ITV

Category: Brands

  • Boat turns up the volume with Nirvana X

    Boat turns up the volume with Nirvana X

    MUMBAI: Boat has turned up the volume with its latest tws earbuds, Nirvana X, engineered to redefine immersive audio. Packed with Hi-res ldac technology, dual drivers, AI-powered quad mics, and ultra-low latency gaming mode, these earbuds promise a premium experience without breaking the bank.

    Boat has teamed up with Knowles Corporation, a leading name in high-performance audio components, to equip Nirvana X with Hifi Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. This ensures deep bass, crisp highs, and an all-encompassing soundscape that takes listening to the next level.

    Nirvana X boasts dual dynamic 10mm drivers alongside Knowles BA drivers, offering studio-quality audio whether you’re streaming music, tuning into podcasts, or watching your favourite films. For audiophiles, Sony’s Ldac technology ensures Hi-res playback, delivering rich, distortion-free sound across all frequencies.

    Nirvana X ensures effortless connectivity and convenience with its smart features. Multi-point connectivity allows users to switch seamlessly between two devices, making it easy to take a call on a smartphone while staying connected to a laptop. In-ear detection automatically pauses music when an earbud is removed and resumes playback when inserted, ensuring a smooth listening experience. Meanwhile, quad mics with AI Enx technology effectively filter out background noise, delivering crystal-clear call quality even in the busiest environments.

    With up to 40 hours of playtime, Nirvana X is designed for all-day entertainment, work marathons, and endless gaming sessions. Google fast pair ensures an instant connection, so you’re never left waiting. For gaming enthusiasts, beast mode offers ultra-low 60ms latency, syncing visuals and sound for a competitive edge.

    With the Boat hearables app, users can customise Eq settings, remap touch controls, and enable Ota updates, keeping their earbuds always ahead of the curve.

    At Rs 2,799, Nirvana X delivers premium audio at an unbeatable price. Available in four striking colours—galactic red, smokey amethyst, mist blue, and cosmic onyx, the earbuds can be purchased via Boat’s official website, Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and offline stores.

  • Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds secures $3.6 million pre-IPO funding

    Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds secures $3.6 million pre-IPO funding

    MUMBAI: The future of diamonds is brighter, and it’s not coming from the mines. Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds, co-founded by jewellery industry veteran Ricky Vasandani and Indian cinema actor Vivek Oberoi, has successfully raised $3.6 million in a pre-IPO funding round, valuing the company at $18.3 million (Rs. 150 crore).

    The funding attracted marquee investors, including Neeraj Gupta (Meru Cabs founder), Mauritius-based FPI Investi Global, Vicco Group, and Seema Manish Nuwal (Solar Industries promoter). A roster of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including Amit Agarwal, Rajesh Singla, Garima Theti, and Sandeep Singh, also participated in the round. Socradamus Capital Private Ltd acted as the book running lead manager for the transaction.

    Solitario is rewriting the jewellery rulebook, proving that lab-grown diamonds are not just sustainable but also luxurious and desirable. The company offers an exquisite range of diamond jewellery, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants.

    Their financial growth is as dazzling as their diamonds—revenues soared from Rs 24.3 crore in FY 2023 to Rs 52 crore in FY 2024. And they are just getting started.

    Vasandani shared his excitement, stating, “This investment validates our vision of creating beautiful, sustainable jewellery that doesn’t compromise our planet’s future. The funds will accelerate our expansion plans and strengthen our position in the growing lab-grown diamond market. Solitario is not only creating jewellery but also crafting a legacy of environmental responsibility and exceptional craftsmanship.”

    Solitario already shines across 18 stores in 10 major Indian cities and an international presence in Dubai, Malaysia, and Spain with 38 outlets. The brand has also forged an exclusive partnership with PNG to launch stores in seven more cities.

    The company operates a state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Surat, employing over 300 people. With these robust foundations, Solitario is set to expand its retail network domestically and internationally, enhance branding and marketing, develop a broader product portfolio, and boost manufacturing capabilities.

    In a milestone moment, Solitario recently became the first lab-grown diamond brand to be showcased on the Burj Khalifa, reinforcing its global appeal.

    The Indian gem and jewellery market is expected to grow from $43 billion in 2021 to $91 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, the lab-grown diamond market, currently valued at $250 million in 2023, is projected to hit $1.2 billion by 2033. Solitario aims to capture a significant share of this booming market, targeting Rs. 500 crore in revenue by 2028.

