13, Dec 2024
Meesho 2024: 35% YoY Growth Driven by Gen Z Engagement, Small Town Expansion, and Gen AI Innovation
Bengaluru, December 13th, 2024: Meesho, India’s only true e-commerce marketplace, is concluding 2024 with impressive growth, further cementing its mission to democratize internet commerce for all. With a ~35% year-on-year increase in orders, the platform is a clear reflection of strong consumer sentiment and the rapidly expanding adoption of e-commerce across the country. This growth is driven by India’s value-seeking shoppers, who are prioritizing affordability in discretionary categories such as fashion, beauty, personal care, and home essentials. As consumer behavior continues to evolve across diverse regions and demographics, the e-commerce landscape is expanding, fueled by shifting preferences and greater access to quality products at affordable prices.
Despite challenging market conditions, Meesho sustained its growth trajectory, reaching approximately 175 million annual transacting users in 2024. Notably, ~50% of this user base comes from tier 4+ towns like Naidupeta (Andhra Pradesh), Sherghati (Bihar), and Harapanahalli (Karnataka). The platform also retained its position as the most downloaded shopping application for the fourth consecutive year, surpassing ~210 million downloads.
This growth is also reflected in Meesho’s financial performance. In FY 2023-24, the company became the first horizontal e-commerce platform to generate operating cash flow of INR 232 crores for the full year. Revenue from operations in the same period rose by 33%, reaching INR 7,615 crores largely driven by the increase in annual transacting users and a higher order frequency from loyal repeat customers. The company’s ability to attract new users while maintaining high engagement from its existing shopper base has fueled its continued growth in India’s competitive e-commerce market.
Here’s a look at the key highlights that shaped Meesho’s growth in 2024:
Expanding Consumption Boosting Digital Demand in Small Towns
Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have emerged as frontrunners in e-commerce user growth, highlighting the vast untapped potential of tier 2+ markets. This trend signals a broader shift in Indian consumer behavior, with increasing demand for value-driven, high-quality products reshaping the e-commerce landscape and driving a resurgence of consumption in smaller towns.
Categories such as Beauty & Personal Care (BPC), and Home & Kitchen (H&K) saw a cumulative ~70% year-on-year growth in orders, reflecting strong demand from these emerging markets. Similar trends were observed on Meesho Mall, which experienced a 117% increase in orders, solidifying its position as the go-to platform for branded products at unmatched value. Leading brands such as Lotus (6X growth), Joy (5.5X growth), Renee (3.5X boost), and Dollar (1.8X increase) benefited from this growing digital shift.
While tier 2+ towns were a key driver of this expansion, repeat shoppers from metro cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad further strengthened Meesho’s broad appeal, reinforcing its deep presence across both urban and rural India.
Gen Z Become Fastest-Growing E-commerce Demographic, Influencing Key Trends Across Categories
Gen Z, now accounting for one-third of Meesho’s user base, is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing demographic in India’s e-commerce space.
Meesho has seen a notable surge in demand for products aligned with Gen Z’s values, particularly those that are eco-conscious, practical, and focused on self-care. Items such as glass sippers, reusable straws, makeup wipes, sneakers, and resistance bands have seen a significant increase in orders, reflecting the generation’s strong preference for sustainability, wellness and self care.
For nearly 75% of Gen Z shoppers on Meesho, purchasing trendy or viral products is a way of expressing their individuality, with self-expression taking precedence over peer or social media influence. Over half of these shoppers use the wishlist feature to save items they aspire to own, while many also monitor discounts closely, showcasing a savvy mix of aspiration and budget-consciousness. Creators and influencers have further fueled this trend, helping Gen Z discover new items and driving engagement with the platform.
Innovating for India: Transforming E-commerce with Gen AI
Meesho is leading the Gen AI revolution in e-commerce with the launch of India’s first large-scale multilingual AI-powered voice bot. This groundbreaking tool sets a new standard for customer support by offering personalized, human-like assistance in multiple languages, aligning with Meesho’s commitment to user-centric solutions. Designed to cater to the diverse and multilingual landscape of India, the voice bot ensures seamless communication, achieving 10% higher Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores compared to human agents during its pilot phase and demonstrating an impressive ~80% resolution rate.
