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Snapdeal Cofounders Write To Employees After Terminating Flipkart Deal

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Snapdeal Cofounders Write To Employees,Snapdeal Terminating Flipkart Deal,Vulcan Express,Snapdeal Founders,Flipkart Merger Deal,Snapdeal 2.0 strategy,Flipkart Latest Deal,2017 Latest Business News,Startup Stories

Snapdeal recently decided to go their own independent route and declined the $ 900 million takeover offer from Flipkart. After the collapse of the merger, many senior level executives including the Vice President of Product Pradeep Desai, the Vice President of Engineering Viraj Chatterjee and the Head of IT Gaurav Gupta quit the ecommerce company. The company had laid off close to 600 employees earlier this year, across the ecommerce marketplace and its subsidiaries, FreeCharge and Vulcan Express.

While Snapdeal has successfully sold its online payments arm FreeCharge to Axis Bank, the future of the logistics arm Vulcan Express still hangs in the balance. The founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, who have been hesitant about the Flipkart merger since the beginning, released a letter to the employees speaking about the future of Snapdeal. In the letter, the founders touched upon various issues including the ecommerce market in India and their journey as an independent entity. They even spoke about the extensive media coverage the deal received and the complexities it involved.

Both the cofounders firmly believe in the new direction, Snapdeal 2.0, the company must take and the laser focus required to become a ‘champion’ online market space. They aim to make around Rs. 150 crores gross profit in the next 12 months, with a tight control on costs and higher efficiency.

Success is never final, failure is rarely fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts,” the letter added. The fate of this ecommerce company at present remains uncertain, despite the high hopes of the cofounders. One thing that remains certain is that the immediate sale of their logistics arm Vulcan Express, acquired in 2015, will deeply influence the growth of Snapdeal 2.0.

You can find the complete letter here –

Dear Team,

Over the last few months, our company has been engaged in strategic discussions with other players. A lot of time and effort has gone into the process from all participants in this exhausting process. The process has led to intense speculations and uncertainty for our team, partners and shareholders. And now it is time to finally put an end to this saga.

We will be continuing the Snapdeal journey as an independent company. As we have often discussed, the opportunity of e-commerce in India is immense, and the surface of this $200 Billion market has barely been scratched yet. We have a tremendous team, millions of loyal customers, hundreds of thousands of motivated sellers and a phenomenal platform that has been built with years of effort.

All the ingredients of success have always been there in our company. And after the last few months of tumultuousness, it is time to focus on the business and leverage all our strengths to progress towards our vision of building the best marketplace to connect buyers to sellers in India.

The good question to ask is why are we moving down an independent path, when so much effort went into determining a strategic combination. There are a few reasons for this, which go beyond the fact that the deal being contemplated was incredibly complex to execute as reported extensively by the media.

Firstly, there isn’t going to be one successful model for e-commerce in India. In every market, there are multiple successful e-commerce businesses, and as long as one’s strategy is differentiated and has a clear path to success, there is a great company that can be built. We firmly believe in our new direction – Snapdeal 2.0 – part of which is a laser focus on being a champion for all sellers in India, enabling anyone to setup a store online in a few minutes and focusing on providing large selection of products at great prices to consumers.

Secondly, we have made tremendous progress towards this new path over the last few months and are already profitable at an gross profit (a.k.a. net margin) level, with clear visibility to making upwards of Rs 150 Crores in gross profit in the next 12 months.

Finally, with the ongoing streamlining of costs and sale of some of our assets, such as Freecharge, we are financially self sufficient as a company and don’t need to raise additional capital to reach profitability. Needless to say, we will need to keep a tight control on our costs and work towards becoming a hyper efficient culture delivering profitable growth, month on month. 

Success is never final, failure is rarely fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts. Let’s work together to make Snapdeal 2.0 a super success!

Thanks!

Kunal & Rohit

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‘Chai and Samosas’: US Hotels Cater to Indian Tourist Surge to Revive Revenue!

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'Chai and Samosas': US Hotels Cater to Indian Tourist Surge to Revive Revenue!

