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  • BNPL Startup Simpl Lays Off 100 Employees Amid RBI Crackdown

    Simpl, a Bengaluru-based Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) fintech startup, has laid off approximately 100 employees following regulatory actions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This move is part of a broader restructuring effort after the company was directed to halt its payment operations.

    RBI Orders Simpl to Cease Payment Operations

    On 25 September 2025, the RBI issued an order requiring Simpl to immediately cease its payment, clearing, and settlement activities. The central bank stated that Simpl was operating a payment system without the necessary authorisation under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

    The RBI’s action is part of a wider regulatory crackdown on the BNPL sector, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. The central bank has raised concerns over unsecured lending practices and the lack of adequate oversight in the industry.

    Impact on Simpl’s Workforce

    In the wake of the RBI’s directive, Simpl has laid off around 100 employees, reducing its workforce from approximately 220 to about 50-60 employees. The layoffs primarily affected teams in sales, marketing, and product development, while the company retained staff in payment collections and operations, as reported by Moneycontrol.

    Broader Implications for the BNPL Sector

    Simpl’s situation highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by BNPL companies in India. The RBI’s actions are part of efforts to regulate digital lending and ensure consumer protection in the rapidly growing fintech sector.

    Industry experts suggest that BNPL companies may need to adapt their business models to comply with regulatory requirements. This could involve obtaining the necessary licences, improving transparency in lending practices, and enhancing consumer safeguards to align with the RBI’s guidelines.

    Final Thoughts

    As of now, Simpl is focusing on its payment collections and operations while seeking the necessary approvals to resume its full range of services. The outcome of its discussions with the RBI will determine the company’s future in the BNPL space.

    Layoffs Again? Ola’s Krutrim Says Goodbye to 50 Employees
    Layoffs Again? Ola’s Krutrim Says Goodbye to 50 Employees
    Work is underway for their biggest AI model, Krutrim 3, yet trimmed 50 employees for…
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesAdepu Bindu

  • Elon Musk Becomes the First Person Ever to Reach $500 Billion Net Worth

    Elon Musk has made history again. The Tesla and SpaceX chief has become the first person in the world to cross a net worth of $500 billion, as reported by Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires Index on 1 October 2025.

    The milestone cements Musk’s place as the richest individual on the planet, with his fortune now greater than the GDP of several nations, including Austria and Norway. It also reflects the astonishing rise of technology-driven wealth in today’s markets.

    Tesla’s Stock Surge and AI Bets Push Musk Past the Milestone

    The record-breaking number came on the back of a strong rally in Tesla’s share price, which jumped more than 3% on Tuesday, adding about $6 billion to Musk’s personal fortune in a single day, according to Reuters.

    Musk, who owns roughly 12.4% of Tesla, has seen his wealth soar in recent months thanks to investor optimism around the company’s advancements in AI-powered vehicles and robotics. His other ventures, SpaceX and xAI, have also grown rapidly in value, with SpaceX now reportedly worth over $250 billion.

    Adding to investor confidence, Musk himself purchased $1 billion worth of Tesla shares in September, signalling that he continues to back the company’s long-term vision despite a competitive EV market.

    A Landmark Moment, But Mostly on Paper

    While Musk’s half-trillion-dollar net worth is a landmark moment, experts point out that the figure represents “paper wealth”, not liquid assets. Most of his fortune is tied up in shares of Tesla and privately held companies such as SpaceX and xAI.

    The Bloomberg Billionaires Index still values him at around $383 billion, illustrating how wealth estimates can differ widely based on market performance and valuation methods.

    Analysts warn that Musk’s fortune could fluctuate sharply with Tesla’s stock price, given that the company operates in a highly competitive sector. Slower EV sales or regulatory challenges in key markets could pull down his wealth as quickly as it has risen.

    That said, Tesla’s board recently approved a $29 billion stock award for Musk, linked to ambitious growth and performance goals, a strong sign of confidence from the company’s leadership in his long-term vision.


    Is the World’s First Trillionaire Next?

    Musk’s latest milestone has inevitably sparked speculation about whether he could become the first-ever trillionaire. Analysts say it’s possible, but not imminent.

