AI chatbots assist us in almost everything, and some people use them so extensively that they become virtual assistants. According to reports by ‘Exploding Topics’ (a trend analysis platform), about 800 million people use chatbots each week. When using AI so widely, one thing every user wouldn’t appreciate is retyping the entire prompt. Bad Wi-Fi or an accidental reload (which often happens) can force users to retype it. Now, if you are a Claude user, you won’t have that problem anymore. Anthropic (the company behind Claude AI chatbot) has added a new “memory” feature to the tool. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest feature on Claude.
Why Claude Added The New “Memory Feature?”
If you have ever used Claude before, you’ll remember that the tool required you to either retype the entire prompt or copy and paste it. The tool wasn’t equipped to recall previous conversations. To address this issue, Anthropic introduced a new feature called “Memory Feature.” The feature was announced and made live on Monday (August 11). So, you can swiftly pick up from where you left off.
Notably, Anthropic has followed OpenAI. In April, it introduced a similar feature, now setting a new benchmark for other AIs.
How The New “Memory Feature” Works On Claude?
Anthropic also added a YouTube video to show how the new feature works. It goes something like:
Let’s say you were working on a story, doing research, or making dinner plans; you can always come back and ask Claude, “What were we working on before I quit the app?”
Claude will then look into your previous conversations, give you a summary of the topics you worked on, and ask if you want to proceed from there.
It saves you time from repeating everything.
More Features Added To Claude
If you use Claude for coding, good news: Claude has introduced a new security tool. What does it do?
From now on, Claude will automatically check your code for security issues in real-time. It detects injection attacks (when attackers insert malicious code) and unsafe data handling methods.
The chatbot will warn you in advance and suggest fixes as you work. Additionally, an “always-on” mode will be added so Claude continuously monitors risks and suggests fixes immediately.
A Few More Things…
Interestingly, Claude’s new memory feature isn’t always on yet. Whereas OpenAI’s ChatGPT can recall old chats automatically. Unless the user prompts the tool to remember, it won’t.
Anthropic spokesperson Ryan Donegan enunciated and said that Claude isn’t collecting personal information in the background. Doing so as effectively as OpenAI would be difficult.
Elon Musk’s accusation against Apple on the platform X is fueling more criticism. The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, didn’t hold back as the post directly targeted OpenAI. On August 12, Elon Musk posted a cryptic message indicating that Apple is showing favoritism by not ranking any AI company other than OpenAI at #1 on the platform. He also threatened Apple with legal action from his startup, xAI. The post took the internet by storm with more than 14.6 million views and an impressive 1,07,000 engagements. And Sam Altman’s reply alone garnered 4 million views and 25,000 people engaging with it.
What Made Elon Musk Post About Apple?
According to Elon Musk, he has long stood against Apple’s favoritism. Despite ‘X’ (a social media platform) being the world’s best news venue, App Store doesn’t suggest Grok in its “Must Have.” And now it is also happening with his new startup, xAI (the company behind the Grok chatbot).
Today (August 12), he took to the platform ‘X’ and posted, “Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation.
xAI will take immediate legal action.”
One reason the post is drawing criticism is that Elon clearly mentioned OpenAI’s name. Although he vaguely referenced “competitors,” it still centers around his own AI chatbot, Grok.
Netizens on the platform ‘X’ slammed back at Elon, they all added their views and posted articles that supported their viewpoints.
People added that:
Back in January, DeepSeek topped the #1 charts on the App Store.
On July 18, Perplexity topped #1 on the platform.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, Reply To Elon Musk
Sam Altman openly calls out Elon Musk; he didn’t hold back at all.
He replied with, “This is a remarkable claim given what I have heard alleged that Elon does to manipulate X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn’t like.”
This harsh reply saw a full-blown engagement: 2,400 comments, 2,600 shares, 26,000 likes.
Long-Standing Rivalry: Sam Altman Vs Elon Musk
The rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman is a long-running rivalry. Notably, Elon Musk helped establish OpenAI but stepped away in 2018. Later, he launched his own AI company called xAI in March 2023. Since then, Elon Musk has continuously criticized OpenAI, and Altman has clapped back when he felt it was necessary.
India’s startup and business ecosystem saw a flurry of activity on 12 August 2025, with multiple funding rounds across consumer, fintech, space-tech and deep-tech sectors, alongside major venture capital fund closures. Corporate earnings from leading listed startups also made headlines, revealing strong growth momentum in Q1 FY26. Here’s your quick roundup for the top funding deals and key business highlights in India today.
Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 12 August 2025
Company
Round
Amount
Lead investor(s)
Sector
Elever
Pre-Series A
$1.1M
CXOs, Brand Capital, existing investors
Wealth-tech / PMS
Pronto
Series A
$11M
General Catalyst, Glade Brook (co-led); Bain Capital Ventures continued
On-demand household services
ELIVAAS
Series B
₹87Cr ($10.4M)
Vertex Ventures SEA & India (lead)
Luxury vacation rentals / travel tech
Seeds Fincap
Pre-Series B
₹50Cr
Z47, Lok Capital (led)
NBFC — MSME lending
Spike AI
Pre-seed
$1.9M
Sorin Investments (lead), Principal Venture Partners, others
Marketing intelligence / AI
Fairdeal.Market
Pre-Series A
$3M
Incubate Fund Asia, Waterbridge Ventures
B2B quick commerce / marketplace
Dashverse
Series A
$13M
Peak XV Partners (lead)
AI entertainment / creator platforms
Brandworks Technologies
Series A
$7M
Cactus Partners (lead)
Electronics R&D & manufacturing
Ace Blend
Pre-Series A
$3.3M
Fireside Ventures (lead)
Nutrition / consumer health
Kimirica
Growth / strategic
$15M
Carnelian Asset Management (Vikas Khemani)
Luxury vegan self-care / hospitality amenities
Trackk
Seed
$1M
Mga Ventures, GSF Ventures, GNP Group, Paras Defence, family offices & angels
Trading platform / broking tech
Manastu Space
Growth
$3M
Capital A (lead)
Space-tech (green propulsion, in-orbit services)
Ultraviolette
Growth/investment
$21M
TDK Ventures (and others reported)
Electric vehicle (motorcycles) R&D & manufacturing
Elever raised $1.1 million in Pre-Series A
Wealth-tech platform Elever secured $1.1 million in a Pre-Series A round from CXOs, Brand Capital and existing investors. The SEBI-registered PMS firm will use the funds to expand its portfolio management services, strengthen brand presence and enhance distribution channels.
Pronto raised $11 million in Series A
On-demand household services startup Pronto raised $11 million in a Series A round co-led by General Catalyst and Glade Brook Capital, with Bain Capital Ventures also participating. The funds will support expansion into Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major cities, while onboarding over 10,000 professionals.
