Author: Rabindra

Eximius Ventures and WeWork Labs Launch “The Pre-Seed Playbook” to Empower Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

National, 4th October:- Eximius Ventures, India’s premier pre-seed fund, has partnered with WeWork Labs to launch The Pre-Seed Playbook: A Guide to Raising Pre-Seed Funding in India. As India’s startup ecosystem experiences unprecedented growth, early-stage founders still face challenges while securing initial funding to bring their ideas to life. To address this critical need, Eximius Ventures and WeWork Labs have introduced the first comprehensive resource focused on pre-seed funding in India.

The playbook offers valuable insights into navigating the evolving pre-seed landscape, where smaller cheque sizes, drip capital, and backing unconventional founders have become vital. With this emerging asset class often misunderstood, the playbook arrives at a crucial moment to provide clarity and support to founders. With growing cheque sizes at the seed stage, early-stage founders are under enormous pressure to scale quickly, often at the expense of long-term sustainability. This haste to expand has caused numerous firms to reach the “valley of death,” a critical period in which a lack of early finance leads to hasty scaling, unsustainable growth ambitions, and eventual collapse. This issue is particularly acute in India, where the startup ecosystem is still emerging and institutionalised pre-seed investment is rare.

A recent poll of over 500 founders found that, while 83% are ready to secure pre-seed capital, more than 60% struggle to connect with suitable investors. Furthermore, more than 70% identified credibility as a major barrier, particularly for first-time founders. This data underlines the critical need for organised pre-seed support, which is currently underserved in India’s developing finance sector.

“Our goal with this playbook is to demystify the pre-seed stage, which is often the most challenging phase for founders,” said Pearl Agarwal, Founder and Managing Partner of Eximius Ventures. “Pre-seed is about more than just capital; it’s about providing founders with the right guidance, networks, and resources to build a solid foundation for their startup. This guide is our effort to support India’s next wave of entrepreneurs and fuel the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem from the ground up.”

The increasing inflow of capital into later-stage investments in India has unintentionally increased the funding gap for early-stage entrepreneurs. While capital available for seed and subsequent fundraising rounds has increased, pre-seed financing is under-represented continuously. This is an excellent opportunity for the ecosystem to focus on developing pre-seed firms, resulting in a solid pipeline of low-risk ventures ready for larger investments.

The Pre-Seed Playbook is more than just a handbook; it’s a thorough plan to help founders secure their first cheque and set a solid platform for long-term success. It delves deeply into the pre-seed stage’s specific issues, providing insider insights, strategic frameworks, and expert comments. The playbook guides founders with actionable tactics for overcoming major challenges such as locating the proper investors, fine-tuning their pitch, and dealing with rejections—critical areas where many first-time entrepreneurs struggle. Using this resource, founders can avoid typical pitfalls and position themselves for long-term growth.

“India’s startup ecosystem has evolved significantly, but the pre-seed stage remains underserved,” said Arvind Radhakrishnan, Head of WeWork Labs, WeWork Labs. “This playbook is an essential resource for founders who need guidance on navigating this complex yet pivotal stage of their startup journey. We’re excited to make this resource available at WeWork Labs locations across India, further strengthening our commitment to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.”

Tide India appoints founding Chairperson of IFSCA Mr. Srinivas Injeti as Non-Executive Director & Chairperson of the Board

Tide India, a leading business financial platform for MSMEs, today announced the appointment of former IAS officer Mr. Srinivas Injeti as Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of its Board. Ex-RBI officer Mr. Ajaya Kumar Sahoo has also been appointed as Senior Advisor to the Board. These appointments support Tide’s commitment to driving sustainable, compliance-first business growth, as the company continues to build simple and powerful tools to help small businesses start and grow their business.

Mr. Injeti brings expertise in regulatory frameworks, economic reforms, and financial oversight through his work of over four decades across various ministries in the Government of India. A 1983-batch IAS officer, he has been the first Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). He also served as a director on the LIC Board and in his role as an ex-officio member of SEBI.