    Solitario’s collection features over 500 unique designs, ranging from everyday elegance to high-end luxury. Their diamonds boast the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, but with a 40-50 per cent lower price tag and a guilt-free, sustainable footprint.

    As consumers increasingly seek eco-conscious luxury, Solitario is positioned as the go-to brand for those who want the sparkle without the environmental strain.

  • Fashion TV makes magical luxury home deal with Merlin group for Kolkata

    Fashion TV makes magical luxury home deal with Merlin group for Kolkata

    MUMBAI: In a fashionable move, Kolkata-based developer Merlin group has announced a partnership with Fashion TV (FTV) to launch the city’s first branded luxury residential project, F Residences, in Rajarhat-New Town.

    The Rs 900 crore development aims to bring international luxury living standards to eastern India, comparable to high-end residences across Asia and Europe, according to Merlin Group managing director Saket Mohta. Fashion TV will provide technical expertise for an undisclosed licensing fee.

    “The key driver for this association is aspiration, not margins. Kolkata’s homeowners are increasingly seeking globally inspired designs and amenities,” said Mohta, noting this marks Merlin’s first branded luxury venture.

    Fashion TV India managing director Kashiff Khan confirmed the company’s exclusive partnership with Merlin in Kolkata, whilst revealing ongoing discussions for projects in Ranchi and Guwahati. FTV currently has twelve residential developments under construction across India, alongside franchise partnerships in twenty product categories.

    The first phase will comprise 880 units featuring a two-tier swimming pool, standalone clubhouse and rooftop Cloud Forest. 

    Merlin Group, which has delivered over 150 projects across India and Sri Lanka, including the World Trade Center Kolkata, plans to develop 20 million square feet of residential and commercial space in upcoming projects.

  • How Nita Ambani is quietly developing India’s M&E, sports and arts domains

    How Nita Ambani is quietly developing India’s M&E, sports and arts domains

    MUMBAI: JioStar India chairperson Nita Ambani says she can’t wait for the merger between Viacom18 and Disney and Reliance Industries to overall take Indian culture and entertainment to the world.

    Speaking to Haslinda Amin on her show Latitude under Bloomberg News, Nita Ambani highlighted: “We have to wait for the magic to happen to take Indian entertainment to the world through our streaming services as we look at putting India on the world map through this merger,” she said.

    Nita was otherwise pretty kicked about the fact that she had been given the mantle to head the media side of the Reliance business.  “It’s a new chapter. It’s a new beginning. And I am ready to take on new challenges and am very excited,” she told Amin.

    She confessed to the news host that even though she fell in love with cricket, she was not fully conversant with the intricacies of the sport. “I started reading about cricket,” she revealed. “I started talking to any cricketer that would have a conversation with me. It took me sometime to pick up and talk to all the boys of cricket. I spoke to Sachin, who is known as the god of cricket and I would ask him such embarrassing questions.But today it feels good, my son Akash is leading the Mumbai Indians cricket team. But what fills my heart  with joy Is the Women’s Premier League .”

    Nita disclosed that Indian girls go through so much to get to where they are. “Right from seeking permission from their parents who are not willing to let them follow their dreams,” she explained. Financial issues, Once you are injured you have lost your career.It takes them hours to reach their training centre. They have no sporting  gear, sometimes no shoes, when they tell you these stories, they are truly inspirational. We feel a shift in parents opinion towards sports, that they can have a career,”

    “It’s a dream of 1.4 billion to see the Olympics in India,” said Nita. “ I believe once sport takes over the transformation will be seen not only In the lives of the youth but also on the economy of our country. India is one of the biggest centres for digital usage. The Tokyo Olympics had the highest amount of digital engagement from India and one third of the viewership of the Olympic channel comes from India, India as a sporting market is huge,” she spelt out.

    Nita Ambani then highlighted the role that women are going to play in the country going forward. As well as how art (rural and urban)  entertainment,  and culture are now being given a thrust as more and more foreign acts are performing at the excellent infrastructure that has been put in place at the cultural centre which has been named after her in Mumbai:

    Nita told Haslinda, that she began as a teacher. “India has a great history and if we take that legacy and nurture it, and it is cherished for generations to come, that would be our vision to shine the spotlight on India,” she said.

  • Britannia elevates Siddharth Gupta as new chief marketing officer

    Britannia elevates Siddharth Gupta as new chief marketing officer

    MUMBAI: Britannia Industries has appointed Siddharth Gupta as chief marketing officer, succeeding Amit Doshi who stepped down from the position last month.

