Author: Neel Achary

SS Floral Couture: Where Floral Design Meets Luxury Storytelling

Based between Mumbai and London, Seema Shah approaches floristry as an art form — blending emotion, design, and meticulous craftsmanship. Inspired by the precision of couture fashion, each arrangement is thoughtfully composed, layered, and styled to reflect both the occasion and the story behind it. The name SS Floral Couture reflects this philosophy: Seema Shah’s personal signature combined with a commitment to refined floral artistry.

Specializing in luxury event styling, bespoke wedding installations, and custom floral arrangements, Seema works with an exquisite selection of premium blooms including roses, orchids, peonies, hydrangeas, exotic flowers, and preserved florals. Known for her signature palette of soft neutrals, blush tones, whites, and subtle gold accents, her work embodies modern luxury, understated elegance, and timeless sophistication.

From intimate celebrations to large-scale weddings and brand collaborations, Seema Shah creates striking floral concepts that transform environments and leave a lasting impression. Every project begins with a thoughtful consultation, ensuring each design is deeply personal and aligned with the client’s vision.

With a growing presence across Mumbai and London, Seema Shah continues to shape SS Floral Couture into a globally recognized name in luxury floral design, redefining florals not simply as décor, but as meaningful design experiences that linger long after the celebration ends.

Learning Spiral Launches AI-Powered Exam Security & Smart Evaluation Solution

India, June 11: Amid mounting anxiety over the leaking of exam papers, inappropriate behaviour on behalf of students during exams, and errors that occur when exams are assessed, Learning Spiral has launched the most sophisticated AI-based solution that provides security to exams and makes them smarter. 

Through enhanced monitoring features and smart evaluation systems, evidence-based insights into assessment data, and streamlined processes, this solution is intended to enhance the integrity of examinations in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. Designed specifically for today’s digital educational environment, it provides schools, colleges, and other educational institutions with tools to reduce error by human intervention; increase fairness and accuracy when determining the results of assessments; and ultimately, enable conducting accurate assessments more frequently. 

Manish Mohta, the founder of Learning Spiral, said, “As education develops, we must provide secure, reliable assessments. Technology can support this by decreasing vulnerabilities, increasing transparency, and creating confidence in assessment.”

Learning Spiral will support institutions through this initiative to create a more trusted, future-oriented assessment environment utilizing intelligent technology solutions.

Ethereal Machines Raises $28.5 Million Series B to Advance India’s Deep-Tech Manufacturing Revolution and Sovereign Industrial Capabilities

June 11: Ethereal Machines, India’s leading deep-tech precision manufacturing company, today announced it has raised $28.5 million in a Series B round led by Avataar Ventures, with participation from Peak XV Partners and other investors. The capital will be deployed to advance India’s self-reliance in advanced precision manufacturing, equipping domestic and international aerospace, defence, and healthcare industries with the high-tolerance components they have historically been forced to import.

The round follows a period of rapid growth. Since its $13 million Series A in June 2024, Ethereal Machines has grown its Machining-as-a-Service (MaaS) revenue 3X year-over-year and scaled production capacity 10X across its Smart Factory operations. The company now runs India’s first fully automated smart manufacturing unit in Peenya, Bengaluru, operating 24/7 across three shifts, and has signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka to establish a 300,000 sq. ft. mega-factory on the outskirts of the city. During this period, it also launched Aura (3-axis) and Nimbus (5-axis),proprietary CNC machines achieving sub-10-micron accuracy — a first for Indian manufacturing — and expanded its client base across aerospace, defence, healthcare, semiconductors, and consumer electronics.

 The capital will be deployed across five key priorities:

• Mega-Factory Build-Out: Build a 300,000+ sq. ft. facility to help create 2000+ new local jobs – set to become one of the largest automated advanced manufacturing facilities outside of China. The factory will be equipped with state-of-the-art multi-axis CNC systems, a software first approach, cleanroom capabilities, etc. designed to serve global aerospace, defence, medical, semi-con and consumer electronics OEMs at scale. 