ELIVAAS raised INR 87 crore in Series B
Luxury vacation rental platform ELIVAAS closed an INR 87 crore Series B led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, with participation from Peak XV Surge and 3one4 Capital. The funding will be used for technology upgrades, market penetration and international expansion.
Seeds Fincap raised INR 50 crore in Pre-Series B
MSME-focused NBFC Seeds Fincap secured INR 50 crore in a Pre-Series B led by existing investors Z47 and Lok Capital, with participation from Norinchukin Capital and Alteria Capital. The funds will be utilised for geographic expansion and strengthening technology and risk capabilities.
Spike AI raised $1.9 million in Pre-seed
Marketing intelligence platform Spike AI raised $1.9 million in a pre-seed round led by Sorin Investments, with participation from Principal Venture Partners and others. The company aims to unify fragmented marketing tools into an autonomous, self-driving marketing system.
Fairdeal.Market raised $3 million in Pre-Series A
B2B quick commerce platform Fairdeal.Market raised $3 million in a pre-Series A round led by Incubate Fund Asia and Waterbridge Ventures. The funds will help scale technology capabilities and expand into new operational territories.
Dashverse raised $13 million in Series A
AI entertainment and creator platform Dashverse, known for products like Dashtoon and Frameo.AI, raised $13 million in a Series A led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Z47 and Stellaris Venture Partners. The funding will support product development and creator ecosystem growth.
Brandworks Technologies raised $7 million in Series A
Electronics R&D and manufacturing startup Brandworks Technologies raised $7 million in a Series A round led by Cactus Partners, with participation from GVFL, Legacy Assets and Hira Group. The funds will go towards R&D facilities, manufacturing scale-up and global expansion.
Ace Blend raised $3.3 million in Pre-Series A
Nutrition brand Ace Blend secured $3.3 million in a pre-Series A led by Fireside Ventures. The company will use the funds to enhance product offerings, scale operations and boost distribution networks.
Kimirica raised $15 million in strategic investment
Luxury vegan self-care brand Kimirica received a $15 million investment from Carnelian Asset Management, led by Vikas Khemani. The funds will support omnichannel retail expansion and growth in both hospitality and direct-to-consumer segments
Trackk raised $1 million in a Seed round
Trading platform Trackk raised $1 million in seed funding from Mga Ventures, GSF Ventures, GNP Group, Paras Defence and other investors. Recently approved by SEBI, Trackk will use the funds to scale its brokerage services on NSE and BSE.
Manastu Space raised $3 million in a Growth round
Space-tech startup Manastu Space secured $3 million in a growth round led by Capital A, with participation from Capital 2B, IAN, E2MC and others. The funds will be deployed to commercialise green propulsion and debris-avoidance technologies, and for international expansion.
Ultraviolette raised $21 million in growth investment
Electric motorcycle manufacturer Ultraviolette raised $21 million from TDK Ventures and other reported backers. The capital will be invested in vehicle R&D and scaling manufacturing operations.
Holiday Tribe Raised INR 25 Crore in Pre-Series A
Travel-tech startup Holiday Tribe has bagged INR 25 crore in a pre-Series A round co-led by Powerhouse Ventures and GSF, with participation from angel investors. The company offers curated luxury travel experiences and personalised itineraries for premium travellers. The funding will be used to enhance technology, expand service offerings, and strengthen marketing efforts.
Key News Highlights for 12 August 2025
Speciale Invest closes INR 600 crore Fund III to back India’s deep-tech and sovereign-tech future
Deep-tech investment firm Speciale Invest has successfully closed its third fund, at INR 600 crore, surpassing its initial target of INR 500 crore. The oversubscribed fund aims to back 18-20 early-stage deep-tech startups across areas like sovereign technology, AI, space-tech, quantum systems, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, and dual-use defence, spanning the period from 2025 to 2029.
Atomic Capital wraps up maiden fund at INR 400 crore to support consumer tech startups
Mumbai-based venture capital firm Atomic Capital has announced the final close of its maiden fund at INR 400 crore, targeting 10-12 early and growth-stage startups in the consumer tech and consumer-enabler spaces. The fund plans average initial cheque sizes between INR 10 crore and INR 30 crore, while reserving some capital for follow-on investments.
DPIIT and Zepto partner via ‘Zepto Nova’ to scale Indian manufacturing startups
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zepto Private Limited. Together, they have launched the “Zepto Nova” innovation challenge to mentor and scale early-stage manufacturing startups focusing on hardware, IoT, packaging, sustainable manufacturing, and more, including women-led and Tier-2/3 ventures. A separate pact with Hero MotoCorp is also expected to support mobility and clean-tech innovation.
Smartworks cuts losses by 82% in Q1 FY26; share hits all-time high
Managed office-space provider Smartworks achieved a significant reduction in its quarterly net loss, down by 82%, from INR 23 crore in Q1 FY25 to just INR 4.1 crore in Q1 FY26. This improvement came alongside 21% year-on-year revenue growth, rising from INR 313 crore to INR 379 crore, with total income (including non-operating contributions) reaching INR 388 crore. The company also saw its share price hit a record high following the results.
Nykaa profit surges 80% to INR 24.5 crore in Q1 FY26; revenue rises 23%
Beauty and fashion e-tailer Nykaa (FSN E-Commerce Ventures) reported a robust Q1 FY26 performance, with revenue climbing 23% to INR 2,155 crore and net profit soaring nearly 80 %, reaching INR 24.5 crore. The strong showing comes from sustained consumer demand and strategic segment execution.
Mamaearth parent Honasa posts INR 595 cr revenue; PAT grows 2.7 % in Q1 FY26
Honasa Consumer Ltd, the parent of Mamaearth, delivered year-on-year revenue growth of 7.4 %, with Q1 FY26 revenue rising to INR 595 crore from INR 554 crore in Q1 FY25. The company’s profit after tax (PAT) also posted a modest increase of 2.7 % during the same period.
Nokia was once the top name people thought of when it came to mobile phones. Nokia’s durable phones and classic ringtones made it popular around the world. But after a few wrong moves, Nokia lost its place in the spotlight. You might not see Nokia phones everywhere anymore, but the company is still playing a big role, just behind the scenes.
Nokia shifted its focus from consumer gadgets to global infrastructure. From private networks to super-fast 5G infrastructure, Nokia is working with telecom giants to connect the world in new ways. The brand that once ruled mobile phones is now building tomorrow’s infrastructure behind the scenes, just not the way you’d expect.
The Golden Days: Nokia’s Rise to Mobile Market Dominance
Before smartphones took over, Nokia was the reputed name in mobile phones. At its peak, the Finnish brand made more than 40% of all mobile phones sold worldwide. People praised Nokia phones for their toughness, user-friendly design, and long-lasting battery life.
People loved Nokia not just for how well the phones worked, but for the fun and familiar features they came with, such as the Snake game, the famous ringtone, and colourful, changeable covers. Phones like the Nokia 3310 became part of everyday life for millions.
