Latest News
30-10-2017 to 04-11-2017
Published
7 years agoon
The month of October passed by in a string of acquisitions, investments, surprise announcements and major technology updates. The month of November also started out with a bang news regarding major food tech companies, female entrepreneurs in the startup industry and all time high revenues. If you missed the major news of this week, here’s our weekly wrap up.
1. OLA FLEET TO RECEIVE $ 7.7 MILLION FROM ANI TECHNOLOGIES
Ola Fleet Technologies Pvt., Ltd., received $7.7 million in fresh funds from its parent company ANI Technologies Pvt., Ltd. The company already raised Rs. 50 crores and Rs. 100 crores from Ola in July this year. Close to 50 million equity shares were allocated at a subscription price of Rs. 10 apiece. Despite facing multiple loan defaults and other setbacks, the company posted a net sale of Rs. 5.6 crores for the financial year 2015-2016.
2. 75 STARTUPS RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM DIPP’S FUNDS OF FUNDS
75 startups in India received financial support from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP,) of India under the Funds of Funds Initiative. These 75 startups would receive the investment through 17 Alternative Investment Funds registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI.) Established by the Indian Government in association with the Small Industries Development Bank of India, the Funds Of Funds for Startups (FFS) aims to extend funding support to the startups identified based on criteria listed in line with the Startup India initiative. So far over Rs. 300 crores has been invested in startups by the Fund.
3. NOKIA MOBILE LAUNCHES NEW NOKIA 2
Technology major Nokia finally launched their much awaited flagship smartphone Nokia 2 at the Sector 55-56 Metro station in Gurgaon. One of Nokia’s most affordable phones, Nokia 2, is expected to hit the shelves mid November, this year. With a 4100 mAh battery that will last for 2 days, the Nokia 2 will pack a 5 inch LTPS HD (720×1280 pixels) resolution display. The phone packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 SoC processor but will come with just 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Available in three color variants namely Copper Black, Pewter Black, and Pewter White, the handset will hold a 5 MP front camera and an 8 MP primary camera.
4. SWIGGY TO MERGE WITH ZOMATO?
India’s two biggest food tech startups, Zomato and Swiggy, are reportedly in talks for a stock based merger. According to sources, restaurant discovery platform, Zomato, offered a 1:4 share swap ratio to Swiggy, which would reduce the valuation of the online food ordering platform at $225 million. 2016 saw an exponential growth in the food delivery industry. While Swiggy claimed to complete close to 4- 4.5 million orders a month, Zomato dominated the restaurant discovery business with 3- 3.2 million online orders per month. Zomato and Swiggy’s merger will be among the most significant moves made towards consolidating a lucrative sector, after the failed acquisition talks between Flipkart and Snapdeal.
5. ZONE STARTUPS INDIA SELECTS 15 STARTUPS FOR EMPOWER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
In an attempt to encourage female entrepreneurs, Zone Startups India has selected 15 women for the second edition of its empoWer Accelerator Program. Selected by a panel comprising of 12 mentors and noted industry experts, the startups will compete for a chance to attend a week long business development and personal mentorship programme in Quebec, Canada. The startups represent industries like healthcare, smart cities and enterprise solutions across various technology themes including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and deep learning, across industries like healthcare, smart cities and enterprise solutions. The shortlisted startups will get to network in the industry, attend valuable mentoring sessions and workshops during a six week community programme.
6. ONE97 COMMUNICATION POSTS $ 126 MILLION IN REVENUE
One97 Communication, the parent company of Paytm, posted a total revenue of $ 126 million and net worth of Rs. 2,376.6 crores for the fiscal year 2016 – 2017. Founded in 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm is India’s leading digital payments platform backed by China’s ecommerce giant Alibaba and Japan’s venture capital firm Softbank. The company witnessed a 65% rise in offline payments resulting in transactions worth $ 1.6 billion, post Demonetization last year. The company also claims to have over 218 million customers in India and a few other parts of the world and aims to increase their customer count to 50 crores by the end of 2020.
7. PAYTM LAUNCHES ITS IN HOUSE MESSAGING APP – INBOX
A day after posting their record high revenue, Paytm announced the launch of their brand new in house messaging service, Inox. In an attempt to create a separate path in the fierce world of ecommerce, Inbox lets users send and receive images and text messages. The messaging service will be embedded with digital transaction features as an additional advantage against other messaging apps. Furthermore, Inbox will also have a recall option that lets users delete messages once sent.
That’s all for this week! Subscribe to our portal to never miss updates from the startup world! If your startup has an exciting announcement coming up, you can even write to us at [email protected]. Catch up with the highlights of the week with our The News This Week section.
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Latest News
Zomato Introduces ‘Order Scheduling’ Feature for Seamless Pre-Planned Deliveries!
