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IIMA Ventures partners with Google for Startups, launches first cohort

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IIMA Ventures (formerly IIMA-CIIE) has partnered with Google for Startups to launch the first cohort of AI Academy India 2024. This initiative is designed to empower early-stage startups to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve global challenges in fields such as healthcare, climate, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, and infrastructure.

The program, which began in Gujarat, will expand to six more cities across India. It will collaborate with Kerala Startup Mission, T-Hub & MATH, IHFC-IIT Delhi, NSRCEL IIM Bangalore, SINE IIT Bombay, IIT Madras Incubation Cell, and Nasscom AI and People+AI. This nationwide effort ensures startups receive the support they need to succeed.

Backed by MeitY Startup Hub, the first cohort includes 22 startups. They benefit from hands-on training, expert guidance, access to Google’s AI tools, and up to $350,000 in cloud credits. Additionally, participants get networking opportunities with top global companies.

“We are proud to partner with Google for Startups to host the AI Academy India Bootcamp in Ahmedabad. This initiative perfectly aligns with our regional incubation mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The bootcamp has provided 22 promising startups from Gujarat with invaluable resources, including access to cutting-edge AI technologies and expert mentorship. We look forward to hosting more such programs to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Gujarat,” said Vipul Patel, Partner, Seed Investing, IIMA Ventures.

The Indian AI market is expected to grow to $7.8 billion by 2025, with the potential to contribute $500 billion to the country’s GDP. This demonstrates the massive economic impact AI can bring.

According to IIMA Ventures, the startups are tackling various challenges. For instance, they are creating AI-powered tools for education, developing platforms for electric vehicles to combat climate change, simplifying loan and insurance documents in fintech, and building collaborative platforms in healthcare to improve business efficiency.

IIMA Ventures has already guided over 7,000 founders, accelerated 1,700+ startups, funded 700+ companies, and inspired millions through 400+ publications. Their legacy continues to shape India’s startup ecosystem.

D2C enabler ShopDeck raises $8M in funding round

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(L-R) Rishabh Verma & Harmin Shah, Cofounders, ShopDeck

ShopDeck, a D2C e-commerce solutions provider, raised $8 million (approximately Rs 68 crore) in its latest funding round. Bessemer Venture Partners led the investment, with Elevation Capital, Venture Highway (now part of General Catalyst), and Chiratae Ventures also participating.

The startup plans to use the funds to improve its AI-powered technology, expand operations in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and grow its team. These efforts aim to serve sellers better and enhance customer experiences.

“We will invest heavily in software, and leverage our team and growth consultants, and build software that can help merchants optimize their storefront automatically. Second goal is to start expanding top of the funnel and get more and more D2C brands to work with us, given that our software has reached a steady state,” cofounder Rishabh Verma said.

The SaaS startup offers small and medium-sized sellers consulting support in areas like storefront management, marketing, shipping, and customer engagement. It also helps businesses establish and scale their online presence efficiently.

Verma noted that merchants often have mixed feelings about marketplaces. While they receive high order volumes, they miss out on building direct connections with their customers.

Founded in 2018 by Verma and Harmin Shah as WMall, a social commerce platform, the company transitioned to NuShop in 2022 and eventually became ShopDeck. Initially, Elevation Capital, Venture Highway, and Chiratae Ventures backed WMall.

“We began our journey at the end of 2018 with the thesis for building a value commerce marketplace for India, but we encountered various roadblocks and were unable to scale. In 2022, we decided to shut down our initial model and pivot to our current model, which we believe is relatively more interesting than what we were pursuing earlier,” said Verma, hinting at the consolidation of social commerce companies that happened during the time.

ShopDeck competes with players like Shiprocket (backed by Zomato) and Shipway (supported by Unicommerce). The platform caters to various categories, including fashion, accessories, jewelry, home and kitchen products, and general merchandise. “We’ll expand into beauty, which obviously is a big segment for D2C, and maybe even foods,” he said.

Commenting on the investment, Anant Vidur Puri, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, said, “India’s e-commerce is booming, but small merchants remain underserved. ShopDeck’s innovative profitability-first approach, combining AI-driven tools and service support, positions it uniquely in the market.” 