First GSM Phone – Nokia 1011 (1992): This was the first phone that used GSM technology, which later became the global standard for mobile communication.
First Camera Phone – Nokia 7650 (2002): One of the earliest phones with a built-in camera, it let users take photos and send them to friends, a big deal at the time.
Best-Selling Phone Ever – Nokia 1100 (2003): This simple, sturdy phone sold over 250 million units, making it the most sold phone (and even consumer tech product) in history.
Nokia’s Downfall: Key Mistakes That Led to Its Fall
Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone on January 9, 2007, a super sleek, touchscreen device that seemed to be a futuristic creation. But over at Nokia, the reaction was far from panic. The company was confident that its strong, reliable phones had nothing to worry about. After all, they’d ruled the mobile market for years.
What they didn’t realize was that everything had just changed. People were falling in love with smartphones, devices that offered not just calls and texts, but apps, the internet, and a whole new digital experience.
In 2008, Nokia tried to join the smartphone race with the N97, a phone that had both a touchscreen and a slide-out keyboard. On paper, it looked like a winner—it even had a 5-megapixel camera and GPS.
But in reality, it didn’t deliver. The screen was laggy, the software felt outdated, and users were left frustrated. What was meant to be a comeback turned into a flop—and Nokia was falling behind fast.
By 2010, things were going downhill quickly. Nokia’s new CEO, Stephen Elop, gave an internal speech that would later be called the “Burning Platform” memo.
In the speech, he compared Nokia to someone stuck on a burning oil rig: they could stay and be consumed by flames or take a risky jump into unknown waters to survive. That “jump” meant ditching their old Symbian OS and starting fresh.
Nokia made a bold move. They partnered with Microsoft and made Windows Phone their new operating system. It was a big gamble, especially since Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android were already way ahead.
Although Nokia released some innovative phones under this new partnership, they never really took off. By 2013, the company’s market share had dropped to just 3%, an unexpected fall for a brand that once ruled the mobile world.
Nokia’s Crucial Mistakes
Delayed shift to touchscreen technology
Continued using outdated software systems
Missed the mark on building a strong app ecosystem
Nokia’s Strategic Reinvention: From Collapse to 5G Leader
By 2013, Nokia had hit rock bottom. Once the global leader in mobile phones, the company had been crushed by Apple and Android’s rapid rise. Their comeback phones failed to gain traction, and for the first time in over a decade, Nokia posted a loss. At that point, it seemed like Nokia was on the verge of collapse.
That’s when they decided to take a new direction.
In 2014, Rajeev Suri took over as CEO. Instead of trying to reclaim Nokia’s old glory in the consumer phone market, he asked a different question: “What does Nokia do better than anyone else?”
They stopped fighting for space in your pocket and started building the global tech backbone. From private 5G networks to enterprise solutions, Nokia is now connecting the world in ways most people don’t even see. Nokia, the former mobile giant, is now actively shaping the future of communication
Nokia’s 5G Strategy: From Smartphones to Infrastructure
Suri saw what others overlooked: 5G was going to change the way the world connects, and Nokia was in a strong position to power that transformation. The challenge? 5G was still in its early stages, and the competition was fierce. So Suri moved quickly:
Cut unnecessary costs
Doubled down on R&D
Simplified decision-making across teams
The turning point came in 2015 when Nokia acquired Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion. This deal unlocked a treasure trove of over 29,000 patents. The acquisition gave Nokia direct access to major telecom clients across the U.S. and Europe. Moreover, it laid the technical and commercial foundation for Nokia’s leadership in the 5G race.
Breakthrough Innovation: ReefShark
In 2018, Nokia launched ReefShark, a compact and energy-efficient 5G chip designed for high-performance networking. Nokia turned this engineering achievement into a major competitive edge. By launching ReefShark: a chip designed to meet the needs of energy-efficient telecom networks, Nokia appealed directly to sustainability-focused operators. This innovation, paired with its Alcatel-Lucent patent war chest, unlocked major deals across Europe and Asia.
The result? Over $20 billion in revenue by 2022 and a 29% share of the global 5G infrastructure market.
Marketing the Mission
Nokia Marketing Campaign
To support its transformation, Nokia launched a focused branding campaign built around a clear idea:
“5G is the key to a better, more connected world.”
By 2024, it had signed over 300 5G deals with telecom companies worldwide, putting itself back at the heart of the global communication industry.
Nokia’s 2025 Business Focus: 5G, Sustainability & Licensing
Business Solutions: Building custom 5G networks for places like factories and shipping ports.
Earning from Technology: Making money through patents in areas like VR, smart devices, and healthcare.
Going Green: Working to cut energy use in their networks by 50% by the year 2030
What’s Next: Nokia’s AI, 6G, and Enterprise Vision
Nokia’s story is all about learning to change. Once seen as a company that lost its way, it has found new success by focusing on network technology instead of selling phones. Now, with 6G on the horizon, Nokia is putting big efforts into AI-powered networks and edge computing. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, even the biggest setbacks can lead to a stronger comeback.
Conclusion
Nokia’s comeback is more than a corporate revival; it’s proof that legacy brands don’t need to fight for attention to win. Sometimes, the smartest move is to step back from the spotlight and build the foundation of what’s next. By shifting its focus and staying open to new ideas, it found a fresh path forward. As the tech world keeps changing, Nokia’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to adapt. It’s a story that can inspire other companies to rethink, rebuild, and rise again.
Nokia was best known for its durable mobile phones, long battery life, and iconic features like the Snake game, customizable covers, and the classic Nokia ringtone.
When did Nokia enter the 5G market?
Nokia began focusing on 5G infrastructure after Rajeev Suri became CEO in 2014.
What is Nokia’s ReefShark chip?
Launched in 2018, Nokia’s ReefShark is a compact, energy-efficient 5G chip designed for high-performance telecom networks.
This article has been contributed byVivek Chadha, Founder at AccelerateX Ventures | Angel Investor & Author of Startupology
There was a time when the only way to do things was to have a regular workday with set hours, a set place, and set rules. For a long time, the only way to get ahead in your job was to follow the rules, work long hours at a desk, and climb the corporate ladder. Indian companies and the generation that is building them are making that model less useful. Azadi 2.0 shows this change. It means that you can choose not only where and when to work, but also what kind of work is worth doing in the first place. For many people, having a good job is not just about the title or the money anymore. It also means being free, being able to work when and where you want, and living in a way that is consistent with your values.
This change can be seen in how businesses are run and how people choose jobs. In this situation, the rules change almost every day, so it is just as important to be able to adapt as it is to have big goals.