Building on this AI-driven approach, Meesho personalizes every aspect of the shopping journey, from notifications to search results. By analyzing user signals and leveraging deep learning, the platform creates tailored, discovery-led experiences, particularly for shoppers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities—many of whom are first-time online buyers. AI-powered product recommendations, vernacular voice search, and AI-driven translations for product descriptions help break down language barriers and simplify navigation. These efforts have led to a measurable impact on platform orders, while also setting new standards for inclusivity and engagement in e-commerce.
Furthermore, Meesho is revolutionizing last-mile delivery by using AI to accurately translate customer addresses, overcoming logistical challenges in both urban and rural areas. The platform’s vernacular input system and ‘smart capture’ feature simplify address entry, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries, and ultimately providing a frictionless shopping experience for customers.
Meesho Strengthens User Trust with Project Vishwas
In 2024, Meesho continued to strengthen platform safety and user trust through its comprehensive Project Vishwas. In the past year, the initiative has successfully prevented over 22 million fraudulent transactions, blocked 7.7 million scam attempts, and significantly reduced lottery fraud by 75%. Collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, Meesho achieved a 98% success rate in addressing account takeover fraud and filed multiple FIRs, leading to arrests and decisive action against bad actors. The company also took down 18,000 fake social media accounts and 130 fraudulent websites/apps, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding users from deceptive practices.
As highlighted in its Trust Assurance Report 2024, Meesho’s efforts are powered by advanced analytical models, AI-driven fraud detection tools, and a dedicated Quick Response Team providing rapid assistance to customers within five minutes. By continuously innovating and working with industry experts and authorities, Meesho is setting new standards for security in the e-commerce space, ensuring a seamless, trustworthy, and secure shopping experience for millions of users across India.
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- By Rabindra
13, Dec 2024
Lilavati Hospital’s New Millet Menu Aims to Boost Recovery for Patients
Mumbai: Food has great healing potential. Particularly, in a hospital environment where there is a growing need to address the challenges confronted in the scope of patient nutrition. Lilavati Hospital, a leading healthcare institution, has taken a pioneering step in patient care by introducing a millet-based diet program. In collaboration with global food services leader Sodexo, the hospital has launched ‘Aarogyum,’ an innovative nutritional initiative to promote healthier dietary choices for patients. This revolutionary measure not only enhances the hospital’s commitment to holistic patient care but also aligns with the growing recognition of millet as a nutritious and sustainable food source.
“The introduction of the millet-based ‘Aarogyum’ program further strengthens our dedication and efforts to improve patient health with one of the vital aspects of recovery which is nutrition. Using millets is incredibly wholesome as they are loaded with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which aid digestion and promote gut health, crucial for patients recovering from various conditions. By partnering with Sodexo, we intend to offer delicious, immunity-boosting meals under the ‘Aarogyum’ initiative to accelerate quick patient recovery and overall well-being. Our super chefs have ideated millet-based recipes to cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. By incorporating millets into the patients’ diets, we’re not just addressing their immediate nutritional needs, but also promoting long-term health habits that they can continue after leaving the Hospital,” Said Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer, Lilavati Hospital.
“Lilavati Hospital and Sodexo’s partnership, built over two decades, has evolved holistically. With the addition of Aarogyum menu, we are providing comprehensive nutritional solutions, ensuring that both organizations remain relevant in the healthcare space and continue to improve patient care. There has been a void in the space of patient nutrition with clear distinction. Our insights when complemented with the needs of the hospital fraternity helped us look for solutions to cater to modern nutritional needs, where food can be leveraged as a differentiator to aid the healing process. The idea is to match patient care with the right nutrition for an enhanced experience. Thus came the idea of Aarogyum, which draws inspiration from the ancient principles of Ayurveda. From adapting the right cooking techniques to the use of fresh and natural ingredients, and the close partnership of the dietetics and culinary team, we have been able to craft a customized solution that is healthy and nutritious,” Says Sharad Misra, COO – of Health & Care, Sodexo India.
Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer from Lilavati stated, “Our long-standing partnership with Sodexo is testimony to the fact that we have collectively been able to innovate and introduce new healthy solutions, and technologies for patient care. Safety, hygiene, and variety in food are the critical decision-making factors when a patient decides on the hospital for seeking treatment. With Aarogyum, we’re confident to have created that differentiation and further build upon our strong treatment pedigree. The initial response received from patients and relatives is encouraging.”
