Startup77

Dell Technologies is expanding its skills development initiatives in India with a strong focus on Generative AI (GenAI). This strategic expansion aims to enhance the digital workforce by offering specialized training programs and certifications in GenAI. These programs are tailored for students, professionals, and organizations across various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, equipping them with the skills needed to leverage AI technologies effectively. This initiative aligns with India's national vision of becoming a global leader in AI and digital innovation. Dell Technologies will collaborate with educational institutions, industry partners, and government bodies to implement these training programs nationwide. By addressing the growing demand for AI expertise and bridging the skill gap, Dell aims to support the advancement of India’s digital economy and contribute to the country's leadership in emerging technologies. #DellTechnologies #GenerativeAI #SkillsDevelopment #AITraining #DigitalWorkforce #TechEducation #IndiaInnovation #AIInHealthcare #AIInFinance #AIInManufacturing #DigitalEconomy #TechnologySkills #startup77

RentenPe has launched the R-Card, India's first digital rental identity, aiming to revolutionize the rental landscape. The R-Card acts as a digital ID, providing tenants with access to better rental deals, faster approvals, and potential rent discounts, while offering landlords verified tenant profiles and early rent facilities. This innovation simplifies the rental process and builds trust between tenants and landlords. RentenPe, founded by Sharad Kachalia of Navnit Group, Gopal Shukla, an IIT Bombay alumnus, and Shantanu Yadav, a serial entrepreneur, is set to integrate rent payments into the financial system, addressing inefficiencies in the residential rental market with services like Rent Credit Scoring. Built over three years of research, RentenPe's platform aims to create a more secure and equitable future for both tenants and landlords across India. The R-Card and Rent Credit Score are expected to streamline rental transactions and enhance transparency, positioning RentenPe as a game-changer in the market. By leveraging digital tools, RentenPe is poised to make renting more accessible and efficient, transforming how rental transactions are managed nationwide. #RentenPe #RCard #DigitalRentalIdentity #FintechInnovation #RentalMarket #SharadKachalia #GopalShukla #ShantanuYadav #RentalRevolution #RentCreditScoring #TenantLandlordTrust #TechnologyInRenting #startup77

PayU, backed by Naspers Limited, is expanding its consumer fintech offerings through LazyPay, aiming to build a full-stack consumer payments and credit platform. While maintaining its core focus on merchant payments, PayU plans to leverage LazyPay to develop a B2B2C model, serving enterprise merchants, financial institutions, and consumers, according to CEO Anirban Mukherjee. Mukherjee noted that all sub-brands within PayU, such as LazyPay and Wibmo, will eventually be unified under the PayU brand. He also highlighted that the company anticipates regulations allowing nonbank lenders on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which will open new credit opportunities. In addition to consumer payments, PayU's long-term expansion plans include entering wealth management and insurance distribution, facilitated by its 30% stake in the Bengaluru-based wealthtech startup Fisdom. The firm also sees potential in cross-border payments, bolstered by its status as an Online Payment Gateway Solution Provider (OPGSP) and its investment in the early-stage startup BRISKPE , which specializes in cross-border payments. #PayU #LazyPay #Fintech #ConsumerPayments #CreditPlatform #UPI #WealthManagement #CrossBorderPayments #IPO #DigitalTransformation #FinancialInclusion #startup77

The Ahmedabad Traffic Police have introduced 'AC helmets' to help officers combat the extreme summer heat while on duty. These helmets feature a unique design with a built-in fan-like structure on top, powered by a battery pack worn around the waist, which allows them to operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge. In addition to providing a cooling effect, the helmets also protect officers from dust and pollutants, enhancing their comfort and safety while managing traffic. The trial phase is currently underway at three locations in Ahmedabad: Pirana Crossroads, Thakkarnagar char rasta, and Nana Chiloda Circle, areas known for high levels of pollution and traffic congestion. The initiative aims to improve working conditions for traffic police officers who endure long shifts in harsh environments. If the trial proves successful, the AC helmets will be distributed to all traffic officers in the city. These AC helmets, though slightly heavier by 500 grams compared to regular helmets, offer a significant advantage in terms of cooling and protection. Safin Hasan, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic East, Ahmedabad, mentioned that this innovative solution came after earlier attempts with cartridge masks failed due to breathing difficulties for the officers. The trial began on August 10, 2023, and the success of this initiative could lead to a broader rollout, providing much-needed relief to traffic police officers in Ahmedabad. #AhmedabadPolice #ACHelmets #TrafficPolice #Innovation #HeatProtection #PoliceSafety #UrbanInnovation #TechnologyInPolicing #PublicSafety #PollutionProtection #startup77

Tata Consumer Products Limited(TCPL) has successfully completed the merger of its three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Tata Soulfull, NourishCo Beverages Limited, and Tata SmartFoodz Ltd. This consolidation follows approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and other regulatory bodies, with the merger officially effective from September 1, 2024. The move aligns with TCPL's strategy to streamline and simplify its business operations, aiming to unlock efficiencies and synergies within its portfolio. This merger will not affect the operational structure of the merged units, which will continue to focus on their respective product portfolios, including millet-based products, ready-to-drink items, and ready-to-cook/ready-to-eat offerings. TCPL, a major player in the FMCG sector, boasts a diverse product range that includes tea, coffee, water, salt, pulses, spices, and snacks, with well-known brands such as Tata Tea, Tetley, Eight O'Clock Coffee, and Himalayan Natural Mineral Water. This strategic move is expected to enhance TCPL's operational efficiency and strengthen its market position. #TataConsumerProducts #Merger #FMCG #BusinessConsolidation #RegulatoryApproval #OperationalEfficiency #ProductPortfolios #MilletBasedProducts #ReadyToDrink #ReadyToCook #BrandSynergies #TataTea #Tetley #startup77

