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Month: January 2025

Digital Native

Netradyne Becomes India’s First Unicorn of 2025 with $1.34 Billion Valuation

Observenow Desk January 20, 2025

Netradyne, an AI-driven logistics solutions startup, has achieved unicorn status, becoming the first Indian startup of 2025 to reach this milestone. The company raised $90 million in its Series D funding round, led by existing investor Point72 Private Investments, pushing its valuation to $1.34 billion.

This marks a significant leap for the company, which previously raised $65 million in 2022 through a mix of debt and equity funding from Silicon Valley Bank, then nearing the $1 billion valuation threshold. With the latest round, Netradyne’s total funding has reached $317 million across four rounds, with backing from industry giants such as Reliance, M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), SoftBank, Qualcomm Ventures, and Pavilion Capital.

Founded in 2015 by Avneesh Agrawal, a former Qualcomm executive, Netradyne has spent the last decade pioneering artificial intelligence solutions for the logistics sector. The company’s proprietary technology provides real-time insights to enhance fleet safety, optimize operations, and improve driver performance, earning it a reputation as a key innovator in the logistics and AI sectors.

The new funding will fuel Netradyne’s plans for scaling operations, advancing research and development, and expanding its global footprint. The startup’s solutions are increasingly adopted worldwide, positioning it as a crucial player in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape, where intelligent systems are transforming supply chain and fleet management.

Netradyne’s rise to unicorn status underscores the strength and potential of the Indian startup ecosystem. As the first Indian unicorn of 2025, the company sets a promising tone for the year, exemplifying how innovation and technology can drive global impact. With a strong funding base and a clear vision, Netradyne is poised to shape the future of logistics AI while inspiring other startups in the industry.

Tags: Netradyneunicorn

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Digital Native

Zomato Infuses ₹500 Crore into Blinkit for Expansion and Growth

Observenow Desk

Food delivery giant Zomato has invested ₹500 crore (approximately $57.7 million) into Blinkit, its quick commerce subsidiary, according to regulatory filings. Blinkit issued 2,537 equity shares at ₹19.7 lakh (around $22,754) per share to facilitate this fresh capital injection.

The funding comes on the heels of Zomato’s recent ₹8,500 crore (approximately $980.9 million) fundraising through its maiden qualified institutional placement (QIP) announced two months ago.

Of this amount, ₹2,137 crore (around $246.6 million) was earmarked to bolster Blinkit’s dark stores and Hyperpure’s warehouses, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its quick commerce and supply chain initiatives.

Zomato has been steadily increasing its investment in Blinkit, having previously injected ₹300 crore (approximately $34.6 million) in June 2024. Since acquiring Blinkit in August 2022, Zomato’s total investment in the subsidiary has reached ₹2,300 crore (around $265.4 million), underscoring its strategic focus on scaling up the quick commerce segment.

Tags: BlinkitZomato

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B2B Marketeer

X Appoints Rishabh Sharma as Head of Marketing Solutions for Asia-Pacific Region

Observenow Desk

X, previously known as Twitter, has promoted Rishabh Sharma to the role of Head of Marketing Solutions for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the market.

Sharma, who has been with the company since 2017, previously served as Senior Manager for Brand Strategy, Asia Pacific, handling global clients since 2022.

In his new role, Sharma will oversee the Next team, which manages the advertising business across Southeast Asia, Korea, Greater China, Australia, and India. The team is tasked with achieving quarterly and annual revenue targets while developing scalable marketing solutions to foster widespread growth.

Before joining X, Sharma held roles at ICT Health, Times Internet, and Dish TV, among others.

Tags: Rishabh SharmaX

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BFSI

How Observability is Shaping the Future of Indian Banking?

Observenow Desk January 19, 2025

The Indian banking sector is navigating a transformative era, characterized by rapid digitization, evolving customer expectations, and stringent regulatory requirements. As banks increasingly adopt advanced technologies like cloud computing, microservices, and artificial intelligence, the concept of observability has emerged as a pivotal enabler for operational excellence and innovation.

