Sanya Baghel
282 stories by Sanya Baghel
Temasek Close to Acquiring Minority Stake in VFS Global, Valuing Firm at $7 Billion
Temasek Holdings Pte is nearing a deal to acquire a substantial minority stake in VFS Global, valuing the visa outsourcing and technology services company at approximately $7 billion, including debt. The Singapore state-owned investor is expected to purchase about 20% of VFS Global, which is current
Moneyview Reaches Unicorn Status and Expands Services with Jify Acquisition
Moneyview, a leading consumer lending platform, has achieved unicorn status following a recent funding round that brought in new capital from existing investors. The company raised INR 38.64 crore (approximately USD 4.65 million) by issuing 60,23,382 equity shares at INR 64.15 each. Major contributi
Mark Zuckerberg Reflects on His ’20-Year Mistake’ and Declares He’s Done Apologizing
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently opened up about a significant regret from his two decades of leading Facebook, now Meta. During a live event for the “Acquired” podcast at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Zuckerberg described a “20-year mistake” related to how Meta h
Accel Launches $1 Million Pre-Seed Investment Program for AI and Bharat Start-Ups with Accel Atoms 4.0
Global venture capital firm Accel has unveiled its latest pre-seed scaling initiative, Accel Atoms 4.0, with plans to invest up to $1 million in selected start-ups. The program, which opens for applications on September 16 and closes on November 17, will focus on two key areas: artificial intelligen
“How Introverts Can Thrive at Work: Insights from Ancestry CEO Deb Liu”
In today’s workplaces, introverts often face challenges that can overshadow their contributions. Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry.com and former senior executive at Facebook, recently shared her advice on how introverts can excel professionally despite these challenges. Liu highlighted a crucial lesso
Centricity Secures $20 Million Seed Round Led by Lightspeed to Expand Tech Team and Enhance Financial Solutions
Centricity, an innovative wealth-tech startup, has raised $20 million in its latest seed funding round, valuing the company at $125 million. This round, spearheaded by Lightspeed, will be instrumental in scaling Centricity’s operations and advancing its technology. The company plans to double its te
Yotta Unveils Shambho Accelerator to Propel 3,600 Indian Deeptech Startups with AI and HPC Resources
Yotta Data Services has launched the Shambho Accelerator Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support over 3,600 Indian deeptech startups by providing access to state-of-the-art AI and high-performance computing (HPC) resources. Partnering with Nasscom AI and the Telangana AI Mission, th
New Beanless Coffee Emerges: Tastes Good, but Can It Solve Coffee’s Sustainability Issues?
In a high-end coffee shop in tech-centric San Francisco, I’m sipping on an espresso made from an unconventional source: beanless coffee. This new trend, spearheaded by start-ups like Atomo, aims to replicate traditional coffee’s taste and experience without using actual coffee beans. Atomo, a Seattl
Uber Relaunches Premium ‘Uber Black’ Service in Mumbai with Enhanced Features
Uber has reintroduced its premium ‘Uber Black’ service in Mumbai, catering to the increasing demand for luxury ride options in India. Starting next week, the service will offer high-end vehicles and luxury amenities, priced 30-40% higher than Uber Premier. The revamped Uber Black will fe
InMobi Secures $100 Million from MARS Growth Capital for AI Expansion and Acquisitions
InMobi, the SoftBank-backed consumer technology firm, has announced it has raised $100 million in debt financing from MARS Growth Capital, a joint venture between MUFG and Liquidity Group. This funding will be allocated to advance InMobi’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology and to explore poten
Piyush Goyal Unveils ‘Trade Connect’ ePlatform to Support Indian Exporters