• Vesper: Ethereal continues to invest in its proprietary factory operating software stack that uses AI to predict manufacturing lead times, track factory uptime and output in real time and optimise production workflows. This shift from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing allows Ethereal to operate at the speed and reliability that customers demand – without compromising on micron-level accuracy.

• India’s First Domestic CNC Controller: The funds will also be used to develop India’s first proprietary multi-axis CNC controller: the command centre that governs every axis of machine movement and delivers the micron-level precision.

• Semi-conductors: Ethereal is actively engaged in India’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem, supporting the domestic sourcing of high-precision components critical to chip manufacturing infrastructure which is a space where the company sees a long-term, strategically significant opportunity.

• Global Expansion: Building dedicated teams in the United States and Europe to serve global aerospace, defence, and medical device OEMs directly.

Commenting on the fundraise, Kaushik Mudda, Co-Founder & CEO, Ethereal Machines shared, “India has long had the engineering talent to lead in advanced manufacturing; what has been missing is deeply integrated industrial capability at global standards. The world is actively looking for resilient alternatives in global manufacturing, and India has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to emerge as a serious deep-tech manufacturing powerhouse. Ethereal Machines is building that foundation from precision CNC systems to intelligent factory software and large-scale automated manufacturing. This capital allows us to accelerate that journey and position India as a trusted global hub for high-precision manufacturing.”

Anirudh Singh, Partner, Avataar Ventures shared, “Ethereal is solving one of the hardest problems in the entire manufacturing stack: building high-precision components at global standards and at scale, out of India. And it sits in front of one of the largest end markets in the world. It takes superhuman strength to do this with minimal outside support in an unforgiving industry, and there is no better team than Kaushik and Navin to pull it off. Their full-stack approach of building their own CNC machines and pairing them with intelligent factory software, lets them operate at 1/6th the cost of global peers. The roster of top-tier global clients they have already won is validation of that technological edge. As global supply chains look for trusted, resilient alternatives, we believe Ethereal can become a category-defining manufacturing platform from India, built for the world.”

Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Peak XV and Surge shared, “India is at an inflection point in precision manufacturing. As global companies look for more resilient supply chains and demand grows across aerospace, defence, semiconductors and medical devices, India has the opportunity to become a trusted global hub for precision manufacturing. Kaushik, Navin and the Ethereal Machines team are building exactly the kind of full-stack capability this moment requires, from proprietary CNC machines and factory software – Vesper, to scaled production capability. We have partnered with this team since the seed round and are excited to continue deepening that partnership.”

The raise comes at an inflection point for Indian manufacturing. The sector contributes roughly 17% of the country’s GDP, yet India remains heavily dependent on precision machine tools imported from Germany and Japan. The global “China+1” supply chain diversification trend, combined with surging demand across aerospace and defence, has created an unprecedented window for Indian manufacturers to capture a meaningful share of the $220 billion global precision manufacturing market, which is expected to grow to $400 billion by 2030. With its proprietary machines, Machining-as-a-Service model, and growing roster of global clients, Ethereal Machines is positioned to help establish India as a tier-one destination for precision engineering.

Seattle’s Back to Business Program deepens support to small businesses affected by crime and vandalism

Reimbursement caps to small businesses for repairs and preventative measures increase.

Seattle | June 11- The Seattle Office of Economic Development increased reimbursement caps to small businesses affected by crime and vandalism or are making improvements to preventative measures for their business. Unexpected expenses from vandalism and property damage can create real and burdensome financial challenges from repairs and restoration. The Back to Business Program is designed to help businesses overcome these challenges so they can focus on what they do best – growing their small business.

Today, the Storefront Repair Fund increased the reimbursement limit from $3,000 per incident to $5,000 per incident for up to three incidents in a calendar year for repairs costs. The Storefront Security Fund increased the one-time reimbursement for approved security improvements from $6,000 to $10,000. Building on the success of 2022 – 2024 COVID-19-era program designed to help businesses recover from damages from vandalism, the City of Seattle launched the Back to Business Program in August of 2025, with renewed $3.3M in funding for 2026.

