If you’ve ever joined a startup, you know the drill: long onboarding PDFs, scattered Google Drive links, and outdated compliance docs. They’re hard to read, harder to remember, and almost impossible to track. For HR specialists and startup leaders, this “old-school” approach creates more problems than it solves. Employees skim. Knowledge slips. Compliance becomes a guessing game.
But startups today can’t afford training inefficiencies. Every lost hour slows growth, every missed compliance update adds risk, and every disengaged employee hurts culture.
That’s why forward-looking HR teams are shifting from dead PDFs to watchable, trackable training— building a modern HR stack that’s as agile as the startups it powers.
The Problem With Traditional HR Onboarding
Static learning: PDFs and text-based training don’t match how employees actually consume content in 2025.
Zero visibility: HR teams can’t see if employees opened, read, or understood the material.
Compliance risk: When regulations change, updating documents is manual, messy, and often overlooked.
Employee disengagement: Training feels like a box to tick, not an experience that builds culture.
This isn’t just inconvenient. It directly impacts retention, compliance, and productivity.
The Shift to Video-First HR Training
Employees today are digital-first learners. They expect video, interactive modules, and knowledge that’s easy to revisit when needed. That’s why the smartest HR teams are adopting video-first training platforms.
With video:
Information is easier to consume and retain.
HR can track who watched, how much, and where attention drops off.
Updates are instant: upload a new video and every employee is aligned.
Training becomes engaging, not exhausting.
This isn’t just a trend. It’s becoming the default expectation inside fast-growing startups.
Docustream’s Role in the New HR Stack
Docustream is designed for HR specialists, managers, and startup leaders who want to leave outdated methods behind.
Instead of static PDFs, Docustream lets HR teams:
Convert policies, onboarding docs, and compliance manuals into watchable training videos.
Track engagement with real-time analytics.
Ensure compliance with verifiable completion records.
Centralize HR knowledge so it grows with the company.
It’s the HR stack for startups that want speed, clarity, and accountability.
Proof Beyond Buzzwords
Time saved: Training creation that once took days now takes minutes.
Employee engagement: Video increases retention by up to 95% compared to text-based formats.
Compliance assurance: Every training is measurable, auditable, and accessible.
Scalability: Whether onboarding 10 or 1,000 employees, Docustream scales without friction.
This is why Docustream is already being recognized as a category-defining HR tool for fast-growth companies.
The Future of HR Training Is Video-First
Startups can’t afford to rely on static PDFs and forgotten drive folders. The future is clear: training must be video-first, measurable, and culture-driven.
Docustream is built to make that future possible, not years from now, but today.
Start your free trial now and turn your first PDF into a watchable training module in minutes.
As part of a business shift, FedEx Supply Chain in Memphis will lay off over 600 employees. On August 27, the logistics colossus with headquarters in Memphis submitted a WARN notification (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification).
FedEx informed the agency that 611 workers at its operations at 4155 Quest Way and 5800 Challenge Drive will be let go. The number of affected employees was not revealed at the time of the August 14 Commercial Appeal report on FedEx Supply Chain layoffs.
WARN Notice Confirms FedEx Supply Chain Layoffs
The WARN notice states that FedEx and impacted employees will coordinate services with the rapid response team of the Greater Memphis Workforce Development Board.
FedEx refused to give ‘The Commercial Appeal’ any more information about the WARN notification. According to a prior statement from the firm, the FedEx Supply Chain customer located in Memphis at 4155 Quest Way and 5800 Challenge Drive will be moving a sizable amount of its operations to a new third-party logistics provider in a different location.
The transition is anticipated to be finished by October 2025. FedEx intends to continue operating a part of its operations in Memphis.
Locations and Number of Employees Affected
FedEx acknowledged that workers at this location were informed beforehand, and many of them will be qualified for other positions within the organisation. According to the official statement from the brand, the business is dedicated to helping impacted workers find new employment, relocate, or receive severance pay, if necessary, including at other FedEx locations in the region.
Network 2.0 Restructure and Prior Layoffs
According to FedEx, these modifications have nothing to do with the reorganisations it made as part of its previously declared network transformation strategy, known as Network 2.0. As part of the restructure, FedEx stated in July that it will be laying off over 480 workers.
Quick
Shots
•Layoffs at 4155 Quest Way and 5800
Challenge Drive facilities.
•Transition to a new 3PL provider to
be completed by October 2025.
•FedEx coordinating with Greater
Memphis Workforce Development Board for assistance.
•Impacted staff may get opportunities
for relocation, severance, or other FedEx roles.
•Business shift as FedEx customer
moves operations to another third-party logistics provider.
Nike, Inc. is an American multinational business that designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services on a global scale.
Nike is a major player in the athletic world. The company pulled in revenue of over US$51.6 billion in its 2023 fiscal year and employs 83,700 people across the world. Just the Nike brand itself is valued at $30 billion as of 2024 – making it the most valuable brand in the sports industry. In 2018, Nike Corporation ranked 89th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest US corporations by total revenue. Nike has a 38.23 percent market share. The Nike marketing plan focuses on innovation, strong brand positioning, digital campaigns, and athlete endorsements to connect with its global audience.
Nike’s target audience ranges in age from 15 to 40 years old. The brand primarily targets teens who look up to famous and successful athletes. However, Nike also targets the middle-aged group to extend its popularity to the younger generation. For example, 40-year-old parents who are into football can influence their children to maintain an active lifestyle.
Nike understands that people who are constantly on the move and leading an active lifestyle are more likely to be interested in their products. This is why they focus on this psychographic segment when advertising and marketing their latest releases.
Nike specifically reminds users that its products are not about making you look good as an athlete, but about making you feel good. This is how it segments behavioral aspects.
Nike’s marketing plan focuses heavily on geographical location because sports vary so much from one place to another. For example, Nike wouldn’t be able to market to football players in India, Finland, or the Philippines because this sport isn’t nearly as popular there as it is in Mexico, England, or Australia.
Nike Marketing Mix
Nike’s marketing team is very strategic in their planning and execution – they understand how to make the most of the four Ps of marketing (product, price, promotion, place). By using a good mix of these elements, Nike can attract more potential customers, which leads to more sales for the company.
Nike Marketing Mix | Nike Marketing Techniques
Nike Pricing Strategy
Nike’s products tend to come with a higher price tag, but this doesn’t bother customers because Nike knows how to emphasize the benefits of their products in their marketing and advertising. This is essential to consumers because it helps them understand what they’re paying for.
Nike Place Strategy
The brand also sells its products through third-party resellers and retailers, which has helped to increase sales. However, the brand has diversified its selling channels by also selling through online stores and physical locations.
Nike Product Strategy
Nike has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, fashion-forward products – something that other brands can’t always say. And Nike takes pride in maintaining this hard-earned reputation.
Nike Product Range
Nike Promotion Strategy
Nike’s marketing efforts are no accident – each campaign is carefully created to target a specific group of people, even those with different demographics and psychographics.
Nike is a household name in the sports world, and its success is due in large part to its marketing strategy. By targeting people’s aspirations, comfort levels, and ethnic values, Nike has positioned itself as a positive and aspirational brand. This has helped it achieve tremendous success worldwide.
With a swoosh logo and “Just do it” tagline it has touched millions of people.
A genius collection of marketing strategies is what makes Nike a successful brand.
Nike’s success didn’t happen by accident – they worked hard to create a loyal customer base by implementing specific strategies. Let’s take a look at how they did it.
Personalization
Customers choose high-quality goods with significant advantages. Things that help them individually are simple justifications in their eyes.
