Tag Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 15th February 2024: Leading French apparel brand, Kiabi has forayed into Asia, through its association with Myntra in India, offering high-quality, globally-loved apparel to fashion-forward Indian shoppers. Present in 25+ countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and now Asia, this association will bolster the brand’s international expansion plans, strengthening Kiabi’s position as one of the most sought-after global brands in the burgeoning Indian fashion market.

A legacy French fashion giant that prides itself in being a ‘family-fashion’ brand, Kiabi, under the ownership of the Mulliez Family Association, an economic interest group that includes the likes of Decathlon, Auchan, and Leroy Merlin, strives to do “Always more for families”. The brand’s vision for the Indian market includes offering families high-quality global fashion that effortlessly combines style, sustainability and accessible prices. Kiabi relies on the expertise of 58 in-house stylists to create collections of responsible and budget-friendly fashion for the entire family globally. The association with Myntra is poised to enable Kiabi to tap into the premium fashion audiences across the country while offering seamless access to its diverse range of 500+ products across categories, including co-ord-sets, dresses, T-shirts and comfortable sets for kids.

Additionally, Myntra’s balanced base of men-women audiences will enable Kiabi to offer collections tailored to each family member, from women and men to children and even infants. Kiabi will have a dedicated Online Brand Store on the Myntra app, coupled with extensive visibility via the platform’s snackable video content offering, Myntra Minis, which gets 1 Mn visits a day.

Speaking on the brand’s India foray, François Haimez, International Leader, KIABI, said, “True to our international development strategy, which aims to provide all families with a reimagined fashion that combines quality, price, style, and sustainability, we are proud to connect with Indian families in this symbolic country as a longstanding partner in the production of our collections. Thanks to the strength and prowess of a key player like Myntra, we simplify the access to fashion for everyone, accessible to all.”

Myntra currently hosts over 400 international brands, with around 50+ being added in 2023, firmly establishing itself as a platform of choice for global brands to foray into India. Additionally, ~45% of demand for international fashion brands and labels is driven by shoppers in non-metro cities and beyond.

Touching upon the launch of Kiabi on the platform, Jayanti Ganguly, VP – Business, Myntra, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Kiabi to India and be their platform of choice for their much-awaited Asia foray. Their diverse range of high-quality, affordable and sustainable fashion has enabled Kiabi to become a wardrobe staple for families across the globe. Kiabi is poised to have a successful run in India on the back of our shared values of a customer-first mindset and being the go-to fashion destination for the entire family. We are confident about building Kiabi into a household name with our huge base of premium shoppers, robust delivery network and keen understanding of India’s fashion needs.”

For over 20 years, Kiabi has regarded India as a significant player in the brand’s performance, serving as a producer and exporter of products across the globe. Kiabi’s expertise, particularly in sourcing, has enhanced the efficiency of its supply chain. Currently, it boasts numerous partners, including 34 factories, 16 suppliers, 41 Kiabers, and represents the creation of over 37 million pieces in 2022.

Bengaluru, India — February 14, 2024 — Akamai Technologies (NASDAQ: AKAM), the cloud company that powers and protects life online, today unveiled plans to embed cloud computing capabilities into its massive edge network. Akamai’s Generalized Edge Compute (Gecko) advances Akamai’s strategy to be the cloud computing platform for companies that want to deliver better experiences by running workloads closer to users, devices, and sources of data.

Akamai’s move comes at an exciting juncture for the technology industry. In a worldwide study conducted in 2023, ClearPath Strategies found that two-thirds of IT decision-makers said their use of distributed cloud services is expected to increase over the next 12 months. More than one-third of respondents said the benefits of distributed cloud — including the ability to process and analyze AI and machine learning data quickly and efficiently — are mission critical to their IT strategy.

The new initiative is the latest move in Akamai’s multiyear strategy to become a key platform in enterprise multicloud environments. It is another step in the company’s vision for a new kind of cloud designed to meet the needs of modern applications that require higher performance, lower latency, and true global scalability that current cloud architectures were not built to provide.