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the Trade Connect ePlatform, a new digital tool aimed at assisting Indian exporters with essential information and resolving payment issues. This comprehensive portal serves as a single point of access for both existing and aspiring exporters, providing re
Rightmove Declines £5.6 Billion Takeover Bid from Murdoch-Backed REA Group
Property listing platform Rightmove has turned down a £5.6 billion acquisition offer from Australian rival REA Group, which is majority-owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation. Rightmove’s board dismissed the bid as “wholly opportunistic,” stating that REA Group had “fundamentally undervalued Rig
Nutrabay Secures $5 Million in Series A Funding for Omnichannel Expansion and Product Innovation
Nutrabay, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) retail brand specializing in sports nutrition and wellness, has raised $5 million in its Series A funding round. This maiden institutional round, led by RPSG Capital Ventures with participation from Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, marks a significant milestone fo
Ather Energy Files for INR 3,100 Cr IPO to Fuel Expansion and Innovation
Ather Energy, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer founded by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI to launch an initial public offering (IPO) worth INR 3,100 crore. The company, known for its innovative electric scooters, aims to raise funds to a
Playbook Partners Secures $130 Million in Initial Close, Targets $250 Million with Green Shoe Option
Playbook Partners, a Growth Capital (GC) firm, has successfully raised over $130 million in its first close within just four months. This significant capital influx comes from a diverse group of global investors spanning Europe, the US, the Middle East, and India. With the green shoe option availabl
Porsche and Bosch Back Cylib’s €180M Battery Recycling Facility to Strengthen Europe’s EV Industry
Cylib, a promising startup backed by luxury sports car manufacturer Porsche and appliance giant Bosch, is set to revolutionize battery recycling in Europe with a new, expansive facility in Germany. The new plant, located in Dormagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, will cover 236,000 square feet and aims to
How India Surpassed the US to Become the World’s Second-Largest 5G Handset Market
India has surpassed the US to become the second-largest market for 5G handsets, according to the latest research from Counterpoint’s Market Monitor service. The shift occurred during the first half of 2024, driven by a surge in budget 5G handsets. Notably, brands like Xiaomi, vivo, and Samsung
OpenAI and Thrive Capital Invest $30M in AI Drug Discovery Startup Chai Discovery
Chai Discovery, a nascent AI-driven biology startup, has secured nearly $30 million in funding from prominent investors Thrive Capital and OpenAI. Founded just six months ago, Chai aims to revolutionize drug discovery by utilizing AI to predict the structure of biochemical molecules and manipulate t
Owner of OnlyFans, Leonid Radvinsky, Withdraws $631 Million Amid Subscription Surge
Leonid Radvinsky, the owner of OnlyFans, has taken $631 million from the platform over the past two years, as user engagement and subscriptions continue to rise sharply. Fenix International, which owns the popular platform known for its diverse range of content creators, reported pre-tax profits of
How to Build Your Dream Business Empire in 5 Essential Steps
Turning your idea into a thriving business empire involves a series of deliberate, strategic steps. From identifying the right market need to ensuring long-term profitability, this guide offers a blueprint for success based on personal experience and proven practices. Here’s how to transform your vi
Indian Tax Authorities Demand $101 Million from Byju’s Amid Insolvency Proceedings
Indian tax officials are seeking $101 million from Byju’s, an education-technology company now facing insolvency. Once valued at $22 billion in 2022, Byju’s, supported by General Atlantic, has encountered significant financial troubles due to regulatory challenges and a dispute with U.S.