    For Musk to reach that level, Tesla would need to continue expanding its global market share, SpaceX would have to scale commercial space ventures profitably, and xAI would need to establish itself as a dominant force in artificial intelligence.

    Even by Musk’s ambitious standards, that’s a tall order. Yet, given his track record from revolutionising the auto industry to commercialising space travel, few are betting against him.

    Final Thoughts

    Elon Musk’s $500 billion milestone is not just a personal record, it is a reflection of how modern wealth is shaped by technology, innovation, and market confidence. Whether this is the peak of his financial journey or just another step on his path to becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Musk continues to redefine what’s possible for entrepreneurs in the 21st century.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 1st October 2025: GrowXCD Finance Raises INR 200 Cr, Mishmash Naturals Secures INR 2.4 Cr, LG IPO, Zomato & Swiggy Health Scores & More

    India’s startup and business ecosystem saw notable moves on 1st October 2025. GrowXCD Finance raised INR 200 crore for SME financing, Mishmash Naturals secured INR 2.4 crore in pre-seed funding, LG Electronics India prepares for its INR 11,600 crore IPO, Zomato and Swiggy launched food health scores, Zerodha faces revenue pressure, and Infra.Market filed a INR 5,000 crore IPO.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup – 1st October 2025

    Company Amount Round Lead investor(s) Sector
    GrowXCD Finance INR 200 Cr Funding round Blue Earth Capital Fintech / SME finance
    Mishmash Naturals INR 2.4 Cr Pre-seed Inflection Point Ventures; IIT Delhi Angels Network; 37 other angel investors Ayurvedic beauty & self-care for children

    GrowXCD Finance raises INR 200 Cr led by Blue Earth Capital

    Fintech startup GrowXCD Finance has raised INR 200 crore in a funding round led by Blue Earth Capital. The platform provides SME-focused financial solutions, offering credit and working capital services to small and medium-sized businesses, aiming to streamline access to funding and support business growth.

    Mishmash Naturals Raises INR 2.4 Crore in Pre-Seed Funding

    Raipur-based Mishmash Naturals, India’s first Ayurvedic beauty and self-care brand for children aged 3–14, has raised INR 2.4 crore in a pre-seed funding round. Investors include Inflection Point Ventures, IIT Delhi Angels Network, and 37 other angel investors. The startup plans to expand its product portfolio, invest in R&D, and venture into international markets such as the UAE and GCC.

    Key Business News for 1st October 2025

    LG Electronics India IPO to Open on October 7

    LG Electronics India is set to launch its INR 11,600 crore IPO on October 7, 2025, with a price band of INR 1,080–INR 1,140 per share. The entire issue is an Offer for Sale (OFS) by its South Korean parent, LG Electronics Inc. The listing could position LG as the top appliance maker on Indian exchanges.

    Zomato & Swiggy Introduce Food Health Scores

    Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy have launched health scores and protein-focused ratings to improve food quality. This initiative aims to address growing consumer concerns over the nutritional value and hygiene standards of delivered food.

    Zerodha Faces a 40% Revenue Drop Risk

    Zerodha, India’s largest stock brokerage firm, reported a 15% revenue decline in FY25 and faces a potential 40% drop in FY26 due to stricter SEBI regulations and reduced trading activity. Competitors like Groww have shown resilience, highlighting Zerodha’s challenges in adapting to the changing market dynamics.

    Infra.Market Files INR 5,000 Crore IPO via Confidential Route

    Infra.Market, a leading construction materials platform, has filed for a INR 5,000 crore IPO through SEBI’s confidential filing route. The company plans to raise funds through a mix of fresh issue and offer-for-sale. This move positions Infra.Market to capitalize on the growing demand in India’s construction sector.

    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 30th September 2025
    India’s startup ecosystem continues to witness robust investor interest as funding rounds, leadership changes, and IPOs shape the market.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesStartupTalky News

  • Lufthansa to Cut 4,000 Jobs Over Next 5 Years Amid Cost-Saving Plan

    In an effort to decrease expenses and adjust to new technology, the German airline firm Lufthansa has stated that it will lay off 4,000 employees by 2030, the majority of whom will be in Germany, according to news agency AFP. Rather than operational professions like pilots, cabin crew, or ground staff, the majority of the job cuts will impact administrative roles.

