Author: saranya

Tech giant’s public policy head exits after just six months, highlighting ongoing leadership challenges in crucial growth marketIn a significant development that underscores the complex regulatory landscape for tech giants in India, Google’s head of public policy, Sreenivasa Reddy, has departed the company after a brief six-month tenure. The exit, confirmed by a Google spokesperson on Thursday, marks the second such departure in this critical role within two years, raising questions about the company’s regulatory navigation in one of its most important markets.Reddy, who joined Google in September 2023 bringing extensive experience from leadership roles at Microsoft and Apple India,…

Tech giant’s policy chief highlights India’s unique advantages in AI development, while emphasizing collaboration opportunities during PM Modi’s US visitIn a significant endorsement of India’s technological capabilities, Google’s global head of government affairs and public policy, Karan Bhatia, has expressed strong confidence in India’s potential to lead the artificial intelligence revolution. The statement comes at a crucial time when India is actively pursuing development of indigenous AI models and strengthening international partnerships in the technology sector.Speaking to PTI, Bhatia emphasized that Google is deeply aligned with India’s vision of developing homegrown foundational models, highlighting the company’s commitment to being an…

Indian AR developers drive 50% community growth, marking highest lens publications worldwide as Snap showcases next-gen AR glasses in MumbaiIn a significant development highlighting India’s growing prominence in augmented reality (AR) innovation, Snapchat has announced that India now leads globally in AR lens creation on its platform. The announcement, made during Snap’s second annual India AR Day event in Mumbai, underscores the rapid evolution of India’s digital creative ecosystem and its implications for states like Tamil Nadu, which hosts a thriving tech startup community.Bobby Murphy, Chief Technology Officer at Snap, revealed that India has achieved the highest number of AR…

D2C beauty giant Honasa Consumer posts Rs 40.2 crore profit in Q1 FY25, discontinues Ayuga brand while strengthening retail presence across India, including Tamil NaduIn a significant development for India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) beauty and personal care segment, Honasa Consumer Ltd, the parent company behind popular brands like Mamaearth and The Derma Co, has reported a substantial 62.7% increase in net profit for Q1 FY25. The company’s performance signals growing opportunities for beauty-tech startups in Tamil Nadu’s evolving retail landscape.The Gurugram-based company recorded a net profit of Rs 40.2 crore, up from Rs 24.7 crore in the corresponding quarter last year,…

E-commerce giant to pilot instant delivery service for everyday essentials, challenging established players Zepto and Swiggy Instamart in the southern marketIn a significant move that could reshape Tamil Nadu’s quick commerce landscape, Amazon India has announced its entry into the 15-minute delivery segment. The e-commerce leader plans to launch “Project Tez,” a quick commerce initiative focusing on everyday essentials, starting this December in select areas of Tamil Nadu.Samir Kumar, Amazon’s Country Head for India, revealed the company’s strategic push into the instant delivery space during a recent press interaction. “We are going to have our own offering of everyday essential…

Bengaluru tribunal’s latest directive adds new chapter to edtech giant’s ongoing insolvency saga, potentially impacting Tamil Nadu’s startup landscapeIn a significant development for India’s startup ecosystem, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Bengaluru bench has directed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to present its ₹158 crore settlement proposal before BYJU’S Committee of Creditors (CoC).This latest directive comes as part of the continuing insolvency proceedings against Think and Learn Private Limited, BYJU’S parent company.The NCLT’s decision, announced on Monday, follows the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) February 7 order, which had given the tribunal a one-week…

Chennai-based startup transforms merchant payments landscape with innovative device combining soundbox and card machine capabilities at breakthrough price pointIn a significant development for India’s digital payments ecosystem, ToneTag has unveiled a groundbreaking IoT Node that promises to revolutionize how merchants accept digital payments. The innovative device combines the functionality of traditional card machines with advanced features at the cost of a basic soundbox, positioning itself as a game-changer in the merchant payments space.The announcement comes at a crucial time when India’s retail sector, comprising over 45 million merchants, is rapidly transitioning to digital payment solutions. ToneTag’s solution addresses a critical…

Paytm Allocates 1.36 Lakh ESOP Shares to Employees Leading fintech giant strengthens employee retention strategy through expanded stock options, setting precedent for Tamil Nadu’s growing startup ecosystem In a strategic move to enhance employee ownership and retention, One97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of digital payments leader Paytm, has announced the allocation of 1,36,528 equity shares under its Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). This latest expansion, approved by the company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has increased the company’s total paid-up equity share capital from Rs 63.75 crore to Rs 63.76 crore. The development marks Paytm’s third major ESOP expansion in…

Partnership aims to empower MSMEs through specialized training, digital tools integration, and local export communities, targeting $200-300 billion in exports by 2030In a significant move to strengthen India’s e-commerce export capabilities, Amazon and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) have announced an extension of their strategic partnership, with a special focus on Tamil Nadu’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. The expanded collaboration, building upon their initial agreement from November 2023, aims to transform the state’s MSME sector through comprehensive digital enablement and export facilitation.The partnership’s renewed scope encompasses specialized training programs across Tamil Nadu’s 47 districts, marking a substantial expansion of…

Chennai Tribunal to Expedite ₹158 Crore Settlement Case as EdTech Giant Faces Multiple Legal ChallengesIn a significant development for India’s edtech sector, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has directed the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to reach a decision within seven days regarding the settlement dispute between BYJU’S and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This directive comes amid mounting challenges for the Bengaluru-based edtech company, which has been grappling with various legal and financial issues.The case, which has drawn significant attention in Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem, centers around a ₹158 crore settlement that was…