Varun Gupta

AstroTalk is redefining the spiritual-tech landscape with incredible growth in FY24. The Noida-based platform reported a 2.3x increase in revenue, reaching ₹651 crore, while profits surged nearly 12x to ₹99.99 crore. This exponential rise showcases AstroTalk’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining strong profitability. What’s Driving This #Transformation? Expanding Market Reach: AstroTalk’s revenue in India doubled to ₹529 crore, while international revenue jumped 4.2x to ₹121 crore. The demand for digital astrology services has gone global, breaking cultural barriers and tapping into a new wave of spirituality seekers. #AI-Powered User Experience: The integration of AI has been pivotal in delivering personalized, accurate astrology consultations. By analyzing user behavior, AI helps tailor predictions, improving satisfaction and increasing user retention. This shift to data-driven insights is fueling industry growth, making astrology more accessible and reliable than ever. Mobile App Convenience: AstroTalk’s mobile app is a game-changer, providing users with a seamless and intuitive experience. The app’s features, like instant chat consultations and 24/7 availability, have transformed how people access spiritual guidance. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a platform that meets the evolving expectations of today’s digital users. Strategic Investments and Scalability: AstroTalk’s significant spending on advertising (₹162 crore, up 116%) and professional services (₹319 crore, 60% of total costs) shows a strategic push for brand visibility and operational efficiency. With a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 40.16% and an EBITDA margin of 19.42%, the platform scales efficiently, spending just ₹0.82 to earn ₹1 of revenue. Shifting Consumer Trends: The increasing demand for instant, personalized guidance reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. Today’s users seek quick answers and digital-first solutions, and AstroTalk is perfectly positioned to meet these needs. This trend is adding more fuel to the spiritual-tech industry, driving innovation and attracting new players. Changing the Landscape of Spiritual-Tech AstroTalk isn’t just riding the wave—it’s shaping it. By combining traditional astrology with advanced AI and mobile-first strategies, it’s setting a new standard for the industry. This blend of tech and tradition is creating a sustainable model for growth, proving that spiritual services can thrive in the digital age. Investors are taking note, and with the broader spiritual-tech space already attracting over $60 million in funding, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. AstroTalk’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation in transforming industries. It’s time to watch this space closely—because the future of spirituality is digital. #AstrologyTech #SpiritualTech #AIInnovation #MobileApps #GrowthStory #AstroTalk #IndustryTrends #ScalingUp

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Excited to see Chiratae Ventures share our vision at Pepsales ! This partnership is a major step forward in our mission to transform B2B sales demos, which can be the “make-or-break” moment for any deal. 🖖 Imagine a world where every demo feels perfectly personalized to each buyer, bringing the product to life in a way that speaks directly to their needs and challenges. That’s the power we’re bringing to B2B sales teams. With AI-driven personalization and automation, we’re simplifying a traditionally complex, time-consuming process. Chiratae recognized not only the problem we’re solving but the potential to empower sales teams to deliver demos that close deals faster and with greater impact. Here’s to reshaping the future of sales, one personalized demo at a time! 🥂 #pepsales #B2BSaaS #Chiratae #DemoAutomation Ajay Singh

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What’s shaping India’s startup ecosystem, and how can entrepreneurs thrive in today’s competitive market? In the second episode of Leadership Unplugged, T-Hub Founder and Managing Partner at Biome, Srinivas Kollipara, in conversation with Prof. Raj Shankar talks about key startup trends, challenges for VCs, and why Hyderabad is emerging as a top destination for innovation. Stay tuned for the full episode! #thub #startups #startupsinindia #venturecapital #investing #startupidea #leadershipunplugged

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PhysicsWallah (PW), the Lightspeed-backed edtech unicorn, has appointed Amit Sachdeva as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as it prepares for a 2025 IPO. Sachdeva, formerly CFO at Blinkit and IGT Solutions, brings extensive experience in tech and consumer finance, including leadership roles at Wipro. PW recently raised $210 million in funding led by Hornbill Capital and Lightspeed, doubling its valuation to $2.8 billion. The firm is aggressively expanding, planning 40 new centres in cities like Pune and Hyderabad, and allocating 60% of its funding for acquisitions. PW aims to become one of India’s first edtech firms to go public. By Hitanshi Kothari Article link - https://lnkd.in/dZ2d_3vH #PhysicsWallah #AmitSachdeva #CFO #IPO2025 #EducationSector #FinancialLeadership #CorporateGrowth #InvestmentOpportunities #EdTech #BusinessStrategy #TeamMarksmen #MarksmenDaily #InFocus

