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  • InstaAstro’s Abuse of Dominance Allegation is Dismissed by CCI

    The Competition Commission of India has denied InstaAstro’s petition, which alleged that Astrotalk, an online astrology platform, had abused its dominance. The competition commission, in an order, observed that the “informant” (rival platform InstaAstro) failed to provide data or statistics to substantiate its claims that Astrotalk was abusing its dominance. In addition to dismissing the complaint, the CCI asserted that Astrotalk is subject to competitive constraints due to the existence of numerous well-established competitors in the market. The bench, which consisted of Ravneet Kaur, the chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and members Anil Agrawal, Shweta Kakkad, and Deepak Anurag, observed that the mere citation of media reports is insufficient to establish antitrust allegations.

    In its complaint, InstaAstro, a competitor platform, claimed that Astrotalk was engaging in practices that were purportedly detrimental to market competition. The complainant also alleged that Astrotalk was recruiting its consultant, who was also “upskilled” by InstaAstro, by offering a higher remuneration of up to INR 5 lakh per month. According to InstaAstro, this resulted in financial losses for the company.

    Astrotalk Spreading False News to Attract Consultants

    InstaAstro also asserted that Astrotalk executed restrictive agreements with the consultants who were taken away, which forbade them from re-engaging with InstaAstro or other competitors. The complaint also claimed that Astrotalk disseminated “false news” in order to “incite” consultants from competing companies to terminate their contracts and depart their organisations.  InstaAstro also referenced Astrotalk CEO Puneet Gupta’s statements regarding social media platforms, asserting that the startup possessed 80% of the market. InstaAstro asserted that this implied an abuse of dominance.  The order further alleges that Astrotalk is violating the provisions of Section 4 of the Act by poaching astrology consultants and offering them greater remuneration, thereby reducing competition in the relevant market. 

    Consequently, InstaAstro encouraged the CCI to impose a penalty on Astrotalk and to provide guidance to the latter to cease engaging in anti-competitive practices. It also sought compensation for itself and other participants in the segment that were affected by the alleged anticompetitive practices of Astrotalk. It also requested interim relief in the form of directives to Astrotalk to cease poaching consultants and refrain from engaging into any agreements that would have a detrimental impact on competition. The CCI dismissed the complaint and determined that there was no prima facie case against Astrotalk for violating Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act after hearing the case. Consequently, the matter should be immediately resolved in accordance with Section 26(2) of the Act. As a result, the order stated that no case for the grant of relief(s) as sought under Section 33 of the Act has arisen, and the same is also rejected.

    CCI Dismissed the Poaching Allegation as well

    The CCI stated that the consultants are at liberty to render their services to any entity at their discretion in response to allegations of recruitment. Nevertheless, it stated that these types of cases do not fall within the scope of Sections 3 and 4, which is the section under which InstaAstro filed the complaint. The Commission also stated that the informant’s failure to submit any data or statistics impeded its capacity to exhibit any abuse of market power by Astrotalk. Regarding the allegations of 80% market share, the CCI stated that the commission has taken note of the informant’s assertion that Astrotalk’s dominance is solely based on the media pronouncements of its CEO, who claims to hold 80% of the market. The Commission is of the opinion that the dominance of any entity cannot be exclusively determined by media statements, which are frequently intended to enhance the entity’s market position. As a result, Astrotalk’s dominance in the pertinent market is not established.

    CCI Sets Up Confidentiality Ring for Apple Antitrust Probe
    The CCI establishes a confidentiality ring to expedite its antitrust investigation into Apple, ensuring secure handling of sensitive information during the probe.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • How Startups Can Leverage the Cloud to Scale Rapidly: Insights from Kiran Kumar Kakkireni

    Dallas (Texas) [USA], December 30: In today’s hyper-competitive startup landscape, scaling quickly and efficiently is often the difference between success and failure. Cloud computing has emerged as a game-changing tool, enabling startups to achieve rapid growth without the heavy upfront costs of traditional IT infrastructure. But how can startups fully leverage the cloud to unlock its potential?

    We turned to Kiran Kumar Kakkireni, a seasoned DevOps and cloud engineer with over 12 years of experience, to gain insights into how startups can harness the power of the cloud to scale their operations and disrupt markets.

