Category Archives: Business

Shriram General Insurance and Piramal Finance Join Hands for Strategic Partnership

May 25 : Shriram General Insurance today announced a strategic corporate agency partnership with Piramal Finance, a retail-focused upper-layer NBFC in India, to improve access to insurance solutions, particularly across semi-urban and rural markets.

Under the partnership, SGI will leverage Piramal Finance’s extensive branch network and customer outreach to offer its wide range of insurance products across 701 branches of Piramal Finance spanning 26 states and over 13,000 pin codes.

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to make insurance solutions more accessible and meaningful for customers, helping them safeguard their assets, livelihoods and long-term financial well-being. By combining Shriram General Insurance’s long-standing industry experience, customer-centric approach, and the trust it has built over the years with Piramal Finance’s innovative ‘High Tech + High Touch’ approach, the partnership aims to create seamless and convenient access to protection solutions across diverse geographies.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Jairam Sridharan, MD & CEO, Piramal Finance Limited, said:

“We are pleased to partner with Shriram General Insurance to expand the reach of insurance solutions across our customer base, particularly in semi-urban and rural markets. Insurance penetration remains low across many parts of India, especially in smaller towns and there is a need for simpler and more inclusive protection solutions. For many of our customers, a single unexpected event can set a family back significantly. Insurance is therefore not just a product, but a way to protect what they worked hard to build.

Through this partnership, we hope to bring insurance products closer to customers through our extensive branch network and on-ground presence, in a way that is simple, trusted and accessible. As a company, we see this as an extension of our responsibility to stand by our customers, helping them not just grow but stay protected.”

Mr. Aftab Alvi, Executive Director and CMO, Shriram General Insurance Company, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Piramal Finance to further strengthen our distribution capabilities and expand access to comprehensive insurance solutions across a broader customer base. This collaboration brings together our customer-centric offerings and Piramal Finance’s extensive reach and customer ecosystem, enabling us to enhance insurance accessibility, particularly across underserved and emerging markets where insurance penetration remains low. We believe this partnership will play a meaningful role in deepening financial protection, driving greater awareness, and delivering enhanced value to customers. It also reinforces our continued commitment towards building strong strategic alliances that support sustainable growth and wider insurance inclusion.”

PepsiCo India, the energy drinks market leader, expands the category with a bold new flavour – Sting Classic Kick

Hyderabad, May 25: PepsiCo India’s iconic energy drink brand, Sting® Energy is turning up the intensity with the launch of Sting® Classic Kick – a bold new flavour designed for today’s generation that thrives on individuality, high energy and is always looking for choices. Expanding the Sting portfolio, the new flavour introduces a bold identity rooted in intense energy, retaining the brand’s signature fun and cheeky personality.

The launch is accompanied by a high-octane campaign film for ‘Sting Classic Kick’, showcasing actor Lakshya in a stylish restaurant setting. He effortlessly takes control of a tense situation with wit, confidence, and unmistakable Sting® energy, perfectly reflecting the flavour’s bold and commanding personality.

The film opens inside a restaurant where two intimidating men are seen roughing up an innocent waiter. Sitting nearby, Lakshya casually intervenes, asking them to take it easy. Dismissing him mockingly, the men tell him to focus on the peanuts on his table. Calm and unfazed, Lakshya takes a swig of Sting® Classic Kick and slams the bottle onto the table. In a dramatic slow-motion sequence, peanuts leap into the air and are flicked like carrom strikers toward the men, sending them flying backwards in a stylishly exaggerated display of power. The film closes with the actor’s effortless smile and the bold sign-off.

Commenting on the launch, Diksha Bajaj, Category Head – Energy Portfolio, PepsiCo India, said: “As the leading brand in India’s energy drink category, Sting Energy continues to expand and evolve the category through innovation that offers consumers greater choice and differentiated flavour experiences. With the launch of Sting® Classic Kick, we are introducing an enhanced bold new flavour that responds to evolving consumer preferences while staying true to the high-energy experience Sting Energy is known for. The launch reinforces our commitment to continuously growing the category and bringing exciting new offerings to consumers.”

