Krishna Priya Akella

Unicorns are out, Indicorns are in! 🦄➡🇮🇳 “It’s time we abandon the concept of unicorns and start creating Indicorns– profitable startups with Rs 100 crore+ revenue, started in the last 15 years,” said Kunal Bahl, Co-founder of Snapdeal | AceVector Group & Titan Capital, during #TechSparks2024 in Bengaluru. Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gpAfZpmk Shradha Sharma

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The eCommerce market is on the cusp of becoming a multi-billion-$ industry, with revenues in the Indian market alone projected to surpass US$58.97 billion by the end of 2024 The exponential growth presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to venture into eCommerce app development If you're an entrepreneur aiming to make a mark in booming ecommerce sector, there's no better time than now By integrating the latest technological advancements into your eCommerce app, you can create a seamless and engaging shopping experience that meets the evolving needs of your target audience But the main question is.. Are you ready to take the plunge? I have worked with over 70 clients who were ready to take this plunge. DM me for any advice on the eCommerce space. Would be happy to help :)) #ecommerceapps #techtrends2024 #techtrends2025 #retailinsights #ecommerceappdevelopment #digitalstrategy2024 #virtualtryon  #AppDevelopment #technolpgyintegrations

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ZEPIC, Inc., a SaaS-based customer experience firm, has secured $2.1 million (INR 17.5 crore) in pre-seed #capital from Neon Fund and other angel investors who hold prominent positions at Apple, Chargebee, Freshworks, Microsoft, and Zoho. Neon Fund had offered $500K to the round. ZEPIC intends to expand its market presence in the US and other regions and strengthen its AI offerings with the #additional funding. Out-of-the-box connectors and no-code philosophy throughout ZEPIC will allow for rapid integration with existing #customer management tools to present the best possible 360 degree view of the customer. ZEPIC, which was cofounded in 2023 by Sunil Kumar Somarajan Pillai, Bharathi Kannan Ravikumar, Naveen Venkat, and Sreelesh Pillai, assists companies in providing excellent customer experiences across #channels and platforms. Siddhartha Ahluwalia To share your startup story write us on - [email protected] #zepic #neon #startup #funding

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Just watched an amazing podcast by Think School ® featuring Amit Jain. They built a company of that scale mostly using organic marketing. Truly inspirational. Highly recommended podcast - https://lnkd.in/e3CJCAEV #PodcastRecommendation #OrganicMarketing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #InspirationalStories #MarketingStrategies #StartupSuccess #BusinessLeaders #ThinkSchool #AmitJain

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New Post: Paytm loss widens and revenue shrinks following regulatory clampdown - https://lnkd.in/gjbpaDpH - Paytm’s loss widened even as revenue declined by 36% year-on-year as the once-poster star of Indian startup ecosystem continues to grapple with the Reserve Bank of India’s clampdown that significantly curtailed the payments bank business unit.  The Noida-headquartered firm’s loss more than doubled to $100 million in the quarter ending June, it disclosed Friday. The © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. - #news #business #world -------------------------------------------------- Download: #Google #Font #Tester - https://lnkd.in/gKAZYbVN

How can startups get covered by media (outside of funding) . Michelle Kumar gives out some tips on Table Talk with Aishwarya Suresh and me

