StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Vidopix AI Radically Changing the Videos to Growth Engines

    New Delhi [India], December 24: In a world driven by digital transformation, businesses are constantly looking for innovative ways to stay ahead. What if your video content could do more than just communication? What if it could fuel your business growth, enhance employee engagement, and elevate customer satisfaction? That’s exactly what Vidopix brings to the table by harnessing the power of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Vidopix turns video content into actionable insights, helping businesses to unlock inner growth potential and achieve extraordinary results with comprehensive benefits to employees as well as customers.

    Data-Driven Growth with Vidopix AI

    Vidopix is more than a platform that not only deals with AI but also uses AI to analyse HR interview calls, customer support, market research, and operations to extract meaningful data for informing better decisions, optimizing processes, and improving outcomes. Vidopix enables businesses to streamline operations by analyzing workflows captured on video to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. It helps to increase employee productivity by providing video-based insights to provide constructive feedback and tailored training programs. Vidopix improves customer experiences by analyzing customer interactions and behavior through video data, providing insights for personalized and impactful services.

    Vidopix Creating Data-Driven Solutions

    The true strength of Vidopix lies in creating deeper and useful insights. Advanced algorithms in the platform’s AI are designed to break down complicated video data into simple understandings integrated with instant and detailed reports that can decode emotions, sentiments, and behaviours. These understandings can then be applied across all types of business areas such as marketing, operations, human resources, and customer service with over support of 250+ languages. Vidopix has the ability to analyze video to detect expressions, body language, speech recognition, and vocal tones providing a complete understanding of customer emotions. For example, marketing teams use Vidopix to understand what grabs attention and motivates viewers in promotional videos. Operations teams track the efficiency of manufacturing processes or retail environments to be top notch. That’s why every frame of video, with Vidopix, is a step toward innovation.

    Revolutionizing Surveys with Emotion-Driven Video Insights

    Vidopix is redefining feedback collection and analysis with its Innovative video surveys feature. Businesses can effortlessly create custom surveys with tailored questionnaires and share them across the platform via simple links. Respondents provide video responses, enabling Vidopix to capture emotions, behaviours, and sentiments, turning traditional surveys into rich data experiences. Within minutes, the platform delivers actionable insights, including sentiment analysis and consolidated reports, making it ideal for evaluating customer reaction, product launches, or ad campaigns. Vidopix’s intuitive and AI-driven approach streamlines processes, transforming video feedback into instant, impactful decisions for smarter business growth.

    Why Vidopix Is Special

    • Sharp Insights: Vidopix goes beyond superficial analysis to give detailed insights that matter.
    • Scalable Solutions: Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a global enterprise, Vidopix adapts to your needs.
    • Holistic Impact: By improving both employee satisfaction and customer experiences, Vidopix helps businesses thrive on all fronts.
    • User-Friendly Interface: Not involving any technical expertise as Vidopix is designed for ease of use, making it accessible to everyone.
    • Interact with videos like never before!: Ask questions and get instant answers with Vidopix’s revolutionary Smart AI Chat

    Ready to Transform Your Business

    In a competitive world, stagnation is not an option. Vidopix empowers you to transform video content into a strong driver of growth. It is time to stop looking at video as just a medium and start leveraging it as a strategic asset to transform the hiring process and customer experience.

    Visit vidopix.com to discover how Vidopix can change your business strategy. With Vidopix, you are not analyzing videos; you are unlocking a new era of data-driven success. Experience the future today. Let Vidopix help you see, understand, and grow like never before.

    For more details, visit: vidopix.com

    Top AI-powered Video Editing Tools
    AI-powered video editors automate various aspects of the video editing process, making it faster, easier, and more accessible to users at all skill levels.
    StartupTalkyRishi Mundra

  • Tamil Nadu Shows Consistent Growth, Passing 10,000 DPIIT-Registered Startups

    According to the state government, Tamil Nadu has achieved a noteworthy milestone by registering more than 10,000 startups with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The increase in registrations demonstrates the expansion of the startup ecosystem in the state, which has advanced significantly in the previous three years.