“Health is fundamentally linked to what your body produces, and this is largely dependent on what you consume. To achieve the best health outcomes, it’s essential to ensure that the quality of your food intake is optimal. Our goal is to promote a nutritious diet for the patients here while ensuring that the meals are flavourful and enjoyable. We hope that the comprehensive menu developed by Sodexo for both patients and staff at Lilavati Hospital in this new initiative will be well-received. Wishing everyone great success with this endeavour,“ concluded Rajiv Mehta, Permanent Trustee of Lilavati Hospital.
13, Dec 2024
Equentis Angel Fund Looks to Raise INR 500 Cr. for Promising Startups in India
Mumbai, December 13, 2024: Equentis Wealth Advisory Services, an established player in India’s investment advisory sector, has launched its inaugural Category I Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) – the Equentis Angel Fund. With a target corpus of INR 500 crore ($60 million), the Equentis Angel Fund is poised to back early-stage, high-growth Indian startups.
Focusing on Pre-Series A and Bridge-to-Series A rounds, the fund will make investments in the range of INR 4–10 crores ($500K–$1.2 million). Startups operating with a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of INR 8,000 crore ($1 billion) and a strong growth trajectory will be the core focus of the fund.
Over the next 18-24 months, Equentis’ Angel fund plans to invest in 40-50 startups, focusing on themes from Defence, Consumer Tech, Deep Tech, Logi Tech, Fin Tech & AI seeking growth capital to scale their businesses.
Sharing his views for the fund, Manish Goel, Founder & Managing Director of Equentis Wealth Advisory Services Limited, said, “Furthering our mission to democratize wealth creation, we have added Equentis Angel Fund, offering a broader financial ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth for both investors and entrepreneurs. This fund embodies our commitment to empower startups and driving meaningful contributions to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while creating lasting value for all stakeholders.”
India’s startup ecosystem is currently one of the most vibrant and expansive in the world. As of 2024, there were over 128,000 startups, making it the third largest globally. In 2024, startups already raised over $10 billion, and projections are that they will exceed $15 billion by year-end. Early-stage investments (Seed to Series A) secured significant funding with $3.28 Bn across 1,546 rounds till November. Angel Funds (Cat-I AIF, VCF) alone have raised around $1 Bn in investor commitments.
“With the launch of the Equentis Angel Fund, we are offering alternative investment avenues for investors that complement their existing portfolios. In response to the evolving needs of our investors and the wealth management landscape, we have taken a significant step by expanding from Investment Advisory to a full-spectrum Wealth Management Services, diversifying our business for a more robust future” said Rakesh Gupta, Chief Operation & Compliance Officer at Equentis Wealth Advisory Services Limited.
Equentis has made its first investment in a LogiTech Startup, Yatnavat Technologies Private Limited operating under the brand OORJAA.
Equentis has a team of established and seasoned professionals from Investment Banking, Private Equity, Market Research and Equity Research backgrounds to lead the investments. The fund’s Investment Committee, composed of industry veterans, will oversee key decisions to ensure strategic alignment and value creation.
To amplify the fund’s impact, Equentis is also seeking to partner similar funds, boutique/mid-market i-banks, startup accelerators and incubators.
13, Dec 2024
Uber’s Moto Women Debuts in Bengaluru, Offering Safe and Exclusive Bike Rides for Women
Mumbai, December 13, 2024: Uber, India’s leading mobility app, today rolled out Uber Moto Women, a first-of-its-kind service in Bengaluru, offering women-only bike rides. This on-demand two-wheeler ride service connects female riders with female drivers and is designed to address women’s safety and mobility needs while empowering female drivers with flexible earning opportunities. Developed based on feedback from women riders and drivers, Uber Moto Women offers a safe, affordable and convenient commute option for women who would prefer to ride with female drivers or riders for their trips.
Bike taxis have rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing transport options in urban India. According to a KPMG report titled “Unlocking the Potential of Bike Taxis in India,” over 280 million bike taxi rides were completed across platforms in 2022. Bengaluru alone recorded over 1 million rides monthly, making it one of the country’s largest bike taxi markets. Additionally, 65-70% of bike taxi trips cater to first- and last-mile connectivity, highlighting their importance in complementing public transport.
