18, Jul 2023
Fashion e-commerce Brand Styched Acquires Shark Tank India 2 Fame D2C Casual Sneaker brand Flatheads
18th July 2023, New Delhi, India: Styched, a prominent online youth fashion brand, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Flatheads, a Direct-to-Customer (D2C) online casual sneaker startup that gained fame on Shark Tank India season 2. This strategic move marks Styched’s first acquisition, solidifying its position as a leader in the fashion industry. The deal, structured as an all-equity transaction, represents Styched’s foray into the footwear segment.
Founded in 2018 by Ganesh Balakrishnan and Utkarsh Biradar Bangalore based Flatheads is an innovative D2C brand specializing in designing all-day wear casual sneakers for the urban audience. Notably, they are the first Indian brand to introduce bamboo fiber shoes, catering to the unique needs of the tropical Indian climate. It raised funds from We Founder Circle, LetsVenture, and angel investors, among others.
Bengaluru based Styched, already known as a production-on-demand fashion apparel brand, will expand into the footwear sector with the acquisition of Flatheads. Leveraging their expertise in production, Styched plans to incorporate its production-on-demand technology into the footwear category, enabling the seamless expansion of Flatheads’ existing collection.
On the acquisition Soumajit Bhowmik, CEO at Styched affirmed “We have been following Flatheads for quite some time, and I have personally interacted with Ganesh earlier. The acquisition opportunity came to us through a common investor, and we felt it would be a perfect deal for us considering we wanted to launch sneakers in a big way within Styched as well. The technical know-how of Flatheads would really help us create a wide range of affordable sneakers collection. So, while Styched will continue to play in the sub-1000 INR segment, the semi premium segment would have Flatheads as the flagship brand.
“The Flatheads-Styched deal gives new wings to our idea of creating unique footwear for the young Indian. Styched has changed the operating model of creating and delivering fashion, and I’m very excited to see Flatheads taking the next leap together. Young Indians are just starting to flaunt their sneakers as a new fashion and lifestyle statement. The market is evolving, and it will be a unique journey for the category, different from other parts of the world. It will be fulfilling to see Flatheads being an integral part of the market creation and growth,” said Ganesh Balakrishnan, Co-Founder of Flatheads.
Initially, Flatheads will continue offering its existing range of products, with all departments now being operated and managed by Styched. This development will be followed by an aggressive hiring phase aimed at strengthening the footwear department within Styched, ultimately elevating the overall offering.
With this acquisition, Styched reinforces its commitment to providing fashion-forward choices for the youth market, expanding its product range, and embracing innovation in the rapidly evolving fashion landscape.
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- By Neel Achary
18, Jul 2023
Federal Bank celebrates Indian sports and athletes in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympics
Mumbai, 18 July 2023: Federal Bank as part of its CSR activity is contributing to support the celebration and recognition of Indian sports and our athletes in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympics scheduled to take place in July-August 2024. The Bank is sponsoring a physical and mental health conclave, as well as 15 weekly talk shows on various aspects of sports, health and education.
The first show is aired with Manasi Joshi, the Paralympic badminton star and Boria Majumdar, author and sports commentator where the importance of mental well-being in the world of Sports is discussed. Other athletes who will be featured are Bhavina Patel, Ekta Bhyan, Palak Kohli, Deepa Malik and a host of others.
These initiatives aim to provide guidance and encouragement to our talented athletes, understand the challenges they face and help them prepare for success on the international stage. The project is being carried out in partnership with RevSportz.
Ajith Kumar K K, Chief Human Resources Officer, Federal Bank said, “Federal Bank is committed to celebrating nationally recognized sports, including Paralympic and Olympic sports, and we believe that documenting the stories of athletes and the challenges they face is crucial for the growth and success of Indian sports. By organizing the physical and mental health conclave, and weekly talk shows, we aim to provide a platform for athletes to receive guidance and gain valuable insights from experts in their respective fields.”
