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  • WhatsApp for iPad on the Horizon, Teases Official X Post

    After years of waiting, WhatsApp is finally releasing a dedicated iPad app. A dedicated iPad app has now been hinted at by the well-known instant messaging software.

    In response to a user’s request for an iPad app, the official WhatsApp account on X (previously Twitter) recently used the “eyes” emoji, suggesting that users of Apple iPads would soon be able to utilise the eagerly anticipated iPad version for WhatsApp.

    A native WhatsApp app for iPadOS has been in beta testing through Apple’s TestFlight program for almost two years. Those who have had access to the beta program describe a generally stable experience, despite the fact that it is now full and cannot accept more testers.

    This prolonged testing period indicates that before a larger distribution, WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, is carefully ensuring a stable and seamless user experience.

    Features of the New App

    It is anticipated that users will be able to view their WhatsApp discussions on their own while their iPhone is not online thanks to the upcoming iPad app.

     This “companion mode” feature, which keeps calls and messages end-to-end encrypted across connected devices, replicates the experience now offered by WhatsApp on desktop and online. Compared to merely using the iPhone app or the web version, the interface is expected to be more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing due to its optimisation for the iPad’s larger size.

    The official date of the WhatsApp iPad app’s public release has not yet been disclosed. The wait for a native WhatsApp experience for the iPad, however, might not be long given the recent social media tease and the continued beta activity.

    WhatsApp to Gain More Popularity in the US

    Meta has been working to greatly enhance the WhatsApp messaging experience on all devices over the past few years. In 2023, it redesigned the Mac app with improved performance and new capabilities like video calling and group audio.

    Higher-Quality voice and video calls, voice message transcription, multi-account support, and other helpful features were added to the messaging platform itself. Last year, WhatsApp’s iPhone app was also updated, giving it a more contemporary appearance and feel.

    WhatsApp reached the milestone of 100 million monthly active users in the United States in July 2024. Quick updates, such as a specialised iPad software, will only hasten the platform’s expansion and uptake across the nation.

    Why Now?

    Although there has long been a drive for a tablet-friendly version of WhatsApp, Meta’s recent emphasis on multi-device compatibility set the stage.

    WhatsApp’s multi-device beta was finally released in 2021, allowing users to use the service across numerous devices without requiring a phone connection.

    This made it possible to build the technological framework for an independent iPad app.

    Furthermore, the lack of WhatsApp—a crucial communication tool—became more apparent as Apple’s iPad, with its M-series CPUs and productivity features, increasingly presents itself as a laptop substitute.

  • JioBlackRock Gets SEBI Green Signal to Enter India’s Mutual Fund Market

    Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited (JioBlackRock Asset Management), a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) [BSE, NSE: JIOFIN] and BlackRock [NYSE: BLK], has received regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to commence operations as an investment manager for their mutual fund business in India.

    JioBlackRock Asset Management will bring an innovative investment proposition to the growing number of Indian retail mutual fund investors, as well as to institutional investors in India. The asset management company will seek to leverage the unique strengths of its two sponsors: JFSL’s digital reach and its deep understanding of the local market, alongside BlackRock’s global investment expertise and leading risk management technology.

    Key differentiators for all investors of the JioBlackRock Asset Management offering will include competitive and transparent pricing and innovative products, supported by the application of BlackRock’s pre-eminent risk management expertise. This includes Aladdin, BlackRock’s globally renowned proprietary technology platform that unifies the investment management process through a common data language. For retail investors, the offering will also be distinctive for its digital-first customer proposition. JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to launch a range of investment products, including those that apply BlackRock’s industry-leading capabilities in data-driven investing,  over the coming months.

    Isha Ambani, Non-Executive Director, JFSL, said: “India’s rapid growth is driven by a new generation with bold aspirations. Our partnership with BlackRock is a powerful combination of global investment expertise and Jio’s digital-first innovation. Together, we are committed to making investing simple, accessible, and inclusive for every Indian. I am confident that JioBlackRock Asset Management will play a transformative role in shaping the future of financial empowerment in India.”

