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A Taste of Tradition: Experience The Navratri Thali with Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort

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Delhi NCR, October 2024- Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort is delighted to present its Navratri Thali, a culinary masterpiece designed to elevate the festive experience. This Navratri, guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey where every dish is crafted meticulously to create lasting memories.

At the Aravali Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant, guests can savour the special Navratri Thali in a tranquil setting. Surrounded by the resort’s peaceful ambience, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary flavours.

The Navratri Thali at Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort truly celebrates culinary craftsmanship. The menu showcases an enticing array of dishes that harmoniously blend the essence of taste and tradition, promising an exceptional dining experience.

Begin the culinary journey with a selection of delectable appetisers. The “Kaccha kele ke kebab” presents savoury kebabs meticulously crafted from raw bananas, potatoes, and dry fruits and seasoned to perfection with sendha namak. The “Sweet Potato chaat” enchants the palate with a delightful combination of sweet potato, salt, coriander, and a hint of lemon.

The main course offerings of the Navratri Thali are equally impressive. Savour the exquisite flavours of “Sabudana khichdi,” where sago pearls are masterfully prepared with ginger and tomatoes. Delight in the “aloo jeera rassa,” where potatoes are lovingly cooked in an aromatic tomato gravy. The “arbi curry” offers a symphony of tastes, blending arbi and spices into a delightful dish. Finally, relish the “Samak chawal,” a nutritious barnyard millet pulao served with curd and toasted with cumin-spiced boiled potatoes, culminating in a truly satisfying dining experience.

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, savour the creamy “Makhana Kheer,” a dessert prepared with fox nuts, fragrant cardamom powder, and velvety whole milk. Alternatively, indulge in the opulent “Malpua,” an indulgent dessert. These sweet temptations are the perfect grand finale for the unparalleled Navratri Thali experience.  

Celebrate this Navratri with Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort’s Navratri Thali, priced at INR 1099 + taxes. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and relish the flavours of tradition and innovation.

About Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort

Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort offers a tranquil escape amidst the natural beauty of Aravali, India. Nestled in the heart of serene surroundings, the resort provides guests with a perfect blend of comfort and relaxation. Whether it’s a leisurely retreat or a celebratory occasion, Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort caters to every guest’s needs with world-class amenities and impeccable service.

Address: 96c6+H48, Gotha Mohbtabad, Haryana- 121001

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/delca-courtyard-aravali-resort

Andrew Ng’s fund invests in AI healthcare platform Jivi 

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Ankur Jain, CEO and Co-Founder, Jivi AI

AI Fund, a venture studio from California led by AI research pioneer Andrew Ng, has made its first major investment in India by backing the healthcare platform Jivi.

The fund will join as a cofounder of the Gurgaon-based startup alongside Ankur Jain, the former chief product officer at BharatPe, and GV Sanjay Reddy, the chairperson of Reddy Ventures.

Jain and Reddy shared that the investment was completed last week, but the amount remains undisclosed. They did not reveal how much AI Fund invested or the percentage of stake acquired.

People aware of the development say that Ng’s fund has bought a 20-30% share in the company, which started in January of this year.

“AI is transforming healthcare, and Jivi takes an important step toward more equitable, precise, and personalized care,” said Andrew Ng, managing general partner at AI Fund. “Ankur and team are at the forefront of this transformation and are developing accessible and intelligent tools. AI Fund is excited to advance this vision together with Jivi.” 

Jivi’s CEO, Jain, says their AI products include a consumer health assistant to make healthcare more accessible and a doctor copilot to help healthcare workers. 

Reddy adds that they want to keep the core features free for everyone and will add paid features later. Top hospitals are testing the multilingual and multimodal platform, which will be available to the public soon. It uses AI to help patients diagnose, treat, and prevent, and it works for many different healthcare specialties.

The company says it gives patients quick, accurate answers to their health questions and makes personalized health reports with symptoms, possible diseases, and treatment choices.

“Our mission is to make healthcare more efficient, affordable, and accessible to everyone, regardless of location,” Jain said. 

Jain says Ng’s knowledge and ideas will help Jivi change global healthcare and make good care available to everyone. The platform uses a knowledge base with over 15 million documents, making it one of the biggest in this area. This includes medical journals and years of research.