Google-backed APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0 has selected four Indian organizations—INREM Foundation, CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), Institute for Financial Management and Research (WELL Labs), and Gujarat Mahila Housing Sewa Trust (MHT)—among 14 other recipients across the Asia Pacific region. Supported by a $5 million grant from Google.org, the fund is managed by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and aims to foster AI-driven solutions addressing environmental and social challenges. INREM Foundation will develop AI-enabled digital solutions for community access to water contamination data, while CRDF will leverage machine learning and satellite imagery to protect lakes and enhance their carbon sink function. WELL Labs plans to create advanced models for village-level water security insights, and MHT will develop an AI-powered model to identify urban heat islands and propose community-focused solutions. This initiative builds on the success of Google.org’s previous $3 million grant to APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 1.0, which has already made a significant impact by saving over 13 million tonnes of water and mitigating 3,700 tonnes of carbon emissions in India’s agriculture sector. #GoogleOrg #Sustainability #ClimateAction #AIForGood #INREMFoundation #CRDF #WELLLabs #MHT #APACSeedFund #EnvironmentalInnovation #AIInClimateAction #TechForGood #startup77

Agri-inputs platform AGRIM, which operates on a B2B on-demand model, has raised USD 17.3 million (Rs 145 crores) in a Series B funding round led by Asia Impact, with participation from existing investors. Unitus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor for the transaction. Founded in 2020 by Mukul Garg and Avi Jain, AGRIM plans to use the funds to expand its operations and enhance its technology, aiming to become the preferred platform for agri-input retailers in India. The funds will be allocated towards investments in technology and human resources to develop innovative digital solutions for the agri-inputs supply chain. AGRIM currently offers over 30,000 SKUs from 1,200 manufacturers to 25,000 retailers, serving 15 million farmers. The company previously raised USD 10 million in a Series A round led by Kalaari Capital. #AGRIM #SeriesBFunding #AsiaImpact #AgriInputs #B2BPlatform #StartupFunding #IndiaAgriculture #DigitalTransformation #AgTech #TechnologyEnhancement #RetailersPlatform #AgricultureInnovation #InvestmentNews #FarmingSolutions #GurugramStartups #startup77

Specialty coffee and bakery brand Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has raised $35 million in a Series C funding round led by Verlinvest, with participation from existing investors Anicut Capital LLP and A91 Partners. This funding will enable Blue Tokai to strengthen its presence in metro markets and expand into new tier I and II cities across India over the next three years. Founded in 2013 by Matt Chitharanjan, Namrata Asthana, and Shivam Shahi, Blue Tokai has rapidly grown, doubling its store count to 130 outlets in the past year. With the new capital infusion, the company plans to expand to over 350 locations within the next 30-36 months, drive product innovation, and explore new channels. This investment marks a significant step in Blue Tokai's journey to becoming a leading player in India's specialty coffee market. #BlueTokai #Funding #Verlinvest #SeriesCFunding #CoffeeExpansion #SpecialtyCoffee #IndiaGrowth #StartupFunding #MetroMarkets #Tier1And2Cities #InvestmentNews #CoffeeLovers #BusinessExpansion #FoodAndBeverage #InnovationInCoffee #startup77

HDB Financial Services Ltd. has become the first non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India to implement the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) e-KYC Setu system. This strategic move aims to streamline customer onboarding by enhancing the efficiency and security of the KYC (Know Your Customer) process through digital solutions. NPCI’s e-KYC Setu system facilitates electronic verification of customer identities by integrating with multiple government databases, reducing the time and effort involved in traditional KYC processes. HDBFS’s adoption of this advanced system reflects its commitment to digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and providing a user-friendly experience. This implementation marks a significant step in HDBFS’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer service by leveraging innovative technology for seamless and secure customer verifications. #HDBFinancialServices #eKYCSetu #NPCI #DigitalTransformation #Fintech #CustomerOnboarding #SecureVerification #NBFC #IndiaFinance #KYCProcess #InnovationInFinance #BFSI #TechInFinance #DigitalSolutions #RegulatoryCompliance #startup77

Mastercard has teamed up with boAt Lifestyle to introduce tap and pay functionality on boAt’s wearable devices, enhancing the convenience of contactless payments through smartwatches. The new feature, available via the CrestPay application, allows Mastercard cardholders to tokenize their cards and make secure, PIN-free transactions up to INR 5,000. Secured by Mastercard’s device tokenization technology, which uses cryptograms to ensure transaction safety, the service will initially be accessible to Mastercard cardholders from select banks, with plans for broader expansion. Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, emphasized the partnership's contribution to advancing secure and inclusive payment options. Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of boAt, highlighted the initiative as a significant move towards enhancing customer experience through innovative payment solutions. #Mastercard #boAt #TapAndPay #WearableTechnology #ContactlessPayments #FintechInnovation #SecurePayments #Tokenization #SmartWatches #TechInFinance #DigitalPayments #CustomerExperience #FintechPartnerships #IndiaTech #FutureOfPayments #startup77