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"WhatsApp: The Ultimate Disruptor for Hyperlocal Commerce” WhatsApp is emerging as a strong competitor to hyperlocal apps, thanks to its massive user base and versatile platform. Small businesses heavily rely on WhatsApp for order processing, payment requests, and customer follow-ups—all through a familiar and easy-to-use interface. Here’s why WhatsApp has the edge over specialized hyperlocal apps: "Wide Reach and Accessibility": WhatsApp is deeply integrated into everyday life, used by millions for both personal and business communication. This gives it a broader reach than many hyperlocal apps, which must build their user base from the ground up. "Ease of Use": WhatsApp’s simplicity makes it user-friendly for small businesses and consumers alike. Unlike hyperlocal apps that require new downloads, accounts, and learning curves, WhatsApp is already familiar to most users. "Payment Solutions": WhatsApp Pay offers in-app transactions, which could replace payment features in hyperlocal services. However, it hasn’t gained widespread adoption, with users often preferring other UPI apps and sharing payment confirmations via WhatsApp. Here, hyperlocal apps have an advantage with automated reconciliations and multiple payment options. "Community Building": WhatsApp groups and broadcasts help businesses reach larger audiences quickly, benefiting local stores, events, and services. Hyperlocal apps may take longer to build this kind of community engagement. "Cost-Effective Marketing": WhatsApp offers a low-cost marketing channel, making it attractive for small businesses. However, for bulk personalized messaging, WhatsApp requires API integration and message template approval, which can be up to five times more expensive than SMS. While WhatsApp provides a convenient, all-in-one platform for small businesses, it also presents challenges for scaling, especially in terms of product offerings, customization, and personalized communication. WhatsApp Business and API integrations address some of these issues but come with added costs and a learning curve for small businesses.

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💼 Uniqus Consultech Raises $10 Million for Expansion. 📈 SUMMARY: Enterprise tech startup Uniqus Consultech has secured $10 Mn in a Series B funding round led by Nexus Venture Partners, with participation from Sorin Investments. The funding will drive the company's growth phase, including scaling up existing solutions, launching new service offerings, and expanding into new geographical markets. 💰 FUNDING DETAILS: - Series B round raises $10 Mn, with Nexus Venture Partners and Sorin Investments as lead investors. - The capital infusion will fuel Uniqus Consultech's expansion plans, encompassing the scaling up of existing solutions, introduction of new services, and technological advancements. 🚀 GROWTH STRATEGY: - Uniqus Consultech, founded by Jamil Khatri and Sandip Khetan, specializes in ESG and accounting and reporting consulting. - The funding enables the company to broaden its solutions portfolio, explore new markets, and accelerate growth initiatives. - With operations across eight cities in the US, India, and the Middle East, and a workforce of over 350 employees, Uniqus Consultech serves more than 150 clients. 🌐 GLOBAL PRESENCE: - Uniqus Consultech's cloud-based delivery model, combined with proprietary technology, positions it as a disruptor in the consulting industry. - The startup caters to a global clientele and has launched an AI assistant for financial reporting and ESG services, enhancing its value proposition. 👥 INVESTOR REMARKS: - Anup Gupta of Nexus Venture Partners commended Uniqus Consultech's unique approach, leveraging technology and human expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions. - The funding reflects investors' confidence in the company's growth potential and its ability to redefine the tech-enabled consulting landscape. 📈 SECTOR TRENDS: - The enterprise tech sector has witnessed significant growth, with substantial funding and acquisitions, indicating a robust ecosystem. - Inc42's Indian Startup Funding Report highlights the sector's momentum, with a surge in acquisitions and increased investor interest. Uniqus Consultech's successful funding round underscores its position as a frontrunner in tech-enabled consulting, poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities and drive innovation in the industry. Uniqus Consultech Inc. #UniqusConsultech #Funding #SeriesB #EnterpriseTech #Consulting #StartUpNews #BusinessNews #MicroShots #NewsUpdates

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Once considered as the Indian alternative to Twitter, Koo, a microblogging social media application, is shutting down. Koo was in talks with DailyHunt for acquisition, but the talks failed last week. The company had raised over $65 million but failed to gain enough traction. What can we learn: The downfall of Koo highlights several critical lessons for brand owners. -> First, securing substantial funding is not a guarantee of success; understanding and meeting market demands is crucial. -> Second, strategic partnerships and timely acquisitions can be game-changers, but they must align well with the company's vision and operational strengths. -> Finally, continuous innovation and user engagement are key to maintaining relevance and growth in today's highly competitive market. #two99