Published
14 hours agoon
October 28, 2024Zomato has launched a new “Order Scheduling” feature, allowing users to pre-plan their food orders for precise delivery timing. This addition enables customers to schedule orders up to two days in advance, making it ideal for organizing office lunches, weekend gatherings, or even daily coffee routines.
Expanding in the E-Catering Industry
Currently available across 35,000+ restaurants in 30 cities, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune, the feature aims to enhance convenience and flexibility for Zomato users. The introduction of this feature aligns with Zomato’s strategy to improve user experience and cater to the growing demand for reliable food delivery services.
How It Works
With Order Scheduling, customers can set delivery times ranging from two hours to two days ahead. After selecting their items, they choose a delivery time at checkout. If their preferred time slot is unavailable, Zomato suggests an alternative. Users can also cancel scheduled orders up to three hours before the planned delivery time, providing added flexibility.
Benefits for Restaurant Partners
The Order Scheduling feature not only benefits customers but also supports restaurant partners by helping them manage capacity and balance order flow during slower hours. This can lead to steadier sales, as restaurants can better anticipate demand. Integration of the feature requires no additional training for restaurant staff, allowing for seamless adoption. Restaurant partners can also select which menu items are available for scheduled orders.
Built-In Safeguards
To ensure reliability, Zomato has implemented several safeguards:
- Only restaurants with strong records of timely preparation and high availability are eligible.
- Restaurants receive advance notifications for scheduled orders.
- They control which items are available for pre-order, reducing the chance of substitutions or shortages.
Market Context and Strategic Importance
The introduction of the Order Scheduling feature is part of Zomato’s broader strategy to differentiate itself in a competitive market where players like Swiggy are constantly innovating. By offering a service that caters to both individual users and businesses requiring precise delivery timing, Zomato enhances customer loyalty and attracts new users who value flexibility in their food ordering experience.
Customer Feedback
Initial responses from users have been positive, with many expressing excitement about the convenience of scheduling meals ahead of time. This feature is particularly appealing to corporate clients, families, and individuals who prefer planning their meals in advance.
Future Expansion Plans
Zomato plans to expand this feature beyond the initial 30 cities and may eventually offer it across all orders regardless of value. The company aims to continuously improve its service offerings based on customer feedback and operational capabilities.
Conclusion
Zomato’s launch of the Order Scheduling feature marks a significant advancement in its service offerings, enhancing the overall food delivery experience for users. By allowing customers to pre-plan their meals and providing reliable delivery options, Zomato is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving food tech landscape.
As this feature rolls out and gains traction among users, it will be interesting to see how it influences customer behavior and impacts Zomato’s market position relative to its competitors. The focus on convenience and reliability reflects changing consumer preferences in an increasingly busy world.
Latest News
Nvidia Becomes World’s Most Valuable Company, Reaching $3.53 Trillion Amid Surging AI Demand!
Published
16 hours agoon
October 28, 2024In a groundbreaking stock rally on Friday, Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable company, achieving a record market cap of $3.53 trillion before closing slightly lower at $3.47 trillion. Meanwhile, Apple finished the day with a market valuation of $3.52 trillion after a 0.4% gain, according to LSEG data.
Factors Behind Nvidia’s Rise
Nvidia’s remarkable rise can be attributed to the soaring demand for its AI chips, which are critical in powering the expansion of artificial intelligence across various industries. Originally known for its gaming processors, Nvidia’s pivot to AI has transformed it into a tech powerhouse. The company’s stock surged by around 18% in October alone, spurred in part by OpenAI’s recent $6.6 billion funding round and widespread investment in AI technologies.
Over the past year, Nvidia’s share price has skyrocketed by nearly 190%, positioning it as the clear market leader in the AI space. This demand was further underscored on Friday when Western Digital’s better-than-expected earnings highlighted the strength of the AI-driven data center market.
Challenges for Apple
Apple, typically a fixture at the top of the valuation hierarchy, faces headwinds as it contends with slowing demand for iPhones, particularly in China. In Q3, Apple experienced a 0.3% drop in iPhone sales, while competitor Huawei posted a remarkable 42% increase in sales. With Apple’s quarterly earnings report due this Thursday, analysts predict modest revenue growth of 5.55%, reaching $94.5 billion. In stark contrast, Nvidia is forecasted to report an impressive 82% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $32.9 billion.
Implications for the Tech Sector
Nvidia’s performance serves as a positive signal for the broader tech sector and the U.S. stock market, as Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft now collectively account for almost 20% of the S&P 500’s value. Amid record-high stock indices, enthusiasm for AI and potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts are boosting investor confidence.
