Venture Catalysts Spearheads Investments in Plotch.ai, Pioneering India’s ONDC Infrastructure

2nd April 2024: Venture Catalysts, India’s first integrated incubator and the largest early-stage investment firm, today announced that it has led an undisclosed seed funding round worth for Plotch.ai, the country’s largest ONDC rails infrastructure company, playing a critical role in enabling seamless participation in the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). With Venture Catalysts and AC Ventures contributing this investment will fuel Plotch.ai’s continued growth and solidify its position as a leader in facilitating ONDC adoption.

Founded by Manoj and Monica Gupta, the visionary minds behind Craftsvilla.com, India’s largest ethnic marketplace, Plotch.ai is built upon a deep understanding of the e-commerce industry. Their comprehensive suite of software products acts as a one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes, streamlining essential processes like transaction flows, payments, and grievance management. This holistic approach ensures a frictionless experience for both buyers and sellers within the ONDC network.

Several key factors solidify Plotch.ai’s position as a frontrunner in ONDC infrastructure. The company boasts the fastest go-to-market (GTM) strategy, enabling businesses to join the ONDC network in a mere four weeks – a significant reduction from the traditional onboarding time of 9-12 months. Additionally, Plotch.ai offers the largest suite of ONDC-specific products, encompassing e-commerce, insurance, payments, CRM, and more, catering to the diverse needs of all ONDC network participants.

Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, Dr Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, MD & CEO of Venture Catalysts, said, “We are incredibly excited to join forces with Plotch.ai as they spearhead the transformation of e-commerce in India. Their innovative solutions and deep understanding of the ONDC landscape position them perfectly to unlock the network’s immense potential. Venture Catalysts is confident that Plotch.ai will play a pivotal role in democratizing digital commerce for millions of businesses and consumers across the nation.”

Manoj Gupta, CEO, of Plotch.ai, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “This investment serves as a significant validation of our vision for ONDC. We are steadfastly committed to empowering businesses and fostering a thriving e-commerce ecosystem that is inclusive and accessible to all. With Venture Catalysts’ invaluable support, we will accelerate product development, expand our customer base, and play a leading role in building a truly inclusive digital marketplace for India.”

“Technology service providers (TSPs) are catalyzing the growth of ONDC network. Plotch.ai has played a critical role in some of the key launches in the network. We hope to see a lot more enablers like Plotch.ai in ONDC network”, said T Koshy, CEO and MD of ONDC.

Plotch.ai’s impressive track record speaks volumes about its impact. The company currently processes close to 1 million transactions every month, experiencing a remarkable 100% month-on-month growth. They have fostered a strong client base that includes leading names like Snapdeal, Meesho, Paytm, Marico, and Bluestar, highlighting their industry credibility. Furthermore, Plotch.ai’s strategic partnership with Google to integrate AI into the ONDC network is a pioneering move that will promote local language adoption and enhance accessibility for rural India. This commitment to innovation has been recognized by ONDC itself, awarding Plotch.ai the prestigious “Best Tech Company” distinction.

With a strategic roadmap focused on achieving 10 million transactions per month within the next 12 months and reaching $100 million in revenue by the end of the decade, Plotch.ai is poised for exponential growth and innovation in the years to come. The funding infusion, led by Venture Catalysts, will primarily be allocated towards product development (70%), customer growth (20%), and client acquisition (10%), solidifying Plotch.ai’s position as a frontrunner in India’s digital commerce revolution.

ClearTax unveils a revolutionary campaign to redefine the future of taxation; Needs taxpayers to just SMILE

India,2nd April 2024 No more stress and frowning while filing your tax returns! ClearTax, India’s leading online tax filing platform has come up with an innovative marketing campaign to showcase the future of tax filing in India. It unveils a groundbreaking technology, the Smile app, ahead of the 2024 ITR filing season to redefine the tax filing experience for millions of taxpayers across the country.

But why unveil such a revolutionary campaign on April Fool’s Day? ClearTax believes that while today it may seem like an April Fool’s campaign, it represents what the platform aspires for the future of taxation. ClearTax will continue to pursue this journey of constant striving and improvement until this progressive solution becomes a reality.