Boria Majumdar, founder of RevSportz said, “These shows will help deep dive into issues that are little discussed in the public domain and in turn help us better understand and celebrate our athletes. These narratives will help in making us a better society which believes in equality and sensitivity.”
Federal Bank expects these initiatives to create a positive impact on the sporting landscape of the nation.
18, Jul 2023
Empowering India: 5 Indian Startups Revolutionizing Financial Literacy
Financial literacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions and achieve their goals. In India, where financial awareness is often limited, several startups have emerged to bridge the gap and provide valuable resources for financial education. Let’s explore five Indian startups that are revolutionizing financial literacy and empowering individuals across the nation.
MoneyTree: Simplifying Personal Finance
MoneyTree aims to bridge the financial literacy gap in India by offering user-friendly financial planning tools, budgeting assistance, and investment advice. Their platform equips users with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.
YPay: #BharatKaSmartCard
YPay is a prepaid smart card that offers Indian teens and young adults the option to make payments independently. It also provides parents and schools with a secure and monitored means of financial transactions.
FinEdu: Educating the Masses
FinEdu leverages technology to deliver financial education programs to individuals and organizations across India. Their comprehensive courses cover topics like budgeting, saving, investment strategies, and retirement planning, empowering people with essential financial knowledge.
Piggy: Making Investing Easy
Piggy is an Indian startup that focuses on demystifying investment concepts and making investing accessible to all. Their user-friendly app provides educational content, personalized recommendations, and a seamless investing experience for beginners, enabling them to grow their wealth.
Chalo Paisa: Digitalizing Financial Literacy
Chalo Paisa is a digital platform that offers interactive and informative content on various financial topics, including banking, insurance, loans, and taxes. Their engaging content, available in multiple regional languages, helps individuals across India gain financial literacy at their own pace.
These Indian startups are taking significant strides in providing financial literacy to people across the nation. By leveraging technology, innovation, and a commitment to education, they are transforming lives and ensuring a financially empowered future for India.
18, Jul 2023
Baird Medical Obtains NMPA Approval of Class III Registered Microwave Ablation Needle for Thyroid Nodules
Guangzhou, China, July 18, 2023 – Baird Medical Investment Holdings Limited (“Baird Medical” or the “Company”), a leading microwave ablation (“MWA”) medical device developer and provider in China, announced today that the Company’s independently developed and produced disposable MWA needle for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (the “NMPA”) on July 13, 2023. The approval follows the registration of the first Class III thyroid MWA device and its accessories in China on November 18, 2021, by Nanjing Changcheng Medical Equipment Company Limited, a subsidiary of Baird Medical. This accomplishment marks the first independently registered product of its kind in China.
The Company expects the acquisition of the Class III certificate for the MWA needle will simplify sales processes and streamline the admission procedure for Baird Medical’s MWA needles. It will also expand the range of available specifications and models, allowing the company to customize its sales strategy for different disease types.
Baird Medical has actively complied with the policy and regulatory requirements set by the NMPA, conducting a comprehensive series of activities related to the Class III registration of MWA products. These included design enhancements and extensive efficacy and safety experiments, including animal and clinical trials, to help ensure the product’s safety and quality prior to launch. By offering safe, advanced MWA products for the treatment of thyroid diseases, Baird Medical aims to provide minimally invasive treatment options and solutions for patients. These solutions are particularly valuable to those with large thyroid cysts, nodular goiters, and individuals who are unable to undergo surgery.
Minimally invasive ablation technology for thyroid nodules has gained significant recognition over the past two decades due to its many potential applications. Thyroid nodule ablation technology has continuously advanced during that time, and its safety and effectiveness are well-established. Compared to surgical procedures, thyroid ablation technology offers advantages such as precise local anesthesia and real-time ultrasound-guided tumor ablation. Potential benefits for patients include reduced operation times, lower costs compared to open surgery, fewer complications, reduced damage to surrounding tissues, avoiding surgical scars, and effectively preserving thyroid function post-surgery. Thermal ablation is currently endorsed as one of the treatment options for benign thyroid nodules by multiple international and domestic guidelines.
