Archives September 2023

The Family Office of Aloke and Suchitra Lohia has invested in Global Study Abroad Platform, Leverage, which includes LeverageEdu, Fly. finance & Fly Homes. The Lohia family are the largest shareholders in Indorama Ventures PCL, one of Thailand’s largest publicly listed companies. This investment underscores Leverage Edu’s commitment to expand to the Southeast Asia market and double down on its commitment to enable students from emerging economies to access the best quality education across the world.

“We are thrilled to be partners on this journey with Leverage Edu, a pioneer in Student Mobility. The family believes in supporting ventures that create positive societal impacts. Leverage Edu’s innovative approach resonates deeply with our values, and we are excited to contribute to their mission,” said Suchitra Lohia, Executive Director of Indorama Ventures, who spearheads the Family Office operations based out of Bangkok.

More than 40,000 students went abroad from Thailand to study overseas last year, showing a ~30% CAGR in outbound international student numbers. Moreover, none of the universities in Thailand are globally ranked which makes a foreign education even more lucrative for its ambitious population. Leverage Edu’s mission to enable the next 100,000 Thai students to study abroad will be fueled by this partnership.

Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO, Leverage Edu, Fly.finance and Fly Homes said, “Problems like lack of sufficient English language training will be our priority to solve in Thailand as we enter one of Southeast Asia’s most promising markets. We are looking to set up an office in Bangkok, where the family has a deep understanding of Thai ecosystem, can support us. This investment serves as a testament to the transformative work my colleagues have been doing, and the unique missionary approach with which we are dedicated to putting students first.”

Bengaluru, 22nd September 2023 Cashfree Payments, India’s leading payments and API banking company, has partnered with Shopify to launch onsite payments with cards for Indian merchants. With onsite payments, merchants can offer a seamless and swift checkout experience to customers by directly collecting payment information on their website, eliminating the need for redirection to a third-party page. This streamlined process reduces transaction time and minimizes customer drop-offs, enhancing revenue and payment experience.

Previously, customers were required to leave the merchant’s website and undergo an additional step to complete their payment, which delayed order completion and resulted in lower intent customers dropping off. Onsite payments alleviate multiple issues, enabling customers to complete their transactions directly on the merchant’s website. This ensures a quicker, smoother, and more controlled checkout experience for all parties involved.

Onsite Payments on Shopify were initially exclusive to Shopify Stores in the US. However, with this partnership with Cashfree Payments, Indian merchants on Shopify will now have access to this essential functionality. Presently, the partnership enables customers to use credit and debit cards, with additional payment options to be added in the future.

Reeju Datta, Co-Founder, of Cashfree Payments said, “We are delighted to partner with Shopify to introduce the onsite payment solution in India. Our integration enables Shopify merchants to offer a seamless checkout experience to their customers, resulting in higher conversion rates and increased customer satisfaction. The partnership between Cashfree Payments and Shopify demonstrates our mutual dedication to empowering India’s burgeoning D2C and e-commerce ecosystem.”

Bharati Balakrishnan, Country Head, Shopify SEA and India added, “Digital payments are an integral part of the eCommerce experience, and we are pleased to partner with Cashfree Payments to enhance our payments offering and improve outcomes for our merchants in India.”

Onsite Payments on Shopify were initially exclusive to Shopify Stores in the US. However, with this partnership with Cashfree Payments, Indian merchants on Shopify will now have access to this essential functionality. Presently, the partnership enables customers to use credit and debit cards, with additional payment options to be added in the future.

With over 50% market share among payment processors, Cashfree Payments today leads the way in bulk disbursals in India with its Payouts and is also among the leading online payment aggregators. India’s largest lender, SBI invested in Cashfree Payments underscoring the company’s role in building a robust payments ecosystem. Cashfree Payments works closely with all leading banks to build the core payments and banking infrastructure that powers the company’s products. Cashfree Payments is also integrated with major platforms such as Shopify, Wix, Paypal, Amazon Pay, Paytm, and Google Pay. Apart from India, Cashfree Payments products are used in eight other countries including the USA, Canada, and UAE.

Mumbai, 22nd September 2023 – Parexel, one of the world’s largest clinical research organizations (CROs) providing the full range of Phase I to IV clinical development services, today announced that Chief Medical Officer and Global Head, Oncology Center of Excellence, Amy McKee, M.D., has been named to the PharmaVoice 100 list of influential people in the life sciences industry. Dr. McKee was recognized for her inspirational leadership qualities and commitment to guiding the next generation of industry leaders along with her leadership in creating breakthrough strategies for sponsors. During her tenure at Parexel, she has been instrumental in providing patient-led medical and scientific expertise in support of the company’s therapeutic and regulatory strategies.