    Gupta, who joined the foods company in 2018, is currently general manager of marketing, where he leads the premium creams, crackers, Marie and milk biscuits portfolio. He has progressively risen through the ranks at Britannia, having served as senior category head and category head.

    Prior to joining Britannia, Gupta spent nearly 11 years at Colgate-Palmolive in various marketing roles. As marketing manager in Mumbai, he handled the company’s toothpaste portfolio and was instrumental in launching new products including an over-the-counter toothpain relief gel. His earlier roles included positions in modern trade and sales across different regions.

    The appointment comes as Britannia looks to strengthen its marketing leadership in the Indian foods sector.

  • Adidas India appoints direct-to-consumer head in Bijit Nair

    Adidas India appoints direct-to-consumer head in Bijit Nair

    MUMBAI: Adidas India Marketing Pvt Ltd has appointed Bijit Nair as senior director of direct-to-consumer (DTC), based in Gurugram. Nair joins the sportswear giant from Pepe Jeans India Ltd where he served as sales director.

    A veteran with over 24 years of retail experience, Nair was previously president of retail at House of Anita Dongre Ltd, where he led the P&L responsibilities for brands AND and Global Desi. During his seven-year tenure, he doubled the business footprint and established the brands’ presence across major Indian malls.

    Prior to this, he spent over a decade at Benetton Group, rising through the ranks to become senior vice president of retail operations. His experience includes successful stints at Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, Unilever’s Caterplan division, and Taj Hotels.

    Nair brings expertise in retail business development, franchisee management, and e-commerce growth to his new role at Adidas India, where he will oversee the company’s direct-to-consumer operations.

  • Bumble & Puma encourage singles to discover love while running

    Bumble & Puma encourage singles to discover love while running

    MUMBAI : This Valentine’s weekend, Bumble and Puma are redefining dating with the singles run in Mumbai on 15 February. Swapping candlelit dinners for running shoes, the event offers singles a chance to meet, connect, and find chemistry through a shared love of fitness.

    The reason the duo is taking this tack is because fitness has increasingly started shaping dating trends. And a Bumble survey highlights how singles are embracing active connections:

    Fitness as the new flirty date: Nearly half (49 per cent) of singles actively seek fitness or wellness- based dates, preferring a jog, yoga session, or hike over conventional outings.

    Sports as the ultimate first date: A staggering 95 per cent of singles find sports-driven first dates appealing, with 72 per cent strongly favouring activities like a 3 km run, padel, or tennis.

    No sports, no love?: For 44 per cent of singles, a lack of interest in sports could be a dealbreaker in romance.

    Gen Z’s fitness-focused romance: More than half (52 per cent) of Gen Z singles prioritise fitness and wellness activities in their dating lives.

  • Addverb unleashes Trakr 2.0 & more for India’s robotics future

    Addverb unleashes Trakr 2.0 & more for India’s robotics future

    MUMBAI: The future of robotics has just landed, and it’s not tiptoeing—it’s striding in on four mechanical legs. The global robotics and automation powerhouse, Addverb, has pulled back the curtain on three groundbreaking solutions at LogiMAT India 2025, held from 13–15 February at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. These game-changing innovations—Trakr 2.0, Hoca, and Brisk—are set to revolutionise warehouses, logistics, and automation, making them smarter, faster, and undeniably more efficient.

    With a flair for innovation and a knack for disrupting the norm, Addverb introduced India’s largest quadruped robot, Trakr 2.0, along with Hoca, a high-speed order consolidation and automation system, and Brisk, an intuitive user interface designed to streamline warehouse operations. These futuristic creations aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about making warehouses function with precision, safety, and adaptability like never before.

    Addverb’s Trakr 2.0 is India’s largest assistive quadruped. This powerhouse of a machine carries payloads of up to 20 kg, boasts a battery endurance of 90 minutes, and uses stereo cameras for enhanced vision. It also responds to gesture-based commands—because who needs buttons when you can command a robot with a wave of your hand?

    Addverb co-founder & CEO Sangeet Kumar couldn’t contain his excitement, “The debut of Trakr 2.0, Hoca, and Brisk at LogiMAT India 2025 represents a significant milestone in our journey of innovation. After the overwhelming response to Trakr last year, we were inspired to develop Trakr 2.0—an even more powerful version with enhanced vision and gesture-based controls.”

    Hoca is a high-speed order consolidation and automation system that takes batch picking to a whole new level, maximising space utilisation while delivering operational flexibility. With a modular design, a carousel spanning from 5,900 mm to 46,700 mm, and payload capacities reaching 900 kg, Hoca fits into existing warehouse setups effortlessly. The best part? It makes scaling up as smooth as a well-oiled machine—literally.