Commenting on the launch of Uber Moto Women, Abhishek Padhye, Head of Regional Business Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “At Uber, we’re committed to creating mobility solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our communities. With Uber Moto Women, we’re not just offering a safer and more convenient ride option for women, but also empowering female drivers with the opportunity to earn flexibly in one of India’s fastest-growing mobility segments. Bengaluru has always been a pioneer in embracing innovation, and we’re proud to launch this service here to set a new benchmark for inclusive urban mobility”
Safer rides with Uber Moto Women
Uber Moto Women harnesses the company’s advanced technology-led safety features to provide a safer ride each time. Riders can share their trip details with up to 5 trusted contacts for real-time tracking; while anonymization of phone numbers and drop-off addresses protects user privacy. RideCheck, Uber’s proactive safety feature, monitors irregularities like long stops, mid-way drops or route deviations and offers support when needed. Women riders and drivers also have access to Uber’s 24×7 Safety Helpline, which provides priority support for women when they need it.
Generating livelihood opportunities
As per the KPMG report, bike taxis have the potential to generate up to 5.4 million livelihood opportunities in India. With female participation in the ride-hailing space in India continuing to be low, Uber Moto Women can encourage more women to drive. Flexible working hours, short distance trips, and easy navigation, will make it easier for more women drivers to drive on the platform. Offering complete flexibility, Uber Moto Women drivers also have the choice to turn off the option to accept female only riders, and accept all rides when they want.
Similarly, ride-hailing options like Moto Women can positively impact women’s workforce participation. As per a study by Oxford Economics, titled “Ride Hailing: A platform for women’s economic participation in India”, women’s workforce participation could increase by over 6% by 2028 with greater access to ride-hailing options. The report also found that 75% of women choose ride-hailing for safer commuting compared to alternatives, while almost 1 in 3 women in India use bike taxis at least once a month.
Uber Moto Women will be available across all major parts of Bengaluru starting today. Uber continues to stay committed to mobility innovation and its dedication to creating meaningful solutions for women’s safety and economic empowerment.
13, Dec 2024
Salloni Ghodawat Wins Prestigious BW RetailWorld Award for Impact on Rural Retail
National, 13th December 2024: Ms. Salloni Ghodawat, Director & COO, Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), was honored with the BW RetailWorld 40 Under 40 Award 2024 in the category of Rural Convenience & Retail. The award ceremony was held in New Delhi to recognize her remarkable contribution in retail industry and her visionary leadership in transforming rural retail spaces.
The BW RetailWorld 40 Under 40 Awards celebrates young leaders who are making significant impact in the retail landscape through innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking strategies. The ceremony was attended by some of the most distinguished industry experts and leaders in the retail and business sectors, with the jury chaired by Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-In-Chief of BW Businessworld & Founder of Exchange4media.
Expressing her gratitude, Ms Salloni Ghodawat, Director & COO, Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL) said, “I am honored to be recognized by BW RetailWorld 40 Under 40. This recognition is a testament of our team’s hard work and dedication, who shares the vision of transforming rural convenience and distribution. At GCL, our mission is to enhance lives globally through continuous innovation, expanding product lines, and ensuring that consumers worldwide have access to daily essentials and high-quality products at reasonable prices. This award reinforces our commitment to making a positive impact and improving lives in every community we serve.”
13, Dec 2024
India Game Developer Conference 2024 Coming to HICC, Hyderabad, November 13-15
Hyderabad, December 13, 2024: Bigger, grander and action-packed, the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) is back in its 16th annual edition. South Asia’s largest and oldest conference will come alive at HICC, Hyderabad from November 13 to 15, beckoning well over 5,000 attendees and 250+ speakers.
Diving deep into all things gaming, the Conference packs a punch with over 150 sessions. Marquee speakers of the likes of industry veteran Jordan Weisman have already confirmed to add depth to this much-awaited event. Jordan was the brain behind BattleTech, MechWarrior and Shadowrun, some of the RPG industry’s longest lasting franchises.
In its amplified new avatar, IGDC will feature over a hundred booths spread across a large expo area. Lined up to keep the event riveted to core gaming, the Conference has the IGDC Awards Night, Indie Initiative, Policy Round Tables, Workshops and much more.
IGDC has always stood out for its hugely sought-after exclusive ‘Investor-Publisher Connect’ session. This year, the invite-only platform could attract over 100 investors and publishers. One the agenda are potential deals with studios and developers on the look-out for investment or publishing deals. Last year, the event had over 1,800 curated meetings with more than 70 investors and publishers.
