Author: Rabindra

Bayu Buana Travel Services reinvest in customer service and innovation with a renewed partnership with Amadeus

24th September 2024 – One of the leading travel agencies in Indonesia is doubling down on its commitment to technology, innovation, and customer service by expanding its partnership with Amadeus.

With access to the Amadeus Travel Platform, Bayu Buana will be able to give its customers a huge array of travel options including NDC content from airlines, as well as offers from hotels, cruise ships, transfer companies and in-destination content from around the world to ensure a fully personalized trip and a great deal every time.

Moreover, with Amadeus’ leading technology solutions, including advanced APIs, incredible travel search capabilities, AI powered solutions, and next-generation payment technology, Bayu Buana travel agents will be able to work more efficiently to focus on providing the best customer service to its customers.

Founded in 1972, Bayu Buana was the first travel agency listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange. It has 500 employees spread across 22 branches throughout the country and is one of the most established and ambitious travel agencies in Indonesia.

Agustinus Pake Seko, President Director, Bayu Buana Travel Services says, “Indonesians have trusted us for more than five decades because Bayu Buana is committed to customer service and providing the best experience for travelers every time they come to us. We are proud of this longstanding legacy. With this new partnership with Amadeus, we are protecting our hard-won reputation by ensuring that we can give travelers even more options, and even better customer service well into the future.

With this partnership, Bayu Buana is committed to protecting its longstanding reputation as one of the best agencies in the country by having unrivaled travel technology at its fingertips to service its customers.

Javier Laforgue, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific says, “Much like Bayu Buana, Amadeus knows that excellent customer service requires a constant commitment to innovation and collaboration. We are proud to be chosen as a trusted partner by a company as well established as Bayu Buana. At Amadeus, we continue to invest in some of the best travel technology on the market to make travel easier, more personalized and enjoyable than ever before.”

Atlys secures USD 20 million funding Co-led by Peak XV Partners and Elevation Capital

National, 24th September 2024: Atlys, the leading visa processing platform, has raised $20 million in its Series B funding round, co-led by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India) and Elevation Capital. The round saw strong participation from all existing investors, alongside new investors such as DST Global and Headline.

This new funding marks a pivotal milestone in Atlys’ rapid ascent, with the company experiencing 20x growth over the past year. The platform has expanded its footprint in key global markets, including the US, UAE, and the UK, while strengthening its leadership team with top-tier hires in product, engineering, and marketing.

The fresh capital will fuel Atlys’ aggressive expansion strategy, empowering the company to enhance its product and engineering capabilities, enter new markets, and scale operations globally. A core focus remains on meeting the growing needs of travellers, particularly in India, where international tourism is booming.

“Atlys has seen extraordinary 20x growth over the last 12 months,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys. “This investment will enable us to continue scaling globally and ensure that travellers can obtain their visas on time, every time. As India’s outbound tourism surges, the need for a seamless, on-time visa process is more critical than ever. We are one step closer to a world where borders no longer restrict exploration.”

In 2023, global outbound international tourists totalled 1.3 billion, fueled by rising international tourism, expanding expatriate communities, and the increasing adoption of digital travel solutions. With these drivers, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% over the next decade. In India, 30 million travellers ventured abroad, marking a 20% year-on-year increase, largely propelled by a growing middle class and greater access to affordable travel options. A significant portion of this growth came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which contributed to 43% of the country’s outbound travel, reflecting a broader shift beyond metro-driven demand. (as per a report by UNWTO)

Atlys is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging cutting-edge automation to streamline visa applications for over 150 destinations. It has been successful in reducing rejections, and cutting processing times to as fast as 55 seconds. With a user-friendly interface and strong data encryption, Atlys ensures both convenience and security for global travellers.

Shraeyansh Thakur, Principal at Peak XV, added, “Travel continues to see strong tailwinds globally and our thesis is that visas are just the starting point. We believe Atlys can go on to become a broader travel services platform for a range of use cases for travellers globally, and we are excited to deepen the partnership with Mohak and the Atlys team on this journey.”

Mayank Khanduja, Partner at Elevation Capital, said, “Atlys is one of the most innovative products to emerge in the travel space in a long time—a space where many have focused on transaction revenue without addressing the real pain points of global travellers. We believe in their long-term vision and the value they are creating, for global travellers in today’s fast-paced world. This new round of funding is a testament to the progress they’ve made, and we’re excited to support them as they scale into new markets and continue redefining what seamless travel looks like. ”

Atlys last raised Series A funding in 2023 from Peak XV partners, Elevation Capital, a seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) in 2021 and a pre-seed round led by South Park Commons.