The US tourism industry is experiencing a welcome boost thanks to a surge in Indian visitors. This increase comes at a time when domestic leisure spending is dipping and travel demand from East Asia remains sluggish, highlighting the significance of Indian tourists in revitalizing the sector.

Numbers Speak for Themselves

Nearly 1.9 million Indian tourists visited the US in the first ten months of 2024, marking a nearly 48% increase compared to 2019. This upswing is fueled by a 50% jump in visas issued for business travel and a 43.5% rise for leisure trips, according to the US National Trade and Tourism Office (NTTO). Notably, India has emerged as the second-largest source of foreign visitors to the United States, surpassing Germany and trailing only behind the UK.

Factors Driving the Boom

Several factors are contributing to this surge in Indian travel:

  • Growing Middle Class: India’s burgeoning middle class is increasingly able to afford international travel, leading to higher travel budgets.
  • Increased Flight Options: The availability of more direct flights between India and the US has made travel more accessible.
  • Changing Travel Preferences: While wealthy travelers from East Asian countries have opted for shorter trips within Asia, Indian tourists are exploring long-haul destinations like the US.

In stark contrast, visitor volumes from East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea have significantly decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels, with declines of 44.5%, 50.8%, and 23.9%, respectively.

Filling the Void

While European tourists are gradually returning to the US, overall visitor numbers from major European countries like the UK, Germany, and France have not yet reached 2019 levels. This has left a gap in the US tourism industry that Indian travelers are now helping to fill.

Laura Lee Blake, CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, stated, “Indian travelers are playing a crucial role in reviving the industry. Their interest in exploring beyond major cities is spreading economic benefits across more destinations.” Budget and mid-scale hotels are particularly popular with Indian tourists, with some properties offering amenities that cater specifically to their preferences—such as chai and samosas in the lobby and Indian TV channels in guest rooms.

A Trend on the Rise

Travel booking platform Tripadvisor’s Viator brand reports a surge in US bookings by Indian travelers, jumping over 50% in 2024 and tripling compared to pre-pandemic levels. Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, Dave Stephenson, confirmed this trend: “We’ve seen nights booked by Indians traveling to the US increase by over 45% in the past three years.”

The scheduled flight capacity between India and the US has also risen significantly—up 42.3% in 2024 compared to 2019—further facilitating this growth.

Looking Ahead

The outlook for the US tourism industry appears promising as it adapts to changing global travel dynamics. Grzegorz Kowalski, CEO of hotel booking platform Tripoffice.com, anticipates “growth in occupancy rates and revenue driven by a younger, experience-driven audience from India” in 2025. As hotels and travel companies continue to cater to Indian preferences and expand their offerings, they are well-positioned to capitalize on this influx of visitors.

Conclusion

The surge of Indian tourists is not only filling gaps left by declining visitor numbers from other regions but also revitalizing the US tourism industry as a whole. With increased flight capacities and tailored experiences for Indian travelers, this trend is likely to continue shaping the landscape of international tourism in the United States for years to come. As both countries strengthen their ties through increased travel opportunities, Indian visitors will play an increasingly vital role in supporting economic growth across various sectors within the US.

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HCLTech Appoints Arjun A. Sethi as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments!

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HCLTech Appoints Arjun A. Sethi as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments!

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has announced the appointment of Arjun A. Sethi as its Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments, with a specific focus on government and global private equity. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the company’s growth trajectory in these high-potential areas.

Background of Arjun A. Sethi

Sethi is a seasoned industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in consulting and digital transformation. Prior to joining HCLTech, he served as Senior Partner and Vice Chair of Digital Transformation at Kearney, where he played a pivotal role in shaping digital strategies for various sectors, including government, private equity, and financial services. His extensive international experience spans the Americas, Middle East, and APAC, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of diverse markets.

 

Sethi holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in India and a post-graduate diploma in management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta. His academic background complements his professional expertise, positioning him well to lead HCLTech’s strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities and Goals

In his new role, Sethi will be responsible for driving growth and innovation within HCLTech’s strategic segments. He will report directly to C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director of HCLTech. Sethi’s key responsibilities will include:

  • Expanding HCLTech’s Engineering-Led Technology Portfolio: Leveraging his expertise to enhance the company’s offerings in engineering-driven technology solutions.
  • Enhancing Digital Services: Focusing on the development and delivery of advanced digital services tailored to meet the needs of government and private equity clients.
  • Promoting Differentiated GenAI Solutions: Driving initiatives that incorporate generative AI technologies into HCLTech’s service offerings.