As part of the marketing campaign, the online tax filing platform has released a video that features senior folks from various teams at ClearTax talking about their experience and challenges while making the revolutionary product. They claim that with the help of ClearTax’s advanced AI technology, the entire process of ITR filing will be streamlined. The users are only required to smile and the app will analyze their facial features and collect essential financial data. By granting temporary access to biometric data, they can seamlessly link their PAN details for swift and effortless tax filing.

The video further discloses that the product is already operational, with hundreds of taxpayers actively utilizing it. Meticulously crafted after rigorous research and in-depth collaboration with over 5,000 customers and India’s top 100 brokers, the ClearTax team takes immense pride in its creation. Throughout the video, the enthusiasm and dedication of the ClearTax team shine through. However, the tone of the video takes an unexpected and humorous twist towards the conclusion.

Avinash Polepally, Senior Director- Category, ClearTax remarked, “In today’s changing world, technology is reshaping everything, even tax filing. With this campaign, we want to show our commitment to making tax filing easier and faster for you. While the notion of filing taxes with a smile may seem unconventional, we believe in making the process better for everyone. Through this innovation and a steadfast dedication to our customers, we aim to make tax filing seamless, stress-free, and even enjoyable. The Smile app represents not just a product, but a bold step towards realizing this vision. While some may view it as an April Fool’s campaign, we see it as a glimpse into the future of tax filing—one where technology empowers individuals and transforms experiences. We are confident that this progressive solution will soon become a reality, shaping the landscape of tax filing for years to come.”

So, this April Fool’s Day, join ClearTax in rewriting the narrative of tax filing, one smile at a time. With breakthrough features and a commitment to excellence, the platform is all set to redefine the future of tax filing.

Tata International Limited Appoints Mr. Rajeev Singhal as Managing Director

Mumbai, 2nd April 2024: Tata International Limited, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group has appointed Rajeev Singhal as its Managing Director. He will take over the new role on April 1st, 2024, from Anand Sen, who superannuated on 31st March 2024. Before this, Mr. Singhal was Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Tata International.

Noel N. Tata, Chairman, Tata International said, “I am pleased to welcome Mr Rajeev Singhal as the Managing Director. We are confident that under his leadership, Tata International will scale to greater heights into its next phase of growth.”

 

Rajeev Singhal, Managing Director, Tata International Limited said, “I am honored to take on the role of Managing Director at Tata International Limited. With the support of the dedicated Tata International team, I am confident that we will continue to drive value for our stakeholders.”

Mr. Singhal brings over 36 years of experience to his new position, having transitioned from Tata Steel. At Tata Steel he held various positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his most recent role as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Flat Products.

TiE Hyderabad Announces the Launch of 5th Edition of TiE Women 2024: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Globally

Hyderabad, 2nd April 2024 ….TiE Hyderabad announces the launch of the 5th edition of TiE Women 2024, a global platform dedicated to creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access international mentors, investors, and funding opportunities.

It was launched on Monday in a brief function held in Gachibowli

Applications for TiE Women 2024 are now open. To qualify, startups must have an active women founder or co-founder holding a minimum of 33%, be above the idea stage, and not more than 7 years old. The application is free of cost.

TiE Women 2024 is a flagship program of TiE Hyderabad. It works in collaboration with 60 other chapters worldwide, aimed at embracing, engaging, and empowering women’s entrepreneurship through investor connects, mentoring, networking, EDP sessions, and various other benefits. As part of this initiative, each chapter selects one woman entrepreneur to participate in a Global Pitch Competition. This year, the Global Pitch Competition is scheduled to take place in Bangalore at the TiE Global Summit in December 2024.

“TiE Women program marks a significant milestone in our journey of empowering women founders,” said Ms. Neetika Maheshwari, CEO of Accelero Corporation and Chapter Lead for the program. “We are committed to creating impactful outcomes for women entrepreneurs by providing them with access to valuable resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities.”

This year’s edition introduces four unique benefits:

1. Shark Tank Style Funding Opportunity: Venture capitalists and other funds have committed to funding startups that satisfy the laid-out criteria. TiE Chapters will select investable startups at their level, and recommendations will be forwarded to the global investor committee.