    Rachel Lord, Head of International at BlackRock, said: “The opportunity in asset management in India today is tremendously exciting. JioBlackRock’s digital-first customer proposition, delivering institutional-quality products at a lower cost directly to investors, will enable more people in India to enjoy the many benefits of access to the capital markets. Together with our partner JFSL, we look forward to contributing to the country’s continued evolution from a nation of savers to a nation of investors.” 

    BlackRock refers to BlackRock Financial Management Inc.

    JioBlackRock Asset Management is also pleased to announce the appointment of Sid Swaminathan as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

    Sid Swaminathan brings over 20 years of asset management experience to the role. He was previously Head of International Index Equity at BlackRock, where he was responsible for an AUM of $1.25 trillion. Prior to that, he served as the Head of Fixed Income Portfolio Management for Europe at BlackRock, responsible for Systematic and Indexed strategies.

    Sid’s deep understanding of investments across asset classes, investment styles and geographies will play a key role in his leadership of JioBlackRock Asset Management, as the JV works to deliver innovative investment products to millions of investors in India.

    Sid Swaminathan, Managing Director & CEO, Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited said: “JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to digitally deliver institutional quality investment products to investors across India and contribute to the growth of the country’s investment ecosystem. I am honoured to lead JioBlackRock Asset Management and help transform asset management in India by empowering investors to directly harness the potential of investing.”

    About Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited

    Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited (JBAMPL or JioBlackRock Asset Management) is a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and BlackRock (‘the shareholders’). JioBlackRock Asset Management will seek to combine BlackRock’s global investment expertise and leading risk management technology with JFSL’s digital reach and knowledge of the local market in India. The organisation aims to provide innovative, affordable and easily accessible investment solutions for the people of India. 

    About Jio Financial Services Limited

    Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) is a Core Investment Company (CIC), registered with the Reserve Bank of India. JFSL is a new-age institution, which operates a full-stack financial services business through customer-facing entities, including Jio Finance Limited, Jio Insurance Broking Limited, Jio Payment Solutions Limited, Jio Leasing Services Limited, Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited, and Jio Payments Bank Limited.

    Its digital-first model aims to ensure the holistic financial well-being of Indian citizens by enabling them to borrow, transact, save and invest seamlessly. Through the JioFinance app, customers can access a range of services including loans, savings accounts, UPI bill payments, recharges, digital insurance, financial tracking and management tools and more. JFSL has also entered into a joint venture with BlackRock, the world’s leading providers of investment solutions, to offer asset management, wealth management and broking services in India.

    JFSL was originally incorporated as Reliance Strategic Investments Private Limited on July 22, 1999, under the Companies Act 1956. Subsequently, the name of the Company was changed to Reliance Strategic Investments Limited and a fresh certificate of incorporation was issued on January 14, 2002. Thereafter, pursuant to a scheme of demerger with Reliance Industries Limited, the name of the Company was further changed to ‘Jio Financial Services Limited’ and a fresh certificate of incorporation was issued on July 25, 2023. JFSL has been listed on the BSE and NSE since August 21, 2023.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable.

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  • Elon Musk’s Starlink Set to Launch in India at Just INR 840!

    High-speed satellite internet services are about to be introduced in India by Elon Musk’s Starlink and other satellite communication companies, such as Eutelsat OneWeb, which is supported by the Bharti Group, Reliance Jio’s joint venture with SES, and Globalstar.

     In order to swiftly draw in a sizable user base in one of the biggest telecom markets in the world, Starlink is anticipated to launch unlimited data plans at discount prices of less than $10 (about INR 840) per month, according to a report from a renowned media house.

    Severe Competition o Lead the Race

    Satellite operators are trying to expand quickly by providing reasonably priced services, despite the high cost of spectrum and licences. According to experts, this strategy might assist these businesses in spreading out their costly spectrum and infrastructure expenditures over a larger clientele.

    Up to 10 million consumers in India is the long-term objective. The telecom watchdog in India, TRAI, has suggested a minimum yearly spectrum cost of INR 3,500 per MHz and a 4% levy on adjusted gross revenue (AGR).

