Archives January 2025

7 Reasons Spoken Fest Will Stay with You Long After It’s Over

fest

Celebrating the infinite possibilities that art presents, Kommune’s beloved storytelling melting pot, Spoken Fest, braces itself for its seventh edition. The 2025 edition will host a stellar line-up of performers, both music and spoken word, regaling the audience on the 1st and 2nd of February at the Jio World Garden, Mumbai.

A key highlight of Spoken Fest in Mumbai is a conversation with two of the most respected figures in music—Gulzar Saab and Shankar Mahadevan. In a candid discussion with Roshan Abbas, founder of Kommune, they’ll reflect on their careers, their art, and the moments in between. And that’s just the beginning. The seventh edition promises experiences that will stay with you long after the event. That’s the power of words.

Lights. Camera. Words

At the Spoken Fest 2025, the actors and creators who have entertained us throughout the years from behind the screen will take centre stage, connecting with their fans through the intimate medium of storytelling. There will be some familiar faces from the entertainment business that will captivate the crowd with the magic of words. The line-up comprises a diverse group of people, which includes Huma Qureshi, Divya Dutta, Gajraj Rao, Ankur Tewari, Suhani Shah, Ankush Bahuguna, Nikhil Taneja, Ahilya Bamroo, Vivaan Shah, and other amazing performers.

Literary Events

To make the experience at the Spoken Fest more immersive, there are many experiential booths for the attendees. During the seventh edition, the festival has some interesting literary experiences that will be curated to unite the bibliophiles.

There is a Blind Book Date, where strangers will become fellow book buddies, a delightful experience that will add another book to your expansive collection. Along with this exciting congregation of book lovers, Book Swap Library will add a new literary expedition to your list. A small nook will be dedicated to books brought in by your fellow readers.

Poetry For Healing

The seventh edition of Spoken Fest will also have a dedicated poetry section to experience the healing powers of words. Poetry Apothecary is a dedicated corner for poetry books. Another experience is Poetry Busker, a corner where our dedicated poets will write a customised poem for you on the subject of your choice.

Tune In To Tune Out

Spoken Fest, for its six editions, has created a space for artists for their talents to thrive. It has been a democratic space for music artists to present their talent. For the seventh edition, the cultural evenings will feature a diverse lineup of music artists, including, Wild Wild Women, The Aahvaan Project, Snehdeep Singh Kalsi, Khasi Bloodz, Vidhya Gopal, and Siddharth Pandit.

To elevate attendees’ musical experience, The Revolver Club will have a vinyl station to evoke nostalgia. At the booth, the audiophiles can listen, browse, and buy their favourite records.

Reflect With Art

Art draws out something lingering but invisible to the naked eye! Throughout our journey of life, there have been phases where art became a companion, sketching the complex world we live in with a stroke of a brush.

At the Spoken Fest, there will be an Art/Heart station to bring that creative streak and paint your life, reflecting the life that has gone by. The event has become a haven for the hustlers to sit, reflect, and ponder about life, a privilege one is deprived of in the bustling maximum city. So, sit with colours, stamps, and strangers, painting the portrait of life!

Kahaani Ki Dukaan

Kahaani Ki Dukaan, a community-driven story collective located in the serene state of Himachal Pradesh, comes down to Spoken Fest every year. Founded by Anoop Chough and Jasmine Kaur, Kahaani Ki Dukaan has become an audience-favourite experiential spot at the Spoken Fest.

Anoop left his corporate job, tapping into the fascinating universe of stories. They run this small non-profit to help children embrace the unconventional storyteller in them. Kahaani Ki Dukaan is a space filled with stories, songs, and music.

Tarot Tavern

At the Spoken Fest, the Tarot Tavern booth might have the answers to puzzling questions about your future and fate. The tarot card reader holds the key to the door of the unknown. Get a personalised reading session during the city’s dazzling literary event!

The energy of the previous editions of Spoken Fest deeply resonated with the Mumbai fans, intertwining the spirit of the city with some remarkable performances. Like every year, along with memorable performances, there are experiential booths that will elevate the experience at the Spoken Fest. The seventh edition is all set to fill the audiences’ hearts with a lifetime of memories and an indelible evening full of music, words, and poetry under the same sky!