2. International Mentoring Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to receive feedback on their products, usability, market access, scalability, and more from international mentors, opening doors to valuable insights and guidance.

3. TiE Global Summit Finale Sponsorship: All chapter winners will be sponsored to participate in the TGS Finale happening in December 2024 in Bangalore. This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase talent to a global audience and network with industry leaders. Selected startups will also have the chance to participate in the TGS Funding Marathon.

4. Stanford Seed Spark Program Sponsorship: The top three startups will receive sponsorship from the Stanford Seed Spark Program.

At the Chapter level, TiE Hyderabad offers a multitude of opportunities for the applicants and finalists. While the selected women will receive various sponsorships for programs and events in the final stages of the competition, all applicants will receive complimentary access to the TiE Bootcamp, an Entrepreneurship Development Program consisting of exclusively curated, intensive online/offline mentoring sessions. Following the Bootcamp, top applicants will be filtered for the Regional finalists, each paired with a Charter Member mentor for personalized one-on-one mentoring.

LS Digital onboards Kaizzen as their PR and Communications Partner

India, 2nd April 2024: LS Digital, a leading independent digital marketing transformation (DMT) company, has awarded its PR and communications mandate to Kaizzen, a leading integrated communications agency, following a multi-agency pitch. Kaizzen’s mandate encompasses managing LS Digital’s communication strategy, media relations, and corporate reputation. Through strategic initiatives and targeted campaigns, Kaizzen will leverage its expertise to further strengthen LS Digital’s presence in key markets and support the company’s ambitious growth plans.

LS Digital is committed to revolutionizing the digital landscape by placing digital marketing transformation (DMT) at the premise of its brand identity, with its specialised business units Langoor, a CX & Web 3.0 company, f1studioz, a UI/UX company, and Social Panga, a digital-first creative company. With a vision to drive innovation and redefine digital marketing standards to grow the industry, LS Digital follows its guiding mantra #ChallengeTheNow to build the industry’s best solutions today that will reshape the future of global business.

Speaking on the partnership, Anshuman Misra, SVP of Strategic Partnerships, Marketing & PR “LS Digital is a visionary company working with a single purpose of putting Digital Marketing Transformation at the core of businesses. As India takes center stage in developing and delivering tech-enabled, innovative services to the world, LS Digital is geared up in spirit and strength to lead this conversation, we are happy to welcome Kaizzen on board as our PR partner. We are confident that this collaboration will further strengthen our position as a pioneering force in business transformation.” On this collaboration, Anshuman further said, “In this new era of digital innovation and transformation, joining forces with young and dynamic team of Kaizzen, will help us in our journey of redefining industry standards, inspiring change, and shaping the future by transforming businesses digitally”.

Nikhil Pavithran, Group President of Kaizzen, stated, “This partnership with LS Digital marks a pivotal moment for Kaizzen, symbolizing our commitment to driving digital innovation and transformation. LS Digital’s forward-thinking approach, coupled with their integration of digital-first programmatic services to transform the way brands interact with their audience in the tech age, resonates deeply with our vision. We firmly believe in the immense potential of this collaboration, especially in alignment with the Honourable Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative, which sets the stage for substantial market growth. This partnership signifies a synergy of expertise and gives us a great opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to drive meaningful impact and foster impactful dialogues.”

Hindware Launches Aqua Pro: Revolutionary Water Saving Solutions, Up to Savings for Taps

Bengaluru,2nd April 2024 In response to India’s urgent water scarcity challenges, Hindware, the country’s leading bathware brand, has launched ‘Aqua Pro Water Saving Solutions.’ The range introduces three advanced nozzles aimed at transforming water usage habits: the Dual Mode nozzle, providing water savings of up to 98%; the Dome Mode nozzle, allowing users to conserve up to 96% of water; and the Spray Mode nozzle, designed to decrease water usage by up to 85%.

