Category Archives: Business

JITO’s Pioneering Shark Angels Ignite a Revolution in Women-Led Startups

India, 10th October 2023: In a groundbreaking move towards fostering gender diversity and empowerment in the startup ecosystem, JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) hosted the second season of “JITO Shark Angels (JSA),” a live on-stage funding event, with a unique twist – all the sharks were women, and the startups were led by women. This extraordinary event took place in association with JITO Ladies Wing at JITO Connect 2023 in Jaipur, marking a significant milestone in the world of entrepreneurship.

The second season of JSA, marked a historic moment in the world of startup funding. It was the first-ever women-focused funding event of its kind, where women entrepreneurs presented their startups and received funding commitments on stage. The purpose of the event was to unlock the unrealized potential of women in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Five dynamic women-led startups showcased their innovations and ideas at JSA Season 2; Ecoright, founded by Nikita Barmecha, presented sustainable solutions, Funngro, led by Payal Jain, focused on innovative consumer products, Plan B, founded by Sneha Raisoni and Vaidehi Shah, offered creative solutions, MyWays.ai, helmed by Tanvi Jain, showcased cutting-edge technology, and Riti Rivaz, co-founded by Roshita Jain, that highlighted fashion innovation.

The seasoned panel of women investors, known as sharks, played a pivotal role in this event. The names included— Nikita Jain, Managing Partner at Nanda Capital Holding, Saloni Shah, Associate Director at NVS Brokerage Private Limited, Shekha Haran Bhandari, Head of Family Office at Haran Family Office, and Rashi Benara, Investment Manager at KM Trans Logistics Private Limited.

JITO Shark Angels Season 2 was a resounding success. The event witnessed a commitment of INR 2 crores from the panel of Sharks to support women-led startups. The audience also actively participated in this historic event. Furthermore, JITO Ladies Wing has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its membership from 7k to 14k, and they are ardently championing empowerment and supporting women entrepreneurs.

Pooja Mehta, Chief Operating Officer, JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF), said, “I’m proud to acknowledge the profound impact of this event. It represents a significant milestone in our unwavering mission to empower women entrepreneurs. Our commitment extends beyond words; we are dedicated to providing steadfast support, offering the finest resources, and nurturing their growth. This event, a beacon of inclusivity, sets a new standard, illuminating the path for soonicorns to transform into unicorns.”

The success of JITO Shark Angels Season 2 builds upon the foundation of Season 1. In the inaugural season, 41 companies presented their ideas to a live audience of 15,000. A total commitment of funds exceeding INR 21 cores was made to over 25 companies, with investments finalized in 17 companies. Each of Season 1’s nine episodes featured new sharks from the Jain community and took place in different cities, catering to diverse communities.

Adani Skill Development Centre Receives Top Honours for Pioneering ‘SAKSHAM’ Best Practice in Digital Transformation

New Delhi, India, October 10th, 2023 – In a momentous achievement, the Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), an initiative by Adani Foundation, has recently been bestowed with the prestigious Best Practice in Digital Transformation award by the CII-Tata Communications Centre for Digital Transformation. This recognition is the testimony to ASDC’s excellence in innovation as demonstrated by the ‘SAKSHAM’ initiative. It acknowledges ASDC’s commitment to state-of-the-art simulation-based training solutions for a diverse range of individuals, including welders, electricians, heavy vehicle drivers, crane operators, and various other training programs.

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are at the heart of these simulators, providing varied learning experiences across a wide spectrum of operational modes. ASDC’s dedication to bridging the industry skill gap and contributing to national development has redefined educational opportunities for aspiring candidates. Moreover, it has significantly enriched employment prospects for job seekers, ushering in a new era of competence and competitiveness within the workforce.

Speaking on this remarkable achievement, Mr. Jatin Trivedi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Adani Skill Development Center stated, “We are profoundly grateful for being honoured with this award. The use of technology has helped us promoting inclusive growth and creating a transformative educational experience for students, all the while narrowing the skills gap for various industries. We remain resolute in our mission to empower lives through skill development.”

It is noteworthy that ASDC has achieved a pioneering accomplishment as the world’s first to establish a skill center in the metaverse, offering a multi-user interface, which allows people from various geographic locations to converse in a shared virtual room. This innovative initiative brings coaches and students together in a united digital eco-system and marks the world’s inaugural launch of an e-center in the metaverse.