All performances will be available on Kommune’s YouTube Channel. Say hi to the camera to find yourself in the after-movie!

Kirana King Appoints Bollywood Actress Mahima Chaudhry as Brand Ambassador

Mahima Chaudhry

Jaipur, January 24, 2025: Kirana King has announced the appointment of renowned and versatile Bollywood actress, Mahima Chaudhry as their new brand Ambassador. The actress is not only known for her contributions to the films but also she is widely recognized for her inspiring and empowering persona, and now she will be promoting the products of the Kirana Kingas the brand representative.

Managing Director and CEO of Kirana King, Mr. Anup Kumar Khandelwal, welcomed her, by stating “We are extremely proud to have Mahima Chaudhry as part of our brand. Her empowering and inspiring image aligns perfectly with the values of our company Kirana King. Through this partnership, we aim to bring a new sense of energy, trust, and quality to our customers.”

Mahima Chaudhry expressed her delight and said, “Kirana King is a reliable and competent brand that offers quality products at fair prices to the consumer. I feel privileged to associate with this brand, Kirana King and I do believe that it will bring rich experiences and products to the consumer”.

Kirana King is well known for its strong and reliable reputation among their customers and stakeholders. By associating with an esteemed celebrity like Mahima Chaudhry, the brand has strategized to evaluate its product offerings and strengthen its social impact in the market industry. Both Kirana King and actress Mahima Chaudhary are looking forward to this partnership as a significant step towards a new beginning and success.

Featured in several blockbuster films in her acting career, Mahima Chaudhary will be now feature in various advertising campaigns for Kirana King. This initiative will enable the brand to connect with its consumers more efficiently and gain deeper insights into their evolving needs.

Medhavi Skills University Partners with Indian Chamber of Commerce to Boost Education, Entrepreneurship, and Skill Development

Mumbai/New Delhi, 23 January 2025: Medhavi Skills University (MSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) during the North India Education Summit 2025. This partnership aims to address skill shortages in key sectors, enabling learners to acquire industry-relevant competencies and secure sustainable employment opportunities. It also seeks to inculcate an entrepreneurial culture and create sustainable opportunities across industries.

The collaboration leverages the strengths of both institutions to design and implement initiatives that enhance education, innovation, and capacity building. Key objectives include identifying and addressing skill gaps in vital sectors, developing educational programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, conducting dissemination activities such as workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives to align with evolving industry needs, and establishing a strategic partnership to apply for government schemes and projects.

Medhavi Skills University Partners with Indian Chamber of Commerce to Boost Education, Entrepreneurship, and Skill Development

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor Medhavi Skills University stated, “This partnership with ICC represents a crucial step in aligning academia with industry demands. By leveraging ICC’s vast network and resources alongside MSU’s expertise in skill development, we aim to equip learners with in-demand skills. Our focus extends beyond technical proficiency to encompass critical thinking, creativity, ethical reasoning, and lifelong learning, ensuring our programs align with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. The collaboration is happening at an exciting time as ICC celebrates its centenary year.”

Mr. Nikhil Kanodia, Chairman – Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Northern Region while expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with Medhavi Skills University, an institution committed to advancing education and skill development. The expertise of Medhavi Group in the skilling domain is unparalleled. This MoU symbolizes a shared vision to address the dynamic needs of the industry and enable students and professionals to excel in an ever-evolving workforce. Together, we aim to promote, design, and develop educational programs on entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Through this MoU, MSU and ICC will jointly apply for government schemes and projects to maximize the impact of their collaborative efforts. The partnership will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and resources to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and ensure the delivery of quality skill development programs that meet international standards. This partnership underscores a unified commitment to empowering communities through education, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives, setting the stage for a brighter future for learners and professionals alike.

Dreamz Production House and Dubai Beauty School hosts beauty pageant – Mr Miss Mrs Asia Super Model 2025

New Delhi, January 24, 2025: Dreamz Production House, well known in the fashion industry along with Dubai Beauty School, which provides top-notch education in the beauty industry hosted the grand finale of renowned beauty pageant – Mr Miss Mrs Asia Super Model 2025 Season – 11 recently at Noida Film City. This event, which received tremendous response, was an exciting platform for the talent across the country as the pageant team visited across the country to audition contestants. The show was a grand success as it welcomed a total of around 75 contestants in multiple categories from all over the country.

