StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Fourth Episode of Crafting Bharat Podcast Series: A Treasure Trove of Insights into India’s Startup Landscape

    Chirag Taneja, Co-Founder and CEO of GoKwik discusses his entrepreneurial journey, E-Commerce trends, GoKwik’s growth story, and venture capital funding with host Gautam Srinivasan.

    There is no one-size-fits-all formula for startup success, each company’s journey is unique and full of uncertain challenges. The founders behind these successful startups possess an admirable spirit of determination, passion and vision to bring change through innovation. 

    The “Crafting Bharat – A Startup Podcast Series” powered by AWS, and an initiative by NewsReach, in association with VCCircle, unlocks the secrets behind these successful entrepreneurs’ journeys aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with invaluable insights. The podcast series is hosted by Gautam Srinivasan, famed for hosting a diverse range of TV and digital programs, currently consulting editor at CNBC (India), CNN-News18, Forbes India, and The Economic Times.

    In the dynamic landscape of India’s startup ecosystem, Chirag Taneja, the Co-Founder and CEO of GoKwik, stands out as a visionary leader driving innovation and reshaping the e-commerce sector. In the debut episode of Crafting Bharat, Taneja shared how he embarked on a challenging entrepreneurial journey that led to the founding of GoKwik. He also talks about building a remote-first company during the pandemic and the future of the e-commerce industry with emerging technologies like GenAI.

    Through the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series, let’s discover the stories of Indian startup founders’ journey of turning dreams into reality and turning challenges into opportunities.

    Segment 1: The Incubator

    Which parts of your original thesis of founding GoKwik panned out and which did not?

    The initial thesis centered around whether India would embrace direct-to-consumer models, mirroring the USA rather than China. Another thesis was targeting the untapped Cash-on-Delivery market globally. Finally, the focus shifted to building a diverse VC-backed business in India, requiring multiple products to foster D2C market growth, embracing a vision yet adaptable strategy.

    Crafting Bharat, Episode 4 With Chirag Taneja, Co-Founder and CEO, GoKwik

    What were the challenges you faced in building a remote-first company?

    GoKwik is a pandemic-born company. By the time we could even think about whether we were going to be remote or in-office, we were already 150 people. We had already crossed the Dunbar Number, the mark where the organization starts to change. I am still not married to the fact that we must build the company remotely, I am married to our overall vision with GoKwik.

    As a founder how did you manage that transition from intuition to data-driven decision-making while GoKwik was exponentially scaling up? How do cloud platforms like AWS make this transition easier? 

    If you see second or third-time founders, they would have done something and would have figured out that this is a problem nobody else is solving, for me, I came from that world and I knew nobody was solving this problem and I didn’t require data to support that it was purely my gut and starting figuring out what is the right way to solve this problem.

    Segment 2: The Accelerator

    You are a big fan of Rahul Dravid. Tell us about his influence on your leadership approach.

    He has stuck to one field and played the long game. I have learned how to take long-term calls which are important for what you’re trying to build and it’s applicable in almost everything. It is okay to be impatient in the short term but your results should yield in the long term.

    What’s your view on this conversation that is happening around work-life balance?

    I am a firm believer that outcomes matter more than the number of hours you have put in, which helps us drive the remote-first company. Simply put, if you’re working in India you shouldn’t be thinking about the work-life balance at the moment especially as a startup founder, as it is our opportunity to build the country and we have a huge responsibility on our shoulders in building the country.

    How do you stop overthinking and overcomplicating and spending bandwidth on things you shouldn’t when starting up?

    From a simplicity point of view, I would say that overthinking does not lead to anything. My view is that if you’re overthinking or if you’re in confusion then act, don’t overthink. The action will tell you whether it’s working or not working instead of spending one month thinking or having excessive strategic discussions.

    Don’t find customers for your products, find products for your customers. What is your view on this?

    It is said that all customers are looking for their problems to be solved rather than buying our solutions or products. Typically, I would say that always the pitch or product discovery calls that you do is to discover what is the real problem you’re trying to solve for your client.

    India’s startup landscape is growing by leaps and bounds, coming forth as one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems on the global stage. Entrepreneur’s unwavering motivation and dedication to building something unique have greatly contributed to shaping India’s startup landscape.

    Stay tuned to the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series as they bring you these inspirational entrepreneurs for insightful and candid discussions with Gautam Srinivasan.