Adding to this, actor Lakshya said: “While shooting the campaign, I really enjoyed the intense energy and cinematic treatment that the film brings alive. The action, humour and confident storytelling come together in a very entertaining way, making the campaign feel stylish and impactful. What makes the campaign stand out is how effortlessly it captures the bold and distinctive appeal of the all-new Sting Classic Kick flavour, and I’m excited for audiences to experience it.”

The campaign builds on Sting®’s youthful and disruptive brand voice, introducing a more, bold and self-assured tonality for Classic Kick.” With cinematic visuals, high-energy storytelling, and stylized action, the campaign aims to resonate with consumers seeking a flavour that feels powerful and differentiated.

The new Sting® Classic Kick campaign will be amplified through a 360-degree rollout across television, digital, social media, influencer collaborations, and outdoor platforms.

NTT, NTT DATA and INDYCAR Extend Entitlement Partnership with Multi-Year Agreement

Tokyo / Indianapolis,  May 25: NTT, Inc., together with NTT DATA Group Corporation, today announced the renewal of its sponsorship of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Under the renewed agreement, NTT has expanded its role beyond race analytics and fan engagement to provide advanced AI and data capabilities for Penske Entertainment and INDYCAR. This includes AI-driven operations, real‑time decision intelligence and emissions visibility across INDYCAR, the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and marquee events within the Penske Entertainment portfolio.

110th Running of the Indianapolis 500

NTT, along with its subsidiary NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, will continue as the Official Technology Partner for INDYCAR, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, IMS, the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Brickyard weekend.

“​​Our partnership has evolved from series‑level analytics into an enterprise‑wide AI and data intelligence collaboration,” said Akira Shimada, President and CEO, NTT. “In addition to powering race‑day analytics and enabling AI‑driven intelligence that supports safety, sustainability and decision‑making, NTT is applying data and AI at scale with our clients and partners to create a more connected, resilient and responsible future.”

Evolving the Fan Experience Through AI-Driven Intelligence

During a typical race weekend, including the Indianapolis 500, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES generates billions of real‑time data points from cars, teams and track operations. NTT DATA provides actionable insights to inform race control, operations teams, broadcast partners and event planners to support faster, more precise decisions.

Penske Entertainment and NTT DATA are deploying AI to transform how fans experience INDYCAR—starting with “Up To Speed,” a new AI‑powered feature delivering smarter, more dynamic race insights to fans, alongside expanded real‑time data, content and digital experiences coming online throughout this season. The new “Up To Speed” feature is available now on the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

700,000+ new users have downloaded the reimagined INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA since its 2023 re-launch, driving an overall usage increase of more than 30% with fans in more than 100 countries reflecting expanded international interest in motorsports.

NTT DATA Provides Developments in Sustainability and Safety

• Emissions tracking and sustainability accountability were strengthened through carbon accounting and automated data collection, supporting Penske Entertainment’s “Racing toward Zero” initiative across 100+ organizations and partners.
• A state‑of‑the‑art tracking platform streamlines data collection, reduces reporting gaps and provides improved visibility for emissions measurement.
• AI‑driven Venue Solutions at IMS support real‑time decision‑making across the 1,000‑acre venue, using predictive modeling, advanced connectivity and analytics to enhance crowd management, traffic planning and operational safety.

With attendance rising annually to over 350,000 fans on site, including a sold‑out race in 2025 and 2026, NTT DATA delivers critical data to provide a safe, seamless, high‑quality experience at scale.

“Leading into another iconic edition of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, we are thrilled to continue our world-class partnership with NTT,” said Roger Penske, Founder and Chairman, Penske Corporation. “Their significant expertise as a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services is integral to how we build engagement across INDYCAR’s fanbase and provide a top-notch customer experience at the Racing Capital of the World. This is a partnership based on trust and a shared commitment to innovation and excellence, providing all the foundational attributes necessary for a long-term and highly successful relationship.”

The announcement comes on heels of significant momentum driven during NTT’s ongoing immersive partnership with Penske Entertainment.