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BizDateUp has taken part in Swiggy's pre-IPO round via an off-market secondary deal, attracting attention from multiple high-profile investors.   BizDateUp, known for supporting startups, saw considerable growth in FY 2023-24, having funded over 25 startups and raised a $10 million fund. With an average return of 3.5X, the company continues to expand its influence in the startup ecosystem. This move aligns with their focus on high-potential sectors like food delivery, which is evolving with tech innovations. #BizDateUp #Swiggy #Investment #FoodDelivery #StartupEcosystem #TechInnovation #IndianStartups #PreIPO #Startup77

*** Google's Business Messages - Deprecates on Jul 31st! *** Google has announced that Google's Business Messages aka Google Chat option on Business Profiles will be deprecated from July 31st 2024. What this means for location businesses is consumers visiting the business' Maps/GBPs will no longer be able to interact via the “Chat” icon. They can continue to use other options such as "Call" or “Website” or “Book Appointment” If Google Chat has been a choice for your consumers from search, it's imperative that you start thinking of alternate strategies to transition your consumers to an alternate chat platform - possibly Whatsapp, Insta DMs or others channels for messaging. As an official GBM partner #Zceppa, we will help transition our customers to alternate channels for chat. Zceppa is also an official 360dialog Whatsapp For Business #WABA partner. Anirudh Gopinath Jothiram Athreya

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The only three ways to hit the S-curve on your marketing 1. Broad based marketing like TV ads or physical ads. 2. Email and SMS. More retention focused. 3. Build a brand. Google ads, Meta / Instagram ads, YouTube channel, WhatsApp marketing etc cannot help you scale beyond a point. But cannot be ignored either. TV / Physical ads may be expensive for a startup so only at much later stages. Email / SMS for retention and building your brand to be memorable both take time but needs to be done from Day 1.

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We were thrilled to support HubSpot For Startups' Bridging Borders event in Bengaluru focused on helping Indian startup founders enhance their go-to-market (GTM) strategies for success in the US market. The closed-door networking event was held in collaboration with Boundary Marketing, Deel, GoMassive Earth Network, 3one4 Capital and BonBillo. Key topics discussed: - Market insights to help understand the dynamics of the US market and how to tailor your entry strategy. - Sales & marketing tactics that enable startups to craft compelling narratives and leverage digital marketing strategies. - Gaining insights into building a diverse team that fosters innovation. Check out HubSpot's blog to design your GTM strategy with a template and examples: https://hubs.ly/Q02WJz270 #entrepreneurship

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Welcome to Dollar Commerce! Cannot wait to get this going. Already have some really inspiring D2C folks as guest writers to discuss all kinds of topics from advertising, fundraising and AI. Most importantly, we'll be sharing real founder stories, interviews, and also learnings and notes from what life is like inside the agency. One of many things we've found to be the most useful for our clients is what we're seeing across ours and others portfolio's. With little transparency into the platforms themselves, we hope this will help open up brands to resources you don't get from writers without a foot in the door. Maybe a few passion projects here and there too 😎 Here's what to expect: - Newsletter will be weekly (for now). This may change. - Will be promoted across X, LI, Instagram but exclusive access on Substack. - It's FREE. We may introduce a paid plan in the future. Definitely will be donation based to one of my favourite charities. It's currently a Substack newsletter, and you can subscribe below: https://lnkd.in/eHWP5qxn

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Apparently D2C businesses often see 30% higher profit margins than traditional retail models! But, do you know the key differences between D2C, B2C, and B2B, and why D2C is rapidly gaining traction in India. Read our latest blog to understand which model suits your business best and unlock success in the digital age! 👉 Read here: https://lnkd.in/gCYcCEcC #Ecommerce #D2C #B2C #B2B #OnlineSelling #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

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Zepto entering BNPL. I generally hate how startups see lending as a go-to strategy for growth - whether it is B2B marketplaces / manufacturing aggregators to Quick commerce (especially given the organic growth happening). I often wonder if it really enables true demand or ends up unduly inflating it only to bring it all down during downturns. But, in this case, I slightly differ. Consumers have historically enjoyed extended monthly settlements from their local grocers - remember, hisaab me likh lena! BNPL for Zepto eliminates another friction for customers in buying grocery online.

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