Therefore, the prestigious award not only acknowledges ASDC’s endeavours but also serves as an inspiration to continue pioneering new paradigms in skill development, digital transformation, and fostering a brighter future for India’s youth.

Cover Story Expands Its Presence in Pune with a Second Store in PMC Wakad

Cover Story, the forefront fashion retail destination renowned for its chic and contemporary women’s wear, announces the opening of its second store in Pune, located in the prestigious PMC Wakad area. With this expansion, Cover Story continues to captivate the hearts of fashion-forward women in Pune.

Cover Story’s Pune store in PMC Wakad offers a wide range of women’s clothing and accessories, including dresses, tops, skirts, jackets, and more. Whether you’re looking at outfits for work, casual outings, or special occasions, Cover Story brings on-trend and fashion forward pieces that cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of the modern Indian women. The store’s strategic placement in PMC Wakad ensures accessibility and convenience for fashion enthusiasts across Pune.

The new store is a testament to Cover Story’s commitment to providing an immersive shopping experience that resonates with its patrons. Here, shoppers can explore the latest fashion trends and create their unique style statements.

The brand’s expansion aligns with its mission to make fashion accessible to women across the country, empowering them to express themselves confidently through their clothing choices.

“We are delighted to launch our second store in Pune. Cover Story’s aim is to keep up with the always changing fashion trends, enabling its customers to build a wardrobe for every mood and occasion, and with our new store, we aim to target discerning consumers in Pune, who love to stay up-to date with the latest fashion trends without compromising on the quality,” said a Cover Story spokesperson

Bugatti’s Fashion Fête: A Spectacular Season Launch Party in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, October 10th, 2023: Renowned European footwear brand bugatti, celebrated its first-ever Season Launch party in India. The event was a dazzling showcase of style and sophistication, capturing the essence of the brand’s rich heritage in high-fashion footwear. Held at Inorbit Mall in the heart of Hyderabad, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan (IAS), Principal Secretary, Government of Telangana graced the event as the chief guest. The party brought together the pre-eminent industrialists, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and socialites of Hyderabad like Utpala Reddy, Pallam Raju and Mamtha Raju, Ananya Simali, Hina Srivastava, Jyostana Angara, Arman Ali Khan, Trishala Kamath and many young socialites and fashionistas were seen mingling for an unforgettable experience.

Guests were treated to an exclusive preview of bugatti’s latest styles from the streets of Europe. Complementing this collection is the prestigious Italian brand BAGATT renowned for its fashion-forward elegance. With enthralling musical performance by the famous band Alive India Rockstars, exquisite cuisine, and an ambiance inspired by European aesthetics, the Season Launch party marked a significant moment in the brands’ Indian journey.

The bugatti store at Inorbit Mall in Hitech City, marking its third store in India, spans approximately 1000 square feet and offers an extensive selection of stylish footwear and accessories for both men and women, providing a delightful shopping experience. Staying true to its heritage, the newly launched collection proudly showcases a versatile range of looks – Casual, Athleisure, Sport and Formal – that reflects the bugatti Man’s multifaceted personality.

Exclusively retailed within the store, BAGATT is a manifestation of Italian finesse and artistry. With roots in 1984 – Milan, BAGATT is today synonymous with fine craftsmanship that is reflected in its wide range of accessories and footwear ranging from knee-high boots to exquisite heels, captivating sneakers to luxurious slip-ons.

“We are delighted to have had our first-ever season launch party in the vibrant city Hyderabad. Our goal at AstorMueller is to continuously evolve our merchandise to reflect our consumer’s persona, uniqueness and sophistication and our Autumn Winter ’23 collection does just that.”, said Sandip Baksi, COO & Retail Head (India), AstorMueller.

Samsung Empowers Customers with Innovative and Democratized Security Solutions at SDC23

San Francisco, CA – October 10, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled a range of security innovations across its ecosystem of products and services. With the release of One UI 6, these innovations include updates to Samsung Knox Matrix with passkeys and end-to-end encryption for backed-up and restored Samsung Cloud data, and the expansion of Samsung Knox Vault to the wider device ecosystem. These advancements are engineered for an age of hyperconnectivity, ensuring that as we enter a world where multiple devices connect and share information with each other, the security aspect is never compromised. The updates were announced at the annual Samsung Developer Conference 2023 (SDC23), which brings together developers, creators and designers to explore Samsung’s powerful and seamless connected experiences. At the event, Samsung was able to showcase how these innovations will work to push the industry forward and empower users with more ways to safely do what they love, today and tomorrow.