Bellona Hospitality unveils Eight: A luxury pan-Asian experience at Mall of Asia, Bengaluru

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Prashant Issar is director at Bellona Hospitality

Bellona Hospitality has launched Eight, a Pan-Asian bar and restaurant in Bengaluru. This venue is located in the city’s luxury retail hub and aims to transform the local dining experience. Eight combines Eastern and Oriental flavors, offering a unique mix of luxury dining and shopping. It is the brand’s third outlet, with the first two in Mumbai and Lucknow, making it a significant addition to Bengaluru’s culinary landscape.

Prashant Issar, the Director of Bellona Hospitality, and Chef Sagar Sarkar lead this venture. They have brought the Izakaya dining style to Bengaluru, creating a refined culinary experience. The name “Eight” draws inspiration from the Chinese number that symbolizes wealth, innovation, and tradition. The menu includes dishes from Canton, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan, as well as unique offerings from lesser-known Chinese regions. The bar’s design features corten steel and rice paper elements, adding a distinctive charm to the restaurant.

Speaking on the launch, Prashant Issar said, “We are extremely excited for the launch of Eight in Bengaluru. The city has seen an immense boom in the F&B industry, and our passion is to blend the richness of Asian cuisine with the city’s vibrant energy, creating an experience beyond mere dining. We want to create a space where every dish, every cocktail, and every moment is meticulously crafted to mesmerize our patrons and redefine their expectations.”

Eight specializes in a luxurious Pan-Asian dining experience. It offers a diverse menu that includes Cantonese dishes, sushi, tempura, and curries. Guests can choose from over 15 sushi varieties and innovative dim sums. Signature dishes like Jasmine Smoked Pork Ribs and Chilean Sea Bass with Taiwanese Chili Sauce stand out. Vegetarian options include Truffle Edamame Fried Rice and Tofu & Eggplant in Black Bean Claypot, along with delightful desserts and curated beverages.

The restaurant’s design merges Asian opulence with modern aesthetics. It features textured walls and stained wood railings, creating an inviting atmosphere. A serene terrace with stylish seating enhances the overall dining experience. The bar serves as a centerpiece that divides the space into intimate sections.

After successful launches in Mumbai and Lucknow, Eight is now ready to make its mark in South India. It promises a culinary journey where each dish tells a story, further enriching Bengaluru’s vibrant dining scene.

Meesho introduces GenAI-powered voice bot to provide 24×7 customer support 

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E-commerce platform Meesho launched a GenAI-powered voice bot on Tuesday. This initiative aims to enhance user experience and provide 24/7 customer support. The voice bot, which began operating about a month ago, currently supports English and Hindi. Additionally, it plans to expand to six regional languages: Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil.

The voice bot autonomously manages various customer interactions. It currently handles around 60,000 calls each day, offering quick and effective solutions. With a remarkable 95% resolution rate, it reduces the need for human intervention, streamlining support and minimizing escalations.

“This efficiency has also contributed to a nearly 50% improvement in Average Handle Time (AHT), resulting in quicker and more effective customer service,” a company statement said.

This solution utilizes agentic AI to analyze data autonomously. It makes informed decisions and responds to customer queries in real-time. By effectively addressing common inquiries, the voice bot allows human agents to focus on more complex issues. This approach enhances service quality and maximizes overall support efficiency.

Meesho recognizes that 80% of its users come from tier-2 cities and beyond. Therefore, the voice bot is designed for flexibility. It operates successfully on basic smartphones and in noisy environments.

One of its advanced features is interruption management. This feature distinguishes between casual affirmations like “yes” or “okay” and genuine interruptions. As a result, conversations flow smoothly unless a significant interruption occurs.

“Its human-like interaction is a standout feature, enhancing communication ease, building trust, and delivering support that feels natural and relatable,” said Sanjeev Barnwal, cofounder and chief technology officer, Meesho.

Future updates will focus on detecting user emotions for more empathetic interactions. In October, SoftBank-backed Meesho reported a significant reduction in adjusted losses—from Rs 1,569 crore in FY23 to Rs 53 crore in FY24—thanks to lower general and administrative expenses.