    Enter Brisk, Addverb’s user-friendly interface that makes warehouse operations as seamless as swiping on your phone. Using gesture-based technology and glove-based EAN scanning, Brisk adapts to different lighting conditions, ensuring smooth functionality across various warehouse environments.

    Addverb has its sights set firmly on the future. With these latest product launches, the company is charging ahead to introduce its first humanoid robot in 2025. Watch out, Musk! Beyond warehousing, Addverb is breaking new ground in logistics, defence security, and commercial robotics, ensuring its tech isn’t just cutting-edge but game-changing.

    The proof? Some of the biggest names in the industry—Reliance, HUL, PepsiCo, Maersk, Mondial Relay, DHL, and Landmark—are already on board, trusting Addverb to lead the automation revolution.

    Beyond its technological prowess, Addverb is championing India’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in robotics and manufacturing. With a presence across the US, Europe, and Asia, the company is poised to take its automation empire worldwide, reshaping industries one robotic revolution at a time.

     

  • Honda & Nissan scrap merger plans, maintain EV partnership

    Honda & Nissan scrap merger plans, maintain EV partnership

    MUMBAI : In a major shift, Honda & Nissan have officially called off their proposed business integration, citing the need for quicker decision-making in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market. The breakdown of discussions stemmed from a disagreement over Honda’s proposed restructuring, which would have made Nissan its subsidiary through a share exchange rather than forming a joint holding company. Despite this, both automakers will continue their strategic partnership to advance intelligent and electrified vehicle technologies.

    The abandoned merger was part of a broader effort by Japan’s leading automakers to strengthen global competitiveness. Initially, Honda & Nissan had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March 2024, focusing on next-generation vehicle intelligence and electrification. The agreement was expanded in August to include joint research on software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms. By December, talks had progressed towards a potential integration under a joint holding company, with Mitsubishi Motors also considering joining the alliance.

    Had the integration gone forward, Honda & Nissan aimed to combine their management resources, enhance R&D capabilities, optimise manufacturing, and create significant cost synergies. They projected combined annual revenues exceeding 30 trillion yen and an operating profit of more than 3 trillion yen. Mitsubishi, which was evaluating its role in the deal, planned to make a final decision by January 2025.

    Despite the setback, Honda & Nissan remain will continue to collaborate in key areas such as vehicle electrification and intelligence. While full-scale integration is off the table, their ongoing partnership signals a continued focus on innovation & market adaptability in an industry being reshaped by electric mobility & smart technologies.

  • Autopedia partners with Kapture CX to enhance customer support

    Autopedia partners with Kapture CX to enhance customer support

    Mumbai: Leading automotive platform Autopedia has partnered with Kapture CX to revolutionise its customer support operations. The collaboration will enable seamless omnichannel support across multiple touchpoints through a unified dashboard, reinforcing Autopedia’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

    Serving over 100,000 customers annually, Autopedia operates a vast business model encompassing car and motorcycle auctions, as well as an aggregator service for vehicle pricing. Maintaining its 40 per cent market share necessitates robust customer support, prompting the adoption of Kapture CX’s advanced customer experience automation platform.

    Kapture CX will integrate customer interactions from Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, email, and website forms, ensuring streamlined communication. Its automated ticketing system will enhance response efficiency by enabling swift escalations and resolutions. Additionally, built-in SLA tracking will ensure timely handling of each customer query.

    Kapture CX CRO Gaurav Juneja stated, “Kapture CX is thrilled to partner with Autopedia, Autopedia is making significant strides in Indonesia’s automotive sector, and we are proud to provide them with a comprehensive support management solution. This collaboration underscores our commitment to transforming customer experiences for Indonesian businesses.”

    Through this integration, Kapture CX will maintain detailed customer profiles and sync data with external systems, offering a holistic view of interactions. It will also optimise internal operations by managing agent availability, defining roles, and controlling user access for better resource allocation and security.

    Autopedia head of digital business Jonathan Weiyn commented, “We’re excited to join forces with Kapture CX to strengthen our customer support. Their robust platform will empower us to deliver seamless and personalised experiences to our expanding customer base in Indonesia.”

    Additionally, agents will benefit from an extensive knowledge base, including decision trees and SOPs, ensuring quick and effective ticket resolutions.This strategic collaboration is set to elevate Autopedia’s customer experience while optimising internal processes, reinforcing its leadership in Indonesia’s automotive sector.