    Approximately 103,000 individuals are currently employed by the organisation worldwide. Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways—which it recently purchased to become Italy’s new flagship carrier—are all part of its network.

    Lufthansa Layoffs Align with Weakening German Economy

    Germany is currently experiencing its second year of recession at the time of the announcement. While the nation’s large corporations are finding it difficult to cope with growing energy costs, competition from China, and sluggish adoption of new technologies, unemployment has reached its worst level in a decade.

    There are other German behemoths cutting employees besides Lufthansa. The industrial engineering and technology giant Bosch announced a few days ago that it will eliminate 13,000 jobs globally, or 3% of its staff.

    AI and Digitisation Core Reason for Lufthansa Layoffs

    The decision was a part of a larger evaluation of Lufthansa’s operations, the airline stated in its statement. According to the airline, the Lufthansa Group is evaluating whether operations, such as those involving duplication of effort, will no longer be required in the future. It further stated that many areas and processes will become more efficient as a result of the significant changes brought about by digitalisation and the growing use of artificial intelligence.

     This implies that a certain amount of human interaction will no longer be necessary for some administrative duties. In addition to the reorganisation, Lufthansa has established new financial goals for 2028–2030. During this time, the corporation wants to reach an adjusted operating margin of 8% to 10%.

    The company’s efforts to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving aviation sector and get ready for a challenging economic climate in Germany and Europe are reflected in the job losses.

    Layoff has Become a Common Scenario in 2025

    With big companies like Google, Microsoft, and others continuing to reduce their workforces, layoffs in the tech sector are not expected to halt in 2025.

    Companies are still cutting employees in an effort to simplify operations, save money, and emphasise automation and artificial intelligence, even though these figures are much lower than the major layoffs that occurred between 2022 and 2023.

    Layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks layoffs in the industry, reports that 93 organisations have laid off nearly 23,500 tech workers so far this year, and the number is still growing. Google and Microsoft are apparently contemplating a new round of layoffs, according to the most recent job reduction reports.

    According to reports, AI-led restructuring and performance-based terminations are part of the corporations’ goals to increase the effectiveness of their personnel.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Cost-cutting, digitisation, and
    adoption of AI automation to streamline operations.

    •Majority of job cuts in Germany,
    where Lufthansa employs most of its 103,000 staff worldwide.

    •Germany in second year of recession;
    unemployment at a 10-year high; energy costs and China competition add pressure.

    •Bosch also cutting 13,000 jobs
    globally.

  • The Truth About UPI Costs: RBI Governor Breaks the Confusion

    There has been a big confusion, for a very long time now, that paying via UPI (like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) is free. The UPI has become increasingly popular, with most of India adopting a cashless approach. According to the PIB website, in June 2025, UPI handled over ₹24.03 lakh crore in payments. Such a massive user base is. So far, the payments on UPI are free. But what about the future? So, the RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra clarified. Learn more. 

    Why Was There Confusion?

    The RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said:

    • UPI, in fact, isn’t free to run. The technology required to operate (along with maintenance and security) UPI for banks and payment companies is costly.
    • Apparently, these costs are covered via the government subsidies so that the technology stays free for users.
    • However, this could change in the long run because someone has to pay these costs. So, users may be charged.
    • As a result, the general public believed that the UPI would be charged. 

    What Exactly Did the Governor Clarify Now?

    • He repeated: He clarified that there’s no such proposal at the moment that the RBI would start charging people. So, you can relax.
    • Here’s the catch: UPI can’t be “free forever”, so someone has to bear the charges. We don’t know when.
    • His main point is that for the UPI system to be sustainable, anyone, whether users or the government, must pay for the services.

    Why Is UPI Sustainability a Concern?

    • The UPI system has grown significantly, according to the RBI. In August 2025, UPI processed 20 billion transactions.
    • This is a massive 34% jump compared to last year.To maintain such a vast user base, there are requirements for servers, cybersecurity, fraud monitoring, etc.
    • At present, the bills are covered by government subsidies, so the UPI is free for everyone. 