As Director FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) in the Government of India, Mr. Injeti played a pivotal role in landmark reforms, including the liberalisation of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy and industrial policy reform. In his role as a Union Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, he was instrumental in driving implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and strengthening the regulatory framework for independent directors.

Mr. Injeti’s contributions have reshaped the governance landscape, from deregistering shell companies to setting up the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). He also held positions as Industries Secretary in the Government of Odisha, Additional Chief Secretary in charge of infrastructure development in Odisha, Chairperson of the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority at the Centre, and the Union Sports Secretary & Director General, Sports Authority of India.

Mr. Ajaya Kumar Sahoo, a former senior Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officer with nearly four decades of experience, brings expertise in financial regulation, strategic management and regulatory compliance. At RBI, he played a critical role in overseeing licensing and inspections of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), and banks. During this tenure, he has worked in various departments such as Deposits Account Department, Currency Verification and Processing System, National Clearing Cell, Rural Planning and Credit Department.

Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide India said, “We are happy to welcome Mr. Srinivas Injeti and Mr. Ajaya Kumar Sahoo to our team. Their unparalleled expertise in regulatory frameworks and financial services will enhance our strategic decision making capabilities, while aligning with our compliance-first approach. With their presence, we will continue to enhance financial inclusion for MSMEs. Together, we are committed to empowering small businesses and contributing to India’s socio-economic growth.”

Mr. Injeti brings extensive experience and knowledge in the financial services domain and has been a key contributor to the sector’s evolution. His expertise will be invaluable in strengthening Tide’s position within India’s evolving fintech ecosystem and ensuring the company remains ahead in the dynamic regulatory landscape.

Mr. Srinivas Injeti said: “I am delighted to join Tide in India and collaborate with its leadership team to address the key challenges faced by MSMEs. I fully align with Tide’s vision that growth must not come at the expense of compliance. Together, we will work to unlock India’s next phase of growth by digitally empowering Bharat.”

Mr. Sahoo will focus on enhancing corporate governance, developing key partnerships, and ensuring robust operational practices that drive growth and transparency within the organisation.

Mr. Ajaya Kumar Sahoo said: “I am excited to join Tide in India at a time when fintech innovation is transforming the financial services landscape in India. The regulatory environment in the world’s third largest fintech ecosystem is evolving to promote responsible innovation. I look forward to contributing to the company’s vision as it continues to leverage technology to help small businesses become part of the formal economy.”

Meri Policy Mere Haath Campaign Returns: Ministry of Agriculture Launches 6th Edition from October 1-31, 2024

New Delhi, 4th October 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is set to launch the 6th edition of the Meri Policy Mere Haath (MPMH) programme from 1st October to 31st October 2024. This nationwide campaign will cover 21 states and Union Territories across India and aims to deliver more than 4.5 crore crop insurance policy documents to farmers across the country.

 This proactive step ensures that all insured loanee farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) receive their policy documents physically, making crop insurance coverage tangible and transparent. The initiative is designed to empower farmers with the knowledge and understanding of their crop insurance policies, enabling them to make informed decisions for their agriculture practices.

As compared to the Kharif 2023 season, which saw 8.65 crore applications insured under the PMFBY, this year has recorded a significant increase with over 9 crore applications insured, reflecting the growing interest and trust of farmers in the crop insurance scheme.

To further enhance awareness, the GoI will also organize Nukkad Naataks in regions with low awareness of crop insurance, along with Fasal Bima Pathshalas for training farmers and handling their grievances. These community-level engagements will provide farmers with crucial information about the benefits of crop insurance and guide them on how to utilize it effectively.

With the impacts of climate change and unpredictable weather patterns becoming more evident, the MPMH programme aims to underscore the importance of long-term financial security for farmers. Crop insurance is crucial to mitigate unforeseen risks and losses due to climatic fluctuations, ensuring that farmers are protected and can maintain their livelihood.