    Additionally, suppliers will be required to pay a licence charge of 8%. While there would be no such tax in rural areas, operators would have to pay an extra INR 500 per subscriber annually in metropolitan areas.

    The ultimate government approval of these recommendations is pending. Even while the monthly plans can appear alluring, many Indian users might be put off by the initial expense of Starlink hardware.

     Starlink kits cost between $250 and $380 (about INR 21,300 to INR 32,400) worldwide. This is a substantial investment in contrast to India’s fibre broadband offerings, which have cheaper installation costs, offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps, and frequently come with bundled OTT subscriptions.

    Developments in Regulation and Actions by Rivals

    Starlink has obtained a letter of intent from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and is awaiting final certification from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), whereas Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb have already obtained regulatory licenses.

    Technical constraints may impede Starlink’s expansion in India, notwithstanding its lofty goals. The satellite constellation’s geographic coverage of India is projected to be between 0.7% and 0.8% of the world’s total satellite capacity, meaning that only 700 to 800 satellites are always in the country.

     This contrasts sharply with India’s strong terrestrial infrastructure, which includes 3 million base transceiver stations and more than 800,000 telecom towers. For comparison, Starlink presently charges 6,000 BDT (about INR 4,200) per month in Bangladesh.

    The overall start-up fees for new customers come to around INR 37,200, which includes a one-time equipment price of 47,000 BDT (INR 33,000) and an extra 2,800 BDT (INR 2,000) for shipment.

  • IndiGo Shares Slide 3% as Rakesh Gangwal Offloads INR 11,928-Cr Stake in Block Deal

    After co-founder Rakesh Gangwal sold 2.26 crore shares, or roughly 5.8% of his ownership, in a big block sale, shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo Airlines, fell more than 3%.

    According to a media report, which cited people with knowledge of the situation, the deal brought in about INR 11,928 crore. The block deal was carried out at a floor price of INR 5,260 per share, which was around 3% less than the stock’s most recent closing price.

    According to reports, the purchase was managed by international financial banks Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs.

    Move Marked as Gangwal’s Gradual Exit

    Gangwal is continuing to gradually withdraw from the airline’s parent firm with this stake sale. He had already announced plans to gradually lower his share in InterGlobe Aviation when he retired from the board in 2022.

     Gangwal is still one of the company’s biggest stockholders even after he resigned. IndiGo, however, revealed impressive financial results for the quarter that concluded on March 31, 2025. Due to strong domestic travel demand, the airline reported a net profit of INR 3,067.5 crore for the second consecutive quarter.

    The net profit for the same time last year was INR 1,894.8 crore. At INR 22,151.9 crore, operating revenue increased 24% year over year, falling slightly short of expert projections of INR 22,500 crore. With margins increasing to 31.4% from 24.8%, the airline’s EBITDAR (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortisation, and Rent) jumped to INR 6,948.2 crore from INR 4,412.3 crore a year earlier.

    IndiGo Gone Through Major Overhauling Process

    Since Pieter Elbers was appointed CEO of IndiGo in September 2022, the company has undergone a strategic transformation. Elbers, a seasoned veteran with over 30 years of experience at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, contributed worldwide knowledge that has bolstered IndiGo’s global presence and increased its domestic dominance.

    However, because of the significant reliance on his leadership, Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL) identified a possible “key man” risk. With an average of one aircraft added per week and over 10 crore people carried yearly, the airline is currently operating at scale.

    Through strategic airline alliances, it has increased its worldwide market share to 30% of Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) in FY25. In order to increase service reliability, efforts are also being made to improve consumer loyalty, increase brand recognition, and optimise flight schedules.

    Due to increasing demand, fare increases, a lower price for crude oil, and a rising rupee, IndiGo shares have returned 18% so far in 2025 and 28% for the last six months.

    Elara Securities pointed out that, because of occasions like the Maha Kumbh festival, IndiGo’s passenger traffic increased steadily in FY25, rising from 5% YoY in Q1 to 20% in Q4.

  • Slikk Raises $10 Million in Series A Led by Nexus Venture Partners

    Slikk, India’s first 60-minute fashion delivery platform, has raised $10 million in an all-equity Series A round led by Nexus Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors Lightspeed. The funding will fuel Slikk’s next phase of growth, including the launch of new lifestyle categories, rollout of instant returns, and expansion into more urban pin codes, further reinforcing its promise of speed and convenience in Indian e-commerce.

