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9-10-2017 to 14-10-2017

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Inspirational Stories 2017,Startup News highlights of the week,startup stories,The News This Week,Apple New Payments Service,Microlending Startup KrazyBee Raises Funds From Xiaomi,Wireless Connector Technology,Flipkart Plans Invest In BookMyShow,WhatsApp New Feature To Share Live Locations,Gorakhpur Gets First Co working Space,Animoji Feature in Apple

The second week of October was filled with good news and billion dollar valuations for major startup companies! The Indian startup ecosystem was also getting ready to adapt cryptocurrencies and forge ahead in the world of blockchain businesses.

If you missed the major news of last week, here’s our weekly wrap up

1. 5G TO COME TO INDIA SOON
India is ready to move on from 4G Internet speeds and start working for a faster network. Telecom operators like Vodafone India, Reliance Jio and Idea Cellular will reportedly come together to create the software required to make 5G a possibility. The three telecom operators will introduce Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology to enable the 5G network. The MIMO technology will help increase network capacity by at least 4 to 5 times and increase the speed up to 30 Mbps t0 50 Mbps.

2. ANDHRA PRADESH GOVERNMENT FLAGS OFF THE BLOCKCHAIN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

The Andhra Pradesh Government is all set to make Vishakhapatnam the blockchain capital of India. The second leg of the Blockchain Business Conference was held last week to explore blockchain technologies, its applications and how it impacts the financial services industry. The conference also launched two accelerator programs for startups by ICICI Bank and Mahindra Finance. The accelerator programs will mentor and finance 30 startup companies and help them in solving problems. Notably, the AP Government is the first state to use blockchain pilots and the technology in various departments. 

3. OLA RAISES $1.1 BILLION FROM TENCENT, SOFTBANK AND OTHERS

India’s leading taxi aggregator, Ola raised the largest round of funding in their six year history this past week. The company raised $ 1.1 billion from China’s Tencent Holdings and Japan based SoftBank. This funding round by Ola is the third billion dollar round in a series of billion dollar funding rounds in the Indian startup ecosystem this year. Ola may be valued at $ 7 billion post the latest investment round despite a considerable decrease in valuation in the beginning of this year.

4. RESTAURANT DISCOVERY PLATFORM EAZYDINER RAISES $ 4.6 MILLION

Restaurant discovery and reservation startup EazyDiner raised close to $ 4.6 million in a Series B funding round from new and existing investors. Founded by various veterans of the hotel industry, EazyDiner is also backed by Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh through his venture fund YouWeCan. EazyDiner is an app based platform that allows users to book tables and offers an EazyDeal with every table booking in the form of a free glass of wine or popular desserts in some of the standalone restaurants and 5 star hotels. Along with DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital, the company has added Singapore based venture capital firm Beenext and an undisclosed family office from the Middle East to their investor’s list.

5. FACEBOOK UNVEILS NEW CHEAPER PORTABLE VR HEADSET: OCULUS GO

Technology has evolved over time to a point where virtual reality and augmented reality can be interwoven with real life. Making VR affordable, Facebook recently launched their latest device, Oculus Go which will run with the same VR as the Samsung Gear. Priced at $ 199, the new device will pack a high resolution fist switch LCD screen along with a ‘next generation lens’ and wide field of view. This latest device will also have an added spatial audio with the speakers built into the headset along with a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening. According to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Oculus Go will be “the most accessible VR experience ever.”

6. TIGER GLOBAL INVESTS $ 2 MILLION IN CHAAYOS

Picking up a considerable stake in the tea industry, global investment firm Tiger Global Management has invested $ 2 million the Gurugram based tea cafe chain Chaayos. According to reports, Ola co founders Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati also participated in this internal round of funding along with Powai Lake Ventures and Toppr.com founder Zishaan Hayath. Chaayos, which is run by Sunshine Teahouse Pvt., Ltd., will use these funds to expand their chain to 70 cafes in four locations. The company, which currently operates 30 outlets in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ghaziabad and Karnal, is all set to reach the 50 cafe mark by the end of this month.