Personalization is NIKE’s key competitive advantage. It positions itself as a premium fitness brand by fusing cutting-edge technology with human psychology to increase client acquisition.
Almost every component of its marketing mix uses its two-ingredient customization approach.
People may change the color of their shoes using the “Nike By You” product collection. With the addition of the most recent technology in 2018, customers could now use their smartphones to point at their feet and receive the ideal shoe size. Customers can enjoy remarkable shopping experiences at its concept stores, which elevate the retail environment.
If you provide your clients with a customized shopping experience, 77% of them will pay a premium and promote you to others.
Nike Customization
Value Propositions
A factor driving 40% of consumers to choose NIKE items over rivals is the company’s distinctive value offer. It markets its products using a healthy lifestyle as a differentiator.
It exhorts individuals to pursue an active lifestyle and promotes its shoes as the ideal solution.
Nike swiftly followed up their Running Free campaign with a Running Free collection to inspire people to act. The marketing strategy generated a lot of interest and raised brand awareness for the product.
If you go back to NIKE’s earlier campaigns, you can see that Nike has been utilizing this strategy for decades.
To increase sales, it promoted jogging as a trend, developed a fitness routine to market its gear, and elevated its shoes to the status of a fashion statement.
Steps, Nike
To draw clients, it essentially promotes lifestyle improvements as its special selling point.
Don’t sell products, sell ideas!
Brand Equity
Because of its strong brand equity, Nike is one of the few businesses that has successfully maintained its top position for years. By developing a strong brand, distinguishable personality, and reliable image, it has solidified a position in the sports market.
Nike has sought to be connected to inspiration, success, and innovation ever since its founding in 1964. It began with a distinctive brand identity to achieve it, selecting the name of the Greek Goddess who stands for victory and the swoosh logo to symbolize speed.
It worked with well-known sportsmen to increase the value of its products, and it ran motivational ads to reinforce its brand. Its iconic logo is a status symbol for millions of customers.
Your product’s perceived worth is raised by your brand equity. It enables you to elevate your brand’s reputation and command higher pricing for your goods.
Storytelling
The cornerstone of Nike’s marketing strategy is narrative and emotionally engaging advertising. It’s how it originally attracted attention, built its reputation, and today conveys its brand values.
When it first introduced the “Just Do It” campaign in 1988, it used a straightforward setting to tell the life story of 80-year-old marathon runner Walt Scott. It still employs the Ad, which was one of its most effective marketing initiatives, to draw in consumers.
Nike – Just Do It (1988) – Very first commercial | Marketing Strategies of Nike
Its uplifting theme helped its “What are girls made of” campaign, which promoted women’s sports, garnering three million views. The “find greatness” campaigns it ran helped it grow its membership by 55% and improve revenues to $506 million.
The two instances mentioned above are just a few. NIKE uses social and occasionally contentious issues to spark interest and touch a nerve to elicit a response.
Relevance is important in advertising, and Nike incorporates this component into their marketing initiatives. The message will remain with the viewers if they can relate to the main idea and moral lesson of the advertisements.
It is one of its most successful strategies and has markedly increased its brand image. It is now considered its go-to marketing tactic.
Seamless Online Shopping Experience
Nike’s website offers a smooth and engaging online shopping experience with a bold, vibrant, and youthful theme that matches its brand image. The site uses fearless and athletic visuals, like women exercising in Nike sportswear, to connect with its audience. Customers can easily find what they want through detailed filters such as type, gender, price, color, sport, or even athlete collaborations. The site also suggests related products to make shopping quick and effortless. Plus, Nike membership gives exclusive access to special products, customization options, and personalized offers, making the overall experience more rewarding.
Endorsements
NIKE typically uses sponsorships and endorsements to sell its athletic apparel. To promote itself, it spends billions on sponsorship deals with well-known athletes and sports organizations.
Celebrities and influencers play a key role in Nike’s marketing plan. By collaborating with those who have traveled the same path as the brand, brand communication will be strengthened. The brand sponsors individual athletes. This is because people admire those who have overcome hardships in their own life.
Tiger Woods, a golfing superstar, and the company inked an agreement in 1996 that saw a $22 million rise in the value of the brand from just one game. Because of its agreement with Tiger Woods, it has attracted 4.5 million subscribers and generated considerable earnings on its own.
Another excellent example of its successful endorsement strategy, which has earned it an average of $4 billion annually to date, is its well-known association with Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan Endorsing Nike | Marketing Strategy of Nike
Endorsements also aid Nike in boosting the value of its brand. Due to its association with NFL star Colin Kaepernick, its “True to 7” shoe goods were completely sold out within hours of being on sale.
Large-scale sponsorships of events or recreational activities provide media exposure and face-to-face interaction that online marketing cannot replicate.
Product Innovation
The success of NIKE’s product strategy is frequently attributed to its emphasis on providing a better solution and enhancing performance.
The company considers the preferences of its customers and adjusts its features to fit the prevailing trends. As a consequence, its customers almost always have positive feedback to share about its products.
Bill Bowerman, the company’s creator, was a field coach who intended to create soles that might increase running speed. His research led to the “Moon Shoe,” which established the demand for lightweight shoes.
To stay ahead of the competition, NIKE also incorporates variety into its product range. It provides both casual streetwear and sportswear. Its market size has grown thanks to this strategy, which has also drawn in new market categories.
By developing innovative designs every year, NIKE increases the value of its products. Because of this, its goods are of great quality and are revolutionary.
As a well-known worldwide retailer, NIKE relies heavily on wholesale sales. However, if you look closely, you will see that it has heavily invested in its direct-to-consumer selling platforms. Because they not only provide a better profit margin in comparison but also make it possible to develop connections with customers.
For many years, NIKE has consistently sold its goods through respectable retailers like Urban Outfitters and Macy’s. However, when online shopping became more popular, it discovered the possibilities of direct-to-consumer marketing and changed its emphasis to eCommerce sales. Its D2C sales have increased from 15% to 38% since then.
In 2017, it formally revamped its whole distribution strategy and began severing relationships with several significant partners in favor of its physical stores and online shops.
Through its shopping online app and eCommerce businesses, it acquired millions of consumers as a result of the decision.
Nike guarantees a simple, fun, and hassle-free online shopping experience. The eCommerce platform for Nike has some incredible features:
Bold branding on websites
Smart product suggestions
Detail-oriented product filtering
Loyalty Programs
Currently, Nike anticipates that 50% of its sales will come from digital channels.
Social Media Marketing
The most popular brand globally, Nike, has by far the most social media following. Most of its postings receive frequent good feedback from its followers, and half of its tweets are shared several times.
Take a peek at Nike’s social media pages to discover how popular the company has grown. 10.1 million people follow it on X (formerly Twitter) and 305 million people follow it on Instagram (as of July 2024). Nike often asks its followers to share their own stories and experiences using hashtags. This is part of their digital marketing strategy to start conversations and build a sense of community.
Nike Instagram | Nike Marketing Strategies
Over 300 accounts are maintained across all social media platforms. Many major corporations do have control over many sites, but Nike goes a step further by creating different pages for its goods, consumer demographics, and geolocation. This makes it possible for it to quickly develop targeted ads and drive relevant traffic to its product websites.
With interactive challenges, it keeps its fans thoroughly delighted. By establishing programs like The Chance and Fuel Your Team, NIKE engages its fans directly, garners a ton of attention, and expands its reach.
Nike’s social media marketing strategy uses the following tactics:
Collaborate with eminent personalities
Participate in consumer dialogues
Using user-generated content
Spread out your stories throughout social media platforms
The majority of NIKE’s social media tactics aren’t all that distinctive from those of other powerful businesses. It has only been able to establish a more substantial online presence as a result of utilizing social media interaction tools.
