Archives May 2024

New Delhi, 16th May 2024: Infurnia is thrilled to announce yet another successful closure of a $1.2 million funding round from a host of individuals and companies. This brings Infurnia’s total angel fundraising to $4.9 million, accumulated across multiple rounds since its inception.

Infurnia is the world’s first all-in-one cloud-native design software startup for the architecture and interior design industry. This investment round includes significant contributions from esteemed backers such as industry-leading veneer company – Coast to Coast, plyboard company – Greenply, architectural hardware company – Ozone, EyeQ Dezigns founded by promoters of leading interior industry media organizations Ply Reporter and Surfaces Reporter, etc. The funding round also saw investments from the promoter group of leading Interior design unicorn – Livspace. The round was led by Yogesh Chaudhary, an existing investor and owner of Jaipur Rugs.

Infurnia was started by IIT graduates Nikhil Kumar and Lovepreet Mann in 2014. It has grown through the years with the help of a series of angel investments. This angel round marks a pivotal milestone in the startup’s ambitious expansion strategy with the onboarding of many market leaders in the interior industry. The startup plans to utilize the funds to expand its market presence in newer geographies besides continued product development of its flagship design product and the upcoming manufacturing solution.

Infurnia’s groundbreaking cloud-based platform is revolutionizing the $10 billion design and construction technology industry, long dominated by outdated desktop solutions from firms like Autodesk. As the premier cloud-native suite, Infurnia offers cloud-based integrated tools for design, documentation, and visualization, addressing the full spectrum of needs for architecture and interior design firms globally. Available on a subscription basis, the software ensures accessibility and scalability.

Over the past year, Infurnia, the pioneering cloud-native design software company for the architecture and interior design industry, has significantly expanded its client base, adding over 600 clients and reaching $1 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). The company’s operations span India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The startup has plans to slowly expand into Western nations in the next few quarters.

Infurnia is now gearing up to launch a new product line, the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) solution. ‘Infurnia MES’ would complement Infurnia’s design software for the panel processing industry. While companies would be able to create designs with the help of Infurnia design software, they would be able to manufacture and assemble seamlessly with the help of Infurnia MES solution. Infurnia is on a revenue-driven journey and the startup is looking forward to becoming cash-flow positive in the current financial year. Infurnia boasts a roster of marquee clients including LivSpace, Hometown, Purvankara, and Urban Ladder, demonstrating the platform’s broad appeal and adaptability.

Mumbai, 16th May 2024: In the gentle quiet of life’s first moments, a mother’s soothing hum forms an indelible link with her newborn, conveying love and security without words. Cochlear, a pioneer in hearing solutions, releases an evocative film this Mother’s Day that captures the essence of this fundamental connection, offering a poignant tribute to mothers everywhere.

Titled #HearforGood, the ad film delves into the emotional journey of motherhood, illustrating how a simple hum can be a powerful expression of love and an essential part of the early bonding experience. By focusing on these tender interactions, Cochlear not only celebrates the profound impact of maternal love but also emphasizes the crucial need for newborn hearing screenings.

The film crucially highlights the necessity for every infant to access the full spectrum of sound right from the start. It sensitively addresses the risks associated with undetected hearing issues in newborns, which can potentially deprive them of these fundamental early expressions of love, impacting their long-term emotional and communicative development.

Through this film, the brand aims to raise awareness for the importance of newborn hearing screenings. It uses a sentimental approach, focusing on the beautiful connection between a mother and her child through the sound of a hum. However, a subtle layer of concern is woven in, hinting that this precious bonding could be missed if a hearing problem goes unnoticed in a newborn. This emotional appeal encourages viewers to understand the significance of newborn hearing tests.