7. OLA AND UBER SHOULD BE REGULATED: SUPREME COURT

Senior advocate Indira Jaising has raised valid concerns regarding the security of female commuters using the app based transport services like Ola and Uber, after several incidents were reported recently. Responding to Jaising’s concerns, the Supreme Court of India has stated that all app based transport service providers need to be regulated in order to ensure the safety of all female passengers. The Centre has been asked to examine the issue and a bench consisting of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta have agreed to examine the plea. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was also asked to set up an expert panel to frame a model that sets guidelines and rules to grant compensation to victims under the Victim Compensation Scheme by December 31.

 

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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Acevector Limited Announces New CEOs for Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands

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Acevector

Acevector Limited, the parent company of Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands, has announced significant leadership changes within its organization. Achint Setia has been appointed as the new CEO of Snapdeal, while Himanshu Chakrawarti will transition to the role of CEO of Stellaro Brands.

Himanshu Chakrawarti to Lead Stellaro Brands

Himanshu Chakrawarti has successfully led both Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands for the past three years. In his new role, he will focus exclusively on driving growth at Stellaro Brands, which houses various apparel brands, including Rangita. Chakrawarti brings over 30 years of experience in the retail industry, having held leadership positions at notable companies such as Trent, Arvind, and the Landmark Group. His extensive background in brand building and retail operations will be instrumental in scaling Stellaro’s growth.

Strategic Focus

Chakrawarti’s shift to Stellaro Brands allows him to leverage his experience to enhance the brand’s market presence and operational efficiency. His leadership is expected to drive innovative strategies that align with consumer trends and preferences.

Achint Setia to Head Snapdeal

Achint Setia takes over as CEO of Snapdeal, bringing a wealth of experience in e-commerce, media, telecom, and government services. He has a proven track record in business building, marketing, strategy, and technology. Prior to joining Snapdeal, Setia served as the Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Zalora Group in Singapore. He has also held senior leadership roles at Myntra, Viacom18, McKinsey & Co., and Microsoft.

Background and Expertise

Setia holds an MBA in Strategy & Finance from the Indian School of Business and completed the Stanford GSB LEAD program in Corporate Innovation. His diverse experience positions him well to lead Snapdeal through its next phase of growth as it navigates a competitive e-commerce landscape.

Focus on Growth and Innovation

These leadership changes are strategically aimed at driving growth and innovation across both Snapdeal and Stellaro Brands. With experienced leaders at the helm of each business, Acevector Limited is well-positioned for continued success in the dynamic Indian market.

Market Positioning

The transition comes at a critical time for Snapdeal as it seeks to strengthen its market position amid rising competition from other e-commerce platforms. Setia’s expertise in digital ecosystems is expected to enhance Snapdeal’s offerings and customer engagement strategies.

Recent Developments at Acevector Limited

Acevector Limited has been actively involved in restructuring its operations to optimize performance across its portfolio. The company has previously made headlines with initiatives such as:

  • The formalization of a group structure encompassing Snapdeal, Unicommerce, and Stellaro Brands.
  • Strategic investments aimed at enhancing technology capabilities and expanding service offerings.

Conclusion

The appointment of Achint Setia as CEO of Snapdeal and Himanshu Chakrawarti as CEO of Stellaro Brands marks a pivotal moment for Acevector Limited. These strategic leadership changes are designed to leverage their extensive industry experience to foster innovation and drive growth across both brands. As they embark on their new roles, the focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies and adapting to evolving market demands within India’s competitive e-commerce sector.

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Swiggy Launches “Pyng” for Professionals: A New Services Marketplace

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Swiggy Launches "Pyng" for Professionals: A New Services Marketplace

Swiggy, the leading food delivery platform in India, has expanded its offerings by launching “Pyng,” a new app designed to connect professionals with potential clients. This move marks Swiggy’s entry into the services marketplace, enhancing its portfolio beyond food delivery.

Key Features of Pyng

Platform for Professionals

The Pyng app allows various professionals, including nutritionists, yoga instructors, life coaches, and designers, to list their services and connect with potential clients. This platform aims to empower service providers by providing them with a dedicated space to showcase their expertise.

Comprehensive Features

Professionals using Pyng can benefit from several features designed to streamline their operations:

  • Order Management: View, accept, and track orders, including consultations and digital product sales.
  • Scheduling Services: Schedule services and manage bookings efficiently.
  • Pricing Updates: Update pricing and availability in real-time.
  • Earnings Tracking: Monitor earnings through an integrated payout tracker.