Moreover, its revenue from operations increased by 33%, reaching Rs 7,615 crore in FY24 compared to Rs 5,735 crore in FY23.

ICRA Analytics forays into $3-5 billion Indian cyber security market with Bitsight

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Jayanta Chatterjee, MD & CEO, ICRA Analytics

ICRA Analytics Limited (ICRA Analytics), a subsidiary of ICRA Ltd, has entered the Indian cyber security market, valued at $3-5 billion. They formed a partnership with Bitsight, a top global firm specializing in cyber risk management and affiliated with Moody’s. This collaboration allows ICRA Analytics to provide advanced cyber risk management solutions to clients throughout India.

“The Indian cyber security market is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 3-5 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13-15 per cent over the next five years. ICRA Analytics expects this foray to support its business growth in the future,” ICRA Analytics MD & CEO Jayanta Chatterjee told PTI. 

“Our collaboration with Bitsight will enable us to deliver next-generation cyber risk solutions across India. This strengthens our bouquet of offerings under the risk management platform and ensures access to superior quality cyber risk management frameworks for our clients,” he said without providing any business projections.  

Jason Rivard, Global Channels, Bitsight, said, “We are proud to partner with ICRA Analytics to bring Bitsight’s proven cyber risk management solutions to businesses across India. Our combined expertise will empower Indian enterprises to better identify, communicate, and prioritize cyber risks in today’s complex digital landscape.”  

ICRA Analytics offers a range of services, including analytics, digital platforms, and consulting for risk management, market data, ESG, and knowledge services.

Unlocking Marketing Innovation: An Exclusive Interview with Apoorva Nanda Kumar, Marketing Specialist at Best Power Equipments

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Apoorva Nanda Kumar, Marketing Specialist at Best Power Equipments

In an era where innovation and strategic marketing are paramount, we had the privilege of sitting down with Apoorva Nanda Kumar, a seasoned Marketing Specialist at Best Power Equipments. With a wealth of experience in crafting compelling marketing strategies and a keen understanding of market dynamics, Apoorva has emerged as a pivotal figure in the industry, driving impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. During our conversation, we delved into her journey in marketing, exploring how she navigates the complexities of consumer behavior and leverages data-driven insights to enhance brand visibility. Apoorva’s expertise not only highlights the transformative power of effective marketing but also underscores the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing business landscape. Join us as we uncover her insights on the future of marketing, the role of technology in shaping consumer interactions, and her vision for Best Power Equipments in this competitive market.

1.⁠ ⁠With your extensive background in marketing leadership, how has your approach to positioning Best Power Equipment in the market evolved over the years?

Over the years, my approach to positioning Best Power Equipment (BPE) in the market has evolved in response to both industry shifts and advancements in marketing techniques. Initially, the focus was primarily on traditional marketing channels and highlighting BPE’s technical superiority in the power solutions industry.

However, as customer expectations changed and digital platforms became central to B2B and B2C marketing, my strategy shifted toward more dynamic, customer-centric approaches.

One significant evolution has been the integration of digital tools and data-driven insights to refine our positioning. We now leverage advanced analytics to understand our audience better, enabling us to craft personalized marketing messages that resonate with different market segments. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency has grown, and our positioning now reflects BPE’s commitment to these aspects.

We’ve adopted a more consultative approach, highlighting not just the product’s features but how our solutions contribute to long-term operational efficiency and environmental sustainability for our customers. Additionally, we’ve embraced storytelling in our marketing efforts, positioning BPE not just as a provider of products but as a partner in innovation. This narrative has helped us engage with a broader audience, from industry experts to environmentally conscious consumers.

2.⁠ ⁠BPE has established a strong presence both in India and globally. What marketing strategies have been most influential in expanding BPE’s reach to international markets like Germany, Australia, and the Philippines?

Expanding into international markets like Germany, Australia, and the Philippines required a multi-faceted marketing strategy tailored to each region’s unique cultural, regulatory, and market dynamics. Some of the most effective strategies have included:

● Localized Marketing Campaigns: One of the first steps in expanding internationally was ensuring that our marketing messages were culturally relevant. We tailored our campaigns to reflect the unique business environments of each market, ensuring our messaging addressed the specific challenges faced by power solutions companies in these regions. This included local language adaptation, regional case studies, and emphasizing the particular value propositions that resonated with those markets.