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The story of Acko and Varun Dua: 4 Lessons 2000Cr premium (FY24). 78 million customers. More than a billion policies issued. $500M raised. Thanks Varun for such an engaging and candid opening keynote session for the new Antler India Residency. Varun has built Acko into a one-of-its-kind insurance juggernaut across motor, health, life - including pioneering innovations via embedded/microinsurance models. The first time I met him in 2015 in Andheri, I was struck by the clarity of thought and even-keeled composure.. …even while talking about something crazy at that time - the idea of being the first startup to get an insurance manufacturing license! Rajiv Srivatsa and I were especially struck by 4 big reminders: (1) SURVIVE: In India, if you’re an ambitious founder who can stick through the hardships and survive for the first 6-7 years, you will likely create value immense value as one of the survivors. Flipkart, Zomato, PayTM, etc....Most large Internet successes still took 7-8 years before they established their dominance and then consolidated the gains. Many founders don’t appreciate this. (2) THE “HARDER” BUILD MAY BE THE RIGHT ONE vs. THE THIN LAYER: Many founders get discouraged by the seemingly insurmountable challenges of navigating regulated, capital intensive spaces like insurance and opt for the thin layer (distribution, affiliates, etc.). But esp. in a country like India, doing the hard work of manufacturing a new product / creating the rails / being the full-stack player likely ensures you’re one of the rare players, spending more energy on innovation vs. competition. (3) CONTROL OF LEVERS: Varun and team successfully built CoverFox before Acko, and while insurance distribution or brokerage in India is also a great business with high commissions, given infrequency and push nature of sales, Varun saw far more LTV potential via more control of levers… …from manufacturing the insurance product, a far better UX esp. the claims process for superior retention and lifetime value, embedded models, multiple nudges in the customer journey (and even extensions like garages) to solve additional pain points. All creating a highly trustworthy brand. (4) INTERNALIZING A BROADER VISION: Words matter. Varun doesn’t like Acko being described with jargon as "full-stack" or "digital insurer". To himself and to his team, he has insisted on a vision of “protection for the 200 million”. The knack of coopting people into your vision, and making it theirs, is a real superpower he has.

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𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒   1.Aurionpro 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 Arya.ai 𝐟𝐨𝐫 $𝟏𝟔.𝟓 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧   Aurionpro Solutions Limited has acquired Mumbai-based PaaS startup Arya.ai in an all-cash deal worth $16.5 million. With Aurionpro securing a 67% stake in Arya.ai, the acquisition bolsters its portfolio with expertise in AI, deep learning, and PaaS for banking and insurance sectors. Arya.ai's offerings include Arya API, Libra, and AryaXAI, catering to over 100 BFSI clients globally. The startup, founded in 2013, has previously raised approximately $2 million from investors like YourNest Venture Capital and VentureNursery. 2.LightFury Games 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 $𝟖.𝟓 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 Blume Ventures   Light Fury Games raises $8.5 million in Seed funding led by Blume Ventures, with participation from MIXI, Inc and Gemba Capital. Founded by ex-Unacademy and Tencent Games 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐬, the startup aims to develop AAA titles for mobile and console platforms, while also expanding its team and establishing studios in India and the UK. 3.𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 Ecozen 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 $𝟑𝟎 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧   Ecozen secures $30 million in funding from Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund, InCred Capital 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝, and IDFC Alternatives, expanding its climate-smart solutions. With revenue surging 139% in FY23 to Rs 293.24 crore, the Pune-based startup plans to enter African and Southeast Asian markets. Leveraging solar power, Ecozen aims to decarbonize sectors like milling, mobility, retail, and industry.   4.Wow! Momo 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 $𝟗 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝   Wow! Momo secures Rs 70 crore in extended Series D funding from Z3Partners, totaling Rs 480 crore in Series D. The quick service restaurant plans to utilize funds for brand expansion, distribution strengthening, and FMCG arm research. With 630 outlets across 38 cities, Wow! Momo targets an additional 200 outlets in FY25, aiming for a topline of Rs 650-700 crore in FY24, marking significant revenue growth over the past years. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 Corporate Valuations 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 #news #newshighlights #newsupdates #transactions #valuations #businessvaluation #investments #funding #startupvaluation #mergers #acquisitions #equity #funds