What is Observability?

At its core, observability goes beyond traditional monitoring by enabling systems to provide granular, real-time insights into their internal states. It combines metrics, logs, and traces (often abbreviated as “MLT”) to offer a holistic view of complex IT ecosystems. In the context of banking, observability empowers organizations to proactively identify issues, optimize processes, and ensure seamless digital experiences.

Why Observability Matters in Banking:

  1. Customer-Centric Operations– Modern customers demand quick, uninterrupted banking services. Observability ensures consistent uptime by predicting and resolving potential system failures before they impact end-users. For example, if a digital payment platform shows latency during peak hours, observability tools can pinpoint the root cause, minimizing disruptions.
  2. Regulatory Compliance– Compliance is a cornerstone of the banking industry. Observability solutions help banks to maintain audit trails, monitor transaction anomalies, and ensure adherence to data privacy laws such as the Indian Data Protection Act.
  3. Complex IT Architectures– As banks transition to cloud-based infrastructure and adopt microservices, ensuring the smooth interplay of diverse components is crucial. Observability provides visibility into these distributed systems, identifying bottlenecks and enabling efficient resource utilization.
  4. Enhanced Security– Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for Indian banks. Observability tools enhance security monitoring by detecting unusual patterns, such as unauthorized access attempts or spikes in data usage, in real time.

Emerging Trends in Observability for Indian Banking:

  1. Focus on Predictive Maintenance– Banks are moving beyond reactive approaches to using observability for predictive insights, helping them anticipate and prevent outages.
  2. Integration with AI and ML– The rise of AI-powered observability solutions is enabling real-time anomaly detection and root cause analysis, crucial for handling the complex IT ecosystems of modern banks.
  3. Cost Optimization Strategies– Observability tools are increasingly used to streamline IT resources, reducing unnecessary expenditures in cloud and infrastructure management.
  4. Adoption Across Tiers– While larger banks lead the charge, mid-sized and regional banks are also beginning to recognize observability as a competitive advantage.

Future Prospects

As financial institutions move toward AI-driven banking and open banking frameworks, observability will play a critical role in maintaining trust and delivering innovative services. The adoption of observability is expected to grow in tandem with advancements in predictive analytics, automation, and machine learning.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its potential, observability implementation is not without challenges. Costing, lack of skilled personnel, and integration with legacy systems are significant hurdles. However, with growing awareness and investment in digital transformation, Indian banks are poised to overcome these obstacles.

Observability is not merely a technological enhancement; it is a strategic necessity for Indian banks aiming to thrive in a digital-first world. By enabling operational resilience, enhancing customer experiences, and ensuring compliance, observability  will play a key role in ensuring robustness of operations across Indian banks that are scaling rapidly.

Author: Neelesh Kripalani, Chief Technology Officer, Clover Infotech

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

Tags: Clover InfotechIndian BankingNeelesh Kripalani

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Cybersecurity

CrowdStrike Launches Insider Risk Services to Combat Modern Insider Threats

Observenow Desk January 18, 2025

CrowdStrike unveiled CrowdStrike Insider Risk Services, a comprehensive suite of offerings aimed at helping organizations detect and prevent insider threats. Designed to address risks from negligent employees, malicious insiders, and sophisticated adversaries, the service empowers organizations to proactively mitigate vulnerabilities, bolster defenses, and contain risks before they escalate.

Insider threats have become a critical challenge for organizations, with the average annual cost of resolving insider incidents now at $16.2 million. These threats span a wide spectrum, including adversaries posing as employees to exploit trust, as well as internal staff compromising security through negligence or malicious intent. Despite the gravity of these risks, many organizations lack formal insider risk programs, leaving critical security gaps.

