All Posts in startups

|In: Review|Last Updated: | 0 Comments

A decade back, if you talk about dating to anyone it would have resulted in a very “Surprising” kind of reaction. Dating was not very acceptable. But with the advent of technology and change in mindsets, people today are open to Dating since it helps them know the person before they may/may not delve into the most important decision – Marriage. With social media being on the rise, it has given way to another phenomenon called as “Social Dating” and “Online Dating”.

So, the next question that arises is “Which option should someone prefer – Online Dating or Meeting someone offline” ? Well, there is no single answer to this question but considering the amount of time that each one of us spend on Social Media sites like Facebook, Twitter etc.; Online seems to be an Ideal option. In fact, few years back I met my wife Janukin online and that early bonding definitely added trust in our relationship.

In fact, many matchmakers are incorporating Online in their offline business models which definitely proves that ‘The online formula is working’!! But as we have seen in movies and heard from many of our friends that Online relationships might not always work. It is true to a certain extent. Similar to Hyper-local Commerce (where Buyers are connected to Sellers in their close vicinity), startups like ShowMeInterest want to leverage the power of Facebook in order to find your Next Date 🙂

Features of ShowMeInterest  [for online daters]

As mentioned earlier, online dating comes with it’s own share of advantages and dis-advantages. So, let’s look at some of the features of ShowMeInterest that might get your excited !!

Ease of Access – Facebook is a Vicious Circle since there choices can turn out to be un-limited so, it becomes an important decision that contacts are managed properly. With ShowMeInterest, you can log-in using your Facebook/Email account and narrow down your search for the next date with different filters like Age, Height, Weight, Area Pin-Code, Hair Color etc. Doesn’t this sound similar to Hyper-Local shopping 🙂

Anonymous Search – After you log-in to ShowMeInterest, you would be prompted with list of members out of which some might be your next Potential Date. Once you look at someone’s profile, the other member (whose profile has been seen) would be intimated which makes ‘Searching for Date real-time’. However, there might be some members who prefer to stay Anonymous (so that other member does not come to know that his/her profile has been seen) and ShowMeInterest takes this into consideration in a very elegant manner !!

Suggested Matches – Just like Matrimonial websites, you would receive emails of suggested matches in order to make your ‘Date Search’ easier. The powerful part about ‘Facebook Dating’ is that if you are interested in someone, than you can get to know about that person from ‘The friend’s Network’. This makes knowing the person much better before you can take the ‘Online’ meeting ‘Offline’.

It would be interesting if ShowMeInterest can leverage the power of Social Media and Analytics to connect Potential Daters (who are in close vicinity) with offline-joints (e.g. cafes, pubs etc). Though we are no guru’s in Dating business, but I know couple of my friends who could find their match using ‘Power of Social Media’ for online-dating. We may definitely argue that you can never know 100% of a person by just interacting online and that is what your end goal should be – ‘ Put an end to the Digital Dating and know more about the person with Offline medium’.

But before you take the ‘Offline Route’, you would have already known a lot about your date from his/her ShowMeInterest Profile 🙂

|In: startups|Last Updated: | 0 Comments

FasterCapital [a virtual incubator based in Dubai, UAE] has launched its second round of funding for 2016 which begins on 15th of March, 2016 and ends on 16th of Apr, 2016. The first round of funding [which ended on 19th of Feb, 2016] has attracted more than 800 entrepreneurs from more than 80 countries. 50 startups were accepted into the acceleration program. FasterCapital will release the names of the accepted startups on its website and social media.

FasterCapital hopes the message will reach wider audience of dedicated and enthusiastic entrepreneurs who seek both capital and incubation. Each startup goes through three level of assessment: Business, Financial and Technical. The study will be communicated back to the entrepreneurs so that they can take such study in the development of their startup. Entrepreneurs will get [for free!] an extra professional opinion about their startup, potential obstacles and ideas for improvement! All accelerated companies will receive services such as Mentorship, Marketing study, Feasibility study, Technical consultation, New sales channels and Financing.