● Participation in Global Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Being present at international exhibitions has been crucial in establishing our brand presence in global markets. Events like DCW Singapore and Power & Electricity World Philippines have allowed us to showcase our latest innovations and engage directly with potential customers and partners.

● Strategic Partnerships: Forming alliances with local partners has been pivotal. By collaborating with distributors, resellers, and integrators familiar with local markets, we were able to accelerate our reach. These partnerships helped us not only penetrate these markets but also build credibility and trust quickly.

● Digital Outreach and Thought Leadership: In an increasingly globalized world, digital marketing plays an essential role in expanding our international reach. We have focused on building thought leadership through content marketing, webinars, and white papers that emphasize our expertise in energy efficiency, sustainability, and reliable power solutions. This has attracted the attention of industry stakeholders and generated leads from multiple countries.

3.⁠ ⁠What role has brand differentiation played in BPE’s success, especially in a highly competitive industry like power solutions?

Brand differentiation has been one of the pillars of BPE’s success, particularly in a competitive industry like power solutions, where technical specifications often overlap among competitors. Our differentiation strategy revolves around three key aspects:

● Technological Innovation: We emphasize our commitment to continuous innovation, particularly in energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. BPE’s cutting-edge products, like our IoT-enabled UPS systems, have set us apart as a forward-thinking player in the industry. By promoting these technological advancements, we’ve been able to position ourselves as leaders in adapting to Industry 4.0 trends.

● Customer-Centric Approach: While many competitors focus solely on the product, BPE differentiates itself by being a customer-first company. We’ve built a reputation for providing not just equipment but complete power solutions tailored to our client’s unique needs. Our extensive customer support services, post-sale engagement, and adaptability to client requirements have further strengthened this differentiation.

● Sustainability and ESG Commitment: Our proactive stance on sustainability and incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into our business has also been a significant differentiator. We’ve positioned BPE as a company that not only provides reliable power solutions but also aligns with our customers’ growing demand for environmentally friendly practices. This resonates well with socially conscious clients and has helped us stand out in the market.

5.⁠ ⁠BPE’s rapid growth is impressive. How have your marketing efforts contributed to scaling the company, especially in terms of securing key clients and expanding your product offerings?

Marketing has been pivotal in driving BPE’s growth by increasing brand awareness, attracting key clients, and facilitating product diversification. Through carefully crafted, targeted marketing campaigns, we’ve successfully penetrated specific sectors such as IT, banking, healthcare, and government. These campaigns have been tailored to address the unique challenges of each industry, highlighting the direct benefits of our solutions. For instance, in the banking sector, our focus on reliability and security has enabled us to secure significant clients.

Additionally, marketing has played a strategic role in the successful launch of new products. A prime example is the introduction of our modular UPS systems, which were supported by robust campaigns featuring webinars, case studies, and technical whitepapers. This not only positioned us as leaders in modular technology but also attracted a new customer segment seeking scalable solutions. Our efforts to optimize digital platforms for lead generation have further contributed to business growth. By leveraging SEO, content marketing, and targeted paid campaigns across social media, we’ve consistently reached key decision-makers, boosting both brand visibility and sales.

6.⁠ ⁠With BPE providing solutions to sectors like IT, banking, and government, how do you tailor your marketing campaigns to resonate with the unique needs of these diverse industries?

Tailoring our marketing campaigns to meet the distinct needs of different industries has been key to our success. We achieve this through industry-specific messaging that directly addresses the challenges of each sector. For example, in the IT sector, we focus on reliability, data protection, and uptime guarantees, while for government clients, we emphasize regulatory compliance and energy efficiency. By understanding each industry’s unique priorities, we create content that resonates with their specific concerns.

Additionally, we leverage case studies and testimonials to build credibility, showcasing how our solutions have benefited similar organizations. For instance, case studies from the banking sector highlight how our UPS systems have reduced downtime, supported by client testimonials, which are then used in targeted campaigns to attract similar clients.