Elaborating on the film, Jainik Alvani, Associate Vice President – Integrated Solutions, Schbang said, “This film, through its sensitive narrative, not only honours the resilience and gentleness inherent in motherhood but also elevates awareness about the crucial need for newborn hearing screenings. As a critical health measure, these screenings ensure that infants can fully experience the early sounds of connection. Our aim while collaborating with Cochlear has been to empower parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s auditory health, thereby ensuring that no cherished sound or word goes unheard in these vital early stages of life.”

Afshaad Kelawaala, Executive Vice President – Brand Solutions, Schbang expressed his views, “With Cochlear’s #HearforGood ad film, we aim to encapsulate the emotive power of a mother’s hum and its vital role in nurturing the early bond between mother and child. This Mother’s Day, our film not only celebrates these intimate moments of maternal connection but also stresses the imperative of newborn hearing screenings. By drawing attention to this essential health measure, we hope to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience these fundamental expressions of love without hindrance, supporting a sound future for the next generation.”

Cochlear remains at the forefront of hearing health advocacy, employing innovative storytelling that deeply engages its audience and fosters a more sound-aware future.

Mumbai,16th May 2024: On their 26th Founder’s Day celebration, Mufti, the homegrown menswear brand, has introduced its sub-brand 400050 – the first pincode in style. Pronounced Four Triple Oh Five Oh, the new sub-brand is all about the on-trend oversized fit catering to an ever-evolving Gen Z consumer. With the launch of this sub-brand, Mufti has added a second wind to their commitment to newness in their approach to menswear Just as Mufti has continually taken inspiration from its muse, Mumbai’s spirit of resilience, its sub-brand 400050 has laid claim on Bandra’s creative and expressive spirit, placing it at the very center of its persona. Mufti has always been recognized for its evergreen style for the sophisticated, elegant, and refined man; while 400050 modern oversized styling with authentic storytelling that is at the heart of all of Mufti’s creative pursuits.400050 is available at select EBOs and MBOs across major cities and towns.

Priced the latest 400050 by Mufti’s collection is evocative, expressive, and effervescent like the spirit of the Bandra. It aims to encapsulate Bandra’s rich heritage and bustling energy, just like Mufti was influenced by its muse, Mumbai’s iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, the graceful Black Kite, and the tranquil fishing boats in the Arabian Sea along its coast; each piece in this collection tells a story of Bandra’s unique charm and charisma.

On the launch of the sub-brand, Mr. Kamal Khushlani, Promoter, Chairman, and Managing Director of Credo Brands said, “Mufti’s 400050 collection reflects the essence of Bandra, a vibrant cultural hub that serves as a sanctuary for creative, like-minded people. The sub-brand marks a significant milestone in the brand’s legacy, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating Mumbai’s vibrant identity and cultural richness.”

The new contemporary collection showcases oversized fits across shirts & tees in contemporary jacquards, dobbies, interesting textures, embroideries& prints, offering your wardrobe an elevated and relaxed take on modern style.

Himachal Pradesh, 16th May 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, through its CSR arm, continues to spearhead sustainable water management and conservation initiatives across Himachal Pradesh. It recently organized a closed-door workshop on ‘Sustainable Watershed Management for Climate Resilience’ in Shimla, bringing together various experts and stakeholders to address the region’s pressing water challenges.

Ambuja Cements, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, has been actively involved in implementing multiple watershed development projects, especially in Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, in conjunction with various government agencies. At the core of Ambuja Cements’ CSR initiatives lies a commitment to empowering communities and preserving the environment around its operations. Under its CSR arm, the company has undertaken watershed projects in nearly 200 villages across three districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Speakers at the event included water conservation experts who interacted with over 100 attendees comprising corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The experts discussed the critical importance of sustainable water resource management practices, including watershed development, green energy utilization, and farmer capacity building. Additionally, participants were briefed on available government schemes promoting solar pumping, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable water conservation practices. Community members were also invited as speakers to share their experiences on watersheds and climate change.