Ms. Haimei Wu, Founder and CEO of Baird Medical, commented, “our recent approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration for our Class III disposable MWA needle is a testament to our unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, quality, and safety. We are proud of the strides we have made as a leading force in the development and provision of MWA devices. At Baird Medical, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of transformative solutions that offer minimally invasive, efficient, and more affordable treatment options for patients. Our success in developing this solution is another step in our continued journey to provide the highest standard of care to patients worldwide.”
18, Jul 2023
SlamBall Signs Comprehensive Partnership with U.S. Integrity
LAS VEGAS, NV (July 18, 2023) – Today U.S. Integrity (“USI”) announced a comprehensive partnership with SlamBall, the fast-paced, gravity-defying sport that combines elements of basketball, football, hockey and trampoline, as they aim to protect the integrity of its sport and future events. The 2023 SlamBall League: Series 6, will begin July 21 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas and runs for seven weeks, live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+.
U.S. Integrity will provide integrity monitoring services via its proprietary dashboard to SlamBall that will encompass data intelligence and fraud prevention. U.S. Integrity conducts analyses across dozens of data sets to proactively identify irregular contest-level & wagering patterns.
“We fully endorse this partnership as the growth of SlamBall and its appeal to fans will reach new heights heading into the 2023 season. The expectation is as our sport evolves, so will sports betting markets. The timing is right to put the correct process in place with a major focus being integrity protection and fraud prevention.” said Mason Gordon, SlamBall co-creator and CEO.
“U.S. Integrity is proud to partner with SlamBall as wagering interest on their events continues to grow across the regulated sports wagering market,” says Matthew Holt, U.S. Integrity’s CEO & co-founder. He continued, “U.S. Integrity’s mission is to provide conflict-free, best in class insights & compliance solutions to our clients. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the outstanding team at SlamBall. There’s a commitment to integrity from all our partners, and this partnership with SlamBall validates that standard.”
18, Jul 2023
Get Ready to Laugh Uncontrollably With Back-to-back Episodes of Timeless Classics on Comedy Central
Get ready to laugh out loud with Comedy Central’s hilarious line-up for the month of July. From Parks & Recreation to dramatic Schitt’s Creek, viewers are in for a comedic treat all night long from 8 pm to 12 am, Monday to Friday.
Tune in to Comedy Central and get ready for some side-splitting humor with the hilarious line-up featuring two fan-favorite shows – Schitt’s Creek and Parks & Recreation.
Starting at 8 pm, dive into the quirky and heartwarming world of Schitt’s Creek. Follow the Rose family as they adjust to their newfound, humble life in a small town after losing their fortune. With a fantastic ensemble cast led by Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, this show delivers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments that will keep you glued to the screen.
At 10 pm, get ready to join the lovable and eccentric characters of Parks & Recreation. Set in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, the show follows the dedicated public servants of the Parks Department, led by the enthusiastic and overachieving Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler). Parks & Recreation is a perfect blend of clever humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming storylines that will leave you in stitches.
Whether you’re a fan of Schitt’s Creek’s witty banter or Parks & Recreation’s hilarious antics, Comedy Central has got you covered. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for hours of non-stop laughter with these two beloved shows.
~Tune in to Comedy Central, Monday-Friday from 08:00 pm to 12:00~
18, Jul 2023
Edvancer wins the Technology and AI Institute of the Year Award
New Delhi, 18th July 2023: Edvancer, a leading provider of industry-driven online education, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious “Technology and AI Institute of the Year” award at the 2nd Edition of ET HRWorld Future Skills Award from The Economic Times. The award ceremony took place on July 13, 2023, at The Leela Ambience in Gurugram.