    How to Run Google Ads for a New Ecommerce Website
    Running Google ads for a new eCommerce website can help you promote your business by reaching the target audience thereby improving your sales.
    StartupTalkyTanish

  • Octanom Tech & Hedged.in Wins the Prestigious ‘Wealth Tech of the Year’ Award at the Business World Fintech Festival

    Mumbai, India, July 1st, 2024: Pioneered by finance expert Rahul Ghose, Octanom Tech, a leading Investech firm that runs Hedged.in “India’s first ‘Hedged-style’ Investment & Trading platform” is proud to have been awarded the prestigious “Wealth Tech of the Year” award at the BW Business World festival. This recognition underscores Octanom Tech’s significant impact on redefining the investment and trading landscape across India.

    Powered by Octanom Tech, the Hedged platform curates low-risk trading and Investing products with a focus on reducing the growing losses of retailers and institutions in India and abroad. With only 3.8% of Indians directly investing in equity, Hedged provides a much-needed solution, offering lower-risk, machine-driven hedged Products & innovative investment solutions both in the equity and derivative spaces. These technologies & products empower investors to make informed decisions, addressing fears stemming from lack of knowledge, time constraints, and market unpredictability.

    The BW Businessworld’s Festival of Fintech annually gathers industry leaders and innovators to explore ore the forefront of financial technology. This premier event showcases advancements in AI, machine learning, blockchain, digital banking, mobile payments, cybersecurity, API integration, DeFi, fraud prevention, and open banking, reflecting the rapid evolution of the fintech industry.

    In just 15 months since its launch, Hedged & Octanom Tech is one of the youngest companies in India to get this award & has achieved the highest audited success rate on the platform among similar competitor platforms in India. This rapid growth and success are backed by a team of experts, including PhD Dr. Praveen Dwaraknath & CTO Shiv Kumar Puppala, and is led by Rahul Ghose, who is one of the foremost authorities in India in the options space and the former Vice President of Sharekhan.com. Under his visionary leadership, Octanom Tech & his team of experts are committed to making intelligent technology accessible to all of India’s retail traders and investors, fostering their active participation in and contributing to India’s growing economy in a safer way.

    “We are incredibly honoured & humbled to receive the ‘Wealth Tech of the Year’ award,” said Rahul Ghose, Founder & CEO of Octanom Tech. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment ‘To reducing a 100 Billion dollars’ worth of losses over the next decade’ in India and around the world. Product Innovation and our dedication to empowering investors with technology and knowledge remains on our forefront agenda. We will continue to drive forward with our mission to transform the investment & Trading landscape in India and overseas.”

    The Business World Festival of Fintech is one of the most anticipated & recognized events in the fintech industry, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations that shape the future of financial technology. The award further solidifies Octanom Tech’s position as a trailblazer in the fintech space.

    About Octanom Tech

    Octanom Tech is a leading fintech firm dedicated to leveraging advanced technology to create innovative Trading & investment solutions. The company’s flagship platform, Hedged.in, is designed to empower retail investors with lower-risk, Tech  & AI-driven investment products, helping them navigate the financial markets with confidence.

    Investment vs Trade: The Differences To Acknowledge For Bett
    A financial market is looked upon by both investors as well as traders to gain an advantage by the means of sharing and buying financial assets
    StartupTalkyDinesh Dixit

  • “Crafting Bharat: A Podcast Series” Released Its Third Episode With Sanket Shah, CEO of InVideo

    The startup industry of India is flourishing, especially rising entrepreneurial drive amongst the younger generation of India. With numerous success stories, the Indian startup ecosystem has witnessed a remarkable increase in venture capital investments, attracting both local and global investors.

    The “Crafting Bharat – A Startup Podcast Series” powered by AWS, and an initiative by NewsReach, in association with VCCircle, unlocks the secrets behind these successful entrepreneurs’ journeys aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with invaluable insights. The podcast series is hosted by Gautam Srinivasan, famed for hosting a diverse range of TV and digital programs, currently consulting editor at CNBC (India), CNN-News18, Mint, HT Media, Forbes India, and The Economic Times.

    Given the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s technological context, a seasoned entrepreneur Sanket Shah, CEO of InVideo, is changing the way people create video content. In the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series, Shah talks about his founder journey, building AI-enabled video editing software and upcoming trends in the industry.

    Explore the tales of Indian Startup founders’ transformation from dreams to reality, navigating challenges to seize opportunities through the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series.

    Segment 1: The Incubator

    Between the 2012 to 2017 phase how did your seed of an idea for Invideo germinate, considering you had founded Visify Books and MassBlurb (with Pankit) in the meanwhile, and how did it evolve further in the 2017 to 2019 period? Give us the highlights when it comes to the ups and downs?