Expanding Swiggy’s Ecosystem

The launch of Pyng signifies Swiggy’s foray into the services marketplace, adding another dimension to its growing portfolio. This initiative follows the company’s exploration of similar ventures under the “Yello” brand, which aimed to connect users with various service professionals.

Recent Developments at Swiggy

Swiggy has been actively expanding its services in recent months with several new initiatives:

  • Snacc: A dedicated app for 10-minute delivery of snacks and beverages.
  • Swiggy Bolt: A service for 15-minute delivery of quick-to-prepare dishes.
  • Swiggy Scenes: A platform for booking parties and events at partner restaurants.
  • Swiggy One: A premium membership program offering exclusive benefits.

These developments reflect Swiggy’s strategy to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader audience.

Competitive Landscape

The launch of Pyng intensifies competition in the growing services marketplace. Swiggy will face competition from other platforms that connect professionals with clients, including established players like Urban Company and newer entrants in the market. The focus on professional services aligns with a broader trend of consumers seeking specialized expertise in various fields.

Market Positioning

By entering the services marketplace, Swiggy aims to leverage its existing customer base while providing professionals with a platform to reach new clients. This move is expected to enhance user engagement and create additional revenue streams for the company.

Conclusion

Swiggy’s launch of Pyng marks a significant step in its evolution as a multifaceted platform. By connecting professionals with clients through a dedicated app, Swiggy is strategically positioning itself to meet the diverse needs of consumers while fostering innovation in the services marketplace. As it continues to expand its ecosystem, Pyng has the potential to become a valuable resource for both service providers and consumers looking for expert assistance across various domains.

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Inshorts Co-founder Azhar Iqubal Launches No-Code Platform Fenado AI

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Inshorts Co-founder Azhar Iqubal Launches No-Code Platform Fenado AI

Azhar Iqubal, co-founder of the popular news app Inshorts, has launched a new venture called Fenado AI. This innovative platform empowers individuals and businesses to build fully functional apps and websites without any coding knowledge, democratizing technology access for entrepreneurs.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

Fenado AI aims to democratize technology by enabling anyone with a business idea to bring it to life. Users can simply describe their requirements and design preferences through a user-friendly interface, and Fenado AI will generate the desired app or website. This approach is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that may lack the resources for extensive tech development.

Key Features

  • No-Code Development: The platform eliminates the need for coding skills or hiring expensive tech teams, allowing users to focus on their ideas rather than technical complexities.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Fenado AI features an intuitive interface that enables users to easily define their requirements and design preferences, making the app creation process accessible to all.
  • Rapid Prototyping: The platform facilitates quick and efficient development of web and mobile applications, allowing users to test and iterate on their ideas rapidly.

Market Impact

Fenado AI has the potential to significantly impact the startup ecosystem by empowering entrepreneurs with limited technical expertise. By removing barriers to entry, the platform can foster innovation and accelerate growth in the startup landscape.

Growth Trajectory

Fenado AI has already gained traction during its beta phase, attracting over 200 paying customers across regions including the US, Europe, and India. The company aims to onboard over 10,000 startups globally by the end of 2025, indicating strong demand for no-code solutions.

Azhar Iqubal’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Azhar Iqubal is a well-known entrepreneur and investor in the tech space. He co-founded Inshorts in 2013, which has become a highly successful news platform recognized for its concise news delivery. His experience in building a successful tech company will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding the growth of Fenado AI.

Vision for Fenado AI

Iqubal’s vision for Fenado AI aligns with current trends in software development, where no-code platforms are gaining popularity for their ability to streamline processes and empower non-technical users. As more people seek to create digital solutions without extensive programming knowledge, Fenado AI positions itself as a key player in this evolving market.

Conclusion

The launch of Fenado AI marks an exciting development in the no-code movement, providing a powerful tool for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality without technical barriers. With Azhar Iqubal at the helm, Fenado AI is poised to make a significant impact on the startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and accessibility in app and website development. As the platform continues to grow, it will likely contribute to reshaping how technology is approached by non-developers, ultimately expanding opportunities for creativity and entrepreneurship.

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