Therefore, if you want to use Nike’s marketing tactics, you must identify your target demographic, determine how to reach them, and provide content that speaks to their needs. Also, keep in mind: Sell ideas, not products!
Nike is best known for its footwear, apparel, and equipment.
What are the marketing strategies that helped Nike build a loyal customer base?
Here is a list of marketing strategies that helped Nike build a loyal customer base and build a globally popular brand:
Personalization
Value proposition
Brand Equity
Storytelling
Endorsements
Product innovation
E-retailing
Social media strategy
What is Nike’s targeting strategy?
Nike’s target audience ranges in age from 15 to 40 years old. The brand primarily targets teens who look up to famous and successful athletes. However, Nike also targets the middle-aged group to extend its popularity to the younger generation.
What is Nike product development strategy?
Nike’s product development strategy focuses on innovation, technology, and style, creating high-performance sportswear that blends function with fashion while collaborating with athletes and designers to stay ahead of trends.
What is Nike advertising strategy?
Nike’s advertising strategy uses emotional storytelling, athlete endorsements, and bold campaigns to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.
Since password hackers have carried out a considerable number of “successful intrusions”, Google has advised the majority of its 2.5 billion Gmail users to reset their passwords and improve account security.
Users are being advised to adopt additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication, if they haven’t already, and to keep a close eye out for any unusual activity.
Common Hacking Tactics Targeting Gmail
Hackers frequently obtain Gmail passwords by fooling users into disclosing their two-factor authentication codes or by sending emails with links to phoney sign-in sites. According to Google research, barely one-third of users update their strong, one-of-a-kind passwords on a regular basis.
Google’s Advice for Stronger Account Protection
In addition, Google has urged users to strengthen their security procedures following a hack of its own Salesforce database. Google issued a warning in June that malicious actors were using social engineering attacks to fool people by pretending to be IT support staff members.
What Data Was Exposed?
The company claimed that this tactic was “particularly effective in tricking employees.” Although the hacking technique may be utilised for more severe attacks in the future, it primarily compromised publicly accessible data, such as contact information for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In a blog post published in June, Google stated that it thinks threat actors that use the “ShinyHunters” brand might be getting ready to establish a data leak site (DLS) in order to intensify their extortion efforts. It went on to say that these new strategies, which include those connected to the recent UNC6040 Salesforce data breaches, are probably meant to put more pressure on victims.
Who Are the ShinyHunters?
On August 8, it sent out an email to all users affected by this event. Originating from the Pokémon franchise, ShinyHunters was founded in 2020 and has since been connected to multiple high-profile hacks of companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, Santander, and Ticketmaster.
Google Blocking Unverified APKs from 2026
A big update that Google has revealed for Android might drastically affect how apps are deployed on the platform. The business will mandate that verified developers register all apps on certified Android devices beginning in September 2026. Users will no longer be able to sideload programs from unidentified or unconfirmed sources as a result.
Why Google Is Tightening App Security
Google claims that this action is intended to improve security and lower the possibility of malware, which is frequently distributed by hackers using APKs. The goal of the new regulation, according to Google, is “improving Android’s security to keep it open and safe.” The business contends that requiring developers to authenticate themselves will provide the ecosystem a crucial new level of accountability.
Quick
Shots
•Hackers carried out “successful
intrusions” into Gmail accounts.
Banking infrastructure platform TransBnk today announced its $25 million Series B Fundraise led by Bessemer Venture Partners with participation from Arkam Ventures and Fundamentum Partnership, with participation from existing investors 8i Ventures, Accion Venture Labs, GMO Venture Partners. The funds will primarily be used for geographical expansion and bolstering tech & Product talent.
Founded in 2022 by Vaibhav Tambe, Lavin Kotian, Pulak Jain and Sachin Gupta, TransBnk is building a common operating system for fintechs and other institutions to access the banking ecosystem. Their ‘single-window’ offering allows clients to leverage API infrastructure from various banks for seamless onboarding, transactions and reconciliations.
Over the past decade, there has been much tech-first innovation on the retail banking side that has made consumer journeys nimble and seamless. Corporate & business banking, however, has long lagged behind the innovation seen in retail banking. There is a gaping void in how corporations and lenders manage their digital banking operations, especially when it comes to navigating a fragmented ecosystem of accounts, interfaces, and manual processes. While retail users enjoy seamless, mobile-first banking journeys, corporate customers often rely on spreadsheets, RM calls, and multiple portals just to get basic tasks done. This is the gap which TransBnk aims to plug, by embedding itself directly into the core infrastructure of banks, enabling companies to view, transact, and reconcile across their multiple banking relationships in one unified, programmable interface.
TransBnk aims to capitalise on a larger industry trend – banks are moving away from monolithic, capex-heavy software stacks. Legacy providers are costly and can take years to implement, often delivering clunky and fragmented solutions. TransBnk offers an opex-led, modular alternative, starting with payment and lending rails, and potentially evolving into a full customer engagement layer or even a next-gen core for corporate banking. TransBnk therefore delivers modern infrastructure that is highly technical and complex, while demonstrating strong capital efficiency and profitability at this early stage, aiming to be the backbone of India’s corporate banking future. This allows banks to also upgrade their tech-stack to remain relevant and competitive.
TransBnk’s unique value proposition has translated into robust business metrics. They have grown from seed to double digit million in annual dollar revenue in less than 24 months. They have also integrated with 40+ banks, which include leading private and public sector players, MNC Banks as well as Small Finance Banks. They have more than 220 clients accessing nearly 1500 APIs on a monthly basis.
What sets the founding team apart is their deep experience in the field of corporate banking as well as transaction banking – a niche, specialized, and highly relationship-driven space, and the founders bring over 7 decades of collective experience in this domain.
Vishal Gupta, Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners said “We are excited to partner with the Transbnk team. Their deep industry expertise makes them best placed to disrupt corporate banking and transaction banking in India, making it more seamless and reducing fragmentation. Corporate banking has lagged behind their retail counterparts, where over the past 10 years innovation in this space has allowed users to enjoy frictionless, mobile-first banking journeys. We are confident that Transbnk will bring the same transformative spirit and user delight to the corporate and transaction banking ecosystem”
Vikram Chachra of 8i ventures said “We’re thrilled to welcome Bessemer, Fundamentum, and Arkam to the TransBnk family. When we led the seed round, we believed TransBnk could become the new foundational layer for corporate banking in India. Just two years later, it has emerged as India’s fastest-growing fintech infrastructure platform, putting banks back at the centre of the fintech landscape and enabling them to serve a new generation of digital-first businesses.”
Vaibhav Tambe, CEO and co-founder, TransBnk commented that “Series B is a massive growth catalyst—fueling our roadmap to scale, innovate, and set new benchmarks in global transaction banking. Our proprietary tech Infra is already powering leading NBFCs, Fintech players, Banks, Corporates and we are now expanding this across BFSI, Mid-Corporate & SMEs. TransBnk is strategically placed to expand beyond India, with encouraging traction in SEA and Middle East markets, while at the same time focused on consolidating our strength in the domestic market as an emerging leader in banking infrastructure.”
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The Indian online gaming industry is flourishing with a wide variety of games that are letting young and old indulge in them. Among all other outdoor games including cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball, India is also witnessing a rise in the popularity of several indoor games like ludo, pool, carrom, free fire, and more, which are also letting the gamers of India rewarded with real cash prizes among a list of other rewards.