Trading Activity and Market Sentiment
With AI adoption spreading rapidly, Nvidia’s options rank among the most actively traded on the market, making it a focal point for investors according to Trade Alert. However, some analysts caution that the current hype surrounding AI could risk inflating company valuations beyond sustainable levels.
Future Outlook
Nvidia’s recent surge underscores its pivotal role in the AI landscape as demand for generative AI solutions continues to grow. The company is positioned to benefit from ongoing investments in AI infrastructure and applications across various sectors.
Competition and Market Dynamics
Despite its current dominance, Nvidia faces increasing competition as tech giants like Google and Microsoft develop their own AI chips and solutions. The evolving landscape may challenge Nvidia’s market share; however, its established reputation and technological advancements provide a strong foundation for future growth.
Conclusion
Nvidia’s brief ascendance to become the world’s most valuable company highlights the transformative impact of AI on technology valuations and market dynamics. As both Nvidia and Apple navigate their respective challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving sector, investor interest in AI technologies remains robust.
The ongoing developments in AI adoption will likely continue to shape not only Nvidia’s trajectory but also that of the broader tech industry in the coming years. As companies increasingly integrate AI into their operations, Nvidia’s leadership position will be critical in defining how these technologies evolve and are utilized across various applications.
Latest News
JioHotstar.com Takes a New Turn with UAE Siblings’ Charity Mission After Reliance Declines Delhi Developer’s Offer!
Published
18 hours agoon
October 28, 2024In an unexpected development, JioHotstar.com—originally owned by a Delhi-based app developer aiming to fund his Cambridge education—has found a new purpose. The domain is now home to a mission of charity, led by Dubai-based siblings Jainam and Jivika, who have transformed the website into a platform for their philanthropic journey, titled “Welcome to Our Journey of Seva.” Their mission focuses on helping underprivileged children gain access to education and encouraging them to dream big.
The Siblings’ Mission
Visitors to the domain are greeted by a heartfelt message from Jainam and Jivika:
“Hello! We are Jainam and Jivika – siblings from Dubai, UAE, on a mission to make a difference. Even though we’re just kids, we believe that age is only a number when it comes to spreading kindness and positivity. Our recent journey began during our summer holidays when we left our home in Dubai for 50 unforgettable days in India. We had a purpose: to connect with children from various backgrounds, share our love for learning, teach skills for studying and setting goals, and inspire them to dream big.”
This shift in purpose comes after the domain’s original owner, a Delhi tech enthusiast, bought JioHotstar.com speculatively, hoping to capitalize on a potential partnership between Reliance Industries and Disney+ Hotstar. Drawing on Reliance’s history of rebranding—like Saavn to JioSaavn—the developer envisioned a similar “JioHotstar” rebrand. His ambitious goal was to sell the domain to Reliance in exchange for funding his Cambridge studies, estimated at around ₹1 crore.
The Developer’s Initial Proposal
To pursue this goal, he posted a letter on the site proposing the sale to Reliance. However, the tech giant rejected his offer, warning of legal consequences for trademark infringement. The developer quickly removed his proposal and took to social media with a humorous note about his parents’ worries over the growing media attention:
“My parents read the news and they are worried, actually super super worried. Itna bhi viral nhi hona tha yaar. Shayad legal battle phir bhi handle ho jaye, bhai saab maa baap ka samjhana is so difficult. Good Kalesh today,” he shared, lightening the situation.
A New Purpose for JioHotstar.com
With the developer stepping back, UAE siblings Jainam and Jivika have now given JioHotstar.com a fresh purpose. Their story of kindness has turned the domain from a tech-driven dream into a platform of service and inspiration, reshaping its journey into one of community impact and compassion.
Charitable Initiatives
The siblings plan to use the platform not only to share their experiences but also to inspire others. They aim to raise awareness about educational disparities faced by underprivileged children and encourage donations or support for their initiatives.
“Throughout our journey, we were met with inspiring moments and new friendships. We taught kids not only about studying but also about having the courage to set ambitious goals,” they wrote on their website.
Community Engagement
The change in ownership has sparked interest across social media platforms, with many users expressing admiration for Jainam and Jivika’s mission. Their approach highlights how digital platforms can be repurposed for positive social impact rather than mere commercial gain.
Future Aspirations
The siblings have indicated that they will keep the domain open for future sale to anyone interested in continuing this positive mission. They also plan to share videos documenting their charitable activities and challenges they undertake as part of their journey.
Conclusion
The transformation of JioHotstar.com from a speculative tech venture into a platform dedicated to charity represents an inspiring turn of events. Jainam and Jivika’s commitment to empowering underprivileged children through education showcases how young individuals can make meaningful contributions to society.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the potential for digital spaces to foster community engagement and promote positive change in the world. The journey of these siblings illustrates that even small actions can lead to significant impacts when driven by passion and purpose.
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