Akamai has been conducting early trials of Gecko with several of its enterprise customers. The company anticipates that customers in AI inferencing, multiplayer gaming, and social and streaming media are best positioned to take advantage of the power of Gecko. Akamai sees future use cases in areas such as immersive retail, spatial computing, data analytics, and consumer and industrial IoT.

Current industry architectures treat cloud and edge networks separately. Gecko is designed to enable generalized compute to be deployed on top of Akamai’s existing worldwide edge network, taking advantage of existing tools, processes, and observability to provide a consistent experience across the entire continuum of compute from cloud to edge. Gecko will move heavier, traditional compute — usually confined to centralized data centers — to the edge of Akamai’s network. This will bring full-stack computing to hundreds of previously hard-to-reach locations, allowing customers to move workloads closer to their users.

By injecting cloud computing into places that traditional cloud providers have struggled to reach, developers will no longer have to think about building for the cloud or building for the edge. As developers demand more from their cloud and edge providers, Akamai’s plan is to unlock opportunities to innovate across the entire continuum of compute by driving the convergence necessary to put cloud computing power at the edge — convergence not possible before Gecko.

“Gecko is the most exciting thing to happen to the cloud in a decade,” said Dr. Tom Leighton, Akamai Co-Founder and CEO. “It’s the next phase of the roadmap toward a more connected cloud we laid out when we acquired Linode to add cost-effective, cloud-native computing capabilities to our portfolio. We began delivering on that roadmap with the launch of Akamai Connected Cloud and the rapid rollout of new core computing regions around the world. With Gecko, we’re furthering that vision by combining the computing power of our cloud platform with the proximity and efficiency of the edge, to put workloads closer to users than any other cloud provider. When we say we operate at planetary scale, this is what we mean.”

Akamai Connected Cloud: The World’s Most Distributed Cloud Platform

The scale of Akamai’s network, comprising 4,100 points of presence around the globe, makes Akamai Connected Cloud the world’s most distributed cloud platform. Akamai’s 25 years of experience managing massively distributed, fully automated, highly efficient, and exceptionally reliable networks puts it in a unique position among the world’s top cloud providers. Hyperscalers have dominated the market based on a decade-old centralized cloud model that emphasized scale-up compute power at the expense of reach. Smaller edge and CDN providers focused on scale-out reach in exchange for compute power. By adding Linode to its network and building out more core computing regions over the past year, Akamai has transformed Akamai Connected Cloud into the most distributed cloud computing platform on the planet. Akamai anticipates that the ability to harness the power of both the cloud and the edge will give it an advantage as the industry faces increasing demand to deliver better price performance, lower latency, and more robust security for applications and data, built and deployed across a wider continuum of compute. This advantage, combined with Akamai’s deep experience in distributed networking, is intended to give customers access to a more powerful, portable, easier-to-use, and lower-cost cloud.

“Akamai is delivering on the promise it made when it acquired Linode by quickly integrating compute into its security and delivery mix,” said Dave McCarthy, IDC, Research Vice President, Cloud and Edge Services. “What they’re now doing with Gecko is an example of the more distributed cloud world we’re heading toward, driven by demands to put compute and data closer to the edge.”

Akamai’s Gecko Roadmap: Putting Compute in Hard-to-Reach Locations

Akamai is rolling out a fast-paced, but pragmatic, roadmap for Gecko. In its first phase, announced today, Akamai aims to embed compute with support for virtual machines into 100 cities by the end of the year. Already, in 2024, Akamai has deployed new Gecko-architected regions in Hong Kong SAR; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Querétaro, Mexico; and Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as in cities without a concentrated hyperscaler presence, including Bogotá, Colombia; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Hamburg, Germany; and Marseille, France. Deployment of a 10th Gecko region in Santiago, Chile, is planned by the end of the first quarter. Beyond these 10 new Gecko locations and its existing 25 core computing regions, Akamai intends to add hundreds of cities to its global cloud computing footprint over the next several years.