Jivi helps doctors analyze patient data and make their work easier by reducing administrative tasks. This lets them spend more time preparing for consultations. Jivi is designed to help people everywhere, from rural areas to big city hospitals. It can also grow and change to make healthcare more fair, efficient, and available to everyone.

World CX Summit and Awards showcases major insights into the Future of CX

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024, Bengaluru: The 12th Global Edition of the World CX Summit and Awards, an event by Trescon, drew to a close at JW Marriott Hotel, Bengaluru, on 19th September 2024. The event saw participation from over 250 customer experience (CX) professionals and technology leaders who gathered to explore the latest trends and innovations in customer service and engagement.

At the CX summit, attendees explored a diverse range of sessions highlighting the most impactful technologies transforming customer experience. The discussions covered key topics such as the strategic implementation of generative AI, advancements in data analytics, and the evolving landscape of sentiment analysis. These sessions offered a comprehensive view of how these innovations are shaping and enhancing customer interactions.

The day featured an engaging panel discussion on transforming customer experience, led by Fasih Abbas M, Senior Director & Head of Customer Success at Cashfree Payments. The deliberations focused on the importance of human interaction in the digital experience. The panelists Lakshman Velayutham, CMO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank; Gurpreet Jolly, Head – Customer Experience Operations & Service Delivery, Ajio.com (Reliance Retail); ShruthiBopaiah, Executive Vice President & Head – Customer Obsession, Axis Bank; Pinkustar Borah, Director – Head of IT – Customer Experience, South Asia, Unilever; and Ramanathan Rv, Co-founder and CEO, Hyperface Technologies explored the impact of subscription-based models on consumer behavior and expectations.

Another noteworthy session focused on integrating marketing and technology to create customer-centric journeys. Led by Priya Chakravarthy, Vice President of Experience at BluSmart, the panel explored how AI/ML is providing predictive insights and automating marketing approaches to enhance customer experience. Panelists Kedar Ravangave, Head of Marketing at Kotak Mahindra Bank; Rahul Poddar, Country Head – MarTech at Narayana Health; Rakhi Rana, COO at Drools Pet Food; and Ambit Mishra, Head of Marketing Communication at UMPESL – A Tata Voltas Enterprise, discussed the role of Martech tools in understanding market dynamics, elevating search strategies, and boosting customer engagement.

During the session, while talking about hyperpersonalisation, Rahul Poddar, Country Head – MarTech at Narayna Health, noted, “We are entering an era of hyper-personalization where consumers expect more than just satisfaction from products; they seek brands that become part of their lifestyle. AI and MarTech tools enable us to deeply understand consumer behavior, preferences, and even ensure empathy in every interaction, particularly in sectors like healthcare. As we shift from traditional communication methods to platforms like WhatsApp, we must adapt our messaging to be concise and relevant, embracing these changes to better engage our customers.”

The Top 100 CX Leaders and Top 50 Marketing Leader awards ceremony honored the innovators and leaders who have made significant contributions to enhancing customer experience and setting new standards of excellence. 

On the event’s conclusion, Mithun Shetty, Co-Founder, Trescon said, “The 12th Global Edition of the World CX Summit and Awards showcased how AI, hyper-personalization, and phygital solutions are transforming customer experience. We explored how innovation is driving seamless, customer-centric journeys and helping businesses meet the growing demand for personalized, tech-driven interactions.”

The World CX Summit and Awards wrapped up by inspiring attendees with forward-thinking strategies to elevate customer experience. The event highlighted the importance of aligning technology with a human-centered approach to meet evolving customer expectations. As businesses adapt to the rapidly changing landscape, the insights gained, and connections forged at the summit will play a pivotal role in shaping more personalized and impactful customer journeys, reinforcing the value of CX as a key driver of long-term success and brand loyalty.  

About Trescon  

Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership. With a deep understanding of the realities and requirements of the growth markets we operate in – we strive to deliver innovative and high-quality business platforms for our clients. For more information about Trescon, visit: www.tresconglobal.com  

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: 

Vishal S S 
Team Leader – Media and Communications 
Trescon 
Email: vishals@tresconglobal.com 
Mobile: +91-7358680951

Where Technology Meets Lifestyle: Karban’s Vision for the Modern Home

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Mr. Karan Bansal, Founder KARBAN

Imagine a world where your home appliances are functional and works of art that contribute to your well-being. This is the world Karban is creating. Karban transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences by integrating technology into everyday life. Founded by Mr. Karan Bansal and Tanya Goyal in 2021, KARBAN is redefining the way we look at the airflow industry, especially fans and argufies, with a mission to revolutionize the industry by integrating cutting-edge technology with sophisticated design.