Arena Animation Hyderabad Wraps Up ‘New Age Careers for New India: PERSPECTIVES Tour 2024

Hyderabad, September 24, 2024: Arena Animation, one of India’s leading animation institutes in the country, is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of ”New Age Careers for New India: PERSPECTIVE Tour 2024’ for the youth in Hyderabad. The seminar was held on September 23, 2024, at K.L.N. Prasad Auditorium, Hyderabad. This vibrant platform drew together luminaries from the media and entertainment industry to share their invaluable experiences and insights into the creation of captivating creative works. The event was attended by an over 400+ young aspirants and professionals across the city eager to learn and grow in this creative field, sparking an engaging exchange of ideas.

‘Perspectives’ provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain an insider’s view of the industry, marking a crucial moment for aspiring students. The event, known for attracting passionate participants year after year, hosted numerous students this year as well, who were interested in exploring careers in animation, VFX, multimedia, gaming  and web design. Attendees were offered a series of thought-provoking sessions led by distinguished key opinion leaders alongside an insightful dive into the intricate processes behind top-tier animation, visual effects and filmmaking.

Distinguished industry experts, including Mr. Ravi Kothapalli, Managing Director from Hornbill Studios and Mr. K. Ramakrishna (VFX Supervisor), Mr. G Laxman & Mr. Meher Prasad J from Greengold Animation inspired attendees with their invaluable industry insights and in-depth technical knowledge.

Mr. Ravi Kothapalli, Managing Director from Hornbill Studios delivered a compelling session on “Making Aspirants Industry-Ready in the World of Visual Effects, Animation, and Gaming”.

Mr. K. Ramakrishna (VFX Supervisor), Mr. G Laxman & Mr. Meher Prasad J from Greengold Animation offered an intriguing perspective on the VFX Live Action Movie making of Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan

The event received an overwhelming response from the attendees, who praised the depth and relevance of the presentations. The discussions highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies and offered actionable insights for students and young professionals.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer – Retail Business, Aptech Limited. ”We are thrilled with the success of ‘New Age Careers for New India: PERSPECTIVES Tour 2024’. The event has truly set a benchmark on how we engage and envision the future of careers in India. I trust that the participation of key opinion leaders and the thought-provoking discussions and insights has immensely benefitted the aspirants keen to pursue new-age careers. Arena Animation is committed to equipping students with new-age skillsets and we urge the young aspirants/ prospects to walk-in to our centres to explore their talent and unleash their creative potential.”

As the consumer increasingly gravitates towards superheroes and formidable creatures, India’s AVGC sector has witnessed unparalleled growth rates in recent years. According to the 24th annual Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2023-2027 by PWC across 13 sectors in 53 territories, India’s Media & Entertainment   industry is projected to grow at a 9.7% CAGR, reaching US$73.6 billion by 2027. This surge has attracted numerous international players seeking to tap into India’s talent pool for offshore service delivery.

With a legacy spanning over 25 years, Arena Animation stands as a testament to excellence, fortified by strategic alliances, stellar faculty, and cutting-edge technological tools. The mission remains clear – to equip youth with industry-relevant skills and hone their creativity, build resilience, and encourage teamwork, enabling them to succeed in the workplace where they will have to meet deadlines, deliver presentations, and network with industry peers. Arena Animations remains committed in cultivating a pool of highly employable and successful professionals, ready to make their mark in the dynamic world of media and entertainment.

Tuco Intelligent Raises dollar2 Million In Seed Funding From Fireside Ventures & Whiteboard Capital

September 24th, Bangalore: Tuco Intelligent, a kids’ personal care brand, today announced that it has raised $2 million in a seed funding round led by Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard capital. The round also saw participation of the Ashish Goenka led Suashish Group and angel investors like Vijay Nehra, Arjun Purkayastha, and early backers of brands like Mamaearth, Sugar, Pilgrim, Whole Truth and Mokobara.

Founded by Aishvarya Murali in 2023, Tuco Intelligent offers a range of natural and sustainable personal care products only for kids. The range includes soaps, lotions, creams, makeup and deodorants. All products are packaged in 100% landfill and ocean-reclaimed plastic, aligning with the brand’s commitment to a greener planet for children.