[Image Source – FasterCapital on Google Plus]

FasterCapital offers two programs: Acceleration Program and Incubation Program. In the “Acceleration program”, FasterCapital will provide mentorship, access to capital and extra consulting services [legal, technological and marketing] to Entrepreneurs. What distinguishes FasterCapital is its “Incubation Program” which might appeal to non-technical entrepreneurs.

FasterCapital will become a co-founder [technical co-founder] and co-funder [as one of the first investors] and will provide technical development per equity [up to $500k for each startup]. The “Incubation Program” might also appeal to tech entrepreneur who seek some help in covering some of the early investment in the startup. FasterCapital has more than 100 internal developers with different skill-sets who are already working on multiple projects. Startups can apply to join Virtual Incubator at FasterCapital For Entrepreneurs

About FasterCapital

FasterCapital is a virtual incubator based in Dubai Internet City, UAE. FasterCapital has more than 18 startups that have graduated already and 22 pending incubation. For more information, please visit FasterCapital

|In: startups|Last Updated: | 1 Comment

Zuver, an integrated driver on demand app has announced the launch of its operations in Mumbai. Zuver is the title sponsor of the Mumbai Cocktail Week, the first of its kind, a week long celebration of cocktail craftsmanship in the city’s most celebrated bars. The application was launched at the inaugural event of the Mumbai Cocktail Week, in presence of Media and the Founders.

Zuver’s unique selling proposition is that it promises a reliable, skilled, well-trained ‘driver on demand’ at your doorstep with just a tap of a button. Based out of Mumbai, the application intends to revolutionize the Driver On Demand segment by simplifying the way customers book drivers. Addressing the acute gap in the market today with regard to skilled drivers, Zuver offers a comprehensive application allowing you to book, track and pay for a premium driver service.

Zuver stands out amongst the other Driver on Demand Service providers through its high standards, convenience, competitive price and accessibility. The service is available on Android, iOS and over phone bookings. It offers customers great flexibility enabling them to book a driver in advance or real time, for an hour or a whole day. The technology that powers Zuver allows them to locate and dispatch the driver positioned closest to the customer, within 30 minutes.

Zuver is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers; it goes great lengths to ensure that each driver is skilled, trustworthy and reliable. Each driver undergoes a rigorous screening and verification process which include multiple rounds of interviews, tests and agency checks. Additionally, all selected drivers receive training to enhance soft skills ensuring that they are presentable, well groomed, courteous and polished.

[Sidhanth Mally, Co-founder, Zuver along with Archit Singhal, founder and CEO, Mumbai Cocktail Week and Hemant Pathak, celebrity mixologist at the launch of Zuver – Your Driver on Demand]

Co-founded by Sovin Hegde, a Harvard alumnus and Sidhanth Mally, an ex-consultant and Kings College London alumnus, Zuver is aimed at a wide range of customer segments. It is unarguably on its way to tapping a market with immense potential and setting new standards for the under-served segment.

Speaking at the launch event, Sovin Hegde, co-founder of Zuver said

It gives us great pleasure to announce that we are launching our affordable, accessible and simplified driver of demand services through our new venture Zuver. We have been working on this project for a while and the product is a ‘dream come true’. Zuver, your driver on demand is backed with strong technology and we can’t contain our excitement for this platform to go live. Team Zuver has worked relentlessly to acquire sources, bring them together and make it what it is today. We are hoping for a splendid response. ‘Zuver’ is the German term for ‘Reliable’ and we are here to live up to the name.

Sidhanth Mally, co-founder of Zuver added

After months of working, reworking and revising, Zuver, your driver on demand is finally here. We are proud to present your ultimate one stop mobile application that would give you reliable, professional drivers at your doorstep. For us, drivers are our brand ambassadors who embody the premium, reliable, trustworthy and professional feel of Zuver. We can’t wait to see the response. Zuver is one of a kind and we believe that we would live up to your expectations.