The GoI remains committed to ensuring that all farmers, regardless of their geographical location, have access to crop insurance and can make informed decisions to secure their crops and livelihoods.

Piramal Finance Launches Second Phase of Campaign to Support Bharat’s Underserved Customers

Mumbai, October 4, 2024 – Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited (Piramal Finance), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Ltd (PEL), today announced the launch of the second phase of its campaign “Hum Kaagaz Se Zyada Neeyat Dekhte Hai”. This initiative aims to empower underserved customers in Bharat by providing access to formal credit. Building on insights from the initial campaign, the new campaign celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of customers, showcasing Piramal Finance’s scaled model to bring credit to the unserved customers of Bharat.

The campaign features relatable stories of two unique individuals—a rickshaw driver and a sugarcane juice vendor—who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, progress, good intent, and honesty. In the video, the rickshaw driver pauses his meter at a gas station to ensure his customer isn’t charged while waiting to refuel. At the same time, the sugarcane juice vendor chooses to serve a good quantity of juice without reducing it by putting ice, which reflects their intent of doing well and doing good. They highlight their challenges of being viewed as unserved, and this is where Piramal Finance steps in, empowering customers to approach them with confidence as long as they have a thriving business or employment and good intent.

With the tagline “Aaiye Baat Karte Hain,” the campaign invites underserved customers to connect with Piramal Finance and encourages them to explore their financial options without hesitation. The ads will be available in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., said, “The second phase of our campaign reinforces our unwavering commitment to serve the underserved and unserved segments, focusing on individuals who demonstrate clear intent and potential.

The response to our inaugural campaign was phenomenal, evident in our consistent growth. This new initiative takes our efforts a step further in the customer journey, addressing the unique challenges faced by those who perceive themselves as credit unworthy. We aim to change that narrative, reinforcing our role as an integral part of our customers’ journeys and their moments of connection with our brand. As we expand our products and solutions portfolio, branch network, and deepen our presence in non-metro markets, we remain focused on driving economic progress and unlocking value for our customers.”

Arvind Iyer, Head of Marketing, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., said, “‘Aaiye Baat Karte Hain’ is an open gesture inviting customers advancing in their lives to discuss their financial aspirations with us. We aim to help them navigate their journey towards accessing financial resources. This new campaign represents the next phase in the evolution of Piramal Finance’s brand promise of ‘Hum Kaagaz Se Zyada Neeyat Dekhte Hai.’ We remain committed as a lender to creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem for underserved individuals across India. We aim to reassure potential customers that we assess their needs fairly and transparently, fostering relationships built on the foundation of trust and support.”

Kawal Shoor, Planner and Founding Partner of The Womb, said, “Achchi Neeyat was a clarion call we conceived for Piramal Finance last year. Early success and research showed that, in Piramal Finance, the underserved now saw someone who really was for them. Now was the time to extend a hand further and actively invite them in with ‘Aaiye Baat Karte Hain’. Market studies had shown that budget Bharat have been rebuffed for too long by the organised loans industry, and they’re used to hearing ‘no’ all too often. With ‘Aaiye Baat Karte Hain’ we want to make the ‘Neeyat’ proposition come alive even more compellingly, as also to make them feel valued, and included”.

The campaign will be promoted across TV, social media, digital news publishers, and the company’s digital assets and branches.

Piramal Finance has rapidly expanded its presence across India, operating with over 500 branches. With 80% of its business coming from metro-adjacent areas and Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, the company serves over 1.3 million customers across 13,000 pin codes. Its multi-product retail lending platform includes home loans, small business loans, loans against property, used car loans, and unsecured loans. In June 2024, Piramal Finance surpassed the milestone of INR 50,000 crore in retail AUM. The company has also expanded its co-lending network, partnering with the likes of Digital India’s Common Service Centers and Central Bank of India. With an employee strength of 13,700+, the company is driven by a commitment to addressing the needs of underserved markets through both traditional and microfinance branches.