    I was thinking about starting a business in India while I was in the US, but I think that’s not how it works because to do a business in India then you need much deeper Indian insights. You need to be in India and work here, you can’t sit somewhere else and think that I will start a recurring business in India. In 2014, there was NACH where you needed to fill a form and submit it, for them to initiate recurring payments allowing you to start a recurring business. That was my biggest mistake to think that way. I never got a closure from Visify Books. I thought that videos should not be made like this and sometime in 2017, I started InVideo.

    Crafting Bharat, Episode 3 With Sanket Shah, CEO, InVideo

    Your seed round in May 2018 and the second one in October 2019 were tepid. But the third round in Feb 2020 brought in $2.5 million, that helped you launch your automated assistant, then in October 2020 you got another $15 million as Series A, and then the biggie, $35 million in July 2021 for Series B. What changed in 2020 that drove investors to you?

    First, We operate in a bottomless market; the market is extremely large. I believe that over a billion people in the world are going to create videos and I don’t think there is any debate there. Second, it comes down to confidence in the founder. Track record and talking to the founder gives that confidence to the investors to invest.

    I read somewhere that you are now the largest prosumer SaaS company in Asia. What are the lessons that you have learnt in scaling up Invideo from a tech standpoint?

    If the creators can create videos in a very natural environment that’s what I think gets to a billion users. It is a series of stability, how it’s distributed and how it can all be tied together. The future of all the software is in the browser and it is also across all devices. Our entire system works on AWS and the scaling was very smooth. AWS supported us in a very early stage.

    Segment 2: The Accelerator 

    You met Sam Altman of OpenAI recently. What did you two talk about? 

    I met him for over 2 hours, and it was a fun conversation. We briefly talked about what to expect in the future. There will be a requirement of more electricity for advancement in the world of AI, which hopefully will get solved by nuclear fusion. Second, is that compute has become extremely important.

    What do startup founders need to focus on when thinking of the risk? 

    It’s very risky. I do not think you can do this journey for money. You pick up this journey for fun. The gratification point of this journey is not the money you will get later, because most likely you might not earn money.

    Is it a better approach to release a good product and improve it to perfection with feedback received? 

    In my opinion there needs to be a judgment and a time to launch but the earliest you go out is the best for the business.

    The startup ecosystem in India has grown tremendously in the last decade. The increasing adoption of digitization coupled with government initiatives have opened new avenues for budding entrepreneurs. 

    Stay tuned to the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series as they bring you these inspirational entrepreneurs for insightful and candid discussions with Gautam Srinivasan.

    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

  • IVY Growth Associates’ “21BY72 Startup Summit” a resounding success

    The mega event was organised to accelerate the startup ecosystem by providing a great platform for networking, learning and engagement.

    The two-day summit was attended by over 20,000 participants, 300+ startup founders, 100+ VCs, 500+ investors and renowned industry speakers.

    Organised in association with SteamHouse India and presented by Ayaani Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery, the event saw business leaders and experts sharing their insights on the latest trends in technology, business and entrepreneurship

    Surat (Gujarat) [India], June 22:  IVY Growth Associates, a leading angel network and startup ecosystem enabler based in Surat, organised the grand 3rd edition of its flagship event “21BY72 Startup Summit” in Surat on June 15 and 16.

    One of the largest startup summits in the country, this mega event attracted more than 20,000 participants, including over 200 startup founders, 600+ investors and industry leaders, providing an exceptional platform for networking, learning and participation. The summit was organised in association with SteamHouse India and Ayaani Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery.

    Gujarat BJP Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi was the special chief guest at the summit.

    Speaking about the event, Chartered Accountant and Investor Pratik Toshniwal said, “The third edition of 21BY72 saw the participation of more than 20,000 people, while the second edition had 16,000 people. It was attended by business leaders, eminent investors and experts from across the country, who shared their invaluable insights on the latest trends in technology, business and entrepreneurship. The summit also facilitated unprecedented networking opportunities, and will go a long way in strengthening the startup ecosystem in Gujarat and India.”

    The notable speakers at the summit included Anupam Mittal, Founder of shaadi.com and Shark Tank judge, Raj Shamani, Founder of Figuring Out and House of X, Arjun Vaidya, Co-founder of V3 Ventures, actor and entrepreneur Parul Gulati, Apurva Chamaria, Head of Venture Capital at Google India, Manish Chaudhary, Founder of Wow Skin Science, Bollywood actress Radhika Madan, among others.