“The growing need for innovative, life-saving treatment options requires skilled leaders with the experience and patient-led focus to bring them to fruition,” said Peyton Howell, Chief Operating and Growth Officer. “Amy’s dedication to our customers, patients and the Parexel organization is an inspiration to anyone who has the pleasure of working with her. We look forward to her continued leadership and contributions in driving the industry forward to improve patient lives.”

As the Chief Medical Officer and Global Head, the Oncology Center of Excellence for Parexel, Dr. McKee provides oversight to the company’s therapeutic, medical and scientific centers of excellence. In this role, she collaborates closely with key stakeholders to strengthen Parexel as a collaborative drug development partner and establish market-leading, patient-focused teams. Since assuming the position of Chief Medical Officer in 2022, Dr. McKee has grown her team to include new therapeutic heads of Oncology, Hematology, Infectious Disease and Vaccines, and Neurosciences.

With more than 20 years of experience in the life sciences — including FDA, regulatory, clinical research, bench science and clinical medicine expertise — Dr. McKee is an industry trailblazer with a deep-rooted passion for science and patients. She joined Parexel in 2019 as Vice President, Regulatory Consulting Services after an 11-year tenure with the FDA, during which time she served as Deputy Center Director, Oncology Center of Excellence; Supervisory Associate Director, Office of Hematology and Oncology Products (OHOP); and Acting Deputy Office Director of OHOP. Her vast FDA experience equips her well to lead Parexel in designing and implementing complex and innovative clinical development programs across various therapeutic areas. Dr. McKee received her M.D. from Tulane University School of Medicine and currently serves on the Board of Directors for BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Since its inception in 2005, the PharmaVoice 100 highlighted outstanding individuals across the industry who serve as sources of inspiration to their teams, companies, and communities. Each honoree of the PharmaVoice 100 has been nominated and selected based on substantive personal accounts describing how they have profoundly motivated and inspired their colleagues and peers in their respective fields. To view the full list of PharmaVoice 100 honorees, click here.

If music is your ultimate source of solace and joy, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve scoured the tech landscape to bring you a selection of cutting-edge gadgets that promise to take your audio experience to new heights. From crisp beats to immersive melodies, these devices are tailor-made for the discerning music enthusiast. Welcome to your very own “Music Lover’s Paradise.”

1. Nokia 130 Music: Start your audio journey with simplicity and nostalgia. The Nokia 130 Music is not just a phone, but a compact music player that lets you groove to your favorite tunes on the go. With its long battery life and dedicated music buttons, you can relive the charm of the past while enjoying your modern-day playlists. Featuring a big battery and a powerful speaker, the Nokia 130 lasts long and plays loud. Whether you want to go hands-free on calls or play the FM radio for the entire room, it delivers clear sound from dawn till dusk. Durable and user-friendly, the Nokia 130 will stand by your side day in and day out. Press and hold the Music key to open the MP3 player¹ and dive into your tracks stored on the MicroSD card. Alternatively, tune into local stations with the FM radio. Whichever option you choose, you can enjoy your music all day long, using headphones or the built-in improved loudspeaker. The choice is yours.

Learn more about Nokia 130 Music

2. Nokia 5710: With the Nokia 5710, music becomes a lifestyle. This feature-rich phone boasts an integrated music player that ensures your tunes sound their best. Plus, its sleek design and customizable features make it a statement piece for any music aficionado.

Your music, your rules. The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio features a unique and game-changing design, purpose-built for new realms of audio freedom. The phone houses a pair of wireless earbuds beneath a sleek and robust slider – pop them out when you want to listen and put them back to charge when you’re done. And if you want to listen to music with friends, just switch to the phone’s loudspeaker.

Discover the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio

3. Sony Party Speaker SRS-XV800: Turn any gathering into an unforgettable music experience with the Sony Party Speaker SRS-XV800. This powerhouse delivers powerful sound that fills the room, while its dynamic lighting effects create a club-like ambiance. Bring the party wherever you go!

Whether you’re hosting an epic party or enjoying your favorite movie or TV show, this speaker will provide the immersive experience you need. The XV800 offers powerful, room-filling sound no matter what you’re listening to or where you’re listening from. So, don’t compromise—play music loud and clear or enhance your movies and TV with the XV800.

Life should be lived at full volume. That means getting your friends together, turning up the music to full volume, and dancing all night to clear, rich sound. With our new X-series range of speakers, you can make the most of every single moment, and power party you’ll remember forever, and always live your life out loud.