    Quick Increase in the Number of Startups

    In Tamil Nadu, there are now over 10,000 DPIIT-registered startups, up from 2,300 in March 2021. The state’s startup support agency, StartupTN, has been credited with spearheading programs that have contributed to this quick expansion.

    The ecosystem has advanced thanks in large part to StartupTN’s numerous initiatives, which include funding support, mentorship opportunities, and incubation facilities. The CEO and Mission Director of StartupTN, Shivaraja Ramanathan, underlined the value of regional centres in the state. With nine regional hubs and one metro centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu presently offers entrepreneurs the necessary infrastructure.

    Emphasis on Assisting Entrepreneurs

    To encourage entrepreneurship, especially among young people, the state government has taken proactive measures. StartupTN programs are designed to support young entrepreneurs and give them the tools they need to expand their companies. Ramanathan noted that, with state assistance, the organisation has concentrated on fostering an innovative culture.

    About DPIIT

    In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is in charge of creating and carrying out developmental and promotional policies to support the expansion of the industrial sector while taking socioeconomic goals and national priorities into consideration. It significantly influences the framework of industrial policy, facilitates corporate transactions, and increases trade and investment in the nation.

    DPIIT is responsible for developing and overseeing industrial development policies. To guarantee the successful execution of these programs, it collaborates with state governments and other ministries. By emphasising modernisation, technological advancement, and luring both domestic and foreign investment, the department aims to foster an atmosphere that supports industrial progress.

    Startups recognised under DPIIT enjoy a number of advantages, including faster compliance, IPR fast-tracking, and access to several tax perks. The primary goal of the Startup India project is to assist startups in expanding their core businesses while lowering the regulatory load on them through low-cost compliance.

    The DPIIT also promotes technical innovation and the defence of intellectual property rights. Government programs can be a strategic advantage for companies aiming to modernise or grow. To finance these projects, entrepreneurs can also look into business loans, since DPIIT-backed firms frequently enjoy easier compliance and easier access to funding, including loans tailored to MSME requirements.

    DPIIT Partners with Tally to Train Manufacturing Startups
    DPIIT partners with Tally to provide training and mentorship for new manufacturing startups, fostering innovation and growth in India’s industrial sector.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • In Bengaluru, Zoomcar will Launch a Chauffeur-Driven Vehicle Rental Service

    The top car-sharing platform in India, Zoomcar Holdings, Inc., has announced the introduction of Zoomcar Cabs, a pilot program in Bengaluru that offers commercial vehicles with qualified drivers at the most competitive rates. This move into chauffeur-driven services, which builds on Zoomcar’s successful self-drive products, demonstrates the company’s dedication to expanding its business and improving customer satisfaction.

    Since guests frequently contrast self-drive options with chauffeur-driven services, Zoomcar Cabs was founded in response to their expressed demand for a dependable, transparent substitute for traditional taxi services. Zoomcar has greatly increased its profitability over the past six months and is currently making calculated investments in new product lines to satisfy rising demand and improve the general customer experience.

    Providing a Whole New Experience

    Customers in the present cab market are frequently left with little other choice than to choose from a variety of automobile categories, such as sedan, hatchback, etc., which leaves them unsure of the precise model and condition of the vehicle they would be renting. The AI technology of Zoomcar in cataloguing, pricing, and image enhancement guarantees that each inventory item is distinctive. Consequently, guests are able to select the precise car model, view reviews and ratings from other guests, and set preferences for car quality and condition, such as year, make, mileage, and boot space.

    Additionally, guests have complete control over their stops, route, destination, etc. without having to update anything on the Zoomcar app—all they need to do is input their pick-up or start location. Zoomcar Cabs gives you the option to reserve a car for as short as two hours or as long as thirty days. The introduction of Zoomcar Cabs, according to CEO Hiroshi Nishijima, demonstrates Zoomcar’s emphasis on hearing user input and providing customised solutions with an extra degree of openness and adaptability that distinguishes it from competing apps. Without using numerous apps to fulfil their travel needs, guests may easily reserve their preferred vehicles using the Zoomcar app, whether they are for self-drive or with a driver.