CrowdStrike Insider Risk Services leverages the industry-leading CrowdStrike Falcon® cybersecurity platform, combining advanced threat detection, intelligence, threat hunting, assessments, and expert-led incident response. This multi-layered approach ensures robust protection and sets a new benchmark for insider risk management.

The importance of proactive defenses was underscored when CrowdStrike’s intelligence-driven approach uncovered tactics used by FAMOUS CHOLLIMA, a North Korea-linked group that infiltrated over 200 U.S. tech companies by disguising malicious activities as legitimate employment. This revelation highlights the critical need for comprehensive insider threat programs.

Key service offerings include:

  • Insider Risk Program and Technical Reviews: Identify security gaps and enhance defenses using CrowdStrike’s intelligence and 24/7 threat hunting.
  • Tabletop Exercises and Red Team Simulations: Strengthen detection capabilities and identify vulnerabilities through real-world threat scenarios.
  • Incident Response: Leverage expert-led services powered by adversary intelligence to swiftly contain and mitigate risks.

“Today’s insider risks, whether caused by an accident, negligence, or a sophisticated adversary, demand proactive and comprehensive protection to safeguard critical assets and minimize any potential impact,” said Thomas Etheridge, chief global services officer at CrowdStrike. “With deep adversary insights, extensive experience in countering complex threats, and industry-leading visibility and protection provided by the Falcon platform, CrowdStrike Insider Risk Services sets a new standard for combating the modern insider threat.”

Tags: CrowdStrike

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Education

India Ranks 2nd Globally in Future Job Market Readiness in QS Skills Index 2025

Observenow Desk

India has emerged as the second most prepared job market for future in-demand skills, trailing only the United States, according to the QS World Future Skills Index 2025. The index highlights India’s potential in critical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, and green industries.

The inaugural Future Skills Index, released by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), evaluates countries’ readiness to meet evolving job market demands across four areas: skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, and economic transformation. India ranks 25th overall but shines as a “future skills contender,” excelling in the “Future of Work” category with a score of 99.1, the second-highest globally, just behind the United States. Alongside Mexico, India is noted as the most prepared nation for recruiting digital roles.

“India’s outstanding GDP growth, youthful population, and burgeoning start-up culture position the country as a global leader in future-ready skills,” said Matteo Quacquarelli, QS Vice President of Strategy and Analytics. The country’s demographic advantage plays a pivotal role, with its youthful population driving its readiness for future skills, unlike nations grappling with ageing workforces.

“India’s young workforce and dynamic start-up ecosystem make it uniquely poised to lead in emerging sectors,” added Ashwin Fernandes, QS Executive Director – AMESA. India’s progress underscores its ability to prepare a future-ready workforce, even as challenges in innovation and sustainability remain.

As India continues to leverage its dynamic economy, robust educational institutions, and demographic edge, it stands poised to lead globally in digital, AI, and green sectors. The QS Index cements India’s position as a key player in shaping the future of work, reaffirming its status as a rising global powerhouse in skill development and job market transformation.

Tags: artificial intelligenceQS Skills Index 2025

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BFSI

YES BANK Launches Frictionless Finance Accelerator Programme on National Startup Day

Observenow Desk

On National Startup Day, YES BANK, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), launched the Frictionless Finance Accelerator Programme. This initiative aims to empower fintech startups to overcome challenges, scale innovations, and drive financial inclusion in India.

India’s startup ecosystem is flourishing, with over 1.5 lakh Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)-registered startups and more than 100 unicorns. Fintech is at the forefront, redefining access to financial services and supporting small businesses. The Frictionless Finance Accelerator reinforces YES BANK’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in this dynamic sector.

The accelerator provides startups access to RBIH’s expertise, SPJIMR’s academic resources, and YES BANK’s industry knowledge. It focuses on emerging technologies like digital lending, AI-powered risk management, blockchain-based payments, and financial inclusion. Startups will also receive regulatory guidance through platforms such as YES Connect, enabling them to optimize their business models and leverage digital infrastructure effectively.

Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK, remarked, “India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, and fintech startups are at the forefront of this transformation. The future is interconnected, powered by technologies that once seemed impossible. At YES BANK, we are committed to supporting this growth through initiatives like the Frictionless Finance Accelerator, which helps startups address real-world challenges and build scalable solutions.”

Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, added, “At SPJIMR, through our WISE Tech initiative, we champion responsible innovation that blends cutting-edge technology with inclusivity and ethics. This partnership will enable startups to address challenges, redefine financial accessibility, and contribute to India’s growth. Together, we are shaping a seamless and secure financial culture.”

Rajesh Bansal, CEO, RBIH, shared his vision, saying, “Our mission of enabling ‘Frictionless Finance for a Billion Indians’ is deeply rooted in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This accelerator programme empowers entrepreneurs to create pathways for transformative growth that will shape the future of India’s financial ecosystem.”

YES BANK has consistently championed innovation through initiatives like YES HeadStartup and digital platforms like IRIS Biz and SmartFin. Its collaboration with Vegapay to launch Credit Line on UPI and its partnership with SPJIMR’s Wise Tech School of Innovation underline its commitment to co-creating impactful financial solutions.

As global venture capital investment reaches $314 billion in 2024 and the global digital economy accelerates towards $20 trillion by 2030, fintech startups hold the potential to redefine finance. The Frictionless Finance Accelerator embodies the transformative power of partnerships and innovation in driving India’s fintech revolution.

Tags: Frictionless Finance Accelerator ProgrammeYes Bank

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BFSI

MobiKwik and Piramal Finance Partner to Offer Personal Loans Up to ₹2 Lakh

Observenow Desk

MobiKwik, India’s largest digital wallet platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Piramal Capital & Housing Finance to enhance access to affordable personal loan solutions. This collaboration aims to meet the diverse financial needs of individuals across the country, offering a seamless and user-friendly loan application experience through the MobiKwik platform.

Through this partnership, MobiKwik users can apply for personal loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh under the ZIP EMI scheme. These loans are designed to address various financial requirements, including education, medical expenses, travel, and other consumption needs. The eligibility criteria for the loans include an income of ₹25,000 or more and an age range of 23 to 55 years, with repayment tenures between 6 to 24 months.

Commenting on the collaboration, Bipin Preet Singh, co-founder and MD of MobiKwik, said, “Our partnership with Piramal Finance marks a significant step towards addressing the credit needs of millions of Indians. By combining Piramal Finance’s expertise in financial services with MobiKwik’s digital platform, we are confident of creating a seamless experience for our users.”

The move aligns with MobiKwik’s mission of empowering users with financial independence while leveraging its extensive digital ecosystem. Piramal Finance, a leader in financial services, brings its robust credit evaluation framework to this partnership, ensuring efficient and responsible lending practices.

MobiKwik’s financial performance reflects its growing market presence. The company reported a 42.86% surge in revenue from operations in Q2 FY25, reaching ₹290.64 crore compared to ₹203.45 crore in the same quarter last year. However, it recorded a net loss of ₹3.59 crore in Q2 FY25, a reversal from the ₹5.22 crore net profit posted in Q2 FY24.

Tags: MobiKwikPersonal LoanPiramal Finance

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Education

How to Financially Prepare for College: Key Tips for Undergraduate Students

Observenow Desk

Getting accepted into your dream college is an exciting milestone, but the financial challenges of higher education can be daunting. According to the latest Student Voice survey from Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, out of 2,000 undergraduate students surveyed, 1,550 expect to have student loan debt after graduation. However, with strategic budgeting and financial planning, you can enjoy a stress-free undergraduate experience.

This guide provides necessary tips to help you manage your finances effectively throughout your college journey.

Creating a Budget: Your Financial Blueprint

A structured budget is fundamental for maintaining financial stability throughout college. Here’s how to create one:

Identify Income Sources: Include income from part-time jobs, scholarships, grants, and personal savings. Be realistic about how much you can expect each month. Many students work part-time to support themselves, but ensure that your job doesn’t interfere with your academics.