    Why the Cloud is a Startup’s Best Friend

    “The cloud has democratized access to technology,” explains Kiran. “It offers startups the tools they need to innovate, scale, and compete with established players—all without the financial and logistical burdens of physical infrastructure.”

    According to Kiran, the cloud’s scalability, cost efficiency, and global reach make it an indispensable asset for startups. With platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offering a pay-as-you-go model, startups can experiment and grow without committing to large capital expenditures.

    Key Benefits of the Cloud for Startups

    1. Scalability: “Startups often face unpredictable growth,” says Kiran. “The cloud allows them to scale their resources up or down instantly, ensuring they’re always prepared for spikes in demand.”
    2. Cost Efficiency: The pay-as-you-go model eliminates the need for costly hardware investments. “You’re only paying for what you use,” Kiran adds. “This is critical for startups managing tight budgets.”
    3. Speed to Market: The cloud provides pre-built templates and tools, enabling startups to prototype and launch products quickly. “Startups thrive on agility,” Kiran notes. “The faster you can get to market, the better.”
    4. Global Reach: With cloud providers offering data centers worldwide, startups can serve a global customer base with low latency. “You don’t need to build infrastructure in every region—your cloud provider does it for you,” he says.
    5. Security and Reliability: Leading cloud platforms offer built-in security features and 24/7 reliability. “Startups can focus on growth while the cloud takes care of their backend operations,” Kiran explains.

    Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

    While the cloud offers immense benefits, Kiran warns of common pitfalls startups should avoid:

    • Overprovisioning Resources: “It’s tempting to overestimate your needs, but this leads to unnecessary costs. Use tools like AWS Trusted Advisor to optimize resource allocation.”
    • Neglecting Security: Failing to implement robust security measures can leave startups vulnerable to breaches. Kiran emphasizes the importance of using encryption, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
    • Lack of Scalability Planning: “Startups need to design their cloud architecture with growth in mind,” he says. “If you wait until your infrastructure is under strain, it’s too late.”

    Cloud Tools Startups Should Explore

    Kiran recommends the following tools and services for startups looking to maximize their cloud capabilities:

    • AWS Lambda for serverless computing, allowing startups to run code without managing servers.
    • Amazon S3 for cost-effective data storage with tiered options for frequently accessed and archival data.
    • Google Firebase for scalable app development.
    • Jenkins and Kubernetes for automating deployments and managing containerized applications.
    • CloudWatch and Datadog for real-time monitoring and performance optimization.

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    Success Stories: The Power of Cloud Adoption

    Kiran shares an example of a healthcare startup he worked with that needed to process large volumes of patient data securely and efficiently. “By implementing a serverless architecture using AWS Lambda and DynamoDB, we reduced their infrastructure costs by 30% and enabled them to scale seamlessly as their user base grew,” he recalls.

    Another success story involved a retail startup that faced challenges handling seasonal traffic spikes. “We implemented auto-scaling solutions, ensuring their platform could handle peak traffic during holiday sales without breaking a sweat,” Kiran adds.

    The Future of Cloud for Startups

    Looking ahead, Kiran predicts exciting advancements in cloud technology that will further benefit startups:

    • AI-Driven Automation: Tools powered by artificial intelligence will streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making.
    • Edge Computing: As IoT adoption grows, edge computing will enable faster data processing by bringing computation closer to the source.
    • Green Cloud Initiatives: Cloud providers are prioritizing sustainability, allowing startups to align with eco-friendly practices while optimizing costs.

    “The possibilities are limitless,” Kiran says. “Startups that embrace these trends will be well-positioned to lead in their industries.”

    Kiran’s message to startups is clear, “The cloud is more than just technology—it’s a strategic enabler. Use it wisely, plan for growth, and focus on creating value for your customers. The rest will follow.”

    As an expert who has guided countless startups through their cloud journeys, Kiran Kumar Kakkireni continues to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. His insights serve as a roadmap for startups aiming to scale rapidly and make a mark in the ever-changing tech landscape.

    Kiran Kumar Kakkireni is a CTO – Equinox IT Solutions LLC, DevOps and cloud engineer based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in cloud architecture, automation, and digital transformation. With over 12 years of experience, he has helped startups and enterprises alike achieve scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions. Kiran is a recognized thought leader, dedicated to advancing technology and empowering others.