About Zuver – Driver on Demand
Zuver is a start-up with a unique selling proposition –a service that promises reliable, skilled, well-trained ‘driver on demand’ at your doorstep. They aim to make their drivers the gold standard for industry drivers and create a new benchmark. This mobile-first company that offers the best in class service is on its course to expand its presence in other metros. Zuver, Your driver on demand is available on Android and iOS or at 022-43686868. For more information, please refer Zuver

|In: e-commerce|Last Updated: | 2 Comments

A friend of mine owns a mid-sized supermarket in Bengaluru and one fine day, I got a ping from her on WhatsApp. She required a small help from me – She wanted to transfer Rs. 10K that her vendor had deposited into her Paytm account to her savings account. Well, she could have done it herself but due to the Rs. 10K limit in Paytm Wallet, she had to take this route. Doesn’t this sound very familiar 🙂 Gone are the days when we were required to carry huge amount of cash since “Digital” payments has completely taken over the usage of plastic money.

Be it transport service, shopping, ordering groceries, payment of fees etc. there is no Vertical that is left un-touched by Digital payments. Things are getting better with the current government’s push in making India a “Digital India”. The Union Budget 2016 stressed upon Digital literacy even for rural households which is great news for Digital startups. When we discuss about Digital, one sector that needs to have a huge mention is “e-commerce” or “Online Shopping”. With the advent of e-commerce, offline shopping slowly & steadily moved online and sites like Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal, Shopclues etc. became the new-age shopping destinations.

Customers are lured to these sites primarily due to the “Heavy discounting model” followed by most of these companies in order to gain significant market share. Leading e-commerce companies created the “Discount Economy”. The usage of credit cards increased considerably and next innings in the online commerce commenced with “Digital Wallets” [Closed & Semi-Closed wallets] where Paytm, Freecharge, Mobikwik etc. provided the facility where customer can store money in their digital wallet. Apart from the deals, discounts & coupons in the online shopping world, one thing that has been disruptive in the recent times is the extra cashback offering on top of your shopping bill.

The “Consumption Economy” has now transformed into “Cashback Economy” where along with discounts, customers also get cashbacks [similar to cashback’s offered by many credit cards] and the money is stored in their “digital wallet”. With the rise of online commerce and cashbacks, new spring of startups emerged that operated in the space of Cashback, Price Comparison and Couponing. Some of these sites also offered cashback when user performs mundane tasks e.g. Installation of UC Browser on Android phone, keep for 10 days and user gets Rs. XXX in their wallet. This money can be later used for mobile/DTH recharge or for online shopping.

Cashback on purchase coupled with Cashback on performing tasks is a formidable combination. Dealsnprice is a startup that is passionate about offering cash backs on your online shopping across e-commerce players and finding Coupons that suit your requirements. They operate with the motto – Spend Less, Save More. It is a very handy option when you have made the decision to buy a particular product but you are still in search for the “Best Deal” 🙂 Dealsnprice aggregates products from sites like Flipkart, Myntra, Snapdeal, Jabong & many more.

Though there are so many Cashback & Deal websites, this startup has a differentiating factor – Other deal sites list only a handful number of deals or coupons whereas Dealsnprice adds New deals & Coupons to it’s database every 15 minutes. To stay true to it’s mantra, this startup passes the major portion of its commission which they receive from generating sales for their e-commerce partners to it’s customers. This means that you not only get your favourite product at the “Best Price” but also get “significant cashback” with every purchase.

If that’s not all, Dealsnprice also rewards it’s users for performing tasks [some of which were mentioned earlier] on their Android application. You can use those reward points for recharge etc. In a nutshell, cashback and coupon websites are an icing on the cake since they spoil customers by pushing them to spend more so that they can save more 🙂

[Image Credit* – AVBob]

|In: startups|Last Updated: | 0 Comments

Zeta, the newest portfolio company of the Directi group, has launched Zeta Meal Vouchers, first mobile-based meal voucher application (app) which can be used by employees across any outlet for purchasing food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Zeta is a mobile-based meal voucher platform that provides HR Managers a simple desktop interface that can be used to initiate transfer of meal vouchers to hundreds of employees at one go. Zeta Meal Vouchers can be used by employees across any outlet irrespective of whether the outlet is a Zeta affiliated partner or not.

It promises to give the world groundbreaking offerings and tech solutions that would change the face of commerce. Completely digital in nature, Zeta believes in making commerce more inclusive and relaying its benefits to more and more people across the country.

