Jio Financial Services, through its NBFC arm Jio Finance Limited, has launched a fully digital Loan Against Securities (LAS) service. This innovative offering allows customers to secure loans up to ₹1 crore against their shares and mutual funds within just 10 minutes via the JioFinance app.

Key Features:

• Digital Process: Entirely online for speed and convenience.
• Loan Amount: Up to ₹1 crore.
• Interest Rates: Starting at 9.99%, tailored to individual risk profiles.
• Tenure: Maximum of three years.
• No Foreclosure Charges: Flexible repayment options.

Strategic Impact:

The LAS offering aligns with Jio Financial’s broader digital strategy to make financial services more accessible and efficient. It complements existing products like home loans and corporate financing.

Market Response:

Jio Financial Services’ stock rose significantly following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s digital expansion. The shares increased by up to 5.5% on the BSE, highlighting the market’s positive reception of this strategic move12.

Leadership Perspective:

Kusal Roy, MD and CEO of Jio Finance Limited, emphasized that this launch is part of a comprehensive digital strategy aimed at transforming customer interactions with financial services1.

Future Prospects:

With its focus on technology and customer convenience, Jio Financial is poised to become a leading player in India’s digital financial services sector.

Mumbai-based solar financing startup Aerem has raised ₹100 crore in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Japan’s University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC) and included investments from British International Investment (BII), SE Ventures, Riverwalk Holdings, and existing investors Blume Ventures and Avaana Capital.

Strategic Use of Funds

Aerem will use the funds to expand its operations across India, focusing on underserved eastern and southern regions. It aims to enhance its solar financing solutions, improve its B2B marketplace for solar equipment, and refine its tech platform. Additionally, the company plans to broaden its lending portfolio and reduce customer acquisition costs by leveraging its network of over 2,000 verified solar installers.

Aerem’s Impact

Founded in 2021 by Anand Jain and Vikesh Agarwal, Aerem provides comprehensive solutions for distributed solar energy adoption. Its services include:

• Solar Financing: Loans for businesses and homeowners through its NBFC arm, NetZero Finance.
• Equipment Procurement: The SunStore marketplace offers competitively priced solar equipment.
• Support for Installers: Benefits for over 2,000 verified installation partners include financing access, quality equipment, and digital tools.

Aerem has enabled over 800 megawatts of solar capacity across 65 Indian cities, financing more than 800 projects. Its deployments have prevented nearly 22 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions and could save MSMEs up to ₹14,000 crore in energy costs.

Revenue Growth

Aerem reported significant revenue growth in FY24, with a 9X increase to ₹175 crore from ₹1.84 crore in FY23. This growth highlights the scalability of its business model.

Future Plans

With this funding, Aerem is poised to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable energy by eliminating barriers to solar adoption and empowering local businesses.

Sweet Karam Coffee, a Chennai-based brand specializing in traditional South Indian snacks and sweets, has raised $8 million in Series A funding from Peak XV Partners and Fireside Ventures. Founded in 2015 by Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban, the company offers products free from palm oil and preservatives, catering to customers across 32 countries.

This investment follows a previous $1.5 million funding from Fireside Ventures in October 2023, which supported offline expansion. The new funds will be used to enhance distribution through omnichannel networks, develop new products, and bolster technology-driven supply chain capabilities. 

Sweet Karam Coffee has grown its revenue four-fold over the past year and expects to grow another 2.5 times in the coming year.

The company has also appointed Nandhitha Indermohan, a former Unilever executive, as its Chief Operating Officer to boost operations. This strategic move positions Sweet Karam Coffee for further growth, leveraging the booming quick commerce sector and expanding its presence across India and globally.