The grand finale was judged by model and actor Rohit Khandelwal, Zoya Afroz, Indian actress, model and a beauty pageant titleholder and Celebrity Makeup Artist Bhumika Bahl amongst others. The contestants in various categories were assessed by the judges on physical appearance and other all – round qualities including communication skills. As part of their recognition, the winners were presented with gift hampers and offered a plethora of exciting opportunities, such as participation in video songs, web series, TVCs, print shoots, designer showcases, and reality shows. There was also a special kid round to promote young talent.

dreamz

In the Miss Category, Simrat Kaur from Punjab was crowned the winner title “Miss. Asia Super Model 2025” whereas Aabha Samta from Himachal Pradesh and Manupriya Rawat from Uttarakhand achieved the first and second runners up position respectively.

“Mr Asia Super Model 2025” was awarded to Arun Thakur from Himachal Pradesh. The first runner-up was Keshav Bansal from Noida whereas the second runner-up was awarded to Dev Bisht from Uttar Pradesh.

The “Mrs. Asia Universal 2025” title was awarded to Ritu Mahajan from Jammu, Jaya Tiwari from Rajasthan bagged the 1st runner position while Madhavi Raghuwanshi from Madhya Pradesh was awarded the 2nd runner-up.

“This stage has given many newcomers a chance to be a part of the fashion and entertainment fraternity. Mr Miss Mrs Asia Super Model 2025 brought together some of the most talented individuals and each contestant showcased not only their physical beauty but also their intelligence, confidence, and passion for making a positive impact on society. Today, we are proud to see how this event has grown and inspiring others to dream big and pursue excellence in all areas of their lives. We congratulate all the winners and participants for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. We also appreciate the judges, sponsors, and collaborators who helped us to make this an unforgettable event.” said Sharad Chaudhary, Founder, Dreamz Production House.

“At Dubai Beauty School, we believe that beauty is not just about appearance, but about the strength and talent that each individual brings to the stage. This beauty pageant is a platform that’s committed to giving participants a chance to showcase their talent and shine as an individual. Congratulations once again to all our contestants, and to our winners – your journey is just beginning.” said Anubha Vashisht, Founder of Dubai Beauty School .

This time, the show also witnessed another category – India Supermodel International 2025. Ayesha Akanksha from Delhi was the winner of the Miss India Supermodel International 2025 while Mr. India Supermodel International 2025 was awarded to Satvik Shah from Gujarat.

Path Finder: Ranni Leads India’s Next Education Revolution

path finder

Ranni, a picturesque constituency in Kerala, has taken a pioneering step in redefining education and career guidance with the launch of the “Path Finder” scheme, an integral part of the ambitious “Ranni Knowledge Village” project. Inaugurated by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP, this initiative is set to empower students by equipping them with skills and knowledge to excel in the modern world.

 The “Path Finder” scheme, envisioned by Ranni’s forward-thinking MLA Pramod Narayan, focuses on guiding students from classes 10 to 12 toward promising career paths in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, and digital marketing. It represents a bold step toward transforming Ranni into Kerala’s premier knowledge hub over the next decade.

 Speaking at the inaugural event, Dr. Tharoor lauded the initiative, calling it a milestone in educational innovation. “Kerala has long been a leader in education, and projects like ‘Path Finder’ reaffirm its commitment to staying ahead of the curve. This scheme, under the larger ‘Ranni Knowledge Village’ vision, can inspire similar efforts across the country,” he remarked.

 The “Path Finder” scheme brings together a team of experts, including industry leaders, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs, to mentor students through workshops and interactive sessions. This hands-on guidance ensures that young minds in Ranni are not only exposed to emerging opportunities but are also well-prepared to pursue them.

 MLA Pramod Narayan outlined his long-term vision for the project, stating, “Path Finder is the first step in our mission to transform Ranni into a hub of learning and innovation. This scheme is about giving our students the tools to dream big and achieve even bigger, making Ranni a beacon of progress for Kerala and the nation.”