The large youth population and the rapid penetration of the internet have made the country really witness a gaming revolution that includes fantasy sports and social gaming platforms over the past decade or so. To name one of the most popular gaming hubs in India is to talk about WinZO. The New Delhi-based social gaming platform is well-known for offering monetary benefits and prizes to players from around the country.
Founded by Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore in 2018, WinZO has been ingeniously developed as a vernacular gaming platform to tap into the Indian audiences hailing from Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities.
WinZO offers an array of popular games from PubG to cricket, rummy, and more, which make up an enviable collection of 100+ games that reward users online. Read about WinZO Games, Founders and Team, Business model, Revenue Model, Growth, Funding and Investors, Name, Tagline, Logo, Awards, Challenges, Future Plans, and more.
WinZO is a microtransactions-powered vernacular entertainment platform, which has 100+ games served in 5 formats to users in 10+ regional languages. The diverse game offerings include hyper-casual games such as Candy Crush, Metro Surfer, Carrom, Chess, Ludo, and Pool to Mid-core flagship esports IPs like Free Fire.
WinZO is a member of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and FICCI. It is also known as the proud sponsor of Patna Pirates, Gujarat Giants, and Bengal Warriors.
WinZO is built with the idea of emerging as the ‘Netflix of Gaming’- one platform with games to play with your friends. To boost the gaming infrastructure in the country, WinZO partners with individual, mid-size, and large global studios to bring a variety of games to its users on a single platform.
The social gaming startup also helps the developers improve their revenue by providing them with an alternative and a far more efficient model of monetization led by microtransactions rather than conventional in-app purchases and advertisements. The partner developers of WinZO have clocked 100 more revenues from their games on WinZO in India as compared to their distribution channels such as Google Play Store, Apple Store, etc.
In the short term, WinZO aspires to be the preferred platform of choice for both its stakeholders- gamers in Bharat (Tier 2 – Tier 5) and game developers. The company is always innovating and bringing products and features to empower its users and game developers.
Also, their decentralized language management portal has empowered housewives and college-going students by helping them earn up to Rs 30,000 per month, thereby letting them become financially independent. Here, they only needed to help localize their product and add languages, remotely from their homes. For game developers, WinZO has come up with the Developers’ consoles to facilitate their outreach to the company and become more entrepreneurial in game development in light of assured revenue streams of up to 100x.
In the long term, WinZO envisions serving as a one-stop platform for all mobile-first entertainment media in India and other developing markets driven by the power of communities and microtransactions.
The company is empowering all its stakeholders on multiple fronts. The primary problem that WinZO started to solve was the efficient monetization of games in developing economies where in-app purchases and advertisements do not work. Through their microtransaction model, where 200 million+ microtransactions are clocked per month, their partner studios have witnessed growth up to 100X in their revenues. Hence, the model definitely has proved to be effective.
WinZO Products/Services
WinZO is an off-Play Store app, which hosts 70+ casual to mid-core games in 5 formats and 10 Indian regional languages. The games range from rummy, pool, carrom, ludo, call break, bingo, chess, 29 card games, archery game, bubble shooter, and more.
Users here get the thrill of competition and instant gratification. It also ensures the personalization of content to serve users with relevant games based on their engagement patterns on the platform. The company is developing a community of gamers who can engage and compete with each other via features such as WinZO Versus.
To make outreach easier for the developers, they have also launched WinZO Developer Console where any developer can sign up and submit content for integration on the app. The console has garnered massive traction, with over 1,000 games being submitted from across the globe. It also provides real-time analytics related to the game for efficient monitoring of the performance and ensuring transparency. WinZO also offers WinZO store, which brings gaming coupons, Gaana coupons, Nykaa coupons, and more.
WinZO is in the Indian online gaming industry, which was projected to reach a market size of $60 billion by 2034 in a 2025 report by WinZO and IEIC. WinZO targets a user base of over 250 million registered users in India, with a focus on the “Tier 2-Tier 5” audience in smaller towns and rural areas, alongside its recent expansion into the US and other international markets. The company relied mainly on the Tier 2 cities and beyond to achieve the estimated growth.
This is because when the company scrutinized the market, they were surprised to discover that around 80% of active gamers in India are from non-metro locations. Yes, it was found out that somewhere between 40% and 60% of the overall gamer population of India are from Tier II towns and beyond. All of this helped WinZO scale fast and grow large enough to be one of the most popular gaming companies of today. The company targets the small cities of India, where the gamers’ ages range between 18 and 35 years.
WinZO – Founders and team
WinZO was co-founded by Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore.
Co-founders of WinZO
Paavan Nanda
Paavan is an engineer from NSIT, who later went to IIM-Calcutta and to the Copenhagen Business School. He worked with Bain & Company, Abbott Labs, and Merrill Lynch before co-founding Zostel Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which emerged with ZO Rooms, an affordable and technology-driven hostel chain. However, ZO Rooms, after a failed merger with OYO, shut down, but it failed to put a halt to the rising entrepreneurial instinct of Nanda, who then co-founded WinZO with Saumya Singh Rathore in 2018.
Saumya Singh Rathore
Saumya is the co-founder of the vernacular social gaming platform, WinZO. She has a Master’s in Psychology from The University of Manchester and eventually obtained a degree in Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. Saumya had already worked with Paavan Nanda in Zo Rooms before the duo decided to found WinZO.
WinZO, currently, is a tight-knit team of around 40 young, enthusiastic, passionate, and talented people who believe in the company’s vision and hustle together to work on the most advanced cutting-edge technologies and provide the best value to the users. When the team closed its Series A and had 5 Million+ users, it was only a 9-member team.
The work culture at WinZO is as vibrant, customer-focused, and fun as it might be imagined in a gaming venture. The team works hard at exemplary execution speed to push great new exciting features for the users and each small achievement is appreciated and celebrated. Weekly office parties and milestone celebrations also bring extra motivation and energy to the team.
“We at WinZO believe that hiring right is more effective than hiring fast – peer interviews is how you get on with the mission. It is always a great support to have a team which is self-motivated, target driven, accountable and committed to the vision. Hence, we hire the best talent with the right value alignment with the company’s core values.”, said Paavan Nanda, co-founder of WinZO.
Most of our relatively new colleagues have joined us through the recommendations from their friends already working with us as they wanted to be a part of our journey to build the Netflix of Gaming and solve some of the most challenging tech problems of the country – Saumya Singh Rathore, co-founder of WinZO.
WinZO – Startup Story | How was WinZO Started?
WinZO was conceptualized after studying the revolution that affordable smartphones and Reliance Jio had created in India in 2015-16, by providing users from even the remotest corners of the country, with powerful devices and affordable high-speed internet connections. Thanks to this revolution, India became the global leader in in-game downloads.
However, there was clearly a problem of efficient monetization for games in high-potential developing markets that needed to be solved. This marked the journey of WinZO. To validate the concept, WinZO was launched as a subscription-based trivia app to monitor the user acceptance of the model.
Based on the encouraging results of this POC, they launched a micro-transaction powered vernacular hyper-casual gaming platform where users pay small sums of INR 2 – INR 25 to participate in real-time multiplayer games and win prizes from the pool of rewards set aside for them. This model had the elements of regional language, real-time competition, and affordability in consuming content yet paying for it. Together, these made WinZO an instant hit among the users of vernacular Bharat.
WinZO focuses on competitive multiplayer gaming experiences and is charged with the mission to create a culturally relevant mobile games platform with a broad rate of adoption.
WinZO aims to lead the Indian online gaming ecosystem with an expansive influencer network that is capable of catering to 50+ million registered users of the platform.