    AI-Driven Cloud Services: Transforming Business Growth
    Explore how integrating artificial intelligence with cloud computing transforms business operations, enhances productivity, and opens new avenues for growth.
    StartupTalkySubham Kumar

  • Investor Reduces PharmEasy’s Valuation to $456 Million

    Online pharmacy PharmEasy’s worth has fallen to about $456 million, a sharp 92% decrease from its previous peak of $5.6 billion. Additionally, the company’s worth has dropped by 18.57% since its latest fundraising in April, when it was valued at about $560 million. A renowned media house was the first to disclose this huge decline, quoting Janus Henderson, an investor in PharmEasy, who stated that his 12.9 million shares are now worth just over $0.76 million, which is less than the $9.4 million he originally invested.

    The move follows the company’s earlier this year acquisition of more than $216 million in new funding. The company was valued at about $560 million at the time of the financing round, which was undertaken at a 90% valuation drop from its peak. Furthermore, PharmEasy’s present valuation appears to be much lower than the $600 million it paid to purchase the diagnostic lab chain Thyrocare in 2021.

    The Root Cause of the Decline

    After delaying a $843 million initial public offering (IPO) that was planned for 2021, PharmEasy‘s financial issues became apparent. After that, the business was under more and more pressure to control its debts, including a $300 million loan from Goldman Sachs that was challenging to pay back in a tighter market. PharmEasy responded to these difficulties by launching a rights offering and generating $417 million to pay off its debt and ease its financial strain. Notably, this rights offering gave current shareholders the opportunity to buy shares at a reduced price, which may dilute ownership for non-participants.

    In 2023, Neuberger Berman was another investor to lower the value of their PharmEasy assets, bringing the company’s valuation down by 21% to $4.4 billion. PharmEasy was founded in 2015 by Dharmil Sheth, Dhaval Shah, Harsh Parekh, Siddharth Shah, and Hardik Dedhia. Its main online platform distributes medications, and its subsidiaries provide diagnostic services.

    Recent Developments in PharmEasy

    Due to a decrease in operating expenses and unusual items, the epharma company’s consolidated net loss in the fiscal year 2023–24 (FY24) was cut in half, reaching INR 2,531.1 Cr. In FY23, the company’s net loss was INR 5,202.5 Cr, a 51.35% decrease. Its operating revenue did, however, also decline. From INR 6,643.9 Cr in FY23 to INR 5,664.2 Cr in FY24, PharmEasy’s operating revenue decreased by 14.75%. This is the main reason why PharmEasy has recently seen a number of changes.

    On August 16, 2024, ArisInfra Solutions, supported by the CEO of PharmEasy, submitted draft papers for an INR 600 Cr IPO, demonstrating continued efforts to generate money in the healthcare industry. Thyrocare, which is owned by PharmEasy, also revealed ambitions to extend its operations in northern India by purchasing Polo Labs’ pathology testing division.

    Peak XV Sells INR 82 Crore Worth of MobiKwik Shares
    Peak XV offloads shares worth INR 82 crore in MobiKwik, signaling a strategic move in its investment portfolio. Learn about the impact on MobiKwik’s valuation.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Delhi High Court Orders Websites Copying Games24x7’s RummyCircle to be Blocked

    A John Doe order has been issued by the Delhi High Court against several websites that are said to have unlawfully copied the layout and content of RummyCircle, the online gaming platform run by Games24x7.  In order to resolve several infractions, including copyright, trademark infringement, misrepresentation, and the unauthorised use of the startup’s founders’ names on certain websites, Games24x7 filed a lawsuit.

    What is John Doe Order?

    Interestingly, a John Doe order is a court order that permits an individual or organisation to pursue action against an unnamed person or group. “John Doe” serves as a stand-in for the unidentified individual who is being accused of misconduct.

    According to Games24X7‘s petition, some websites were using the bait-and-switch technique, which involves luring customers with a phoney RummyCircle page before rerouting them to unlawful gambling and casino websites.  Furthermore, it asserted that a number of domains were illegally promoting rival rummy platforms or illicit gambling websites by exploiting the RummyCircle trademark.