HelpAge India onboards Sharmila Tagore as honorary brand ambassador

New Delhi, October 4, 2024: Today on International day of Older Persons (IDOP) HelpAge India announced the onboarding of Ms. Sharmila Tagore, renowned actor and Padma Bhushan awardee, as its Honorary Brand Ambassador. As ambassador, she launched the nationwide campaign by HelpAge titled #GenerationsTogether along with ‘Young Champions for the Elder Cause,’ involving school children & youth. The campaign aims to strengthen intergenerational ties and foster an age-inclusive society.

The theme of the day was ‘Towards a Society for all Ages: Unlocking Opportunities’ under which insightful panel discussions took place on ‘Unlocking Opportunities When Generations Come Together’ and ‘Unlocking Opportunities Through Partnerships’ which involved stakeholders from various sectors such as educational institutions, private sector, media along with representations from youth and the elderly. It was held in the presence of senior citizens, schoolchildren, youth and volunteers.

Expressing her enthusiasm and commitment as the Honorary Brand Ambassador Ms. Sharmila Tagore said, “I am now at that stage in my life, where I am choosing my work, doing what resonates with me. I am committed to my role as HelpAge India’s brand ambassador, and hope that I can help make a difference and be the voice that amplifies elder concerns, raises awareness and urges people to come forward more strongly to support this cause, as we all are getting there. Today’s theme ‘Towards a Society for all Ages’ is exactly what is needed, but there has to be a systemic change, which means all stakeholders must play their part, whether it be civil society, educational institutions, corporates, philanthropists, public sector, policy makers, the youth and us as well.”

There are an estimated 140 million elderly in India today and a population of 500 million below the age of 20 years. The current life expectancy at birth is 71 years, and at age 60, it rises to 78 years. As life expectancy increases, people of a wider range of age groups are co-existing for longer periods, making strong inter-generational relations crucial for achieving an inclusive and age friendly society.

HelpAge India’s 2022 ‘Bridge the Gap: Understanding Elder Needs’ revealed that 79% of the elders felt that their family does not spend enough time with them. 40% elders want to ‘learn new things’ to feel included and be a part of society and 59% want their family members to spend more time with them. The gap between generations is evident and India faces a unique challenge that requires collective action.

“The #GenerationsTogether campaign aims to encourage interaction between generations, facilitating conversations, connections and collaborations, so we can help create a more age sensitive society. As we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, we must reflect on the need for stronger intergenerational ties for building a cohesive society where young people can learn valuable life lessons from the elderly and the elderly learn as well from the young, for instance in keeping abreast with the ever-changing digital world. Therefore, the theme ‘Towards a Society for All Ages’ is more relevant than ever. We look forward to the opening up of new opportunities and working with various stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for elders and a more compassionate age inclusive society,” said Mr. Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.

The campaign targeted at middle & high school children (from classes 6 to 12) also aims to encourage mutual respect across different both age groups while addressing issues like elder isolation, loneliness, and neglect. It will work towards creating opportunities where seniors & children come together, to actively participate in community programs, share their experiences, skills and knowledge with each other, addressing the generational gap. It will have broadly three elements such as Contests where children will be encouraged to participate in theme related activities such as essays, creating reels, photography etc, Workshops & Platforms which provide intergenerational learning opportunities, through digital literacy, storytelling sessions, talent sharing etc, and Celebrations across ages, that create opportunities for children and elderly to come together and celebrate festivals and mark days with each other, encouraging deeper interaction between both generations.

