India
Darwinbox Fuels Employee Wealth Creation with Substantial ₹86 Crore ESOP Buyback
Darwinbox, an AI-powered HR tech unicorn, has completed its third ESOP buyback, worth ₹86 crore ($10 million), benefiting over 350 employees globally. This reflects their commitment to wealth creation for team members who help build value. The buyback follows a $140 million funding round and highlights Darwinbox's focus on AI innovation and global growth.
GoKwik Secures $13 Million to Propel AI-First Ecommerce and Global Ambitions
GoKwik, an AI-first e-commerce enabler, has secured $13 million in growth funding led by RTP Global, bringing total funding to $68 million. The capital will fuel international expansion and AI R&D for its commerce stack, which helps over 10,000 brands tackle cart abandonment and RTO. GoKwik's solutions aim to optimize the entire e-commerce journey for brands globally.
SoftBank Shifts India Strategy: Eyes Buyout Deals to Fuel AI-Led IT & BPO Transformation
SoftBank is pivoting in India, aiming to acquire IT and BPO firms to inject them with AI. This marks a shift from its typical investment strategy, seeking direct control to drive AI integration and efficiency. This move aligns with Masayoshi Son's global AI vision, leveraging India's service sector to scale AI-powered solutions, despite the country's developing foundational AI model capabilities.
Powering Growth: How Increased R&D Spending Fuels the Small Business Engine
This news report details how increased R&D investment by small businesses is vital for economic prosperity in New Delhi and beyond. It highlights benefits like competitive advantage, attracting talent & investment, and broader economic growth, urging more focus on innovation for a thriving SME sector.
Ixigo Sees Major Stake Shift: Elevation Capital Exits with Stellar Returns, Schroder Steps In
Elevation Capital has made a profitable exit from Ixigo, selling shares worth ₹97.4 crore with a massive 25x return! Global investor Schroder International Selection Fund has simultaneously acquired a significant stake. This major transaction highlights strong investor confidence in the travel tech firm.
Innovation, Energy & Tech: PM Modi's Focus in Talks with Cypriot Business Leaders
PM Modi met Cypriot CEOs, emphasizing immense potential for India-Cyprus collaboration in innovation, energy, and technology. He highlighted India's growth and startup ecosystem, inviting Cypriot investment. The focus on these key sectors aims to deepen bilateral ties and unlock new avenues for mutual prosperity.
Databricks Intensifies Focus on India with $250 Million Investment for AI Innovation
Databricks is supercharging its India play with a $250M investment! This massive push will boost R&D, expand operations, and train 500,000 data & AI pros. Get ready for a huge surge in AI innovation from India, cementing its role as a global tech leader.
Fidelity Boosts Lenskart's Valuation to $6.1 Billion, Signaling Strong Pre-IPO Momentum
Fidelity has boosted Lenskart's valuation to a staggering $6.1 billion, a 21% jump! This significant mark-up signals strong investor confidence as the eyewear giant eyes a potential $1 billion IPO at a $10 billion valuation. Lenskart's financial performance is soaring, paving the way for a landmark public debut.
Uttar Pradesh Unveils Landmark GCC Policy: Aims to Become Global Office Hub, Generate Over 2 Lakh Jobs
Uttar Pradesh is set to become a global office powerhouse! The new GCC Policy offers massive incentives to attract multinational corporations, aiming to create 2 lakh+ jobs. Get ready for a monumental economic shift in UP, leveraging its talent and infrastructure to become a top destination for global capability centers.
Paytm Shares Tumble 10% After Finance Ministry Rejects UPI MDR Reintroduction
Paytm shares plunged 10% after the Finance Ministry dismissed speculation about reintroducing MDR on UPI transactions. Hopes for a new revenue stream were dashed, highlighting fintech's sensitivity to policy. Despite the setback, UPI continues its record growth, with the government committed to free services amidst sustainability questions.
Streaming Giants Tighten Belts: New Strategies Emerge to Curb Soaring Content Costs
Indian OTT platforms are recalibrating, adopting cost-cutting strategies like benchmarking, data-driven decisions, and co-productions. Facing profitability pressures and subscriber churn, they're now prioritizing quality and regional content over sheer volume. This strategic shift aims for sustainable growth and optimized investments in the competitive streaming market.
PowerUp Money Secures $7.1 Million Seed Funding to Revolutionize Indian Wealth Advisory
Wealthtech startup PowerUp Money secured $7.1M in seed funding from Accel, Blume Ventures, and Kae Capital. The Bengaluru-based company, founded by Prateek Jindal (ex-Uni Cards), aims to simplify financial planning and investment advisory for Indian retail investors. Funds will accelerate product development, enhance its intelligence engine, and scale advisory services, targeting 10M users in thre