Their innovative approach, born from aerospace engineering and enhanced by Computational Fluid Dynamics, doesn’t just “cool” your space; it clearly increases the chill factor. 

Business Review Live had the opportunity to dive deep into the world of KARBAN with its founder, Mr. Karan Bansal, uncovering the inspiration, innovation, and impact behind this groundbreaking company. Join us as we find the story of a company that’s not just about living but about living well – where every breath is fresh, and every corner is a little more beautiful.

BRL:From aerospace engineering to climate control, what inspired you to build KARBAN Envirotech?

My background in aerospace engineering provided me with a deep understanding of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics, which I wanted to channel into something meaningful for consumers. Air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency were areas where I identified significant gaps in the market. Traditional air-flow devices waste more than 40% of our energy.  Applying these principles to solve real-world indoor climate challenges felt natural, leading to KARBAN Envirotech’s founding. Our mission is to revolutionize how we manage indoor air quality and comfort by creating multi-functional products, or we like to call them ULTRA APPLIANCES, like Karban Airzone, which not only purify the air, it enhances the aesthetics and comfort of homes, along with [roviding adequate airflow and circulation. 

BRL: KARBAN’s innovation roots lie in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). How has your expertise in aerospace engineering influenced the development of these products?

Aerospace engineering, specifically my work with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), has been pivotal in KARBAN’s product development. We emphasize optimizing KARBAN’s airflow patterns and energy consumption, leveraging my aerospace expertise. Karban Airzone is designed with precision to maximize airflow while reducing energy usage. By applying the principles of aerodynamics, we have created a product that enhances air circulation and purification efficiency while maintaining safety —all with superior air throw performance.

We tend to keep purifiers in one corner of the room or any space we use it in. First, these placements are flawed; for the air purifier to work better, it must be centrally placed to create bigger air loops. Plus, we tend to switch on and off purifiers every time as soon as the sensors turn ref or blue respectively, 

With its “forever pure technology,” KARBAN air purifiers” allow for standard breathable AQI in any space. 

BRL: You’ve achieved impressive sales in just a few months. What do you think resonates the most with your customers about KARBAN’s offerings?

Everyone loves to live a clutter-free, easy life, a life of luxury and sophistication—a simple life. 

This is what we bring for everyone: you do not have to buy multiple devices, you don’t have to deal with various companies to resolve the issue, there are no numerous APPs, no multiple remotes, and JUST ONE SINGLE device for all your needs. It is sustainable, consumes less plastic – and is clean. Our customers appreciate that Karban products address multiple needs with one sleek, functional Design. The Karban Airzone purifies the air and serves as a bladeless fan and a light, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing clutter. This primarily benefits homes with low ceilings, where safety and space optimization are paramount. Our products’ energy efficiency and environmentally friendly features like biodegradable filters and low power consumption also resonate with consumers. We can seamlessly combine safety, functionality, and Design into one product that appeals most to our customers.

We work on three pillars – Design, technology, and lifestyle, and we believe in integrating these into our appliances.

BRL: With the Airzone  Lite as a more compact version, do you foresee creating a series of multi-functional home appliances?

Absolutely! Airzone Lite’s success has demonstrated the demand for compact, efficient solutions that combine multiple functionalities. We are actively working on expanding our product lineup to include more smart, space-saving appliances. As homes become more intelligent and connected, we see an immense opportunity to offer products that seamlessly blend Design and technology to make lives easy.

BRL: KARBAN is entering an industry dominated by major players like Samsung and Haier. How do you position yourself against these giants?

While more prominent players offer broad product lines, our strength lies in our deep specialization and innovation. Our 3-in-1 Design combines a bladeless fan, air purifier, and light. It is a unique appliance and caters to people who prioritize safety, aesthetics, and sustainability. By being nimble and highly focused, we can innovate rapidly,

BRL: Your product design prioritizes Design, Technology, and lifestyle. How challenging was it to integrate these three aspects into one unit?