    Creating Replicas of RummyCircle’s Website

    In order to falsely identify themselves with RummyCircle, several of these websites also allegedly made nearly identical copies of the company’s website, stealing its layout, content, and user reviews. According to the HC’s verdict, Games24x7’s rights were blatantly breached by the defendants, which were fraudulent websites. The defendants were ordered by the court to refrain from using the RummyCircle brand or anything similar in the titles of their websites, posts on social media, or other materials. In addition, it mandated that the infringing websites be shuttered and removed and stated that the defendants could not utilise the names of Games24x7’s founders in any way. Due to the increasing threat of copyright and trademark infringement, courts have recently issued a number of these orders.

    The Delhi High Court last month awarded ZED Entertainment a “Dynamic+” John Doe order to protect digital privacy. Without requiring repeated court approvals, this order allowed Zed to take action against websites that were unlawfully streaming its content, including TV series, films, and over-the-top (OTT) content.

    Current Financial Dynamics of Games24x7

    Games24X7, which was founded in 2006 by Bhavin Pandya and Trivikraman Thampy, provides games such as RummyCircle and My11Circle.  After raising $75 million in a funding round led by Malabar Investment in 2022, it became a unicorn. Among its supporters are Tiger Global and Raine Group.  The unicorn faces competition from teams like Dream11 and MPL. Games24X7’s net loss decreased 29% to INR 199.60 Cr in FY23, while its consolidated income from operations increased 1.7X to INR 1,988.10 Cr.

    CCI Sets Up Confidentiality Ring for Apple Antitrust Probe
    The CCI establishes a confidentiality ring to expedite its antitrust investigation into Apple, ensuring secure handling of sensitive information during the probe.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Peak XV Offloads About INR 82 Crore Worth of MobiKwik Shares

    On December 26, Peak XV Partners Investment Holdings III, a foreign venture capital investor in One Mobikwik Systems, sold shares in the company for INR 81.63 crore through open market transactions. Recently, One Mobikwik Systems was added to the benchmark index. According to an NSE bulk sale, Peak XV Partners Investment, formerly Sequoia Capital India and SEA, sold a 1.54% share in the business. At INR 679.38 per share, the investor sold off 12.01 lakh shares.

    As of December 16, Peak XV Partners Investment Holdings III owned 2.81% of the business, per BSE statistics. However, as of December 6, Peak XV Partners Investment Holdings III owned 3.67% of the business, according to the Red Herring Documents. for a premium of 57.71%, the stock made its debut on the National Stock Exchange for INR 440 a share. At INR 442.25 per share, it was listed on the BSE, representing a 58.51% premium.

    MobiKwik’s Recently Concluded IPO

    The initial public offering (IPO) of MobiKwik Systems, which ended on December 13, was subscribed for 119.38 times, with qualified institutional purchasers driving demand. Only a new issue of shares valued at INR 572 crore was included in the IPO.

    The IPO proceeds will be used by MobiKwik for a number of initiatives, such as INR 150 crore for financing organic financial services growth, INR 135 crore for payment services, and INR 107 crore for investments in data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and product and technology research and development. The remaining INR 70.28 crore will be allocated to general corporate objectives and capital expenditures for its payment devices division.

    About MobiKwik and Expansion of Fintech Sector in India

    MobiKwik, a digital banking platform that provides a range of financial solutions for both customers and merchants, was founded in 2009 by Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku. The fintech startup makes money by offering payment gateway services, buy now pay later (BNPL), and consumer payments. In India’s growing fintech market, it faces competition from companies like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay. Recently, MobiKwik became public on the stock exchanges. Its initial public offering (IPO) included no offer for sale and only a new issuance of shares valued at INR 572 Cr.

    Company’s Performance at BSE

    MobiKwik’s stock debuted on the BSE at INR 442.25, which was 58.5% higher than the issue price of INR 279. The shares were listed at INR 440 each on the NSE, which was 57.7% more than the issue price. The stock has been rising steadily ever since. Dolat Capital, a broking firm, began covering the stock earlier this month with a “BUY” rating and a price objective of INR 500. In the first quarter of FY25, MobiKwik recorded a net loss of INR 6.6 Cr, down from a net profit of INR 3 Cr in the same period last year. During the reviewed quarter, operating revenue was INR 342.2 Cr.

