Archives August 2023

Delhi, 10th August 2023: Hearmo, a smart wearable and hearable lifestyle brand, has launched a budget-friendly premium lifestyle smartwatch – the HearFit RS (SE). This smartwatch offers advanced features like Wireless Charging, Bluetooth calling, 100+ sports and fitness tracking modes, and a strong metallic frame, making it an excellent choice for fashion and lifestyle-conscious customers. This smartwatch will be available through both online and retail channels, at an introductory price of INR 1,999/-.

“We believe in providing high-quality innovative products at affordable prices and HearFit RS (SE) embodies that commitment. Our goal is to bring joy and ease to our customers’ lives with exceptional technology and fashionable design. Everyone deserves access to high-quality wearable technologies that improve their lifestyle, and we are thrilled to offer a product that will add joy and ease to our customers’ lives.” said Mr. Mahendra D Jangir, Founder & CEO, Hearmo.

Specifications and Features:

The HearFit RS (SE) is a perfect fusion of cutting-edge design and technology. It boasts a sleek metallic design, accompanied by a frameless 2.0″ (UHD) Full View Display that offers wider visual angles, immersing users in every detail of their activities. With a long-lasting battery and convenient wireless charging, users can stay connected throughout the day without worry.

The HearFit RS (SE) is engineered to withstand the elements, holding an impressive IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it suitable for even the most active lifestyles. What truly sets it apart is its exceptional resolution of 420X485 and 320PPI, delivering vibrant graphics that pop on the screen. Regardless of the lighting conditions, the smartwatch ensures optimal visibility with its 700 Nits brightness, ensuring users never miss a beat.

Price and Availability

The Hearmo HearFit RS (SE) smartwatch priced at INR 7,999/-, is now available on Amazon and in offline retail outlets pan India at an exclusive launch offer price of INR 1,999. This high quality smartwatch comes in two colours – Black and Army Green.

 10th August 2023: Dallas Venture Capital (DVC), a cross-border venture capital firm, announced key additions to its Team of Advisors. The team will play a pivotal role in expanding DVC’s value propositions at a global scale, focusing mainly on the early and growth-stage companies in cloud infrastructure, AI/ML, mobile, XR, and other emerging technologies.

The team of advisors includes Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, a pioneer in Applied AI, Analytics, and Data Science with a reputation for innovating, introducing, and scaling path-breaking technologies, Ms Rama Vedashree, with over 35 years of experience in the technology space, having long stints at NIIT Technologies, Microsoft & General Electric, and Mr Jayant Patwardhan, with 34+ years of expertise in technology and management space, including 25 years in the financial services industry.

Speaking about the appointments, Kiran Kalluri, Partner at DVC India, says, “We are extremely excited to welcome onboard the new DVC Advisors. The extensive experience and sector expertise the advisors/ leaders bring along with them is going to contribute largely towards DVC and the Portfolio companies ensuring their exponential growth in the coming days. ”

Dr. Ambica is set to join DVC Advantage, a program that brings momentum to the start-up growth journey besides providing capital support. As the Group Chief Data and AI Officer of Michelin, she spearheaded Michelin’s focus on AI as a critical transformational initiative and led the data-driven transformation. Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Ambika said, “There has never been a more exciting time for startups in the AI world – and I am delighted to join as an Advisor of Dallas Venture Capital in exploring and accelerating growth in this area!”

Meanwhile, Rama Vedashree who earlier was the CEO of the Data Security Council of India (‘DSCI’), the apex Policy Think Tank and Industry Body for Cyber Security and Privacy said, “Working with Enterprise Customers and Governments in leveraging Technology has been the core mission of my career. I look forward to my new role at DVC to help grow the Deep Tech Startup ecosystem.”

On the other hand, Jayant Patwardhan served as the CEO of TIAA Global Business Services India before becoming the Chairman. Additionally, he is also an Executive Advisor to the Everest Group. In his past roles, he has served as the Managing Director, Head of Technology, India for Deutsche Bank. He has also served as the Managing Director, India CTO, Asset & Wealth Management Technology at JP Morgan Chase. Before JP Morgan, he held technology leadership roles with Nomura Holdings and Lehman Brothers. Speaking about his new role as an advisor at DVC, Jayant opined, “The start-up industry in India has grown and matured over the years. I am very excited to work with DVC India in this space and help innovate with new age technology.”