In the second phase of Gecko, which is expected to kick off later this year, the company plans to add containers to the mix. In Gecko’s third phase, Akamai plans to add automated workload orchestration to make it easier for developers to build applications across hundreds of distributed locations, with the end goal of creating a consistent user experience between each core computing region and the edge

Bengaluru, 12th February 2024: Amazon.in unveils Mega Electronics Day with unbelievable deals and offers on a vast array of consumer electronics products from renowned brands like Samsung, Dell, HP, boAt, Sony, and many others. With the gifting season around the corner, there’s no better way to delight the loved ones or indulge in the latest tech, so grab your pick now! Additionally, enjoy a 10% instant discount on SBI cards and EMI transactions.

Here are some of the popular Consumer electronics products on Amazon.in with great deals from sellers:

Amazfit Active: Equipped with AI fitness exercise coach and GPS tracking, this smartwatch comes with a 1.75″ AMOLED display. Additionally, it offers features such as bluetooth calling, 14 day battery life, is alexa enabled and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 12,999
boAt Wave Sigma: Powered by Crest+ OS, boAt Wave Sigma is the perfect combination of technology and efficiency. This smartwatch comes with a battery life that lasts up to 5 days. Also offers 2.01” HD display, DIY watch face studio, bluetooth calling and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,399
Boat Airdopes 141 ANC: Dive into the ultimate audio experience with boAt Airdopes 141 ANC TWS earbuds. The earbuds are equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as Beast Mode that lets one experience lag free audio and ENx technology that helps cut through noise, 42 hours of playtime and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,599
Boult Audio Z40: With 60 hours of playtime, Boult Audio Z40 are crafted to perfection. It is equipped with features such as 10mm tech drivers, fast charging, ENC mic and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,399
Dell 14 12th Gen Intel Core i3: Embedded with 12th generation intel core i3 processor, the Dell 14 Laptop features an FHD display to enhance one’s visual experience. Additionally, it comes with features such as the Dell ComfortView low blue light solution, which is easy on the eyes. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 36,990
Fireboltt Phoenix smartwatch: Experience the best of technology with Fireboltt Phoenix. Equipped with a 1.43″ AMOLED display with a rotating crown, this smartwatch has some striking features such as 700 NITS brightness, bluetooth calling, oxygen tracking, inbuilt games and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,999
HP 15s 12th Gen Intel Core i5: Designed with an enduring battery life and state-of-the-art micro-edge display, this laptop is crafted to perfection. With 12th generation Intel core i5 processor, the HP Laptop 15s delivers unmatched performance and helps one stay on top of tasks. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 51,990
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11th Gen Intel Core i3: Designed to be lightweight and slim, Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the perfect learning companion with 11th gen intel core i3 processor. The laptop is also equipped with a 45W battery, a 720p HD camera, 15.6” FHD anti glare display and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 33,490
JBL Tune 235NC: Experience ‘perfect sound’ with JBL Tune 235NC. To ensure an enhanced music experience and perfect clarity, it offers 40 hours of playtime, active noise-canceling technology, talk thru mode and much more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 4,299
Noise VS 104 max: With features such as active noise cancellation, transparency mode, quad mic and up to 45 hours of playtime, this product lets you escape into an audio experience like no other. Additionally, it offers features such as Hyper Sync, water resistance, Instacharge and more. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,799
Noise Pulse 2 max: Designed with state-of-the-art technology, 10-day battery life, IP68 water resistance, 100 sports modes, smart DND and much more, this smartwatch also features a 1.85’’AMOLED display. Noise Pulse 2 max smartwatch has everything one would need in a smartwatch. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 1,199
Samsung S6 Lite: Dive into premium experience with Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, featuring a dolby atmos 3D surround sound, S Pen and much more. Additionally, its lightweight and slim features make it easier to carry and handle. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 21,999
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: This android-compatible smartwatch is engineered with BioActive Sensor for body composition analysis and smart features such as health monitoring along with enhanced fitness tracking and bluetooth calling. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 10,999

Bengaluru 8th Feb 2024: Big Boy Toyz, a trailblazer in the pre-owned luxury car sector, is thrilled to announce the inauguration of its fifth showroom in Bengaluru, strategically positioned in the city’s bustling centre. This expansion marks a pivotal step towards amplifying the brand’s digital success, with a focus on driving revenue growth in Karnataka.