From Working Hours to Making a Difference
The pandemic sped up a truth that many forward-thinking founders were already looking into; being there in person does not make you more productive. People can get their work done on time, with quality, and often with more creativity when they work from home or in a hybrid setting, without having to be in the same place every day. Startups have taken this lesson even further by making trust the most important thing in their business. Performance is judged by results, not attendance. A software developer might be working from a small village in Kerala, a marketing lead might be working from a café in Himachal, and a designer might be working from a different time zone.
People come together because of the quality of their work, not how far apart they are. This way, more people can find talented people more easily. Professionals who may have been overlooked because of where they live, family obligations, or physical limitations are now making important contributions to businesses that are growing quickly. The ideas, backgrounds, and ways of solving problems of the teams that come out of this process are usually more varied. In a market where it’s getting harder to stand out, this gives you an edge over your competitors.
Balancing Purpose and Financial Security in Job Decisions
More and more people are making job decisions that go beyond pay. More and more people want to know if a company’s goal matters to them. This is true in a lot of fields, like clean-tech companies that care about the environment, health-tech startups that make it easier for people to get care, and ed-tech companies that help communities that do not have enough access to education. In these kinds of jobs, people do not just do their jobs; they also work for causes they believe in. There is a lot of influence on involvement. A professional who cares about the cause is more likely to go above and beyond and come up with new ways to solve problems.
Younger professionals are more likely to have this sense of purpose, and they often question the traditional ways of moving up in their careers. They want as much financial security as they do learning, making a difference, and being in line with their personal goals. This way of thinking can make it hard to follow the rules of traditional management, but it can also lead to new ideas and strength when the right systems are in place.
How the Relationship Between Employers and Employees Is Changing
A lot of new businesses have a very different way of organizing power than older ones do. It is easier to talk about things, get to know your leaders, and work together to make decisions. Some companies give equity to even their lowest-level employees, making them stakeholders who share in the risks and rewards of growth. People think about work differently because of this model of shared ownership. When people have a real stake in the outcomes, they act and think like builders. They are more likely to question processes that slow things down, suggest unusual alternatives, and take responsibility for the outcomes. Models like these are not easy.
Equity needs careful planning, clear communication, and clear expectations for how well people will do. But if you use them wisely, they can help people and groups work together to reach their goals. The New Work Ethos for Gen Z. People have said a lot about what they think are Generation Z’s problems, like being impatient, not liking rules, wanting to be able to change their schedule, and not liking how businesses usually discipline their employees. These ideas are true in some cases, but they do not tell the whole story. This generation is starting businesses from home that make money by using skills like design, video editing, coding, and content development, even though they have not had any formal business training.
A college student can now make a lot more money than a new software engineer at a big IT services company. The difference is in the tools you use and how you think. You can access markets all over the world, learn new skills on demand, and make money right away thanks to the internet. A lot of people in this generation would rather be free than have a safe job at a company. They will learn some things when they need to, but they will not follow rules that limit their freedom. Startups have figured this out and are making jobs that meet these needs. Because of this, it is more important to be proactive and flexible at work than to follow strict rules.
Azadi 2.0 is more than just a test run. It is becoming a defining trait of the most innovative Indian startups. These companies are proving that you can make money and be flexible at the same time, that purpose and performance can go hand in hand, and that talent grows when it has the freedom to choose how to best contribute. The next chapter in India’s work culture will depend on how well businesses can keep this model going while meeting the needs of growth, profit, and new ideas. Not only will those who succeed keep the best workers, but they will also show the rest of the world how to balance freedom and responsibility in an economy that is growing quickly.
Elon Musk is heading toward another legal battle, this time to sue Apple’s App Store. He posted yet another controversial message on ‘X,’ sparking heavy criticism online. He is taking the App Store to court for preventing any AI other than OpenAI from reaching #1 on the platform. Elon Musk’s new startup, xAI, is ranked #6 on the list, and he is certainly not happy about it. Today on the ‘X’ platform, he announced that xAI will take immediate legal action for its antitrust violation. The post went viral with 9.7 million views, with 7,200 comments all arguing whys and why nots of the situation.
What Did Elon Musk Post on the ‘X’ Platform?
Elon Musk said, “Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action.”
Reasons Behind Such a Controversial Accusation?
Harking back to 2024, Apple partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT with iPhones and iPads. Elon clearly didn’t like the deal and threatened to ban Apple devices across his companies (Tesla, SpaceX, etc.). Cut to 2025, AI Grok is still ranked at #6 on the platform, making him all the more furious. Despite’ X’ being the most popular news app in the world, it is not on the App Store’s “Must Have” list. He accused Apple’s App Store of engaging in favoritism and antitrust practices. According to him, the platform favours the competitors regardless of anything.
Apple’s Legal Troubles In The Past
Epic Games lawsuit (2021) – A federal judge in California, back in April, stated that the App violates California competition law by holding too much control over apps and payments. Later, the court ordered more freedom (to developers) for alternative payment options (to customers).
European fine (€500 million in 2024) – The platform was penalized for restricting developers from informing users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store. Apparently, Apple is appealing that fine in court.
Elon Musk’s ‘X’ Post Going 9.7 Million Views Viral
The number is going up by every minute. For now, the post has gone viral with 9.7 million views, 7,200 comments, 10,000 shares, 95,000 likes, and 3,500 saves. The engagement on the post indicates how Elon sparked a considerable discussion around the topic. And we are yet to hear from Apple. Will they address it with a statement or take it to court with Elon Musk?
Mumbai, 12th August, 2025: Early growth investment fund Atomic Capital has announced the final close of its maiden fund with a corpus of over Rs 400 crore, focused on early growth-stage Indian consumer, consumer-tech, and consumer-enabler startups. This is one of the largest debut funds dedicated to fueling India’s next wave of consumer growth.With an average first cheque size of Rs 10 to 30 crore, the fund aims to build a curated portfolio of 10–12 companies, with a portion of the corpus reserved for follow-on investments.
The fund would evaluate startups looking to raise Pre Series A to Series A with a PMF achieved. Atomic Capital distinguishes itself through deep operational engagement and a focused, “Operating VC” approach to backing bold founders. The fund’s philosophy has been designed keeping DPI at the centre of investment and exits decisions.
The fund reached its first close at Rs 155 crore in 2024, and has since received strong commitments for the remaining amount, taking it to full closure. Over the past 12 months, Atomic Capital has already invested ~Rs 50 crore across four startups:
ConsciousChemist, Gurgaon-based beauty and personal care brand
Doodhvale Farms, Delhi-based dairy and foods brand
Rio Beverages, Pune/Mumbai-based beverage brand
Anny, Gurgaon-based women’s western apparel brand
Speaking on the announcement, Apoorv Gautam, Founder and Managing Partner, says, “At Atomic Capital, we are not just investors—we are partners for the long haul, bound by a shared mission to shape the future of Indian consumption. Our commitment goes beyond capital; we bring hands-on support, strategic know-how, and the conviction that building enduring brands can transform lives and unlock significant value.Our focus is on capital-efficient businesses addressing large and expanding markets. Additionally, our investment decisions are driven by a strong rapport with the founding team, clear revenue momentum, and disciplined capital efficiency. We are firm believers in sustainable, capital-efficient growth — it’s the cornerstone of building enduring businesses.