Through this instrumental addition to the team, DVC aims to accelerate the growth in the overall tech-focused startups.

Gurugram,10th August 2023The School of Agricultural Sciences at GD Goenka University is proud to announce its recent achievement of being awarded the highly esteemed Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) accreditation. This accreditation serves as a remarkable testament to the institution’s dedication to excellence in agricultural education and research within India. The ICAR accreditation is a significant recognition of the institution’s commitment to shaping the nation’s agricultural landscape through innovation, technological advancements, and sustainable farming practices.

The university celebrates this achievement as being the only private university in the Delhi NCR region to have secured the ICAR accreditation. This milestone ensures that GD Goenka University’s bachelor’s programme in agriculture consistently upholds the highest standards of education and industry relevance.

Moreover, the School is also awarding a PG programme in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Extension Education, Genetics and Plant Breeding, and Ph.D. in all the above-mentioned courses.

Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka Group, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this remarkable achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to have received the prestigious ICAR accreditation for our School of Agricultural Sciences. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to delivering excellence in agricultural education and research. We are coming up with a state-of the-art-hydroponic facility which will enable students to get hands-on training with the latest technology in the agriculture sector. GD Goenka University is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will drive innovation, sustainability, and positive change in the industry.”

The recognition is a reflection of the institution’s dedication to fostering knowledge, innovation, and sustainable practices that will contribute to the growth and advancement of the agricultural sector in India and beyond.

Manoj Mathew takes over as General Manager of The Fern Shelter Resort, Palghar (Maharashtra). Mr. Mathew brings with him more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with Oberoi Hotels, Hotel Marine Plaza, InterContinental Marine Drive and The Shalimar Hotel. He believes innovation is the key to staying relevant and chasing a vision while constantly learning is the way forward. The coming together of Concept Hospitality and Shelter Resorts in Palghar District is a positive step in this direction.

Leadership from the heart is an art he specializes in and with good support from all resources within Concept Hospitality and Shelter Resorts, he sets standards high for himself and his young team by encouraging them to nurture a cohesive work environment. Progressive strategizing and critical thinking are two significant matrices for the success of a property of this magnitude.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a renowned environmentally conscious hotel chain and one of India’s fastest-growing brands is delighted to commemorate a remarkable milestone. They have either opened or have upcoming openings for 100 hotels and resorts in 85 locations across India and worldwide. The Fern encompasses various brands, including The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Fern Habitat, Zinc Journey by The Fern, and Beacon Hotels. This exceptional achievement is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and providing unmatched hospitality experiences. The Fern consistently raises the bar in the industry while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Global 10th August 2023 – DHF Capital S.A., one of the leading global asset management and securitization firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ali Jaffari who joins as the firm’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Ali brings a wealth of expertise to oversee and enhance all financial aspects of DHF Capital S.A. and its global operations.

Ali will be reporting directly to Bas Kooijman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at DHF Capital S.A. In his new role Ali will be a key strategic partner to the firm’s executive team and will play a vital role in shaping the financial direction of the asset management firm while ensuring financial stability and long-term growth. His primary focus will be to continue building on the firm’s momentum across its global operations and develop financial strategies that meet the company’s objectives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ali Jaffari as the new Chief Financial Officer for DHF Capital’s global operations. Ali will play a critical role in shaping the financial direction of the company, ensuring our financial stability, and contributing to our long-term success. With his impressive track record and extensive experience in the finance and asset management industry, I have full confidence that Ali will bring a unique perspective and innovative ideas to the table. I look forward to working closely with him to sustain our business momentum and achieve outstanding results for our esteemed clients, partners, and stakeholders.” saidBas Kooijman,Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at DHF Capital S.A.

Ali Jaffari, the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the leading asset management firm:

“As I step into my role as the new CFO of DHF Capital S.A., an esteemed asset management firm, I am inspired by the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. With a keen focus on fiscalresponsibility, strategic vision, and collaborative excellence, I am eager to contribute my expertise in navigating the financial landscape and driving sustainable growth for the benefit of our clients and stakeholders. I look forward to embarking on this journey and contributing to the organization’s continued success.”