    Zoomcar Going Through Turbulence

    Ola and Uber, two of the biggest ride-hailing companies, are expected to provide Zoomcar with fierce competition in India’s taxi rental sector. This comes as Zoomcar is struggling with increasing losses and cash outflows that have caused the company to go into chaos. Zoomcar reported a negative working capital of $35.02 million and a net loss of $3.35 million and $5.88 million for the three and six months ending September 30, 2024, respectively. Zoomcar stated last month that it has “substantial doubt” about its capacity to continue in the face of growing losses.

    This year, the company’s top leadership also failed. Zoomcar fired CEO and cofounder Greg Moran in June as a result of growing regulatory scrutiny of the company’s revenue forecasts. Adarsh Menon, the company’s global president, resigned by the end of this month, six months after joining the organisation.

    GST Council Raises Taxes on Used EV Vehicles
    The GST Council has increased taxes on used and outdated electric vehicles, impacting businesses relying on pre-owned EVs. Learn more about the changes.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Tata Power-DDL and Baaz Bikes Collaborate to Install Battery Swapping Stations

    Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL) and electric vehicle (EV) startup Baaz Bikes have signed an agreement to install EV battery swapping stations throughout north and northwest Delhi. According to a news agency, the battery swapping supplier will be in charge of planning, acquiring, installing, and maintaining these stations, while Tata Power-DDL will set aside a specific area for their installation. In order to encourage the use of EVs in the nation’s capital, Baaz Bikes will first install three battery swapping stations at Tata Power-DDL’s grid substations in Rohini Grid-5, Rohini Grid-23, and Rohini Grid-28, according to the memorandum of understanding (MoU). According to Gajanan S. Kale, CEO of Tata Power-DDL, this collaboration is a step towards increasing the uptake of electric two-wheelers and promoting environmental sustainability by utilising Baaz Bikes’ cutting-edge battery swapping technology and Tata Power-DDL’s experience in energy infrastructure.

    Future Vision of Baaz Bikes

    Anubhav Sharma, Shubham Srivastava, Karan Singla, and Abhijeet Saxena founded Baaz Bikes in 2019 with the goal of improving gig workers’ EV mobility with affordable solutions. It offers charging batteries, reasonably priced EV bikes, and battery changing stations.  In order to enhance and fortify its e-bike options for last-mile delivery, Baaz Bikes raised $8 million last month in its Series A fundraising round, which was led by Singapore-based BIG Capital.  Baaz Bikes wants to take advantage of India’s growing gig workforce market. According to a study by NITI Aayog, the gig economy is predicted to grow from 77 lakh in FY21 to 2.35 crore by FY30.

    India’s EV Sector

    The electric vehicle (EV) market in India is expanding quickly thanks to government subsidies, growing environmental awareness, and technology breakthroughs. India hopes to dramatically boost EV adoption through programs like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, transforming its transport system in the direction of sustainability and innovation.

    India’s goal is to increase the percentage of EV sales to 30% for private automobiles, 70% for commercial vehicles, 40% for buses, and 80% for two-wheelers and three-wheelers by 2030. By 2030, there will be 80 million EVs on Indian roadways, which is an ambitious goal. Additionally, India’s ‘Make in India‘ campaign aims to produce all EVs domestically.

    The global market for electric vehicles was estimated to be worth US$255.54 billion in 2023. It is expected to develop at a noteworthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.42% from 2024 to 2033, reaching over US$ 2,108.80 billion. Sales of electric vehicles in India increased by 20.88% to 1.39 million units in May 2024.

    The number of electric vehicles sold in India increased by 49.25% to 1.52 million units in 2023. Even though the industry is still in its infancy, it is growing steadily. The Indian EV market is expected to grow at a 66.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from US$ 3.21 billion in 2022 to US$ 113.99 billion by 2029, according to Fortune Business Insights.