Over the next 2–3 years, we plan to deploy both initial and follow-on capital, aligned with our overall fund timeline of eight years. We are currently evaluating over 20 companies and have already issued a term sheet for our fifth investment,” he adds.
The fund will be investing in early-stage Indian consumer, consumer-tech, and consumer-enabler startups. Some of focus areas include Food & Beverages, Nutraceuticals, Personal Care & Beauty, Jewelry, Apparel & Footwear, Pet Care, Travel & Accessories, Electronics Accessories, Home Furnishing, Logistics, Financial Services, e-Commerce SaaS, Omnichannel Infrastructure, Manufacturing.
Atomic Capital works with the portfolio companies with a unique hands-on approach. The team goes beyond capital infusion and also provides support to its portfolio companies in senior level talent hiring, opening access for strategic partnerships, helps in GTM initiatives and structuring finances and more.
About Atomic Capital
Atomic Capital is a Mumbai-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2024 by Apoorv Gautam, an industry veteran with over 18 years of experience in investing, consulting, and strategic leadership. Apoorv brings deep operating and strategic insight from his prior roles at Rivigo, McKinsey, Bain, and a leading VC fund — positioning Atomic as a high-impact partner for early-stage growth.
The firm backs ambitious founders building high-potential consumer and consumer-tech brands, combining capital with hands-on support. With a unique operating VC playbook and collaborative approach towards working with founders to unlock scale.
India, 12th August 2025: Speciale Invest, one of India’s leading deep-science and technology-focused venture capital firms, today announced the close of its third fund at ₹600 crore, exceeding its initial target of ₹500 crore. Fund III will support 18–20 new investments between 2025 and 2029, continuing the firm’s sharp focus on founders building from first principles in space, advanced manufacturing, energy, health, and artificial intelligence.
With Fund III, Speciale has evolved to become one of the largest funds in India investing at the pre-seed stage in deep-tech. This scale allows the firm to lead early rounds, take meaningful positions, and support founders through long gestation cycles inherent to hard-tech ventures.
The closing of Fund III comes as India celebrates its 79th Independence Day—a fitting milestone for a fund dedicated to strengthening the nation’s sovereign capabilities and global standing through technology.
Since its inception in 2018, Speciale Invest has been the first institutional investor in several of India’s category-defining deep-tech startups. These include Agnikul Cosmos (orbital-class launch vehicles), the ePlane Company(electric aerial mobility), GalaxEye (multi-sensor satellite intelligence), QNu Labs (quantum cybersecurity), Fermbox (synbio for industrial bioprocessing), Inspecity (in-orbit infrastructure), and Newtrace (next-gen electrolyzers), among others. The firm has consistently backed companies that build for India and scale to the world, establishing itself as the go-to partner for pioneering founders in deep science and tech.
Why Sovereign Edge Matters
In an era marked by rapid technological disruption, supply chain realignments, and geopolitical complexities, the ability of a nation to independently design, develop, and deploy critical technologies is a strategic imperative. Sovereign edge is not just about self-reliance—it is about resilience, security, and global competitiveness.
For India, this means building capabilities in space-based infrastructure, secure communications, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and dual-use defense innovations—technologies foundational to economic stability and national security. The COVID-19 pandemic, semiconductor shortages, and conflicts that disrupted global supply chains have underlined the risks of over-dependence on external sources for critical technologies.
Speciale’s Decade-Long Commitment
Long before “sovereign tech” entered mainstream policy discourse, Speciale Invest recognized that deep-tech innovation is strategic for India’s future. Since 2018, the firm has methodically invested in startups that can form the building blocks of India’s sovereign technology stack.
From Agnikul’s made-in-India orbital launch vehicles that ensure independent access to space, to QNu Labs’quantum cybersecurity enabling secure communications, to Newtrace’s electrolyzers powering green hydrogen for energy independence—Speciale’s portfolio reflects a consistent commitment to nation-critical capabilities.
This focus has also been forward-looking. Speciale has not only invested capital but also helped founders navigate policy frameworks, global certification pathways, and dual-use markets, ensuring that Indian technologies meet and exceed global standards.
“We believe the next generation of global champions will emerge from India’s labs, R&D centers, and workshops. In a geopolitically complex and technologically interdependent world, building for India’s resilience and sovereign capabilities is not just a national imperative—it is also a generational venture opportunity,” said Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner, Speciale Invest.
“Deep-tech represents one of the most exciting frontiers for venture capital in India. The combination of world-class technical talent, increasing policy support, and global market access has created an unprecedented window to back companies solving some of humanity’s most complex challenges from India,” said Arjun Rao, Partner, Speciale Invest.
The Road Ahead with Fund III
Speciale Invest’s differentiated approach centers on being the first believer in companies building hard technologies with real-world impact. With Fund III, the firm will double down on sovereign-tech and deep-tech bets—across space-tech, dual-use defense innovation, frontier computing, and sustainable energy—while ensuring these innovations are globally competitive from day one.
The fund is backed by a strong base of returning LPs including family offices, institutions, and strategic investors, all of whom share the long-term conviction in India’s deep-tech potential.
As India emerges as a critical node in the global technology stack, Speciale Invest Fund III will ensure that Indian founders have the capital, conviction, and compounding partnerships needed to build breakthrough companies—at home and for the world.
About Speciale Invest
Founded in 2017 by visionary leaders Vishesh Rajaram and Arjun Rao, Speciale Invest is a seed-stage venture capital firm dedicated to empowering deep tech founders who tackle complex global challenges. With a commitment to investing at the pre-seed and seed stages, the firm passionately focuses on five transformative themes such as Energy transition and planetary health, driving innovations in batteries, hydrogen, and materials; Advanced manufacturing and industrial modernization, spearheading advancements in robotics and semiconductors; Beyond Earth and space technology, exploring the frontiers of satellites and launch systems; Advanced software and computing, unlocking the potential of AI/ML infrastructure and quantum computing; Biosciences, pioneering breakthroughs in synthetic biology, bioengineering, and life sciences.
By merging capital with profound technical and strategic support, Speciale Invest is on a mission to nurture and elevate globally relevant companies that emerge from India.
12 August 2025, Delhi NCR: Fairdeal.Market, India’s first B2B quick commerce platform, has raised $3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Incubate Fund Asia and Waterbridge Ventures & prominent angel investors. The funds will be deployed to deepen technology moat, expand into new zones in Delhi-NCR, and onboard more D2C and regional “hero” brands.
Fairdeal, through its tight data-backed operations, has established a low-burn, capital-efficient model with robust unit economics. As a result, within a year of its operations, the company is approaching $10M ARR. Co-founded by Prateek and Yash Bansal, brothers hailing from Jaipur. Fairdeal is built on a clear mission to empower micro-retailers and enable their transition into the digital retail economy.
“India’s kirana stores are no longer just adapting to the digital economy – they’re actively defining it. B2B quick commerce is unlocking a new era of leverage, where speed, data, and precision form the real moat. At Fairdeal, we combine instant delivery with intelligent demand sensing to ensure retailers get exactly what they need, exactly when they need it – no overstocking, no capital stuck on shelves. For the first time, retailers are operating with real-time supply chains, behaving like modern, asset-light businesses. And yes, with Fairdeal, they finally feel like kings-in-control, well-stocked, and ready to grow,” said Prateek Bansal & Yash Bansal,Co-founders, Fairdeal
Fairdeal believes that small retailers are the backbone of offline distribution in India and are irreplaceable. It is aiming to empower them and help them earn better and build a platform of highly loyal 1,00,000 retailers over the next 3 years. This can provide a path of non-linear gains to Fairdeal and achieve an ARR $150M. At a time when most of the technology distribution models are focused on shifting market share away from these retailers, Fairdeal is aligning with them by providing cloud inventory of over 1000+ SKUs, and discovery of upcoming brands with better margins.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Fairdeal, a company building a robust B2B quick commerce infrastructure to serve over 13 million micro-retailers across India. Their model is powered by high-velocity fulfillment, data-driven analytics, and a curated assortment of SKUs tailored to market demand. We are particularly impressed by the exceptional execution capabilities demonstrated by Prateek and Yash, who have rapidly scaled operations while achieving industry-leading margins in a short span of time.”, said Rajeev Ranka, Partner at Incubate Fund Asia.
“Offline retail is data dark, traditionally opaque, and capital-intensive. By building cart-level transparency, Fairdeal provides insights on SKU velocity, performance of marketing campaigns, and potential whitespaces. We are seeing that this data is of immense value to MNC/National, Regional, and D2C brands in equal measure”, said Ashish Jain, Partner, WaterBridge Ventures
With new funding, Fairdeal is positioned to become the de facto operating system for India’s micro retailers and brands – quick replenishment on the front end, a compounding data flywheel on the back.
India’s digital lending sector is booming. In FY 2024–25, fintech NBFCs disbursed nearly 10.9 crore personal loans, about 74% of all personal loans, worth over INR 1,06,500 crore. Yet, many Indians still find credit hard to obtain.
That’s where Viva Money steps in. As India’s first personal line of credit app, it offers fast approvals (under 15 minutes), a fully digital experience, and a 51‑day 0% interest period. Recognised by the RBI as a Loan Service Provider, Viva is reshaping how everyday Indians access and manage credit.
Here, let’s learn about what Viva Money is, its business model, products and services, future plans, and more.
Viva Money is an innovative lending platform offering India’s 1st Line of Credit with a strong focus on online tech-based proprietary models and data-centric KYC. The company provides a seamless mobile application, so borrowers can manage their loan products effortlessly. Although customers can apply via the website, the complete loan process, including profile creation, agreement signing, and disbursal, is conducted through the mobile app.
Viva Money began its operations in December 2023. At present, the company operates in four Indian states, with 24 states and 8 union territories yet to be covered. Once Viva Money expands its footprint across the entire country, it is poised to become one of the leading lending platforms offering a broader suite of innovative financial solutions.
India’s fintech sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and a surge in digital adoption. The market was valued at approximately $112.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $550.2 billion by 2030.
The digital lending segment, which includes platforms like Viva Money, is a key contributor to this growth. This momentum is being fuelled by increasing smartphone penetration, government-led initiatives such as Digital India, and a broader shift towards digital financial services.
Over the next 5-10 years, Viva Money, along with other fintech companies, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital lending landscape. With the market anticipated to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2030, Viva Money’s emphasis on accessible and flexible financial solutions places it in a strong position to capture a substantial share of this expanding sector. By utilising technological innovation and aligning with government policies, the company is working towards becoming a prominent player in India’s digital lending space, thereby contributing to financial inclusion and economic development.
Viva Money currently employs over 50 professionals, including international experts, all contributing significantly to the company’s growth and innovation. The organisation upholds international standards of corporate culture and actively seeks individuals who are results-oriented and dedicated to success.
Managing Director George Donchenko brings extensive experience in retail banking across multiple continents, including Africa. A graduate of the London Business School, he possesses deep expertise and a strong industry background in banking and financial services. At Viva Money, he leads the company’s fintech transformation by leveraging innovative technology, proprietary modelling, and data-driven KYC systems to revolutionise the lending experience.
The company is supported by a resilient leadership team of seven key members, each responsible for a core function: IT, Marketing, Finance, Risk, Operations, Legal, and HR. United by a shared vision, this team is committed to building an innovative platform that is truly aligned with the financial needs of Indian consumers.
The core leadership team consists of the following individuals:
The inception of Viva Money was inspired by a clear gap in India’s financial ecosystem—millions of young, creditworthy individuals lacked access to simple, fast, and flexible borrowing solutions. Traditional banks, with their rigid eligibility criteria, often excluded students, gig workers, and entry-level professionals. Viva Money set out to bridge this gap by creating a platform that empowers this underserved segment, beginning with India’s first mobile-first line of credit product.
The concept of a credit line remains relatively novel for many Indian consumers. While the market is saturated with credit card and personal loan offerings, most users are familiar only with these two traditional options. A credit line, however, merges the strengths of both, offering significantly more flexibility and financial freedom compared to conventional lending products.
The company’s foundational research included:
Analysing credit access patterns in India, particularly among Gen Z and millennials.
Surveying over 1,000 young adults to understand borrowing behaviour and the limitations faced with traditional banking institutions.
Examining digital payment trends, UPI adoption, and the growth of smartphone usage to assess the viability of a mobile-only lending model.
Studying the regulatory environment, especially the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines around partnerships with non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
This research confirmed a substantial unmet demand and a growing preference for app-based, flexible financial products.
Viva Money began on a small scale with a focused vision. The initial concept centred around “credit-on-tap” for emergencies. A lean design team created early wireframes to visualise the mobile experience, followed by the development of a minimum viable product (MVP) centred solely on the credit line feature. Early in its journey, the company partnered with a registered NBFC to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to enable backend lending operations. Basic risk assessment models were also integrated to promote responsible lending from the outset.
The earliest conversations were held with:
Industry veterans from fintech and banking.
Trusted advisors and mentors from startup accelerators and fintech communities.
Young professionals, who represented the target user base.
Feedback from these early discussions was overwhelmingly positive, with many remarking, “I wish this existed when I was starting out.” Initial users were particularly drawn to the platform’s instant approvals and paperless onboarding process.
Viva Money – Vision and Mission
Viva Money operates with the motto “Your Instant Financial Saathi,” reflecting its commitment to being a trusted companion in its customers’ financial journeys. The company is driven by a core belief in empowering individuals by offering transparent and flexible financial solutions, especially for those who feel excluded by traditional banking systems. By providing quick, user-friendly, and adaptable cash loan options, Viva Money aims to contribute not only to the national economy but also to instill a sense of security and confidence in the financial future of households across the country.
In the short term, the company plans to expand its services across India. Looking ahead, Viva Money envisions becoming one of the largest lending apps in India, striving to make loans more accessible and inclusive for all Indian citizens.
Viva Money – Name, Tagline, and Logo
Viva Money Logo
At Viva Money, every aspect of the brand, from the name to the logo and slogan, was thoughtfully developed to reflect the company’s mission of empowering individuals through accessible financial support.
The name “Viva” is derived from the Spanish expression meaning “long live.” It was chosen to evoke a sense of vitality, optimism, and opportunity. Viva Money is more than just a brand name; it represents a celebration of financial independence and the possibility of second chances.
The Slogan: “Your Instant Financial Saathi” The tagline encapsulates Viva Money’s core purpose: to be a trusted companion in its users’ financial journeys. The word “Saathi,” meaning companion in Hindi, symbolises the close, supportive relationship the company strives to build with its customers. Whether assisting with unexpected expenses or planned purchases, Viva Money offers instant, transparent, and flexible financial solutions, serving not just as a lender but as a dependable partner in times of need.
The logo is designed to be more than just a representation of the letter “V”. It symbolises “We”, reflecting togetherness, partnership, and mutual support. The visual identity communicates that Viva Money stands with its customers during financial challenges, not merely as a service provider, but as a source of reassurance, much like a friend or family member.
Viva Money – Products/Services
Viva Money USP
Viva Money is a digital financial lending platform that offers India’s first personal line of credit. Through its mobile application, users can access a revolving credit line of up to INR 2,00,000, with a grace period of up to 51 days at 0% interest for repayment. The entire process is fully digital—from instant approval and KYC verification to fund disbursement, eliminating the need for any physical paperwork. Repayment is equally flexible, with EMI options ranging from 5 to 20 months.
How It Works:
Application: Users download the Viva Money app and apply for a personal line of credit.
Approval: Credit limits are approved in under 15 minutes.
Fund Disbursement: Once approved, the funds are transferred directly to the user’s bank account.
Repayment: Users can repay within the grace period to benefit from 0% interest, or opt for flexible EMIs.
Problems Addressed:
Financial Inclusion: Viva Money provides access to credit for underserved segments, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
Accessibility: The platform offers a digital-first solution, removing the need for bank visits or paperwork.
Flexibility: Users can borrow as needed and repay in convenient instalments, offering greater financial control.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
First-of-its-Kind Product: Viva Money introduced India’s first personal line of credit with a 51-day grace period at 0% interest.
Fully Digital Process: The platform offers a seamless end-to-end digital experience.
Rapid Approval and Instant Transfer: Credit lines are approved within 15 minutes, and funds are instantly disbursed to customers’ bank accounts.
Technology Stack:
Data-Centric KYC: Advanced data analytics are used to streamline the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
Artificial Intelligence: AI is employed for credit scoring and risk assessment, enabling access to credit for individuals with limited or no credit history.
Secure Transactions: Data privacy and transaction security are maintained through robust encryption and secure payment gateways.
Viva Money operates as part of the larger Viva family, extending its presence beyond India to countries including Mexico and Italy.
Viva Money – Business Model
Viva Money operates as a B2B marketing company within the digital lending sector, assisting digital lenders, such as banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), in acquiring customers for their loan products. Recognised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Loan Service Provider (LSP), Viva Money streamlines the loan application process through its mobile application.
Following loan approval and disbursement, Viva Money continues to support customers throughout the entire loan lifecycle. This includes assistance with repayment, early foreclosure, and access to additional loan tranches. In instances where payments are missed, the company also provides early-stage collection services on behalf of its financial partners.
These services are delivered in partnership with financial institutions, who compensate Viva Money for the comprehensive support offered across the lending process.
Viva Money – Launch and Early Growth Strategy
Viva Money officially launched its product on 21st December 2023 at 9:00 PM. Within just 20 minutes, the platform onboarded its very first customer, entirely through organic channels. This milestone served as a strong validation of the company’s hypothesis: there was a significant market gap and genuine demand in India for a credit line product of this nature.
At the time of launch, operations were limited to two states, Karnataka and Gujarat, ensuring a controlled and focused rollout. The initial strategy was centred on product education and user awareness rather than conventional performance marketing. Key efforts included:
Educating users on the advantages of a credit line compared to traditional personal loans or credit cards.
Leveraging social media to share simple, relatable content around themes such as financial empowerment, flexibility, and responsible borrowing.
Showcasing the product’s ease of use, instant access to funds, and superior repayment flexibility.
This awareness-driven approach quickly became Viva Money’s most effective customer acquisition tool. Users resonated with the problem the platform aimed to solve and responded positively to its transparent, modern approach.
By 29th December 2023, just nine days after launch, Viva Money had successfully onboarded its first 100 users through these education-focused efforts, without any paid marketing. To this day, educational and awareness-led campaigns remain the company’s most effective user acquisition lever, consistently outperforming traditional performance-based marketing strategies.
Viva Money – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
Since its launch, Viva Money has employed a set of focused strategies to attract and retain customers, enabling the company to scale from its initial 100 users to a much larger user base. The approach combines education-led marketing, strategic partnerships, and a strong product-led retention model.
1. Organic Growth From the very first day, Viva Money prioritised educating the market about the credit line model and how it differs from traditional personal loans or credit cards. This educational approach helped establish trust and drive organic adoption. Early adopters, impressed by the product’s speed, transparency, and flexibility, became advocates, referring others through word of mouth. Additionally, positive visibility and strong reviews on app stores played a significant role in reinforcing trust and credibility.
2. Social Media Advertising and Education Campaigns Viva Money invested in paid campaigns with an education-first mindset, clearly communicating the benefits of a credit line compared to other lending products. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Meta Ads served as key channels. These campaigns not only attracted users but also raised awareness in a lending category that remains relatively new to many Indian consumers.
3. Affiliate Partnerships Strategic tie-ups with affiliate partners proved instrumental in reaching users in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Initially, many users onboarded through these channels perceived the product as a standard personal loan. However, after using the platform and experiencing the benefits of a credit line for one to two months, many converted into long-term, active users.
Retention: Powered by a Revolving Credit Model Viva Money’s strongest retention strategy lies in the product itself. As a revolving line of credit, users gain continuous access to funds without needing to reapply or undergo fresh verification for each withdrawal. This seamless experience promotes trust and repeat usage, resulting in significantly higher retention compared to traditional personal loan providers, where each loan is treated as a one-time transaction.