This year’s IGDC Awards takes it a notch higher with a newly instituted ‘International Game Award.’ Ten award categories and two special jury awards are on offer as usual. Nominees, announced on October 28, 2024, could watch out for the grand awards ceremony scheduled for November 14, 2024 in Hyderabad.
Mr. Sridhar Muppidi, President, GDAI notes, “With over 442 million gamers and an industry growing at a staggering 30% annually, India’s vibrant youth, widespread smartphone adoption, and a booming digital ecosystem have made it one of the world’s fastest-emerging gaming markets. The India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) serves as the perfect platform for this thriving ecosystem, where industry leaders, developers, and innovators come together to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future of gaming in India and beyond.”

13, Dec 2024
A Comprehensive Guide to Collateral-Free Business Loans
Introduction
Small businesses have inadequate funds for growth and innovation. At times, collateral requirements stop them from achieving access to capital. Small business loans without collateral provide much-needed relief and make it easier for entrepreneurs to access the capital required by pledging no assets.
What Is a Collateral-Free Business Loan?
Collateral-free business loan: A type of loan that any commercial bank, NBFC, or government scheme would lend without requiring an asset in a guarantee against issuance for that particular business loan, but, through an assessment of the credibility and other merits in running such businesses and the stability of such persons and other credentials towards them.
It also proves helpful for MSMEs that have no precious collateral. The reason for most entrepreneurs to prefer such business loans is that they are easily and comfortably accessible so it happens in most cases.
Eligibility Criteria
Below are the most common criteria:
- Business Vintage: Most lenders require that the business be at least 1 to 2 years old.
- Annual Turnover: The business should meet the minimum turnover requirements. This also varies with the lender.
- Credit Score: A good credit score, typically above 650-700, is essential. This is the primary requirement for any lender if you are applying for a loan.
- Business Plan: Business owners should have a clear business plan so that the lender can understand your requirements and fund you with the much-needed amount.
- Type of Business: Some sectors or industries might be excluded by lenders, so it is important to check the list of eligible industries. However many lenders have exclusive loans for women programmes which is promoting inclusivity.
- Income Proof: Lenders require proof of regular income documents such as proof like, bank statements, Balance sheets of the company, etc, so that the lender can trust the repayment capability.
Documents Needed for Submission
Correct submission of documents is one of the mandatory parts of the loan application process. The list may vary with each lender, but most commonly includes:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID. The lender might need any of these documents for your KYC verification.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, rent agreements, or business registration documents. The lender might need any of these documents to verify your current or permanent address.
- Business Registration Proof: GST certificate, business license, or incorporation certificate. The lender might need any of these documents to verify or to know who is the owner, or co-owner of the business.
- Financial Statements: Bank statements for the last 6-12 months and audited financial statements (if applicable). The lender might need these documents to verify your business’s financial status. By this, the lender will decide the loan amount to be approved
- Income Tax Returns (ITR): Normally, an ITR of the last 1-2 years is required.
- Business Plan or Project Report: This is quite important for MSMEs since on this basis the lender would come to understand your business needs and future growth projection.
- Photos: Passport-sized photos of the applicant, co-applicant, and occasionally even the guarantor for identification purposes.
- Other Documents: This can vary from lender to lender like partnership deeds, MOA/AOA for a company, or MSME registration and so on.
Preparing all such documents and keeping them organized can speed up the loan processing time.
How to Apply
- Research Lenders: Compare the loan offers from banks, NBFCs, or government-backed schemes and choose the one that works best for you.
- Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you qualify for the chosen lender by discussing the eligibility criteria.
- Gather Documents: Collect all the documents needed and ensure they are updated and error-free. So that the loan process will be faster without any delay.
- Applying: apply online or at any branch office by filling in the business loan application form and submitting or uploading relevant documents.
- Loan Approving: The lender evaluates the overall business loan application based on your credit score reviewing the performance of your business, and the amount loanable to be approved.
- Approval and Disbursement: If approved, the sum loaned will be added to your business bank account. Time taken for approval: The time taken for processing of the loan varies by lender.
Note: It is always recommended to read the terms and conditions before signing the agreement to know about interest rates, repayment schedules, any hidden charges and to discuss them with the lender.
Conclusion
Collateral-free business loans are the best for entrepreneurs and small business owners who have funds to be accessed but lack assets to provide security. It provides flexibility for financing, allowing businesses to grow without fear of losing personal or business assets.