It was undoubtedly a challenge, but it was one we embraced fully. For example, there is a common issue with traditional ceiling fans, especially in homes with low ceilings, where the blades pose a safety risk. Additionally, many consumers overlook indoor pollution, even though it significantly affects health. We wanted to create a solution that addressed both issues—offering comfort while maintaining air quality. Incorporating bladeless fan technology for safety, biodegradable filters for sustainability, and optimized airflow for energy efficiency required a multidisciplinary approach. Still, the result was a seamless integration of all three elements. And not to forget our ambient lights which create a very warm surrounding for your homes, or a work environment in offices. 

BRL: From selling online to expanding offline, how do you plan to bridge the gap between digital convenience and traditional retail presence?

We are focused on building a solid online presence, but we’re also discussing with retail partners to give customers a hands-on experience with our products. Bridging this gap involves maintaining the same high level of customer service and product accessibility across both channels. We’re working to ensure that customers enjoy a seamless experience, whether they are purchasing online or in-store, with consistent support and product knowledge readily available across both platforms.

BRL: The smart home industry is increasing. How do you see KARBAN contributing to or shaping the future of IoT-enabled homes?

KARBAN is fully committed to contributing to the smart home revolution. Our vision is to create products that integrate seamlessly with smart home systems and actively enhance users’ quality of life. By incorporating air quality sensors, automated climate control, and energy-saving modes, our products will adapt to users’ needs in real-time. We see the future of climate control as being more innovative, efficient, and fully integrated into the broader IoT ecosystem, with KARBAN leading the way in making homes healthier and more sustainable.

Vedantu raises debt from Stride Ventures, completes acquisition of Pedagogy

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Vedantu, the edtech unicorn, has secured Rs 19.25 crore (approximately $2.3 million) in debt and equity from Stride Ventures. This marks the first funding round for the Bengaluru-based company since it raised $100 million, valued at around $1.1 billion.

According to filings from the Registrar of Companies, the company raised Rs 19.25 crore through Stride Ventures Debt Fund II. The company’s board approved a resolution to issue 1,750 non-convertible debentures to secure Rs 17.5 crore and Rs 1.75 crore in equity.

Although this funding is modest, it will help extend the firm’s runway as the company faces challenging times like many other edtechs. As of March 2023, Vedantu had Rs 299 crore in net current assets, including Rs 39 crore in cash and bank balances, according to TheKredible.

Vedantu isn’t alone in its struggles. Other edtech firms like Unacademy, Byju’s, and Cuemath have also faced difficulties raising funds over the past few years.

In addition, Vedantu plans to fully acquire Ahmedabad-based Pedagogy by purchasing the remaining 9.32% stake in a share swap deal. As part of this deal, Vedantu will issue 87,198 equity shares worth Rs 1.53 crore to Pedagogy’s co-founders, Archin Shah and Ritesh Gandhi. Vedantu initially acquired a stake in Pedagogy in July 2021, as exclusively reported by Entrackr.

Pedagogy offers access to popular books and digital courses from trusted publishers and coaching centers across India, focusing on exams like JEE, NEET, NET, and CTET.

Like other edtech companies, Vedantu has expanded into offline learning by partnering with Vignan Institute. Together, they have launched six learning centers for higher secondary schools in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Although the company has not yet released its FY24 financials, the Edtech firm’s revenue from operations decreased by 7.8% to Rs 153 crore in FY23. However, it successfully reduced its losses by 46.4% to Rs 373 crore, according to startup data intelligence platform TheKredible.

Shaping the Future of Customer Experience: Kalyani Seshadri’s Insights from World CX Summit 

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Kalyani Seshadri, the Lead for Customer Experience at Tanishq

The prestigious World CX Summit, organized by Trescon in Bengaluru, served as a dynamic hub for over 200+ C-level executives, uniting business leaders to exchange groundbreaking insights, uncover the latest customer experience trends, and celebrate industry excellence. This insightful gathering offered a unique platform for thought-provoking discussions shaping CX’s future. 

As a proud media partner, Business Review Live had the privilege of participating in this influential event. During the summit, we seized the opportunity to sit with Kalyani Seshadri, the Lead for Customer Experience at Tanishq, for an exclusive interview. Let’s explore the invaluable insights she shared during our conversation. As a key speaker, Kalyani shared her expertise in delivering exceptional customer experiences, blending luxury and personalization in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Her insightful responses shed light on how Tanishq stays ahead in maintaining a seamless, personalized, and exclusive customer journey across both physical stores and online platforms. This interview has valuable takeaways for our readers looking to elevate their customer experience strategies.