Located at Richmond Circle, the new showroom offers an extensive range of high-end luxury cars, including Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and Porsches.

Having witnessed a robust digital business that has already surpassed the INR 100 Crores milestone in Karnataka, Big Boy Toyz has cultivated a devoted clientele in Bengaluru, where luxury car aficionados have embraced the brand’s digital platform for seamless transactions. The new showroom is a strategic response to the growing demand for an immersive, in-person luxury car buying experience.

In a market traditionally characterised by its unorganised nature, the used luxury car segment in Bengaluru has emerged as a goldmine for Big Boy Toyz, showcasing remarkable growth. The brand’s fifth showroom will capitalise on this trend, delivering a meticulously curated selection of pre-owned luxury luxury cars that cater to the astute, value-conscious consumer. In an era of escalating new luxury car prices, the brand is well aware of the discerning buyers who seek not just opulence but also value for their investments.

This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with the current industry landscape, where automotive sales are breaking records year after year. Big Boy Toyz is primed to make a significant impact, leveraging its existing strong base, as it targets a revenue milestone of INR 200 Crores in FY25 in Karnataka alone.

“We are thrilled to expand our physical presence in Bengaluru. As a customer-oriented pre-owned luxury car brand, we believe our core values and relationship-based dealing are an assurance of superior quality and this trust is what we have are extending to Bengaluru as well with a physical showroom. This is our fifth store pan India and we look forward to providing car connoisseurs with the best luxury car experience from 30 exotic brands. This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with the current industry landscape as well. We are primed to make a significant impact, leveraging our existing strong base, as we targets a revenue milestone of INR 200 Crores in FY25 in Karnataka alone”, shared Jatin Ahuja, Founder & MD, Big Boy Toyz.

With a keen understanding of Bengaluru’s demographics and the city’s surpassing of Delhi in total car ownership, Big Boy Toyz is strategically positioned to meet the diverse needs of the flourishing luxury car market in the Silicon Valley of India.

Going beyond mere transactions, Big Boy Toyz is committed to delivering an unparalleled ownership experience. The brand will offer a suite of value-added services, including warranties, buybacks, maintenance packages, body kits, and top-tier car detailing services, enhancing its revenue-driven approach.

Bengaluru, 8th February 2024: Cosmo Ferrites Limited, a leading manufacturer and exporter of Soft Ferrites and an emerging player in wire wound magnetic components today declared its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 2023.

Q3, FY24 witnessed a sharp drop in sales realization compared to the same quarter last year due to dumping of low-priced materials from the neighbouring country. This adversely impacted the sales revenue for the quarter and also the contribution margin. This was offset by stricter control on overhead costs but not fully and hence the lower EBITDA. The company completed the capacity expansion in Q4 FY 22-23. While the benefit of capacity expansion would start accruing in due course, the interest and depreciation costs on such capacity expansion have already come in the P & L impacting ‘Profit before tax’ adversely.

In the previous quarter, the Government, at the company’s representation started anti-dumping investigation in the matter import of soft ferrite cores from China. The investigation is generally progressing as per the notified schedule. Likely favorable outcome will help improve operating margin and capacity utilization.

Commenting on company’s performance Mr. Ambrish Jaipuria, Chairman, Cosmo Ferrites Ltd. said, “The company has developed multiple new products for automotive and space applications and is in advanced stages of getting newer approvals in the export markets which should help fill the capacity and improve margins over the next 2-3 quarters”.

Bengaluru | Wednesday, 8 February 2024 | Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), a leading global infrastructure EPC company, announced its results today for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December, 2023.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Quarterly Performance (Q3 FY24 vs Q3 FY23)

· Revenue grew by 22.3% YoY to ₹4,896 Crores driven by healthy project execution

· EBITDA grew by 13.4% YoY to ₹424 Crores; EBITDA Margin at 8.7%

· PBT grew by 21.4% YoY to ₹193 Crores in Q3 FY24; PBT margin at 3.9%

· PAT up by 32.1% YoY to ₹144 Crores in Q3 FY24; PAT margin at 2.9%

Nine-month Performance (9M FY24 vs 9M FY23)