In sectors like banking and government, where tailored solutions are often required, we adopt a consultative approach, positioning ourselves as partners who collaborate with clients to develop customized power solutions that meet their precise needs. This personalized strategy has been instrumental in securing contracts with large enterprises and government entities.

7.⁠ ⁠How do you leverage digital marketing and data analytics to enhance BPE’s visibility and reach in both B2B and B2C markets?

Digital marketing and data analytics have become indispensable tools in expanding BPE’s visibility and driving growth in both B2B and B2C markets. We leverage them in the following ways:

● Data-Driven Targeting: Through advanced data analytics, we segment our audience based on demographics, behavior, and purchase history. This enables us to deliver personalized content and offers that resonate with specific customer needs, improving engagement and conversion rates.

● SEO and Content Marketing: We’ve invested heavily in content marketing, producing high-quality blogs, case studies, whitepapers, and videos that establish BPE as a thought leader in the power solutions industry. Coupled with SEO efforts, this has helped us rank highly in search engine results, driving organic traffic and increasing our brand’s visibility.

● Social Media and Paid Campaigns: For B2C outreach, we utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to promote our products, engage with customers, and build brand awareness. For B2B clients, we run targeted LinkedIn ads and Google AdWords campaigns aimed at decision-makers in specific industries.

● Webinars and Virtual Events: To reach a global audience, we’ve embraced virtual events and webinars, which allow us to demonstrate our expertise and connect with potential clients in real-time. These digital touchpoints have been key in nurturing leads and converting them into customers.

8.⁠ ⁠What are the key metrics you prioritize to measure the success of BPE’s marketing campaigns and ensure continuous improvement? 

We focus on several key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of our marketing efforts, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to market changes. Lead generation and conversion rates are crucial metrics, helping us evaluate how effectively our campaigns—whether digital, webinars, or trade shows—are turning prospects into customers. We also monitor customer acquisition cost (CAC) to ensure resources are used efficiently, maximizing marketing ROI.

By tracking the return on investment (ROI) for each campaign, we can identify which strategies are most effective, allowing us to adjust our budget allocation as needed. Engagement metrics like click-through rates, bounce rates, and social media interactions provide insight into how well our content connects with the audience. Additionally, we prioritize customer lifetime value (CLV) to gauge retention and the effectiveness of upselling and cross-selling strategies, complementing our focus on acquisition costs.

10.⁠ ⁠Sustainability is becoming a critical factor in business decisions. How do you incorporate BPE’s eco-friendly power solutions into your marketing narrative to appeal to socially conscious clients?

Sustainability is at the heart of our marketing strategy. We highlight BPE’s eco-friendly solutions to resonate with socially conscious clients. Our approach involves showcasing the environmental benefits of our products, such as reduced carbon footprints and lower energy consumption, through partnerships with green organizations, eco-certifications, and real-world case studies. Additionally, we emphasize our commitment to innovation for sustainability, developing new products that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. By integrating these elements, we appeal to a growing market of clients who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Baby & Mom Retail eyes 100 Crore revenue by 2025 and 280 Crore IPO by 2026

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New Delhi, November 25, 2024 – Baby & Mom Retail, a House of Brands and a prominent player in the baby care, skin care, pet care, and bedding solutions industries in India, announces ambitious growth milestones and plans for strategic expansion. The company, which achieved significant revenue growth with 23 crore in 2023 and 44 crore in 2024, is now targeting 100 crore in revenue by 2025. Baby & Mom Retail also aims for a public listing with an IPO projected at a valuation of 280 crore by 2026.

The remarkable growth achieved by Baby & Mom Retail stems from a series of successful initiatives and strategic expansions across its product offerings and digital presence. Over the past two years, the company has strengthened its brand portfolio, focusing on customer-oriented, high-demand products under brands like OYOBABY, Newish, REDCOP, GADDA CO, Mattress Protector, and Amorite. Through these brands, Baby & Mom Retail has addressed various needs, from safe baby skincare and premium pet care to natural hair and skincare. This product diversification, paired with high-quality standards and a focus on safety, has resonated well with consumers, creating an impressive brand following and driving revenue growth.