 With its unique focus on career guidance and skill development, the “Path Finder” scheme is a shining example of how grassroots leadership can drive meaningful change. By bridging traditional education with modern industry demands, the initiative strengthens Kerala’s reputation as a leader in education and positions Ranni as a model for the rest of the nation.
The “Ranni Knowledge Village” project, of which “Path Finder” is the first phase, promises to usher in an era of progress, making education a cornerstone of development in this forward-looking constituency.

India Needs $1.7T Mining Investment for Energy Transition: Hindustan Zinc Chair

Chandigarh, January 24: India will need an estimated investment of US $1.7 trillion in its mining sector for energy transition, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director Vedanta Limited has said. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Priya also stressed India’s unique potential to drive global energy transition. She added that while countries like the US, China, and the Middle East have extensively harnessed their natural resources to fuel their economies, India has explored less than 15% of its reserves. This presents a unique opportunity for India to unlock its resource wealth and contribute significantly to the global shift toward clean energy.

  • Priya acknowledged the Indian government’s proactive measures in opening up the mining sector and said, “The Indian government is already taking steps in this area by launching the critical minerals mission and auctioning of critical mineral blocks. This has already seen Vedanta emerge as the preferred bidder for six blocks, paving the way for significant progress in this sector”. She also emphasized Vedanta’s commitment to sustainable mining by leveraging advanced technologies to ensure that mining operations have minimal or zero impact on the environment.
  • “Our commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is not just a goal—it’s a responsibility we hold toward future generations. I’m proud that three of our largest companies—Hindustan Zinc, Zinc International, and Cairn Oil & Gas—will reach this milestone within the next five years. By embracing renewable energy and deploying battery-operated vehicles, including fully battery-powered logistics by 2030, we’re proving that sustainability is not just essential for the planet but also the smartest path for long-term business growth. At Vedanta, we are committed to turning ambition into action”, she said.
  • Detailing Vedanta’s plans and innovations in developing zinc-based batteries as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium, Ms. Priya Aggarwal Hebbar said, “We are already conducting some pilots in this area. Hindustan Zinc, as the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, is collaborating with IITs and global institutions to advance this technology, which could disrupt the energy storage market by offering environmentally friendly solutions”.

She concluded by outlining Vedanta’s ambitious plans to double production across multiple verticals, including increasing zinc and silver output to 2 million tons annually, aluminium production to 4 million tons, and doubling oil and gas output through substantial capital investments.

A Decade Later, Dance Music Mogul Tiesto Set To Return To India For A Three-City Tour

India, 24th January 2025- Get ready for a groundbreaking collision of sound, light, and unparalleled energy! India’s thriving electronic music community is about to experience a seismic event, as EVA Live, the country’s leading live entertainment powerhouse, presents an electrifying mainstage showcase by none other than the godfather of dance music, Tiësto. This February, the globally acclaimed DJ and producer will return to India after more than a decade, headlining the HSBC Presents Tiësto India Tour 2025, a spectacular three-city journey that promises to redefine the live music experience.

Fresh off their sold-out Bryan Adams tour, EVA Live continues to raise the bar in live entertainment. Tiësto, the Grammy-winning pioneer and multi-genre innovator, will step away from his famed Las Vegas residency to electrify audiences in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The legendary DJ will kick off the tour at Backyard Sports Club, Gurugram, on February 13, 2025, light up NESCO, Mumbai, on February 14, and culminate with a grand finale at Terraform Arena, Bengaluru, on February 16.

Known for his ability to seamlessly evolve and captivate fans across generations, Tiësto will deliver a mesmerizing two-hour set that bridges the past and future of electronic dance music. Expect a high-energy celebration of his iconic soundscape, blending classic trance and progressive house anthems with cutting-edge productions, all brought to life with breathtaking visuals, state-of-the-art sound systems, and jaw-dropping stage design. This is not just a concert; it’s a sensory odyssey.

Speaking about his return to India, Tiësto said, “I’m beyond thrilled to return to India after 10 years! The incredible energy and passion of the people here are unlike anything else. Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru – get ready to party with me because this is going to be unforgettable! India has always held a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to experience that magic once again.”

