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IIMA Ventures Launches Growth Accelerator 2.0 to Empower Small and Medium Enterprises
Business

IIMA Ventures Launches Growth Accelerator 2.0 to Empower Small and Medium Enterprises

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) incubator, IIMA Ventures, has announced the launch of Growth Accelerator 2.0, a program designed to drive exponential growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), family businesses, and growth-stage startups. The program aims to equip participants with the tools and expertise needed to scale their businesses and achieve strategic growth. What is Growth Accelerator 2.0? Growth Accelerator 2.0 is a comprehensive program that provides a range of interventions, including knowledge sessions, masterclasses, workshops, founder talks, diagnostic panels, and mentoring clinics. The program is designed to be highly interactive and hands-on, with a focus on helping participants operationalize growth opportunities in a practical manner. Ke...
Infra.Market Secures Rs 150 Crore in Series E2 Funding, Values at $2.6 Billion
Business

Infra.Market Secures Rs 150 Crore in Series E2 Funding, Values at $2.6 Billion

Bengaluru-based construction goods and services platform Infra.Market has raised Rs 150 crore (approximately $18 million) in its Series E2 funding round, just three months after announcing $50 million from the Mars Fund. The company's board has passed a resolution to issue 7,028 Series E2 preference shares at an issue price of Rs 213,438.7 each to raise the additional funds. The fresh infusion brings the total amount of funding secured by the Tiger Global-backed company to Rs 236.3 crore. The company has already received Rs 76.3 crores from the new funding, with Amit Vijaysinh Barad and Barad Sanjay Amarsinh investing Rs 45 crores together, while the remaining funds were contributed by various individual shareholders. Importantly, Infra.Market has also secured Rs 75 crore ($9 million...
Amazon Selects 7 Indian Startups for Global AI Accelerator Programme
Business

Amazon Selects 7 Indian Startups for Global AI Accelerator Programme

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has chosen seven Indian startups that specialize in generative AI for its global accelerator program. The startups, which were selected from a pool of 80 global companies, will receive up to $1 million in AWS credits to develop, train, test, and deploy their AI solutions. The selected startups are: Convrse: An AI-based tool that optimizes complex 3D objects or scenes for web or real-time applications, serving industries such as gaming, architecture, manufacturing, healthcare, and simulations. House of Models: A company that leverages large language models (LLMs) and diffuser models to generate digital content for brands and businesses, including images, videos, and product descriptions. Neural Garage: A deep technology company that uses AI to streamli...
DailyObjects Secures Rs 86 Crore in Funding Round
Business

DailyObjects Secures Rs 86 Crore in Funding Round

Gurugram-based Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) tech accessories and lifestyle brand DailyObjects has raised a significant Rs 86 crore in a new funding round from 360 One Ventures. This fresh investment brings the company's total Series B funding to a staggering $10 million, after a gap of 30 months. The funds will be used to meet the company's working capital requirements, fuel future expansion, and cater to other general corporate purposes. DailyObjects plans to maximize the utilization of these proceeds to maintain its competitive edge in the market. The board of DailyObjects has approved the issuance of 8,118 compulsory convertible preference shares worth Rs 72 crore to raise the required funds. The company's regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) confirm this developme...
Bizongo Bolsters Leadership with New Appointments
Business

Bizongo Bolsters Leadership with New Appointments

E-commerce focused packaging company Bizongo has appointed three new CEOs to head its raw material marketplace BizongoBuy and embedded supply chain finance platform BizongoFin. The company has also strengthened its leadership by appointing a Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO) and a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Kiran Dev, an ex-banker, has been named CEO of BizongoFin, the fintech arm that provides embedded supply chain financing solutions to address the $300 billion unmet SME credit needs. Dev brings with him a wealth of experience in banking and finance. Prahlad Krishnamurthi, who recently stepped down as Chief Business Officer at Cleartrip, has joined as the CEO of BizongoBuy, the integrated B2B marketplace for SMEs to buy raw materials. Gaurav Singhania has been appoint...
Virat Kohli-Backed WROGN Faces 29.2% Revenue Decline and Rising Losses in FY24
Business