Tata Group Invests ₹950 Crore in Agratas for Battery Manufacturing Expansion
Tata Group has committed ₹950 crore to Agratas, its battery manufacturing subsidiary, to strengthen its foothold in the new energy sector. Agratas is spearheading the establishment of advanced battery production facilities, with plans to build a 40 GWh gigafactory in the UK and a 20 GWh plant in San
“Drip Capital Secures $113 Million to Expand Global Trade Finance Solutions”
Drip Capital, a digital trade finance platform, has successfully raised $113 million in a recent funding round, combining equity and debt to further its growth and diversify its product offerings for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in key markets such as India and the US. This funding round
Indian Firm WABAG Secures $317 Million Deal for Mega Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia
Indian water technology firm VA TECH WABAG Limited has clinched a massive $317 million contract with the Saudi Water Authority. The deal is for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of a colossal 300 million liter-per-day sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant in Yanbu,
5 Essential Lessons from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs
Becoming a successful entrepreneur is a challenging journey filled with highs and lows, but the stories of accomplished business leaders offer invaluable insights. Here are five key lessons from some of the most successful entrepreneurs to guide you on your path to success. Successful entrepreneurs
Glenmark Agrees to $25 Million Settlement with US Authorities Over Drug Pricing
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals will pay $25 million to settle a case with the US Department of Justice related to generic drug pricing. The settlement, announced late Wednesday, will be paid by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc, USA, a subsidiary of the Mumbai-based company, in six installments over five years
From Classrooms to Boardrooms: Teachers Who Have Thrived as Entrepreneurs in India
Several educators in India have transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship, significantly impacting the startup scene with their innovations. Prominent figures like Byju Raveendran have become household names and billionaires, while others have ventured into diverse fields. The Rise of Educator
Narayana Murthy Inspires School Children at Mount Everest School, Urges Them to Surpass His Achievements
Infosys co-founder N Narayana Murthy recently imparted valuable life lessons to students at Mount Everest School in Byatarayanapura. Speaking on September 3 as part of the Times of India’s ‘Teach for India’ Leaders Week, Murthy encouraged the young audience to aim beyond his own ac
Subhash Chandra Accuses SEBI Chair Madhabi Puri Buch of Corruption, Blames Her for Zee-Sony Merger Failure
Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), has made serious allegations against Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Chandra accuses Buch of corruption and unethical behavior, claiming she is largely responsibl
Hindustan Composites Invests in Swiggy Ahead of IPO, Following Amitabh Bachchan’s Family Office Stake
Auto ancillary firm Hindustan Composites has acquired a minority stake in the online food delivery giant Swiggy. This move comes shortly after Amitabh Bachchan’s family office also purchased a minority stake in the Bengaluru-based company. Hindustan Composites has reached an agreement to buy 150,000
Mygate Enters Consumer Electronics with Smart Door Locks, Following Founder Vijay Arisetty’s Inspiring Success Story
Mygate Enters Consumer Electronics with Smart Door Locks Mygate, a leader in residential security solutions, has announced its foray into the consumer electronics market with the launch of Mygate Locks—a new range of smart door locks designed to offer enhanced home security with digital convenience.
Rural Credit Startup Sarvagram Eyes $50 Million Funding Round to Fuel Expansion
Mumbai-based rural credit startup Sarvagram is in advanced discussions to raise over $50 million from new and existing investors, potentially doubling its valuation to $170-200 million. Leading venture capitalists Peak XV, Apis Partners, and Beams Fintech Fund, alongside global impact investor Creat
Mankind Pharma to Raise ₹9,000 Crore for Bharat Serums Acquisition, Eyeing Market Leadership in Gynaecology-Fertility
Mankind Pharma Ltd, the fourth-largest pharmaceutical company in India, is gearing up to raise over ₹9,000 crore through a combination of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) and short-term commercial paper. This move is part of the company’s strategy to support its ₹13,630 crore acquisition of B
Yatra Online Acquires Globe Travels for ₹128 Crore to Boost Corporate Sector
Yatra Online Ltd has announced the acquisition of Globe All India Services Ltd (Globe Travels) from Ramkrishna Forgings Ltd for ₹128 crore, aiming to enhance its corporate travel services and drive growth. The acquisition, expected to finalize this quarter, will expand Yatra’s corporate client