The range targets the unique personal care needs of kids aged 4-12, a demographic with growing needs at every stage. Ages 4 onward, kids start school and day care and along with it comes grime, dandruff, sun exposure, etc. At age 6-7, girls hanker after makeup, and at 8-9 years, pre-adolescent challenges like body odour, acne & oily skin emerge. Tuco Intelligent addresses these growing needs with products made from natural, time tested Indian ingredients like beetroot, turmeric, saffron, rosehip, reetha, etc. which are not only natural but also effective.

Commenting on the funding, Aishvarya Murali, Founder & CEO, Tuco Intelligent said, “I started Tuco Intelligent because I couldn’t find suitable solutions for my own kids. From skincare made with beetroot and cocoa extract to deodorants crafted from rose water, these products are inspired by recipes from our grandmother’s kitchen. The sustainable mission of 100% recycled plastic is dear to me and a guiding packaging philosophy in all ranges. We’re excited to have the backing of fantastic investors who are in it to build a meaningful and sustainable business. With the strong traction we’ve seen for our range, we’re now ready to scale.”

VS Kannan Sitaram, Co-Founder and Partner of Fireside Ventures, said: “The kids’ personal care market has remained largely untapped. While there are numerous brands for babies and adults, the 4-12 age group has limited options. We believe Tuco Intelligent, with its dedicated focus on this category, is well-positioned to serve the market. We were particularly impressed by their ability to build a strong base of repeat customers.”

Anshu Prasher, Partner at Whiteboard Capital, added: “Parents are increasingly looking for brands that understand the nuances of children’s skin and hair care, and Tuco Intelligent, with its natural, thoughtful approach, is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. The brand has experienced impressive growth over the past year, and we are excited to continue supporting them on this journey.”

Fastest-Growing US QE Company, QualiZeal, Targets Major India Expansion; Aims to Triple Workforce in 3-4 Years

India, September 2024 – QualiZeal, one of the fastest-growing Quality Engineering (QE) companies in the USA, recently announced its ambitious expansion plans in India, with a key focus on tapping into the country’s vast tech talent pool. Recognizing India as a strategic hub for skilled professionals, the company plans to triple its workforce over the next three to four years by adding 2,000 new jobs. This expansion is central to QualiZeal’s goal of significantly boosting its global capabilities and advancing toward its target of $100 million in annual revenue.

Headquartered in Texas, USA, QualiZeal has already established core capacity centers in Hyderabad, which have played a critical role in the company’s growth. The India expansion is not only aimed at increasing capacity but also at harnessing the country’s unparalleled tech expertise to fuel innovation and transformation in the Quality Engineering space. By leveraging India’s talent, QualiZeal seeks to solidify its position as a global leader in digital transformation services.

“We are deeply committed to India as a strategic talent hub,” said Mr. Pradeep Govindasamy, President & CEO of QualiZeal. “India’s tech talent is unparalleled, and with our planned expansion, we aim to harness this potential to drive innovation and transformation for our clients globally. This is an exciting time for QualiZeal, and we are on a trajectory to achieve unparalleled growth in the Quality Engineering services industry.”

QualiZeal‘s offerings span across Quality Engineering, Digital Engineering, Advisory and Transformation, and Emerging Technology Testing. Trusted by over 70 global enterprises, the company boasts an impressive record of more than 200 successful projects, supported by a team of over 750 elite software quality engineers. QualiZeal’s clients also benefit from AI and ML-powered predictive capabilities, which accelerate testing processes by 3x while reducing costs by 4x.

“By expanding our India operations, we are not just increasing capacity but also investing in the future of AI and GenAI-powered Quality Engineering,” said Mr. Madhu Murty Ronanki, Co-Founder & Head of India Operations, QualiZeal. “Our goal is to build a world-class workforce that delivers exceptional value to clients and contributes to QualiZeal’s mission of becoming the global leader in digital pure-play Quality Engineering.”

QualiZeal’s impressive growth trajectory is underscored by industry accolades, including the Bronze Stevie® Award in the 2024 American Business Awards®, which highlight the company’s dedication to excellence in business performance and fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace on a global scale. With a robust growth strategy and a focus on building a world-class workforce, QualiZeal is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital transformation in the years ahead.

