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PV Sindhu Joins Hoop as Investor and Brand Ambassador

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PV sindhu for HOOP

PV Sindhu, India’s celebrated badminton champion and a two-time Olympic medalist, has partnered with the wellness brand Hoop as both an investor and brand ambassador.

Founded in October 2023 by former McKinsey consultants Twinkle Uppal and Saharsh Agarwal, Hoop aims to modernize wellness practices and integrate fitness into India’s lifestyle. The brand addresses contemporary wellness needs such as muscle recovery post-workout, injury prevention during sports, and relief from sedentary lifestyle-related issues like back and neck pain.

Known for her outstanding achievements in badminton, Sindhu emphasized the importance of physical wellness in her athletic journey that she tried Hoop products for months and was incredibly impressed with their effectiveness.

PV Sindhu’s association with Hoop is seen as a strategic move to amplify the brand’s message of wellness and fitness. Saharsh Agarwal, co-founder of Hoop, expressed confidence in Sindhu’s role, stating, “PV Sindhu perfectly embodies the spirit of a champion and is a credible voice in fitness. With her remarkable achievements and upcoming participation in the Olympics 2024, Sindhu’s endorsement reaffirms Hoop’s commitment to enhancing wellness practices.”

Since its launch, Hoop has garnered a strong market presence, reaching customers in over 1,000 cities across India, including remote regions like Lakshadweep, Kargil, Changlang, and Kanyakumari. The brand’s growth trajectory is supported by its inclusion in Peak XV’s Spark Program (formerly Sequoia India), and backing from prominent angel investors in India’s startup ecosystem.

The partnership with PV Sindhu signifies Hoop’s dedication to promoting accessible and effective wellness solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of today’s active lifestyles.

Karnataka Government Signs MoUs with Korean Companies DN Solutions and EMNI Co. Ltd

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karnataka govt signs Mou

On the second day of their delegation’s visit to Seoul, South Korea, the Karnataka government successfully inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) valued at Rs 1,040 crore with DN Solutions and EMNI Company Limited.

Led by MB Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, the delegation participated in a high-profile ‘Roadshow on Investment Opportunities in Karnataka’ organized jointly by the Karnataka government and the Embassy of India in Seoul.

According to a statement released by Minister MB Patil’s office, these strategic collaborations are poised to significantly bolster Karnataka’s manufacturing, research and development, and battery technology sectors.

The statement highlighted DN Solutions’ substantial commitment of Rs 1,000 crore towards Karnataka’s industrial landscape. This investment will facilitate the establishment of advanced machine manufacturing facilities, a cutting-edge research and development center, and a technical support hub tailored for Indian manufacturing enterprises.

EMNI Co. Ltd, on the other hand, pledged an investment of Rs 40 crore specifically directed towards advancing battery technologies. The MoU with EMNI Co. Ltd focuses on initiatives related to the storage, testing, and recycling of LG Energy Solution’s battery cells within Karnataka.

These agreements mark a pivotal step forward in Karnataka’s pursuit of economic growth and technological innovation, underscored by strong partnerships with global leaders in industry and technology.

AI Startup Sentient Raises $85 Million in Seed Funding Round

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San Francisco-based startup Sentient, specializing in blockchain-based AI solutions, has successfully secured $85 million in its latest seed funding round. The funding was co-led by prominent investors including Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, and Framework Ventures, alongside contributions from Ethereal Ventures, Robot Ventures, Symbolic Capital, Delphi Ventures, Republic, Arrington Capital, and others in the venture capital community.

Founded by Sandeep Nailwal, known for his role in Polygon, a leading blockchain platform, Sentient aims to revolutionize AI development by integrating blockchain technology. This initiative seeks to establish decentralized solutions that incentivize developers, researchers, and businesses through an open-source platform.

Key figures in Sentient include co-founders Sandeep Nailwal, Pramod Viswanath, Forrest G Hamrick, a distinguished professor from Princeton University’s School of Engineering. The team also includes Himanshu Tyagi, an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and AI venture studio Sensys, bringing extensive expertise in blockchain technology and AI research.

