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Flipkart Facts That Will Blow Your Mind!

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Flipkart Facts,Startup Funding News India,Startup Stories,2018 Business Latest News,Lesser Known Facts about Flipkart,Interesting Facts About Flipkart,Flipkart Slogan 2018,Flipkart Interesting Facts,Flipkart Business Updates,Amazing Facts About Flipkart

Flipkart started off as an e commerce platform meant only for books. Through the years, the company grew to become a major success and now stands as a part of one of the largest acquisitions made by Walmart! While the world is still recovering from this, here are some facts which take you back to the beginning of Flipkart!

1. The early days

Back in the beginning, Flipkart was founded by Sachin and Binny Bansal. Contrary to expectations, the platform did not begin by fluke. It was started off with the sole of aim of creating a space for book lovers. The first ever book to be sold on Flipkart post its launch was Leaving Microsoft To Change The World by John Wood.

2. No stranger to criticism 

While the Flipkart Big Billion Sale is now a hit, it was a miserable disaster till the year 2014. Despite facing severe losses during the initial days, the platform saw a massive turnover of $ 30o million!

3. Multiple coincidences 

From their surnames to their entire background, the two founders were always in sync. No, it was NOT planned! Clearly the relationship was meant to last!

4. Rejection? What is that? 

Before the Walmart Flipkart acquisition, the Flipkart founders were rejected by multiple investors. In fact, Google refused to invest in the platform not once, but twice! Interestingly, the Walmart deal was almost going to blow up more than a couple of times.

5. How Flipkart got its first customer 

When Binny Bansal put up the post on his page, people thought the whole concept of online deliveries in itself was a lie. However, when the first customer saw the book available for just Rs. 500 and would be delivered in the next three days, he got super excited. Flipkart made its first sale on the premise that they would not get enough participators and boy, were they wrong!

Flipkart has grown through the years to become one of the largest e commerce websites in the country. If you think we missed out on any facts, feel free to comment and let us know!

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Freshworks Appoints Srinivasan Raghavan as Chief Product Officer!

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Freshworks Appoints Srinivasan Raghavan as Chief Product Officer!

Freshworks, a leading provider of cloud-based software for customer and employee experience, has announced the appointment of Srinivasan Raghavan as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO). With over two decades of experience in the enterprise SaaS industry, Raghavan is set to play a pivotal role in driving product strategy and innovation at Freshworks.

Leading Product Strategy and Innovation

In his capacity as CPO, Raghavan will be responsible for enhancing Freshworks’ suite of AI-powered software solutions. His focus will be on improving both customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) by leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Driving Product Strategy: Raghavan will lead the product team to execute the company’s vision for AI-driven solutions.
  • Enhancing User Experience: He aims to deliver personalized and efficient experiences for both customers and employees.

A Strong Addition to the Leadership Team

Raghavan will report directly to Dennis Woodside, CEO and President of Freshworks. Woodside expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, highlighting Raghavan’s expertise in driving enterprise growth and scaling complex, multi-product portfolios.

“Srini is a key addition to our team to lead innovation that delivers a scalable trajectory for growth across our three key business priorities: employee experience, artificial intelligence, and customer experience,” said Woodside.

A Proven Track Record

Before joining Freshworks, Raghavan served as CPO at RingCentral, where he expanded the company’s product portfolio to include cloud-based contact center, marketing, and sales intelligence solutions. His previous roles also include key leadership positions at Five9 and Cisco, where he spearheaded the development of AI-powered digital engagement and automation solutions.

Notable Achievements

  • At RingCentral, Raghavan played a crucial role in broadening the company’s offerings, enhancing its competitive edge in the cloud communications market.
  • At Five9, he led initiatives that improved customer engagement through innovative AI solutions like virtual agents and workflow automation platforms.

A Bright Future for Freshworks

Raghavan’s appointment signals Freshworks’ commitment to innovation and its vision to leverage AI to transform customer and employee experiences. With his deep industry knowledge and strategic mindset, Raghavan is poised to lead the company’s product vision and drive future growth.

Industry Context

Freshworks serves over 68,000 companies globally, including major brands like American Express, Bridgestone, and Sony. The company recently reported a 22% revenue growth in Q3 2024, reaching $186.6 million, while reducing losses by 3.55% year-over-year.

Conclusion

Srinivasan Raghavan’s appointment as Chief Product Officer marks a significant step forward for Freshworks as it continues to enhance its product offerings in a competitive landscape. By focusing on AI-driven solutions that improve CX and EX, Freshworks aims to solidify its position as a leader in the SaaS market. As Raghavan integrates his extensive experience into the company’s strategy, stakeholders can expect innovative developments that align with the evolving needs of businesses worldwide.

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Zomato Founder Seeks Chief Of Staff: No Salary, Pay ₹20 Lakh Instead!

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Zomato Founder Seeks Chief Of Staff: No Salary, Pay ₹20 Lakh Instead!

Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, has stirred a heated debate online with his unconventional job posting for the role of Chief of Staff. In a bold move, Goyal announced that the selected candidate would not receive a salary for the first year. Instead, they would need to pay ₹20 lakh for the opportunity, a sum that would be donated entirely to Zomato’s non-profit arm, Feeding India.

The Job Posting

Sharing the details on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Goyal outlined the qualities he seeks in the candidate:

  • Hunger for success
  • Common sense and empathy
  • A lack of prior conditioning or baggage
  • Groundedness and a zero-entitlement mindset
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A learning-oriented approach

The post emphasized that the role requires someone willing to “do the right thing, even at the cost of displeasing others.”

