Author: lakshmanan
Zoho Corporation, a global SaaS leader, has entered the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) ecosystem with its Vikra Seller App. Additionally, the company launched Zoho IoT, a low-code platform for integrating IoT solutions into business operations. These announcements, made at Zoholics India 2024, showcase Zoho’s commitment to empowering SMBs and driving digital transformation.Vikra Seller App: Connecting SMBs to ONDCZoho’s Vikra Seller App for ONDC is a game-changer for SMBs looking to expand their digital reach. The app allows sellers to connect with the ONDC network, enabling them to engage with buyers across platforms. By joining ONDC through the Zoho…
In a significant milestone for the home food tech industry, Cookr, a promising startup from Tamil Nadu, has successfully raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. This investment not only validates the growing interest in tech-driven solutions for the home food market but also positions Cookr for remarkable growth and innovation.Revolutionizing Home Food: Cookr’s vision is to transform the way people access and enjoy home-cooked meals. By creating a platform that connects skilled home cooks with food enthusiasts seeking authentic, regional flavors, Cookr aims to redefine the home food landscape. The startup’s mission is to offer a diverse array of meal options…
Whatfix, a leading provider of digital adoption solutions, has raised $125 million in a Series E funding round. Warburg Pincus led this round, with notable participation from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and existing investors like Sequoia Capital India. This funding boosts Whatfix’s valuation to approximately $900 million, inching it closer to unicorn status—a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion. Since its founding in 2014, Whatfix has played a vital role in helping businesses enhance user engagement with enterprise applications.Fueling Global Expansion and Product InnovationThe new funding will fuel Whatfix’s plans for global expansion and product innovation. Its digital…
In a bold move that underscores its unwavering commitment to artificial intelligence (AI), Salesforce Ventures, the global investment arm of Salesforce, has announced a significant increase in its AI fund. The firm has raised the fund to an impressive $1 billion, marking the second time it has doubled its investment in this rapidly evolving space. This strategic decision solidifies Salesforce’s position as a key player in driving AI innovation and integration across industries.A Catalyst for AI Innovation: Salesforce’s decision to double its AI fund comes at a pivotal moment in the AI ecosystem, as businesses across all sectors are recognizing the…
Michelin, the global tyre manufacturing giant, has announced plans to build a ₹564 crore factory near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to producing premium passenger car tyres. This major investment highlights Michelin’s commitment to expanding its footprint in India, a market witnessing increasing demand for high-performance tyres driven by the growth in the luxury car segment.The new factory, located at Michelin’s existing plant near Chennai, will significantly boost local production capacity. This move aims to cater to the domestic market and opens the door for potential exports of premium car tyres to international markets. The investment underscores India’s strategic importance in…
In a groundbreaking move, Cisco, a global leader in networking and IT, has launched a $1 billion global AI investment fund. This initiative aims to empower AI-driven startups and foster the development of trustworthy, responsible AI solutions across industries. With this strategic investment, Cisco positions itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, driving innovation in AI infrastructure, tools, and applications that could reshape the business landscape.Nurturing the AI Ecosystem: Supporting Startups and Responsible AICisco’s $1 billion fund will primarily focus on early-stage startups pioneering AI technologies and applications in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and cybersecurity. By providing…
In an age where speed defines our aspirations, the dream of hyperloop transportation is becoming a reality. Imagine a world where cities are just minutes apart, with travel that is rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This vision drives TuTr Hyperloop, a pioneering startup at IIT Madras. They are dedicated to developing full-scale hyperloop infrastructure, making high-speed transportation in India not just promising but achievable. A New Era of Transportation The hyperloop concept has captured imaginations worldwide. It presents a transformative approach to travel. Designed to reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour, this innovative system aims to revolutionize…
In a significant development for the Indian automotive sector, Ford Motor Company has announced plans to restart its manufacturing plant near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This strategic move will focus on vehicle exports and is expected to create up to 3,000 new jobs, marking a substantial boost to the local economy and the auto industry.Details of the Revival PlanFord’s decision to reinvest in its Chennai plant comes after a period of uncertainty and partial closure. The revival plan involves repurposing the plant to cater specifically to international markets, with a focus on enhancing the company’s export capabilities.Plant Location: Chennai, Tamil NaduFocus:…
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its hybrid cloud and AI-driven cost optimization services, IBM has announced the acquisition of Kubecost, a pioneering cost optimization startup specializing in Kubernetes cost management. Founded by an Indian-origin entrepreneur, Kubecost has revolutionized the way businesses manage their cloud expenses, providing real-time cost monitoring and optimization for Kubernetes environments. This acquisition reinforces IBM’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge cloud cost management solutions to enterprises globally.Kubecost: Transforming Kubernetes Cost Management: Kubecost has made a name for itself in the cloud-native ecosystem with its innovative FinOps (Financial Operations) platform. By offering real-time cost monitoring and optimization…
In a groundbreaking move that underscores India’s growing prominence in the global technology arena, Finnish telecom giant Nokia has announced its ambitious plans to establish the world’s largest fixed network testbed in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the telecommunications industry, solidifying India’s position as a global hub for technological research and development. With a laser focus on testing and validating fixed network technologies, Nokia’s testbed aims to ensure unparalleled performance and reliability for telecommunications services worldwide.A Landmark Investment in India’s R&D Ecosystem: Nokia’s upcoming testbed in Chennai represents a significant milestone in India’s R&D landscape. As…