· Revenue for 9M FY24 stands at ₹13,655 Crores, up 19.0% YoY

· EBITDA at ₹1,176 Crores higher by 13.3% YoY; EBITDA Margin at 8.6% for 9M FY24

· PBT at ₹490 Crores in 9M FY24, up by 14.0% YoY

· PAT grew by 17.6% YoY to ₹347 Crores in 9M FY24

· Net Debt stand at ₹3,457 Crores as on 31st December 2023

STANDALONE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Quarterly Performance (Q3 FY24 vs Q3 FY23)

· Revenue for Q3 FY24 stands at ₹4,147 Crores, up 18.2% YoY

· EBITDA up by 12.8% YoY to ₹344 Crores; EBITDA Margin at 8.3% for Q3 FY24

· PBT grew by 17.6% to ₹194 Crores, PBT margin at 4.7% for Q3 FY24

· PAT of ₹144 Crores in Q3 FY24, up by 29.7% YoY

Nine-month Performance (9M FY24 vs 9M FY23)

· Revenue for 9M FY24 stands at ₹11,613 Crores, up 16.8% YoY

· EBITDA at ₹966 Crores higher by 13.6% YoY; EBITDA Margin at 8.3% for 9M FY24

· PBT at ₹529 Crores in 9M FY24 compared to ₹518 Crores in 9M FY23

· PAT of ₹383 Crores in 9M FY24 compared to ₹379 Crores in 9M FY23

· Net debt stands at ₹2,589 Crores as on 31st December 2023

ORDER INTAKE & ORDER BOOK

· Received new orders of ₹ 380 Crores in Q4 FY24 till date; YTD FY24 order inflows stands at ₹ 18,065 Crores

· Order book at ₹ 51,753 Crores as on 31st Dec 2023, an increase of 25% YoY; Additional L1 position of around ₹ 6,000 Crores

Management Comments

Commenting on the results, Mr. Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO, KPIL said:

“KPIL has delivered another quarter of strong performance driven by robust project execution and record order book.

The last few quarters are one of our best quarters in terms of business development. With order wins and L1 of nearly Rs.24,000 Crores, we closed last quarter with an all-time high order book of Rs.51,753 Crores. We have made notable strides by securing large size EPC projects in the T&D, B&F and Urban Infra business. These project places us favourably to take advantage of the huge infra development push happening in India and overseas market.

Our robust order book, established capabilities and healthy tender pipeline, gives us confidence to deliver profitable growth in the coming quarters and achieve our vision for 2025.”

Bengaluru, 08 February 2024: In a significant move set to redefine the traditional boundaries of humanities education, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, and its distinguished Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (DLHS), announce a transformative partnership with LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., under their CLARE – Centre for LabourNet’s Academic Research Endeavour initiative.

The official ceremony for this pioneering collaboration took place on February 6th, 2024 (Tuesday) at MAHE, Bengaluru Campus, where Dr. Shilpa Kalyan, Head of DLHS, and Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chairperson, LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd. signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Mr. Siddharth Srinivasan, Consultant, LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., the faculty members and student representatives of DLHS were also witness to the beginning of this momentous collaboration.

Centre for LabourNet’s Academic Research Endeavour (CLARE), is LabourNet’s knowledge wing that offers experiential learning and hands-on training to university students to understand subject problems and implement solutions. LabourNet’s Capstone Project is a landmark initiative by CLARE to build lasting relationships between academia and the industry in real time. It is a programme that enables students to gain valuable insights from the world of work and apply their learning to solving current business challenges.

Extending Education Beyond Boundaries: Key Highlights of the Collaboration:

Engaging with Real World Problems: Students of DLHS, MAHE, Bengaluru will embark on the challenge of solving real-world problems in a workplace setting. LabourNet extends its support by providing a platform for experiential learning through practice-based live projects that promise a transformative educational experience.

Promoting Interdisciplinary Application: This collaboration facilitates a fruitful engagement between academia and the development sector. Going beyond theoretical learning, it enables interdisciplinary thinking and practice, thereby equipping graduates to test out their innovative ideas and strategies.

