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Marcus Hutchins: The Man Who Stopped WannaCry
On Friday 12th May, a malware that came to be known as WannaCry was gripping computers across the world and encrypting data. The only way one could get back one’s data was to pay the ransom the hackers were demanding in Bitcoins. This ransom amounted to around $300.
When Marcus Hutchins – also known as @MalwareTech, returned from lunch, he found that many National Health Services employees computers were infected by this malware. That’s when he realized it was something serious. The malware had already infected 74 countries and was rapidly infecting much more when he noticed that the ransomware kept searching for a URL after infecting a system. As long as the as the domain wasn’t registered, the malware would continue on with its journey.
Read more: WannaCry Ransomware: The Next Generation Blackmail?
With the intention to better understand the malware and monitor how it was spreading Marcus bought the domain for $10.69. The ‘Kill Switch’ was hardcoded into the malware in case the creators wanted to quickly deactivate the infection. While initial reports showed that they had caused the infection by registering the domain, it was actually the other way round. Registering the domain brought the infection to a standstill. His job is to look for ways to track and potentially stop botnets and other kinds of malware, Hutchins explained in his blog post.
But, he warns people that this is far from over as the attackers can realize how their malware was stopped, change the code and start again. Unfortunately, many reports suggest that other samples of WannaCry have emerged with different kill switch domains and also without the kill switch function.
Experts claim that the hackers seem to have raised $20,000 so far and the malware has effectively infected 150 countries including India. The best way to protect a computer against this malware, experts say is to update the patches for computers, have a backup for your data, and be wary of malicious content.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
Hyderabad, January 13, 2026 Neeman’s, India’s leading D2C footwear brand famed for sustainable shoes and patented PIXLL® technology, has raised $4 million from existing investors. This funding boosts its cumulative capital past $10 million since 2015, with a post-money valuation nearing $50 million. CEO Vijay Chahoria emphasized offline retail as the “next frontier,” planning 50+ new stores in Tier 2/3 cities like Jaipur and Lucknow to blend eco-friendly innovation with hands-on customer experiences.
In India’s booming D2C ecosystem where footwear sales hit ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2025 Neeman’s targets hybrid retail amid high online CAC and 25-30% returns. Backed by vegan, machine-washable shoes priced ₹2,000-4,000, the brand leverages PIXLL® (5x more breathable than leather) for carbon-neutral comfort. Recent 5x revenue growth to ₹100 crore ARR, 1M+ pairs sold via Myntra and stores, and awards at India D2C Summit 2025 position it ahead of rivals like Paaduks.
Neeman’s offline expansion India eyes the $15B sustainable footwear market by 2028, fueled by PLI schemes, Gen Z’s 70% eco-preference (Nielsen), and Southeast Asia exports. Challenges like real estate costs are offset by data-driven inventory and omnichannel QR tech. Watch for Q1 2026 launches in Hyderabad and Bengaluru redefining D2C success through authentic, “Wear the Change” branding.
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April 12, 2026 at 11:40 pm
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