The Future Skills Award Is India’s largest L&D event, bringing together top industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss the changing landscape of Learning and Development. The conference aims to recognize innovation and achievement in the workplace.
Advanced stood out among its peers in the Technology and AI Institute of the Year, showcasing its commitment to providing industry-driven online education and addressing the limitations of the global education system. The award reflects Edvancer’s excellence in bridging the gap between industry needs and university output by offering practical, hands-on, short-term certificate courses created and taught by industry experts.
“We are delighted to receive the ‘Technology and AI Institute of the Year” award. This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of empowering learners with industry-focused skills and knowledge,” said Aatash Shah, Co-founder of Edvancer.
“At Edvancer, we strive to revolutionize education by offering accessible and affordable courses that meet the changing demands of industry and technology. This award motivates us to continue delivering high-quality learning experiences and making a positive impact on learners’ careers.”, he added.
Lalit Sachan, Co-founder of Edvancer, added, “Being recognized as the top learning provider is a great honour for our team. We are grateful to the jury members for acknowledging our efforts and the positive outcomes we have achieved. This award further strengthens our commitment to providing relevant and practical education that empowers individuals to thrive in their professional journeys.”
Edvancer, founded in 2013 by Mr Aatash Shah and Mr. Lalit Sachan, is an esteemed venture of IIM-IIT alumni. In 2021, it became part of Global University Systems (GUS), an international network of higher-education institutions committed to offering accessible and affordable industry-driven global education. Edvancer’s innovative approach to online education and its focus on industry needs have made it a trusted partner for individuals seeking career-oriented skills.
The Award ceremony witnessed the presence of over 1000 attendees, including CHROs/HR leaders, Chief Learning Officers/Learning & Development heads, CEOs/MDs, and other prominent industry professionals. The conference featured interactive learning sessions, expert dialogues, and keynote speeches by more than 50 eminent speakers, providing valuable insights into the future of workplace learning.
18, Jul 2023
Ex-servicemen have a big role in nation building and they have given a lot of sacrifices for this.
On 16th July, the first General Conference of the Governing Council of the Federation of Veteran’s Associations (India) was held in the pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. In which presidents and representatives of 115 ex-servicemen organizations from various states of the country participated. During this conference, the spokesperson of the Federation Captain Lokendra Singh Talianhas screened a documentary film on the importance and role of ex-servicemen in the development of the country and the Federation.
Federation President Subedar Arjun Singh Rathore explained the strong and transparent bylaws/constitution prepared by the Ex-Servicemen Rights Protector Federation through a ppt. presentation to all the delegates in detail. The same was appreciated by the respected members present in the auditorium. The General Secretary of the Federation informed the Council about the demands raised by the Federation regarding the welfare of ex-servicemen and the advance planning for a forthcoming rally at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.
The accounts of the Federation till June 30, 2023 were kept before the Management Council by the Treasurer of the Federation, after which it was approved by the Management Council.
The further strategy was discussed on the ongoing indefinite strike at Jantar Mantar from 20 February 2023 and decisions were taken on several main issues. During the session, many intellectual speakers presented their views and appealed to all the presidents and representatives to make the proposed rally at Jantar Mantar successful on 23rd July. Veteran GK Pathak, General Secretary, Purva Sainik Adhikar Rakshak Mahasangh (PARM) spoke at the conference through a patriotic song.
National Spokesperson of PARM and Treasurer of the Federation of Veteran’s Associations Veteran PK Saini said in his address that the ongoing indefinite dharna at Jantar Mantar will continue even after the rally of 23rd July and our organization is continuously arranging water and whatever responsibility will be given to PARM for the upcoming rally, we will fulfill it.
Addressing the gathering, the National President of PARM, Veteran Rajdeep Verma said that ex-servicemen have played a huge role in the building of the Nation and they have made a lot of sacrifices for the country. Therefore he urged the government to constitute a committee on the discrepancies in OROP and remove them so that the ex-servicemen of the country have faith in the government. It was a very successful event.