    Delhi Extends Electric Car Policy Until March 2025: CM Atishi
    Delhi CM Atishi extends the electric car policy until March 31, 2025, to promote eco-friendly transportation and boost EV adoption in the capital.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Andhra Pradesh and PhysicsWallah Collaborate to Create a Deep-Tech, Artificial Intelligence-Focused University of Innovation

    In order to create the University of Innovation (UoI), which aims to be the first Institute of Eminence (IoE) in the state, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) and PhysicsWallah (PW), an EdTech business, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

    According to a statement released on December 21, this initiative aligns with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of educating the state’s youth in artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, new age skills, and entrepreneurship. This will help Andhra Pradesh become a hub for education.

    University will Focus on Blending Academic Excellence, Innovation, and Research

    The goal of the University of Innovation is to combine research, innovation, and excellence in education. Addressing important issues in education and employability is another primary objective. A hub-and-spoke strategy would be used for the effort, with satellite centres located around Andhra Pradesh functioning as spokes and the University as the primary hub. This strategy aims to give students from various geographic locations and backgrounds access to modern, hybrid education that blends online and in-person learning opportunities. PW is working with industry partners like Amazon Web Services to offer education that is relevant to the industry in an effort to maintain the curriculum in line with the market.

    The goal of this collaboration, according to Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development in the Andhra Pradesh government, is to promote innovation and give the state’s young skills that meet industry standards and demands. It is admirable that the University of Innovation has the goal to become an Institute of Eminence by fusing cutting-edge technology and education to pave the road for progress and development. The state government is certain that this project will solidify the state’s standing as a pioneer in knowledge generation and talent development.

    Alakh Pandey, the founder and CEO of PhysicsWallah (PW), expressed his opinions on the partnership by saying that PhysicsWallah values education. Its establishment of the University of Innovation in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government is a step in that direction. In order to establish an institution that blends academic learning with industry relevance, the brand has committed to investing up to INR 1000 crores from GSV Ventures in the US and other investors. In an effort to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, the UoI will assist students with the skills they may require in a labour market that is continuously changing.

    Further Details Revealed Through a Joint Statement

    According to a joint statement, GoAP and PW’s unified perspective is reflected in the creation of the University of Innovation. To guarantee individualised learning experiences for every student, the university will also try to use technology, such as AI-driven tools and adaptive learning platforms. This collaboration is an attempt to help the young people develop talents that are relevant to the industry, which will help them develop the abilities they require.

    PhysicsWallah Goes Public Ahead of Its 2025 IPO Plans
    PhysicsWallah becomes a public company as it prepares for its 2025 IPO, marking a significant milestone for the EdTech unicorn. Learn more.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Info Edge Arm Will Purchase More Brainsight Stock

    For a monetary consideration of INR 3 Cr (about $353K), Redstart Labs, a subsidiary of online classified firm Info Edge, plans to purchase an additional investment in Brainsight Technology, increasing its ownership of the Bengaluru-based healthcare startup from 4.68% to 5.27%. The company, which is led by Sanjeev Bikhchandani, stated in an exchange statement that Redstart’s board has given the company permission to purchase 385 mandatory convertible preference shares of Brainsight. Brainsight, a company founded in 2020 by Laina Emmanuel and Rimjhim Agrawal, provides AI-based functional brain mapping technologies. It now sells two products: Snowdrop and Voxelbox. Snowdrop is a patient care app, whereas Voxelbox provides physicians with access to fMRI processing engines and machine learning models for report generation.

    Info Edge on Investment Spree

    The filing states that, with a startup valuation of INR 3.74 Cr, Brainsight lost INR 4.76 Cr in the fiscal year 2023–24 (FY24). Lately, Info Edge has been making a lot of investments. The online giant announced last month that it would use its wholly owned subsidiary Startup Investments (Holdings) Ltd. to invest INR 4 Cr in LegitQuest, one of its portfolio companies. Before that, Info Edge declared in October that its executive director committee had approved the company’s plan to invest INR 30 Cr in Redstart Labs. One of the oldest internet-based businesses in India, Info Edge was founded in 1995 by Bikhchandani and works in a number of industries, including education (Shiksha), real estate (99acres), marriage (Jeevansathi), and recruitment (Naukri). Its portfolio includes unlisted edtech company Adda247, insurtech upstart PB Fintech, and listed heavyweights like foodtech giant Zomato.