Mentorship by Seasoned Professionals: LabourNet with its pool of experts provides intensive one-on-one mentorship for students throughout the process of completing their capstone projects. From designing data collection tools and formulating policy suggestions to crafting media campaigns, the mentors will handhold students besides offering masterclasses in essential job-related skills.

Excited about the partnership, Dr. Shilpa Kalyan, Head of DLHS, said, “The collaboration between LabourNet and DLHS represents a strong coalition committed to creating sustainable lives. Within academia, we understand that tackling societal issues necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, and our partnership is evidence of the significant influence the humanities can have on promoting social responsibility, empathy, and long-lasting change”.

The collaboration will facilitate capstone projects, a mandatory requirement in the curriculum, for postgraduate students from 2023-24 and for undergraduate students from 2024-25 onwards. These projects, custom-designed for students of humanities and social sciences, will give students a chance to work on high-impact interventions in a purpose-led and performance-driven organizational setting.

Bengaluru, February 7th, 2024 – Urban Company, Asia’s leading marketplace for on-demand home services, has introduced a comprehensive policy against gender-based violence for its fleet of service professionals. This policy, released under the aegis of Project Nidar, will help the company’s active service professionals who are currently facing or have faced domestic violence and abuse by creating awareness and supporting them during challenging times.

Under Project Nidar, Urban Company has partnered with the Invisible Scars Foundation, an NGO supporting survivors of gender-based violence, to spread awareness about domestic abuse and to implement this initiative. The company, with the help of the foundation, will provide counseling, legal assistance and emergency lodging support. Apart from this, the company will provide medical support, beyond the already existing Rs 1 lakh insurance cover, and financial aid of up to Rs 50,000 to service partners seeking help. This policy is applicable to all active service partners on the Urban Company platform in India.

“Urban Company is a people-first organization and the well-being of our Service Partners is one of our core priorities. We recognize the deep and lasting psychological impact of domestic violence and abuse, and want to set up a robust support system for our service partners. Women comprise about 35% of our partner fleet which makes ’Project Nidar’ even more critical and has been carefully crafted with gender experts to not only provide tangible medical and financial support, but also raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse.”, said Abhiraj Singh Bhal, CEO and Co-founder, Urban Company.

To drive awareness about what constitutes domestic violence and the support extended by the platform, Urban Company will release a series of videos. These videos will touch upon topics ranging from ‘What is domestic violence & abuse’ and ‘Types of violence’ to ‘How to report’ and deep dive into the support provided by Urban Company. They will be accessible to all service partners on the Urban Company Partner App.

“We applaud Urban Company for their courageous move with the workplace domestic violence policy and Project Nidar initiative. In a society where domestic violence is considered a private issue, Urban Company emerges as a visionary brand, creating a safe and empowered environment for partners. Their remarkable effort sets a benchmark, inspiring others to prioritise workforce well-being. This initiative

reflects Urban Company’s commitment to addressing domestic violence in the workplace, and we are proud to be their implementation partner for this.”, said Ekta Viiveck Verma, Founder, Invisible Scars Foundation.

Gender-based violence1 is a disturbing societal issue which particularly impacts women in the beauty and wellness sector. According to research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, one in three women in India is likely to have experienced intimate partner violence, and of these victims only one in ten formally report it to the police or healthcare professionals. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Urban Company has, therefore, initiated Project Nidar to create a safe space for our service partners, by helping them notice signs of abuse and foster a supportive community

Bengaluru, 7th February 2024: The Future of Commerce conclave presented by Forbes India and GoKwik, brought together industry visionaries, entrepreneurs, and experts who are pioneers in carving the future of commerce. The event held in Bengaluru, featured a series of talks and panels, which addressed key themes such as technological innovation, customer experience optimization, and the collaborative ecosystem driving the next phase of commerce.

In a world characterised by rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer dynamic, the Future of Commerce conclave was aimed at unravelling the evolving e-commerce landscape, digitalization, and shifting customer expectations.