Emphasizing on the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in his opening remarks, Mr. Kiran Karnik, Chairperson, HelpAge India said, “The development of multi-stakeholder partnerships is key to mainstreaming ageing. As in other sectors, ageing too involves a whole host of players: many Ministries withing Central and State governments, and local bodies. Their close collaboration with academia, public & private sector, philanthropic organizations, volunteer groups and others, is the need of the hour, as is the need for a holistic view. With an elder population of 140 million, which will balloon to more than 300 million by 2050, we need to rethink our health, social security, re-skilling, and employment policies. Government at all levels now have many policies and programmes to include concerns of older persons. The recent announcement of inclusion of the 70+ in PMJAY, as also an increase in social pension amounts by many state governments, are welcome, but we have a long way to go. In this, a multistakeholder approach, with the collaboration and active participation of all, is vital. As HelpAge seeks to work with all stakeholders, we are delighted and honored to have the help of Ms. Sharmila Tagore as our Honorary Brand Ambassador. With this, and on-going effort by the HelpAge team, I am confident our mission to build an inclusive, age-friendly society will gain momentum and the elder cause amplified.”

Ansys Teams Up with IIT Roorkee for Ministry of Education’s CBDE Program

Roorkee, 04 October 2024 – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has partnered with Ansys Software Private Limited, a leading engineering simulation software company, to empower its students towards entrepreneurship through the Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE) program, launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This initiative aims to foster design thinking and entrepreneurship culture at Indian Higher Educational Institutes.

Under this CBDE program, Ansys has committed to offer top-up fellowships, preferably to female M.Tech students for promoting social entrepreneurship. This initiative will enable the students to develop technology-based solutions for societal challenges. This kind of collaborative efforts empower higher education institutions to promote design and entrepreneurship development within their institutions.

Highlighting the importance of the Ansys fellowship, Prof. K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, remarked, “These fellowships together with the supportive environment and resources available on campus will inspire our students, especially our female students, to contribute towards technology-driven solutions for societal advancement and thus fulfilling the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047”

“Ansys provides the required educational resources to empower future engineers. The Ansys Academic Program is committed to lowering the barrier to adopting Ansys simulation for the students. It provides a hands-on simulation experience and bridges the skills gap in the engineering industry and prepares engineering students for complex technologies. We are proud to champion this initiative and look forward to the groundbreaking innovations the upcoming engineers will introduce,” said Mike Yeager, Area Vice President, India and Japan, Ansys.

As part of this initiative, the institute recently hosted a lecture under its corporate lecture series, titled Physics-based Simulation in Research and Education: Current Practices and Key Initiatives, delivered by Dr. Dipankar Choudhury, Ansys Fellow and Academic Program Lead at Ansys. The lecture focused on leveraging emerging technologies in Digital Twins, High-Performance Computing, Machine Learning, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Computational Structural Mechanics, Computational Electromagnetics, and Photonics/Optics as well as current and emerging technologies.

 Dr. Dipankar further commented on the student support, stating that, “IIT Roorkee is a pacesetter in the research and technology development of fast-growing, critically important areas such as Electronics, Semiconductors, and Space Technology. The collaboration will mutually strengthen the academic programs in these areas at IIT Roorkee while helping fill the demand in the industry for trained engineers equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise.”

MAHE’s MIT Bengaluru Establishes Cutting-Edge Apple Laboratory for iOS Development

Bengaluru, 4 October 2024: In a landmark event aimed at revolutionizing mobile app development education, Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE, Bengaluru has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Apple Laboratory. This initiative aligns with the vision of top global universities and reinforces MIT Bengaluru’s commitment to fostering innovation in iOS development and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The laboratory will provide students with hands-on experience and real-time industry projects focused on iOS application development. Offering elective courses such as Fundamentals of Swift Programming, iOS Application Development, and Advanced Programming in Swift, this initiative ensures that students acquire industry-relevant skills that are critical in today’s tech-driven world. Additionally, five faculty members will undergo training from Apple itself, enabling them to impart specialized knowledge to the students.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru and Mr. Sudhir Nayar, Apple India Head, B2B Business-Govt, Education and Enterprise was present as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr Raghavendra Prabhu P, Deputy Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Prema K V, Associate Director, Professor and Head Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering, MIT Bengaluru, and Dr. Dayananda P, Professor and Head, Dept. of Information Technology, MIT Bengaluru along with other dignitaries graced the event with their presence.