WinZO – USP and Innovation
WinZO’s USP has always been its innovative and inclusive approachto solving real-life problems. While the intuitive approach for any gaming company would be to tap the easier metro and tier-1 audience first, WinZO saw and successfully tapped the potential of the real Bharat (Tier 2-Tier 5 towns, rural India) through its deep-down distribution strategy.
To facilitate this, they offer the support of 10+ regional Indian languages on the app. Their vision is to democratize entrepreneurship: They have decentralized language management through their portal to engage women who work from home to get a truly vernacular experience for players in Bharat.
For game developers, WinZO has helped them become more entrepreneurial in game development in light of assured and sustainable revenue streams. As many developers aren’t aware of the intricacies of this complex market, their 80% paying active user base ensures that the games are generating revenue from day 1 at no user acquisition expenses for the developers.
The team took ‘ZO’ from their previous venture ZO Rooms/Zostel. ZO stands for speed & energy – so it’s winning fast! Plus, when they Googled the word, they didn’t find anything, so that solved the SEO hassles with no money spent!
WinZO Logo
WinZO – Business Model and Revenue Model
As per App Annie 2018 Gaming Report, India stood highest in terms of Game downloads – at the same time in the bottom 10 for in-app purchases. The problem that WinZO is addressing is fairly simple: Bharat is in love with Gaming, but the Quality Studios/Independent developers do not see much potential in Bharat.
The WinZO Business Model is simple – Build the Gaming Ecosystem in Bharat.It aims to do that in three ways:
Provide a one-stop Game Developer Console to the Gaming Studios – where it can publish the games and earn revenues out of it.
Charge platform commission fees from all the games and share the revenue with the Game Developers via its Console.
Offer employment opportunities to students and housewives across Bharat to provide content for quizzes via its indigenous portal.
The most challenging part that WinZO faced was generating the feeling of trust in the minds of the users, who were seated in the remote areas of Bharat.
“What has worked well for us is – the entire product was on beta for at least six months and we were on stealth mode. We generated lots of insights around how to build trust and the product is designed for the users of Bharat who are from tier 2/3/4 towns. We also decided to be vernacular and be transparent to our users so that it’s easy for them to build trust on the platform.”, said Paavan Nanda.
As a result, they are now available in around 12 Regional Languages and nearly 90% of their audience is from the tier 2/3/4 towns of Bharat.
A significant other challenge is profitability, which the company is yet to gain, as reported last in FY20.
WinZO Copyright Infringement
WinZO has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against gaming giant Mobile Premier League (MPL) because it thinks that the latter has copied its gaming format “World War”. World War is a game launched by WinZO in April 2020, which currently boasts around 80 million registered users. As far as reports, WinZO has already applied for a patent for the invention and copyright registration with regards to the expression of the format and trademark of World War.
It all started when WinZO discovered that MPL has allegedly copied the format and the name of the game. However, it took down the format from its platform as soon as it was informed of the same but the latter again started with “Team Clash”, which allegedly used the same format that was identical to “World War”. Besides, the notifications/popups and more that were sent to the users were also similar. Following the discovery of this new game, WinZO has already sent a legal notice to MPL, who doesn’t want to take down the format this time, as of June 4th 2022 reports.
The company raised its seed money, an undisclosed amount from K-Start. WinZO has also set up a fund of $1.5 Million to support Game Developers in India. On July 2, 2021, WinZO announced raising an amount of $65 million on a Series C funding round led by California-based Griffin Gaming Partners. The company has raised a total of $110.5 million in its fundraising to date.
Here is the list of WinZO funding rounds:
Date
Stage
Amount
Investor
July 2, 2021
Series C
$65 million
Griffin Gaming Partners
May 3, 2021
Series B
$13 Million
–
April 9, 2021
Debt Financing
$9.5 Million
–
September 3, 2020
Series B
$18 Million
Courtside Ventures, Makers Fund
April 17, 2020
Seed Round
–
–
February 22, 2019
Series A
$5 Million
Hike, Kalaari Capital
WinZO – Acquisitions
WinZO acquired Upskillz Games in its maiden acquisition on June 21, 2022. The deal was an all-cash deal with which a majority stake in Upskillz was acquired by WinZO. Mannit Sidhu founded Upskillz Games in December 2020, which already boasts of having a month-on-month (MoM) growth rate of 75% since it started. Besides, it also had a captive user base of 1.3 mn users, along with blockchain and Web3 offerings, all of which will be added by WinZO now.
Company Name
Date
Deal Value
Upskillz Games
June 21, 2022
–
WinZO – Advertisements and Campaigns
MS Dhoni – Brand Ambassador of WinZO
In 2022, WinZO brought on MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador. Since then, the legendary cricketer has appeared in several of the brand’s ads. According to the company, having MS Dhoni as the face of the brand will boost awareness and engagement within India’s social gaming community, helping to establish social and interactive gaming. Paavan Nanda, co-founder of WinZO, said, “With MS Dhoni, we aim to bring social gaming to people across all ages and genders in this country.”
WinZO has partnered with popular YouTuber Ajey Nagar, commonly referred to as CarryMinati, to serve as its brand ambassador on January 19, 2022. After CarryMinati, WinZO trumps by choosing “BB ki vines” feat, Filmfare recipient digital sensation Bhuvan Bam as its brand ambassador, as the company PR goes dated February 15, 2022. The Vernacular Online Gaming Giant announced that this collaboration with BB will help the company create culturally relevant content that would be relatable even for the persons belonging to the remoter sections of the country.
The Indian content creator from Faridabad, who boasts of having over 34 million subscribers will now be coming up with interesting game-related content that will unique, engaging, and relatable on his streaming channel ‘Carryislive’. Furthermore, he also signed up for another solo integration on his major YouTube channel ‘CarryMinati‘ as part of this relationship. Here’s what WinZO Co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore remarked on this development,
“We are thrilled to have him on board. We collectively hope to further our vision of promoting the spirit of winning and culturally relevant content across Bharat.”
The New Delhi-based interactive social gaming company declared that it will be the official sports brand partner of the Ranveer Singh film ’83’ in December 2021.
India’s largest social gaming and entertainment platform has partnered with the Ogilvy Chairman of Global Creative and Executive Chairman Piyush Pandey to launch its multilingual brand campaign to deliver ‘winning moments’ through a relatable social platform in December 2021.
The campaign that was launched with the tagline and hashtag “Jeetne mein Kick hai” by Leo Burnett Orchard has won a creative mandate for the same, as per reports dated December 2020.
WinZO – Advisors and Mentors
Kalaari is not only an investor but a great partner who is guiding the company all along the way as they are building this for Bharat. It is very important to note that WinZO is Kalaari’s second-largest bet in gaming, second only to Dream11. The team gets to learn a lot from how Harsh managed to build a profitable venture in the Indian Startup ecosystem.
WinZO is fortunate to have had Revant Bhate & Rahul Garg come in very early to push them to build this product with a sharp focus on unit economics. A fund like Kalaari has vast exposure to what works and what doesn’t in the long term. This early understanding would help them to build sustainably.
“We also have received a huge support from Kavin Bharti Mittal who has also backed the venture. Kavin is one of the finest product experts and his insights are always critical in building WinZO as the entertainment destination for Bharat. He has tremendous experience in building and distributing Hike – a home grown tech unicorn.”, said Pavaan Nanda.
WinZO – Recognition and Achievements
WinZO received the following awards and recognitions in the past couple of years since they started their journey:
Digital entertainment platform WinZO has announced its official launch in the US, expanding its international footprint.
“The launch of WinZO in the US is a proud milestone for us and for India’s digital entertainment ecosystem. Our vision has always been to empower Indian game developers to reach global audiences. Entering the US, the world’s largest and most influential gaming market, is a decisive step towards that mission,” said Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda, cofounders of WinZO.