Deepak Choudhary, Founder & Managing Director, EVA Live shared his excitement, “Tiësto is more than an artist – he’s a phenomenon, a visionary, and a symbol of global music culture. His return to India is a momentous occasion that underscores the evolution of the Indian EDM landscape. This tour isn’t just about music; it’s about creating memories, celebrating connection, and elevating the cultural pulse of the nation. We’re proud to be the driving force behind this iconic experience.”

Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India added, “We are delighted to present the ‘Tiësto India Tour 2025’, a reflection of our commitment to curating extraordinary experiences for our customers. Tiësto’s return is not just a musical event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and innovation. We are honored to be part of this journey that embodies the vibrant energy of India’s electronic music scene.”

53 Percent Favor Advanced Tech in Home Security: Godrej Survey

Godrej Enterprise Group

Chandigarh, 24 January 2025: Ahead of National Tourism Day, the Happiness Survey conducted by the Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, stated that 53% of respondents prioritize advanced technology in Home Security. This underscores a growing consumer preference for innovative and smart security measures that ensure peace of mind while traveling.

National Tourism Day underscores tourism’s significant contribution to India’s economy, with the sector set to become the third-largest domestic travel market by 2027. In 2024 alone, the sector generated over INR 25,010 crore in foreign exchange. As travel increases, securing homes has become a top concern for travelers seeking peace of mind while away. While adopting advanced security, tech remains the top priority, the survey also reveals that 50% of homeowners prefer ease of use whereas 44% prefer reliability as an important factor. These findings highlight the growing demand for smart, user-friendly security systems that ensure seamless protection.

Commenting on the findings, Mr. Pushkar Gokhale, EVP and Business Head, Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprise Group, said, “The findings from our Happiness Survey reinforce the evolving mindset of consumers who are increasingly adopting smart and advanced security solutions to protect their homes while they travel. In today’s interconnected world, where tourism is on the rise, ensuring home security through technologically advanced solutions not only provides physical protection but also contributes to overall well-being. At Godrej, we remain committed to empowering our customers with home security solutions that integrate seamlessly into their daily lives and enhance their overall sense of safety and happiness.”

National Tourism Day serves as a reminder of India’s rich cultural and natural heritage, while highlighting the increasing role of travel in modern lifestyles. With more individuals exploring both domestic and international destinations, the need to protect homes and valuables in their absence has never been greater. Addressing this growing concern, the Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprise Group offers a wide range of products, including AI-enabled surveillance cameras, intrusion alarm systems, and video door phones, empowering homeowners with remote monitoring capabilities and proactive security alerts.

The Happiness Survey gathered insights from 2,400 respondents across 12 major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai, providing a holistic view of consumer preferences and security needs.

Erba Transasia group introduces advanced haematology analyzer in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, January 24th, 2025: Erba Transasia Group, India’s No. 1 In-vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Company and among the leading global IVD players focused on emerging markets, today introduced Erba H7100 – its advanced Haematology Analyzer at a Clinical Symposium held in Hyderabad on the theme “Need for High-End Haematology Analyzers to tackle current challenges faced by clinical laboratories.” Dr. Swati Pai – Consultant Hematopathologist, Manipal Hospitals, delivered the keynote address, joined by an expert panel that included Dr. Suseela Kodandapani, Senior Consultant Pathologist, Head – Pathology and In-charge – Clinical trials, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute; Dr. Parag Patil, Associate Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Deputy Medical Superintendent, AIIMS; Dr. Faiq Ahmed, Senior Consultant Pathologist, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute; Dr. Shrikant Pankanti, Senior Consultant Pathologist and Laboratory Director, CARE Hospitals and Dr. Anuradha Sekaran, Director and Head – Pathology & Molecular Pathology, AIG Hospitals.

erba

 There has surge in cancer cases in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, especially for women with breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers being more prevalent. While, the men are commonly affected with head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. This underscores the need for advanced haematology analyzers.

 Equipped with fluorescence flow cytometry technology, the Erba H7100 offers a 70-parameter range, including Reticulocytes, Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF), and Immature Granulocytes (IG). These parameters are essential for diagnosing and treating conditions such as anaemia, thrombocytopenia, infections, inflammation, and blood cancers.

 Dr. Swati Pai remarked: “The southern state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh’s diverse population and unique health concerns require precise diagnostic solutions which the Erba H7100 fulfils. This analyzer is a step forward in addressing diagnostic gaps, especially for underserved communities battling hereditary disorders like thalassemia.”

