective crisis management strategies.
Digital Transformation in Finance
Anna Stopnevich
In 2013, as Vice President of Development at Moscow Credit Bank, Anna Stopnevich took on a role that would combine corporate finance with technological innovation. Leading a team of 350 IT specialists, she spearheaded the bank’s digital transformation initiatives, marking a pivotal moment in her career where traditional banking expertise merged with modern fintech solutions.
During the tenure of Stopnevich Anna, MCB developed three self-organized teams focusing on different aspects of digital transformation. In particular, they specialized in:
This structure proved highly effective in accelerating the bank’s technological advancement.
Anna Stopnevich implemented modern project management methodologies to enhance the efficiency of these digital initiatives. She introduced Agile practices and Kanban methods and added certification as a Product Owner from Scrum.org to her professional biography. Anna Stopnevich emphasizes that this approach enabled more effective delegation and improved team collaboration, resulting in the successful implementation of various digital banking solutions.
The innovative approach of Stopnevich Anna to digital transformation was characterized by the deep integration of financial operations with technological capabilities. She developed expertise in automated banking systems, IT infrastructure, and system architecture while ensuring that all digital innovations served clear business objectives. This experience at MCB proved fundamental in shaping how Stopnevich Anna understood technology’s ability to enhance financial services, particularly in areas such as treasury management and corporate banking.
Stopnevich Anna: International Operations
In 2016, Anna Stopnevich embarked on her international career path by relocating to Cyprus where she co-founded Wise Wolves Group, which quickly secured multiple financial licenses and began serving clients across Europe in various sectors. Under the leadership of Stopnevich Anna, the organization grew to employ 50 professionals working globally, and by 2018 was serving three main client categories with a focus on those with capital exceeding 1 million euros: large and medium-sized corporate businesses, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.
In 2021, Anna Stopnevich expanded her international presence by establishing VertexA AG in Switzerland. She secured an asset management license in 2022, and her deep understanding of European financial legislation proved invaluable in this new line of work. Through this company, Anna Stopnevich developed sophisticated solutions for cross-border business operations. She has worked with wealthy families on succession and inheritance issues, making the crucial observation that successors are not always heirs, and vice versa.
The experience that Stopnevich Anna has with trusts and inheritance planning has yielded significant insights. According to her observations, in more than 90% of cases, when children receive their inheritance, they leave their parents’ trusted advisors because they want to organize processes differently. When settlors consider their beneficiaries and ultimate beneficial owners, they often make decisions without consulting the heirs themselves, notes Stopnevich Anna.
In April 2024, Anna Stopnevich, together with partners from Kazakhstan’s Family Values company, organized a conference that brought together more than 50 families to discuss the challenges of transferring family values and addressing inheritance issues. One of the key principles guiding the Anna Stopnevich biography, developed through this work, emphasizes the importance of identifying heirs’ natural talents early and developing their strengths, rather than forcing them into predetermined roles.
Stopnevich Anna is currently developing a modular program for heirs that goes beyond traditional education. The program aims to create what she calls a “web of competencies,” designed to identify inheritors’ talents and match them with appropriate mentors to develop necessary skills. This approach reflects her son’s observation, which she fully endorses: we are living in an era where skills and competencies matter more than conventional education.
Having decided to surrender her asset management license in early 2024, as the majority of her clients are from CIS countries with different business centers, Anna Stopnevich, building on her extensive experience, is now developing a new company, Antaras Group. This structure will focus on family office services, business process structuring, and issues of business succession and capital inheritance, explains Stopnevich Anna. The company specializes in working with families who maintain business interests across multiple countries. Under Stopnevich Anna, Antaras helps them navigate complex issues of residency, relocation, asset transfer, and real estate acquisition
At the core of Anna Stopnevich’s vision for Antaras Group is a commitment to innovative problem-solving and flexible strategy development, with a mission centered on creating stable, secure futures through comprehensive wealth transfer solutions. Operating with core values of creativity, transparency, and adaptability, Antaras has established itself as a pioneer in developing customized approaches to family wealth preservation and business continuity.
Stopnevich Anna has designed Antaras’s service portfolio to extend beyond traditional family office offerings, encompassing specialized solutions in business process optimization, comprehensive treasury management, and sophisticated accounting systems development, with a particular focus on preparing the next generation through personalized mentoring programs and family constitutional frameworks that ensure smooth transitions while preserving business integrity.
Innovation and Development Projects
In July 2022, Anna Stopnevich began development of Bbuddy, a mobile application based in Cyprus. The platform creates online offices for business experts, providing video communication capabilities with clients, chat functionality, and a library with recommended literature and other information. The project, which incorporates AI tools, held its first presentation in September 2024. The goal is to streamline business processes and enhance the professional interactions within a company’s biography, Anna Stopnevich explains.