West Bengal Gramin Bank, Canara HSBC Life Join Hands to Expand Rural Insurance

New Delhi, May 25: Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited  has entered a strategic bancassurance partnership with West Bengal Gramin Bank  one of India’s largest Regional Rural Banks, marking another important milestone in the company’s journey to deepen financial inclusion across rural India.

As a part of this partnership, Canara HSBC Life Insurance will offer its range of life insurance solutions through WBGB’s extensive network of 960 branches spread across West Bengal. The collaboration is aimed at making protection and long-term financial planning solutions more accessible to individuals and families across rural and semi-urban regions of the state.

With a longstanding legacy of serving rural communities, West Bengal Gramin Bank has played a significant role in advancing inclusive banking outreach across the state. The collaboration is rooted in a strong alignment of vision. Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s vision of “being the most trusted partner in securing lives with simple insurance solutions for everyone, everywhere”, and its larger mission of building financial security for every household closely complements WBGB’s focus on empowering rural communities through inclusive financial services.

The partnership was formalized in the presence of Shri Alok K Goel, Chairman, West Bengal Gramin Bank; Shri Rajesh Kumar Mishra, General Manager, WBGB; Soly Thomas, Deputy CEO & Chief Distribution Officer  Bancassurance, Canara HSBC Life Insurance; and Amit Joshi, National Business Head, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, underscoring the strategic significance of this collaboration.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Soly Thomas, Deputy CEO & Chief Distribution Officer – Bancassurance, Canara HSBC Life Insurance said,

 “We are delighted to partner with West Bengal Gramin Bank, a respected institution with a deep understanding of rural India and a strong commitment to inclusive growth. This collaboration strengthens our bancassurance distribution network and enables us to extend meaningful insurance solutions to customers across underserved regions. By combining our protection expertise with WBGB’s deep community reach, we aim to support families in building greater financial security and long-term resilience.”

Shri. Alok K Goel, Chairman from West Bengal Gramin Bank added

 “At West Bengal Grameen Bank, our focus has always been on empowering communities through inclusive financial services. Our partnership with Canara HSBC Life Insurance allows us to enhance the value we offer to our customers by providing access to comprehensive life insurance solutions. We believe this collaboration will play a key role in supporting financial well-being and long-term security for our customers.”

The association will entail access to a wide range of life insurance products designed to support protection, savings, long-term wealth creation, and family financial security for WBGB customers. The initiative is expected to further strengthen insurance penetration in the region while enabling customers to make informed financial decisions for the future. 

Vintage Coffee and Beverages Limited Reports Strong FY26 Performance with Record Revenue and Profit Growth

Finkurve Financial Services reports strong FY26 growth with sharp rise in AUM and Q4 profit

Mumbai, May 25 :Finkurve Financial Services Limited  one of the tech-first gold loan NBFCs, announced its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026.

The Company reported strong growth across key business and financial parameters during FY26, driven by continued expansion of its technology-led phygital strategy, branch network growth, and increasing customer adoption across markets. During the year, Finkurve crossed the significant milestone of INR 1,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), underscoring its growing presence in India’s secured lending ecosystem.

Business Highlights: Q4 FY26

Finkurve continued to witness strong growth momentum during FY26, with Assets Under Management  growing 149% YoY to INR 1,096.1 crore, including off-book AUM of INR 21.03 crore, while AUM has grown nearly 10x compared to FY23. The Company expanded its branch network from 73 to 105 branches across India, with active gold loan customers standing at 28,506 as of March 31, 2026. During the year, Finkurve also raised approximately INR 111.5 crore to support expansion and strengthen its technology-led phygital strategy.

The Company achieved several strategic milestones during FY26, including the listing of its shares on the National Stock Exchange, crossing 100 tech-enabled gold loan branches, and expanding into South India with the launch of its first branch in Chennai. The Board also approved the appointment of Naveen Kottala as Chief Executive Officer effective November 18, 2025. Further, Finkurve entered into a strategic co-lending partnership with Godrej Finance Limited under RBI’s co-lending framework, while Infomerics and CARE Ratings assigned/upgraded the Company’s rating to ‘BBB+ / Stable’.