On the journey toward its IPO, Baby & Mom Retail is preparing to meet investor expectations by building on its established financial and operational foundations. The company’s goal is to secure an IPO valuation of 280 crore by 2026, providing additional capital for scaling initiatives. This landmark public offering will solidify Baby & Mom Retail’s position as a market leader in the baby care and lifestyle sector. It will amplify its mission of providing trusted, high-quality products that prioritize family well-being.

Shish Kharesiya, Founder and CEO of House of Brands – Baby & Mom Retail, said – “At Baby & Mom Retail, our journey has been driven by a deep commitment to quality, care, and innovation. Every product we create, every milestone we reach, and every family we serve brings us closer to our vision of becoming a trusted part of every home. We’re proud of our growth and achievements, but we’re even more excited about what lies ahead. Our goal is not only to meet the needs of today’s families but to anticipate and exceed them as we shape the future of family care. Together, we’re building a legacy of trust, compassion, and excellence that will stand the test of time.”

The company’s focus on digital marketing and e-commerce partnerships has been key to this success. Leveraging a strong online presence through platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, Baby & Mom Retail has been able to connect with a vast customer base, driving visibility and sales. Enhanced digital marketing campaigns, including targeted social media ads, influencer collaborations, and seasonal campaigns like Diwali bundles, have bolstered customer engagement and sales conversions, further strengthening the brand’s foothold in the competitive market. Additionally, innovations like breathable and machine-washable mattress protectors from GADDA CO and alcohol-free skincare under Newish have set Baby & Mom Retail apart as a customer-centric, quality-driven company.

Looking ahead, Baby & Mom Retail has charted a comprehensive growth plan to reach its 2025 and 2026 targets. Expanding core brands and introducing new products under the OYOBABY, Newish, Amorite, and GADDA CO lines will meet the evolving needs of families and environmentally conscious consumers. Baby & Mom Retail also plans to expand its presence into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities domestically and strategically target international markets across Asia, Europe, and North America, where localizing product offerings will allow for stronger market penetration.

Digital and retail expansion are central to the company’s strategy. Baby & Mom Retail plans to further integrate with leading e-commerce platforms, including potential collaborations with Walmart and Alibaba, to drive global reach. Investments in customer loyalty programs, supply chain optimization, and R&D will ensure streamlined operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and maintain a high standard of innovation. New loyalty programs and subscription models will improve customer retention, fostering long-term relationships and stable revenue streams. At the same time, sustained R&D efforts will fuel product innovation with a focus on hypoallergenic and eco-friendly solutions.

About Baby & Mom Retail Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 2013, Baby & Mom Retail Pvt. Ltd. is a House of Brands and is a prominent player in the baby care, skin care, pet care, and bedding solutions industries in India. Headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, the company has grown significantly under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Mr. Shish Kharesiya. What started as a vision inspired by a powerful realization during Shish’s MBA journey has now evolved into a thriving business with over 150 employees and a comprehensive portfolio of six distinct brands.

AI analytics firm Pyramid Analytics raises $50M from Blackrock 

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Pyramid Analytics, an AI-driven business analytics firm, announced on Monday that it has secured $50 million in funding from BlackRock, the largest asset management company globally. This investment demonstrates strong confidence in Pyramid’s potential.

Companies worldwide are eager to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. Startups that provide AI solutions stand out in a generally slow private funding environment. This trend highlights the growing importance of AI in enhancing business processes.

According to Allied Market Research, the global big data and business analytics market is expected to grow significantly. It is projected to reach $665.7 billion by 2033, up from $225.3 billion in 2023. This growth indicates a robust demand for analytics solutions.

Pyramid’s platform leverages machine learning and AI to streamline processes and improve data analysis for its clients. Notable clients include the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hallmark, Deloitte, and Volkswagen. This diverse clientele showcases the platform’s versatility.

The company, based in Amsterdam with offices in London, New York City, and Tel Aviv, chose not to reveal its equity valuation after this latest investment. However, its previous Series E funding round in May 2022 raised $120 million, bringing its total fundraising to over $200 million at that time.