Zeta meal vouchers are an essential tax saving solution in India that is fully compliant with Income Tax and RBI laws as prescribed under the new RBI norms.

With Zeta, HR Managers can easily distribute vouchers digitally to employees without wasting time or resources. This product is highly recommended for the HR community because they are smartphone-based meal vouchers which open up a range of possibilities that are unknown to paper-based vouchers till now. The most beneficial aspect for any HR personnel is that the hassle behind transfer, distribution and logistics of paper meal vouchers across different location that completely disappears with digital meal vouchers. Just a click on the computer and all the employees across locations receive their meal vouchers on the date scheduled.

A crucial responsibility of any HR manager is lending a thought to the compliance of your compensation and benefits tool. This aspect is well addressed by Zeta. It is the only 100% compliant meal voucher system in India today. It meets all RBI and IT guidelines. Many may not know, bank meal cards are not compliant with IT norms and paper vouchers have been rendered non-compliant by new RBI rules.

For employees, this digital meal voucher system is a cool new way of tax saving. They do not have to collect and carry around bulky paper vouchers and remember to take them while stepping out for shopping. Zeta Meal Vouchers are always available on their smartphones. It’s possibly the easiest way to ensure a 30% tax saving on every food bill.

Zeta Meal Vouchers are also equipped with many other features that make it even more convenient for users. The app has a location-sensitive merchant directory that helps users locate outlets in the vicinity. The app also eliminates transaction hassles caused by rigid denominations in paper-based solutions, thereby allowing employees to pay odd amounts without worrying about change. All-in-all it is the most convenient meal voucher solution in the market today.

The Zeta app is supported on Android, Windows & iOS platforms currently. To know more on how Zeta Meal Vouchers work, click here

About Zeta

Zeta is the newest portfolio company of the Directi Group. It promises to give the world ground breaking offerings and tech solutions that would change the face of commerce. Completely digital in nature, Zeta believes in making commerce more inclusive and accessible to more and more people. Zeta is co-founded by Bhavin Turakhia, the CEO and co-founder of the Directi Group and Ramki Gaddipati, who is also the CTO of this tech-driven company. To know more, log on to www.zeta.in

|In: startups|Last Updated: | 0 Comments

TSLC Pte Ltd., a fin-tech company promoted by serial entrepreneur and private equity investor V. Raman Kumar, has announced the launch of its all new mobile-only lending platform – CASHe, providing users a personalised experience to borrow cash any-time, anywhere within minutes.  CASHe is Raman Kumar’s most ambitious tech venture that redefines credit in a smart, social world.

CASHe was launched in Mumbai at a glittering ceremony today with Bollywood’s rising star Arjun Kapoor unveiling the product. He was joined by CASHe’s eminent Board of Advisors comprising Dr. Rakesh Mohan, Former Deputy Governor of RBI and Director IMF, Suhel Seth, well known marketing guru and media personality and Yezdi Lashkari, tech thought leader.

[Image Source – Facebook]

V. Raman Kumar, Chairman of TSLC Pte Ltd. said

CASHe is the ideal platform for consumers to take control of their short term finances. Today’s young professionals have different aspirations and needs not very well addressed by the present banking system. We are simplifying their borrowing experience with CASHe. With this new smart phone platform we will be providing immediate cash loans based on their social profile, merit and earning potential using our proprietary algorithms and machine learning. All loans through CASHe will be disbursed by One Capitall Ltd. An RBI- registered NBFC.

CASHe uses sophisticated proprietary technology that mines the borrowers’ social network and requests basic documentation to arrive at a “Social Loan Quotient” [SLQ] and a loan eligibility amount. Using multiple unique data points to arrive at a distinct credit profile for the customer, CASHe will transform traditional credit measurements, providing financial inclusion to underserved young professionals who are kept out by traditional credit rating and banking systems.

By providing basic information on a smart phone, professionals can avail of – within minutes – a convenient 15-day loan for a one-time processing fee with no other hidden costs, no painful paper work and no human interaction. CASHe’s target clients are young professionals between 20-35 years old. Upon confirming eligibility, these employed individuals can avail of a loan of up to 40% of their monthly income instantaneously at a rate of interest on par with credit cards.