Financial Highlights: Q4 FY26

Finkurve reported a strong financial performance during Q4 FY26, with total income rising 71.21% YoY to INR 69.21 crore and Net Interest Income (NII) increasing 36.87% YoY to INR 47.44 crore. Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew 98.66% YoY to INR 10.42 crore, while Profit After Tax (PAT) increased 105.46% YoY to INR 8.04 crore. Basic EPS for the quarter stood at INR 0.58 compared to INR 0.31 in Q4 FY25.

The Company continued to maintain healthy asset quality and liquidity, with Gross NPA at 0.13%, Net NPA at 0.09%, and Capital Adequacy Ratio at 30.96%. Cash and cash equivalents stood at INR 102.12 crore, representing 8.28% of total assets.

Financial Snapshot: Q4 & FY26(INR crore)

Key Metrics: Q4 FY26

Includes Off-Book AUM

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Priyank Kothari, Executive Director said:

“Q4 FY26 represents a defining chapter in Finkurve’s journey. Our Assets under Management crossed the INR 1,000 crore mark during the year and reached INR 1,096 crore as on March 31, 2026, reflecting a 149% year-on-year growth. This milestone reflects the momentum we have built across our gold loan franchise and the growing trust of our customers and lending partners.

This growth has been supported by meaningful progress during the year. The expansion of our tech-enabled gold loan branch network and our co-lending partnership with Godrej Finance Limited are not just milestones, but important steps in building a stronger and more scalable business.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on ensuring that our growth is sustainable and well-governed. Asset quality continues to remain strong with Net NPA at 0.09%, our Capital Adequacy Ratio remains healthy at 30.96%, and liquidity remains comfortable. We will continue to invest in technology, expand our branch network, and diversify our funding base, while keeping risk management, operational discipline, and customer centricity at the core of everything we do.”

Talent from White Rivers Media, VML India, ASCI, and Oilver InHouse India Private Limited crowned winners at Advertising Rocks Season 4

May 25: Day 2 of Goafest 2026 wrapped up on a vibrant note with Advertising Rocks Season 4, one of the festival’s most anticipated evenings celebrating music, performance and creative expression. Advertising Rocks Season 4 Grand Finale was presented by BIG FM and powered by ABP Network’s BAE.

In the Indian Solo category, Rahul Sarodi (White Rivers Media) emerged as the winner, while Aniket Khade (White Rivers Media) was declared runner-up. Bodhisattwa Banerjee (VML India) secured the top honour in the International Solo category, followed by Shachi Shetty (Zee Media) as runner-up. In the Indian Duet category, Ruben Dsilva (ASCI) & Monobina Bhattacharya (Oilver InHouse India Private Ltd.) took the winning title, while Rahul Sarodi & Aniket Khade were named runners-up.

The finale was judged by Neeti Mohan – Bollywood Singing Diva; Padma Shri Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, Omnicom Advertising India and Chairman, Prasar Bharati; Manta Sidhu, Founder and Director – Culture Connect India & The Music Academy Gurgaon; Subhash Kamath, Former CEO, BBH India & Former Chairman, ASCI and Merlin Dsouza, Founding Partner, Brand Musiq and Director of Music Mode, Composer-Director, Pianist, and World Leadership Inspirational Award-winning Musician.

Bringing together professionals from across the advertising, media and marketing fraternity, Advertising Rocks added a vibrant musical dimension to Goafest 2026, as participants took the stage with solo and duet performances that showcased talent beyond their professional roles.

The evening was marked by energetic performances, enthusiastic audiences and a celebratory atmosphere, making it a memorable highlight of Day 2 and reflecting the festival’s spirit of creativity, collaboration and community.

The Role of Business Magazines in Promoting Business Growth, Innovation, and Economic Development

Business magazines play an important role in today’s competitive world. They provide valuable information about markets, industries, companies, and economic trends. Entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and professionals often rely on business magazines to stay informed and make better decisions.

