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West Indies Cricketer Chris Gayle Invests In AR Startup FlippAR

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West Indies Cricketer Chris Gayle,Chris Gayle Invests In AR Startup FlippAR,One Day International,ODI Cricket,startup FlippAR,West Indies cricket team,Startup Stories,Latest Business News 2017,Inspiration Stories 2017

Known as the most destructive batsman ever, Chris Gayle made a comeback to One Day International (ODI) cricket after a 931 days sabbatical. Along with a grand return to cricket, Gayle has also made a grand entry into the startup ecosystem. The international cricket star has reportedly picked up a minority stake in Bengaluru based augmented reality startup FlippAR.

The former captain will also be endorsing the company along with being a minority stakeholder, although the amount invested by the cricketer has not been revealed. FlippAR was founded by Vivek Jain in January 2016 which provides augmented reality development services to various companies. The app allows users to unlock stories from buildings, monuments and statues from the most popular tourist destinations in Bengaluru such as Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park and MG Road. The company, run by Movingup Products Pvt., Ltd., has a subscription based revenue model which competes with London based visual discovery app Blippar.

The startup, accelerated by the France based program NUMA, was one of the eight startups selected by the Karnataka Government to receive a grant of Rs. 5 lakhs in March. The six employees team currently works for customers in the 16 to 24 age bracket. Gayle will be featuring in a couple of new campaigns that are to be launched soon.

Serial entrepreneur and founder Vivek Jain is an IIM Ahmedabad graduate with over 13 years of experience in the information technology sector. He was also the CEO of the services outsourcing startup StrApp Business Solutions Pvt., Ltd.

This marks the second investment by Chris Gayle in the Indian startup ecosystem. He previously invested in the virtual gaming firm IONA Entertainment also based in Bengaluru, two months ago. Indian startup ecosystem has garnered a lot of interest from multiple Indian cricketers as well. Yuvraj Singh has been actively participating in the startup ecosystem through his investment fund YouWeCan Ventures. Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly has also invested in Mumbai based video content discovery platform Flickstree.

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Kerala Startup E-Quark Launches Innovative Mobile Holder with Built-In Charger

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Equark - StartupStories

Kerala-based startup E-Quark Molecule Innovations Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Thrissur, has introduced an innovative device called Keratin that combines a mobile phone holder with a built-in charger. This unique gadget is designed to offer users a convenient solution to hold and charge their smartphones simultaneously, addressing the common challenge of managing power supply while using mobile devices.

The device enhances user experience by integrating two essential functions into one compact design. It securely holds the phone while providing efficient charging, making it perfect for use on desks, bedside tables, or other personal spaces where easy access and power are needed. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of multifunctional mobile accessories that prioritize both convenience and practicality.

E-Quark Molecule Innovations is a key player in Kerala’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has been rapidly expanding in tech-driven areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the launch of this mobile holder-charger, the company is establishing itself as a leader in user-centric mobile accessories, further cementing Kerala’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology development.

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New Instagram Features Let Users Customize Profiles and Share Quietly

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Instagram Grid

Instagram is rolling out two major features in June 2025 that promise to give users unprecedented creative control and privacy: grid rearranging and silent posting. The long-awaited grid rearranging tool allows users to freely drag and drop posts anywhere on their profile grid, breaking away from the traditional chronological order. This means users can now curate their profiles for a more visually appealing or thematic presentation, without the hassle of deleting and reposting content—an update especially welcomed by brands, creators, and anyone meticulous about their digital aesthetic.


In tandem, Instagram is introducing the “Post quietly to profile” feature, which lets users add photos and videos to their grid without notifying followers or pushing the content to their feeds. This silent posting option is ideal for those who want to document moments privately, experiment with new content, or maintain a cohesive grid without spamming their audience. It’s designed to reduce the pressure of public sharing, making Instagram a more comfortable space for personal expression and experimentation.

 

These updates reflect Instagram’s commitment to user empowerment and flexibility, responding directly to years of feedback. As Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated, the goal is to help users “create and share without added pressure,” giving them more freedom over how their content appears and how they engage with their audience.

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Zepto Delays IPO to Focus on Profitability and Indian Ownership

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Zepto - StartupStories

Overview

Zepto, a leading quick commerce startup, has postponed its planned IPO to early 2026, shifting its focus to achieving profitability and increasing Indian shareholding before going public.

Key Reasons for Delay

  • Profitability Focus: Zepto aims to reach EBITDA break-even before listing, unlike many tech firms that went public while still loss-making.
  • Market Uncertainty: Ongoing global and domestic market volatility influenced the decision to wait for more stable conditions.
  • Peer Comparison: The company wants to present a stronger profit profile, learning from the performance of rivals like Swiggy and Zomato (now Eternal).

Boosting Domestic Shareholding

  • Target: Zepto plans to raise Indian ownership to at least 51% to comply with FDI norms and reinforce its Indian identity.
  • Actions: The company is conducting secondary share sales to Indian investors and founders are increasing their stakes by buying from foreign investors.
  • Progress: Domestic ownership has reached about 40-44%, with expectations to surpass 51% before the IPO.

Financial and Operational Updates

  • Efficiency Drive: Zepto is optimizing operations, running over 900 dark stores and offering 48,000 SKUs, to reduce cash burn and move toward profitability.
  • Challenges: The company faces stiff competition from Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit, leading to higher costs, and has dealt with operational pauses and regulatory scrutiny in some regions.

Outlook

Zepto remains positive about its future, aiming to raise around $800 million in its IPO and attract both domestic and international investors. CEO Aadit Palicha emphasizes building a sustainable, majority Indian-owned business before entering the public market.

Summary: Zepto’s IPO delay reflects a strategic focus on financial stability and regulatory compliance, with profitability and Indian ownership at the forefront.

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