Bain Capital Plans to Double Investments in India Over Next Three Years
Bain Capital, the global private investment firm, is set to significantly increase its investments in India, aiming to double its exposure over the next three years. Pawan Singh, Partner at Bain Capital Advisors India, revealed that the firm plans to focus on larger investments, often exceeding $500
How to Leverage Quarterly Earnings Reports: A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs
Quarterly earnings reports are vital tools for entrepreneurs aiming to understand and enhance their company’s financial performance. This guide will explore the essentials of quarterly earnings reports, their significance for entrepreneurs, and how to use them effectively. Index 1. Introduction Quar
“Zepto’s Valuation Soars to $5 Billion Amidst India’s E-Commerce Surge”
Zepto, the Indian grocery delivery startup, has achieved a significant milestone with its valuation climbing to $5 billion, thanks to a recent funding round led by General Catalyst Partners. This represents a remarkable 40% increase in the company’s valuation. The $340 million funding round al
Darwinbox Elevates CTO Vineet Singh to Co-Founder Role, Driving Tech Innovations and Growth
Darwinbox has announced the promotion of Vineet Singh from Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to Co-Founder, marking a significant milestone for the HR tech platform. Founded in 2015 by Jayant Paleti, Rohit Chennamaneni, and Chaitanya Peddi, Darwinbox specializes in comprehensive HR functions including
From Rejection to Success: How Reddit Co-Founders Overcame Y Combinator’s Denial to Build a $6.5 Billion Giant
Reddit co-founders Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian faced a significant setback early in their entrepreneurial journey when Y Combinator rejected their initial startup idea in 2005. Their original concept aimed to enable food ordering via cell phones, a novel idea at the time. Despite the rejection,
Sebi Cracks Down on 15,000+ Finfluencer Sites to Protect Investors
In a major regulatory move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has removed over 15,000 content sites run by unregulated financial influencers in the past three months. This crackdown is part of Sebi’s broader initiative to safeguard investors and curb misleading financial advice
Wipro Names Srikumar Rao as Global Head of Engineering Edge Business Line
Wipro Ltd announced on August 30 that Srikumar Rao will take over as the global head of its Engineering Edge business line, starting October 5, 2024. Rao succeeds Harmeet Chauhan, who is leaving to explore new opportunities. Rao, who has been with Wipro for 26 years, previously served as the Chief O
How a 26-Year-Old Dental Student Turned $25 into a Lucrative Side Hustle Earning Up to $500 a Day
At just 26 years old, Emely Cepeda, a dental student from Boston, has transformed a modest $25 investment into a profitable side hustle through Taskrabbit. Despite juggling her full-time studies, Cepeda manages to earn an average of $576 a month by offering various services like cleaning, organizing
“RBI Governor Launches Bharat BillPay for Business and UPI Circle at Global Fintech Festival 2024”
At the Global Fintech Festival 2024 in Mumbai on August 28, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das introduced two groundbreaking digital payment initiatives from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI): Bharat BillPay (BBPS) for Business and UPI Circle. These initiatives aim to enhance the inclusivi
“Generative AI Accelerates Startup Growth and Innovation, Transforming Entrepreneurship”
Generative AI is increasingly shaping the startup landscape, offering a range of tools that enhance efficiency and speed for new businesses. Despite the buzz surrounding technologies like ChatGPT, the precise impact on economic activity is still emerging. Many businesses, particularly smaller ones,
Eros Investments to Pour $1 Billion into AI Park and Movie Studio in Malaysia, Creating 5,000 Jobs
India’s Eros Investments, through its Immerso AI-IP unit, is set to invest $1 billion in Malaysia to develop a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence park and movie studio, according to a statement from Malaysia’s digital ministry on Thursday. The ambitious project will include the establishment o
How Gradiant Turned Water into Gold: The Startup That’s Revolutionizing the Industry
In a world where water scarcity and contamination are growing concerns, Gradiant has emerged as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. This Boston-based water treatment startup, founded in 2013 by MIT spinout Anurag Bajpayee and Prakash Govindan, has recently achieved unicorn status, securing an
Alice Walton Becomes World’s Richest Woman, Approaches $100 Billion Net Worth