Track Expenses: Divide your expenses into fixed (rent, tuition) and variable (food, transportation, entertainment) categories. Be thorough in itemizing each category, such as budgeting for fuel or public transportation if you commute.

Set Spending Limits: Assign spending limits for each category, prioritizing necessities like rent, tuition, and food. Factor in seasonal expenses, like books or study materials at the beginning of each semester.

Monitor and Adjust: Financial discipline is key. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your spending and make necessary adjustments. Monitoring expenses regularly will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Strategies for Financial Success

In addition to budgeting, consider these practical strategies to help manage your finances:

Scholarships and Grants: Research scholarships and grants early. Many are based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, or personal background. Platforms like the National Scholarship Portal can help you find financial aid. Apply to as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of securing funds.

Part-Time Employment: Working part-time is a common way to earn extra income. Look for on-campus jobs, internships, or freelance opportunities in your field of study. These not only provide financial support but also offer valuable work experience.

Mindful Spending: College life can tempt you into impulsive spending. Avoid overspending on non-essential items by implementing a “cooling-off period” – wait a day or two before deciding if a purchase is truly necessary.

Student Discounts: Many businesses offer student discounts on various products and services, from textbooks to food. Always inquire about available discounts when making a purchase. These savings can add up over time, helping you stay within your budget.

Cooking at Home: Dining out can be expensive. Learn to cook simple meals at home to save money. Buying groceries in bulk and meal prepping can help you stretch your food budget.

Educational Loans: When Savings Fall Short

Even with careful planning, some students find that savings and scholarships don’t fully cover all expenses. In such cases, taking out an educational loan may be necessary. Approach loans with caution.

Begin by researching reputable banks and financial institutions that offer education loans. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and loan conditions. Government-backed education loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans, making them a better option for many students. Before committing to a loan, ensure you fully understand its repayment structure, including any grace periods after graduation and the monthly repayment amounts. Planning for this early will help you avoid financial stress once you complete your degree.

Managing your finances during college may seem challenging, but with the right budgeting and financial strategies, it’s a manageable process.

Author: Rohan Rai, Co-Founder, Edupull

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

Tags: EdupullRohan RaiUndergraduate Students

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BFSI

Bandhan Bank Appoints Satish Sharma as Senior Vice President and Head of Finance Operations

Observenow Desk January 17, 2025

Bandhan Bank has announced the appointment of Satish Sharma as its Senior Vice President and Head of Finance Operations. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Sharma brings a wealth of expertise in finance operations, business process outsourcing, and strategic management to the bank. In his new capacity, he will oversee finance operations and procurement, focusing on driving efficiency, streamlining processes, and spearheading finance transformation initiatives.

Sharma’s leadership will be pivotal in implementing strategies to enhance the bank’s operational performance. He aims to lead initiatives in process design and re-engineering, ensuring the bank stays at the forefront of innovation in financial operations. His responsibilities also include managing procurement strategies, ensuring seamless financial operations, and aligning transformation projects with the bank’s growth objectives.

Prior to joining Bandhan Bank, Sharma held leadership positions at renowned organizations such as Axis Bank, Genpact, Accenture, and Tata Consultancy Services. Across these roles, he successfully managed global operations, optimized financial portfolios, and nurtured vendor relationships while overseeing comprehensive process improvements. His experience in stakeholder management and financial system transformations positions him well to lead Bandhan Bank’s finance operations into a new era of efficiency and growth.

Bandhan Bank views Sharma’s appointment as a strategic step to bolster its operational framework. By leveraging his expertise in finance transformation and strategic procurement, the bank expects to strengthen its internal systems and support its broader expansion plans. His leadership is anticipated to enhance the institution’s competitiveness in a dynamic financial landscape.

Tags: Bandhan BankSatish Sharma

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