The company also announced the launch of ZO TV, a short-video platform. “This further diversifies our content offerings and strengthens WinZO’s position as a global hub and one-stop destination for interactive entertainment,” Rathore added. WinZO’s expansion into the US is a critical part of its strategy to become the global go-to consumer technology platform for all new-age content consumption, the company said. After diversifying its formats and monetisation strategies, WinZO is now leapfrogging into geographical expansion.
FAQs
What is WinZO?
WinZO can be described as one of India’s largest social gaming and entertainment platform that was launched in 2018. WinZO offers its platform to third-party game developers who can host their games and earn up to 100X in revenue.
Is WinZO a Chinese app?
No, WinZO App is an Indian App headquartered in New Delhi, India.
What is WinZO launch date?
WinZO was launched in 2018.
Is WinZO App legal?
Yes, WinZO was founded in 2018 and is a 100% legal and genuine gaming platform that operates in most of the states in India. It is in fact counted to be one of India’s best gaming apps in the social category.
Who is the owner of WinZO?
Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore are the Founders of WinZO.
Who is the CEO of WinZO?
Paavan Nanda is the Co-founder and CEO of WinZO.
How does WinZO make money?
WinZO makes money through in-app purchases, advertising, and partnerships with game developers and brands. Players spend money on virtual goods, while ads and brand collaborations generate additional revenue.
Is WinZO app safe?
Yes, the WinZO app is generally considered safe. The platform collaborates with the security community to ensure its services and data are protected. However, as with any app, it’s important to download it from trusted sources like Google Play or the App Store and follow security best practices.
Is WinZO gold real or fake?
WinZO is certified for Real Money Gaming, meaning it meets strict regulatory standards for financial transactions. This certification guarantees that all monetary activities on the platform, such as deposits and withdrawals, are secure and transparent.
Step into the world of PUMA, the iconic sportswear giant that has dominated the global market with its unparalleled style and innovation. Since its formation in 1948, PUMA has sprinted ahead, leaving competitors in the dust and etching its name into the annals of sporting history. With a rich tapestry of achievements and strategic marketing prowess, PUMA continues to hold a formidable position in the market, captivating athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.
PUMA’s journey began when Rudolf Dassler, a mastermind of athletic footwear, broke free from his partnership with his brother and founded his brand. From those humble beginnings, PUMA quickly gained traction, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the sporting arena. The company’s revolutionary track spikes propelled athletes to new heights, setting records and capturing the imagination of sports enthusiasts worldwide.
PUMA’s audacious designs have graced the feet of sporting legends, including Usain Bolt and Serena Williams, who have shattered records and redefined greatness. PUMA’s market share speaks volumes about its dominance. With an enviable presence in over 120 countries, the brand has carved out a substantial slice of the sportswear market. Its relentless pursuit of excellence has not only captured the hearts of athletes but also made an indelible mark in the fashion industry. PUMA’s ability to seamlessly fuse performance and style has propelled it to the forefront of sportswear, making it a coveted choice for trendsetters worldwide.
In the ever-evolving world of sportswear, PUMA stands tall as an unstoppable force. Its rich history, unparalleled sales, and steadfast market share attest to its enduring relevance.
PUMA, the trailblazing sportswear powerhouse, has meticulously crafted its brand image to resonate with a diverse and dynamic target audience. Through a keen understanding of consumer preferences, PUMA has honed in on a specific demographic, capturing the hearts and wallets of individuals who embody the spirit of athleticism and crave fashionable performance.
PUMA appeals to a wide range of age groups, from energetic youths seeking the latest trends to seasoned adults embracing an active lifestyle. Its youthful and vibrant designs attract teenagers and young adults who are passionate about sports and fashion, while its sleek and sophisticated offerings appeal to mature individuals who prioritize both style and functionality.
PUMA casts its net far and wide, encompassing both urban centers and suburban landscapes. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-soaked beaches of Rio de Janeiro, PUMA’s global reach ensures its presence in key markets across the globe. Its ability to adapt to local tastes and cultural nuances has solidified its position as a sought-after brand in various regions, bridging the gap between fashion-forward metropolises and athletic communities.
Whether it’s a budding athlete striving for greatness or a fashion-conscious individual seeking to make a statement, PUMA’s allure lies in its ability to embody the spirit of triumph and self-expression. Its products transcend mere utility, becoming symbols of personal achievement and the pursuit of one’s passions.
PUMA has mastered the art of strategic marketing, leveraging a powerful mix of elements to captivate consumers and secure its position as an industry heavyweight. From its innovative product offerings to its bold promotional campaigns, PUMA’s marketing mix is a carefully crafted symphony that resonates with its target audience, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike.
PUMA Marketing Mix
PUMA Product Strategy
At the core of PUMA’s marketing mix lies its product strategy, where innovation takes center stage. PUMA continually pushes the boundaries of design, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek aesthetics to create products that not only perform at the highest level but also make a bold fashion statement. Whether it’s their state-of-the-art running shoes engineered for optimal performance or their trend-setting athleisure wear that seamlessly transitions from the gym to the streets, PUMA ensures its products embody both style and functionality.
PUMA Website
PUMA Price Strategy
The brand strikes a delicate balance, offering premium-quality sportswear at a competitive price point, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers. By aligning its prices with the perceived value and leveraging strategic partnerships and collaborations, PUMA maximizes its appeal while maintaining a strong foothold in the market.
PUMA Place Strategy
Distribution plays a pivotal role in PUMA’s marketing mix, ensuring its products reach consumers across the globe. With a robust network of retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and strategic partnerships, PUMA maintains a strong presence in key markets. By strategically placing its products within reach of its target audience, PUMA ensures accessibility and convenience, enhancing its brand appeal.
PUMA Promotion Strategy
PUMA’s promotional efforts are a testament to its bold and captivating approach. The brand’s marketing campaigns exude energy and inspiration, seamlessly blending sports and fashion to create a powerful narrative. PUMA embraces influential athletes and cultural icons, partnering with them to create engaging content and amplify its brand message. From high-profile endorsements and sponsorships to captivating social media campaigns, PUMA leverages multiple channels to connect with its audience and ignite their passion for the brand.
PUMA’s marketing mix embodies the brand’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and a bold and captivating brand image.
PUMA, renowned for its dynamic and captivating marketing campaigns, has orchestrated a series of top-notch initiatives that have left an indelible mark on the advertising landscape. One of its standout campaigns was “Forever Faster”, launched in 2014. This audacious and high-energy campaign featured global sporting icons like Usain Bolt, Mario Balotelli, and Rihanna, showcasing their prowess and capturing the essence of PUMA’s brand values. “Forever Faster” not only reinforced PUMA’s commitment to performance but also positioned the brand as a symbol of ambition and achievement.
Forever Faster | Calling All Troublemakers ft. Usain Bolt,Mario Balotelli and Others | PUMA Marketing Strategies
Another notable campaign was “Do You,” introduced in 2016. This empowering initiative sought to celebrate individuality and inspire self-confidence. By embracing diversity and encouraging self-expression, “Do You” struck a chord with consumers who sought authenticity and empowerment in their sportswear choices. The campaign not only resonated with PUMA’s target audience but also garnered critical acclaim for its bold and inclusive messaging.
PUMA Women Indonesia | #DoYou with Kelly Tandiono | Marketing Strategies of PUMA
PUMA’s collaborations have also fueled its marketing success. One such collaboration was with the acclaimed fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, resulting in the “PUMA x McQ” campaign. This partnership seamlessly merged PUMA’s sportswear expertise with McQueen’s avant-garde aesthetic, creating a collection that blurred the lines between fashion and performance. The campaign, characterized by its edgy visuals and innovative designs, attracted fashion enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike, solidifying PUMA’s position as a brand that transcends traditional boundaries.