    Since its inception, Slikk has demonstrated strong traction among India’s young and impulse-driven shoppers. With high customer retention and repeat usage, Slikk is rapidly emerging as the go-to destination for fashion delivered at speed. Its unique model combines curated fashion, Try & Buy convenience, instant refunds and rapid delivery, all within 60 minutes.

    “Slikk, since inception has delivered a high-quality customer experience through our 60-minute delivery model. Brands have been able to unlock new users at a hyperlocal level. With this new round, we intend to double down on that promise and offer a significantly wider range of products and experiences to our customers,” said Akshay Gulati, Co-Founder & CEO, Slikk.

    As it scales, Slikk will diversify into categories such as beauty and personal care (BPC), footwear, accessories and wearables, while extending its presence across key metros. The introduction of instant returns will further enhance its seamless shopping experience and strengthen customer trust.

    Pratik Poddar, Partner at Nexus Venture Partners, said, “Having watched quick commerce reshape India’s consumer behavior, we firmly believe fashion is the definitive next frontier for digital disruption. The Slikk team’s deep category insights and strategic execution are precisely what this moment demands. We’re incredibly excited to be long-term partners in shaping this future.”

    “We backed Slikk at the seed stage because their take on fashion commerce was refreshingly ahead of its time. The team built a product that truly resonates with its customers, reflected in strong retention and engagement. We are happy to double down on our investment and support Akshay and the team’s focus on newer categories and reaching a wider audience across India.” added Rahul Taneja, Partner, Lightspeed.

    Slikk currently serves a dynamic audience of college students, young professionals, and urban shoppers heavily influenced by social trends.

    With India’s apparel market projected to reach US$109.45bn in 2025, and the beauty and personal care segment exceeding $34 billion, Slikk is well-positioned to address the rising demand for hyperlocal fast-fashion solutions.

    About Slikk

    Slikk was founded by Akshay Gulati (CEO), Om Prakash Swami (CTO), and Bipin Singh (CPO), who bring extensive experience in building and scaling commerce platforms. Their expertise is now fueling innovation in fashion e-commerce. As India’s first quick-commerce fashion platform, Slikk delivers clothing and accessories within 60 minutes across Bangalore, eliminating long wait times and making shopping seamless. With its unique Try & Buy model, Slikk offers customers a hassle-free experience, redefining convenience in Indian e-commerce.

    About Nexus Venture Partners

    Nexus Venture Partners is a leading early-stage venture capital firm partnering with extraordinary entrepreneurs building product-first companies. With over $2.6 billion in funds under management, Nexus VP operates as one team across the U.S. and India. Nexus VP companies include Zepto, Rapido, IndiaShelter, Delhivery, Headout, Ultrahuman, Postman, Apollo.io, MinIO, Fingerprint, Neuron7.ai, Daloopa, Hasura, Observe.ai, Rancher, Pubmatic, Druva, H2O.ai and Turtlemint. 

    About Lightspeed

    Lightspeed is a global multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, Health, and Fintech sectors. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped build more than 500 companies globally, including Affirm, Acceldata, Carta, Cato Networks, Darwinbox, Epic Games, Faire, Guardant Health, Mulesoft, Navan, Netskope, Nutanix, Physics Wallah, Razorpay, Rubrik, Sharechat, Snap, OYO Rooms, Ultima Genomics, Zepto and more. Lightspeed and its global team currently manage $25B in AUM across the Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in the U.S., Europe, India, Israel, and Southeast Asia.

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  • TCS Reshapes AI & Cloud Division for Growth Surge; Krishna Mohan to Wheel Cloud Operations

    As the company strives for more growth in the artificial intelligence cloud industry, TCS, the largest provider of IT services in the nation by market capitalisation, has reorganised its AI.Cloud division into two separate business divisions, according to a senior company official.

    In August 2023, TCS launched its AI.Cloud division with the goal of leveraging cloud computing and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to increase business value.