Sentient’s strategic direction involves leveraging the Polygon Aggregator Layer for its platform development. Sandeep Nailwal expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact, emphasizing its innovative approach to longstanding AI challenges. The company has already attracted top AI talents from global tech giants such as Google and Deepmind, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in AI research and development.

The company envisions a future where AI development aligns with societal interests, promoting responsible and inclusive technological progress. Sentient’s latest funding round underscores growing investor confidence in its pioneering efforts to reshape the AI landscape through decentralized innovation.

Tech Data Partners with Couchbase to Expand Cloud Database Solutions in India

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tech data and couchbase

Tech Data, a prominent distributor in the IT sector and a subsidiary of TD SYNNEX Corporation, has forged a strategic partnership with Couchbase, a leading provider of cloud database platforms. This collaboration aims to streamline the development, deployment, and management of modern applications, bolstering digital innovation and business agility across India.

Through this agreement, Tech Data will facilitate the expansion of Couchbase’s footprint in India, focusing on promoting Capella, Couchbase’s distributed NoSQL database, as a fully managed service. Capella is renowned for its versatile multi-model capabilities and mobile synchronization features, supported by a memory-first architecture that ensures rapid data responsiveness at scale.

Sundaresan K., Vice President and Country General Manager at Tech Data India and ANZ, expressed that this collaboration with Couchbase underscores commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to accelerate their cloud and digital transformation initiatives.

The partnership also aims to enable businesses in India to build robust database platforms capable of supporting mission-critical operations and enhancing customer experiences. This is crucial as organizations increasingly seek scalable, secure, and agile IT infrastructures capable of handling diverse data flows and complex applications without compromising performance or security.

Shivir Chordia, Managing Director at Couchbase India & SAARC, highlighted, “Tech Data India brings extensive market presence and differentiated support as a value-added distributor. Our collaboration will empower government agencies and enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation journeys, driving agility and scalability across operations. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to delivering best-in-class enterprise solutions to our customers in India.”

Through this partnership, Tech Data and Couchbase aim to set new benchmarks in cloud database solutions, catering to the evolving needs of enterprises as they navigate the complexities of digital transformation and strive for competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Capgemini Announces Plans for 5,000-Seater Centre in Chennai

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capgemini

Capgemini, a global leader in technology services, has unveiled its ambitious plan to establish a state-of-the-art 5,000-seater centre in Chennai, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its footprint in India.

The company has earmarked an investment of approximately Rs 1,000 crore over the next three years to develop this facility, slated for completion by April 2027.

Spanning 600,000 square feet, the centre will cater to Capgemini’s diverse specialist teams, including those specializing in financial services, engineering, digital solutions, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

Vijay Chandramohan, Vice President and Head of Corporate Real Estate Services for APAC and Middle East at Capgemini explained about the significace that this investment by Capgemini demonstrates dedication to fostering innovation and sustainable growth in Tamil Nadu.

Capgemini currently employs nearly 175,000 professionals across 13 locations in India, making it a significant contributor to the country’s technology landscape.

Amocare Secures $400K in Pre-Seed Funding Round to Expand Intimate Wellness Product Line

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Amocare, a Gurugram-based wellness brand specializing in intimate wellness products, has successfully raised $400,000 in a pre-seed funding round co-led by FAAD Network and AngelBay Holdings. The funding infusion aims to accelerate Amocare’s growth trajectory by expanding its product offerings, strengthening brand presence, and venturing into new international markets.

Founded in 2023 by Prabhat Maheshwari and Neeraj Sehgal, Amocare distinguishes itself by offering premium intimate wellness solutions rooted in natural ingredients. Its product portfolio spans personal care and intimate hygiene, addressing a spectrum of holistic wellness needs.

The funding will primarily support Amocare’s initiatives to scale operations, enhance product development capabilities, and bolster customer engagement strategies. Additionally, the brand plans to expand its market footprint into key international territories such as Eastern Europe and the UK, leveraging strategic partnerships facilitated by its investors.

In the competitive landscape of intimate wellness brands, which includes players like Bold Care, MyMuse, Pee Safe, and The Sangya Project, Amocare aims to carve out a niche through innovation, quality, and a focus on customer trust.