Over the past decade, Jaffari has held roles including “Principal and Head of North American Capital Markets”, “Manager of Capital Markets and Corporate Finance” and “Manager, FX and Investments, Treasury”. Ali will foster close cooperation and partnerships with various departments to ensure smooth collaboration with portfolio managers and investment teams to assess investment opportunities, risk profiles, and potential returns.

DHF Capital S.A. is excited to have Ali Jaffari on board and is confident that his expertise and vision will contribute significantly to the firm’s continued growth and success in the region.

Bengaluru, 10th August 2023 Myntra announces the launch of FWD Campus Tribe, a unique student community that celebrates Gen Z and its love for all things fashion, including keeping up with the ever-evolving trends. The Campus Tribe will be a part of FWD, Myntra’s immersive app-in-app shopping experience tailored for Zoomers. Campus Tribe members, consisting of students above the age of 18, will have access to an array of benefits including a 3-month Insider Trial pack, Myntra’s loyalty program which entitles them to free shipping, Early Access during marquee events, 1:1 personal styling sessions and exciting offers on fresh arrivals/new season collection. A select subset of the FWD Campus Tribe will consist of the Campus Squad, who will act as representatives of the FWD Campus Tribe in their respective colleges and help in recruiting more students into the FWD Campus Tribe. The proposition will see 1000+ fashion-forward student creators being onboarded to act as FWD’s voices across leading colleges in their respective cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Indore, Jaipur and Bengaluru, among others.

The FWD Campus Squad will also be tasked with building top of mind recall for Myntra, along with driving demand by the way of promoting their unique referral codes. Additionally, the Campus Squad will generate ample social content for Myntra FWD, continuing to build a strong social voice within the Gen Z community.

Introducing Myntra FWD Faces: As a part of its student engagement initiatives, the platform will launch a series of offline events called “Myntra FWD Faces” with the 1st edition of the event scheduled to be held in Mumbai, followed by Delhi. Myntra FWD Faces will serve the objective of finding the trendiest Gen Z personalities who embody the brand’s persona and build awareness for Myntra FWD within the student community, all while generating compelling social content. The winners of the Myntra FWD Faces event will be rewarded with FWD merchandise vouchers, goodie boxes, and a chance to get featured on Myntra’s social handles and app.

Speaking on the launch of the FWD Campus Tribe, Arun Devanathan, Senior Director – Social Commerce, Myntra, said, “We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated launch of FWD Campus Tribe, our unique, multi-city student engagement program. This initiative is designed to foster a deep connection with the vibrant student community, predominantly represented by Gen Z, an essential and influential cohort in today’s world. With FWD Campus Tribe, we embark on a journey to celebrate not only fashion but also their unbridled spirit that champions authenticity. We aim to empower students with a seamless blend of style, expression, autonomy, and community, retaining Myntra as their go-to fashion destination, a platform where they truly feel seen and heard.”

Cohesively Building for Gen Z: With more than 1000 Gen Z affined content creators being unlocked as a part of the platform’s student community, the Campus Tribe program will enable Myntra to increase penetration into India’s burgeoning Gen Z community from various colleges. Keeping a special focus on communities that the Gen Z love and favour, Myntra will be engaging creators like dancers, gamers, rappers, and sneakerheads, among others to build visibility around Myntra FWD. Some of the popular creators being engaged as a part of the FWD activation include, Nagma Mirjkar Aashika Bhatia, Just Janvi,Rohit Saraf and Rebel Kid (Apoorva), among others.

As a frontrunner in enabling the thriving creator economy, some of the key focus areas for Myntra include, building more income opportunities for creators aiding the growth of nano and micro creators to rise to their full potential, and continuing to increase focus on innovations in the generative tech space.

New Delhi, 10th August 2023: KRAFTON, Inc. (CEO CH Kim) announced its 2Q23 and 1H preliminary earnings on August 9th.

KRAFTON recorded its 1H 2023 cumulative sales at KRW925.7B, OP at KRW414.5B, and NP at KRW395.7B in accordance with the Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS). KRAFTON has maintained an effort of reducing costs this year, but due to seasonal off-peak effects, the company recorded sales at KRW 387.1B, OP at KRW131.5B and NP at KRW128.5B for Q2.

During the first half of the year, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS PC/console lay the groundwork for a sustainable servicing of the game by driving a variety of updates, which include enhancements to Normal Match, an addition of a revive system, a clan system release, and Arcade overhaul. Even after the free-to-play transition, over 2 million users a month have consistently joined the game.

BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA(BGMI) was relaunched in May and is regaining traffic in the India region. In 2H, content localized for India will be added to the game while more focus and effort will be put into the Indian market through large-scale esports events. Defense Derby, which was released to the global market at the beginning of August, is achieving initial success with positive reviews from users.

With its strategy “Scale-Up the Creative” KRAFTON is strengthening its game development and publishing capabilities. KRAFTON and its 11 independent studios are working on developing over 20 new games, consisting of “The Bird That Drinks Tears”, “Project Black Budget”, and “Project Gold Rush.” In an effort to expand its ecosystem, the company has also introduced a system for proposing new titles called “The Creative.” KRAFTON is also actively fostering future growth by investing in domestic and overseas studios in order to discover unique and original creatives. Aside from all this, KRAFTON is also implementing deep learning technology in its day-to-day operations with the goal of discovering new gameplay and enhancing production efficiency. Deep learning technology will also be applied to the open-world UGC platform Migaloo, which is set for a soft launch at the end of the year.

KRAFTON’s 1H23 (preliminary) earnings on a consolidated basis (unit: KRW 100M)

Mumbai, 10th Aug 2023: Credgenics, A leading provider of SaaS-based debt collections and resolution technology platforms globally, has raised USD 50 million in a Series B funding round led by Westbridge Capital, Accel, Tanglin Ventures, Beams Fintech Fund and other strategic investors. The company, valued now at USD 340 million, will use the additional funds for product innovation and enrichment, international business expansion, and capturing other BFSI industry segments.

Since its launch in 2019, Credgenics has established a formidable presence in the Indian market and is breaking ground in the SouthEast Asia region. With a steadfast commitment to reimagine debt collections through digitization and analytics, the company has seen a remarkable 7x growth rate, since its last fundraise in 2021. Credgenics continues to disrupt the collections landscape, driving innovation and delivering tremendous business value to its customers from the banking and financial services industry.

Credgenics is working with 100+ leading private banks, non-banking financial companies, Fintechs and Asset Reconstruction Companies including IIFL Finance, Mahindra Finance, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, DMI Finance, Hero Fincorp, TVS Credit, IREP Credit Capital and Indifi. The company has touched an overall loan book worth USD 47 billion in FY22. The SaaS-driven platform offers a comprehensive suite of debt resolution solutions, including digital collections, collections analytics, litigation management, field collections mobile app, agent performance management, and payments platform that use AI-driven intelligent automation and Machine Learning models to deliver highly efficient collections.

Speaking on the announcement, Rishabh Goel, Co-Founder & CEO, Credgenics, said, “We express our gratitude to our current investors for their unwavering support and trust in our vision. Their support propels us towards our mission of global expansion and fostering India’s financial growth. With these resources, we can extend our innovative debt recovery solutions to new markets, empowering individuals and businesses worldwide to regain control of their loan collections. This funding not only accelerates our growth but also enables us to make a meaningful impact on the economic landscape of countries, unlocking new opportunities for financial well-being.”

Anand Agrawal, Co-Founder & CPTO, Credgenics said, “At Credgenics, we are committed to harnessing the power of digital and emerging technologies for transforming the way debts are managed while ensuring a seamless experience for lenders and borrowers. We are in a prime growth phase where we plan to introduce more innovative solutions and expand our footprint in other countries as well as invest in product development. Strengthening our partnership with our existing investors is a strategic decision that will help us bring more agility, convenience and efficiency to the loan collections process.”

Sumir Chadha, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, WestBridge Capital said, “As steadfast investors in Credgenics’ remarkable growth, we recognize the immense potential and unwavering dedication of this visionary team. With AI at its forefront, what Credgenics is doing is truly exceptional. Its unique services and talented workforce are poised to put the company on the map for success and change the face of the debt collections industry for the better. As we stand beside Credgenics, we embrace the opportunity to reshape the future of debt recovery, together, paving the way for financial empowerment and growth.”

Pratik Agarwal, Principal, Accel, said,“We are proud to continue supporting Credgenics in their journey as they lead the way in SaaS-based debt collections. Their innovative approach, leveraging cutting-edge technology and analytics, has demonstrated immense potential and delivered impressive results. As existing investors, we are excited to be a part of Credgenics’ next funding round, confident in their ability to transform the industry and drive sustainable growth. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and the positive impact they will make in the world of debt collections.”

