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Major Controversies In The Startup World In 2018
Published
6 years agoon
At a time when fake news is considered to be real news and when people are pointing out flaws in every aspect, it comes as no surprise that controversies and scam haven’t spared even the startup world! While this year saw major acquisitions and mishaps, it also saw controversies of a different kind. Here’s our yearly wrap up of what happened in the controversial world of 2018!
1. Everything about the Walmart and Flipkart deal
Even before the Walmart takeover, Flipkart was already doing really well. From securing $ 5 billion through multiple investments in 2017, to doing really well in different investment series in a given time, Flipkart’s market position was quite strong at the time. While Sachin Bansal stepping down as CEO was written in the cards from the very beginning, Binny Bansal’s exit came as a result of an issue which took place over 2 years. Binny Bansal, the ex CEO of Flipkart, was being blackmailed by a co worker he was involved with and the only way he saw fit to resolve the problem was by stepping away from the company. To make matters interesting, prior to the takeover by Walmart, the Flipkart CEOs were also accused of evading tax!
2. The Paytm Data Leak Controversy
Ranked number two on the list of the most successful startups in India, Paytm has been embroiled in its fair share of controversies. Primarily formed as a digital payments company, Paytm grew by 10 times since the day it was founded to where it is today. However, despite being one of the first Indian startups to secure an investment from Berkshire Hathaway, Paytm stayed on the headlines for being involved in multiple controversies. The first major issue was Vijay Shekhar Sharma admitting on video he had shared data with the Prime Minister of India without obtaining consent from the users. While this issue cleared in due time, another one promptly popped up. Paytm again hit the headlines because of the data extortion case levied against the Vice President of Corporate Communications, Paytm, Sonia Dhawan, her husband Roopak Jain, another Paytm employee, Devendra Kumar and his friend, Rohit Chomal. The four of them were accused of creating a plan to extort $1.4 million from Vijay, threatening to release the “personal data” in public otherwise. A typical case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire, right? Three of the four accused are still in jail and are waiting for their case to be heard.
3. The Huawei controversy
Over the last few years, Huawei has been trying to expand all over the United States. However, in the beginning of 2018, a lot of almost sure deals started falling through, citing international political concerns as a major issue. Initially expected to sign major deals with major telecommunication companies like Verizon, Wireless and AT&T, the deals fell through without a warning of any kind. The reasons are attributed to Huawei’s alleged ties with the Chinese Government, which a lot of people saw as a threat, especially in the United States.
4. The Apple affair
Despite being all about introducing a series of new phones in this last year, Apple was involved in quite a heated controversy. Recently, Apple was in the headlines not for the phones released by the company, but for the fact that Apple was accused of “throttling.” Simply defined, throttling is defined as a process wherein the makers slow down the performance of older iPhones to save the phones’ battery life. Although Apple CEO Tim Cook came forward with a public statement saying they should have been more forward and transparent about the practice, the response was considered to be less than satisfactory. Furthermore, one of the major reasons throttling was a concern was the indirect push it gave people to constantly upgrade to new iPhones. The status of this issue now is, two federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Services, are investing the case.
5. The Xerox and Fujifilm Holdings deal
Early in the year (on January 31, 2018, to be precise,) Xerox agreed to enter a merger with Fujifilm Holdings wherein Fujifilm would have a major stake in Xerox. Furthermore, the deal was expected to touch the $ 18 billion mark in the printer industry. However, the deal quickly turned sour with all the fights and quarrels that took place over the deal. Finally, after a long drawn out battle, the reinstated board of Xerox backed off from the deal. Now, Fujifilm is filing a lawsuit of $ 1 billion against Xerox, saying they were facing major damages with regards to the breach of contract!
The year 2018 certainly was interesting, especially when related to all the controversies in the startup world. If you think we missed out on any other issues such as these, comment and let us know!
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Swiggy Launches “Snacc” for 10-Minute Delivery of Snacks and Beverages
Published
1 week agoon
January 11, 2025Swiggy, the leading food delivery platform in India, has launched a new standalone app called “Snacc” to cater to the growing demand for ultra-fast food delivery. This innovative service aims to provide quick access to snacks, beverages, and light meals, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Focus on Speed and Convenience
Snacc specializes in delivering snacks and beverages within 10-15 minutes. The app operates from centralized hubs stocked with ready-to-serve items, ensuring rapid order fulfillment. This new service directly competes with other players in the 10-minute delivery space, such as Zepto Cafe and Blinkit Bistro, which have also entered the market with similar offerings.
Key Features
- Dedicated App: Snacc operates as a separate app, providing a streamlined user experience specifically designed for quick bites.
- Focus on Speed: The core promise of the service is a 10-15 minute delivery window, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking immediate satisfaction.
- Centralized Hubs: Utilizing centralized hubs allows for faster order fulfillment and efficient delivery logistics.
Market Impact
The launch of Snacc reflects the increasing demand for convenient and on-demand food delivery services in India. As consumer preferences shift towards quick and accessible food options, Swiggy aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a dedicated platform for snacks and beverages.
Competitive Landscape
The introduction of Snacc comes at a time when competition in the quick food delivery market is intensifying. Other players, including Zomato and Blinkit, are also expanding their services to meet consumer demand for speedier delivery options. Zomato has recently launched its own 15-minute food delivery service in select cities, further escalating competition.
Challenges
While the 10-minute delivery model presents significant opportunities, it also poses challenges such as:
- Maintaining Food Quality: Ensuring that food remains fresh and meets quality standards during rapid delivery.