“The strongest security and privacy innovations can help protect your everyday mobile experience as well as your device,” said Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We strive to keep more users safe in more ways than ever, and our latest security innovations mean users can live life with greater options and less effort – so life can truly open up possibilities, now and for years to come.”

Secure Convenience in a Connected World

The release of One UI 6 on Galaxy devices and an update to Samsung Knox Matrix[1] work to further realize Samsung’s vision of a future where connected devices can protect each other within an ecosystem.

Last year, we announced that Knox Matrix would support Trust Chain, which will enable connected devices to intelligently monitor each other for security threats, and send notifications to other devices if one is ever attacked. This meant that if a hacker were to target a device, Knox Matrix could detect the threat and isolate that device from other devices to keep the rest of the system safe.

At SDC23, Samsung is announcing updates to another key element of Knox Matrix – Credential Sync, which can help protect sensitive information as it moves between multiple devices, such as Samsung Galaxy devices, TVs and Family Hub refrigerators. With the introduction of One UI 6, Credential Sync brings users an easy and secure way to sync their identities and credentials between their Samsung devices. Also now available within Credential Sync is end-to-end encryption of backed-up and restored Samsung Cloud data.[2] This ensures the data can only be encrypted or decrypted on a user’s devices, meaning nobody can see it but the user – even if a server is compromised or account details are stolen. Starting early 2024, Samsung Galaxy devices will also implement end-to-end encryption when users sync their data with Samsung Cloud.[3]

As part of Credential Sync, Samsung has also developed new ways to manage and secure identities and credentials for a future hyperconnected world in the form of passkeys: digital credentials that can be used as authentication for websites and apps. Through One UI 6, Samsung Pass has been updated with the ability to use passkeys,[4] marking a significant step towards a passwordless future where passkeys replace traditional passwords to provide an experience that is:

Faster: Users can save time on typing their account username into their device by instead quickly selecting the account they wish to sign into
Easier: Once passkeys are registered, users can easily switch over to a new connected device with no requirement to sign up all over again
More secure: Passkeys only work on users’ registered websites and applications, ensuring protection against phishing attacks from malicious sites or apps

Knox Matrix realizes this revolutionary step in the evolution of passwords by enabling a convenient way to share passkeys across multiple devices without sacrificing security. Based on FIDO’s international standards, passkeys enable users to use Samsung Pass on their smartphone to sign into apps and websites through biometric sensors, such as fingerprints. With One UI 6, passkeys are able to be held in escrow until specific conditions are met – like when a PIN, password or lock screen pattern of a user’s previous device is entered on their Samsung Galaxy smartphone. These updated escrow functions within Knox Matrix will eliminate the need for users to remember current passwords or reset forgotten ones, providing convenience and stronger security when sharing credentials between connected devices.

Powerful Security Innovations on More Samsung Devices
Besides innovating to secure the device ecosystems of the future, Samsung is also democratizing its most powerful security innovations for devices today. Samsung Knox Vault is being strengthened through the expansion beyond flagship devices to protect more customers and give them greater choice in the devices they can safely use.

Knox Vault can help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen information, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns. It constructs a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory and is effective from the moment a user registers their lock screen – thus users can enjoy the security they need without hassle. Knox Vault can help protect users’ security keys which encrypt their private data stored in the device, ensuring total safety – even if the device is lost or stolen.

A hardware-based and tamper-resistant solution, Samsung Knox Vault was created to safeguard a user’s private data against not only software-based hacking, but also hardware attacks using high-end professional tools. Originally launched on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices including S series, Z series, S FE series smartphones and Tab S series tablets, Knox Vault is being expanded to Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs in 2023, and the wider Galaxy ecosystem including Galaxy A series smartphones with One UI 6 or later[5] in 2024.

Your Secure Ecosystem, Expanded

The wide range of powerful security measures make Samsung Galaxy devices better at ensuring user privacy, addressing the need for convenience in a hyperconnected society with the backing of a true commitment to strong user security. One UI 6 also brings updates to Galaxy’s Security and Privacy Dashboard, making it easier than ever for users to see and control what is happening to their data. The latest security and privacy innovations announced at SDC23 are built on top of Galaxy’s secure foundation: security at every level from the chips up to the apps, real-time threat detection, and collaborative protection with trusted partners.