4. Sony Earbuds WF-C700N: Immerse yourself in a world of musical bliss with the Sony Earbuds WF-C700N. These true wireless earbuds offer noise cancellation, allowing you to escape into your melodies without any distractions. Enjoy premium sound quality and convenience rolled into one.

The WF-C700N headphones with noise canceling, all-day comfort, and immersive sound quality allow you to enjoy music anywhere. Cancel out background noise with Noise Sensor Technology or use the Ambient Sound Mode to stay connected to your natural surroundings. Adjust ambient sound with the Sony | Headphones Connect app to control your listening experience.

5. Tecno Pova 5 Pro: Unleash your music’s potential with the Tecno Pova 5 Pro

This smartphone isn’t just about calls and texts—it’s a pocket-sized music studio. With powerful speakers and enhanced audio features, your tracks will resonate with depth and clarity. The RGB light at the back of the phone resonates with the emotions of digital natives. This LED light matches with the rhythm of the music with its Pure and Party mode vibing to your soulful party music.

Explore the Tecno Pova 5 Pro

When it comes to enhancing your audio experience, these gadgets are your keys to unlocking a world of sonic wonders. From the nostalgic charm of Nokia’s music phones to the contemporary brilliance of Sony’s speakers, earbuds, and headphones, your musical journey is about to get a serious upgrade. So, immerse yourself, groove on, and let the melodies transport you to your very own music lover’s paradise.

NEW DELHI, India —21st September  2023: Kalam, India’s first AI-backed Adaptive Learning Ecosystem, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Deepanshu Singh as the new Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer effective from September 12, 2023. Deepanshu, an alumnus of IIM-Kozhikode, joins Kalam with an extensive background in technology, strategy, public policy, and education.

Singh’s expertise extends beyond the boardroom into the realms of Civil Services, Government consulting, and youth empowerment. His unique blend of experience makes him a critical asset to Kalam, as it seeks to revolutionize education in India through its ground-breaking AI technology and mentorship programs.

“Deepanshu Singh is an extraordinary addition to our team and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him on board. His innovative strategies in education and his wealth of experience in public policy embody the ethos of Kalam. Deepanshu’s passion for leveraging technology to benefit the youth aligns perfectly with our mission to create a social impact, and we’re confident that his contributions will be instrumental in expanding the growth and reach of Kalam,” said Vimal Singh Rathore, founder of Kalam.

With a career that spans multiple sectors, Deepanshu has been a game-changer in the educational field. His revolutionary idea of analyzing ‘The Hindu newspaper online became a national trendsetter in 2016. This and his numerous other initiatives helped him earn a reputation as a top educator for UPSC civil services aspirants in India. Over the last decade, he has mentored more than 250,000 students online, helping them crack one of the most challenging exams in the country. He has also been actively involved with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Abhyuday Yojana since 2022 for providing quality and free guidance in cracking UPSC examinations for aspirants from rural areas and marginalized sections of the State.

During his time at Unacademy, Deepanshu managed the UPSC section, introduced products, and contributed to the introduction of paid live classes. Singh has regularly been in the top 5 educators on the platform for several years, accumulating over 100 million views across YouTube and Unacademy.

“Joining Kalam represents a compelling blend of challenge and opportunity that deeply resonates with me. I’m invigorated by the company’s vision of transforming education through AI and personalized learning, which aligns perfectly with my own passion for building impactful products. Given India’s burgeoning youth population, I firmly believe that now is the pivotal moment to scale Kalam’s transformative educational offerings. Together, we aim to empower students across the nation and foster a more equitable educational landscape,” said Deepanshu Singh

Deepanshu is also a renowned TEDx speaker and the author of two Amazon best-selling books on India’s foreign policy. His passion lies in building products that solve everyday problems, understanding the global implications of local actions, and tapping into the synergy of technology or the T3 approach.

His recent stint with the Government of India for G20, where he was a core team member that designed the High-level principles on Digitalization of trade documents under the Trade and Investment working group, adds another layer of acumen to his profile, making him an unparalleled addition to the Kalam team.

Deepanshu’s leadership promises to synergize well with Kalam’s mission of personalizing education for each student and revolutionizing the learning ecosystem in India.

New Delhi, 21st Sept 2023: Bluei has added a new product to its accessory portfolio with the launch of RUBICON Wireless Charging power bank in India. With an impressive 10000mAh battery capacity, this sleek and compact powerhouse ensures you stay charged and connected wherever you are. The power bank is equipped with 30W Power Delivery (PD) fast charging, and the Rubicon delivers lightning-fast replenishment for your devices, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time doing what you love. Additionally, its 20W magnetic wireless charging feature makes topping up your compatible devices a breeze – simply attach and go.