With the rise of online shopping, how has Tanishq adapted its customer experience approach to ensure that the digital journey reflects the same luxury and personal touch as the physical store experience? 

We work every day to understand our customers better—what they prefer to buy, where they shop, and what they search for online. Like many businesses, we focus on tracking their behavior, but our key differentiator is listening closely to our customers. We monitor the points they visit most, what they search for, and where they feel gaps in their experience. We continuously refine our approach by gathering regular feedback to improve the overall customer experience.

How does Tanishq balance data usage with customer privacy and empathy to create a personalized online experience?

At Tanishq, jewelry is a highly personalized business, and we aim to maintain that personal touch in our digital journey. We handle large amounts of data but prioritize privacy and trust. We ensure that we collect only the data required to craft a personalized experience while safeguarding our customers’ privacy. Jewelry purchases are emotional and significant, so we approach each interaction with care and empathy. Balancing smart data use with genuine empathy is an ongoing challenge, but it’s crucial for delivering a seamless and meaningful experience, both online and in-store. 

This balance is a challenge we face daily at Tanishq. We actively listen to our customers in both our online and in-store experiences. We aim to understand their needs, their expectations, and how we can improve. Whether it’s through design, process, or policy, we continuously strive to do better.

The possibilities for improvement are endless. Customers are evolving every day, and TRESCON’s forum has opened our eyes to areas we haven’t yet explored. Ultimately, it’s about finding the perfect balance between data and empathy. At the end of the day, it’s about people—those selling and those buying. We can’t have one without the other. Balancing this is the key to success.

How does Tanishq integrate customer feedback into its jewellery design process to ensure that new collections meet customer preferences and trends? 

There has always been a deep understanding in the jewelry market of the importance of reviving traditional arts and crafts that reflect our country’s heritage. At Tanishq, we strive to bring these back for our customers. For instance, with our Alekhya collection, there were only about 12 craftsmen across the entire country capable of creating this art. Feedback indicated that customers wanted to see more designs in enamel, so with Alekhya, we integrated Kundan Polki, where each piece was crafted using techniques like Piroi and Enamel. We are committed to showcasing the incredible craftsmanship that exists in India.

Our customers push us to innovate as well. They seek something different—designs rooted in tradition but also modern and beautiful. Their constant demand motivates us to create something new and exciting, blending heritage with a contemporary touch. Customer feedback plays a crucial role in guiding our designs and inspiring how we approach each collection. 

How does Tanishq maintain a consistent and high-quality customer experience across its various channels, including online and in-store?

Tanishq ensures a consistent and high-quality customer experience across all online and in-store channels by focusing on one fundamental principle: listening to customers. This approach is common among organizations prioritizing customer experience, and it’s our mantra.

The more we listen to our customers, the better we can serve them. Whether it’s a frontline salesperson, the CEO, or a regional sales head, everyone listens to the customer. We can continuously improve our processes and standardizations to meet their needs when we truly listen.

At the end of the day, when the customers shop, they want to leave with what they planned to buy—and feel happy about it. If they receive a little extra, like a warm smile or thoughtful gesture, it adds to the experience. It’s about building an emotional connection with customers and delivering exactly what they need at the right time. This is the foundation of our customer experience strategy.

How does Tanishq ensure its customer service aligns with the brand’s commitment to luxury and exclusivity, and what training or strategies exist to achieve this? 

Tanishq ensures its customer service aligns with the brand’s commitment to luxury and exclusivity by staying intensely customer-focused. Our approach is simple but powerful: we put customers at the heart of everything we do. This focus on customer centricity drives Tanishq and the entire Titan Company Limited.

Everything we do revolves around solving for our customers and bringing them exciting new experiences. Our training, brand philosophy, and ethos are all rooted in this belief. We continuously strive to improve by listening closely to our customers, understanding their expectations, and meeting their aspirations. This dedication pushes us to deliver better service each time, maintaining the exclusivity and luxury our brand promises.

Specialty coffee brand First Coffee raises $1.2Mn in funding 

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Shiv Dhawan and Sohrab Sitaram, cofounders, First Coffee

First Coffee, a grab-and-go specialty coffee brand, secured $1.2 million in funding. South Asia and India-focused venture fund Beenext led this investment round.