    RBI Predicts UPI Daily Transactions to Hit 1 Billion Soon
    RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das expects daily UPI transactions to reach 1 billion soon, up from 500 million. Extensive testing is planned before any CBDC rollout.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesNitin Konde

  • Hollywood vs AI: Emily Blunt Slams AI Actor Tilly Norwood

    Hollywood is up against AI actors. The unions are taking to the streets with rallies. Big actors like Emily Blunt, Natasha Lyonne, and Whoopi Goldberg are being vocal about the situation. All are making the headlines everywhere. The rage started when a Dutch creator made a super-realistic AI actress named Tilly Norwood. Later, she was pitched to several agencies and a Hollywood project (although there is no confirmation yet), according to reports (according to the BBC). So what was the reaction of these actors? Will AI actors take over Hollywood one day? Learn more.

    Image Credits -www.imdb.com
    Image Credits -www.imdb.com

    What’s Happening?

    The fear of replacing humans has just reached Hollywood. A Dutch comedian and actress named Eline Van der Velden created an AI-generated character called Tilly Norwood. She has her own Instagram account, and it’s quite a buzz. She poses for photos, does skits and even spoofs BBC shows. She is popularly marketed as having “girl next door vibes.”

    Why Is Hollywood Angry? 

    Most of Hollywood, along with the SAG-AFTRA union (Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), is furious. Here’s why:

    • The Union’s View: She is not an actor; she is a computer program trained to act like a real one.
    • Union says that it has no real feelings or life experiences.
    • It stresses that the audiences won’t like anything “fake” and stories without human emotions.
    • Hiring her would actually break the contracts Hollywood workers fought for in the 2023 strikes. 
    • The strike was also about AI protections.
    • The union condemns the situation, calling it “stolen performances” because the AI indirectly learns from the real actors’ expressions and voices. And the fear of replacing the actors and jobs.

    Hollywood Stars’ Reactions

    • Natasha Lyonne (from Orange Is the New Black and Russian Doll) reacted by saying that any talent agency working with Tilly should be boycotted. Furthermore, she calls the idea “deeply misguided & totally disturbed.”
    • Emily Blunt (Oscar-nominated actress), reacting to a video of Tilly Norwood, said, “That’s an AI? Good Lord, we’re screwed… Please stop taking away our human connection.”
    • Whoopi Goldberg (on The View) reached the conclusion that she isn’t worried at all about the AI. According to her, they don’t move or act like humans, as the faces, bodies, and movements are not similar. 

    What Does the Creator Say?

    Eline Van der Velden, who made Tilly, says that:

    • Tilly is not meant to replace humans and is just a piece of art. She compared it to drawing a cartoon or writing a character.
    • She stressed that making Tilly was “an act of imagination and craftsmanship.”
    • She urged the public to view it as a new genre, rather than as a competitor to human actors.
    • On the contrary, at a Zurich summit last weekend, Eline Van der Velden openly announced her AI production studio and new AI talent agency (Xicoia).
    • She even hinted that Hollywood is secretly working on AI projects and a major announcement will be coming soon.

    Why Does This Matter?

    • Background: In 2023, Hollywood saw big strikes about AI replacing writers and actors.
    • Now: Tilly Norwood is the fear come true. It is a treat for the hardworking actors.
    • The Risk: If any Hollywood project comes to fruition, it will mark the beginning of the end for real actors, and many more will adapt to the change. 

  • RBI Increases IPO Financing Limit to INR 25 Lakh and Relaxes Lending Rules for Banks

    In an effort to increase bank loan availability for both individuals and businesses, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced a number of significant measures. In addition to loosening limitations on lending against shares and debt securities, the central bank has chosen to permit banks to finance acquisitions by Indian corporations.

     Following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Governor Sanjay Malhotra declared that the RBI would establish an enabling framework to assist banks in lending money for acquisitions.

    Commenting on the development, Kresha Gupta, Director & Fund Manager, Steptrade Capital stated, “Raising the IPO financing limit per individual investor from INR 10 lakh to INR 25 lakh: – Indian primary market is buzzing, with almost one new issue opening every day. For investors, the calculation is simple: the interest on loans looks small compared to the returns IPOs are delivering. The higher limit enables retail and HNI participants to bid for larger allocations and actively participate in multiple IPOs, rather than being constrained by capital.”