The RUBICON offers versatile connectivity options, featuring Type-C input and output ports that support both charging and discharging functions. This means you can charge your devices and the power bank itself with the same cable, streamlining your charging experience.

Designed with convenience in mind, the Rubicon comes with a built-in mobile stand, turning your power bank into a portable charging station. Set it up and enjoy hands-free use of your device while it charges, making it perfect for watching videos, video calls, or browsing content.

With two USB output ports, you can simultaneously charge multiple devices, making it ideal for sharing power with friends or family. The Rubicon ensures everyone stays connected and powered up.

Compact, lightweight, and elegantly designed, the Bluei Rubicon Wireless Powerbank is a true game-changer in portable charging. Don’t let low battery anxiety hold you back – experience the freedom of staying charged with the Rubicon by Bluei. Bluei Rubicon wireless charger can be your’s at INR 5,299.

AI technology continues to improve, it may have a substantial impact on the economy concerning growth, productivity, inequality, market power, innovation, and employment.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) faces numerous debates regarding potential impacts on individuals although it could be risky it’s also a fantastic opportunity.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is helping cyber-security, e-commerce, and robotics education. It is estimated that the global artificial intelligence market will reach people who are worrying about losing their jobs as artificial intelligence continues to advance because it has revolutionized industries across all sectors but AI (Artificial Intelligence) has increased the number of jobs and possibilities available to individuals across all industries every machine needs a person to ruin although Artificial Intelligence has replaced certain occupations, it still creates more jobs for humans. It performs specific tasks, general AI performs tasks like a human. General AI performs tasks like a human, and the super AI is more capable than a human, but both general AI and super AI are hypothetical because these technologies are not developed yet and research is ongoing. However, the development of such AI will take more time in the development of Artificial General Intelligence will accelerate. We can say that- without AI, we might not have made the incredible recent advancements in fields like robotics, robot advisors, and many more.

According to Arpita Singh, CEO of NICS EducationsAI has the potential to fundamentally change the relationship between automation technology, labor demand, and inequality. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning will become more prominent in the consumer market which will immediately affect how well web development functions virtual assistants will provide professional advice. Other advantages include strengthening governance through better decision-making processes shortening time to market for streamlining and supply chain networks given all these scenarios.

Mumbai, India -21st September 2023 || Formerly known as IRF, international retail property market event MAPIC recently concluded its highly anticipated session “Innovating The World of Retail” with MAGIC Pin and Nykaa on September 13th and 14th, 2023, at the JIO World Convention Center in Mumbai. MAPIC is India’s foremost annual event where retail brands converge to gain knowledge, foster growth, explore, and immerse themselves in the future of the retail industry within the world’s most rapidly expanding market.

Given India’s reputation as a “Value for Money” market and its robust youth-driven economy, outlet malls hold tremendous potential for growth. The country’s real estate landscape is projected to have a promising future at a valuation of approximately $2 trillion by 2023, as per a report by Boston Consulting Group. As India grows to be the world’s 5th largest real estate destination, outlet malls are swiftly emerging as the preferred shopping destination, playing an indispensable role in a brand’s retail journey and enabling them to convert aged and surplus stock into profit without compromising their full-price business. Outlet malls also offer a unique platform for brands to maintain their brand identity while expanding their reach to new customer segments. It’s noteworthy that a remarkable 97% of the world’s top brands endorse these malls, with many adopting dedicated outlet strategies featuring exclusive product lines.

The session was expertly moderated by Nandini Taneja, Vice President of Reach Group, who was joined by a panel of distinguished industry experts. The panel included Manish Kapoor, Managing Director and CEO of Pepe Jeans India; Prakash Patel, Managing Director of Bhumi World Industrial Park; Nitesh Kumar, CEO of Reliance Footprint/Trend Footwear/Payless/Lee Cooper/Catwalk/Performax at Reliance Retail; Sanjay Vakharia, Co-founder and CEO of Spykar; and Susil Dungerwal, Chief Mall Mechanic of Beyond Squarefeet. Together, they engaged in comprehensive discussions on the pivotal aspects of outlet malls. These conversations spanned topics such as the future of outlet malls and their alignment with customer expectations, the retailer’s viewpoint on cannibalization, the entry of international luxury brands into India, and the meticulous curation of the finest Indian and international brands to offer world-class retail experiences.