Compensation Structure

For the second year, the company promises a competitive salary exceeding ₹50 lakh, but this will only be offered after the completion of the unpaid first year. This structure is designed to attract candidates who are genuinely committed to personal and professional growth rather than those motivated solely by financial incentives.

Divided Reactions Online

The unconventional terms have sparked a mixed reaction online. While some have criticized the move for its apparent exclusivity, others have praised Goyal’s approach to identifying truly dedicated talent.

Criticism

Several users slammed the job posting for its apparent elitism, arguing that the ₹20 lakh fee would restrict the opportunity to wealthier candidates. Comments included:

  • “As if exploiting gig workers wasn’t enough, now they target the middle class. This is ridiculous.”
  • “This creates an artificial barrier, limiting the role to rich candidates with privilege.”
  • “Hire me as your PR manager; I’d save you from such tweets,” joked one user.

Critics argue that such a financial requirement alienates talented individuals who may not have the means to afford this upfront cost, thereby narrowing the pool of potential applicants.

Praise

Conversely, some viewed the posting as a strategic move to find highly motivated and financially independent individuals. Supportive comments included:

  • “This is a masterstroke to filter talent. It’s not just about the money but about finding someone who understands risk and has skin in the game.”
  • “By linking the fee to charity, it adds a touch of purpose and filters for those who align with Zomato’s values.”

Proponents argue that this unique approach could attract candidates who are genuinely passionate about making an impact and are willing to invest in their future.

The Vision Behind the Role

Goyal defended his decision by explaining that the ₹20 lakh contribution would directly support Feeding India, aligning with Zomato’s mission to give back to society. The role is intended for someone passionate about learning and willing to invest in both their professional development and social causes.

“We believe that people who apply for this role should do it for the learning opportunity it presents, rather than for a fancy well-paying job,” Goyal stated.

A New Hiring Trend or Misstep?

The announcement has undoubtedly sparked conversation about innovative hiring practices and their potential pitfalls. Whether this approach becomes a precedent in corporate hiring or fades as a one-off remains to be seen.

Implications for Future Hiring Practices

This job offer raises important questions about accessibility in high-level positions within companies. As organizations look for unique ways to attract talent, they must balance innovative approaches with inclusivity to ensure they do not inadvertently exclude capable candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

For now, the spotlight is firmly on Zomato—and on the candidate who accepts this bold challenge. As discussions continue around Goyal’s unconventional job offer, it remains to be seen how this will impact Zomato’s hiring practices and whether other companies will follow suit with similar approaches. The outcome may redefine how organizations perceive talent acquisition in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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Baanhem Ventures Secures ₹3.3 Crore from Kumar Vembu’s Mudhal Partners!

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Baanhem Ventures Secures ₹3.3 Crore from Kumar Vembu’s Mudhal Partners!

Baanhem Ventures, the creators of the business reality TV show Startup Thamizha, has successfully raised ₹3.3 crore in funding from Kumar Vembu, founder of GoFrugal Technologies, through his newly launched investment firm, Mudhal Partners. This funding marks a significant milestone in Baanhem Ventures’ mission to empower first-generation entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu.

Championing Tamil Nadu’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Founded in 2024 by Hemachandran L and Balachandar R, Baanhem Ventures aims to create opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s budding entrepreneurs to become the next generation of innovators and job creators. With backing from Kumar Vembu, the venture seeks to drive social and economic growth through strategic financial and mentorship initiatives.

The company’s flagship show, Startup Thamizha, has already facilitated over ₹200 crore in investment commitments for startups across three seasons. The program showcases seed and growth-stage entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, aiming to inspire high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) to invest in local startups while nurturing an entrepreneurial culture in the state.

Building a Bridge for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Financial support is critical for first-generation entrepreneurs to start businesses and make an impact. Our mission at Baanhem is to be a dependable resource for these entrepreneurs, helping them transform their ideas into successful businesses,” said Hemachandran L and Balachandar R, Co-founders of Baanhem Ventures. Their commitment underscores the importance of accessible funding and mentorship in fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Through Startup Thamizha, Baanhem Ventures offers entrepreneurs mentorship and funding opportunities, contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu’s economic growth. The show is set to air on a prominent general entertainment channel, highlighting innovative startups and encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

The Role of Mudhal Partners

Kumar Vembu, through Mudhal Partners, is dedicated to fostering first-generation entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu. “I was impressed by Baanhem’s vision to develop native entrepreneurs using a scientific approach to produce successful startups. This is why I became the first to join this novel initiative,” Vembu stated.

The name “Mudhal Partners,” meaning “First Partners” in Tamil, reflects the firm’s vision to be the initial supporters of groundbreaking entrepreneurial ventures in Tamil Nadu.

Expanding the Vision

In addition to the funding, Baanhem Ventures is actively raising funds from venture capital firms to create a startup-investment bridge platform. This platform will connect emerging startups with top investors across India, providing access to crucial resources for scaling their businesses.

With this latest funding and the launch of Startup Thamizha, Baanhem Ventures is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial future, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth.

Conclusion

The successful funding round led by Kumar Vembu’s Mudhal Partners signifies a promising step for Baanhem Ventures as it embarks on its mission to empower first-generation entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu. By leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative platforms like Startup Thamizha, Baanhem Ventures aims not only to enhance local entrepreneurship but also contribute significantly to the broader economic landscape of the region. As they continue to nurture talent and facilitate investment opportunities, Baanhem Ventures is poised to make a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem.

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