Furthermore, experts from educational institutions emphasized the key role of education and awareness regarding eco-literacy among the next generation. Proposals were made to introduce eco-literacy courses and establish a dedicated department focused on watershed development and climate resilience, highlighting the need for long-term approaches to address water-related challenges.

Through such initiatives, Ambuja Cements reaffirms its dedication to promoting sustainable water management practices and climate action. The company also strives to secure a resilient future for generations to come, ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

16th May 2024, Ludhiana: IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical APIs and specialty chemicals, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2024.

Standalone Q4 & FY24 Financial Highlights (₹ in Crore)

Commenting on the performance, Mr Vikas Gupta, Joint Managing Director said, “The Company has exhibited resilient financial performance in FY24 despite challenging macro-economic environment and volatile chemical sector trajectory. We are receiving positive responses in the export market despite geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain obstacles.  Though the revenue growth has been sluggish, the margins were stable following the Company’s sustained cost-control initiatives. We believe that chemical sector turbulence would likely stabilize this financial year. In the non-ibuprofen segment, we are on track to expand our footprints in key regulated markets following approvals and certifications received last year. During the year the capex in infrastructure and automation will improve the operational efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.”

FY24 Financial Highlights

• Total income at ₹ 2,162.9 Cr against ₹ 2,242.7 Cr
• EBITDA up 3.8% YoY to ₹ 261.6 Cr
• Net profit  at ₹ 135 Cr against ₹ 140 Cr 

Q4FY24 Financial Highlights

• Total income at ₹ 511 Cr against 596 Cr 
• EBITDA at ₹ 57.6 Cr against ₹ 104.5 Cr 
• Net profit at ₹ 28.2 Cr against ₹ 65.3 Cr

Operational Highlights

• Completed the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) GMP audit of all the 10 APIs manufacturing Units situated at Barnala, Punjab without any observation.
• Approval from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), China to export “Metformin Hydrochloride” into China Market

• Received CEP Certificate for Losartan Potassium issued by EDQM which will enable higher export to the European market
• Commenced plant for Acetic Anhydride, for captive consumption as well as merchant sale
• CARE Rating has been reaffirmed to A+ with a stable outlook

16th May 2024: Plum, India’s first 100% vegan beauty brand founded in science, and renowned for its premium skincare & beauty products, has just announced a loyalty program, Plum+, a groundbreaking loyalty program set to redefine your beauty journey. Available now on the Plum app and in Plum exclusive stores nationwide, Plum+ promises to be your trusted ally, offering personalized beauty consultations and exclusive perks on new launches and Plum products.

In a recent social media announcement, Plum revealed a new golden Plum+ logo, symbolizing this innovative program. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Plum places its loyal consumers, affectionately known as “Plumsters,” at the forefront. Plum+ is meticulously designed as a consumer-centric initiative, tailored to address the diverse beauty needs of Plum’s discerning clientele, fostering stronger bonds between Plum & Plumsters.

Shankar Prasad, Founder and CEO at Plum, shared, “At Plum, customer delight is not just a goal; it’s a value we live by. The Plum+ program is an outcome of our relentless focus on exceeding customer expectations.. As we unveil this new feature, we’re not just enhancing functionality, but also crafting experiences that empower Plumsters to redefine beauty on their own terms, seamlessly blending innovation with inspiration”.

Hyderabad, 16th May 2024:Amidst the pressing public health challenges of high mortality rates and compromised quality of life, the significance of effective asthma management comes into sharp focus. This year’s World Asthma Awareness Month theme, “Asthma Education Empowers,” underscores the vital role of knowledge in enhancing asthma management and patient outcomes. With India ranking #1 in prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to asthma, in addition to accounting for 42% of all asthma-related deaths worldwide, this year’s theme amplifies the urgency for national-level mobilization to address this critical issue. 1, 2, 3

Effective asthma management is multifaceted and awareness efforts must be supported by an ecosystem that encompasses various aspects of care. From disease and therapy awareness to diagnostics, screening, counseling, and treatment adherence, every step in the asthma journey matters.The collaboration between public awareness campaigns like Cipla’s Berok Zindagi and Tuffies, along with patient support efforts such as the company’s Breathefree initiative, creates a network of support for patients. Breathefree encompasses both physical and digital components, including an AI-enabled device training platform. This network not only assists patients but also provides relief to their families.

Commenting on the importance of education-empowered action. K. K. Reddy, Pulmonologist, Hyderabad said, “Characterized by narrowed airways, increased sensitivity to triggers (like dust mites, smoke, cold air, etc.) and changes in the air passages, Asthma is a long-term/chronic disease. Although incurable, it can be controlled through timely diagnosis and medical intervention. However, misconceptions, especially about inhalation therapy, often lead to patients failing to follow their doctor’s advice. Only about 23% of patients in India call their condition by its actual name with others referring to it as something like a cold and cough. By increasing awareness, not only among patients but also within the broader community, we can ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for asthma patients.4

Emphasizing the importance of education to ensure early intervention and treatment adherence, Dr. Pradyut Waghray, Senior Pulmonologist, Hyderabad added, “impact on quality of life. This is usually achieved through a combination of maintenance and reliever therapies. Inhalation therapy serves as a cornerstone, greatly enhancing quality of life. In fact, for certain patient populations like children or seniors who struggle with quick inhalation, nebulized treatments offer a practical solution, especially during acute exacerbations. However, it’s concerning that less than 9% of diagnosed patients use inhalation therapy with misconceptions about inhalers playing a leading role in treatment non-adherence. These challenges are further magnified by other factors like limited healthcare access, and inadequate device training and guidance. Therefore, to address these issues, a fundamental shift in how we approach asthma care in India is needed.”5, 6, 7

By prioritizing awareness and building a supportive ecosystem, Cipla remains dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the necessary support throughout their asthma journey. With Berok Zindagi, Cipla has challenged asthma misconceptions and its treatment-related stigmas through a multitude of creative mediums. The Tuffies campaign has evolved into a movement of inspiration for kids with respiratory conditions such as asthma and their caregivers through engaging comic books as well as on-ground school programs like the Tuffies Ki School Yatra.

Parallelly, Cipla’s Breathefree initiative has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support resources for asthma patients in the areas of screening, counseling, and treatment adherence. From on-ground screening camps to a now AI-enabled Breathefree Digital Educator platform and device training‘how-to’ videos; Breathefree has evolved into a one-stop support solution for those living with asthma.

Delhi: Bhai Parmanand Vidya Mandir recently hosted a CBSE workshop titled “Happy Classroom,” to create joyful and stress-free learning environments for students. Led by Nishtha Kwatra, PGT Economics Coordinator, CBSE, and Dr. Saurabh Malhotra, Principal of Gurusharan Convent, Paschim Vihar, the workshop brought together educators to explore strategies for enhancing classroom dynamics.

During the workshop, teachers engaged in activities designed to identify classroom challenges and brainstorm potential solutions. Interacting with teachers, Dr. Saurabh Malhotra emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering positive classroom environments. He encouraged educators to understand the root causes of student behavior using techniques like Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA). Moreover, he introduced the STOPP technique, which encourages teachers to pause, observe their thoughts, and maintain perspective during challenging situations.

Following this, Nishtha Kwatra highlighted the significance of effective communication and motivation in student engagement. Teachers discussed practical methods to bridge communication gaps and motivate students through various incentives.

Pratibha Sharma, Academic Director of Bhai Parmanand Vidya Mandir, said, “As being one of the best schools in Delhi, Creating a happy classroom is not just about academic success but also about nurturing the emotional well-being of students, distinguishing us as leaders among the top 10 schools in east Delhi. By prioritizing happiness and emotional intelligence, educators can create environments conducive to holistic development.” As educators, it’s crucial for us to prioritize the welfare of our students and create spaces where they feel valued and supported,” she added.