The funding round also included investors like Ashish Gupta from Helion Venture Partners, AngelList India, Ritesh Malik (Innov8 founder), Sahil Malik (Da Milano founder), Aman Arora (Keventers co-founder), and Agastya Dalmia (Keventers director), among others. 

With Beenext leading the round, early-stage venture capitalists and angel investors continue to show strong interest in emerging food brands, especially in the growing coffee segment.

The company will use the funds to expand to more locations nationwide, focusing on hiring and marketing efforts. First Coffee aims to increase its store presence in key urban areas, including New Delhi, NCR, and tier-I cities in northern India.

“We are the first brand to bring true specialty coffee, scoring 91% on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale, to the Indian market. At First Coffee, we’re not just serving coffee; we’re crafting a unique, premium experience while still catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of our customers,” said co-founder Shiv Dhawan.

Founded in 2024 by Sohrab Sitaram and Dhawan, First Coffee sources its beans from Harley Coffee Estate in Chikmagalur. The brand will mainly target small-format quick-service restaurants (QSRs) in high-traffic locations like malls, corporate parks, high streets, and metro stations. By the second quarter of the next fiscal year, the company plans to open 35 stores nationwide.

Commenting on the investment, Anirudh Garg, partner at Beenext, said, “First Coffee is uniquely placed where they are not just selling a product but rather a coffee experience, blending tech, sustainability, and coffee.”

Specialty coffee chain AbCoffee secured $3.4 million in a Series A funding round led by Nexus Venture Partners, with participation from existing investor Tanglin Venture Partners.

On March 26, Subko, a specialty coffee roaster and craft bakehouse, raised $10 million in a funding round spearheaded by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath.

Other notable players in the specialty coffee market include Slay Coffee, supported by Fireside Ventures, Alteria Capital, and Rebel Foods, along with Sleepy Owl Coffee, Hatti Kaapi, Blue Tokai, and Rage Coffee.

CherriLearn enters Northeast India to support tribal students with innovative EdTech solutions

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Bengaluru, 26th September 2024: CherriLearn, a Mangaluru-based impact EdTech company, has expanded its reach to the northeastern region of India, providing its innovative educational platform to tribal students at the Saraswati Vidya Mandir (SVM) school in East Jayanta Hills, Meghalaya. This initiative, made possible by Sathwa Spa’s sponsor, aims to offer high-quality, interactive education to students from low-income backgrounds at no cost. 

Sathwa Spa, a chain of spas headquartered in Mangaluru, employs many individuals from the Northeast and is committed to giving back to the region through this educational initiative.

SVM school, located approximately 11 hours from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, caters to 155 students from 1st to 7th standard, all from tribal communities. The students will benefit from CherriLearn’s premium educational content aligned with the English medium syllabus.

Dr. Anantha Krishna Bhat, Founder and President of SVM School, remarked, “From Dakshina Kannada, Mr Shrinidhi has come to this school in Meghalaya. His new innovation captures the hearts and minds of the young students in our school. They are very happy to see it and are very happy to understand it. They are also extremely happy to follow the new techniques that Shrindhi, a very young man of only 21, has innovated. It is our fortune. Today was the first experiment. I observed all our young children looking at their own mobile phones to find out and learn about this new technique. So, from here onwards also, I am happy and confident that our children will learn many things from all over the globe.

This initiative was implemented in the presence of the school’s President, Principal Secretary, teachers, students, and several parents. During this event, CherriLearn representatives explained the features of the CherriLearn app and assisted in installing it on the student’s devices, providing them with premium access.

We are thrilled to bring CherriLearn to the tribal students of Meghalaya,” said Shrinidhi RS, Founder of CherriLearn. Our mission is to democratize quality education, and this initiative sponsored by Sathwa Spa enables us to reach and impact the lives of students who need it the most. We believe this will be a significant step in their educational journey, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”

The students at SVM school will now be able to use CherriLearn at school and home, enhancing their learning experience and ensuring continuous access to quality educational content. This marks their first encounter with such advanced educational technology for many of these students.