Alice Walton, heiress to the Walmart fortune, has overtaken Françoise Bettencourt Meyers to become the world’s richest woman, with a net worth surpassing $95 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Walton’s wealth has surged this year, largely due to Walmart’s stock price
LG Electronics Considers IPO for India Business to Reach $75 Billion Revenue Goal
LG Electronics Inc. is contemplating an initial public offering (IPO) for its India business as part of its strategy to achieve a $75 billion revenue target by 2030. This marks the first time the South Korean company, which competes with industry giant Samsung Electronics Co., has publicly discussed
Delhi-Based Proptech Startup HouseEazy Secures $7 Million in Series A Funding to Expand Nationwide
Delhi-based property technology startup HouseEazy has raised $7 million in a Series A funding round, marking its first significant fundraising since its seed round in December 2023. The latest round, a mix of equity and debt, was led by Chiratae Ventures, with participation from Alteria Capital and
Bloomin’ Brands Appoints Former Delta COO Michael Spanos as New CEO
Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, has appointed Michael Spanos as its new CEO. Spanos, who recently left his position as Chief Operating Officer at Delta Air Lines, takes over from David Deno, who announced his retirement in May. Spanos’s departure from Delta, fo
Temu Parent’s CEO Highlights Shift to ‘Rational’ Consumer Spending in Earnings Call
During the latest earnings season, consumer-facing companies have observed a shift in shopping behaviors towards value-seeking. Lei Chen, co-CEO of PDD Holdings, the parent company of Chinese e-commerce platform Temu, has coined the term “rational consumers” to describe this trend. In a
AI Voice Bots Surge in India with Local Language Focus and Global Ambitions
Earlier this month, tech executives from Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms converged in Bangalore to witness a major development from one of India’s leading AI startups. Sarvam AI, often compared to India’s version of OpenAI, unveiled a groundbreaking product that could revolutionize th
7 Effective Ways to Leverage Chatbots for Business Success
In the world of online customer service, the process can often become repetitive and monotonous. However, chatbots offer a dynamic solution that never gets tired of answering the same questions, making them an increasingly popular choice for businesses. Chatbots are efficient, cost-effective, and en
Top-Performing PMS Strategies Reveal Key Small- and Mid-Cap Stock Holdings Driving High Returns
The equity market has experienced significant volatility recently, particularly following a sharp rise post-Lok Sabha elections. As the market hit new highs, savvy portfolio managers have been actively adjusting their portfolios to navigate this turbulence and achieve superior returns. Here are the
“Jack Welch: Transformative Leadership That Turned GE Into a Corporate Powerhouse”
Jack Welch: A Legacy of Corporate Transformation Jack Welch, who served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Electric (GE) from 1981 to 2001, is renowned for his transformative impact on the company. Under his leadership, GE’s market value skyrocketed from $14 billion to an
Edgar Bronfman Jr. Open to Shari Redstone’s Continued Role at Paramount in $6 Billion Bid
Former U.S. media executive Edgar Bronfman Jr. has indicated that he is open to Shari Redstone maintaining an involvement with Paramount Global if his consortium’s bid for the company’s controlling shareholder, National Amusements, is accepted. Bronfman’s proposal, valued at $6 billion, includ
Crayola Secures Trademark for Iconic Crayon Scent, Plans Nostalgic Retail Experiences
Crayola has officially trademarked the distinctive scent of its crayons, known for its “slightly earthy soap with pungent, leather-like clay undertones.” This move marks a significant moment for the arts and crafts giant, which is a leader in the US coloring market. The trademark, grante
ICC to Appoint New Female Director and Chairman as Indra Nooyi Completes Term
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is gearing up for a leadership transition as it seeks to appoint a new female independent director following the conclusion of Indra Nooyi’s six-year term. Nooyi, who was a trailblazer as the ICC’s first independent female director when she took office i
Ultimate Guide to Small Business Marketing
Navigating the world of marketing is essential for any small business owner, especially when aiming to find and attract new customers. Marketing is not just about promoting your products or services; it’s a comprehensive strategy that encompasses educating your audience, explaining the unique
Andela Appoints Former Uber Executive Carrol Chang as CEO to Lead New Growth Phase
Andela, a startup once valued at $1.5 billion, has appointed Carrol Chang as its new Chief Executive Officer. Chang, who previously led Uber’s global driver operations, steps into the role as Andela seeks to rejuvenate its growth trajectory following a challenging period. Founded by Jeremy Johnson a