CoinSwitch, a prominent crypto exchange, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at guiding first-time investors into the world of virtual digital assets. The platform recently introduced SmartInvest, a service designed to provide smart investment strategies for early crypto adopters. This launch aligns with the Indian IT Ministry’s commitment to fostering the nation’s Web3 ecosystem, as highlighted by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan.

SmartInvest: A Simplified Approach for New Investors

The newly introduced SmartInvest section on the CoinSwitch app offers curated investment strategies developed by experienced traders. These strategies are tailored for beginner investors, allowing them to evaluate options based on historical performance, minimum investment requirements, and adoption statistics.

Once users select a strategy, SmartInvest’s algorithms automatically execute trades on their behalf. The profits are then shared with the strategy developers, creating a mutually beneficial system. According to the Bengaluru-based company, this feature eliminates the complexities of crypto trading, such as asset selection, timing entries and exits, and identifying profitable opportunities.

“Many potential investors have highlighted the challenges of starting their crypto journey. With SmartInvest, we aim to simplify this process by providing expert-driven strategies that require no coding or technical expertise,” said Balaji Srihari, Head of Business at CoinSwitch.

India’s Growing Crypto Adoption

Despite regulatory uncertainties, India has emerged as a leader in crypto adoption. According to Chainalysis, India ranked first among 151 nations for crypto adoption in 2023, maintaining its top position for the second consecutive year. While cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender in India, they are widely viewed as investment and trading tools.

Customized Solutions for a Diverse User Base

With a customer base exceeding two crore users, CoinSwitch is committed to making crypto investing more accessible. In addition to SmartInvest, the platform previously launched services tailored for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), which include personalized investment advice, risk management solutions, professional tax filing, and exclusive market access.

Through initiatives like SmartInvest, CoinSwitch aims to onboard new users and address the concerns of investors who may lack the time or expertise to create effective trading strategies. The platform’s focus on simplicity and expert-driven solutions is expected to attract a broader audience to the crypto space.

Features of SmartInvest

• Curated Investment Strategies: Users can choose from various strategies created by expert traders based on their historical performance.

• Automated Trading: Once a strategy is selected, SmartInvest’s algorithms handle all trading activities automatically.

• Profit Sharing: Profits generated from trades are shared with strategy developers as compensation for their expertise.

• User Control: Users retain control over their accounts; developers cannot access wallets or withdraw funds.

The feature aims to bridge the gap between novice investors and complex trading systems by providing an intuitive interface that requires no prior experience in coding or trading.

Advisory and Market Outlook

CoinSwitch’s launch of SmartInvest comes shortly after it introduced futures and options trading with zero brokerage on its platform. The company has recognized that many users lack the skills or time to create their own strategies, making SmartInvest an essential addition to their offerings.

The pilot program for SmartInvest launched in September received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, with creators reportedly earning an average of ₹2 lakh per month through the platform.

As India’s crypto community continues to grow amidst evolving regulations and market dynamics, CoinSwitch’s initiatives reflect its commitment to empowering users with tools that simplify crypto investing while enhancing market participation.

Conclusion

With SmartInvest, CoinSwitch aims to demystify crypto investing and empower users with expert-driven tools that facilitate seamless entry into the cryptocurrency market. By addressing common challenges faced by new investors and providing tailored solutions, CoinSwitch is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s burgeoning Web3 ecosystem and promoting wider adoption of digital assets among mainstream users.

HealthKart, a leading fitness supplement brand, has successfully raised $153 million in a secondary funding round led by ChrysCapital and Motilal Oswal Alternates. This funding round also saw participation from Neo Group and existing investor A91 Partners. Alongside this investment, the company announced a ₹55 crore employee stock option (ESOP) buyback program, marking its first liquidity event.

Funding Details and Valuation

The secondary funding round valued HealthKart at approximately $500 million, a significant increase from its previous valuation of $370 million during its last funding round in 2022. Secondary funding allows investors to acquire stakes from existing shareholders rather than injecting new capital into the company. This approach provides liquidity to early investors and employees while maintaining the company’s capital structure.

According to Arpit Vinayak, Vice President at ChrysCapital, the underpenetrated Indian sports nutrition market is poised for rapid growth, driven by increased fitness awareness and the growing importance of nutrition and protein.