NBFCs have made lending easier for small business owners who need finance. These digital MSME loans’ collateral-free services are for individuals who cannot pledge any asset. Given the relaxed eligibility criteria and super-fast digital processing, one can say that NBFCs offer more convenient lending solutions.
13, Dec 2024
Disha Eye Hospitals Collaborates with ZEISS India to Deliver Cutting-Edge Ophthalmic Services
Kolkata, 13th December 2024: Disha Eye Hospitals, the leading eye care hospital chain of Eastern India, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with ZEISS, a global leader in optics and optoelectronics, to inaugurate the first ZEISS VISION CENTER By Disha in Kolkata. This innovative CENTER will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with personalized vision care.
Situated on Sarat Bose Road, the ZEISS VISION CENTER by Disha offers a state-of-the-art eyewear experience, combining a premium eyewear selection with the latest refraction and centration technologies. The center will feature advanced vision care devices, including the ZEISS VISUFIT 1000, a 3D imaging tool for precise digital centration, and the ZEISS VISUCORE 500, a fast and accurate refraction system that provides customized lens solutions tailored to individual needs.
“Our partnership with ZEISS India marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide the best in eye care. By combining ZEISS’s advanced technology with our years of expertise in eye care, we have created a space that offers not just premium eye wear solutions, but also a bespoke experience tailored to the individual needs and preferences of our customers. The increasing demand for high-quality eyewear and advanced diagnostic services, especially in the premium segment, presents a significant opportunity for both Disha Eye Hospitals and ZEISS to strengthen their presence in this evolving market.” said Dr Debashish Bhattacharya Chairman & Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.
Mr. Rohan Paul, Business Head – India and Neighbouring Markets – Vision Care, ZEISS India, added, “We are excited to partner with Disha Eye Hospitals to enhance advanced eye care in the region through the launch of the first ZEISS VISION CENTER in Kolkata. This initiative underscores our shared vision of delivering world-class eye care solutions. Following the success of ZEISS VISION CENTERS in cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Lucknow, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Chennai, we are confident that this collaboration will similarly transform the eyewear industry in this vibrant city.”
Ranabir Bhattacharya, CFO, Disha Eye Hospitals stated, “The Kolkata launch marks the beginning of a larger vision, with plans to open five ZEISS VISION CENTERS By Disha across Eastern India by 2025. This initiative is designed to redefine eye care for urban and semi-urban customers seeking customized solutions. Additionally, this partnership sets the stage for Disha Eye Hospitals to establish standalone stores, with five outlets targeted by the end of 2025.”
“India’s growing optical retail market presents a significant opportunity for this collaboration to address the rising demand for premium, personalized eyewear. The ZEISS VISION CENTERS By Disha will offer a quality eyewear buying experience, enhanced by cutting-edge technology. Together, Disha and ZEISS are poised to elevate the eyewear industry, setting new standards of excellence and innovation.”, Ranabir Bhattacharya further added.
ZEISS VISION CENTERS deliver a tailored eyewear experience, combining advanced diagnostic technology, personalized vision solutions, a curated range of premium branded frames, myopia management solutions and expert guidance, all designed to ensure optimal vision care and an exceptional customer experience. These CENTERS are set to redefine the future of eye care in Eastern India, broadening the access of quality eyewear to a diverse and growing audience.
13, Dec 2024
International Conference on Clean Energy for MSMEs Kicks Off Tomorrow at HICC
Hyderabad, December 13, 2024…..The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry in support of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India is organising an International Conference on Clean Energy for MSMEs to promote emissions-free growth and efficient industrial system.
It will be a day-long conference and will be held on 14th December at HICC, Hyderabad.
Shri Malli Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Shri Sandeep Kumar Sultania, IAS, Secretary to Government Energy Department, Government of Telangana will be guests at the inauguration function
Shri D. Krishna Bhaskar, Chairman and MD, Transmission Corporation of Telangana Ltd, Shri Musharraf Faruqui, CMD, Telangana Southern Power Distribution Co. Ltd and Shri RK Rai, Addl Development Commissioner (MSME), )/0 DC-MSME, Govt of India will be special guests.
The objective of the conference is to enable MSMEs to reduce conventional energy consumption, Create awareness of various sources of clean energy and enable MSMEs to adopt the sources, improve efficiency and decarbonize operations, build capacity for sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy solutions, promote awareness of government incentives for renewable energy adoption and financing options and highlight the benefits of cluster-level adoption of clean energy solutions.