 The Erba H7100 is a breakthrough in haematology diagnostics, redefining the field by enabling rapid, reliable insights for clinicians and enhancing diagnostic accuracy and research capabilities.

 Commenting on the launch, Suresh Vazirani, Founder Chairman, Erba Transasia Group, said: “Our commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation is exemplified in Erba H7100 Haematology Analyzer which stands out with its unique capabilities, providing an extensive panel of clinical and research parameters. Its cost-effective and minimizing reagent usage is ideal for large and medium-sized labs, corporate hospitals and B2B labs. We are confident Erba H7100 will revolutionize haematology diagnostics, providing clinicians with the tools they need to drive better outcomes.”

 Elaborating further, Vijay Kumar, CCO and Country Head, Transasia Bio-Medicals Ltd said: “Erba H7100 set itself apart with a throughput of 90 tests per hour for CBC+diff and 70 tests per hour for CBC+Diff+retics. Fully automated, it can become a 2X system by adding additional units and samplers. Its Mentzer Index feature helps differentiate between Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Beta Thalassemia while its Optical Platelet (Plt-O) feature addresses challenges like pseudo-thrombocytopenia in haematological analysis. Optical platelet count reduces the spurious count and is useful in correcting spurious low platelet counts in EDTA-PTCP patients. By addressing many challenges that labs and pathologists face, we help healthcare professionals offer to patients, the best possible care.”

IIFL Fintech Fund Series – II Successfully Raises Rs 200 Crore from HNIs, UHNIs and Family Offices

Prakash Bulusu Joint CEO IIFL Capita

IIFL Fintech Fund, India’s leading early-stage fund dedicated to the fintech sector, today said that it has successfully closed its second fund IIFL Fintech Fund – Series – II after raising Rs 200 crore from India’s top family offices, UHNI and HNI investors as it aims to invest in the next generation Fintechs of India including in the generative artificial intelligence space.

IIFL Fintech Fund was set up in 2021, to invest in early-stage Fintechs that IIFL as a group could collaborate with as well. Over the last three years, the Series – I of the fund boasts of 14 investments made across various segments in fintech. The portfolio comprises – Legality, FinBox, DataSutram, Finarkein Analytics, Finvu, Trendline, Insurance Samadhan, Xtracap Finance, Castler, Vitra.Ai, EasyRewardz, Multipl, Riskcovry, TrustCheckr (sold to True Caller).

The portfolio has delivered a 22.5X revenue growth, in the last three years, 40% of the portfolio is EBIDTA positive, and the fund boats of 0% write-off/Deadpool.

Mr. Prakash Bulusu, Joint CEO, of IIFL Capital Services Limited said, “We have seen very good response from HNIs, UHNis, and family offices for our IIFL Fintech Fund Series – II. Considering that India’s fintech is the only segment that is expected to grow 11X vs Indian online retail and Indian consumer tech where the expected growth is 3X and 5.8X respectively, the interest received for the fund was palpable.

“With our deep connection with India’s top wealth creators, we understand their niche investment needs in alternative fund management space. This helps us to give curated offerings like the IIFL Fintech Fund, which continues to attract investor eyes for its successful track record and investment philosophy.”

Mehekka Oberoi Kohli, Fund Manager, IIFL Fintech Fund said, “Our objective in IIFL Fintech Fund – Series – II is to continue to focus on identifying future market leaders in each of the segment that we would invest in. Through our series – I, we have been able to set up a track record which boats of winners like – Leegality (market leader in document signing infra), Finvu (highest market share in account aggregator space), Trendlyne (most used stock market analytics platform), FinBox (fastest growing embedded finance platform) among others.”

“Through our Series – II, there is a special focus on generative AI in financial services space. Generative AI is picking up pace, and is likely aid further aid the growth of the financial services space. Backed by the over three decades of experience of our group in financial services space, we are better poised to identify the winners.”

Opportunities in Indian Fintech ecosystem is significant as financial services penetration in India remains low. The gap between major economies and India across segments – insurance, lending, neo-banking, mutual fund assets is anywhere in the range of 3-5X. This gives enough headroom for growth in Indian Fintech space.