    Speaking at the summit, shaadi.com Founder Anupam Mittal, said, “This summit is an excellent initiative. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm and I am very excited to be a part of it. The summit’s theme is India’s development. Money and business are intrinsic to Surat. But, looking at how the world is evolving and technology is playing an increasingly important role, Surat must look beyond textile and diamond industries and venture into other businesses.”

    Bollywood actress Radhika Madan said, “We should move beyond the thought that business is going on and focus on innovative ideas. You should have the satisfaction in terms of empowerment. I am confident that this event will give a boost to the startup ecosystem. I got the opportunity to be a part of the summit and learn something new. My inclination towards investing in good startups has gone up after attending this summit.”

    Speaking at the summit, Rachit Poddar, Co-Founder of IVY Growth Associates said, “One of the highlights of the summit was Trailblazer Mine, a live pitching and fundraising event where selected startups got an opportunity to present their ideas to eminent investors, advisors and industry leaders. Around 100 startups showcased their products and services and presented their offers to investors and partners.”

    It is worth mentioning that with over 100 venture capital funds and 500+ angel investors, the summit provided startups with a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings and business ideas. A series of engaging panel discussions, keynote lectures and interactive workshops empowered entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and growth opportunities.

    IVY Growth Associates is connecting startups with investors from India, UAE, UK, and the US and is on a mission to put Surat on the map of the global startup ecosystem. With the 21BY72 Startup Summit, it created a platform to accelerate the economy and employment besides promoting angel investing across India.

    In less than three years, IVY Growth Associates has invested in Rs. 20 crore in in deployed capital from its fund and syndicated funds totalling more than Rs. 80 crore from its network. It has invested in promising startups in diverse sectors such as renewable energy, protective farming, edtech and direct-to-consumer brands, and is also focusing on agritech, D2C, cleantech, SaaS, and EV. Some of the successful startups in its portfolio include Emotorad, Rupeek, Zappfresh, Zypp Electric and BluSmart.

    IVY Growth has also launched Arigato Capital, a SEBI-registered Category 1 AIF Venture Capital Fund to raise Rs. 250 crore to further fuel its capability to fund promising startups. As part of its expansion strategy, it is building a global corridor that connects angel investors and startups, with a special focus on the Middle East, US & Europe.

    The 21BY72 Startup Summit will go a long way in placing Surat on the global startup ecosystem map and making the city the next startup hub of India.

  • Brands Rising Above the Clutter

    Consumer behaviour is a strange old thing. Just when you think you have the formula nailed down, the benchmarks get shifted just that further bit out.

    Believe in brand loyalty? Think again. Studies show that among older shoppers, brand loyalty is now a thing of the past. And younger buyers are not much different, with those in Asia and the Middle East showing a greater propensity than ever to switch to higher-priced brands, even more so than their counterparts in the West.

    With new demands thrust upon brands by a new breed of savvy, worldly-wise, and discerning consumers, it is now a case of having to adapt to stay relevant in a world of atypical trends. It’s not just buying behaviours, but entire value systems and worldviews that are changing. No longer is it enough for a product or service to satisfy a narrow need. Progressive thinking is now the norm, with a sense of elevated purpose and demands bundled along with it.

    Balancing these many demands is a challenging act, but a few brands are doing so admirably, after having finely honed their understanding of who today’s consumers are, what they desire most, and how to best shepherd them into their fold. These are the coterie of brands that will be held aloft as shining exemplars of excellence at the third edition of Team Marksmen’s Brand of the Year 2024, scheduled to be held on 20th June in New Delhi.

    Brand of the Year 2024 represents a unique cohort, all of whom have built their success stories by crafting relationships that have withstood the test of time, as opposed to building their brand on something more transient or merely flirtatious.

    This unique industry platform showcases brands that remember that the consumer is king, and that serving them in new, sometimes unexpected ways is vital if they are to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Just as brand leaders hope customers stay loyal to them, brands must stay loyal to the philosophy of consistently delivering what their customers desire. It is one of the few constants in an age of flux.