    Info Edge’s Financial Dynamics

    In the September quarter of the fiscal year 2024–25 (Q2 FY25), Info Edge reported a 64.6% decrease in its net profit to INR 84.73 Cr from INR 239.74 Cr in the same quarter the previous year. However, compared to INR 625.84 Cr in the same period last year, operational revenue climbed by about 12% to INR 700.82 Cr during the reviewed quarter.

    BrainSight AI Wining Top Innovator Category 2024

    According to the jury of the ET Startup Awards 2024 panel, which selected BrainSight AI as the winner in the Top Innovator category, innovation in the fields of neurology and mental health has the enormous potential to change lives. Although SatSure, a space technology business, was a contender, BrainSight AI won out because of its capacity to decipher complicated MRI scans using artificial intelligence and its potential effects on people.

    “You may get an idea of the moonshot ideas that entrepreneurs are pursuing by looking at the Top Innovator category.” Mithun Sacheti, the creator of Caratlane and a jury member, further said, “It gives you the impression that the world will be a better place.” The firm found it difficult to persuade hospitals to allow it to test its idea and to explain the software’s potential benefits to leading neurologists in the nation during a time when the whole health sector was preoccupied with combating the pandemic.

    MeitY Invites Ideas for Building a Reliable AI Ecosystem
    MeitY is inviting concepts to create a reliable AI ecosystem and tools, focusing on secure and ethical frameworks to advance India’s AI capabilities.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Businesses’ Taxes on Used, Outdated EV Vehicles are Increased by the GST Council

    On December 21, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman made it clear that the 5% goods and services tax (GST) rate will remain applied to new electric cars (EVs). However, the FM also stated that used EV sales between private parties will continue to be GST-exempt. FM While speaking to the media after the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Sitharaman made the remarks. She also mentioned that outdated EVs that are purchased by businesses (or modified by sellers) and subsequently sold will be subject to an 18% tax. The difference between the purchase and sale prices will be subject to the GST rate. At the moment, new EVs are subject to a 5% GST tax, while used and aged EVs are subject to a 12% tax.

    The market for old cars has expanded dramatically in recent years. In 2023–2024, the industry is expected to have sold more than 5 million units. Better financing alternatives and the emergence of certified pre-owned programs from OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki’s True Value, Mahindra & Mahindra’s First Choice, and Volkswagen certified pre-owned, as well as online startups like Spinny and Cars24, helped propel this market’s growth.

    Decision Taken After a Discussion Among Council Members

    The decision to impose 18% GST on used EVs was not decided arbitrarily, FM Sitharaman told the media, adding that the GST Council members had extensive deliberations before reaching a final decision. However, stating that more research was necessary, the Council postponed making a decision on the tax rates for food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato. Foodtech giants seem to have been negatively impacted by the delay, as recent reports suggested that the Fitment Panel was considering reducing the tax levy on food delivery charges from 18% to 5%. Whether the tax should be applied to the meal item or the delivery service, and whether the rate should be 5% or 18%, were the main topics of discussion within the GST Council, according to reports. Nevertheless, no agreement was made, which resulted in the postponement.

    Clarity on Payment Aggregators

    The GST Council clarified payment aggregators as well, declaring that aggregator-processed transactions under INR 2,000 would not be subject to GST. Fintech businesses and payment gateways that don’t settle money, however, won’t be covered by the exemption. Notably, this comes after rumours circulated that the Council was considering charging payment aggregators 18% to facilitate low-value online transactions. According to the aforementioned plan, aggregators would have been charged 18% GST for handling debit and credit card transactions up to INR 2,000. In order to await feedback from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the Council also postponed discussions on health insurance changes.

    UPI Value Drops 8% in November, Volume Down 7%
    UPI transactions saw a decline in November, with an 8% drop in value and a 7% decrease in volume, reflecting a slowdown in digital payments activity.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Sachin Tendulkar Joins Kissht as a Brand Ambassador and Strategic Investor

    Cricket player Sachin Tendulkar has joined Mumbai-based financial firm Kissht as a brand ambassador and strategic investor. The company stated that the move will help it grow its business and improve its credit finance products, but it did not reveal the deal’s financial details. According to the business, Tendulkar will be involved in a number of campaigns and integrated marketing initiatives as part of the partnership. Being connected to Kissht, a company that uses the power of finance to help Indians achieve their goals, is a pleasure. Tendulkar remarked, “Kissht’s emphasis on accessibility and trust resonated with me, and I look forward to supporting their journey in creating one of the most reputable and trusted digital financial platforms for millions of Indians.”