HealthKart’s Growth Journey

Founded in 2011 by Sameer Maheshwari, HealthKart operates a portfolio of digital-first brands including MuscleBlaze, HK Vitals, and Gritzo, focusing on categories such as proteins, dietary supplements, and kids’ nutrition. The company boasts a robust omnichannel presence with over 200 offline stores across more than 90 cities in India.

In FY24, HealthKart surpassed the ₹1,000 crore revenue mark and achieved full-year EBITDA profitability. While its FY24 financials are pending official release, the company reported a remarkable 69.5% year-on-year revenue increase in FY23, reaching ₹832.48 crore. Additionally, net losses were nearly halved to ₹164.71 crore compared to the previous fiscal year.

First ESOP Buyback Program

HealthKart’s ₹55 crore ESOP buyback program aims to reward both current and former employees who have contributed to the company’s growth. Founder Sameer Maheshwari expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, stating that it reflects the company’s commitment to valuing its people and aligning their success with the company’s long-term vision.

“The company has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of building market-leading consumer health brands through differentiated products and multi-channel distribution,” said Rohit Mantri, Co-head and Managing Director of Private Equity at Motilal Oswal Alternates.

Advisory and Market Outlook

Avendus Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for this transaction. HealthKart’s momentum reflects the growing demand in India’s sports nutrition market, signaling further opportunities for expansion as fitness and health gain prominence among consumers.

The Indian sports nutrition market is currently underpenetrated, with significant potential for growth due to rising fitness awareness among consumers. HealthKart’s strong brand portfolio, which includes MuscleBlaze known for its quality products and HK Vitals offering high-quality nutraceuticals, positions it well to capitalize on this trend.

Conclusion

With this recent funding round and ESOP buyback program, HealthKart is well-positioned to enhance its market leadership in the rapidly evolving health and nutrition sector. The infusion of capital will enable further investment in product development, marketing initiatives, and expansion into international markets. As consumer demand for health supplements continues to rise, HealthKart’s strategic moves reflect its commitment to innovation and growth within the industry.

A Bengaluru auto driver, Samuel Christy, has captured the internet’s attention with his innovative approach to raising funds for his startup. This creative initiative highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that Bengaluru is known for, often dubbed India’s startup capital.

Innovative Fundraising Approach

Samuel Christy, a graduate, has placed a poster behind his auto’s seat inviting passengers to discuss his business idea. The poster reads:

“Hi passenger, my name is Samuel Christy. I’m a graduate looking to raise funds for my startup business idea. If you’re interested, please talk to me.”

This unique fundraising strategy was shared on Reddit, where a user posted a photo of the poster with the caption, “Yet another Peak Bengaluru moment.” The post quickly gained traction, resonating with many users who applauded Christy’s bold initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Social Media Reaction

The Reddit post garnered widespread attention and sparked a flurry of supportive comments. Many users praised Christy for his determination and creativity. One user commented, “I think it’s a great effort. Hope he is doing something good and hope he succeeds.” Another user even offered assistance, stating, “If he’s interested, I could help him for a price.”

However, the post also attracted skepticism. Some users expressed caution about potential scams, referencing past experiences with auto drivers in Bengaluru. One comment warned, “This could be a scam too; the auto drivers are the biggest scamsters in Bengaluru,” reflecting mixed sentiments towards such entrepreneurial efforts.

Previous Innovations by Auto Drivers

This isn’t the first time an auto driver in Bengaluru has made headlines for creative solutions. In September, another driver went viral for installing an office chair in his vehicle to enhance passenger comfort. Such initiatives showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Bengaluru’s auto drivers.

Additionally, another driver gained attention for distributing a leaflet titled “Learn Kannada With Auto Kannadiga,” which featured common Kannada phrases translated into English. This thoughtful approach aimed to help non-Kannada speakers learn the local language during their commute and was widely praised on social media.

Conclusion

Samuel Christy’s story exemplifies the innovative spirit that thrives in Bengaluru, inspiring conversations across social media platforms. His initiative not only highlights the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs but also showcases the potential for creativity in unconventional settings. As discussions around his pitch continue to unfold online, Christy’s determination serves as a reminder of the vibrant entrepreneurial culture that characterizes Bengaluru.