    IndiQube Files DRHP for INR 850 Cr IPO
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  • CCI Establishes a Confidentiality Ring to Accelerate the Apple Antitrust Investigation

    Ahead of the case’s final hearing next year, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has reportedly decided to put the huge tech giant behind a “confidentiality ring” as part of its stepped-up antitrust investigation into Apple. According to sources cited by a media report, the watchdog consented to establish the “confidentiality ring” last week. Before the CCI begins the lawsuit’s final hearing, the action will allow the giant tech firm to examine sensitive information related to the antitrust case. The regime, which was implemented in 2022, gives parties access to private data or records pertaining to other parties in an investigation so they can better defend themselves. The confidentiality ring aids regulators in quickly resolving complaints, subject to specific riders. Apple and other chosen parties have access to sensitive, private information under the secrecy ring.

    Options Available for Apple

    According to media reports, Apple may be asked to respond to the CCI probe report after information is made available, at which point the hearing will start. In this situation, Apple will have four weeks to provide the information that the watchdog is requesting. The article also stated that Apple and a few other carefully chosen linked businesses will have the opportunity to physically confirm the files and information in the investigative report, and they may even receive a certified copy of those files.

    The move follows rumours that the CCI denied Apple’s plea to halt an antitrust investigation that exposed the massive tech giant’s violations of the nation’s competition laws, which circulated a month ago. Apple had argued in its petition that the non-profit Together We Fight Society (TWFS), the primary complainant, had disregarded the watchdog’s orders to remove previous probe reports. In August, the CCI ordered an extraordinary recall of investigative reports after Apple alleged that the watchdog had given over trade secrets to rivals, including Match, the owner of Tinder, as part of the antitrust inquiry.

    The Commission then instructed the parties to destroy all copies and return the reports. It then released fresh reports. Allegations that Apple was abusing its dominating position in the app marketplace and pressuring developers to utilise its in-app payments system prompted the watchdog to begin its probe against the corporation in 2021.

    Big Tech Companies Face Strict Scanning by CCI

    According to reports earlier this year, the Cupertino-based multinational tech company was found guilty of unfair trading practices and violating competition laws by the CCI internally. It is important to note that the CCI is targeting other large IT companies in addition to Apple. The authority levied two distinct fines against Google in 2022, amounting to more than INR 2,200 Cr, for misusing its market dominance in Android smartphones and for violating Play Store regulations. The social media giant Meta was also fined INR 213.14 Cr by the CCI in November of this year for abusing its power in relation to the 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy modification. Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart were later found to have violated competition regulations by favouring specific sellers on their platforms, according to an internal investigation by the Commission.

    Apple’s Request to Stop Antitrust Probe Denied by CCI
    The CCI has denied Apple’s request to halt an antitrust investigation, ensuring the probe into its market practices continues uninterrupted.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • The CCPA will Investigate Ride-Hailing Apps for Having Different Prices

    On December 26, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi ordered the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the discrepancy in taxi fares that ride-hailing platforms display simultaneously on Android and iOS devices for identical rides. This was in response to a media report about the issue. He has instructed the consumer affairs division to investigate additional industries, like online ticket booking and food delivery applications.

    The minister tweeted, tagging the media report, that the taxi aggregators are allegedly employing differential pricing based on the factors listed in the article below, which on the surface appears to be an unfair trading practice. If that is the case, this is a flagrant violation of the consumer’s right to know. “I have instructed @jagograhakjago through CCPA to carry out a thorough investigation into this and submit a report as soon as possible,” he added. I’ve requested that the department investigate more areas, such as apps for online ticket booking and food delivery. Authorities stated that they will gather the proof and ask the taxi aggregators and other platforms that deal with online ticketing and food delivery for their reaction.

    Reports’ Citing & Uber’s Response

    Joshi was replying to a post that featured a news clip about how the prices of taxi rides on Android and iPhone handsets differed. According to the report’s citing, iPhone users pay more than Android users for transportation to the same destination from three distinct sites in Chennai. This comes a day after a user highlighted a notable price variation when using an Android and an iPhone to book the same ride on Uber in a post on LinkedIn. Uber denied the claim that the “observed fare differences” were caused by the type of phone used as the matter grew into a controversy. The aggregator clarified that the pricing is affected by the numerous variations between these two rides. These requests have distinct pick-up, ETA, and drop-off locations, which will result in different fares. Uber does not adjust trip costs according to the manufacturer of a rider’s mobile device.