Film star, Arjun Kapoor stated

Today’s generation believes in instant gratification. If I have to speak on behalf of the generation I represent then I would say our fundamental belief in life is to work hard but party harder and at most instances we run out of resources to cater to our fast paced lifestyles. Saving money is more important to my parent’s generation than it is to my generation. CASHe will be the go-to app to raise immediate and efficient money. CASHe is a great way to ensure financial independence and responsibility at the same time. I am delighted to be associated with CASHe.

About CASHe

CASHe, a fin-tech product from TSLC Pte Ltd., is as unique as the young professionals it serves. In a smart digital world, CASHe offers millennials quick and easy personal loans through processes that are transparent, innovative and tuned to the times. CASHe utilises sophisticated algorithms and machine learning capabilities to deliver an amazing and improved lending experience to our customers, thereby helping young professionals achieve their financial goals effortlessly. CASHe is India’s only cash giving app that offers instant transfer of funds for approved applicants. An initiative established by a visionary founder whose last venture was valued at over a billion dollars, CASHe is brought to you by a team known as much for its expertise and experience in technology, banking, AI and big data analytics as it is for its past entrepreneurial success. For more information, please visit CASHe

[Image Source* – Cashe]

|In: Incubators|Last Updated: | 0 Comments

Startup incubator Kstart, an initiative of Indian venture capital firm Kalaari Capital, announced a collaboration with IBM to foster the startup ecosystem in India. Together, Kstart & IBM will offer training & mentoring sessions and Kstart’s entire roster of seed-stage portfolio companies will have the opportunity to apply for the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program, which provides business mentoring, technical support, networking opportunities with enterprise clients and credits to help entrepreneurs build their applications on IBM Cloud.

According to a 2015 report by industry body NASSCOM and Zinnov, India holds the third position in the world in terms of the number of startups, and has the fastest growing startup base worldwide [Source – NASSCOM]

To support this boom in the Indian startup ecosystem, Kstart and IBM will work together to spur the next generation of innovation throughout the country and ensure that startups have access to the support they need to get their solutions into the marketplace. IBM business leaders and technology experts will help Kstart portfolio companies create go-to-market strategies, achieve market alignment and augment their technology road-maps. IBM will also invite Kstart participants to training sessions on cognitive learning, analytics and product design.

In return, Kstart will drive awareness and engagement with IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Program (GEP), where startups can apply for up to $120,000 in cloud credits to develop and run their applications on IBM Cloud. Credits can be used on cloud infrastructure or development through Bluemix, which offers 150 APIs from IBM and third parties, including a number of Watson APIs.

Developers can tap into next-generation technology areas like cognitive computing, IoT & analytics and rapidly bring their solutions to market on a cloud platform that spans 46 cloud data centers worldwide. The GEP also provides business mentoring, technology expertise and connections with IBM’s global roster of enterprise clients.

IBM’s collaboration with Kstart is an extension of IBM’s commitment to the Indian ecosystem and builds on the company’s previous announcements, including its cloud data centre in Chennai and partnership with NASSCOM for Techstartup, a digital hub wherein the entire Indian startup ecosystem, including angels, mentors, investors, academia and venture capitalists, can interact with each other to grow the cloud market. Shortly after launching that hub, IBM also introduced localized hubs in Bangalore [techstartup.in] and Delhi [delhi.techstartup.in].

Nipun Mehrotra, Vice President, Growth Initiatives IBM India/ South Asia said

We believe in creating an environment that can foster innovation, which is why we working with Kalaari Capital to encourage and support the startup community in their journeys. IBM is committed to helping incubators, early stage startup companies and next-generation developer communities get access to a range of IBM innovations around cloud, analytics, mobile and cognitive to build and innovate. By using a combination of IBM’s technology offerings, guidance and support, startups can accelerate their time-to-market and establish enhancements that differentiate the customer experience.