LivingMyPromise’ Signatories Plant Seeds of Change in Gaurahari, Uttar Pradesh

Mumbai, 24th September, 2024: #LivingMyPromise (LMP), a pioneering community-driven philanthropic initiative, is proud to announce the launch of Integrated Village Development project in Gaurahari, Uttar Pradesh. An ambitious endeavor by a group of community members (LMP Promisors) which aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities and create a sustainable model for holistic development.

The project, a collaborative effort involving several LMP promisors, has already made significant strides. Over 20,000 saplings have been planted by 200 farming families, not only providing an additional source of income but also contributing to water conservation and environmental sustainability.

Stuthi Vijayaraghavan, Founder Urban Venture Labs, said “Bundelkhand is a highly sensitive area facing heatwaves, drought and water deficiencies. With our project, we aim to demonstrate that livelihoods which are local and sustainable can actually aid, rather than exacerbate climate change. Our goal is to create such a model and further scale to other village clusters as well, turning the area into a climate hotspot.”

Raj Mohan, Founder Director at Sustainable Green Initiative, added “To put simply, we are planting trees to help alleviate hunger and poverty while fighting climate change.”

Beyond afforestation, the project encompasses a wide range of initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, livelihoods, health, and education.

Key highlights of the project:

Afforestation: Planting over 20,000 saplings to enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change.
Women Empowerment: Implementing programs to empower women through education, skill development, and economic opportunities.
Livelihoods: Supporting sustainable livelihood options for the community, such as agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale enterprises.
Health: Improving access to healthcare facilities and promoting preventive health measures.
Education: Enhancing educational opportunities for children and youth through scholarships, infrastructure development, and teacher training.
By addressing these critical areas, LMP seeks to improve the overall quality of life for the residents of Gaurahari.

Ravindra Kumar, General secretary at Srijan Ek Soch NGO, said “Our goal is to uplift every facet of village life by enhancing education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for youth, women, and farmers, while creating a model village to inspire neighboring communities.”

Gunjan Thaney, Head – LMP said, “#LivingMyPromise provides a platform for individuals to share their promise to give away half their wealth for social good. While participation in collaborative projects is completely optional, our Promisors often find themselves inspired to work together on shared philanthropic goals. This sense of community fosters collaboration and active engagement.”

LMP‘s commitment to rural development is driven by a community of individuals who have voluntarily pledged a portion of their wealth to causes they believe in. This collaborative approach allows promisors to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and efficiently collaborate on shared causes. Through LMP’s platform, individuals can participate in initiatives such as the Dolphin Tank, its Annual Giving Event where promisors also pitch their philanthropic ideas for funding, and the LMP Annual Retreat, a gathering for networking and inspiration.

While LMP provides opportunities for collaboration, the choice to participate in these initiatives lies entirely with the individual promisor. This voluntary nature fosters a sense of ownership and empowers promisors to contribute to causes that resonate with their personal values. By creating a supportive community and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, LMP is inspiring individuals to give back to society and make a lasting impact on society.

DPS International Students Shine at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Bangkok

National , 24th September 2024 – DPS International (DPSI) is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of its students at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round 2024, held in Bangkok from 5th to 12th September. The event saw participation from over 1,500 scholars worldwide, showcasing their knowledge, creativity, and teamwork in various academic challenges, including Team Debates, Collaborative Writing, and the Scholar’s Bowl.

DPSI’s delegation of 43 students participated across both Junior and Senior Divisions, competing against the brightest minds from across the globe. Their exceptional performances in key events reflect the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.

In the Junior Division, the DPSI teams delivered stellar results:

Shivanjali Awasthi, Raina Khatri, and Anahita Bajaj secured the 2nd position in the Team Debate event.
Tara Webster, Suyash Bansal, and Romir Gupta placed 7th in the same category.
Anahita Bajaj further distinguished herself by securing 6th position in the Individual Debate category.
In the Senior Division, students performed equally admirably:

Rishabh Iyer Kochhar earned an impressive 12th position in the Individual Debate category.
The team of TM Sahaana, Aajuni Kaur, and Bhavya Bansal secured the 9th position in Collaborative Writing.

 Ms. Rima Singh, Head of School, DPS International, commended the students for their exceptional achievements, stating: “Our students’ success at the World Scholar’s Cup is a reflection of their dedication, intellect, and ability to think critically in a global context. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and their representation of DPS International on such a prestigious platform.”