With this latest funding round, Amocare is poised to capitalize on growing consumer awareness and demand for natural wellness solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the intimate wellness segment both domestically and globally.

The successful funding round reflects investor confidence in Amocare’s business model and growth potential, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing intimate wellness through sustainable and scientifically backed products.

Patanjali Foods Acquires Home and Personal Care Business from Patanjali Ayurved for Rs 1,100 Crore

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patanjali foods

Patanjali Foods Ltd, a listed entity under the Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali group, has announced the acquisition of Patanjali Ayurved’s home and personal care business for Rs 1,100 crore. This strategic move aims to transform Patanjali Foods into a prominent player in the FMCG sector, leveraging the strong brand equity and consumer base of the acquired business.

According to a regulatory filing, Patanjali Foods’ board has approved the acquisition through a slump sale arrangement, encompassing all aspects of Patanjali Ayurved’s non-food business. This includes assets, properties, contracts, licenses, and liabilities associated with segments such as hair care, skin care, dental care, and home care.

“The acquisition of the home and personal care business from Patanjali Ayurved will accelerate our transition into a leading FMCG company,” stated Patanjali Foods in its filing. The acquired business currently holds a robust position in India’s FMCG market, enjoying significant brand loyalty across its product categories.

As part of the transaction, Patanjali Foods and Patanjali Ayurved have agreed to a licensing arrangement that allows Patanjali Foods continued use of trademarks and associated intellectual property owned by Patanjali Ayurved.

“The valuation exercises conducted by independent valuers have resulted in a lump sum consideration of Rs 1,100 crore for the transfer of this business,” the filing added, highlighting the mutually negotiated nature of the transaction.

This acquisition is expected to consolidate the ‘Patanjali’ brand’s presence in the FMCG sector, driving synergies in brand equity, product innovation, cost optimization, infrastructure efficiencies, and market share expansion.

Following the board’s approval, Patanjali Foods will proceed with executing definitive agreements and obtaining necessary approvals from shareholders, lenders, and regulatory authorities to complete the transaction.

The move underscores Patanjali’s strategic realignment to focus and strengthen its foothold in key consumer product categories, aligning with broader market trends and consumer preferences in India’s competitive FMCG landscape.

Air India Plans Flying Training Organisation in Amravati, Operations Set for Early 2026

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air india

Air India has unveiled plans to establish a Flying Training Organisation (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in Indian aviation. The initiative, scheduled to commence operations by early 2026, aims to become South Asia’s largest facility of its kind, catering to the burgeoning demand for skilled commercial pilots.

This pioneering venture, the first of its kind by an Indian airline, will be housed at Amravati’s Belora airport and operate under a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) license. The FTO will boast a fleet comprising 31 single-engine and 3 twin-engine aircraft, dedicated to training aspiring pilots.

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, emphasized the strategic importance of the FTO in bolstering India’s aviation capabilities and fostering opportunities for the nation’s youth to pursue careers in aviation. “The establishment of the FTO at Amravati is a crucial step towards enhancing self-reliance in Indian aviation and realizing the aspirations of future pilots,” he stated.

Air India secured the tender from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company for a 30-year lease to develop and operate the FTO, underscoring its commitment to supporting India’s aviation infrastructure growth.

Sunil Bhaskaran, Director of the Aviation Academy of Air India, highlighted the FTO’s role in providing world-class training aligned with global standards. “Aspiring pilots will benefit from state-of-the-art curricula comparable to the best international institutions,” Bhaskaran affirmed. He also reiterated Air India’s dedication to advancing India’s aviation sector in alignment with the government’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Earlier this year, Air India announced plans for its Aviation Academy in Gurugram, set to be South Asia’s largest spanning 600,000 square feet. These initiatives reflect Air India’s proactive approach in addressing the evolving demands of the aviation industry and preparing for future growth.

The establishment of the FTO in Amravati comes at a critical juncture amidst industry reports highlighting significant manpower shortages across various aviation disciplines. CAPA India, a leading aviation consultancy, recently underscored the severity of these shortages, citing concerns over pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), and cabin crew deficits exacerbated by global recruitment trends and regulatory changes.