    Brand of the Year 2024 is a research-based industry initiative where some of the sector’s leading experts will share insights into the essence of successful brands, the foundations of creative thinking, and the new growth principles that have benefited others. The event will conclude with a celebratory ceremony honoring these brands. Informed by an industry-wide consumer study conducted by LeadCap Ventures, brands are evaluated on the following parameters:

    • Personalized Customer Experiences
    • ⁠Authenticity and Purpose
    • Brand Storytelling
    • ⁠Customer Engagement
    • Leveraging AI⁠
    • Uniqueness and Innovation

    Speaking ahead of the event, Rajesh Khubchandani, Co-founder and CEO, Team Marksmen Network had this to say. “Branding is the art of crafting an indelible imprint on the minds of your audience. It’s the fusion of strategy and creativity, where every touchpoint becomes a canvas to paint your story. Mastered well, branding transcends mere logos and slogans; it becomes the beating heart of your organization, resonating with your customers’ deepest desires and aspirations. Harness its power, and you wield the ability to forge unbreakable bonds, ignite loyalty, and elevate your brand to the realm of the iconic – a legacy that endures long after products fade.”

    About Team Marksmen

    Through an array of bespoke industry-centric knowledge platforms, using a variety of formats, such as Roundtables, Summits & Conferences, Workshops, and Recognition Ceremonies, Team Marksmen helps senior industry decision-makers navigate through issues of critical importance and informs their worldview for better decision-making.

    Team Marksmen has successfully executed more than 25 events with 400+ domestic and international B2B and B2C brands, helping businesses across industries create opportunities to engage audiences through on-ground and virtual experiences.

    The organisation empowers industry leaders by providing them with insights, ideas, and opportunities that fit their unique industry and context. Through content shared via its flagship website, Marksmen Daily, and print magazine ‘in Focus’ focused on business, leadership, and lifestyle, they help advance the practice of management. Meanwhile, through strategic initiatives like Marksmen Media, it helps organisations achieve their objectives through a plethora of bespoke digital and content strategies.

    Brand Strategy Checklist for Building a Successful Brand
    Creating a strong brand strategy is quite effective and profitable to a company. Here are the checklist for making a good brand strategy.
    StartupTalkyRoshni Tamta

  • Rentkar Revolutionizes Sharing Economy in India: Over 90K Plus Customers Served in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune in Just 3 Years

    New Delhi (India), June 18: Imagine needing a top-of-the-line gaming PC for a crucial tournament, but the upfront cost feels like a mountain to climb. Or maybe you’re a student who only needs a powerful laptop for a semester-long project. Rentkar, a company built on a simple idea born in a college dorm room, understanding these struggles.

    Founded in 2019 by Tanuj Agarwal, Mudit Golecha, and Aditya Kudale, Rentkar isn’t your typical rental service. It’s a revolution in access, a story that began with friends lending their own belongings to classmates. This act of camaraderie sparked a vision: to make high-quality electronics accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget.

    Rent What You Need, When You Need It

    They offer a mind-boggling array of products, from the latest gaming consoles (including over 1,000 PlayStation 5s and 300+ games!) to laptops, cameras, electric scooters, and even everyday items like shoes and GoPros. Need a professional camera for a weekend trip? Rent it! Longing to experience the thrill of an electric scooter but hesitant to commit to buying one? Rent it!

    Making Rental a Breeze

    They understand that flexibility and affordability are key. That’s why they offer unique features like:

    • No deposit: Ditch the upfront costs and try something new without financial commitment.
    • Flexible rental terms: Rent for a day, a week, a month, or longer – it’s entirely up to you.
    • Quality Products: They ensure the highest standards by thoroughly inspecting every product through a rigorous 7-point quality check before it reaches the customer.
    • Live Light: Embrace a minimalist lifestyle—just as we arrived on Earth with nothing, we can strive to live with only what we truly need.
    • Budget-friendly rates: Pay per use, often at significantly lower costs than traditional EMI payments.
    • Speedy deliveries: Get your rentals within 2 hours in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune.

    Beyond Convenience: A Sustainable Future

    The impact goes beyond individual convenience. They promote a sharing economy, encouraging resource optimization and reducing electronic waste. This aligns with a growing global trend towards sustainable consumption habits. The founders envision a future where people embrace an “asset-light” lifestyle, paying for access instead of accumulating possessions.

    The Future of Renting is Here

    Rentkar doesn’t stop there. They’re planning to expand their offerings to include electric vehicle leasing, pan-India rentals, and even unique options like IKEA furniture rentals. Their vision is to be a leader in the sharing economy, offering innovative solutions and exceptional customer service, all while contributing to a more sustainable world.

    Our mission goes beyond mere convenience; it’s a fight against the cycle of overconsumption perpetuated by tech giants like Apple, who release new phones annually, compelling consumers to shell out hefty amounts repeatedly. This exploitative cycle not only burdens consumers financially but also fuel excessive consumerism, wreaking havoc on the environment. Rentkar is the antithesis of this culture of exploitation; it’s a declaration of war against overconsumption and excessive consumerism.