18, Jul 2023
Total Corporate Funding for Solar Sector Up Over 50%, Totaling $18.5 Billion in 1H 2023, Reports Mercom Capital Group
Almost 25.5 GW of solar projects were acquired in the first half of the year
July 18, 2023 – Mercom Capital Group, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm, released its report on funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity for the solar sector in the second quarter (Q2) and first half (1H) of 2023. The report found that financial activity in the solar industry remained healthy in 1H 2023 amid notable economic headwinds.
Total corporate funding, including venture capital (VC) funding, public market, and debt financing, in 1H 2023 totaled $18.5 billion, 54% higher year-over-year (YoY) compared to $12 billion raised in 1H 2022. The number of deals decreased by 12% YoY, with 80 deals in 1H 2023 compared to 91 during the same period last year.
“Even amidst the tightening financial market conditions and high interest rates, the solar industry remained strong in the first half of the year. Besides AI, cleantech is one of the few sectors still attracting VC interest. Demand due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is so strong that even interest rate-sensitive public market and debt financing in solar was up year-over-year. The lack of easy money, however, affected M&A activity negatively,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.
To get the report, visit: https://tinyurl.com/MercomSolarQ22023
In 1H 2023, global VC funding activity rose 3% YoY, with $3.8 billion in 33 deals compared to $3.7 billion in 53 deals in the first half of 2022.
Solar downstream companies led financing activity with 17 deals worth $2.5 billion in 1H 2023.
The top VC deals in 1H 2023 were: $471 million raised by 1KOMMA5°, $375 million raised by Silicon Ranch, $360 million raised by CleanMax Solar, $325 million raised by Amarenco, and $250 million raised by Amp Energy India.
A total of 134 VC investors participated in solar funding in 1H 2023.
Solar public market financing in 1H 2023 came to $6.7 billion in 14 deals, 103% higher than $3.3 billion in eight deals in 1H 2022.
Solar debt financing activity in 1H 2023 reached $8 billion in 33 deals, a 60% increase compared to 1H 2022, when $5 billion was raised in 30 deals.
In 1H 2023, seven securitization deals totaled $1.9 billion, a 36% increase YoY compared to $1.4 billion raised in five deals in 1H 2022. Over $16 billion have been raised through securitization deals since 2013.
There were 48 solar M&A transactions in 1H 2023 compared to 53 transactions in 1H 2022. The largest deal was by Brookfield Renewable, which agreed to acquire Duke Energy’s unregulated utility-scale commercial renewables business in the U.S. for approximately $2.8 billion.
In 1H 2023, there were 116 project acquisitions for 25.5 GW of solar projects compared to 148 project acquisitions totaling 37.8 GW in 1H 2022.
Project developers and independent power producers (IPPs) were the most active acquirers of solar projects in Q2 2023, picking up 5.5 GW, followed by utilities with 3.9 GW. Others—Insurance companies, pension funds, energy trading businesses, industrial conglomerates, and IT firms—acquired another 2.1 GW. Oil and gas companies acquired 1.8 GW of projects, and investment firms acquired 407 MW.
There were 187 companies and investors covered in this report. It is 98 pages long and contains 84 charts, graphs, and tables.