“Since taking office I have met with hundreds of small business owners, and the message to me has been clear. It is difficult to be a small business owner right now, and the City can and should do more to help,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “That’s why I am glad programs and services like Back to Business exist, and am proud to support them. If we can provide even a little relief to small businesses when they are impacted by crime or vandalism or when they want to do more to protect their business, that can go a long way for the business being able to invest back in itself and its community.”

Between August 2025 and the end of May 2026, the Back to Business Program awarded 437 grants to 325 businesses totaling more than $1,030,000 in reimbursements. Because the program application is simple to use, a business may apply to the Storefront Security Fund and the Storefront Repair Fund at the same time, provided they meet eligibility and have the correct documents.

“After administering the program for several months and evaluating applications, our program team found ways to deepen the support we provide to small businesses who are impacted by crime,” said Beto Yarce, director for the Seattle Office of Economic Development. “Increasing the limits provides more meaningful support to more small businesses and will have a greater impact on a business owner’s bottom line. The Back to Business Program is just one tool in our suite of services to make Seattle an easier and more affordable place to do business.”

This increase will result in the Back to Business Program covering one hundred percent of a business’s recovery and preventative cost for about ninety percent of eligible businesses who apply. Business owners who had eligible expenses that exceeded the previous limits will retroactively receive a payment for the difference between their original request and the updated limits, if they originally submitted invoices for an amount higher than the original limits. No action is needed by a business to receive the retroactive payment.

Laura Schneider, owner of West Seattle’s Meeples Games received support from the Back to Business Program in January of 2026. “As a small business owner, every break-in is a massive setback, but the Back to Business program provided us with a real path forward. Thanks to the program, we received immediate help replacing our doors through the Storefront Repair Fund,” said Schneider. “The Storefront Security Fund helped us proactively upgrade our security with astragals and security film. It has restored my peace of mind. Seattle’s investment in independent storefronts works, and Meeples Games is incredibly grateful for this vital support.”

Applications for the Back to Business Program are open until December 31, 2026 or until funds are exhausted. To find out more about the program, eligibility and to apply, visit seattle.gov/back-to-business.

What people are saying

Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3)
“OED’s Back to Business Program has been instrumental in helping small businesses recover and get back on their feet. Without this support, many local businesses may not have been able to afford the costly repairs needed to reopen their doors. I love seeing this program expanding so that even more small businesses that call Seattle home can access the resources they need to recover, grow, and continue serving our communities.”

Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)
“Operating a small business in Seattle is tough already – even without being the victim of crime or vandalism. The Back to Business Program has been a great resource for many of the small business in our district to help cover the cost of repairs. From family-friendly establishments like Meeples Games or West Seattle Arcade in West Seattle, to Georgetown Pizza and Arcade, to our coffee shops and art galleries in Pioneer Square, the program has helped make it just a little more affordable to stay in business. I am excited that OED is announcing these reimbursement increases, which will remove even more of the financial burden on small business when they are recovering from a crime, or making plans to prevent it.”

Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2)
“District 2 is home to some of the best food in the city, from Hood Famous and Pho Bac in the CID/Little Saigon to Island Soul and King Donuts in the south end. Small businesses serve community across needs, including food, day care, healthcare, finance and accounting, tech, security, and support services, yet many of these organizations are struggling with skyrocketing costs. Further, broken systems around public safety, mental and behavioral health are pushing additional risks and costs onto community. I am excited that the City can provide a bit of relief to these businesses and the community leaders that run them. Thank you Mayor Wilson and the Office of Economic Development for your care and leadership.”

Councilmember Alexix Mercedes Rinck (Position 8 – Citywide)
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. This financial investment in preventative measures and increasing the threshold for reimbursements signal our city’s dedication to our small business ecosystem. As Chair of the Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, I am committed to action to support our small businesses throughout this turbulent time for our economy.”

Daniel Abraha, Owner, Madrona Market
“As a small business owner who came from a different state to start a business in Seattle, we have faced a lot of challenges – especially in this economy. As a business owner getting help such as training or grants goes a long way. When we get Back to Business Funding, it helps big time and it goes a long way.”