Pyramid did not disclose its valuation either in its last funding round. However, TechCrunch estimated the company’s worth to be nearly $1 billion. This valuation reflects the growing interest in Pyramid’s innovative solutions within the analytics space.

John Doyle, managing director at BlackRock, said Pyramid “sits at the intersection of data analytics and AI capabilities, two segments that continue to benefit from robust secular tailwinds.” 

Co-living startup Truliv forays into Bengaluru 

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Rohit Reddy, cofounder and chief executive officer of Truliv

Truliv, a co-living startup based in Tamil Nadu, is expanding into Bengaluru, India’s technology hub. The company has launched its first projects in the city, focusing on micro-markets around Hebbal and Whitefield.

To grow its presence, Truliv is using a cluster-based expansion strategy in Bengaluru. Initially, it plans to offer 1,000 beds as part of this expansion.

In the next 18 months, Truliv aims to add 1,500 more beds. This will increase its total capacity in Bengaluru to 2,500 beds.

“Our growth strategy focuses on a cluster-based model, enabling us to establish thriving communities in key business districts while ensuring operational efficiency and superior service delivery. By leveraging our leadership in BTS (Build-to-Suit) and co-living, we aim to set a benchmark for living experiences and scale our model across the city, driving sustainable growth and innovation in the sector,” said Rohit Reddy, cofounder and chief executive officer of Truliv.

Currently, Truliv manages over 3,000 beds in Chennai. The startup intends to replicate its success in other major cities, such as Pune, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon.

The company anticipates a revenue of Rs 32 crores by the end of this financial year. Notably, it is already EBITDA positive, which distinguishes it within the co-living market.

Truliv’s operating model integrates built-to-suit (BTS) properties with traditional leases, providing flexibility and scalability. Initially targeting working professionals, the company plans to broaden its offerings to serve various customer segments in the future.

Founded in 2019 by Rohit Reddy and Ranjeeth Rathod, Truliv operates as a subsidiary of DRA Homes. The startup focuses on delivering innovative housing and community solutions for working professionals, students, and other demographics across India. With aggressive expansion plans underway, Truliv is set to become one of India’s leading co-living operators.

Unleashing Precision Intelligence: How APTO.AI is Redefining AI Capabilities

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Deepak Kalhan, Founder & Chief Business Officer, Apto.ai

Business Review Live recently had the privilege to interview Deepak Kalhan, the visionary Founder and Chief Business Officer of Apto.AI, at the World AI Show in Mumbai, expertly organized by Trescon. Apto.ai Team is celebrated as the mastermind behind India’s pioneering AI Software engineering and has positioned Apto.AI at the vanguard of AI innovation. With a relentless focus on ethics, security, and technological advancement, he has spearheaded the development of an award-winning AI platform built on a meticulously crafted in-house engine rigorously tested for compliance. Through this interview, Deepak delves into the evolving world of Generative AI, offering sharp insights into its future, ethical dimensions, and transformative power in reshaping modern business.

How does Apto.ai foresee the transformative potential of Gen-AI across various sectors?

Apto.ai views Gen-AI as a transformative force across industries, driving significant gains in productivity and efficiency. Our Gen-AI solutions enable clients to enhance development capabilities, boosting productivity by 70-75% and reducing development timelines by 60-70%. These advancements empower businesses to achieve faster outcomes and improved operational effectiveness.

How does Apto.ai use Gen-AI to help developers with limited coding skills build fully functional digital solutions? Can you share examples of AI-generated code being integrated into development?

Apto.ai leverages Gen-AI to democratize software development, making it accessible for developers with limited coding expertise. Acting as the world’s first AI-powered software engineer, Apto.ai transforms ideas into applications. Users configure via drag-and-drop while the AI writes, tests, and manages code for web and mobile applications. 

In addition, Apto.ai handles version control, deployment, and even ongoing maintenance in some instances. Clients across sectors like banking, telecom, insurance, and real estate rely on Apto.ai to efficiently generate code without needing a technical team. Large software companies also utilize our platform to achieve 60-70% efficiency in code generation. This automation saves time and resources, allowing businesses to focus on growth and innovation.