Chirag Taneja, CEO & Co-founder of GoKwik, set the tone of the evening in his opening address, highlighting the significance of such discussions in shaping the future of commerce. Speaking on GoKwik’s journey, he said, “Innovation in commerce thrives on collaboration. GoKwik, in its short three-year journey, has addressed challenges, revolutionized payment methods, and contributed significantly to financial services. As we look ahead, we envision a future where India becomes a 15% digital market, and GoKwik is poised to shape the commerce landscape with foresight and innovation.”

Distinguished speakers Ananth Narayanan (Founder, Mensa Brands), and K Ganesh (Serial Entrepreneur associated with BigBasket, Portea Medical, BlueStone, and HomeLane) participated in an engaging ‘Fireside Chat’ on ‘Pioneering the Future of Commerce.’ In another ‘Fireside Chat’ with Ashish Agrawal (MD, Peak XV) and Rajat Agarwal, (MD, Matrix Partners India), the duo decoded ‘A venture capitalist’s guide to e-commerce success’

In his session, Nik Sharma (CEO, Sharma Brands), provided a global perspective on the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) market.

In a panel discussion with Gaurav Khatri (Co-Founder & CEO, Noise), Priyanka Gill, (Group Co-founder, Good Glam Group), Manish Chowdhary (Co-founder, WOW Skin Science) and Prashanth Aluru (Co-founder & CEO, TMRW ‘House of Brands’), the speakers shared their views on shifts in consumer behaviour and trends in the commerce industry.

The evening also saw a tech accelerators panel discussion with Vargab Bakshi (Vice President, Wix.com), Nitin Navneet Tatiwala (Vice President, FedEx Express MEISA Marketing) and Ananth Jayarajan (Technical Partnerships Lead, Shopify APAC).

The last session of the conclave delved into the transformative impact of fintech on payment ecosystems, redefining how consumers and businesses engage in transactions. The insightful panel featured Deep Agrawal (Head of Payments at PhonePe), Akshay Aedula (CRED); and Antariksh Parmar (Product Manager, ONDC).

From the rise of digital-first brands, move towards an omnichannel approach, optimisation of customer experience, enhancement of payment solutions, growing enabler requirements and creation of an overall collaborative ecosystem, the conclave successfully facilitated insightful discussions among visionaries who are paving the way for unprecedented yet sustainable growth.

Bengaluru, February 06, 2024: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a revolutionary franchise-based motorsport spectacle poised to become the fastest-growing league in India focusing beyond cricket. The league showcased the adrenaline-pumping journey with an explosive opening at the Pune race, mesmerizing over 9000 fans on the ground with live broadcast on TV and OTT. The company recently diluted its 3% stake to concentrate on promotion and on-ground activations, with a pre-season opening valuation of INR 350 crore.

With an objective to reach the maximum audience and elevating the stature of the sport, the promoters are in conversation with private investors to dilute 2% of the stake for a staggering valuation of INR 450 Crore just after the first race. The changing need to look beyond conventional sports is fuelling the excitement for motorsports. With strategic investment and market confidence, India represents a unique opportunity to redefine Supercross and reach new heights.

Mr. Veer Patel, Director and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL, expressed his excitement, “We conceptualized it in 2015, documented in 2017, registered in 2019, and the first race took almost a decade to transition from paper to stadium. However, we received a pre-season valuation of INR 350 crores, which is a true testament to market potential and investor confidence. We are overwhelmed by the market response, witnessing an impressive jump of almost 30% in valuation just after the first race held in Pune. Our longstanding conversations with brands and partners have suddenly expedited. We are in the advanced stage of closing a minority stake sale to fuel our Season 1 plans, staying aligned with our INR 150 crore spending target. We are confident of achieving an INR 1000+ crore valuation post Season 3.”

ISRL has enlisted CEAT as the title sponsor, Toyota Hilux as the vehicle partner, Axor and Kawasaki India as the industry partner in significant deals. The broadcast rights have been granted to Viacome18 via Jio Cinema and sports 18. The league garnered an overwhelming response from the global sporting community with registrations from over 120 riders worldwide.

The first season includes a total of 3 races held in major stadiums, the team is poised to entice the audience of Ahmedabad and New Delhi after a successful completion of the Pune race.