Hindware has partnered with the Swedish innovation company, Altered, to bring these revolutionary nozzles to market under ‘Aqua Pro Water Saving Solutions’. Through this strategic partnership, Hindware gains access to Altered’s patented technology and has started manufacturing of these groundbreaking water-saving nozzles at its plant. This move aims to make these innovative solutions more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

With an affordable introductory these nozzles will help in democratizing water conservation across all segments of society. This launch underscores Hindware’s dedication to sustainable water management, with Aqua Pro solutions serving as the initial stride toward a more water-efficient future.

According to a UN report, India is expected to face severe water scarcity by 2050. Despite representing 18% of the world’s population, India has access to only 4% of global water resources, making it the world’s most water-stressed country, as highlighted in a World Bank report.

Hindware, with its diverse portfolio that includes 5-star rated products, stands as a champion of water and energy conservation. The company is aligned with Government initiatives such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Through focused research and development efforts, certified by IAPMO, Hindware continues to create efficient solutions that further reinforce its dedication to sustainability.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sudhanshu Pokhriyal, CEO of Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited said, “With the introduction of these affordably priced nozzles under Aqua Pro Water Saving Solutions, our aim is to enable millions across the country to access water-saving products and make a substantial contribution to sustainable water conservation efforts in India.”

Commenting on the partnership with Altered, Mr. Pokhriyal added, “Our partnership with Altered marks a significant milestone in Hindware’s commitment to tackling India’s pressing water crisis. This partnership underscores our dedication to offering top-tier products in the nation, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.”

Johan Nihlén, CEO, of Altered said, “We are excited to join forces with Hindware, the first bathware company globally to collaborate with Altered. In the face of water scarcity, our partnership aims to empower individuals and communities to actively contribute to the preservation of our precious water resources.”

Novotel Hyderabad Airport hosts Shaam-e-Sufiyana

Novotel Hyderabad Airport located at GMR Aerocity, Hyderabad is organising Shaam-e-Sufiyana an enchanting evening of Sufi melodies. With Ramadan festivities underway, this event serves as a perfect tribute to the vibrant tapestry of Hyderabad’s culture & heritage.

Prepare to be mesmerized as Amjad Asad Warsi Brothers, who carry forward a lineage that has its roots in the Qawwal Bachche of Delhi Gharana. Raised in Hyderabad, the Warsi Brothers were mentored by their father, Baba Zaheer Ahmed Khan Warsi, and grandfather, Padmashri Aziz Ahmed Khan Warsi. They are sure to mesmerize you with their soulful and captivating renditions of timeless Sufi songs, weaving together tales of love, spirituality, and transcendence. Let their harmonious melodies transport you to a realm of inner peace and serenity.

As the music fills the air, tantalize your taste buds with a thirst-quenching welcome drink, some delectable starter pass-around along with a lavish sumptuous dinner buffet that includes Asian, Continental, and Indian cuisines along with desserts.

Where: Hyderabad Ballroom, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Hyderabad

When: 05th April 2024 (Friday)

Time: 08:00 pm onwards

Film maker Sumit Mishra’s art exhibition Mannequin at India Habitat Centre from 9th April

New Delhi. Mumbai-based filmmaker and production designer Sumit Mishra’s art exhibition ‘ Mannequin’ will be held in the capital. Sumit Mishra’s art will be showcased at the Visual Art Gallery situated at the Indian Habitat Centre from the 9th to the 15th of April. Speaking about this exhibition Sumit Mishra said, “With these different mannequins I am sharing my thoughts, views, and angles with all of you. My mannequins are capable of establishing communication with people. As a matter of fact, mannequins showcased in the market or art classes have always spoken with me via nonverbal communication. So next time when you visit any market, probably you will get emotional with these mannequins.” Art enthusiasts will especially find this exhibition interesting as they can witness various artistic expressions via these mannequins. Artist Sumit Mishra has appealed to all the art lovers living in Delhi and NCR to visit this exhibition. A product of BHU Sumit Mishra has been working in Mumbai’s entertainment industry for two decades and has done production designing for many films as well as TV serials. His short film “Amrita” has received more than 20 national and international awards.