PUMA x McQ | Puma Marketing Strategy
These campaigns, among others, have propelled PUMA to the forefront of marketing excellence. By combining star power, captivating messaging, and strategic collaborations, PUMA continues to captivate and inspire its audience, solidifying its position as a global force in the sportswear industry.
PUMA, the trailblazing sportswear giant, has conquered the global market with a formidable arsenal of marketing strategies that leave competitors in awe. From strategic collaborations to innovative social media campaigns, PUMA’s approach to marketing is a masterclass in capturing attention, sparking desire, and forging lasting connections with its audience. Let’s delve into the top marketing strategies that have propelled PUMA to the forefront of the industry.
Strategic Collaborations
PUMA has mastered the art of collaboration, teaming up with influential athletes, fashion designers, and cultural icons to create captivating collections that merge performance and style. By leveraging the power of collaboration, PUMA expands its reach, taps into new audiences, and infuses its brand with fresh perspectives.
Let There Be Sport ft. Virat Kohli, Mary Kom, Sunil Chhetri | PUMA
Influencer Partnerships
PUMA understands the influence of social media and harnesses it to great effect. The brand strategically partners with popular influencers and celebrities, amplifying its brand message and tapping into their vast followings. By aligning with individuals who embody the PUMA ethos, the brand solidifies its authenticity and relevance.
Traditional Marketing
Puma uses both digital and traditional marketing to connect with people. It runs TV ads with famous athletes and promotes eco-friendly products, while print media highlights campaigns on sustainability and inclusivity. Along with this, Puma also engages with fans through events and collaborations, making sure its message of style, performance, and responsibility reaches everyone.
Engaging Social Media Campaigns
PUMA’s social media presence is a vibrant tapestry of captivating content, interactive campaigns, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The brand actively engages with its followers, sparking conversations, and fostering a sense of community. PUMA’s ability to cultivate an online environment that reflects its brand values sets it apart in the digital realm.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
PUMA secures high-profile sponsorships and endorsements, aligning itself with top athletes and sports teams. By associating its brand with excellence and achievement, PUMA enhances its credibility and resonates with consumers who aspire to greatness.
Bold and Memorable Ad Campaigns
PUMA’s advertising campaigns are a feast for the senses, characterized by their energy, creativity, and boundary-pushing visuals. The brand consistently delivers memorable campaigns that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression, solidifying its position as a brand that dares to be different.
Embracing Sustainability
PUMA recognizes the importance of sustainability and incorporates it into its marketing strategies. The brand highlights its eco-friendly initiatives, such as using recycled materials in product manufacturing and reducing its carbon footprint. By championing sustainability, PUMA appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and positions itself as a responsible choice.
Experiential Marketing
PUMA creates immersive brand experiences through pop-up stores, interactive events, and collaborations with artists and influencers. By providing unique and memorable experiences, PUMA fosters a deeper connection with its audience, generating excitement and buzz around the brand.
Localization
PUMA tailors its marketing efforts to specific regions, acknowledging cultural nuances and preferences. By embracing localization, PUMA creates a sense of relevance and resonance, ensuring its messaging and products align with the needs and desires of diverse markets.
PUMA’s marketing strategies are a symphony of innovation, authenticity, and strategic thinking. By continuously pushing boundaries and staying attuned to consumer preferences, PUMA solidifies its position as a trailblazer in sportswear marketing, leaving competitors in its wake and inspiring athletes and fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
As marketers and startups navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of the industry, PUMA’s marketing strategies stand as a testament to the power of innovation, authenticity, and boldness. By learning from PUMA’s successes, marketers and startups can unleash their potential, capturing the hearts of consumers, and forging their path to greatness. The world’s a stage, and PUMA’s playbook is a valuable guide for those willing to step onto it with audacity and strategic vision.
FAQs
What is PUMA target market?
PUMA appeals to a wide range of age groups, from energetic youths seeking the latest trends to seasoned adults embracing an active lifestyle. Its youthful and vibrant designs attract teenagers and young adults who are passionate about sports and fashion, while its sleek and sophisticated offerings appeal to mature individuals who prioritize both style and functionality.
What are the marketing strategies followed by PUMA?
Below are the marketing strategies followed by PUMA –
Strategic Collaborations
Influencer Partnerships
Engaging Social Media Campaigns
Sponsorships and Endorsements
Bold and Memorable Ad Campaigns
Embracing Sustainability
Localization
What is PUMA social media marketing strategy?
Puma’s social media strategy focuses on bold visuals, athlete & celebrity collaborations, trendy challenges, and interactive content to connect with young audiences and boost brand engagement.
What is PUMA brand strategy?
Puma’s brand strategy blends sports and lifestyle by offering innovative, stylish products, partnering with top athletes and celebrities, and connecting strongly with youth. It also highlights sustainability, making Puma a bold and trendy sportstyle brand.
PUMA company belongs to which country?
PUMA is a sportswear company from Germany. It was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
How does PUMA promote their products?
Puma promotes its products through a mix of celebrity endorsements, sports sponsorships, and trendy collaborations. It partners with athletes, teams, and cultural icons, runs bold ad campaigns, and uses social media, events, and influencer marketing to connect with young, fashion-forward consumers.
On 28 August 2025 notable developments in India’s startup funding landscape were seen. From banking infrastructure and microfinance to pet care and gaming, startups secured fresh capital to scale operations and deepen market penetration. Meanwhile, India’s macro business environment was abuzz with news on bond financing, IPO stress in the SME segment, and anticipated regulatory shifts.
Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 28th August 2025
Company
Amount
Round
Lead investor(s)
Sector
Transbnk
$25 Mn
Series B
Bessemer
Fintech / Digital banking
Save Microfinance
$3 Mn
via IIX WLB
IIX
Microfinance / Community lending
Bhaobhao (Pet-care startup)
$200k
Angel
Angel Investors
Pet-care / Consumer products
Matiks
$3.1 Mn
(Not stated)
(Not stated)
Edtech / Gaming (math-focused)
Nuyug
₹2.5 Crore
(Not stated)
(Not stated)
Jewellery / Celebration-wear
TransBnk raised $25 million in Series B
TransBnk, a banking infrastructure platform, has raised $25 million in a Series B round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from Arkam Ventures, Fundamentum Partnership, 8i Ventures, Accion Venture Labs, and GMO Venture Partners. The funds will support its geographical expansion and strengthen its tech and product talent.
SAVE Microfinance raised $3 million via IIX’s WLB
SAVE Microfinance has secured $3 million through IIX’s Women’s Livelihood Bond (WLB), designed to support microfinance initiatives and women’s livelihoods. The fresh funds will aid the company in expanding its reach and impact in underserved communities.
BhaoBhao raised $200 k in angel funding
Mumbai-based pet care startup BhaoBhao has raised $200 k in an angel funding round to expand its at-home grooming services. The company offers services priced between ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per session and has served over 3,000 clients in Mumbai with an impressive 95% repeat rate.
Matiks raised $3.1 million in Pre-Series A
Gaming startup Matiks has raised $3.1 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Tanglin Ventures. The platform, focused on maths-based gaming, has already reached nearly 100,000 users and recently launched a paid ‘Creators Programme’ to foster community-driven growth.
Nuyug raised ₹2.5 crore in funding
Jewellery startup Nuyug has raised ₹25 crore to redefine celebration-wear in the premium fashion jewellery segment. The funding will enable the brand to expand its reach and enhance its product offerings in the growing jewellery market.