    Startups Under the Strict Scanner

    The CCPA has recently taken action against startups and consumer internet platforms for violating consumer protection regulations. This development has occurred at a particular juncture. It began a thorough investigation into many customer complaints against Ola Electric, an electric vehicle manufacturer, in October. Eleven rapid commerce and e-commerce businesses, including Blinkit, Zepto, and Meesho, were given notices for violating metrology standards in the same month. Before that, in April, the CCPA ordered the swift commerce companies to provide evidence for their “10-minute” delivery claims.

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  • Swiss International University (SIU) Announces Smart Higher and Vocational Education Globally

    State-accredited Swiss International University leads global education with innovative 100% blended learning programs.

    New Delhi [India], December 28: Swiss International University (SIU) has made history by declaring that it is the world’s first state-accredited university to provide 100% blended education. This new institution, which also boasts branches in other key cities around the globe like Zurich, Dubai, Riga, and Bishkek, is redefining higher and vocational education, making it smarter, more accessible, and highly flexible. This approach is aimed towards today’s learners who require good quality education that will not compromise with their personal as well as professional life.

    SIU education combines the best of online and on-campus learning, enabling students to pursue their studies without compromising with other commitments. This model empowers the students from different walks of life to access world-class education, tailored to their needs, thus providing a complete learning experience. SIU makes use of state-of-the-art technologies, including AI-driven learning tools, virtual labs, and interactive platforms, to create interesting and practical learning environments that imbue students with the basics of today’s competitive job market. 

    The campuses of SIU in major cities like Zurich, Dubai, Riga, and Bishkek intend to establish international quality standards in meeting regional demand. Every location offers an opportunity for intercultural experience, enabling global mobility and preparing students to work effectively anywhere in the world. The academic programs available range widely from business and technology through to management and other programs, and so on, hence ensuring that students are able to access opportunities aligned with their wishes. 

    SIU is an accredited institution by the state, guaranteeing quality education that employers and academic communities worldwide will recognize. The accreditation speaks of the credibility of the university and the value that its degrees and certifications give. The institution focuses on blended learning that bridges the gap between traditional and modern education, thus becoming a leader in the evolving landscape of higher education. 

    The announcement of Swiss International University reflects the vision of creating an innovative, inclusive, and impactful world-class educational network. By integrating flexibility, advanced technology, and global reach, SIU is setting a new standard in smart education. The university also supports lifelong learning so that people can update their knowledge and skills even after graduation. This initiative would ensure that students from any walk of life can realize their academic and career objectives without any limitations. 

    This goes beyond transforming education and offers a pathway to a future that is smart. Higher and vocational education, indeed, marks a new page on global education, becoming among the most accessible and open educational institutions on earth. Welcome to Swiss International University; come and take the first step to an even brighter future.

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  • Over 73K Startups in India Now Have a Female Director: Government

    The Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on 25 December that over 73,000 Indian enterprises had at least one female director, as certified under the Startup India initiative. In a statement, the ministry emphasised that this amounts to almost half of the 157,066 businesses that the government has funded, highlighting the critical role that women play in fostering innovation and economic expansion. India is now the third-largest startup hub in the world and boasts one of the most thriving startup ecosystems.

    The Indian startup scene is influencing the direction of innovation and entrepreneurship with more than 100 unicorns. Over the past ten years, there has been a paradigm shift in India’s entrepreneurial mentality. Innovation hubs have emerged in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR.The expansion of startups in a variety of industries, such as fintech, edtech, healthtech, and e-commerce, has been spurred by the broad availability of reasonably priced internet and a youthful and vibrant workforce.

    Indian Startup Ecosystem Report

    Startup India’s “Indian Startup Ecosystem Report” claims that Indian startups have used cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve regional and worldwide problems.With the help of incubators, accelerators, and strong mentorship networks, this innovative culture has created a special ecosystem that links innovative solutions with problems at the local level.The Indian government has launched a number of programs to encourage and foster entrepreneurship in recognition of the revolutionary potential of startups.