World Backup Day 2024: Navigating the Future of Cyber security with Cloud Solutions

2nd April 2024 marked the celebration of World Backup Day, a timely reminder of the importance of securing critical data in today’s digital landscape. In a world where “data is the new oil’ as businesses rely heavily on information and data to drive operations, safeguarding them from the growing threat of cyberattacks has become a priority. According to Statista, over 353 million individuals in the United States were affected in 2023 by data compromises, including data breaches, leakage, and exposure.

Global data breaches have taken place at big companies like Facebook and even in large hospitals around the world and how this has impacted these organisations cannot be ignored. Financial losses due to lost data out of breaches, including regulatory fines, legal fees, and compensation can be staggering. Indirect costs like reputational damage often lead not only to lost business and diminished stock values but for select smaller businesses, it could mean closure; it has been reported that almost 70% of small businesses close within a year of a large data loss. Besides enduring operational disruptions, which could be life-threatening, especially in the case of healthcare and government services, there is also the loss of public and industry trust, as public confidence in the organization is severely affected when personal data is compromised.

In this context, the cloud emerges as a solid solution for business backup. Cloud-based backups offer enhanced scalability, autonomy, and security for companies. When configured correctly, the cloud stands as a strategic ally for performing backups, offering a secure and flexible environment that adapts to the changing needs of businesses.

Major benefits of utilizing cloud-based backups include:

Unlimited Scalability: The cloud offers unprecedented flexibility, adapting to the changing needs of each company. With this technology, it is possible to increase or decrease storage capacity as required without the need for additional investments.

Autonomy and Efficiency: Cloud backup operates automatically, freeing the team from tedious and manual tasks. By setting the frequency of backups, you can enjoy the peace of mind of having your data always protected.

Access from Anywhere: The cloud environment allows access to files from any device and at any time, thus eliminating physical restrictions and enabling remote work without compromising productivity. Moreover, implementing remote backup means the advantage of having a different location for the data you want to preserve.

Cutting-edge Security: The cloud provides a fortified environment for data. Advanced encryption, robust security protocols, and private servers ensure the integrity of your information, unlike physical storage devices that can suffer damage, either due to misuse or system failure, potentially leading to data loss. This does not happen in the cloud.

Limitless Collaboration: Sharing and editing files in real-time with different teams is possible through the cloud environment. The cloud facilitates collaborative work and smooth communication.

“The cloud has revolutionized the way companies manage their data,” says Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director at Check Point Software Technologies, India & SAARC. “By performing a backup in the cloud, the company’s data and applications are protected by a cloud server, stored in a remote location. Thus, companies can have the capacity to save and preserve at the same time the data of their own corporation and of their clients from anywhere, avoiding the loss of these in case of any technological failure or cyberattack,” he added.

Without a doubt, cloud backup offers comprehensive protection against cyberattacks and technological failures, allowing companies to focus on what really matters: their growth. The peace of mind of knowing that the data is safe allows companies to make decisions more quickly and confidently, without fear of losing valuable information that could affect their success.

As we mark another World Backup Day, it’s important to view this as a call to action to secure our digital assets against the ever-evolving cyber threats and to put in place stringent and preventative security measures to better protect our data, as prevention is always better than cure. With the cloud, businesses unlock a new realm of possibilities—where data loss and cyber vulnerabilities become tales of the past, and where growth, innovation, and security triumph. Data protection is not just a hurdle anymore; it is a fundamental aspect of our digital well-being.

ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Bathinda

Bathinda: ICICI Bank has set up a branch in Bathinda, the eighth of the Bank in the city. Housed at Model Town, the branch is equipped with an ATM-cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to customers.

Mr. Jagroop Singh Gill, Member Legislative Assembly, Bathinda, inaugurated the branch in the city.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, including savings and current accounts, trade and forex services, fixed and recurring deposits, loans- business loans, home loans, personal loans, auto loans, and gold loans along with remittance and card services to the resident as well as non-resident Indians. The branch also offers agribusiness services as well as services to NRI customers. It further provides locker facilities at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M to 3:00 P.M on Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

Further, the branch offers a Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include the opening of accounts, Fixed Deposit (FD), raising checkbook requests, generation of e-statements, and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has a network of about 310 branches and 565 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Punjab.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centers, internet banking, and mobile banking.