Peerzada Abrar
 "Peerzada Abrar")
Peerzada Abrar
Peerzada Abrar is a technology and business reporter at Business Standard. He covers the intersection of technology, AI, business, and society and its impact on our lives. This includes tracking top tech firms and startups. He joined Business Standard in 2019, after having worked at The Economic Times and The Hindu. There, he covered the entrepreneurship ecosystem, including startups, new technologies, venture capital, and private equity. A storyteller at heart, he is captivated by the potential of innovation to address global challenges. His narrative spans from resilient communities combating epidemics and natural disasters to groundbreaking initiatives that empower the underserved and transform humanitarian landscapes.
Peerzada Abrar is a technology and business reporter at Business Standard. He covers the intersection of technology, AI, business, and society and its impact on our lives. This includes tracking top tech firms and startups. He joined Business Standard in 2019, after having worked at The Economic Times and The Hindu. There, he covered the entrepreneurship ecosystem, including startups, new technologies, venture capital, and private equity. A storyteller at heart, he is captivated by the potential of innovation to address global challenges. His narrative spans from resilient communities combating epidemics and natural disasters to groundbreaking initiatives that empower the underserved and transform humanitarian landscapes.
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Unicorn startups' headcount declines 6.7k in a year: PrivateCircle Research
Mumbai unicorns saw a net decrease of 7,024 employees. Pune and Hyderabad too recorded a decrease in their overall workforce numbers
 "Unicorn startups' headcount declines 6.7k in a year: PrivateCircle Research")
Namma Yatri's eyes to transform mobility space with zero-commission model
Till date, Namma Yatri said it has generated over Rs 1,100 crore in driver earnings, improving their financial stability and livelihoods
 "Namma Yatri's eyes to transform mobility space with zero-commission model")
Zetwerk records Rs 17,564 cr GMV in 2023-24, valuation at $3.1 billion
Zetwerk raises $90 million in 2024, led by Khosla Ventures, Rakesh Gangwal, and Baillie Gifford, increasing its valuation to $3.1 billion
 "Zetwerk records Rs 17,564 cr GMV in 2023-24, valuation at $3.1 billion")
BluJ Aero, Blade India sign deal for sustainable regional aviation
Blade India will purchase 60 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft as part of agreement
 "BluJ Aero, Blade India sign deal for sustainable regional aviation")
AI firm Databricks raising $10 bn Series J Investment at $62 bn valuation
Funding led by new investor Thrive Capital. Company expects to cross $3 bn in revenue run rate and achieve positive free cash flow in fourth quarter
 "AI firm Databricks raising $10 bn Series J Investment at $62 bn valuation")
Bureau secures $30 m in Series B funding to combat growing cyber fraud
With global fraud losses surging past $5 trillion annually-a staggering 56 per cent increase in the past decade-the demand for advanced fraud prevention has never been more critical
 "Bureau secures $30 m in Series B funding to combat growing cyber fraud")
Kaapi Machines: Using digital tech to deliver a perfect cup of coffee
The firm's IoT-enabled machines are installed in offices and public places, including at Microsoft, Facebook, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the iconic Deccan Queen train
 "Kaapi Machines: Using digital tech to deliver a perfect cup of coffee")
magicpin introduces magicNOW 15 minute food delivery on a pilot basis
The food delivery firm will be initially launched in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Pune
 "magicpin introduces magicNOW 15 minute food delivery on a pilot basis")
India's alternative assets market to grow 5x to $2 trn by 2034: Report
Wealthy Indians offer 'significant growth potential' for such assets, it says
 "India's alternative assets market to grow 5x to $2 trn by 2034: Report")
Zero-commission model can raise driver incomes, says ONDC white paper
It reveals how open network models such as zero commission boost inclusive growth and strengthen local economies
 "Zero-commission model can raise driver incomes, says ONDC white paper")
Our India centre global innovation hub, not low-cost back office: Jayabalan
Jayabalan said the India GTDC is playing a crucial role for driving global innovations at the firm and the plan is to continue scaling up the centre both in terms of capacity and capabilities
 "Our India centre global innovation hub, not low-cost back office: Jayabalan")
Exotel accelerates AI-led innovations to redefine customer experience
Exotel's expansion into high-growth markets like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the USA is driving new revenue streams and the company said it is poised for strong growth in FY25
 "Exotel accelerates AI-led innovations to redefine customer experience")
AI firm Krutrim to power Kumbh Sahayak App for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The Kumbh Sah'AI'yak app is designed to serve crores of pilgrims and ensures real-time, uninterrupted responses.
 "AI firm Krutrim to power Kumbh Sahayak App for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025")
Small town buyers, Gen Z push Meesho's order growth by 35% in 2024
Despite challenging market conditions, Meesho sustained its growth trajectory, reaching approximately 175 million annual transacting users in 2024
 "Small town buyers, Gen Z push Meesho's order growth by 35% in 2024")
Uber launches women-only bike taxi service 'Moto Women' in Bengaluru
Rolled out first in Bengaluru, Uber has plans to scale it up in other top cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad
 "Uber launches women-only bike taxi service 'Moto Women' in Bengaluru")
As startups expand spacetech innovations for data, funds remain a concern
Spacetech startups are leveraging small satellites, cost-effective launch solutions, and the use of AI to introduce affordable technology that has a wide range of applications
 "As startups expand spacetech innovations for data, funds remain a concern")
Startup reimagines bank lockers with high-tech vaults in gated communities
Aurm, a Bengaluru-based firm brings technology equipped lockers to gated societies, offering 24/7 access, military-grade security, and even insurance coverage
 "Startup reimagines bank lockers with high-tech vaults in gated communities")
Stride Ventures announces surpassing $1 billion in venture debt commitments
The firm said this milestone cements Stride Ventures' leadership as the first Indian fund in this segment to achieve this scale. It has also launched $300 mn Fund IV
 "Stride Ventures announces surpassing $1 billion in venture debt commitments")
Tennis legend Andre Agassi bats for technology in education sector
Agassi, who struggled academically as a young student-athlete, now devotes his life to improving access to education for youth
 "Tennis legend Andre Agassi bats for technology in education sector")
Startup contribution to economy projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030
India's startup ecosystem, valued at over $349 billion, ranks third globally in unicorn count as of May 2024
 "Startup contribution to economy projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030")