Kelsey Lewin, Co-Owner, Pink Gorilla Games
“The Back to Business Program has been invaluable to us, providing huge relief during frustrating situations. Recovering from property damage via the storefront repair fund took a huge weight off of our shoulders.”

ICMAI Welcomes CMA Rathindra Bose, Reinforcing Commitment to the Cost and Management Accountancy Profession

USD 2 Trillion a Year Never Makes It from Obligation to Settlement. Rivvun AI Is Built to Recover It

Icertis veterans raise $7.55 million seed for Rivvun AI to recover enterprise spend and revenue leakage — Co led by Sitara Capital and 3one4 Capital

Seattle, WA – June 11, Rivvun AI Inc. announced a $7.55 million oversubscribed seed round led by Sitara Capital and 3one4 Capital, to deploy an autonomous AI execution layer purpose-built for enterprise spend and revenue recovery.

The scale of the problem is staggering. McKinsey research finds that enterprise procurement functions lose up to one-third of planned savings during execution — with an additional 3– 4% of total external spend lost to transaction inefficiency and noncompliance. Across fortune 2000 revenues that compounds to more than $2T in value that never reaches the bottom line. The money isn’t lost to fraud or bad contracts. It disappears in the gap between what was contractually committed and what enterprise systems were ever built to collect.

Built by the Executives Who Saw This Problem at Scale

Anand Veerkar and Niranjan Umarane spent the last decade as senior executives at Icertis, where they helped scale the company to more than $350 million ARR and built a platform governing some of the world’s largest commercial portfolios. Across every industry, the pattern was consistent: terms of trade were precisely structured; financial execution against them was not. Money owed under negotiated agreements quietly went uncollected — not because anyone decided to leave it, but because no system in the enterprise stack was designed to recover it. They left to build that system. They are joined by serial entrepreneur Patrick Linton, who brings deep experience scaling global operations for enterprise software companies.

The Problem Is Structural. So Is the Solution.

ERP systems record transactions. CRM tools track relationships. Procurement platforms manage approvals. None of them enforce outcomes. Rivvun’s autonomous AI execution layer connects to existing ERP, CRM, and procurement systems, interprets commercial obligations, identifies what hasn’t settled as agreed, and initiates recovery at the transaction level. No rip-and-replace. No new system of record.

Two agentic families power the platform: Spend Assurance on the buy side — recovering supplier rebates, pricing commitments, and procurement obligations that have gone unenforced; and Margin Defense on the sell side — recovering customer settlement variances, trade term discrepancies, and revenue that left the P&L without authorization.

Built Vertical-First, Because Leakage Isn’t Generic

Chargeback mechanics in pharma — GPO compliance, government pricing obligations — look nothing like settlement gaps in banking or trade term failures in CPG. Generic AI produces generic results. Rivvun deploys with vertical-specific agent logic tuned to the precise failure patterns of each industry, across Pharma, Healthcare, Banking, CPG/Retail and Industrial

Anand Veerkar, CEO and Co-Founder, Rivvun AI commented: “The enterprise has spent years being told AI will transform how it operates. What it needed was AI that creates direct, measurable impact on the P&L – not productivity narratives, not dashboards. Rivvun closes the gap between what was agreed and what was collected, recovering money that goes straight to the bottom line.

Sachin Bhanot, Managing Partner, Sitara Capital added: “We’ve invested in enterprise technology for years. The winners tie their value directly to a number the CFO can see on the P&L. Rivvun does exactly that with precision rare for a company at this stage – and with a founding team that has already built a category-leader in this space.”

Anurag Ramdasan, Partner, 3one4 Capital said: “The team at Rivvun is one of the strongest founder-market fit we’ve seen in the vertical AI category so far. They are not pitching a horizontal AI solution and hoping for enterprises to extract value out of it. They are delivering ROI on AI for large enterprises from the first day of implementation, which is very critical for enterprise AI adoption. This rigor comes from the deep expertise of the founders, and we are incredibly excited to back such a transformational team at seed stage.”

Global Triumph: True IDC, Backed by CP Group and GIP, Wins ‘Digital Infrastructure of the Year’ at IJGlobal Awards