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I know VPs and AVPs who are getting paid 20LPA and I also know AEs in high-growing SaaS getting paid 30LPA+ In HSR Bengaluru a friend of mine works as AVP at 12LPA and they have 11 AVPs for a company size of 30 😅 In today's startup-driven world, designations don't hold much value. Yet, we often seek social validation and waste energy in unnecessary battles with HRs and Hiring Managers. Work, Bargain, and Negotiate for what TRULY matters -Salary (For your Bills, EMIs, and Savings) -ESOPs (For future wealth creation) And do your due diligence in understanding -Manager (A supportive and practical human) -Culture (You need peace and happiness to thrive) -Learning (To master your skills) Don't get blindsided by an 8-9% hike for a heavy title that will live on LinkedIn for NOT MORE than 24 hours. #sales #salary #designation #hike #saas #b2b

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India can’t be understood from a distance - took this line in his recent tweet from Aviral Bhatnagar I am just relating to the contexts I am going through through in the process of building and selling https://growwithcanvas.ai which helps soloprenuers businesses. The top 5 observations are ➡️ - There are so many soloprenuers in rural India with brilliant ideas and innovations, equally they have a “fear” to start and take it forward. - mentoring is one of the biggest challenge, open forums/platforms are at scaricity - community (startup/ womenprenuers/ education) is another major missing - many of them are missing the “listeners” - Funding remains the number one challenge, financial literacy is almost zero we can say. - streamlining operations, including tech in to the system, automation, digital presence- they are not exposed to. The observations are from the past two months, I document generally the requirements and the concerns of the client while having meetings. Any observations from your side - pls share. Valuepitch #canvas #business #ruralindia #India #entreprenuership #startup #womeninbusiness #growth

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This is a great list that Pearl Agarwal has shared Personally, I am more of a Notion plus make.com guy For my own start-up, whether it’s lead capture or HR management, CRM or an accounting software, I have built almost everything in Notion and automated them through make or relay.App But of course, there are other tools. You need MS teams for webinar and meetings along with their recording transcriptions and open AI for action items and lot of manual stuff Automation. I have this succesfully eliminated the need of otter.ai or fireflies Not to forget that I strongly recommend Setapp.app app, if you are Mac user because it makes life so so much easier #Startup #founders #startups #funding #accounting #audit #export #financialmodelling #pitchdeck #business101 #businessplanning #businessplan #funding #vcfunding #angelinvesting #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #startupmentor #scalability #scalable #cloudmigration #hardware #cpu #appdesign #diversification #productdesign #offering #cloud #business #vc #founder #fund #idea #concepts #interesting #general #possible #ticketsize #max

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Highperformr.ai, a marketing SaaS startup floated by former Freshworks executives Ramesh Ravishankar and Srivatsan Venkatesan, has raised $3.5 Mn (INR 29.2 Cr) in a seed funding round 👇 The startup’s first product, Highperformr for Teams, leverages generative AI and LLMs to help B2B businesses maximise their return on investment (ROI) on social media campaigns. The fresh capital will be deployed to further the startup's research and development activity, build the platform's native AI capabilities, and expand its distribution network. To read more in detail, click here: https://lnkd.in/gV8tqWyU #startups #fundraising #growth #saas

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NEW: Clear aka Cleartax perating scale grew by 93% year-on-year in FY24, while it reduced its losses by 59%, bringing them below Rs 100 crore in FY24. Its EBITDA margin improved significantly but remained negative at -40.26% due to high operational costs. Story by Md Salman Ashrafi

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File your ITR returns with ease! Clear, simple, and hassle-free steps to help you navigate the tax filing process. Don't miss the deadline! Get your returns filed today and enjoy a stress-free tax season. #TaxFiling #ITRReturns #ClearAndSimple #TaxSeason #FileNow #ClearTax

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The Indian term Indicorns are the true measure of success in India’s startup ecosystem. The new term propounded by the Kunal Bahal, Titan Capital. An alternative to 'unicorns', they represent profitable companies that have shot past the ₹100 crore revenue milestone as of FY 2023. Founded within the last 15 years, these startups exemplify remarkable growth and innovation—whether bootstrapped, acquired, or publicly listed. Here's a look at the diverse sectors where indicorns are showcasing the best of Indian innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.