The launch marked a significant milestone in MIT Bengaluru’s quest to provide world-class education in mobile app development.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, remarked, “The establishment of this Apple Laboratory is a testament to MAHE’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration. By providing our students with access to cutting-edge technology and the tools needed to excel in iOS development, we are ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the tech industry.”

Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, emphasized the importance of this new facility, stating, “With the launch of the Apple Laboratory, MIT Bengaluru has positioned itself among the best institutions globally. Our students will now have access to unparalleled resources and hands-on experience that will not only enhance their learning but also open up exciting career opportunities in mobile application development.”

Mr. Sudhir Nayar commented, “The launch of this state-of-the-art Apple Laboratory marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between academia and industry. By equipping students with real-world skills in iOS development, MIT Bengaluru is ensuring that its graduates are not just prepared for the future, but are also capable of leading the next wave of innovation in mobile technology”.

Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu, Deputy Registrar of MAHE, added, “This collaboration with Apple reflects MAHE’s vision of integrating academia and industry to create a dynamic learning environment. The laboratory will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and give students the competitive edge they need in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.”

The event also highlighted the long-term benefits this initiative would bring, including lucrative career opportunities for students and enhanced collaborative learning with faculty. MIT Bengaluru’s new Apple Laboratory will solidify the institute’s standing as a leader in mobile application development education, offering students the opportunity to engage with industry-standard technology and projects.

With this initiative, MAHE continues to underscore its dedication to offering innovative and relevant educational experiences, further enhancing its global reputation as a premier institution for technology education.

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central in Association with Press Club Mumbai Commemorates World Heart Day

Mumbai, October 4, 2024: Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, in collaboration with the Press Club Mumbai, organized an informative and engaging event to celebrate World Heart Day, emphasizing the significance of heart health awareness among media professionals.

The event began with an introduction to the importance of World Heart Day and how it serves as a global reminder of heart health. This was followed by discussions on India’s rising heart disease statistics and how lifestyle changes can contribute to improving heart health.

Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals, shared her thoughts on the initiative: “World Heart Day serves as an essential reminder that heart health is a priority that needs to be addressed at every level. Our partnership with Press Club Mumbai aims to spread awareness among media professionals, who play a crucial role in educating the public. We believe that by empowering individuals with the right knowledge, we can make a significant impact in combating heart diseases in India.”

Dr. Virendra Chauhan, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, also spoke on the occasion: “It is vital that we take proactive steps to spread awareness about heart health, and what better way than to start with those who have a platform to reach out to millions. Our initiative today focuses on offering practical knowledge on CPR, which is an essential skill that can save lives in case of emergencies.”

The event featured an unveiling of the World Heart Day logo with eminent media members participating in the ceremony. As part of the initiative, Wockhardt Hospitals conducted various health tests for the media delegates, including lipid profile, ECG, 2D Echo, complete blood count, and stress management assessments, along with consultations with doctors to provide a comprehensive understanding of individual heart health.

A comprehensive CPR training session followed, led by experienced nurses, where volunteers from the media were invited on stage to practice and understand the techniques. This hands-on training emphasized the significance of quick action in case of cardiac emergencies, which can make the difference between life and death.

The gathering concluded with a talk by Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle on the effects of lifestyle changes on heart health. She stressed the importance of regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and routine health check-ups in maintaining a healthy heart.

The event, which saw enthusiastic participation from around 50 media delegates and key stakeholders, was an excellent platform to create awareness and encourage media professionals to prioritize heart health in their reporting, ultimately helping in the larger mission of saving lives.