One of the main benefits of business magazines is that they provide up-to-date information. They report on market trends, stock performance, new technologies, and changes in government policies that affect businesses. This helps readers understand the business environment and prepare for future opportunities and challenges.

Business magazine also serve as a source of education and knowledge. They publish articles, expert opinions, case studies, and interviews with successful entrepreneurs and leaders. Readers can learn about management, marketing, finance, leadership, and innovation, which can improve their business skills and knowledge.

Another important aspect is that business magazines help in decision-making. Investors and business owners can use the information provided to analyze market conditions, identify risks, and make informed financial or strategic decisions. Accurate business information can reduce uncertainty and improve planning.

Business magazines also promote networking and inspiration. Stories of successful companies and entrepreneurs motivate readers and provide ideas for starting or improving businesses. They also highlight new business opportunities and industry developments.

In addition, business magazines contribute to the growth of the economy by spreading awareness about trade, investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. They encourage people to think creatively and participate in economic activities.

In conclusion, business magazines are an essential source of information, learning, and inspiration in the business world. They help individuals and organizations stay informed, make better decisions, and succeed in a constantly changing market environment.

Aurora Ventures launches to back the boldest female tech founders across emerging markets, including Egypt

Aurora Ventures launches with backing from inDrive – a global mobility and delivery platform scaled to unicorn status across the same emerging markets the program is investing in – for its 2026 pilot year. Egypt is one of the priority markets for the project.
 
The launch follows the successful conclusion of the 2026 Aurora Tech Award in Santiago, Chile, where a Nigerian, Adeola Ayoola-Famasi, was named among the top 10 finalists from a record-breaking field of 3,400 applicants.
 
Other women founders that make up the 2026 Aurora Tech Award top 10 finalists include: Adriana Gonzalez-Tizo (Panama), Angela Acosta-Morado(Colombia), Catalina Isaza- Innmetec (Colombia), Estefania Abello- Muta(Colombia), Maria Kawas- DomestikCo(Chile), Mariana Zuliani-OncoAI (Brazil), Mercedes Bidart- Quipu(Colombia), Patricia Florencia- Pilou (Mexico), and Penny Musengi- Pesira Technologies (Kenya).

 
Aurora Ventures, an early-stage investment program, is designed to leverage one of the world’s largest pipelines of underserved female talent. It is built on a proprietary sourcing advantage derived from five years of Aurora Tech Award data.  
 
With applications exploding by nearly 30 times since 2021, the Award noticed a persistent gap in market inefficiency  fuelled by high-traction, high-growth businesses led by women in MENA, Africa, and Latin America, which are consistently undervalued and overlooked by traditional venture capital.
 
A new Aurora research study involving 900+ founders across 127 countries found that women founders face systemic “competence scepticism” and higher traction standards.
 
The program, Aurora Ventures, aims to capture the “mispricing” faced by women founders by investing $180k–$250k at the pre-seed and seed stages. The program also utilises the Aurora Tech Award’s network to identify companies before their valuations fully reflect their performance, creating a repeatable model for generating alpha in emerging markets.
 
Speaking on the initiative, Head of Aurora Ventures, Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, described the launch of Aurora Ventures as a disciplined investment program built on the conviction that women founders are one of the most overlooked opportunities in venture capital today.
 
“Over the past five years, we’ve seen a repeating pattern: exceptional women building rigorous businesses but reaching institutional capital later and on worse terms than their performance justifies,” says Ghassemi-Smith.
 
She stated that the success stories of the top 10  finalists underscore the calibre of startups the initiative intends to back.
 
Also speaking, Chief Growth Businesses Officer, inDrive, Andries Smit, explained that “We built inDrive against all odds, competing against better-funded incumbents. We see the same thing playing out with women founders in emerging markets today. Backing Aurora Ventures is not charity; it is the same bet we made on ourselves.”
 
The 2026 pilot program focuses on building an initial portfolio and generating the track record necessary to transition into a formal GP/LP fund structure. By providing capital, network access, and operational guidance, Aurora Ventures seeks to accelerate portfolio companies toward subsequent funding rounds on more equitable terms.