To learn more about the report, visit: https://tinyurl.com/MercomSolarQ22023
About Mercom Capital Group
Mercom Capital Group is a global communications and consulting firm focused exclusively on clean energy and financial communications. Mercom’s consulting division advises cleantech companies on new market entry, custom market intelligence, and overall strategic decision-making. Mercom’s consulting division also delivers highly respected industry market intelligence reports covering Solar Energy and Energy Storage/Smart Grid. Our reports provide timely industry happenings and ahead-of-the-curve analysis specifically for C-level decision-making. Mercom’s communications division helps clean energy companies and financial institutions build powerful relationships with media, analysts, government decision-makers, local communities, and strategic partners. For more information about Mercom Capital Group, visit http://www.mercomcapital.com. To get a copy of Mercom’s popular market intelligence reports, visit: http://eepurl.com/cCZ6nT
18, Jul 2023
Innovative Wearable Sensor for Measuring Sweat Lactate Levels During Exercise
Scientists solve the long-standing problem of air bubbles in sweat affecting the performance of microfluidic wearable sensors
Wearable microfluidic sensors can be used to monitor lactate concentration in sweat, a good indicator of exercise intensity. However, air bubbles present in the sweat can get into the microfluidic channels, hindering the measurement. In a recent study, researchers from Japan have developed a wearable sensor for continuously monitoring sweat lactate during exercise, which incorporates a bubble-trapping region in its microfluidic system. The proposed technology can facilitate athlete training management and health monitoring.
Human sweat is a rich source of health information, offering insights into a person’s hydration level, electrolyte balance, and overall physiological state. For instance, lactate level in sweat is a useful biomarker of exercise intensity. Its measurement can help estimate the amount of lactic acid in the blood and, in turn, predict muscle fatigue.
Today, wearable sensors make it possible to continuously monitor biomarkers such as sweat lactate. Using the latest microfluidics technology, scientists have developed devices that convey minuscule amounts of sweat to tiny chemical sensors, which can transmit their measurements in real time wirelessly. However, one common problem in such devices is that their microfluidic channels tend to trap air bubbles present in the sweat. If these bubbles cover the sensor’s electrodes, the measurements get interrupted, interfering with the continuous monitoring of the target biomarker.
To address this issue, a research team, led by Associate Professor Isao Shitanda from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) in Japan, has come up with a novel microfluidic sweat lactate sensor whose measurements remain unaffected by the air bubbles. Their study, made available online on 22 May 2023 and published in ACS Sensors on 23 June 2023, was co-authored by Dr. Masahiro Motosuke, Dr. Tatsunori Suzuki, Dr. Shinya Yanagita, and Dr. Takahiro Mukaimoto from TUS.
The proposed wearable device consists of a relatively simple layered structure—a conventional lactate oxidase sensor attached via double-sided tape to a microfluidic system made of a silicone polymer. When the person wearing the device begins to perspire, the sweat enters the microfluidic channels via four inlets and flows toward a reservoir near which the electrodes are located. Old sweat exits the system through an outlet as new sweat enters, and a small wireless transmitter reports the measured lactate levels.
The key innovation in the proposed design was the use of a larger-than-usual sweat reservoir. “By increasing the length of the reservoir in the microfluidic channel, a space of approximately four microliters was created for trapping any air bubbles that infiltrate the device, thereby preventing them from contacting the electrodes of the sensor,” explains Dr. Shitanda.
The researchers tested their sensor in a series of laboratory experiments. They verified that the bubble-trapping region worked as intended by injecting bubbles into the device while measuring lactate levels in artificial sweat. In addition, the measurements were not affected by the sweat flow rate, and the response of the sensor remained stable for approximately two hours. Lastly, the researchers tested the device on a male volunteer who exercised on a stationary bike for almost an hour. The sensor showed a lactate concentration correlation ranging from 1 to 50 mM as well as a correlation between sweat and blood lactate levels.
Overall, the results of this study hint at the potential of wearable microfluidic sensors for monitoring sweat biomarkers during exercise. “Since the microfluidic system of the proposed lactate sensor is fabricated from a soft, flexible, and non-irritating material, it could be used to continuously monitor lactate levels in sweat, especially in sports and medicine,” remarks Dr. Shitanda. “Wearable lactate sensors may become useful condition management tools in sports such as soccer and basketball, allowing team managers to know when it’s best to replace a player.”
Only time will tell what training management and healthcare monitoring will look like in the future as wearable sensors become more capable and reliable.