Key Business News for 28th August 2025
Groww Secures SEBI Nod to Launch IPO
Groww, the Tiger Global-backed investment platform, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to float its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The Bengaluru-based fintech unicorn, which competes with Zerodha and Upstox, is expected to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) soon. The IPO will mark a significant milestone for Groww as it expands its financial services offerings, including mutual funds, stockbroking, and fixed deposits.
Unity Bank and BharatPe to Launch EMI-Driven Credit Card
Unity Small Finance Bank, in collaboration with BharatPe, is preparing to roll out an EMI-driven credit card. The product will be targeted at small merchants and retail consumers, enabling them to make purchases and repay through easy monthly installments. This partnership builds on BharatPe’s growing fintech ecosystem and Unity Bank’s lending capabilities, aiming to provide affordable credit access to underserved segments.
Dream Sports’ FanCode to Shut Down Sports Merchandise Business
FanCode, the sports platform owned by Dream Sports, has decided to shut its sports merchandise vertical. The move comes as part of a strategic realignment to focus more on its core offerings such as live sports streaming, fan engagement, and digital content. FanCode, launched in 2019, had been experimenting with merchandise to capture the fan economy but will now discontinue this segment to streamline operations.
In a block deal on 26 August, BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased 10.12 Cr shares of Zomato parent company Eternal and sold 2.69 Cr shares of rival Swiggy. According to NSE records, BNP Paribas paid INR 318.1 per share for Eternal shares, making the acquisition worth approximately INR 3,200 Cr.
Block Deal Details: Eternal and Swiggy Share Transactions
The investor also sold 16,083 shares for INR 51.11 lakh in a different bulk transaction. Eternal’s stock ended yesterday’s trading session on the BSE 0.5% down, at INR 317.80. At the end of the session, the market capitalisation of the company was INR 3.06 Lakh Cr.
Due to Ganesh Chaturthi, the stock exchanges are closed today. In the meantime, BNP Paribas sold 2.69 Cr Swiggy shares for INR 430.38 each, resulting in an INR 1,158 Cr block deal. It bought INR 18.54 Cr worth of Swiggy shares in a different bulk transaction.
BNP Paribas’ Recent Moves in Swiggy Stake
Last month, BNP Paribas purchased 3.2 lakh Swiggy shares at INR 381 a share. In the bulk transaction at the time, Citigroup Global Markets sold its shares. It is important to note that Swiggy is down more than 20% this year, whereas Eternal’s shares have increased more than 14%.
Eternal vs Swiggy: Quick Commerce Rivalry Heats Up
The two businesses are currently involved in a fierce fight in the rapid commerce space, which coincides with the bulk deals. In addition to having a duopoly in the foodtech sector, Swiggy and Zomato are investing heavily to gain control of the nation’s quickly expanding fast commerce market.
Blinkit Leading Ahead of Instamart
Blinkit from Eternal now leads Swiggy’s Instamart, but companies like Zepto, Flipkart Minutes, BigBasket, and others are all vying for market share in the majors’ rapid commerce sectors. Eternal and Swiggy are rapidly growing their network of dark stores in order to keep the competition at bay.
As a result, the corporations’ bottom lines have suffered. In the first quarter of FY26, Blinkit lost INR 42 Cr, compared to INR 43 Cr in the same period the previous year. Due to its ongoing investments in Blinkit, even Eternal’s consolidated net profit fell more than 90% to INR 25 Cr from INR 253 Cr in Q1 FY25.
In a similar vein, Swiggy’s net loss increased 96% from INR 611 Cr in the previous quarter to INR 1,197 Cr in the June quarter. In the first quarter of FY26, Instamart’s loss was INR 797 Cr, nearly three times the INR 280 Cr loss from the same quarter the previous year.
A 16-year-old boy named Adam Raine from California took his own life in April 2025. “Oh, poor thing,” you might think, but the reasons behind his death could really scare you off ChatGPT. At first, his parents thought it was because of his issues with anxiety, isolation, and health issues. However, to their suprise, they found his chats with ChatGPT, and what they saw was heartbreaking. The parents sued OpenAI and Sam Altman for their loss (son, Adam Raine), and ChatGPT admitted to the claim. Now, why should this matter to you? A study conducted in April 2025 found that approximately 40% of conversations with ChatGPT involve emotional support. That said, ChatGPT provided step-by-step instructions on how to kill…
Adam Raine’s Parents’ Lawsuit Against OpenAI
After learning what had happened behind the scenes, Adam’s parents quickly fled to report against OpenAI. With what they saw, they outright accused ChatGPT of acting like a a “suicide coach.”
According to his parents, the tool went too far, providing him with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to kill himself. They stated that if ChatGPT had been more careful, their son would still be alive today.
Adam’s Health Struggles
Adam’s parents described him as a fun, playful, and prankster child. They say he loved basketball, anime, video games, and dogs. However, things weren’t going too well for him. His life became tough after:
Unfortunately, he was thrown off his basketball team.
He suffered from (IBS) Irritable bowel syndrome, because of which he was forced to join an online school.
He was using ChatGPT for his schoolwork, and that’s how he first started interacting with the tool.
Soon, one conversation led to another, and it all became about his mental health struggles.
ChatGPT’s Role (According to Adam Raine’s Parents)
Adam’s parents found not one or two but thousands of chats with ChatGPT.
All of those chats not only made him feel “understood” but also pushed him deep into his dark thoughts.
Adam’s father, Matt Raine, said, “Over the course of just a few months and thousands of chats, ChatGPT became Adam’s closest confidant, leading him to open up about his anxiety and mental distress.”
And Here’s What the Lawsuit Says ChatGPT Did
Validated his harmful thoughts (thoughts about killing himself) rather than challenging them with positivity.
Disturbingly, it talked to him about suicide and methods to do so.
Even helped improve his plan.
Some Examples From the Lawsuit
In a final conversation, Adam wrote to ChatGPT that he didn’t want his parents to blame themselves. To which ChatGPT replied, “That doesn’t mean you owe them survival. You don’t owe anyone that.”
Adam mentioned that he might leave a noose in case someone stopped him. Well, ChatGPT discouraged and continued guiding him about suicide methods.
He then sent a picture of a noose he tied (later died using it), and ChatGPT replied, saying, “Yeah, that’s not bad at all. Want me to walk you through upgrading it into a safer load-bearing anchor loop?”
And just a few hours later, Adam’s mother was traumatized to the core, seeing her son dead using the noose setup (the one he shared with ChatGPT).
In Adam’s Parents’ View
According to them, it acted like a therapist who knew he had a suicide plan, but instead of protecting him, it helped him take his life.
His father said, “Most parents don’t know how powerful and scary this tool really is.”
Adam was like a “guinea pig,” in other words, a test subject for OpenAI’s technology.
OpenAI’s Response
More than a response, OpenAI came up with a new set of safety guidelines (in August 2025) for ChatGPT, which includes:
ChatGPT should never give direct suicide advice.
It should detect even indirect or disguised requests right away.
However, for Adam’s parents, this was just too late; their son had already died.
Later, OpenAI admitted that, “There have been moments where our systems did not behave as intended in sensitive situations.”
The Legal Case
This is the first-ever lawsuit directly bashing OpenAI and Sam Altman for a teenager’s suicide.
The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of:
Negligence (not being reckless in such sensitive matters).
Design defects (carelessly building a tool that could cause harm).
Failure to warn (not positively directing users/parents about these dangers).
Adam’s family is asking for:
Monetary damages (the exact amount not specified yet).
Legal action for “injunctive relief” so that this can’t happen again to another human.