#IndustryNews Koo app shuts down after failed merger talks. Founder Aprameya Radhakrishna cites high costs and funding issues. Read more at www.socialavenue.in. #ConnectAndEngage #SocialMediaUpdate #TechNews #KooApp #StartupNews

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Insights Success magazine gladly features Carina Softlabs Inc. steered by Mr Mayank Pande, the CEO and Co-founder, has emerged as a prominent player, making its mark as one of the leading game development companies in Central India. Read More: https://rb.gy/ietxhz #InsightsSucces #CarinaSoftlabs #GameDevelopment #EndToEndSolutions #ComprehensiveGaming #InnovativeGamesn #GameDesign #TopBusinessMagazine #BusinesseMagazine #IndianEntrepreneursSuccessStories

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Quick commerce in India is the biggest consumption story in the world right now. Billions of 💰 are being invested by US and other VCs to change the way how millions of Indians shop 🇮🇳 . It is SUPER INTERESTING to see how this market is evolving literally under our eyes daily. The Morning Context has an excellent piece on it today. It got me thinking of 5 things. But first, the article makes the point that QC works in India because of high population densities, an unorganised and inefficient legacy supply chain and low rider cost 🏍 to average order value. Their article is posted in the comments section. Here's what came to my mind: 1. Viruses can permanently change consumer behaviour: Would the acceleration in QC adoption have happened if rapid digitisation hadn't been driven by the pandemic. High population densities, legacy supply chains and cheap labour existed pre-covid as well. 2. Did your family astrologer predict the QC future we are building: Predicting the future is always hard. More square footage was being built for malls under the hypothesis that India will transition from unorganised retail to a formal retail format. While for some formats this will continue, think white goods, for soft categories it looks like brick and mortar might be the most expensive and risky way to start. Wonder if in a country so into astrology any astrologers predicted the rise of QC because.... 3. Consultants and analysts were clueless: Entrepreneurs build the future, and consultants at best are slow followers. Go back and look at their reports from 10 years ago, no one was talking about the rise of QC. Everyone was on and on about how underpenetrated organised retail is and writing bullish stories on listed brick and mortar retail companies. 4. Will the marriage of fast fashion and quick commerce be all song and dance: What's in store here? Shorter supply chains like Shein, cheaper products like Primark, and quicker inventory turns via QC or risk of higher returns and inventory bloat. Time will tell. 5. FMCG companies should hire tutors to study disruption theory, but not from Byju's: Many of the MNC's don't have a playbook they can get from their global parent companies - QC is a uniquely Indian phenomenon. If their Indian listed businesses trade at 50-70x PE multiples, their future is pricing in so much growth and stability. "All of the future is in the price" as one of India's leading equity investors responded to my chat message. What will crack first, FMCG multiples or QC momentum? Last week I wrote about Zomato and Zepto, two leading QC companies in India and their world class execution even if they copied this model from abroad. The link to that post is also in the comments.

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🚨 Mega investor sales in Swiggy's IPO 💰 Swiggy’s investors seized the moment in the private market, cashing in on high demand for shares ahead of the IPO. Before the IPO, Chinese internet giant Meituan Dianping and DST Global sold $250 million in shares, EACH, in the private market. DST and Meituan, besides other investors, also sold additional shares in the IPO. The pre-IPO cashouts doubled the secondary exits for Swiggy’s investors as part of the IPO buildup — from $800 million to $1.6 billion. We have the breakdown of numbers and what they mean for all the investors involved - https://lnkd.in/gBJxUHpB #swiggy #swiggyipo #IPO #quickcommerce #fooddelivery #zomato #zepto

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Stpi CoEs nurture India's tech startups - KillerStartups: STPI AIC STPINEXT in Bengaluru nurtures innovation in healthcare, IoT, and e-commerce, while STPI Fasal in Akola empowers Agri-tech startups with IoT- ... #iot #data #internetofthings

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🚨 BREAKING: MakeMyTrip Acquires Happay From CRED - While MMT will take Happay's brand and expense management biz, payment biz will remain with CRED - In late 2021, CRED acquired Happay for ~$180 Mn #CRED #Happay #Inc42 #MediaCoverage #MakeMyTrip

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