    Building a Strong Financial Ecosystem

    The partnership seeks to establish a robust financial ecosystem based on innovation, inclusivity, and trust. According to the corporation, the partnership seeks to transform India’s borrowing practices and provide financial access and opportunity for all Indians. When selecting the brand’s first spokesperson, the firm sought someone who would embody its basic values of speed and transparency in addition to demonstrating reliability and trust.

    According to Kissht founder and CEO Ranvir Singh, the company is proud to be an Indian-made brand that caters to Indians and is symbolised by “The God” of the sport that all Indians swear by. Singh and Krishnan Vishwanathan founded Kissht, a digital lending platform, in 2015 with the goal of providing rapid and simple access to finance at the “lowest interest rates.” With a fully digital process and little paperwork, it provides personal loans up to INR 5 lakh.

    Tendulkar Exploring the Startup Sector

    Together with Karthik Gurumurthy, the former head of Swiggy Instamart, and Karan Arora, another former Swiggy executive, Tendulkar launched his own sports brand in August. Arora was the third cofounder. According to The Economic Times, the startup is also well along in the process of obtaining financing from a top venture capital firm. Tendulkar also made an undisclosed investment in Hyderabad-based AZAD Engineering last year.

    Tendulkar’s stake in the Kerala Blasters FC of the Indian Super League (ISL) was one of his first economic endeavours. This action demonstrated his love of sports outside of cricket as well as his aptitude for spotting intriguing prospects in developing markets. In a nation where cricket is the most popular sport, the endeavour was successful and gave football a new level of excitement and popularity.

    Tendulkar has demonstrated interest in the field of technology startups in addition to his athletic endeavours. His decision to invest in the software startup Smartron demonstrates his willingness to support creative concepts with significant growth potential. His cricketing mentality of supporting his skills and taking measured risks is reflected in this strategic investment approach.

    Lessons from Tendulkar’s cricket career are also reflected in his business strategy. Similar to how every cricket match is unique and calls for flexibility and adaptability, businesses also need to be flexible in their approach. Tendulkar’s ability to modify his business plan in response to changing circumstances is similar to his ability to modify his style of play in response to match circumstances.

    Financially speaking, Kissht’s parent company, OnEMi Technologies Pvt Ltd, had a 47% increase in net profit to INR 95.5 Cr in the fiscal year 2022–2023 (FY23) due to robust commercial growth.In FY22, the business generated a net profit of INR 62.6 Cr.

    India Accelerator Unveils Cohort ’25 with $10M Funding for Startups
    India Accelerator announces Cohort ’25, offering tech startups funding support of up to $10 million to foster innovation and growth.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO, Ola, Expresses his frustration with the Staff’s Inadequate Attendance

    Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal is said to have threatened employees with severe repercussions if they fail to report for duty amid rumours that the company is laying off about 500 workers. Aggarwal brought attention to the problem of low office attendance and urged staff members to put their work obligations first in an internal email. The Ola chief, who was disappointed, urged employees not to defraud the company by failing to show up for work, claiming that this was insulting to other workers who put in a lot of effort and make valuable contributions.

    Aggarwal added that starting on 23 December, Ola will have a stricter attendance requirement. The email allegedly stated, “HR will be having a conversation with those of you who have misused the freedom so far.” Since then, the aforementioned email has been making the rounds on social media and generated a contentious discussion, with some people accusing the business of defrauding clients by offering inferior products.

    Ola in the Pool of Controversies

    One user observed that Aggarwal should have been more professional while expressing his displeasure with the firm’s rising employee absenteeism, saying, “This is the kind of email that would make a good employee leave the company.” Aggarwal’s warning letter to employees annoyed some users, but some defended him by stating that respect is reciprocal and that workers should be disciplined at work.