As Air India progresses with its expansion plans, including the new FTO in Amravati and the Gurugram Aviation Academy, the airline reaffirms its commitment to advancing India’s aviation ecosystem and meeting the evolving needs of the rapidly expanding aviation market.

AB De Villiers Joins Supply6 as Brand Ambassador and Investor, Promoting Healthier Lifestyles

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supply 6 AB De villers

Former South African cricket star AB De Villiers has teamed up with Bengaluru-based health food brand Supply6, signing on as both a brand ambassador and investor. This strategic collaboration aims to blend De Villiers’ athletic prowess with Supply6’s commitment to providing essential nutrients, fostering a culture of healthier living.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, AB De Villiers underscored the pivotal role nutrition plays in enhancing health and performance, aligning closely with his personal dedication to peak physical condition. “I am excited to join forces with Supply6,” he remarked, highlighting the brand’s focus on comprehensive and convenient nutrition solutions.

Founded in January 2019 by Vaibhav Bhandari and Rahul Jacob, Supply6 specializes in offering a range of health supplements designed to support holistic well-being. The company’s flagship product, Supply6 360 Foundational Nutrition Supplement, targets common deficiencies such as Vitamin D, B12, and gut health issues. The supplement line also includes specialized formulations for skin wellness and energy enhancement.

Vaibhav Bhandari, Co-founder and CEO of Supply6, identified gaps in nutritional needs within the market, prompting the development of Supply6 360. This supplement integrates essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics into a single product, addressing core nutritional deficiencies comprehensively.

Supply6 adheres to six fundamental pillars of nutrition—protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber—to guide the formulation of its products. Each supplement is grounded in scientific research and tailored to cater to diverse health requirements, offering a range from general health maintenance to targeted solutions for specific nutritional goals.

Rahul Jacob, Co-founder of Supply6, emphasized the brand’s commitment to customization, acknowledging that individual nutritional needs vary widely. This approach ensures that Supply6’s product offerings are thoughtfully curated to meet specific health concerns and enhance overall vitality.

As AB De Villiers joins Supply6 in promoting its mission of fostering healthier lifestyles through quality nutrition, the partnership reflects a shared vision of integrating athletic excellence with nutritional innovation. Together, they aim to inspire individuals to prioritize their health with scientifically backed supplements that support optimal well-being.

The collaboration marks a significant step for Supply6 in expanding its reach and reinforcing its commitment to empowering consumers with effective, science-driven nutrition solutions.

Pivot Robots Secures Funding from NuVentures to Advance AI-Powered Manufacturing Automation

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Pivot robots founders

Pivot Robots, an AI startup specializing in industrial automation, has successfully secured funding from early-stage investor NuVentures, as part of its strategic expansion plans. The undisclosed investment comes shortly after Pivot Robots participated in Y Combinator’s 2024 cohort, highlighting its potential in the burgeoning field of AI-driven manufacturing solutions.

Founded in 2023 by Siddharth Girdhar and Vignesh Rajmohan, both seasoned veterans in AI and robotics with previous stints at tech giants like Meta, Google, and Uber, Pivot Robots aims to revolutionize the manufacturing sector by leveraging artificial intelligence. The startup’s proprietary AI vision control software enables industrial robots to automate complex tasks, starting with the critical function of grinding metal parts.

Pivot Robots’ technology represents a significant leap beyond traditional robotic automation systems, granting industrial robots unprecedented adaptability and precision. This capability addresses immediate challenges such as labor shortages in the US manufacturing sector, underscoring the practical applications of AI in enhancing industrial productivity.

NuVentures, known for its early investments in successful ventures like Mu Sigma and Acko, boasts a diverse portfolio of over 40 companies including PocketAces, Foxtale, Geist Beer, and Third Wave. The partnership with Pivot Robots aligns with NuVentures’ strategy of backing innovative startups poised to disrupt traditional industries with transformative technologies.

Looking ahead, Pivot Robots aims to further innovate and expand its product offerings, leveraging NuVentures’ strategic support to solidify its position as a leader in AI-powered manufacturing automation. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to driving technological advancements that propel industrial efficiency and sustainability in global manufacturing markets.