Sandy Carter, general manager of the developer ecosystem and startups at IBM said

IBM partners with key incubators and accelerators around the world in order to support local startups. We offer cloud technology, business expertise and industry knowledge in support of these great enablers of entrepreneurship.

Kalaari is one of India’s largest VCs with a fund value of $650 million and investments in companies like Snapdeal, Urban Ladder, Simplilearn, Myntra and more. Kalaari has made a significant investment in the ecosystem by starting an early stage startup incubator and is taking this investment a step further in its relationship with IBM.

Vani Kola, Venture Capitalist, Kalaari said

We have chosen to work with IBM because of the value of its Global Entrepreneur Program, which aligns with our own core tenants of success, including business mentoring and supportive networks. Collaborating with IBM will help us equip our entrepreneurs with the right expertise and tools to succeed. We welcome our new working relationship with IBM to create impact in India by enabling next-generation startups. We appreciate the support and initiative from IBM to foster the startup community. 

About Kstart

Kstart, a Kalaari Capital initiative, is a unique seed program designed to empower next generation startups and accelerate disruptive ideas to become market-leading companies. For details, please visit kstart.in and follow Kstart on Twitter @kstartIndia

[Image Source* – KStart]

|In: startups|Last Updated: | 0 Comments

Fresh To Home, India’s first e-commerce venture for fresh, chemical-free seafood and meat, announced the official launch of their brand in India. On the occasion, the company unveiled the Fresh To Home marketplace, a first-of-its kind Internet based market place that will organize and connect fish & meat farmers to consumers directly. The company also announced the launch of same-day delivery operations across two time slots in a day across 100 locations in Bangalore.

The India Market is among the largest in the world for perishable food produce with over $200 billion of fresh produce consumed in 2014. The non-vegetarian segment has seen a particularly large growth with over 60% of Indians consuming non-vegetarian product. As an example, the poultry and chicken market in India has been growing at a CAGR of over 20% year on year.

India is also the second largest producer of fish in the world having produced around $50 Billion worth of fish with over 90% of it consumed domestically. However in spite of the large market size, less than 1% of the supply chain goes through organized segments. Rest goes through a multitude of middlemen from the farmer to the consumer leading to food safety issues, use of chemical preservatives, wastage and the consumer not getting the best quality produce.

Freshtohome.com takes a fresh look at solving the problems inherent in the supply chain of perishables in India, by connecting the fishermen & farmers directly with the consumers through the use of some disruptive technology.  The company utilizes innovative supply chain and sourcing methods through the Fresh To Home Market Place technology to provide fresh, chemical-free food produce directly from the producers at the doorsteps of the consumers. Since its soft launch in August 2015, the company has fast become a popular destination for chemical-free fish and antibiotic-free meats sourced directly from the coasts and farm, having crossed 20,000 users in the last 6 months. The company, which clocks in 3 tons of produce per day, has seen 65% month-on-month customer retention. Fresh To Home currently serves customers in Bangalore, Delhi, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Shan Kadavil, CEO of Fresh To Home said

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it is important for one to understand and consume fresh and chemical-free food. At Fresh to Home, we take great pride in enabling a first of its kind market place for fish & meat, which will ensure direct procurement from the fishermen or farmers without any middlemen in between.

We are not Hyper Local but Hyper Fresh as we provide the freshest of fresh food to you straight from the source. This investment is a powerful endorsement of our ability to provide unique and fresh products to our customers. We are delighted to partner with a strong team of investors who can help realize our vision and aggressive growth expectations.

The company is backed by some of the leading entrepreneurs and investors in the world including Mark Pincus of Zynga Inc, Rajan Anandan of Google, Pavan Ongole; ex-India Head of Softbank Capital, Walter Kortshack of Kortshack Investments, Timothy Flaherty; Co-Founder Silver Creek Capital among others.

About Fresh To Home

The Fresh To Home platform utilizes innovative supply chain and sourcing methods using technology to connect meat farmers and fishermen with the consumers directly. Since its soft launch in August 2015, the company has fast become a popular destination for chemical-free fish and antibiotic-free meats sourced directly from the coasts and farm, having crossed 20,000 users in the last 6 months. For more information, please visit FreshToHome