India, at the 26th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26) in November 2021, announced its target to achieve net zero by 2070. In recognition the Para 19 of Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy, has been submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and it reaffirms the goal of reaching net zero by 2070. India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy rests on seven key transitions to low-carbon development pathways. The seminar is planned in this light of background.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of any country’s economy and constitute a major part of the industrial ecosystem. In India, MSMEs employ 110 million workers, contributing 30% to the GDP. However, in the changing environment and standards that are mandated for businesses to sustain and survive in the national and international markets, not only the large industries, but MSMEs too, are playing a critical role in the industrial growth of the nation and employment generation, need to relook and realign their growth strategies with the changing requirements.
In the MSME’s cost structure, which includes, raw material, labour, energy, and logistics costs; energy costs can be significantly controlled through government intervention and the adoption of cheaper and cleaner energy sources. It also fulfills one of the seven key transitions i.e. developing a low-emission industrial system.
13, Dec 2024
TiE Global Summit 2024 Concludes in Bengaluru, Empowering Young Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Global Collaborations
Bengaluru/Mumbai 13th December 2024: The three-day TiE Global Summit (TGS) 2024 in Bengaluru (with the final day slated to be held in Mysore on 12th December) concluded with a lasting impact on the startup ecosystem, entrepreneurs, family offices, and global collaborations. With the theme of ‘Putting Entrepreneurship First,’ the summit thrived with dynamic participation from entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, industry leaders, policymakers, youth, and academia. The global event was organized by TiE Bangalore, with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) as a strategic partner and support from the Government of Karnataka as the State Partner . It was co-hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), MeitY Startup Hub, India AI Mission, and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
The summit is supported by prominent partners, including Invest Karnataka, SBI, Amazon, IBM, Chiratae Ventures, Kaynes Technologies, NuVentures, Havas Group, Avasant, Accel Partners, Kalaari Capital, BHIVE, GIFT City, NMDC, and ECGC, which is supporting the Futurepreneurs initiative.
Summary of the Three-Day TiE Global Summit 2024:
- The TGS100 initiative at the TiE Global Summit 2024 (TGS24) recognized outstanding early-stage startups from across the globe. After reviewing over 1,300 applications from 17 countries, the top winners were announced: Breer Limited, a socially driven company transforming food waste into exceptional beer, won 1st place and a prize of ₹35 lakhs. Takeme2space, an aerospace technology company focused on enabling advanced computational infrastructure in space, claimed 2nd place and a prize of ₹10 lakhs. Proleri Technologies, an agritech company innovating in the use of farm-grown plant leaves to produce high-quality proteins, secured 3rd place and a prize of ₹5 lakhs. These winners showcased exceptional innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in sectors like AI, healthcare, and sustainability.
- Another highlight of TGS24 was the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition, which celebrates the leadership and innovation of women entrepreneurs worldwide. This year, the competition saw record-breaking participation of over 3,100 women-led startups from 62 countries across sectors like Ed-Tech, Health-Tech, AI, Agri-Tech, and Sustainability. Teri Sirset, Co-Founder and CEO of DASI Simulations from TiE SoCal claimed the 1st place prize of $25,000. Adithi Aji, Founder and CEO of Adrich, Inc. from TiE Pittsburgh, secured 2nd place with $15,000, and Irena King, Founder and CEO of Surgicure Technologies, Inc. from TiE Boston, earned 3rd place and $10,000. This initiative exemplifies TiE’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and driving global gender diversity in entrepreneurship.
- On Day 1 of the summit at IISc, The TiE Bangalore Antar Prerana Global 2024, an initiative of the TiE Global Summit 2024 was organized aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with insights drawn from both ancient wisdom and modern practices. With the theme “Bridging Inner Transformation with Entrepreneurial Impact”, the summit featured various sessions such as “Fostering I Can,” “Enabling You Can,” “Empowering We Can,” and “Implementing I Will.” Eminent speakers guided entrepreneurs through different stages of inner transformation and action, reflecting a progressive approach to personal and professional empowerment.