    This is the most recent time the Ola chief’s divisive opinions have drawn attention. Aggarwal received harsh criticism from online users earlier this year for advocating for a 70-hour workweek. He also challenged stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra more recently after Kamra brought attention to the company’s poor after-sales support. The Central Consumer Protection Authority began a thorough investigation into consumer complaints against Ola in November, which made the company’s problems worse.

    Ola Electric Plans to Expand its Network of Stores to 4,000

    By December 2025, Ola Electric intends to have four times as many company-owned stores as it currently has. According to a statement from Ola Electric, the company now operates 800 stores and plans to establish over 3,200 more. According to the statement, all of the recently opened stores will be situated next to service facilities, enhancing the company’s nationwide service network. Regarding the projected network expansion, Bhavish stated that the brand will reach every city in the nation outside of tier-I and tier-2 cities thanks to the company’s extensive D2C network and the touchpoints under its “network partner program.” By the end of 2025, the business intends to onboard 10,000 partners in sales and service under its network partner program.

    India Accelerator Unveils Cohort ’25 with $10M Funding for Startups
    India Accelerator announces Cohort ’25, offering tech startups funding support of up to $10 million to foster innovation and growth.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • India Accelerator Announces Cohort’25 and Offers Tech Startups Up to $10 Million

    India Accelerator, a startup fostering platform, has launched its Cohort’25 for IT startups and intends to invest $8–10 million in the flagship initiative. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, this program will develop 30-35 companies in disruptive industries, such as e-commerce platforms, sustainable mobility, GenAI solutions, and defence and civil applications.

    The focus of Startup Cohort’25 is on startups making a real difference, whether it be through generative AI increasing productivity across industries or autonomous drones protecting borders and improving eCommerce efficiency. According to Mona Singh, cofounder of India Accelerator, the cohort will provide not only resources but also a strong platform for achieving market readiness. In addition to funding, the initiative says it provides mentor board support. According to Singh, Startup Cohort ’25 will offer complete ecosystem support in addition to investment, including specialised mentor board access to industry experts and customised go-to-market strategies.

    India Accelerator Supported 225 Startups Till Now

    Two-thirds of the 225 firms that India Accelerator has reportedly helped so far have been successful in obtaining follow-on funding. According to a statement from IA, it launched a new vertical earlier this year to provide assistance to businesses that support waste minimisation, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and sustainability business models. In order to support the robotics and unmanned start-up ecosystem, it introduced RUMS (Robotics, Unmanned & Space) in May. Startups including Mopp Foods, Brainwired, Lawyered, STAGE, Janitri, Ethereal, and Matter are currently part of its portfolio.

    Numerous mentors and angel investors, including Amit Kumar (CEO, OLX Group), Dewang Neralla (founder, Atom Technologies), and Dharmendra Lodha (CEO, JioMart Grocery), have provided support to India Accelerator. In essence, India Accelerator is a cross-functional facilitator that fosters ideas, offers mentorship, and secures funds and resources through its full-service divisions and strategic mentor-investor connections. It was founded in 2017 by Ashish Bhatia. To help tech startups in India and the UAE grow more quickly and expand internationally, IA provides seed-stage funding.

    About India Accelerator

    With its own SEBI & GIFT City funds, India Accelerator invests in early-stage startups through its SEBI Cat1 & 2 funds and in comparatively later-stage businesses through Finvolve. IA’s multiverse is a vibrant ecosystem created to help companies at every stage of their development. Its forward-thinking thesis, “Destination Accelerator,” fosters a culture of creativity and teamwork while advancing companies towards development and impact by utilising the strengths of local industry and academia, legal/compliance, and resource support. IA’s main point of differentiation is its accelerator program, which employs a methodical and rigorous approach that has repeatedly resulted in positive outcomes for investors and start-ups alike.

    SEBI Tightens Rules for SME IPOs to Protect Investors
    SEBI introduces stricter rules for SME IPOs, aiming to enhance investor protection and ensure higher transparency in small and medium enterprise listings.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde