All posts by Neel Achary

Mumbai, May 15th, 2025 Kriscore Capital, a new venture firm focused on early-stage Indian tech startups, has announced the first close of its debut ₹100 Cr fund (with a provision for an additional ₹100 Cr greenshoe).  With initial commitments of ₹50 Cr from a curated group of family offices and high net worth individuals, Kriscore plans to partner with 16 – 18 breakout companies that are solving large-scale problems using technology.

The sector-agnostic fund will invest into tech-driven businesses at the pre-seed and seed stages with a bias for exceptional founders building across key trends in India including (1) Blossoming digital consumer story (2) China+1 supply chain opportunities (3) Global export of India’s premium market, (4) Gen AI powered services, and (5) Net zero 2070. Kriscore has already made its first investment into a stealth-mode startup. 

“India’s startup ecosystem is exploding, and Indian founders are building generational global businesses. Apart from technical prowess and team strength, enduring entrepreneurship needs an ecosystem of support – including financial expertise, capital firepower, compliance mentorship, and strategic global connectivity to build exceptional businesses. We invest more than capital – we commit our time, expertise, and passion to help founders build something truly groundbreaking.” says Nilesh Balakrishnan, General Partner of Kriscore Capital.

With a unique team that boasts decades of experience across early-stage VC, investment banking, and financial services – Kriscore Capital will provide value-added services that focus on critical but non-operational aspects of the Founder journey that are underserved, but essential to derisking early-stage investments. The fund also has an eminent Advisory Board comprising of Mr. D Sundaram (Lead Independent Director, Infosys Ltd), Mr. Shyam Srinivasan (ex-MD & CEO, Federal Bank Ltd), and Mr. Manish Khetarpal (Founding Partner, WaterBridge Ventures) in addition to a strong partner ecosystem of accomplished senior industry professionals to support its investee companies.

Commenting on the appointment, Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group said, “Ravi has played a key role in our strategic and financial initiatives in recent years. His flair for initiative and risk taking abilities with a balanced approach make him a strong leader. He has turned around Latin America in a very quick time bringing key people on board and contributed immensely to the group. Ravi together with the support of skilled finance team around the world & respected members of board of directors, internationally & domestically, will work towards the mission to accomplish world class finance organization for the group. I wish Ravi continued success in his expanded responsibilities.”

Commenting on his new role, Ravi Jakhar, Director – Strategy & Group CFO, Allcargo Group, said, “I am truly honoured by the trust placed in me and am excited to take on additional responsibility. I see immense opportunities for growth for our group across all businesses and also believe that we can create significant value for all stakeholders with sharper focus on financial management. I place a very high focus on governance, building systems & processes and creating an agile organization. We shall continue to build a world class institution by investing in right people and talent and continuing to be resilient in the face of all adversities and driving change through tech and commercial mindset.  I look forward to chart the Group’s next phase of growth.”

National, May 15, 2025: Following its grand theatrical release across 600+ screens and three languages, Aghathiyaa, the fantasy-horror spectacle directed by Pa. Vijay is now making waves on OTT. The film has officially entered Amazon Prime Video’s Top 10 trending titles in India, marking a milestone moment for regional genre cinema.

Presented by Vels Film International Ltd. and WAMINDIA, Aghathiyaa follows an ordinary man caught in an extraordinary war between angels and dark forces. With its rich blend of mythology, horror, and historical intrigue, the film pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling in Indian cinema. Shot with breathtaking VFX and backed by a compelling score from Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film offers audiences a deeply cinematic experience that is now accessible at home.

Aghathiyaa stars Jiiva, Action King Arjun Sarja, Raashii Khanna, and Yogi Babu, with standout performances that balance drama, suspense, and emotional depth. The film also adds a poignant layer by exploring India’s colonial history and a touching mother-son bond, all while delivering edge-of-the-seat thrills.

Aneesh Arjun Dev, Founder & Managing Director of WAM India, shares, “Aghathiyaa was created as a passion project to blend storytelling with technology. Seeing it embraced by audiences on Prime is a proud moment for our entire team.”

With its digital success now echoing its theatrical impact, Aghathiyaa is poised to inspire a new era of Indian genre filmmaking, where myth, meaning, and mainstream entertainment meet.

Golden Dragon, the signature Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine restaurant at Taj Coromandel Chennai, invites you to embark on a flavourful journey with its newest culinary showcase – Dim Sum & Then Some.  This experience celebrates the fine artistry of dim sums with an array of thoughtfully curated delicacies from the Cantonese repertoire. Each dim sum is a testament to tradition, technique and taste, presented with contemporary flair by the team of chefs led by Executive Chef, Sujan Mukherjee.

Guests can begin their journey with a comforting bowl of our signature soup – Lemon Garlic Wonton Broth for the vegetarians, while the non-vegetarians may savour a hearty version with chicken. The experience continues with the signature dim sum medley, a delectable selection of five exquisite varieties, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Each guest will enjoy two servings of each variety, freshly steamed and crafted to perfection.

The vegetarian selection features delicately wrapped Edamame and Truffle; Water Chestnut and Cilantro; Mushroom and Cheese; Asparagus Gua Bao; and Steamed Tofu Steak, Chilli Bean. Non-vegetarian guests can indulge in sumptuous choices such as Prawn Har Gao; Lamb Gyoza; Chicken Sui Mai; Chicken Gou Bao; and Steamed Fish, Chilli Bean. To round off the meal, guests will be treated to the elegant Chocolate Terrine, thoughtfully chosen to complement the flavours of the feast.

New Delhi, India – May 15, 2025 – Wadi Surgicals, India’s foremost manufacturer of nitrile gloves, has announced a major innovation milestone with the launch of accelerator-free nitrile gloves under its flagship brand Enliva. Developed through intensive R&D and global collaboration, these gloves are India’s first accelerator-free nitrile gloves, representing a leap forward in skin-safe, allergy-free hand protection.

This innovation eliminates the use of common chemical accelerators such as thiurams, carbamates, and MBTs compounds known to cause allergic contact dermatitis (Type IV hypersensitivity) among frequent glove users. The gloves are manufactured using alternative non-sensitizing crosslinking agents and have been rigorously tested for dermatological safety, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anindith Reddy, Managing Director of Wadi Surgicals said “With this launch, we are proud to bring Indian glove manufacturing to the forefront of global innovation. Accelerator-free nitrile gloves are no longer a luxury reserved for global brands – we are making them accessible and affordable. This product not only addresses a critical health concern for healthcare workers and industrial users but also reinforces our commitment to safe, high-performance, and sustainable glove solutions.”

The gloves are certified under EN 455, EN ISO 374, ISO 13485:2016, and REACH-compliance frameworks, and are suitable for use in hospitals, cleanrooms, biotech labs, food processing, and electronics manufacturing.

Mr. Selvam Subramaniam, Vice President – Operations said “This achievement is the result of deep material science innovation and relentless process engineering, Our team worked closely with global polymer experts to create a glove that not only eliminates skin sensitizers but also matches or exceeds global standards of durability, flexibility, and protection. It’s a proud moment for Indian manufacturing.”

The Enliva Accelerator-Free range will be available across multiple variants:

• Enliva Pro – BIS-Compliant Medical Gloves
• Enliva Premium Nitrile Gloves – ASTM Standard Examination Gloves
• Enliva QuickDraw – Multipurpose Disposable Gloves
• Enliva UrbanShield – Food-Grade Gloves

White-label and OEM options will also be offered to international partners.

This development places Enliva in league with leading global brands such as Ansell’s DermaShield, Hartalega’s NGX, and SHIELD Scientific—reaffirming India’s ability to compete at the highest level of innovation in medical disposabl

National, India – Internationally acclaimed fitness expert Naveen Chandra Kulkarni is set to revolutionize Mumbai’s wellness landscape with the grand opening of Muscleheadon, his state-of-the-art fitness and wellness studio in Bandra West. This ambitious venture represents the culmination of Naveen Kulkarni’s decade-long journey in transforming lives through holistic fitness approaches.

“Muscleheadon is the physical manifestation of my lifelong vision to create a complete wellness ecosystem,” says Naveen Kulkarni, whose illustrious career includes competing at Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas for five years, at Dubai Muscle Show for three years and at the Arnold Sports Festival for one. “Every element of the studio has been meticulously designed to reflect my philosophy that true transformation requires addressing physical, nutritional, and mental well-being simultaneously.” His comprehensive background uniquely positions him to pioneer this revolutionary wellness concept, which he personally oversees at every level.

Naveen Kulkarni’s new establishment features his signature 90-day transformation program, which includes expert body assessments, customized nutrition plans, personalized supplement recommendations, and access to an exclusive fitness tracking app—all personally developed by Kulkarni to deliver comprehensive results.

Naveen Kulkarni’s vision extends beyond traditional fitness training. His(the) Muscleheadon facility features an extensive recovery wing offering treatments including UV and 0zone filtered cold plunge therapy, infrared sauna sessions, steam rooms, and contrast therapy.

“What makes Muscleheadon unique is that clients aren’t just joining another gym—they’re accessing my complete system for transformation,” explains Naveen Kulkarni, who was also featured as a TEDx speaker in 2024. “Every aspect of the client experience reflects my personal approach to optimal wellness.” The facility also houses a supplement store and health café curated by Kulkarni himself, offering only products and nutrition options that meet his exacting standards.

Bengaluru: Vidya (name changed), from Bangalore, has successfully conceived after enduring repeated IVF failures due to biochemical pregnancies, a condition where implantation would occur but fail to progress. Despite undergoing multiple fertility treatments, she was unable to achieve a sustained pregnancy, leading the couple to seek a more specialized approach at Indira IVF, Bangalore. Following a detailed evaluation, a tailored treatment strategy was implemented, which ultimately resulted in a successful pregnancy.

Dr. Shyam Gupta, Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist at Indira IVF

For years, Vidya faced immense emotional and physical distress as each unsuccessful attempt left her without answers. While embryos were forming and implantation was taking place, the pregnancies failed to develop further, indicating deeper underlying issues that needed to be addressed. Recognizing this, the medical team devised a comprehensive plan focused on enhancing ovarian function, improving embryo quality, and ensuring the uterine environment was optimally prepared for implantation. By carefully modifying each aspect of the treatment cycle, they were able to significantly improve her chances of a sustained pregnancy.

Dr. Shyam Gupta, Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist at Indira IVF, explained, “When patients face repeated IVF failures despite embryos implanting, it becomes essential to look beyond standard protocols and identify the precise barriers to a successful pregnancy. By optimizing ovarian response, addressing possible immune-related implantation failures, and fine-tuning the treatment plan to suit Vidya’s specific needs, we were able to create an environment conducive to embryo development. This approach was key in overcoming the challenges she had faced for so long.”

Her case stands as a testament to the power of personalized, science-backed fertility care in overcoming even the most complex infertility challenges. With continuous advancements in reproductive medicine, more couples struggling with repeated setbacks now have access to innovative treatments designed to address the root causes of infertility. Indira IVF remains committed to undertaking these evidence-based, individualized treatment strategies, ensuring that every hopeful parent receives the best possible chance of achieving their dream of parenthood.

Gurugram, 15 May 2025: The Derma Co., an active ingredient-led skincare brand from Honasa Consumer Limited, has partnered with Zepto, India’s fastest-growing quick commerce company, to provide essential summer skincare to Zepto’s delivery partners in Jaipur. In a city where desert heat can be especially harsh on the skin, this initiative aims to protect and uplift those who form the backbone of the Pink City’s hyperlocal delivery ecosystem. With this special initiative, Zepto’s continued its commitment to care-led actions that safeguard delivery partner’s safety and health.

Snigdha Anand, VP – Marketing, Honasa Consumer Limited, said, “At The Derma Co., we believe in delivering science-backed skincare that solves real problems. Through our partnership with Zepto, we’re proud to extend this philosophy to the delivery partners who work tirelessly in challenging weather conditions. This campaign is a reflection of our shared commitment to care not just for consumers, but also for the people who keep essential services running. It underscores our belief in purposeful, science-led skincare that goes beyond convention.”

Commenting on the campaign, Vikas Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, Zepto, said “At Zepto, every delivery is powered by real people navigating the city to serve users with speed and care. We’re committed not just to fast deliveries, but also to the safety and well-being of those who make them happen. Every store has a designated rest area for delivery partners—with drinking water, hydration-focused refreshments, washrooms, and charging ports. Our partnership with The Derma Co. helps us take this one step further by protecting our partners during the harsh summer months.”

Set against the vibrant streets of Jaipur, the campaign film follows Zepto’s delivery partners as they navigate the city’s heat and hustle. Featuring real riders receiving skincare kits, sharing stories, and smiling with gratitude, the film captures their resilience and the joy of feeling seen. The activation was carried out across Zepto’s dark stores in Jaipur, where riders collected their kits and participated in the programme in dedicated rest areas. The collaboration reflects both brands’ shared focus on the well-being and dignity of delivery partners, who form the backbone of the quick commerce ecosystem.

SPJ Group is pleased to appoint Praveen Raina as the Executive President for its real estate vertical, SPJ True Realtyy. With over 21 years of multifaceted leadership across marquee organizations like HDFC, Yes Bank Ltd, AFS, Omaxe Ltd, and Imperia Structures Ltd, Praveen Raina brings a comprehensive perspective to SPJ True Realtyy, spanning Sales, CRM, Marketing, Construction, Facility Management, Business Development, and Corporate Affairs.

Praveen Raina, Executive President, SPJ True Realtyy

In his new role, Praveen will play a pivotal part in strengthening the company’s strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and contributing to expanding SPJ True Realtyy’s footprint across key markets. His strategic acumen and operational depth will shape the company’s next growth phase.

Praveen Raina, Executive President, SPJ True Realtyy says, “I’m honored and excited to join SPJ’s real estate vertical. At a time when the real estate sector is exponentially growing, SPJ True Realtyy is uniquely positioned to harness these shifts. The company’s unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and ethical practices aligns deeply with my professional values. I am excited to leverage my expertise to drive integrated growth strategies that not only elevate the customer experience but also position SPJ True Realtyy as a future-ready leader in India’s evolving real estate ecosystem.”

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Praveen Raina to our leadership team. His proven track record, cross-functional expertise, and deep industry insights align with our vision of delivering quality-driven, customer-centric developments. With his leadership, we are confident in driving stronger innovation, agility, and sustainable growth across our operations.”

Praveen Raina’s appointment marks a key milestone in SPJ True Realtyy’s journey, as it continues to innovate and deliver exceptional projects across residential and commercial segments. The company’s strategy is centred on expanding its footprint across Delhi NCR, with a strong focus on high-growth micro-markets across the targeted geographies. His leadership will catalyze the group’s portfolio and maintain its commitment to excellence in real estate development.

Hexnode, the leading Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform from Mitsogo Inc., has announced the extension of Kiosk Lockdown support to ChromeOS and the addition of digital signage capabilities to its Windows kiosk management offering.

These enhancements empower businesses to take better control of their single-purpose and customer-facing endpoints. By restricting access to unnecessary applications and streamlining content management, organizations can strengthen security and ensure displays remain relevant and up to date.

“As businesses rely more on purpose-built devices for customer engagement, even brief downtime can disrupt operations and the customer experience,” said Sahad M, Chief Technology Officer at Hexnode. “Recognizing this, we are committed to providing reliable kiosk and digital signage tools that help businesses transform everyday devices into secure, easily manageable interaction hubs.”

Transform ChromeOS devices into Interactive Kiosks

ChromeOS is gaining ground as a preferred platform for kiosk deployments by offering an affordable, compact and cloud-first design solution. Businesses using ChromeOS-powered kiosks have reported an increase in sales and efficiency, making it ideal for applications ranging from self-service kiosks to exam-ready student devices. 

Hexnode now offers several essential features for managing ChromeOS kiosks:

Single-App Kiosk Mode: Lock devices into a single app for a focused experience, ideal for self-ordering, check-ins, or wayfinding. Enhance security by disabling plugins and function keys, blocking browser extensions and shortcuts to prevent malicious actors from exploiting loopholes and exiting kiosk mode.

Multi-App Kiosk Mode: Grant access to a curated set of apps while blocking distractions, ideal for environments that require flexibility without compromising security. This mode is particularly valuable in digital classrooms or healthcare environments, where users may have limited tech expertise, ensuring they can switch between essential apps easily.

Power and Accessibility Settings: Configure power and battery settings to align with usage patterns, optimizing uptime and extending device longevity. Manage accessibility features like virtual keyboard and dictation, ensuring a user-friendly experience on shared or public devices.

Remote Management: Quickly lock or wipe kiosk devices in the event of compromise or loss, and reboot devices when they freeze or malfunction, all without the need for on-site technician intervention.

Turn Windows Devices into Engaging Digital Signage

Windows remains a widely adopted choice for digital signage after Android, thanks to its long hardware lifespan, robust performance, and broad compatibility with signage software and peripherals. From retail chains to corporate campuses, Windows-powered signage is used to broadcast promotions, display dynamic menus, and relay internal communications. With digital signage shown to boost customer visits by 80%, delivering the right message at the right time has never been more crucial.

Hexnode equips businesses to display content effectively through:

Content Deployment: Easily push promotional images, videos, or URLs to remote displays, making it perfect for keeping retail storefronts updated or synchronizing digital menus across multiple locations.

Loop Video Mode: Auto-play content in a continuous loop, keeping customer engaged with uninterrupted video playback in high-traffic areas like malls or transport hubs.

Full-Screen Display: Automatically adjust content to fill the screen, ensuring consistency and visual impact in environments like corporate lobbies or product showcases.

With the latest addition of digital signage capabilities to Windows kiosk lockdown and newly expanded kiosk support for ChromeOS, Hexnode’s kiosk solutions now cover major platforms like macOS, iOS, Apple TV, Windows, Android, and ChromeOS. This unified approach empowers IT teams to seamlessly secure and manage interactive kiosks and digital signage displays across a diverse fleet of devices.