Furthermore, it helps avoid vendor lock-in by providing flexibility and portability, allowing users to own and modify the code generated by our platform. Unlike traditional no-code solutions, which restrict access to the application’s source code or require continued reliance on the platform for updates and maintenance, cApto.ai produces standard, industry-compliant code. This code can be exported, transferred, and maintained independently of the original platform, enabling businesses to transition seamlessly to different environments or integrate with other development tools. By ensuring that clients retain full ownership of their code, Apto.ai empowers organizations to adapt to changing needs without being tied to a single vendor’s ecosystem.

With the growing need for faster software development, how does Apto.ai’s no-code platform offer scalability, security, and customization while staying user-friendly for non-technical users?

Apto.ai’s platform provides a user-friendly visual interface specifically designed for non-technical users. With just a business idea and 40 hours of training, users can build applications without learning programming languages or syntax. 

To ensure scalability, security, and adherence to coding standards, our in-house AI-powered engine automates code generation, verifies security, and provides code quality. This engine maintains alignment with industry standards, delivering high-quality and secure applications.

How does Apto.ai’s platform seamlessly integrate with existing software development tools and infrastructure, allowing developers to enhance their workflows using AI-driven, no-code capabilities? 

Apto.ai seamlessly integrates with existing software development tools through its specialized third-party API interface, the TAPI module. This enables developers to connect to any RESTful API, upload API contracts, and automatically generate both back-end and front-end components. 

The Apto.ai platform empowers users to create robust, scalable microservices that seamlessly integrate with external systems. By leveraging its AI-driven capabilities, the platform enables developers to design, build, and deploy microservices that expose essential functionalities via secure APIs. These microservices allow external systems to consume and interact with core application features, fostering interoperability and flexibility. Apto.ai’s core engine ensures that these services adhere to best practices in security and performance, making them reliable components within any digital ecosystem. This microservices architecture not only enhances modularity but also simplifies system integration, enabling businesses to extend their capabilities efficiently and scale with ease.

The platform produces complete designs and dashboards with minimal manual input, streamlining workflows. While it doesn’t directly support traditional code checkers, it automates code creation, allowing developers to focus on higher-value tasks.

As generative AI advances, how does Apto.ai plan to lead in areas like multi-modal AI, self-healing code, and AI-driven debugging? How are you equipping developers for these future trends?

Apto.ai is advancing multi-modal AI capabilities to simplify app development further. For instance, users will soon be able to speak to the platform, saying, “Apto, create an e-commerce application for me.” The system will then ask clarifying questions and automatically generate the app. 

Our vision is to make app creation accessible to everyone, from small business owners to large manufacturers, eliminating the need for technical expertise. This approach ensures that anyone can develop customized digital solutions effortlessly. 

In a fast-paced AI landscape, how does Apto.ai keep its solutions customer-focused to meet the diverse needs and challenges of various enterprises? 

Our platform is designed to cater to diverse needs, providing a comprehensive development tool for end-to-end code generation. From freelancers to large enterprises and industries like manufacturing and insurance, our industry-agnostic platform offers a versatile foundation for application development. 

By addressing varied challenges with adaptable solutions, we ensure our platform remains relevant and effective across sectors.

Can you share a recent case study or success story demonstrating how Apto.ai’s technology has improved an organization’s operational efficiency or decision-making process? 

Certainly! In the real estate sector, Apto.ai helped a client reduce development costs by 70%. In FinTech, another client achieved an 80% cost reduction. Our clients validated these figures directly. 

Additionally, our platform shortened their go-to-market (GTM) time by 80%, enabling rapid product deployment and achieving significant operational efficiencies. These success stories highlight the transformative power of Apto.ai’s technology.

As Gen-AI continues to advance, what ethical considerations should businesses consider, and how does Apto.ai address these concerns in its offerings?

Ethics are crucial as Gen-AI evolves. Apto.ai prioritizes security and responsibility in its products by employing a secure, in-house AI engine that undergoes rigorous testing. This includes Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) and Information Security (InfoSec) evaluations, ensuring robust, secure solutions. 

By embedding these ethical practices, we provide our clients with trustworthy and reliable AI-driven tools.