    They represent a paradigm shift towards sustainable living, where the focus is on sharing resources and reducing waste. By choosing Rentkar, you’re not just opting for convenience; you’re joining a movement that challenges the status quo, promotes sustainability, and prioritizes the well-being of our planet.

    List of Top Rental Startups in India | Exhaustive List
    These rental companies in India are helping to make luxurious products affordable for anyone. Read more about these Indian Rental Startups.
    StartupTalkyVidhi Punamiya

  • Predictive Analytics for Telecom: Proactive Network Maintenance

    In the dynamic landscape of telecommunications, advancements in GeoAI and predictive analytics are reshaping how networks operate and evolve. These technologies, which blend geographic information systems (GIS) with artificial intelligence (AI), have emerged as crucial tools for enhancing network reliability, optimizing resource utilization, and anticipating future demands.

    Kirti Vasdev: Pioneering Innovations in Telecom

    At the forefront of these transformative technologies stands Kirti Vasdev, a distinguished engineer renowned for her expertise in GeoAI and predictive analytics. With a career marked by groundbreaking contributions, Kirti has played a pivotal role in leveraging AI-driven strategies to revolutionize telecom operations. His initiatives have not only bolstered network resilience but also set benchmarks in cost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

    “Telecom began with a focus on predictive maintenance models powered by AI”, Kriti states. By integrating GIS data with real-time performance metrics, he enabled proactive identification and resolution of network vulnerabilities, reducing downtime by a significant margin. Additionally, his strategic deployment of GeoAI for optimizing 5G infrastructure placement further underscored his impact, achieving substantial cost savings while expanding network coverage and reliability.

    One of the critical challenges in telecom infrastructure development has been the high costs associated with suboptimal network deployment. Addressing this issue, Kirti Vasdev leveraged GeoAI to analyze key factors such as population density, traffic patterns, and geographic constraints for strategic 5G infrastructure placement. This data-driven approach not only optimized resource allocation but also resulted in a 25% reduction in deployment costs. Additionally, it enhanced network coverage, ensuring improved connectivity and a seamless user experience, particularly in high-demand areas. Beyond infrastructure optimization, Kirti championed automation in telecom server monitoring, employing predictive anomaly detection to preempt system disruptions. This innovation not only streamlined operations but also preserved hundreds of man-hours annually, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for telecom providers and their customers.

    “GeoAI will play a pivotal role in 5G/6G deployment, helping operators navigate the complexities of ultra-dense networks and diverse use cases”, says Kriti. Moreover, Kirti’s leadership in interdisciplinary teams has fostered collaborative approaches to complex telecom challenges. By bridging the domains of GIS specialists, AI engineers, and telecom experts, he has positioned her organization as a trailblazer in predictive analytics and GeoAI integration. This collaborative spirit has not only driven innovation but also fortified the organization’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.

    As telecom networks continue to evolve amidst technological advancements and growing consumer expectations, Kirti Vasdev remains a driving force behind transformative change. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of GeoAI and predictive analytics underscores their pivotal role in shaping the future of telecommunications, promising enhanced efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction.

    In conclusion, Kirti Vasdev’s contributions stand as a testament to the transformative power of GeoAI and predictive analytics in telecom. His vision and leadership continue to pave the way for smarter, more efficient networks poised to meet the demands of tomorrow’s digital landscape.

  • Crafting Bharat: A Podcast Series, Released Its Second Episode With Rishabh Sood, Co-Founder and CTO of BluSmart

    Rishabh Sood, co-founder and CTO of BluSmart discusses his founder journey, building a sustainable business and adoption of EVs with host Gautam Srinivasan.

    Over the past decade, the Indian Startup Ecosystem has undergone an exceptional evolution, surfacing as a vibrant and dynamic landscape for entrepreneurs. India is hosting a plethora of startups ranging from tech-driven to those focused on social impact and sustainability.

    The “Crafting Bharat – A Startup Podcast Series” powered by AWS, and an initiative by NewsReach, in association with VCCircle, unlocks the secrets behind these successful entrepreneurs’ journeys aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with invaluable insights. The podcast series is hosted by Gautam Srinivasan, famed for hosting a diverse range of TV and digital programs, currently consulting editor at CNBC (India), CNN-News18, Mint, HT Media, Forbes India, and The Economic Times.

    India’s rapid urbanization is contributing to rising pollution levels, but visionary founder Rishabh Sood, co-founder and CTO of BluSmart is revolutionizing the ride-hailing sector with electric vehicles (EVs). In the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series, Sood talks about his founder’s journey, building a sustainable business, and adoption of EVs.