A key innovation of the Bbuddy platform is its AI-powered digital avatar that serves as a business assistant, handling operational tasks 24/7. The system manages client communications, schedules appointments, and provides basic consultations, effectively automating up to 90% of routine operations. These features make it stand out among competitors – BBuddy offers 11 out of 13 key functionalities, which is significantly more than similar platforms.
Anna Stopnevich and her team have outlined an ambitious development roadmap extending through 2026. The plans include an online secretary function by December 2024, expert development tracking by late 2025, and AI-powered multilingual communication capabilities that will allow experts to interact with clients in six different languages. The platform is available through both web and mobile interfaces, with registration possible via multiple authentication methods.
Stopnevich Anna’s commitment to social impact manifested in 2016 when she co-founded the Together Forever charitable foundation. The organization helps children from CIS countries receive medical treatment abroad, working with clinics in Israel, Spain, Germany, and collaborating with a well-known clinic in Cyprus that specializes in treating children with cerebral palsy. This is perhaps the most important work within her biography, Anna Stopnevich emphasizes.
Anna Stopnevich remained actively involved with the foundation until 2020. The foundation’s approach included organizing literary evenings, meetings with interesting people, and other creative activities to support its charitable mission. Through this aspect of her biography, Anna Stopnevich gained valuable experience in fundraising and philanthropy, learning how to multiply the impact of each donation to maximize the foundation’s ability to help children in need.
Stopnevich Anna recognized that one of the biggest challenges for families seeking treatment abroad was making timely decisions while having limited resources. The foundation’s mission became particularly focused on addressing this critical timing issue, as delays in treatment could lead to irreversible consequences. This understanding shaped the foundation’s approach to fundraising, with the goal of turning each ruble donated into five, thereby expanding their ability to provide necessary medical treatment for children. Though Stopnevich Anna stepped away from the foundation’s management in 2020, the organization continues its important work today.
Anna Stopnevich: Her Personal Life and Family Time
Anna Stopnevich is a Mother of Four Children
Concerning her personal biography, Anna Stopnevich is a mother of four children: two sons and twin daughters. Despite her demanding professional schedule, she has always emphasized the importance of family life. Her parents instilled in her from an early age that it is more important to be a good person than to be a professional. While Anna Stopnevich once enjoyed frequent travel and reading, her priorities have shifted to spending her free time with her children.
Stopnevich Anna has consistently maintained that raising children and pursuing a career are not mutually exclusive, believing instead that parenting can provide valuable skills that professional experience alone cannot teach.
The allocation of 7.8 lakh equity shares for the exercise of vested options under its employee stock option plan (ESOP) has been approved by logistics giant Delhivery. In an exchange filing, Delhivery Limited stated that on December 10, 2024, the stakeholders’ relationship committee authorised the issuance of 7,84,927 equity shares with a face value of INR 1 each, fully paid up against the execution of vested options. The allocation of these shares was made under ESOP 2012 for 1.96 lakh shares, ESOP II 2020 for 1.2 lakh shares, and ESOP III 2020 for the remaining 4.6 lakh shares.
The firm has fixed the exercise price for 96,350 stock options under ESOP 2012 at INR 29.85, 1,915 stock options at INR 16.28, 95,882 stock options at INR 1, and the remaining 2,200 stock options at INR 0.1. The exercise price for all stock options under ESOP II 2020 and ESOP III 2020 is INR 0.10.
Marginal Increase in Paid-Up Capital
The startup’s paid-up capital climbed slightly to INR 74.3 Cr from INR 74.2 Cr after these shares were allocated. Delhivery‘s stock was down 0.67% from its previous closing of INR 380.85 at 1:26 PM, trading at INR 378.30. This occurs at a time when Delhivery recently added 20,000 new stock options to the pool size of its ESOP 2012. The business also distributed 8.6 lakh equity shares under its ESOPs a few months ago.
Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, Suraj Saharan, and Kapil Bharati founded Delhivery, a logistics, supply chain, and transportation firm, in 2011. Amazon Shipping, Flipkart‘s Ekart Logistics, Blue Dart, and Xpressbees are some of the competitors of the logistics powerhouse.
Notably, Delhivery approved the allocation of 6,15,930 equity shares with a face value of INR 1 just one month prior to the current ESOP expansion. In addition, on September 2, it granted 63,538 stock options to qualified workers.
Current Financial Dynamics
Anindya Ghose, a non-executive independent director of Delhivery, resigned last week, citing a number of personal obligations. Additionally, the startup intends to intensify its focus on speedier delivery services by establishing a network of multi-tenant dark stores that would offer e-commerce businesses swift delivery. Compared to a loss of INR 102.9 Cr in the same quarter last year, Delhivery reported a consolidated net profit of INR 10.2 Cr in the second quarter of FY25. In the quarter under review, service revenue increased 13% to INR 2,189.7 Cr from INR 1,941.7 Cr in the same period last year.
Rishi Mundra