Virat Kohli-Backed WROGN Faces 29.2% Revenue Decline and Rising Losses in FY24

WROGN, the men's apparel brand backed by cricket icon Virat Kohli, has faced a significant decline in revenue and profits over the past year, with its revenue plummeting by 29.2% and losses rising 28.2% to Rs 56.76 crore. Despite attempting to cut costs, the company's overall expenditure decreased by 24.7% to Rs 305.56 crore, but its outstanding debt surged to Rs 636.58 crore. Key Highlights: WROGN's revenue from operations dwindled to Rs 243.75 crore in FY24, a 29.2% drop from Rs 344.3 crore in FY23. The company's losses jumped to Rs 56.76 crore in FY24, a 28.2% increase from Rs 44.26 crore in FY23. Cost of materials accounted for 53.6% of total expenses, which slid 29% to Rs 163.91 crore in FY24. Employee benefits expenses decreased by 7.5% to Rs 32.26 crore, while commis...
ProcMart’s Rapid Growth in B2B Procurement Marketplace
Business, Fashion

ProcMart’s Rapid Growth in B2B Procurement Marketplace

ProcMart, a leading B2B procurement marketplace, has experienced a remarkable surge in growth over the past two fiscal years, with its gross merchandise value (GMV) increasing fivefold in FY23 and FY24 when compared to FY22. In FY24, the company achieved a 3X GMV growth, but its profit plummeted by 56.5%. Key Highlights: Gross Revenue: ProcMart's gross revenue skyrocketed by over 200% to Rs 621.5 crore in FY24, up from Rs 206.07 crore in FY23. Profitability: Despite strong growth, the company's profit nosedived by 56.5% to Rs 73 lakh in FY24, down from Rs 1.68 crore in FY23. EBITDA Margin: ProcMart's EBITDA margin was at 1.33% in FY24, indicating thin margins. ROCE: The company's return on capital employed (ROCE) was at 5.45% in FY24. Fundraising: ProcMart has raised ove...
SaaS Firm Whatfix Raises $100 Million in Funding from Warburg Pincus and SoftBank
Business

SaaS Firm Whatfix Raises $100 Million in Funding from Warburg Pincus and SoftBank

Bengaluru, India - SaaS-based digital adoption solution provider Whatfix has announced that it has raised nearly $100 million in primary and secondary funding led by Sweet Nectar Investments (Warburg Pincus) and SoftBank. The company has used this funding to strengthen its operations and expand its business. According to regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies, the Bengaluru-based company has issued 13,201 Series E compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 2,24,788.44 per share to raise Rs 296.74 crore in primary capital. Additionally, the transaction also includes secondary funding worth nearly Rs 530 crore. The investment from Sweet Nectar Investments (Warburg Pincus) and SoftBank has valued the company at around Rs 6,871 crore or $820-830 m...
Analysis on Bajaj Auto: Business Model, Marketing Strategy & SWOT Analysis
Business

Analysis on Bajaj Auto: Business Model, Marketing Strategy & SWOT Analysis

Bajaj Auto, one of the most well-established companies in the Indian automotive industry, has earned its place through years of strategic innovation, global expansion, & a commitment to affordability. This case study dives deep into the business model of Bajaj Auto, explores its product portfolio, analyzes its financial standing, and provides an insightful SWOT analysis. As a market leader in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments, Bajaj Auto’s business model thrives on efficiency, targeted marketing strategies, and a solid financial framework. Through this exploration, we’ll touch upon key aspects such as Bajaj Auto's business model, marketing strategy, financial analysis, and a SWOT analysis to understand the company's success. Bajaj Auto Company Overview History of Baj...
MamaEarth Sees Major Share Sell-Off as Investors Cash Out
Business

MamaEarth Sees Major Share Sell-Off as Investors Cash Out

In a significant development, a consortium of investors consisting of Peak XV, Stellaris Ventures, Sofina Ventures, and Fireside Ventures has collectively sold a massive Rs 1,600 crore ($190 million) worth of shares in Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent company of popular direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare and beauty brand MamaEarth. According to data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the investors sold 3.24 crore shares of MamaEarth at an average price of Rs 495.48 per share. The sell-off marks a significant exit for the investors, who currently hold a substantial portion of the company. Peak XV, the lead investor, along with its former entity Sequoia Capital Global Growth Fund III, divested around Rs 753 crore ($90 million) worth of shares, while Sofina Ventures, Stellaris Ve...