- Timely Delivery: Managing logistics effectively to meet the promised delivery times.
- Operational Costs: Balancing speed with cost efficiency to maintain profitability.
Conclusion
Swiggy’s launch of Snacc marks a significant step in the evolution of the Indian food delivery market. By strategically positioning itself to cater to the evolving needs of consumers, Swiggy is set to capitalize on the growing demand for quick and convenient food options. As competition heats up in this space, Snacc aims to establish itself as a go-to solution for those seeking fast snacks and beverages, ultimately enhancing Swiggy’s overall service portfolio.
News
Google Rolls Out QR Code Sharing for Quick Share on Android
Published
1 week agoon
January 10, 2025Google is enhancing file sharing on Android with the wide rollout of QR code functionality for its Quick Share feature. This update simplifies the process of transferring files between Android devices, eliminating the need for manual device discovery or contact setup.
How it Works
Effortless Sharing
With the latest Google Play Services update (version 24.49.33), users can access the “Use QR code” option within the Quick Share menu. This feature streamlines the sharing process, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
QR Code Generation
When users select the “Use QR code” option, a unique QR code is generated on their device’s screen. This code serves as a digital key for initiating file transfers.
Quick Scanning
The recipient can easily scan the QR code using their Android phone’s camera app. Once scanned, a secure link is automatically generated, initiating the file transfer without additional steps.
Automatic Transfer
After scanning, a quickshare.google link opens on the recipient’s device, leading to an immediate connection and file transfer process.
Benefits
Simplicity
This new approach eliminates the need to add contacts, verify devices, or navigate complex settings. Users can share files with just a quick scan of a QR code.
Multiple Recipients
A single QR code can be scanned by multiple devices, allowing for convenient group sharing. This feature is particularly useful in collaborative environments where files need to be shared with several people simultaneously.
Reliability
The QR code method bypasses potential issues associated with device discovery in the standard Quick Share interface, ensuring a smoother and more reliable sharing experience.
Wider Availability
This update expands QR code sharing functionality beyond Samsung devices, making it a universal feature available for all Android users. Previously, similar functionality was primarily associated with Samsung’s own Quick Share offering.
A Familiar Feature
While new for Google’s Quick Share, many users may recognize this functionality from Samsung’s Quick Share feature, which includes additional capabilities like cloud sharing. This familiarity may ease the transition for users adapting to Google’s implementation.
Overall Impact
The addition of QR code sharing marks a significant improvement for Quick Share, enhancing its reliability and ease of use. This update aligns with Google’s December 2024 Feature Bundle, which focuses on improving Android’s versatility and user experience.
Future Potential
As QR codes become increasingly integrated into everyday tasks—from payments to information access—Google’s introduction of this feature reflects a broader trend in technology usage. The seamless integration of QR codes into file sharing not only enhances convenience but also aligns with how users are already interacting with technology.
Conclusion
With the rollout of QR code sharing in Quick Share, Google is making file transfers between Android devices faster and more efficient than ever before. By simplifying the sharing process and expanding accessibility across all Android devices, Google is enhancing user experience and reinforcing its commitment to innovation in mobile technology. This development promises to make sharing files not only easier but also more reliable in various settings, from personal to professional environments.
News
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Invests in 3D-Printed Rocket Maker Relativity Space
Published
1 week agoon
January 10, 2025Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has made a significant investment in Relativity Space, a California-based company pioneering 3D-printed rocket technology. This investment comes at a crucial time for Relativity as it navigates challenges and aims to advance its innovative approach to space travel.
Overview of Relativity Space
Founded in 2015, Relativity Space aims to revolutionize space travel through its unique 3D printing techniques, which allow for the rapid production of rocket components. The company’s flagship rocket, Terran 1, was launched in 2023, but unfortunately, it failed to achieve orbit. Despite this setback, Relativity is now focusing on its next-generation rocket, Terran R, which is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Challenges Faced
Relativity Space has encountered several challenges over the past few years, including funding difficulties in 2024. These hurdles have prompted the company to seek additional capital to support its ambitious plans and operational needs.
Schmidt’s Investment
Schmidt’s investment is particularly timely as Relativity Space works to secure funding for the development of Terran R and its ongoing operations. His backing underscores the growing interest in the private space sector and highlights the potential of innovative technologies like 3D printing to transform space exploration.
Background on Eric Schmidt
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavors, Schmidt has been actively involved in various investment and advisory roles since stepping down as Google CEO in 2011. He has a history of supporting technology-driven initiatives and startups, making this investment a natural extension of his interests.
Industry Context
The investment by Schmidt comes amid an intensifying modern space race, often referred to as “Space Race 2.0.” Private companies are increasingly vying for dominance in orbit, with firms like SpaceX leading the charge. In 2024, SpaceX achieved a remarkable milestone with 134 launches, showcasing rapid advancements in the industry.
Competitive Landscape
Relativity Space is positioned as a key player within this competitive landscape, despite its initial setbacks. The company’s focus on 3D printing technology offers a unique approach that could potentially lower costs and increase efficiency in rocket manufacturing compared to traditional methods.
Conclusion
Eric Schmidt’s investment in Relativity Space highlights the growing interest and potential within the private space sector, particularly regarding innovative technologies like 3D printing. As Relativity prepares for the launch of Terran R and seeks to overcome its funding challenges, Schmidt’s support may provide crucial momentum for the company’s future endeavors. This move not only reinforces Schmidt’s commitment to advancing technology but also signifies a broader trend of increased investment in space exploration initiatives that promise to reshape our understanding and capabilities in this frontier.
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