UClean Announces South India Expansion Plans and Strategic Vision for the Future

Delhi, 10th October 2023: UClean, India’s leading laundry and dry-cleaning chain, is thrilled to share its remarkable South India expansion story, unveiling its ambitious vision for the years ahead. With an unrelenting commitment to providing convenient, high-quality laundry solutions, UClean has firmly established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Now, with over 50 outlets across South India and rapid growth on the horizon, the company is poised for even greater success.

Currently, UClean boasts a network of 50+ outlets spread across South India, including major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Vizag, Kochi, and its recent addition, Coimbatore. The company’s relentless dedication to customer satisfaction and unwavering focus on innovation have driven its rapid expansion, making it a household name in the region.

“The South India market has been incredibly receptive to our services,” says Arunabh Sinha, CEO of UClean. “Our growth in this region reaffirms our commitment to delivering top-notch laundry solutions to customers. We are excited to continue expanding our footprint here.”

With a strong presence in South India and a vision for the future, UClean is set to reach a remarkable milestone. By 2025, the company aims to establish a staggering 500+ outlets in the region, solidifying its position as a market leader.

UClean’s expansion in South India comes at a time when the laundry care market in the country is experiencing substantial growth. According to Statista, the market is projected to grow by 4.18% from 2023 to 2028, reaching a market volume of US$6.70 billion in 2028. Additionally, a report by Research and Markets values the Indian laundry service industry at USD 35.83 billion, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 4.96% from 2020 to 2026. These statistics highlight the immense potential in the laundry sector.

Moreover, the laundry market in India is poised to grow to a whopping $15 billion by 2025, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities playing a pivotal role in driving this growth. UClean recognizes this evolving landscape and aims to cater to the increasing demand for professional cleaning services.

UClean’s presence extends far and wide, covering diverse regions of India from Vagamon in the South to Kargil in the North and from Panjim in the West to Ziro in the Northeast. With 400+ outlets already operating across the country, the company has set an ambitious goal of reaching 1500 centers in India by 2025.

In addition to its expansion within India, UClean is making strategic investments in technology to serve the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The company plans to introduce D2C cleaning supplies in the near future and aims to achieve a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of 1,000 crores by 2025.

UClean’s innovative approach and dedication to excellence have garnered recognition and accolades from various quarters. The company has received prestigious awards, including the ITC “Changemaker of India” awards, the NDTV “Icons of Bharat” awards, and the distinction of being the First Indian Brand to Win a Global Franchise Award in 2019 in the “Best Emerging Brand” category.

CRC Group spotlights the Story of Noida at Shopping Centres Next 2023

Bengaluru, India – October 9th, 2023, CRC Group, the most promising real estate developer in Noida, participated as the Powered By Partner at the prestigious Shopping Centres Next 2023 event in a significant step to apprise the retail real estate world of the thriving Noida realty in the Delhi NCR region. Based on theme, “Shaping India’s Social Spaces,” the event was organized by Images Group on October 3rd and 4th, 2023, in Bengaluru, presenting a platform to leaders in the shopping centre and retail real estate industry to come together, share insights, and shape the future of retail real estate.

CRC Group, a prominent player in the real estate sector in Noida, was represented by Mr. Salil Kumar, Director of Marketing & Business Management. Salil Kumar, a distinguished expert in the field, was the key spokesperson for the CRC Group during the panel discussion on “NOIDA: THE JEWEL IN NCR’S CROWN,” featuring other esteemed panelists, including Ashutosh Kashyap, Head of Real Estate at Noida International Airport Authority of India; Pramod Arora, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at PVR; Raghu Rajagopalan, President of Group Business Development at Lifestyle International; and Rakesh Ajila, Senior Director of Business Development in Real Estate & Brand Expansion at Cure.fit (Cult.fit). The session was moderated by Sakshi Goel, Associate Executive Director & Head of Retail – North/West India at CBRE India.