Strategic Importance

The appointment comes at a crucial time as HCLTech seeks to strengthen its presence in high-growth sectors. C Vijayakumar expressed enthusiasm about Sethi’s joining, stating, “We are excited to welcome Arjun to the HCLTech family. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in digital transformation will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in these high-growth segments.”

 

Sethi’s experience in digital transformation is particularly relevant as organizations increasingly look to modernize their operations and adopt innovative technologies. His leadership is expected to unlock new opportunities for HCLTech, especially in navigating complex government contracts and engaging with private equity firms seeking technological advancements.

Conclusion

Arjun A. Sethi’s appointment as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments at HCLTech marks a significant step forward for the company as it aims to capitalize on growth opportunities within government and private equity sectors. With his extensive background and strategic vision, Sethi is poised to play a crucial role in driving HCLTech’s initiatives forward, ensuring that the company remains competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

As HCLTech continues to expand its capabilities and services, Sethi’s leadership will be instrumental in fostering innovation and achieving sustainable growth in these vital areas.

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Inkers Technology Raises $3 Million to Revolutionize Construction with AI!

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Inkers Technology Raises $3 Million to Revolutionize Construction with AI!

Inkers Technology, a leading AI-powered construction technology startup, has successfully raised $3 million in a Series A funding round led by prominent investor Ashish Kacholia’s Lucky Investments. This funding will be instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth, expanding its team, and enhancing its innovative AI-powered platform, Observance.

How Observance Works

Observance is designed to transform the construction industry by automating complex data processing tasks and providing actionable insights. The platform leverages advanced AI algorithms to process vast amounts of construction data, including:

  • Point Cloud Data: Captured from laser scans of construction sites.
  • Images: Photographic evidence of site conditions.
  • BIM Models: Building Information Modeling data that represents the physical and functional characteristics of facilities.
  • Project Schedules: Timelines that outline project milestones and deadlines.

Key Features

With Observance, construction teams can:

  • Identify Defects Early: The platform detects and prioritizes potential issues such as water seepage, concrete defects, and structural problems.
  • Streamline Workflows: Automates routine tasks and optimizes resource allocation to enhance efficiency.
  • Accelerate Project Delivery: Reduces project timelines and minimizes costly delays through improved planning and execution.
  • Improve Decision-Making: Provides valuable insights that enable informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

A Proven Track Record

Inkers Technology has already made significant strides in the industry, with its platform deployed across 150+ construction sites in major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Observance has processed over 2 petabytes of data, identifying more than 40,000 defects, which has saved clients millions of dollars in potential rework costs.

The unique approach of Observance sets it apart from traditional methods. It can quickly scan large areas—up to 100,000 square feet per hour—and generate accurate as-built 3D models, thermal maps, and detailed reports within 24 to 48 hours. This efficiency drastically reduces the time required for project planning and execution compared to conventional practices.

Future Growth Plans

The newly acquired capital will be utilized to further enhance Observance’s capabilities and expand its reach within the construction industry. Inkers Technology aims to drive digital transformation by solving critical challenges faced by infrastructure projects across India and beyond. The company plans to enhance its product offerings by integrating more advanced features such as real-time analytics and automated reporting tools.

Founders’ Vision

Co-founded by Rohan Shravan, Manish Giri, and Srikanth Kannada, Inkers Technology is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies like computer vision, deep learning, and hardware-level acceleration to optimize construction processes. Their vision is to create a more efficient and sustainable construction environment through innovative AI solutions.

Conclusion

With this fresh infusion of capital, Inkers Technology is well-positioned to revolutionize the construction industry and shape the future of building and infrastructure. By harnessing the power of AI through its Observance platform, the company not only enhances operational efficiencies but also contributes significantly to cost savings and improved project outcomes for its clients. As the construction sector increasingly embraces digital transformation, Inkers is poised to lead the charge with its innovative solutions.

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