    Explore the tales of Indian startup founders’ transformation from dreams to reality, navigating challenges to seize opportunities through the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series.

    Crafting Bharat, Episode 2 With Rishabh Sood, Co-founder & CTO, BluSmart

    Segment 1: The Incubator

    How did you scale up but remain close to your customers in identifying their pain points, and, once you solve those issues, how do you keep the product relevant?

    The idea is that when you scale you need to do things which do not scale. Many companies do this when they scale, they start looking at customers as the data points. They will make pie charts and try to figure out why their customers are unhappy, we also did that but what we also did was to always try to maintain our ground connect, so, we would become customer support agents for a day and receive customer complaints, feel the pain & anger, and empathize with them. This is what helps us to stay relevant, we physically go through individual complaints. The idea is to capture the emotion. When you start looking at the suggestions or feedback as data points and in pie charts, you lose the emotion out of it.

    You could iron out the issues with a unique full-stack playbook that learnt from degraded user experiences of your competitors due to their asset-light models and resolve these issues to create a WOW experience while onboarding and retaining customers?

    If we built the same tech, built an aggregator model or if we get driver partners with their own cars then we will land up with the same problem, so, we fundamentally changed the business model and built the technology for it. And that is what helped us to figure out that we need to have the cars in our control, that way we can make sure that the condition is extremely good and well maintained. The schedule model was also a game changer for us and the reason for us to do a schedule model was because you cannot do a real-time ride with 70 cars.

    How is AWS enabling BluSmart to power up its backend to overcome issues around quick ride-matching, zero downtime, etc., and save operational costs while supporting your net-zero ambitions?

    AWS has been a trusted and supportive partner for us right from day one. We’ve built a lot of technology and machine learning algorithms for our scheduled ride model wherein we were able to make sure the car reaches on time. 97% of our rides are reaching in time with zero cancellations. We had to predict time required for a ride during different times of the day for which we built out machine learning models which we are running on the AWS infrastructure, and it’s been running smoothly.

    Segment 2: The Accelerator

    What’s the one lesson from BluSmart’s relatively slow expansion strategy that startup founders can learn from?

    We started with Delhi and today we have 7000 cars spread across just two cities; Delhi and Bangalore but these are big markets. I would say if you’re able to succeed in Delhi then there is no reason why you will not be able to go to any other city and succeed. That’s what you need to do, even when you are going slow you need to build things with scale.

    What’s the best mantra to maintain long-lasting co-founder relationships?

    I think what it really boils down to is trusting each other and having confidence in the ability of each other but at the same time you need to question and push each other as well. You need to maintain that balance of trusting but also really push and ask questions.

    India’s startup ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation as the motivated founders lead with exceptional innovation. The passion and vision of the entrepreneurs is keeping the Indian startup ecosystem in motion. 

    Stay tuned to the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series as they bring you these inspirational entrepreneurs for insightful and candid discussions with Gautam Srinivasan.

    BluSmart: Founders, Business Model, Revenue Model, and More
    BluSmart is an Indian ride-sharing company that has a fleet of EV vehicles. Here’s a look at its business model, revenue model, founders and more.
    StartupTalkyShalini Rath

  • StartupTalky Returns With ‘TalkyMixers’ in Kolkata: A Unique Networking Event for Founders, Executives, VCs, and More

    Kolkata, June 13, 2024: StartupTalky, one of India’s largest media platforms for startups, is excited to announce its latest event, ‘TalkyMixers’, a one-of-a-kind gathering that promises to bring together founders, executives, venture capitalists, investors, freelancers, creators, and startup enthusiasts. Scheduled to be held on June 16th, 2024, from 4:30 PM onwards in Kolkata, TalkyMixers aims to imbibe a fun yet collaborative spirit among the city’s vibrant startup community.

    This unique event, expected to last approximately two to two and a half hours, offers an informal setting where attendees can engage in meaningful conversations and networking. The relaxed atmosphere will facilitate fruitful discussions and connections over a delightful buffet, thoughtfully arranged by the StartupTalky (ST) team.

    TalkyMixers presents an exceptional opportunity for Kolkata’s startup ecosystem to come together on a Sunday evening, promoting growth through strategic networking and one-on-one interactions. Attendees can look forward to sharing insights, exploring potential collaborations, and enjoying great food and drinks.