Nandini Taneja, Vice President of Reach Group and the Moderator of the discussion, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The MAPIC India 2023 panel discussion illuminated the promising opportunities that outlet malls offer to the Indian retail landscape, serving as a pivotal platform for in-depth deliberations among industry titans. Throughout this immersive session, participants delved into disruptive strategies, customer-centric approaches, and sustainable practices, totally reshaping our perception of the retail sector. It was such an invigorating interaction that explored digitalization, omnichannel experiences, sustainability, and data-driven insights that contribute to a more agile and customer-centric retail ecosystem.”

MAPIC India 2023 continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in the global retail sector, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring new opportunities.

Bengaluru, 21st September 2023 – DashLoc, a trailblazing company in India specializing in hyperlocal discovery and growth, has introduced its state-of-the-art platform driven by advanced GenAI technology. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, DashLoc stands at the forefront of transforming hyperlocal digital presence for the enterprise retail outlet.

GenAI, short for Generative Artificial Intelligence, is the driving force behind DashLoc’s transformative growth platform. DashLoc now offers a conversational and intuitive search experience, letting users find the nearby physical business. This enhances the overall user experience, making it feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable local expert. Real-time updates are another perk, ensuring users are always informed about local happenings.

In the latest development, Mr. Sumit Singh, Co-Founder & Head of Growth at DashLoc, shared, “DashLoc is India’s leading hyperlocal discovery and growth platform specifically designed for enhancing the online presence of enterprise retail outlets (Exclusive or Multi Brand outlets). Leveraging the power of GenAI technology and our proprietary DashLoc Local Algorithm, we are revolutionizing hyperlocal discovery with a focus on personalization, precision, and user-driven experiences. Our mission extends beyond merely establishing an online presence; we aim to assist enterprises in boosting footfall to their physical establishments and enhancing their brand visibility across all possible channels. Presently, we are collaborating with over 50 clients across various sectors including BFSI, FMCG, LifeStyle, Hospitality, Automobiles, Building Materials, Appliances, and more. DashLoc is at the forefront of shaping the future of hyperlocal discovery, raising the bar for innovation and community-centric solutions in India.”

DashLoc’s proprietary local algorithm along with the search generative experience of Google further distinguishes the platform. It combines AI-driven insights with local expertise to provide unmatched hyperlocal accuracy. This algorithm is expected to be a game-changer for local businesses as it optimizes their reach and targets the right audience.

As DashLoc continues to evolve, it sets the standard for the future of hyperlocal discovery, inspiring innovators across industries to create more personalized, efficient, and community-oriented solutions.

Mumbai, India, 21st September 2023 AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, today announced the appointment of two new non-executive directors to its board this September. The appointments come as the company further strengthens its focus on the transition to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and expands in key markets including the US and China

Dr. Yanbing Li is a global business and technology leader with extensive experience building market-leading products and hyper-growth businesses of over US$1 billion. Deeply rooted in technology and engineering, she has led large-scale international business operations. She brings expertise in cloud commerce and enterprise software, and the evolving digital SaaS marketplace.

Carl Bass is a former president and chief executive officer of industrial design software company Autodesk. He was credited with expanding Autodesk beyond its core software offerings through acquisitions and new product developments, leading the transition from 2D to 3D model-based design. Carl is co-founder of Flying Moose, Ithaca Software, and Buzzsaw.

Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, said: “We are delighted that Yanbing Li and Carl Bass have joined AVEVA’s board. It is a critical point in our commercial and software evolution, and their expertise and insight will be vital to us as we plan our strategy. I look forward to working with them as we continue to pioneer software that enables industry to be at the forefront of digital innovation.”

AVEVA Chairperson Peter Herweck added: “The expansion of AVEVA’s board to include Yanbing Li and Carl Bass is an important step as we accelerate AVEVA’s SaaS strategy and drive deeper into high growth markets. Alongside our existing strong expertise and experience on the board, they bring expertise in engineering and design software, and seasoned experience of operating in global markets, particularly in Asia. I look forward to collaborating with them both to realize AVEVA’s next decade of growth.”

AVEVA’s strategic focus is on becoming the number one SaaS provider of industrial intelligence. The company is currently evolving into a subscription-led business model.

Since its foundation, AVEVA has grown from a niche design software developer to a leading global industrial software company. Today, AVEVA’s software drives efficiency and reduces costs for over 20,000 customers worldwide, including providing an end-to-end Digital Twin that spans the asset lifecycle from Engineering through to Operations and Maintenance across diverse industries worldwide.