Excelsoft Technologies Reports Strong Q4 & FY26 Performance Net Profit Surges 25% YoY in FY26

Total income rises 17% YoY to ₹291.14 crore in FY26; PAT jumps to ₹43.38 crore vs ₹34.70 crore in FY25, driven by broad-based business momentum and operational efficiencies 

Mysore, May 22, 2026: Excelsoft Technologies Ltd., a global provider of next-generation digital learning, assessment, and education technology solutions, announced its audited consolidated financial results for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026. The key highlights are as follows:

Consolidated Financial Highlights – FY26

• Total Income: ₹291.13 crore, up 17% YoY from ₹248.80 crore in FY25
• EBITDA: ₹73.13 crore, up 1% YoY
• Net Profit: ₹43.38 crore, up 25% YoY from ₹34.70 crore in FY25
• EPS: ₹4.12 (vs ₹3.47 in FY25)

The improved profitability was driven by scale benefits, stronger performance in high-margin segments, and disciplined cost management.

Operational & Strategic Highlights

• Balanced Revenue Mix (Q4 & FY):
• Educational Technology Services contributed 53.67% (Q4) and 56.37% (FY)
• Assessment & Proctoring Solutions 29.30% (Q4) and 27.29% (FY)
• Learning & Student Success Solutions 14.31% (Q4) and 11.80% (FY)
• Learning Design & Content Solutions 2.73% (Q4) and 4.54% (FY)

• Geographical Diversification:
• North America contributed 62.75% (Q4) and 64.86% (FY)
• Europe & UK 25.41% (Q4) and 22.70% (FY)
• India 5.02% (Q4) and 5.94% (FY)
• Asia ex-India 6.08% (Q4) and 5.71% (FY);
• Australia 0.73% (Q4) and 0.79% (FY) 

• Client Base Strength & Retention: Top 5 clients contributed 63.00% in Q4, while Top 10 contributed 72.03%, with an average client relationship tenure of 11 years among the top 10.
• Operational Scale & Delivery Strength: Workforce stood at 1,109 employees, supported by stable delivery capabilities across engineering, platform services, assessment operations, and content development.
• Continued Client Expansion: The Company added 4 new clients during this full year period, reinforcing our relevance across education, assessment, and enterprise segments.
• During the year we finalized one of the largest engagements in Excelsoft’s history — a landmark partnership with a leading examination body in the United Kingdom. This engagement is expected to go live in the coming quarter and represents a transformational milestone for the Company, both from a revenue perspective and in terms of strategic positioning within the UK and European assessment ecosystem.
• Within Learning Design and Content Solutions, we secured a strategic engagement with one of the world’s leading online course content providers in the United States. This partnership is particularly significant because it reflects increasing recognition of Excelsoft’s AI-led content transformation capabilities and deep domain expertise in digital learning workflows.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Dhananjaya Sudhanva, Managing Director, Excelsoft Technologies, said: “FY2026 was a landmark year for Excelsoft Technologies — one defined by our successful public listing, strong operational execution, strategic leadership appointments, and transformational client wins that further cemented our standing as a trusted global partner in education technology and assessment solutions.

We were pleased to welcome Mr. Doreswamy Palaniswamy as Chief Executive Officer, whose extensive global experience will be instrumental in accelerating our international expansion and realising our long-term growth ambitions. 

On the business front, we secured some of the most significant engagements in our history — including a major partnership with a leading UK examination body and a prominent US online course content provider — demonstrating both the depth of our capabilities and our growing relevance on the world stage. We further strengthened our partner ecosystem through key collaborations with VTCT Skills (UK) and the Civil Service Commission of the Philippines. 

Growth across the year was underpinned by strong momentum in Educational Technology Services, increasing adoption of our assessment platforms, and rising demand for AI-led digital learning solutions. In parallel, we continued to invest meaningfully in AI capabilities, secure infrastructure, talent, and innovation — building the foundation for sustained long-term competitiveness.

With deepening client relationships, an expanding global footprint, and a maturing suite of AI-driven capabilities, Excelsoft enters the next phase of its journey well positioned for sustainable growth and enduring value creation.”