About CherriLearn

CherriLearn, incorporated in 2021, provides interactive education to school students in tier-3 and tier-4 cities across India. With a vision of “Democratizing Quality Education,” CherriLearn focuses on delivering outcome-driven, affordable education, particularly to those studying in vernacular language mediums. The platform is accessible for just ₹1 per day, making it affordable for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

SaaS startup Whatfix raises $125M in Series E funding 

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Khadim Batti and Vara Kumar, cofounders, Whatfix

Whatfix, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, recently secured $125 million in a Series E funding round, led by private equity firm Warburg Pincus. Warburg Pincus invested $100 million, while SoftBank, an existing investor, contributed an additional $25 million. With this new funding round, Whatfix’s valuation has jumped to around $900 million, up from $568 million in 2021 after a $90 million round led by SoftBank.

Warburg led the new funding round, contributing $70 million in primary fundraising while existing investors covered the rest through secondary deals. Early investors Helion Venture Partners and Eight Roads Ventures partially sold their stakes in this round.

Khadim Batti, founder and CEO of Whatfix, stated that the company plans to use the primary funds for acquisitions and to strengthen its current products. They also aim to focus on GenAI use cases and expand their presence in the US, EMEA, and APAC regions.

Currently, 66% of Whatfix’s revenue comes from the US market, 27% from Western Europe, and the rest from other regions.

Founded in 2014, Whatfix provides a digital adoption platform, simulated application environments for hands-on training, and no-code application analytics. These services help organizations boost user productivity, maintain process compliance, and enhance the user experience for internal and customer-facing applications.

“As a company, we evolved from an adoption-only problem statement to helping enterprises visualize and realize the return on investment (ROI) on their digital transformation, on their software stack, and giving them tools to continuously improve productivity through adoption. Later on, we added simulation,” Batti said. 

The company reported over 45% growth in FY24 but did not reveal exact figures. In FY23, it recorded revenue of Rs 304 crore and a net loss of Rs 328.3 crore. A 45% growth would bring its FY24 revenue to approximately Rs 441 crore.

Whatfix is said to have an annual recurring revenue of $75 million. “In a couple of quarters, we will cross $100 million ARR,” Batti said.

Batti said that the company aims to continue growing by around 40% over the next two years while also enhancing its operational efficiency. “Over the next two years, we are looking to break even in terms of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and then actually go for an initial public offering,” he said.

For an acquisition, he said: “We will look for a company that has achieved strong product-market fit with a substantial or decent revenue…which can help us scale in the digital adoption platform (DAP) category, accelerate our progress in gen ai and can improve our analytics.” 

Although Whatfix operates globally, its holding company is based in India. Most SaaS companies, however, typically run their operations from the US.

Healthy bread brand The Health Factory raises $3.5Mn in seed funding 

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Vinay Maheshwari, founder of The Health Factory

The Health Factory, a brand focused on healthy bread, secured $3.5 million in seed funding. Surge, Peak XV’s program for scaling early-stage startups, led this funding round.

Angel investors such as Kartik Mehta, Ali Tambawala, and Sunil Tulsiani participated in the funding round.

The Health Factory plans to use the new funds to speed up product development and invest in research and development (R&D), which will help them create new product segments.

The company aims to grow its retail presence in general and modern trade channels while improving its logistics and operational technologies.

“This investment will enable us to disrupt additional markets with our health-focused offerings. We have received interest from numerous tier-1 and tier-2 cities, and this funding will allow us to expand our reach to more pin codes, ensuring our products are accessible to more consumers seeking healthier options,” said Vinay Maheshwari, founder of The Health Factory.

Founded in 2018 by Maheshwari and Mohit Sankhala, The Health Factory specializes in producing protein bread, vegan protein bread, and zero maida bread. The company claims that all its products are free from chemicals and preservatives.

The brand’s offerings are now available in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Customers can purchase them through quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit.

This funding comes as quick commerce and demand for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are surging, fueled by the fast deliveries offered by these platforms. As a result, investors are increasingly interested in early and mid-stage D2C companies.

On September 24, kids’ personal care brand Tuco Intelligent announced raising $2 million in a seed funding round led by Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard Capital.

Other brands, such as organic fresh produce startup Gourmet Garden and healthy snack company The Whole Truth, are also in talks to secure funding.

The Health Factory reported a 65-fold increase in sales over the past 24 months. The brand plans to expand into tier-1 and tier-2 cities to meet the rising demand for healthier bread alternatives.