    Adding further, he stated, “Enhancing the loan limit against shares from INR 20 lakh to INR 1 crore and removing the ceiling on lending against listed debt securities:- Earlier, even investors with large stock portfolios could borrow only up to INR 20 lakh from banks. With the new limit raised to INR 1 crore, they can now access far greater liquidity by pledging their shares. In addition, by removing the ceiling on loans against listed debt securities such as bonds and debentures traded on exchanges, investors can borrow money on the debt securities also.”

    RBI Gave a Nod to SBI’s Proposal

    The action was taken in response to a request for such financing from the State Bank of India. Malhotra added that the regulatory cap on lending against listed debt securities has been lifted by the central bank. The loan ceiling against shares was raised from INR 20 lakh to INR 1 crore per person at the same time. The cap on IPO financing has been increased from INR 10 lakh to INR 25 lakh per individual.

    High net worth individuals (HNIs) will benefit most from this move, which takes effect on October 1, 2024, as it will enable them to apply for higher amounts in public offerings.

    Spree of New Initiatives Initiated by RBI

    Additionally, the RBI has chosen to lower the cost of loans for infrastructure projects. It will lower the risk weights associated with loans to reputable infrastructure projects from non-banking financial organisations (NBFCs). A 2016 rule that prohibited lending to big borrowers with bank exposure over INR 10,000 crore has also been revoked by the regulator.

    It is anticipated that this will increase the system’s total credit availability. Regarding regulatory timetables, Malhotra stated that banks will have ample time to adapt, as the Basel 3 capital structure and the expected credit loss (ECL) framework will take effect in 2027.

    According to experts, the RBI’s actions are intended to promote corporate acquisitions, increase bank lending, increase IPO participation, and facilitate the availability of capital for infrastructure and company expansion.

    Quick Shots

    •RBI has raised the IPO loan limit from INR 10 lakh
    to INR 25 lakh per individual, effective October 1, 2024, boosting
    participation, especially from HNIs.

    •The cap on loans against shares increased from INR
    20 lakh to INR 1 crore per person.

    •RBI has removed the regulatory cap on lending
    against listed debt securities.

    •Banks are now allowed to finance corporate
    acquisitions, following a proposal from State Bank of India (SBI).

    •Risk weights on loans to high-quality infrastructure
    projects via NBFCs will be reduced to lower borrowing costs.

  • OpenAI Drops Sora 2: Cinematic AI Videos Are Now in Your Pocket…

    OpenAI has launched Sora 2, a new social media app for iOS (on September 30, 2025). The new version of Sora makes ultra-realistic, controllable videos with sound. Now, anyone can create cinematic films or anime-style scenes in minutes. The app has done significantly well since its launch in 2024. With this announcement, OpenAI is also ready to compete with Google’s Veo-3. So, how does it differ from its previous version of Sora? What’s new in Sora 2? And how to use it for social media? For all that, learn more. 

    OpenAI Lauched Sora 2
    OpenAI Lauched Sora 2

    What Is Sora 2?

    It’s an AI model that generates videos with text prompts in under a minute. The new version, Sora 2, has gone more realistic and cinematic, with various sounds and visual effects. OpenAI’s social media app has also become a buzz after the launch. It’s like Instagram or TikTok but powered by AI video generation.

    What Makes Sora 2 Special:

    More Realistic Physics

    The older version of Sora made a weird mistake, for example, let’s say:

    • In a video where a basketball player missed a shot, the ball would automatically teleport into the hoop.
    • However, with Sora 2, the ball will bounce off the backboard, which is what would happen in real life.

    Better Control (Controllability)

    • The AI can now take complex instructions, unlike its last version.
    • Example: Ask it to make the video with multiple camera shots, continuous scenes, and detailed action scenes. Sora 2 is capable of handling them all at once.
    • And it remembers well now. Say, if a character is holding a blue cup in the first shot, it won’t change to red in the second.

    More Styles

    • It is perhaps the most crucial update that Sora 2 can now create cinematic films, anime-style scenes, realistic clips, and more.

    Sound Generation

    • This feature in the app is just like the one in Google’s Veo-3. You can now work with background sounds, dialogue, and sound effects to match the video.