- At the TiE Global Summit 2024, the Department of E, IT, Bt, the government of Karnataka signed a letter of Intent with the New Jersey Department of State, United States. The Letter of Intent was signed by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of E, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka and Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, New Jersey, and Secretary of State. This landmark partnership aims to foster global innovation and technology collaboration through Twin City collaboration between Bengaluru and New Brunswick, Engagement between Karnataka and New Jersey startup ecosystems, collaboration in Lifesciences, Deep Tech (AI, cybersecurity), electronics, and Semiconductors.
- Day 3 of the summit at Bangalore International Exhibition Center (BIEC) witnessed star-studded sessions like Ankur Warikoo Entrepreneur, Author, and Content Creator, who spoke about the essence of “How to Be Epic” by sharing insights from his journey. He emphasized that being epic is not about perfection or avoiding failure but about resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to pursue what truly matters. Drawing from his own life, he highlighted how embracing failures, staying curious, and making deliberate choices have shaped his path. His speech inspired the audience to focus on personal growth, authenticity, and the willingness to adapt in the face of life’s uncertainties.
- On Day 3 of the TiE Global Summit 2024, four pivotal MoUs were signed to establish the STPI-led Center of Excellence in Efficiency Augmentation (CoE-EA). Dr. Sanjay Tyagi, Jurisdictional Director, STPI, exchanged MoUs with Shri Manas Das, Sr. Director, Intel India Pvt Ltd; Shri Devadas Shetty, Vice President, Supply Chain Performance, Schneider Electric; Shri Nishant Dhoreliya, Lead, Corporate Startup Partnerships, Bosch; and Shri Pramod Kumar P, Senior Manager, IEEE India. Supported by KITS, the Government of Karnataka, and Hewlett Packard Enterprises, the CoE-EA aims to support 100 startups and engage 25,000 students over the next five years, leveraging IoT, AI, and automation to drive industrial efficiency and innovation.
- On Day 3 there was a panel discussion on Strengthening the Indo-US Corridor: For Entrepreneurship and Investments was moderated by Ravi Narayan, Senior Advisor, Startup Genome with an esteemed panel including Manjusha Tipre, President, TiE New York & Co-Founder Yaala Labs; Upasana Sharma, President of TiE Toronto and Investor Quotient; Yash Shah, Ex-President of TiE Boston; Sundi Natarajan, TiE Washington DC Board Member; and Suresh, TiE President, New Jersey. The panel discussed the thriving business ecosystem in the US and Canada, where even small startups can bag a multi-million project from the federal government and private players in diverse sectors. They highlighted the role of TiE Global in facilitating innovators and creators with mentorship, networking with the governments in the US and Canada, and asked the startup founders and entrepreneurs to get in touch with TiE, who in turn would give their playbook.
- On Day 3 of the TiE Global Summit 2024, a panel discussion on the “Institutionalization and Scaling of Family Office Stories” featured industry leaders: Manish Choksi, Vice Chairman at Asian Paints; Vimal Kedia, Group Chairman at Manjushree Ventures; Apurva Salarpuria, Director at Salarpuria Group; and Raman Roy, Solutions Chairman and Managing Director at Quantro BPO, moderated by TC Meenakshisundaram, Founder and Vice Chairman of Chiratae Ventures. The panel explored the shift from traditional wealth management to institutional frameworks, focusing on multigenerational wealth preservation, CIO roles, professional governance, and opportunities in alternative assets and startups.
- A key highlight of the TiE Global Summit 2024 was the session on “Why and How of Startup Investments,” led by Kris Gopalakrishnan. The session delved into the transformative potential of startup funding in driving India’s economic growth and innovation ecosystem, stressing the need for billion-dollar funds to support emerging sectors like AI, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Discussions centered on how strategic investments in research and patient capital can accelerate India’s transition to an IP-led economy and foster technological leadership. Mr. Gopalakrishnan emphasized the importance of collaboration between investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs to address scaling challenges and advance sustainable innovations, ultimately urging greater participation in startup investments to create jobs, boost economic growth, and position India as a global leader in affordable, high-impact solutions.
- At the TiE Global Summit 2024 Futurepreneurs Conclave, a key panel discussion titled “Investor’s Playbook: The State of Venture Capital in India” took place, moderated by Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Chair of TiE India Angels and RAIN (Rajasthan Angels). The session featured prominent industry leaders B.V. Naidu, Chairman of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, and T.V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Aarin Capital and Manipal Global Education. The panel explored the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping India’s venture capital ecosystem, while also unveiling the “Landscape of Early-Stage Funding in Karnataka” report.