    AI is becoming more prevalent every day and is now mentioned in every conversation, according to Siva Ganesan, who is currently in charge of the recently established AI.Cloud unit. He emphasised the future developments in this field, saying that they will become more widespread and intense in the years to come.

    New Team to Captain the AI Ship

    The cloud division will be led by Krishna Mohan, who was previously the deputy head of the AI.Cloud unit. In the meantime, Satish Byravan will be the global head of data, and Ashok Krish has been appointed as the worldwide head of AI.

     According to senior executives, the Tata Group company has created a specific unit for artificial intelligence (AI) and another for cloud services in what is perceived as a calculated attempt to capitalise on the promise of AI.

    No Separate Revenue Stream for AI

    In the past 12 months, the company has seen a multiplication in the volume and vibrancy of activity in the data and AI domain, Ganesan told a media outlet. Since TCS does not publish distinct income for AI, he did not provide precise numbers.

    According to his explanation, the unit will serve as a “central unit, a repository of all AI things”. Executives emphasised that the establishment of separate business entities is justified by the significant growth potential and relatively unexplored areas of both cloud and AI.

    According to a media report, due to their tight relationship, data is also included in the AI unit. TCS can provide complete solutions that integrate AI and data services in situations where clients’ data infrastructure isn’t yet AI-ready.

    Hunting for Fresh Specialist AI Talent

    The business is employing skilled AI specialists from the market and concentrating on retraining the organisation’s current workforce by updating the training programme. According to authorities, the corporation believes that both AI and cloud have a large unexplored market and substantial growth potential, which is why it has specialised business units.

    According to a media report, data is being incorporated into the AI business unit because the two are closely related.

    The report also noted that TCS can provide its services as a unified proposal in many situations when an organisation’s data environment isn’t prepared to handle AI. It is “inevitable” to run AI as a focused and more close-to-domain unit since the corporation wants to grow “exponentially” in the fast-evolving field of AI and catch the rapidly changing market, according to an official.

  • MyGate Turns EBITDA Positive in FY25, Caps Off Multi-Year Turnaround with Sustained Growth

    MyGate, India’s leading community and security management platform, has officially turned EBITDA positive in FY25, capping off a remarkable multi-year financial turnaround. The company is also projecting a near doubling of revenue this fiscal year, backed by aggressive monetization, new product launches, and deeper penetration into Indian housing societies.

    Over the past four years, MyGate’s EBITDA margins have shown a dramatic shift:

    • FY22: -300%
    • FY23: -100%
    • FY24: -35%
    • FY25: +0.3% (estimated)

    This marks the first EBITDA-positive year for the company, once viewed as high-burning, and a validation of its long-term business strategy.

    Revenue Momentum & Cost Optimization

    In FY24, MyGate clocked INR 109 crore in revenue, a 41% YoY growth over INR 77 crore in FY23. Losses dropped by 82% in the same period, and the company achieved zero cash burn in Q4 FY24, signaling operational efficiency at scale.

    Key contributors to this turnaround:

    • Expansion into advertising and brand monetization, expected to generate over INR 160 crore in FY25
    • Entry into consumer tech, with products like smart door locks for gated communities
    • Headcount efficiency, with 624 employees as of February 2025 (19% YoY growth), without bloating operations

    Founder Commentary

    “MyGate’s EBITDA journey reminds me of a quote: ‘You can forget me till the time you cannot,’” said Abhishek Kumar, Co-founder and CEO.

    MyGate has grown 13x in three years from INR 8 crore in FY21 to INR 109 crore in FY24. FY25 is already tracking toward INR 160 crore in revenue with full-year PAT positivity.

    Investor Backing & Market Position

    Backed by marquee investors including Tiger Global, Tencent, Prime Venture Partners, ACKO, and Urban Company, MyGate has raised $83.3 million across eight rounds. Its most recent post-money valuation stands at $203 million (as of April 2023).

    The company ranks #1 among 600+ players in the community tech space, outpacing competitors such as NoBrokerHood, ADDA, and ApnaComplex.