    The foundation of this endeavour has been the flagship Startup India program, which was introduced in 2016. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised 157,066 startups as of December 25, 2024, and 759,303 people have registered on the portal.Through sector-specific laws, tax breaks, capital assistance, ease of doing business, and the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) platform, the government has started aggressive initiatives to help the startup ecosystem.

    Other Initiatives Backing Startup Culture

    Infrastructure and funding are made available to innovators through programs like the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). With an investment of INR 99 crore, the Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth (SAMRIDH) program was introduced in 2021 with the goal of assisting 300 software product startups over the course of four years. The program offers accelerators up to INR 40 lakh in funding per startup to help them grow their businesses.

    The ministry praised the achievements of cutting-edge businesses like BYJU’S, Zomato, Ola, and Nykaa, pointing out that these startups have grown internationally and demonstrated India’s capacity to grow and compete on a global scale.”India’s global influence is further demonstrated by the success of Indian-origin startups in Silicon Valley,” the ministry continued. Indian startups are increasingly exploring foreign markets and collaborating with multinational corporations, according to the Startup India International Guide. According to the government, comparable ideas around the world are being inspired by India’s leadership in providing inexpensive technology solutions, such as Aadhaar-enabled services and UPI.

    The Ministry of Commerce & Industry also discovered that India’s unicorns are outperforming their international counterparts in terms of valuation growth, demonstrating the stability and scalability of the ecosystem’s basis.

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  • Tata Sons Anticipates Infusion into Digital Arm by the Mid of Next Year

    According to media reports, the salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Sons only intends to invest in its digital division, Tata Digital, by the middle of 2025. To advance its growth portfolio until then, Tata Digital will need to rely on loan financing and internal resources. A media report claims that this choice is in line with the business’ overarching plan to improve execution, accountability, and return on capital under the direction of Naveen Tahilyani, the company’s new CEO. The report also emphasises how, while keeping an eye on expansion, Tahilyani has tightened spending controls across the Tata Group’s divisions. This comes days after N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, urged group company CEOs to pursue rapid expansion in spite of growing market uncertainty both domestically and internationally.

    BigBasket Hitting the IPO in Coming Years

    Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto are fierce rivals of Tata Digital’s rapid commerce division, BigBasket, and they are all increasing their costs in an effort to obtain a competitive advantage in the market. In addition, BigBasket is reportedly considering using public markets for an initial public offering (IPO) in the upcoming years. It is important to remember that Tata Digital saw a positive turn in the fiscal year 2023–24 (FY24), reducing its standalone losses from INR 1,370 Cr to INR 1,201 Cr.

    According to officials, Tata Neu is currently actively utilising a data-driven approach to reach all consumer access points within the system, including collaborations with outside parties. The majority of the additional capital for BigBasket and 1mg is being obtained through debt rather than a new equity injection as part of this approach. To date, Tata Sons has contributed more than $2 billion to the mega app developed by Tata Digital.ET previously covered the funding plans of e-pharmacy 1mg and e-grocer BigBasket.

    Tata Group’s Current Financial Dynamics

    Additionally, Tata Digital’s overall revenue more than doubled from INR 204.3 Cr in FY23 to INR 420.5 Cr. Nonetheless, the first half of FY25 experienced single-digit revenue growth for a number of Tata Group entities, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Power. This was further supported by a similar amount of enterprises experiencing a decline in their profitability. Additionally, Tata Digital saw a number of advancements in its brands, like Tata Neu and Croma. One of Tata Neu’s biggest revenue generators, Croma, named Shibashish Roy as its new CEO this month with the goal of accelerating development after restructuring. During the same month, Tata Neu launched Neu Flash, a fast commerce delivery service aimed at customers in a variety of markets, such as electronics and groceries.

    Tata Cliq made INR 78.5 crore in revenue and INR 175 crore in losses in FY23. For Neu, Tata Cliq is an essential business since fashion is a major sector for any e-commerce platform. To grow its fashion business, Tata Cliq, which is part of Tata Unistore and is run by CEO Gopal Asthana, is working closely with the Neu team. After Vikas Purohit left in October of last year, Asthana was named CEO.

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