    Humans & Real Objects

    • Sora 2 can include real humans and objects in its videos. However, OpenAI openly admits that it’s not perfect yet.
    • The company is working to make the tech closer to “simulating reality.”
    Image Credits - Sora App
    Image Credits – Sora App

    The Sora App (New Social Media Platform)

    Alongside Sora 2, OpenAI launched its new app called Sora (iOS only for now).

    Here’s what it offers:

    • Create & Remix → Now make your own videos and remix them with others via the Sora app for your social media right within the app.
    • Custom Feed → Let’s say it’s another TikTok or Instagram. On the app, you can better control what you see with your natural language instructions.
    • For instance, “Show me more funny anime-style clips”, and your feed is adjusted accordingly.
    • Upload Yourself → You can record yourself just once, and AI will insert you into the videos with different scenes.
    • For instance, you can make a cameo appearance in a cartoon, TV show, or movie.
    • Cameos → You can include your videos, just invite them to be part of the AI scenes with you.
    • Healthy Feed → With this, OpenAI aims to lower the doomscrolling and addiction or better avoid it altogether.
    • The app prioritises your feed to be from people you know and follow, and inspires you to make videos, not just consume them.

    Why This Matters

    • For creators: The new social app, Sora 2, can change how videos are made. The videos can be made faster, with more creativity and within the budget.
    • For social media: Now, just post selfies; the app wants the public to enjoy making fun AI videos with remixes and trending sounds.
    • For competition: The launch is a direct competition to Google’s Veo-3, which is already popular in the market. 

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    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesYash Gupta

  • Adar Poonawalla in Talks with Diageo to Acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL Team

    According to multiple media reports, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, was in negotiations with Diageo Plc, the owners of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to potentially purchase the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2025 champion. Whether Diageo Plc intends to sell all of its shares in RCB is still unclear. United Spirits is a subsidiary of Diageo Plc.

    Adar Poonawalla is the front-runner among other interested parties to acquire RCB, according to media reports, according to people familiar with the situation. According to media sources, the British multinational alcoholic beverage business is seeking a valuation of about $2 billion for RCB. According to Houlihan Lokey’s IPL Valuation Study 2025 report, RCB was the most valuable company this year, even in terms of business value.

    IPL Valuation Study 2025 report

    In its IPL Valuation Study 2025 report, Houlihan Lokey, a global, independent investment bank established in 1972, said that RCB’s performance went beyond the boundary. Off the pitch, the team expanded match-day experiences and grassroots projects throughout Karnataka, and it welcomed tech innovator Nothing as an associate sponsor.

    RCB’s brand equity has been boosted by these community-driven initiatives, astute digital marketing, and the timeless appeal of international superstars.In February, private equity firm CVC Capital Partners agreed to sell the Gujarat Titans (GT) a 67% share to Ahmedabad-based Torrent Group through its holding company Torrent Investments.

    GT is valued at about INR 7,453 crore, while this deal was valued at about INR 5,000 crore. Conversely, Diageo Plc officially joined the FIFA World Cup 26 as a North, Central, and South American tournament sponsor in June.

    Chinnaswamy Stadium’s Stampede Might Reduce RCB Valuation

    The recent FTA (foreign trade agreement) with the UK, which reduced the tax on importing Scotch in bulk, and the negative publicity following the M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, according to Ajimon Francis, managing director of Brand Finance, a valuation and strategy consultancy, could put pressure on the company’s margins because of increased competition.

    “Some south-based conglomerate might be the first set of potential bidders,” Francis stated, adding that it might also be a group of investors, as was the case with GT. In general, RCB’s social media fan engagement, fan clubs, and fan groups are the foundation of its brand appeal.

    The second lever that RCB has is Bengaluru’s pricing power, which draws corporate interest because it has one of the highest average revenues per seat among IPL sites, according to Francis. In a recent post on X, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi stated that there have been numerous rumours regarding the sale of an IPL franchise, notably @RCBTweets, but that these have previously be– it could be the only team which would be available as a whole as an IPL franchise.”

    Quick Shots

    •Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute, is in
    talks with Diageo Plc to acquire Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

    •Diageo seeks around $2 billion for RCB, currently
    the most valuable IPL team according to Houlihan Lokey IPL Valuation Study
    2025.

    •Poonawalla is reportedly the leading bidder among
    multiple interested parties.

    •Boosted by community initiatives, grassroots
    projects, digital marketing, and international stars.