    About MyGate

    Founded in 2016 and operated by Vivish Technologies Pvt. Ltd., MyGate is India’s top platform for gated community and apartment management. With a presence in over 25,000 housing societies, it provides solutions for security, payments, visitor tracking, society governance, and now, smart device integration.

  • MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd. – Pioneering GFRP Rebars for a Stronger, Sustainable Tomorrow

    New Delhi [India], May 27: MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd. is India’s leading manufacturer and supplier of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Rebars, revolutionizing the construction industry with corrosion-free, lightweight, and high-strength reinforcement solutions.

    About MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd

    Established as part of the Machine Retail Group (MRG) in 2007, the company’s roots lie in advancing industrial technology across Russia and India. MRG Composites began GFRP Rebar production in 2007 and formally launched Indian operations in early 2019, led by visionary founders Neel Vaya, Bhavik Vaya, and Amit Gangurde. In just a few years, despite global challenges, MRG Composites India has grown to become the country’s largest manufacturer and supplier of GFRP Rebars, having executed 5000+ projects nationwide.

    With over 18+ years of manufacturing expertise, they proudly call themselves the Pioneers of GFRP Rebars in India, the first company to bring this technology to commercial use in the Indian market.

    Why MRG GFRP Rebar?

    MRG GFRP Rebar is redefining how India builds:

    • 2x Stronger & 4x Lighter than conventional steel rebars
    • Non-Corrosive, ideal for coastal and aggressive environments
    • Thermally & Electrically Insulating, perfect for sensitive installations
    • Magnetic Neutrality, essential for high-tech and healthcare infrastructure
    • Cost-Effective Over Time, reducing maintenance and lifecycle costs

    These features make GFRP Rebars the most economical and sustainable material for structural and road construction projects across India, the UAE, and East Africa.

    Global Footprint

    It operates from four international headquarters in India, UAE, Kenya, and Russia and maintains a strong pan-India distribution network, enabling seamless supply and support to construction projects of all scales.

    National Collaboration & Standards

    As part of national development efforts, MRG Composites India Pvt. Ltd. has been closely involved in forming GFRP standards in India. The company works in collaboration with key government bodies, including:

    • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
    • National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
    • Indian Roads Congress (IRC)
    • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH)

    These efforts have culminated in the successful establishment of Indian GFRP standards:

    IS 18255:2023, IS 18256:2023, and IRC 137:2022.

    Commitment

    With a monthly production capacity of over 200 metric tonnes, MRG Composites is committed to empowering India with long-lasting, maintenance-free, and environmentally responsible construction materials.

    Join the Rebar Revolution

    At MRG Composites, it is believed that GFRP is not just a material, it’s the future of construction. As the company continues to lead this transformation, all are invited to be part of the journey towards a stronger, greener, and future-ready infrastructure.

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  • ‘It’s About Me’: Ghazal Alagh’s Honest Reflection on Mental Health and Leadership

    In a refreshingly honest LinkedIn post this Monday, Ghazal Alagh, Chief Mama and Co-founder of Mamaearth, shared a moment many entrepreneurs quietly live through but rarely speak about: the mental overload of juggling business, family, and self-expectations. Her story isn’t just relatable, it’s a call for founders to start addressing mental health as part of leadership.

    A Small Moment, A Big Realisation

    “One morning, I found myself getting annoyed over something small,” Ghazal wrote. A seemingly casual family question about weekend plans made her snap, not because the question was difficult, but because she was mentally overloaded.

    She explained the whirlwind in her mind: “My pending emails. Change in team structure. Parent-teacher meet in school. A product formulation.”

    Quickly recognising what had happened, she admitted, “It’s not about the question. It’s about me.”

    This realisation led her to reflect more deeply on how rarely founders discuss their mental wellbeing.

    Mental Clarity as a Leadership Skill

    Ghazal pointed out that mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a professional imperative.

    “If I don’t have space to think, I can’t lead with intention.”

    She now begins her mornings without her phone and chooses to read instead, a habit she credits with improving focus and decision-making.

    Communication in Tired Moments

    “How you speak when you’re tired is still leadership,” she wrote.