    Shubham Kumar, Founder of StartupTalky, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are thrilled to bring TalkyMixers to Kolkata, a city with immense potential and a burgeoning startup scene. Our vision is to create an environment where founders and startups can build together, leveraging each other’s strengths and insights. This event is all about inculcating meaningful connections, having fun, and celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship. We believe that by coming together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation and growth.”

    Registration for the event is now open and can be completed via the events platform Luma (You can register here). Alternatively, interested participants can reach out to StartupTalky on Instagram or Facebook for registration details.

    About StartupTalky

    StartupTalky is one of India’s leading media platforms dedicated to the startup ecosystem. It provides insightful content, resources, and networking opportunities for founders, entrepreneurs, and startup enthusiasts. Acknowledged for its vast library of content pieces across categories related to startups and businesses in general, the legacy of StartupTalky has just continued to grow over the years. Through events like TalkyMixers, StartupTalky continues to support and inspire the startup community across India.

  • Stanford Alum’s Startup BuiltX: Transforming Construction Industry With Affordable, High-Quality Projects for Non-Profits

    New Delhi (India), June 13: In a testament to the transformative power of startups, BuiltX Sustainable Design & Construction, founded by Stanford alum Abdul Aleem, is redefining the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) landscape in India. As the country’s first AEC firm exclusively dedicated to partnering with non-profits, BuiltX is pioneering a new approach to sustainable infrastructure, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. This innovative startup exemplifies how emerging companies are driving change and addressing critical needs with agility and ingenuity.

    Founded in late 2021 by Abdul Aleem, who returned to his home state of Bihar during the devastating second wave of COVID-19, BuiltX was created to fill a glaring gap in infrastructure development for non-profits. Aleem’s firsthand experience of the pandemic’s impact highlighted the urgent need for robust, high-quality infrastructure, especially in healthcare. Non-profits, despite their dedication, often faced challenges with inadequate facilities and unreliable local contractors.

    BuiltX has swiftly positioned itself as a solution to these challenges by offering top-tier construction services at significantly reduced costs—10% to 25% below market rates. By operating on low margins, BuiltX enables non-profits to save substantial funds, which can then be redirected towards their core missions. This business model not only ensures the realization of excellent infrastructure projects but also maximizes the social impact of these non-profits.

    “Our vision is an India where everyone has access to good healthcare, quality education, and hearty recreation.” said Abdul Aleem, co-founder and CEO of BuiltX.

    BuiltX’s mission to positively impact 100 million lives through construction projects by 2040 exemplifies the ambitious goals that startups can set and achieve. The organization’s success is rooted in its core values: empathy, integrity, sustainability, and innovation. These values are integral to their operations. Empathy drives the organization to offer affordable pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring that non-profits can achieve their infrastructure goals. Integrity fosters trust and transparency in all collaborations, crucial for building long-lasting partnerships. Sustainability guides their project designs, which aim to minimize environmental impact and achieve certifications like LEED and Green Building. Innovation is a continuous pursuit, with BuiltX leveraging the latest construction technologies to deliver tailored solutions.

    Despite being a relatively new player, BuiltX has already achieved significant milestones. The organization has constructed over 300,000 square feet of infrastructure for non-profits, projects that will directly impact more than 1,000,000 people in the next decade. One of their standout achievements is the construction of the largest eye hospital in Eastern India—a 500-bed super specialty facility for Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital in Bihar. This hospital, which will perform over 100,000 free eye surgeries annually, is set to become the largest charitable eye hospital in India by the number of surgeries conducted.

    The impact of BuiltX extends beyond its immediate projects. By offering a comprehensive partnership through the Integrated Project Delivery method, BuiltX ensures a seamless process from start to finish. This approach allows non-profit partners to focus on their missions while BuiltX manages every detail of the project. By collaborating with top architects and consultants, BuiltX provides turnkey solutions encompassing planning, architectural design, engineering, and construction.

    As BuiltX looks to the future, the organization is committed to expanding its operations across North India, beyond its initial focus on Eastern India. By forging partnerships with respected non-profits, BuiltX aims to build more hospitals and schools, furthering its mission to create a lasting social impact through sustainable infrastructure.

    By addressing critical needs with innovative solutions, BuiltX is changing the face of the AEC industry in India, demonstrating the profound impact that startups can have on society and the economy.

    7 Things to Remember While Starting Your Own Construction Company
    New construction businesses have been popping up a lot over the last couple of years. That doesn’t mean you can’t get involved and grab a piece of the pie though. It just means you have to be smart with your business moves. Let’s go over a few tips that could help you along your way.
    StartupTalkyAshwini