The panel delved into the topic of exploring the remarkable developments taking place in Noida considering the recent slew of development projects launched in the region. These projects, which include the Noida International Airport, Film City, the world’s longest Pod Taxi and IT & Technology Park in are shaping the landscape of Noida and presenting exciting opportunities in shopping centre development and lifestyle destinations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Salil Kumar, Director, Marketing & Business Management, CRC, said “CRC Group has always been at the forefront of revolutionizing Noida’s real estate landscape. Our journey in this dynamic city has been nothing short of spectacular, mirroring Noida’s own transformation into the jewel of the National Capital Region. Noida’s meteoric rise, driven by visionary projects like the Jewar Airport, Film City, and the world’s longest Pod Taxi, signifies a future city in the making. The 124 development projects recently initiated by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh have unlocked a wealth of opportunities, particularly in shopping centre development and lifestyle destinations. Noida is not just a location; it’s an evolving narrative of prosperity and innovation. At CRC Group, we’re more than just developers; we are creating experiences for the future and developing projects that make our customers, growth partners, consultants, and vendors feel a sense of pride in being associated with us. Our projects in Noida are a testament to our commitment to crafting spaces that empower lives and inspire communities. As a Powered By partner at Shopping Centres Next 2023, we look forward to sharing insights, forging partnerships, and contributing to the future of Noida’s real estate with an unwavering focus on excellence and innovation.”

Shopping Centres Next 2023 is India’s most distinguished retail real estate intelligence event, comprising a powerful conference, an expansive exhibition, networking opportunities, and India’s premier awards recognizing excellence in shopping centre development, marketing, operations, and innovation.

The event brought together over 200 company representatives, 100 speakers, and more than 50 retail business development leaders along with professionals and organizations engaged in shopping centre design, leasing, and management.

United Way Bengaluru Celebrates 15 Remarkable Years of Impactful Service

9th  October 2023: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) marked a significant milestone this year as it completed its 15-year journey. To commemorate the journey, United Way Bengaluru organized an event called ‘REFLECTIONS’ on October 5, 2023. Esteemed chief guests and delegates who graced the event hosted at Taj West End, Bengaluru, included Shri B Dayananda, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City; Shri Krishnakumar Natarajan, Co-Founder Mela Ventures and earlier Co-Founder at Mindtree; Shri Prashanth Prakash, Board Chairperson of United Way Bengaluru and Partner at Accel; Dr M Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Lalbagh Botanical Garden; senior government officials; leadership from UWBe’s key corporate partners, changemakers from the community and other board members of UWBe.

Established in 2008, United Way Bengaluru started its transformative mission, beginning with Bengaluru, tackling the pressing challenges of the community. Over 15 years, the organization’s reach extended beyond Karnataka to eight other states, with a special focus on remote areas and aspirational districts. UWBe experienced exponential growth in capacity and impact, making substantial contributions through interventions in education, environment, health, and integrated rural development.

Here are some high-level achievements from United Way Bengaluru’s incredible journey:

• Over 800,000 beneficiaries have been positively impacted through education interventions
• Over 100,000 community members have benefited from lake rejuvenation efforts
• Interventions around education, health, livelihood, quality drinking water and sanitation and environment across 300 villages
• More than 4000 Anganwadi Centres and 130 schools strengthened
• During the pandemic, the organization administered over 1.5 crore vaccinations, demonstrating its commitment to public health

United Way Bengaluru has left a mark beyond numbers, statistics, and data – it’s about the people, the stories, and the dreams it has ignited.

As a part of the global network, United Way Worldwide, the largest network of non-profit organizations with 1,100 chapters in 37 countries, United Way Bengaluru carries a global image with a ‘local heart’ committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities.

The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussion on the topic ‘Bold CSR’ and ‘recognitions’ presented to United Way Bengaluru’s long-standing partners from the government, CSR, and community who have supported the organization.

The other attractions of the event included the unveiling of the organization’s 15-year journey book, titled ‘REFLECTIONS and the launch of new flagship programs such as ‘Aikyam’ that aims to create safe spaces for persons with disabilities and the LGBTQI+ communities and ‘E-O2: Let the Earth Breathe’ Campaign that covers all aspects of united Way Bengaluru’s work aligned to the fundamental pillars of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework. The event also marked the launch of the Born Learning Campaign’s (an initiative focused on early childhood care and education) playbook.

Prashanth Prakash, Board Chairperson of United Way Bengaluru, said, “These 15 years are a testament to our tireless work, persistence, knowledge, and experience. But no single entity, no matter how passionate or dedicated, can bring about the transformative change we aspire to achieve alone. This journey has been possible with the partnership where the government, CSR partners, volunteers, community members and UWBe collaborated and complemented each other. We cannot rest on our laurels but use our past experiences for our future responsibilities. We must continue working with our partners, dream big, work tirelessly, and unite for a brighter, more equitable future for all.”