Mahindra, an automobile manufacturing company, has launched its new store at Noida’s Spectrum Metro, located in Sector 75 in Central Noida. This newest addition to the list of brands at Spectrum Metro occupies a super area of 3875 sq. ft. and a carpet area of 1940 sq. ft. and is located on the ground floor tower D Spectrum@Metro Phase -1. The brand became operational on May 9.

On the opening of Mahindra, Ajendra Singh, VP of Sales & Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, said, “Mahindra’s new store launch at Spectrum@Metro Noida signifies a significant step in enhancing accessibility to our quality products. This prime location within the vibrant commercial hub aligns with our commitment to customer convenience and satisfaction. We eagerly anticipate enriching experiences and fostering strong community connections.”

Spectrum@Metro is a high-street commercial project that offers serviced apartments, office spaces, retail spaces, and other amenities to the 15 lakh people in the catchment. Spectrum@Metro hosts the most popular global brands across lifestyle, food, fashion, etc., and is just opposite the Aqua Line Sector 50 metro station.

16th May 2024, Thiruvananthapuram: Experion is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Twixor, the pioneering Actionable Intelligence Platform that empowers businesses to build hyper-personalized engagement platforms. These platforms enable customers to initiate end-to-end fulfillment processes for digital process automation, transcending industries such as BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics, and Transportation.

Twixor’s award-winning low-code/no-code Conversational AI platform seamlessly integrates messaging and automation, serving over 400 global customers, including Fortune 500 companies. The platform, recognized with 7 Global patents and numerous industry accolades, handles 4 billion+ interactions annually across diverse industries. On the other hand, Experion brings a singular focus on digital products, 100% engineering talent, end-to-end management of product IP, high-quality contracts, a learning culture, and a commitment to being a client partner rather than a staffing vendor.

This partnership aims to deliver unparalleled value through CX automation at scale, deep domain expertise, single-vendor engagement, predictable pricing, and a commitment to innovation and futureproofing.

Experion’s approach to onboarding into the Twixor solution is centered around top talent, human-centered methodologies, and industry best practices. It provides an efficient and seamless transition for clients seeking the transformative benefits of Conversational AI and CX automation. This partnership is poised to be a game-changer, doubling Experion and Twixor’s capabilities in the dynamic realms of AI and CX automation.

Binu Jacob, MD & CEO, Experion Technologies: “This partnership significantly enhances Experion’s capabilities in providing impactful solutions in the dynamic realms of AI and CX automation. The synergy between our engineering talent and Twixor’s cutting-edge platform will drive transformative outcomes for our clients.”

Today, customer engagements frequently take place via messaging across all industries, and hence, digital and automation-enabled customer journeys are crucial. The Experion-Twixor partnership focuses on customer experience, ensuring customer satisfaction, and fostering loyalty in this modern era of chat economy.

The collaboration between Experion and Twixor brings forth a suite of solutions catering to the B2C & B2B space. Twixor’s main USPs, including CX Automation platform, Intelligent Process Automation, and Omnichannel Chat Solutions, will empower clients in BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics, and Transportation to streamline operations and elevate customer experiences.

Ashok Anand, CEO, of Twixor: “Partnering up with Experion unlocks a wealth of opportunities to broaden our presence worldwide. Our shared goal is to deliver a robust customer experience solution, harnessing the power of Twixor’s Generative-AI Powered platform and ground-breaking innovations spanning the entire customer lifecycle. This strategic partnership is dedicated to delivering unparalleled value and innovation, tailored to address the distinctive needs of our clients.”

The alliance with Twixor is a strategic move that aligns with Experion’s broader goals of sustainable growth, market leadership, and creating a workplace culture that fosters excellence. This collaboration is poised to elevate Experion’s standing in the market, opening doors to new opportunities, and enhancing its competitive edge.