Users value:
Instant access to credit following repayment.
No need for repeated documentation or approval processes.
A sense of ongoing financial security with an always-available credit line.
Together, these strategies form the foundation of Viva Money’s growth and retention success, driven by user trust, education, and a seamless lending experience.
Viva Money – Challenges Faced
Limited Awareness About Credit Line as a Product One of the earliest challenges Viva Money faced was the general lack of awareness among Indian users about credit lines. While this gap offered a clear market opportunity, it also meant that the company had to start from scratch in educating users.
Many customers compared the offering with personal loans or credit cards, expecting similar features. Explaining the flexible and revolving nature of a credit line took ongoing communication and clarity.
What Helped:
Focused on education-led marketing using Instagram Reels, short videos, FAQs, and user testimonials to simplify the concept.
Created clear comparisons between credit lines and personal loans to explain the differences.
Worked with affiliate and partner networks to help them understand the product and explain it accurately to users.
This approach improved understanding, which led to better user retention and repeat usage over time.
Fraud Risk in Lending Fraud has been a consistent issue in the lending sector, and Viva Money has also dealt with this challenge. Despite having checks in place since launch, fake applications and misuse remain common across the industry.
Steps Taken:
Built a fraud detection process using both fixed rules and behavioural data.
Regularly updated the KYC and approval systems to spot unusual patterns early.
Partnered with third-party fraud detection services and used the insights to improve internal systems.
However, as fraud attempts grow, lenders are often required to make onboarding more strict, which can make the process harder for genuine users. Managing this trade-off is still an ongoing task for the team.
Viva Money has shown consistent growth in revenue, reflecting the effectiveness of its commercial strategy. Since its launch, the company’s revenue has increased significantly. In its first financial year (2023-2024), Viva Money recorded a revenue of INR 108 lakhs. This figure is projected to rise to INR 1,124 lakhs in 2024–2025, with further growth expected to INR 2,242 lakhs in 2025–2026.
The company has crossed the break-even point and has started generating profit. The expected profit for 2024-2025 stands at INR 203 lakhs, with a projected increase to INR 360 lakhs in 2025–2026.
The primary driver of this financial growth has been a steady inflow of new customers, attributed to the success of the marketing strategy, growing brand recognition, and the adoption of Viva Money’s mobile application. The customer base has already surpassed 26,000 users and is expected to reach 1.09 lakh by the end of 2025-2026.
Viva Money currently operates in four Indian states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
Viva Money – Tools and Software Used
Viva Money employs a range of tools and software solutions to support its operations across various functions:
Tool
Purpose
Aadhaar Verification from Digitap
Used for verifying client Aadhaar IDs via Digilocker.
Razorpay Payment Gateway
Manages the receipt of payments from clients.
ICICI Bank
Handles the transfer of loan amounts to customer accounts.
SMS Gateway from MSG91 & Kaleyra
Used for sending SMS messages to clients and receiving delivery status reports.
Video KYC from Digitap
Enables client identification through video verification.
Account Aggregator from Onemoney
Accesses and analyses clients’ digital bank statements.
Traffic Tracking from Appsflyer
Tracks and records sources of app downloads and transitions from app stores.
Aadhaar Esign from Digitap
Allows signing of documents using electronic signatures.
PAN Verification from Digitap
Verifies clients’ PAN numbers for compliance purposes.
Bank Account Validation from Cashfree
Confirms account activity and ownership during transfer applications.
CKYCR from Trackwizz
Facilitates uploading of client identification data to the CKYCR database.
Credit Bureau Checks from TransUnion, CRIF, and Experian
Assesses the customer’s credit history.
Anti-fraud Tool from Juicy Score
Gathers client device information as part of the scoring process.
These are the tools Viva Money plans to use soon to improve its operations and services:
Tool
Purpose
CRM from Salesforce
Aids in customer support, communication, and analysis.
LOS from M2P
Manages the loan origination process.
LMS from M2P
Handles loan management activities.
Collection System from M2P
Manages the collection of overdue debts.
AML Tool from Trackwizz
Conducts AML (Anti-Money Laundering) screening of customers.
FAQ and Chat Tools from Salesforce
Provides FAQs, in-app and website chats, and chatbot functionalities.
RBL Bank
Also supports the transfer of loan amounts to customer accounts.
Viva Money – Recognition and Achievements
Viva Money’s rapid growth has been acknowledged through multiple industry-specific accolades.
Karnataka’s Best Brand in Fintech (2024) At the Karnataka Brand Leadership Awards held on 19 September 2024, Viva Money was recognised as the Best Brand in Fintech in Karnataka. The award highlights the company’s significant contributions to the state’s financial technology sector.
Asia’s Rising Star in Fintech (2024) During the Asian Brand and Leadership Conclave 2024, held on 6 September 2024 in Surajkund, NCR, Viva Money was honoured as Asia’s Rising Star in Fintech. This recognition marked the company’s swift ascent as a key player in the Asian fintech landscape.
Recognition at Global Fintech Fest Awards (2024) Viva Money was shortlisted as a nominee for the Best in Class Lending Solution at the Global Fintech Fest Awards 2024. Although not a winner, the nomination underscored the company’s innovative approach to lending solutions.
Viva Money – Competitors
Some of the key competitors of Viva Money include:
MoneyTap
Stashfin
CASHe
Fibe
Viva Money – Future Plans
Viva Money has outlined a bold and strategic growth roadmap for the next 12–24 months:
Geographic Expansion to PAN India: After establishing a presence in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, the company plans to expand operations across India by the end of 2025.
Credit Line Enhancement: The current credit limit is set to increase from INR 2 lakh to INR 3 lakh for returning and high-performing borrowers.
Personal Loan Increase to INR 5 Lakh: Viva Money intends to offer personal loans of up to INR 5 lakh for select customers with a strong repayment history and high app engagement.
Risk-Based Pricing Model: A new interest rate structure will be introduced, offering lower rates to users with disciplined credit behaviour.
Scan-and-Pay Feature: An in-app “scan and pay” option will be launched to enable real-time purchases using approved credit lines.
Female Customer Growth: The company aims to increase its ~10% female user base by offering tailored products and improving financial access for women.
FLDG Integration: Credit disbursement will be scaled through partnerships with multiple NBFCs under a First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG) structure.
FAQs
What does Viva Money do?
Viva Money is a tech-first fintech platform that helps digital lenders connect with underserved customers and simplify the entire loan journey, from application to repayment.
Who does Viva Money serve?
Viva Money focuses on everyday Indians who struggle to access traditional credit, offering easy, fast, and clear lending solutions through trusted NBFC partners.
Is Viva Money recognised by the RBI?
Yes, Viva Money operates as a Loan Service Provider (LSP) in compliance with the RBI’s Digital Lending Guidelines, in partnership with Finfinace Financial, an RBI-registered NBFC.