  • Zerodha Faces a 40% Revenue Drop Risk: What’s Choking the Company?

    Zerodha (one of the biggest brokerage firms in India) is facing a revenue drop due to stricter SEBI regulations. Notably, the company’s numbers dropped by 15% (from INR 10,000 crore in FY24 to INR 8,500 crore in FY25). The profits dipped by INR 1300 crore (from ₹5,500 crore to ₹4,200 crore). This is not all; the prediction could be much worse, say a 40% revenue fall in FY26 (April 2025–March 2026). Why is the company struggling, while its competitors, such as Groww, are growing? What exactly are the reasons? Learn more.

    What’s Happening With Zerodha?

    Zerodha’s major earnings come from its customers trading stocks, futures & options, etc. As the new SEBI regulations came into effect, only a few are actively trading in the market, impacting Zerodha’s business numbers. Here’s what’s happening.

    • Zerodha’s revenue dropped from INR 10,000 crore in FY24 to INR 8,500 crore in FY25 (a 15% drop).
    • Its profits dipped from INR 5,500 crore to INR 4,200 crore.
    • Here’s a big prediction that these dipped numbers can decrease by 40% compared to FY24. 
    Image Credits - Zerodha
    Image Credits – Zerodha

    Why Is Zerodha’s Revenue Dropping So Fast?

    The major reason is the new SEBI regulations + less trading activity:

    • STT (Securities Transaction Tax) on options was increased → So, this makes the trading of options very expensive, and only a smaller percentage can afford it.
    • Weekly expiries cut to 2 contracts instead of multiple → Meaning it lowers the trading opportunities for the public.
    • BSDA (Basic Services Demat Account) limit increased → This makes the demat account free for many or at least low-cost, so the brokers earn less.
    • Exchange transaction charge rebates removed → Meaning that brokers can no longer get certain cost benefits.
    • Overall market activity has slowed down → All of the reasons above lead to fewer trades = lower brokerage earnings for Zerodah.

    Note: These rules came into effect in October 2024, so they didn’t impact FY24. But, FY25 and FY26 are going to hit the hardest. 

    Competition Situation

    Groww is Zerodha’s biggest competitor, and it’s now preparing for an IPO:

    • Groww’s revenue in FY25 grew 31% to ₹4,056 crore.
    • Its profits skyrocketed 3x to ₹1,819 crore.
    • The company only had a 10% revenue drop in the June quarter vs Zerodha’s 40% fall.

    Note: The business numbers for Groww appear far better because the company offers a more diversified range of products. It is less dependent on options trading and more focused on creating wealth products.

    • On the other hand, Angel One (it’s a listed company) is also facing similar heat, and revenue fell by 30%.
    • Upstox also joins the list with active investors falling. 
    Image Credits - Zerodha
    Image Credits – Zerodha

    Market Share Shifts

    • According to Zerodha, its active traders’ market share dropped from 22% (early 2023) to 16% now.
    • However, the positive is that its client assets (AUM – Assets Under Management) still hold ~10% of all retail and HNI assets in India.

    Note: The company has fewer traders on board, but it’s managing a large portion of its investors’ money.

    Future Risks

    • It’s huge that SEBI is considering removing the weekly options altogether. If this happens, then we can expect Zerodha to lose its biggest source of income.
    • Here’s what could happen: to survive in the market, Zerodha may start charging brokerage fees on equity delivery trades, which are currently free. 

    Market Sentiment Overall

    • India’s top 4 brokers (Groww, Zerodha, Angel One, and Upstox together have lost around 20 lakh active investors in 2025.
    • In 2025, the companies alone have lost at least 6 lakh investors.
    • Interestingly, all this happened at a time when stock markets were on the rise.
    • It could mean one thing: that people have lost interest in Futures & Options (FF & O trading, not in equity investing.
    • And the stricter rules are another drawback, reducing active participation in trading. 

    Zerodha Business Model & Revenue Breakdown: How Zerodha Makes Money, Grows, and Stays Profitable
    Discover Zerodha’s business model and revenue strategy. Learn how Zerodha makes money through brokerage, margin funding, tech tools, and its zero brokerage approach. Explore its financials, growth strategy, and valuation insights.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesNitin Konde