Backed by Westbridge Capital, Accel, Beams Fintech Fund, Tanglin Venture Partners, and other strategic investors, Credgenics has recently turned operationally profitable and reached a revenue of INR 100 crore in the FY 2022-23. Since its inception, Credgenics has built on its commitment to driving innovation and operational excellence in collections. The company now has five offices in India and two others in Jakarta and Singapore, with another one set to open in Vietnam.

CBM India Trust stands as a pioneering force in inclusive development, dedicated to amplifying awareness and fostering holistic engagement for people with disabilities across 25 states in India. This commitment reshapes an encompassing, physically and socially inclusive environment. The organization, a leading Indian non-profit, is dedicated to elevating the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and marginalized communities. Its inclusive development model is uniquely positioned to break the cycle of poverty and disability.

Rangamma’s story resonates as an inspiring testament to the potency of compassion, support, and empowerment in reshaping lives. From societal neglect and being branded as “mad”, her journey illustrates the significance of tailored resources and opportunities.

Years ago, Rangamma found herself abandoned and estranged due to mental health struggles. Yet, hope emerged when partner organization Gramina Abyuday Seva Samsthe (GASS) intervened, providing transformative guidance. In GASS’s women’s hostel, Rangamma received not just medical care, but vital emotional support.

Her healing path led her to train for Areca Plate Production, where her curiosity flourished. Now a confident operator and mentor at the Areca Plate Production unit in Rural Bengaluru, Rangamma’s journey reflects resilience and progress. Amid the pandemic, she became her family’s anchor. With an infectious spirit, Rangamma hums tunes at work, symbolizing her remarkable transformation. The unit, resonating with laughter, testifies to the broader success of its employees. The unit, a joint effort between GASS and CBM India Trust, symbolizes inclusivity, generating livelihoods and empowerment for those with intellectual and psychosocial challenges.

Established in 2021, the Areca Plate Production unit mirrors a commitment to accessibility and sustainability. It empowered 35 individuals, propelling a movement toward enduring change. In a compact narrative, Rangamma’s transformation signifies the organization’s impact in building inclusive futures, bolstered by compassion and collective dedication.

10th August 2023: As the tech world continues its rapid evolution, NxtWave, a leading upskilling platform for software careers, organized a successful virtual Generative AI Mega Workshop to empower aspiring tech students with cutting-edge and emerging technologies. The workshop received an overwhelming response from the student community, with participants coming from over 3,000 colleges across India.

Generative AI, one of the world’s top emerging technologies, is capturing the attention of major companies, including tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft to implement the technology across business and product functions. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could add the equivalent of $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually, underscoring the immense potential and opportunities this field offers for skilled individuals.

During the three-hour online workshop, students delved into multiple AI tools such as OpenAI APIs, Hugging Face, Gradio, Google Colab, and more. The workshop adopted a hands-on approach, allowing participants to gain practical experience by building their very own AI applications. Under the guidance of NxtWave, the students were provided with valuable insights into key Generative AI concepts, empowering them with essential skills required in the AI era.

Rahul Attuluri, CEO of NxtWave, commented, “Advancements in Generative AI are happening at an incredible pace. It’s highly important for students to build skills in this emerging technology. Through this workshop, we equipped students with the understanding of the key Generative AI concepts and essential skills through hands-on projects.”

The Generative AI Workshop marks a significant milestone in NxtWave’s commitment to empowering students with the latest technologies, making them job-ready and future-proof in the competitive tech landscape. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the students proudly built and showcased their AI Avatars, symbolizing their accomplishments within the NxtWave learning community.

One of the enthusiastic participants, Poojashree, shared her experience, saying, “Learning a new AI platform which I didn’t know about was truly exhilarating. Under the mentorship of Rahul Attuluri, I was able to build my own version of an AI platform. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity and am eager to showcase my work across various platforms.”

NxtWave’s vision is to build India’s largest online employability platform for tech careers, and it has been at the forefront of bridging the industry’s skills gap. Founded by IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, and IIIT Hyderabad alumni – Sashank Reddy Gujjula, Anupam Pedarla, and Rahul Attuluri, NxtWave has successfully helped thousands of learners secure positions in 1500 companies, ranging from fast-growing startups to Fortune 500 giants.