    Leadership, after all, isn’t just about words but tone, energy, and timing. Ghazal now makes it a habit to check in with herself before reacting, especially on high-stakes or stressful days. This small pause, she says, makes a big difference in how her team receives her message.

    Trust Comes from Presence

    Whether in a one-on-one with a team member or during dinner with her children, Ghazal has stopped multitasking during moments that matter. “Presence builds trust both at work and at home,” she noted. In a world that praises busyness, her commitment to being fully present stands out.

    Routines to Fight Burnout

    She also spoke about the power of structure. From fixed morning routines to evening screen time cut-offs, Ghazal has built predictability into her life. “Structure reduces decision fatigue,” she explained. It keeps her from burning out on small, repeated decisions and helps conserve energy for strategic thinking.



    Reflections Beyond Leadership

    This is not the first time Ghazal Alagh has shared her personal journey as an entrepreneur and mother. She has spoken about how motherhood taught her patience and creativity, which she applies in leadership. Ghazal has also been open about facing imposter syndrome and early biases, encouraging women founders to embrace their whole selves in business and life.

    Mental Health is Non-Negotiable

    She concludes with a powerful message:

    “Mental health isn’t something I put aside to ‘deal with later.’ It’s now a part of how I operate as a founder, as a mother, as a daughter, and as a human.”

    In a startup culture that too often glamorises non-stop hustle, Ghazal Alagh’s voice brings a necessary balance. Her story is a timely reminder that strong leadership starts with a clear, calm mind and that taking care of our inner world is not optional. It’s essential.

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  • JSW Paints to Snap Up AkzoNobel India Stake in $1.1 Billion Deal

    Under the leadership of Sajjan Jindal, JSW Paints is on the verge of purchasing AkzoNobel India, with the Dutch parent company AkzoNobel NV’s 74.76% stake valued at approximately INR 9,000 crore ($1.1 billion).

    According to a media report, this places the Indian unit’s overall valuation between INR 12,000 and 12,200 crore, which represents a 25% discount to its current market price.

    If approved, the acquisition will greatly increase JSW Paints’ market share by making it the second-largest player in the industrial paints category and the fourth-largest player in the decorative paints market in India.

    AkzoNobel’s Performance at Stock Market and JSW’s Future Plans

    The market value of AkzoNobel India is INR 16,380 crore, and on May 23, the company’s shares closed at INR 3,582 on the BSE. Amidst mounting rumours of a share sale, the stock has increased 40% in the last year.

    In accordance with regulatory requirements and the average share price over the previous 60 days, the acquisition will result in an open offer for an extra 26% of AkzoNobel India. About INR 700 crore of the company’s cash is anticipated to be paid out as dividends to shareholders.

    With the help of lenders including Deutsche Bank, MUFG, and Axis Bank, JSW intends to finance the takeover with INR 3,000 crore in promoter equity and an additional INR 3,000 crore in bank financing.

     The deal is anticipated to be concluded within a 30-day exclusivity window by mid-June. The transaction comes after JSW successfully bid against a group of Advent International and Indigo Paints. If finished, it might also move JSW Paints closer to reaching an annual sales target of INR 10,000 crore, paving the way for a possible initial public offering.

     With a 7% market share, AkzoNobel India provides a wide range of goods, including industrial and marine coatings as well as decorative paints.

    AkzoNobel India Going Through a Tough Time

    With a 7% market share, AkzoNobel India is one of the most lucrative companies in the paint industry. It produces 250 million litres a year and specialises in upscale ornamental goods.

    It has, however, encountered sector-wide difficulties, such as weaker growth and declining profitability. According to industry sources quoted by a media outlet, the company surrendered its powder coatings division, which accounted for 12–14% of its income, to its parent company in February.

    This move “took the shine off the deal for several potential suitors”. Due to increased competition, the decorative paints category, which accounts for 75% of industry demand, is seeing a compression on margins.

    According to Care Ratings, operating margins fell from 20% in H1FY25 to 16% in H1FY25 and are predicted to dip to 14% by FY26. Due in part to a special dividend given the year before, AkzoNobel India’s Q3FY25 profit fell by 5%. The company’s automotive and industrial paint businesses also underperformed.