ITV

Category: MAM

  • Adcounty Media marks eight year milestone with eye on IPO and deeper global expansion

    Adcounty Media marks eight year milestone with eye on IPO and deeper global expansion

    MUMBAI: Adcounty Media has clocked eight years of digital dominance, marking its anniversary with global milestones, platform innovations, and bold plans for public listing. What began in 2017 as a mobile-first ad network has transformed into a full-stack marketing engine spanning 30+ countries, redefining how brands engage with digital audiences.

    The company, co-founded by Chandan Garg and Aditya Jangid with Abbhinav R. Jain (CFO), Delphin Varghese (CRO), and Kumar Saurav (CSO), has grown into a multi-million-dollar digital business with strongholds across India, LATAM, southeast Asia, the middle east, and Europe. With campaigns spanning gaming, BFSI, e-commerce, edtech, travel, and entertainment, Adcounty Media has focused its mission on simplifying complexity and delivering measurable brand impact.

    In a significant move that underscores its ambitions, Adcounty confirmed its IPO plans for the coming months. This follows its 2023 certification as a Great Place to Work®, cementing its reputation as a people-first, performance-focused organisation.

    Adcounty’s arsenal of proprietary tech includes:

    ●    Bidcounty: An in-house DSP for AI-powered programmatic buying across mobile, CTV, web, and DOOH

    ●    Opsis: Performance marketing suite built for CPL and CPS-driven user acquisition

    ●    Genwin: Conversion-first lead engine with real-time scoring, multi-channel targeting, and optimised landing pages

    ●    iSearch Ads: AI-based app store optimisation for high-intent installs

    ●    SeeTV: A connected TV commerce solution targeting 30 million+ households

    ●    Brand safety & Fraud detection: Enterprise-grade security and transparency infrastructure

    Operating out of eight global offices, the company is actively expanding its footprint in the middle east and southeast Asia. It has ramped up hiring across media sales, game development, app monetisation, and programmatic roles to support this next phase of growth.

    “We’re not just connecting brands and consumers. We’re rewriting how performance marketing works across the funnel”, said Adcounty Media MD Garg. “The future lies in AI-led storytelling, shoppable media, and immersive, measurable experiences”.

    With an eye on the trillion-impression economy and brand-safe, results-driven strategies, Adcounty Media appears well poised for its next act: scaling with speed, intelligence, and intent.

  • Wired for Gold Goldmine wins big in London for fiery APAR campaign

    Wired for Gold Goldmine wins big in London for fiery APAR campaign

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, the spark wasn’t just in the firecrackers, it was in APAR’s Fire Protekt campaign, which lit up the international stage and earned Goldmine Advertising a golden nod at the B2B Marketing Awards in London.

    India-based Goldmine Advertising, a member of the global E3 Network, scorched through stiff global competition to win Gold for Best Overall Creative Work and Silver for Overall B2B Marketing for its campaign promoting Anushakti Fire Protekt by APAR Cables, a cable that promises safety even in the heat of danger.

    What set this campaign ablaze wasn’t your standard insulation jargon. Instead, it cleverly tapped into festive emotion and human insight, a refreshing twist for the wire-and-cable industry typically powered by technical speak. The digital-first campaign married cultural nuance with cutting-edge technology highlighting APAR’s heat-resistant eBeam insulation and a bold 70-year performance promise.

    APAR Cable Solutions CEO Shashi Amin said, “APAR Fire Protekt represents a significant breakthrough in our safety-focused product line, as APAR continues to diversify its portfolio with solutions that provide both protection and peace of mind. As one of India’s top 5 manufacturers of cables and wires, our collaboration with Goldmine has produced innovative marketing campaigns that showcase this revolutionary product.”

    He further added, “I’m delighted to share that our planned campaign has been tremendously successful, even garnering international recognition. My sincere appreciation goes to the entire APAR Marketing & Goldmine team for their exceptional creativity and visionary ideas that helped bring this success to fruition.”

    APAR Cable Solutions General Manager for Marketing Shhailja Chopra,   said, “In the B2B space, digital campaigns must do more than inform, they must differentiate and connect. Our goal was to align messaging with our channel strategy while showcasing the power of our eBeam technology, which delivers heat-resistant insulation with a 70-year promise.”

    Goldmine Advertising CEO Pratik Singla added, “We’re proud to represent India on a global stage among 27 agencies from 20 countries. APAR is a phenomenal brand, and this recognition is a celebration of the power of bold, insight-led B2B creativity.”

    From copper cores to core emotions, this campaign proved that even the most grounded industries can go global when creativity is allowed to spark.

  • Organic India signs Sachin Tendulkar as brand face to drive trust and wellness forward

    Organic India signs Sachin Tendulkar as brand face to drive trust and wellness forward

    MUMBAI: Some matches are made in heaven; others are brewed in Tulsi. Organic India announced on 19 May 2025 its brand partnership with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The move blends the brand’s deep legacy in sustainable living with the enduring credibility of one of India’s most respected icons.

    Known for championing organic living for over 25 years, Organic India has carved its niche through signature products like Tulsi Green Tea, Hibiscus and Chamomile infusions, and herbal supplements crafted with whole, natural ingredients. The company sources its raw materials directly from thousands of farmers and promotes eco-conscious farming practices that impact both livelihoods and the environment.

    In 2024, Organic India was acquired by Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL), adding momentum to its distribution goals. The acquisition aimed to unlock synergies using TCPL’s robust retail network across domestic and global markets. The partnership with Tendulkar is Organic India’s latest brand move under the TCPL umbrella.

    “Sachin Tendulkar’s determination to excellence and integrity mirrors with the brand’s unwavering commitment to deliver high-quality, trusted, organic products”, read the company’s statement. “With this natural alignment of shared values and vision, Organic India aims to deepen consumer trust, inspire brand love, and reinforce its position as a pioneer and one of the most trusted organic brands in the country”.

    The brand continues to lead conversations on sustainable living, with an extensive portfolio across herbal supplements, teas & infusions, and organic packaged foods. The collaboration with Tendulkar is set to expand both visibility and credibility in the health and wellness space.

     

     

  • Mobikwik flips the UPI script with Pocket UPI, ropes in Jaideep Ahlawat for new campaign

    Mobikwik flips the UPI script with Pocket UPI, ropes in Jaideep Ahlawat for new campaign

    MUMBAI: India’s largest digital wallet by transaction value, Mobikwik has kicked off a cheeky new campaign spotlighting its Pocket UPI product — a feature designed to challenge the dominance of traditional bank-linked UPI. The multi-media campaign stars actor Jaideep Ahlawat reprising his no-nonsense cop persona in humorous short films tackling the everyday mess of digital payments.

    In the first instalment, Ahlawat is seen policing cluttered bank statements caused by minor UPI transactions, positioning Pocket UPI as a hassle-free alternative. Unlike conventional UPI, Pocket UPI allows users to transact without linking their bank accounts, helping them avoid transaction-related clutter, track monthly expenses better, and make PIN-less payments — all while lowering fraud risks.

    “Pocket UPI is our latest push to simplify how India pays”, said Mobikwik CMO Jaskaran Singh Kapany. “And who better than Jaideep to bring gravitas and humour to what is essentially a smart tech switch for consumers”.

    The campaign dropped with a teaser on Ahlawat’s Instagram on 16 May, generating celebrity buzz around how his character would solve India’s digital payment headaches. The full film went live today on Mobikwik’s digital channels, with more short films focusing on security, speed, and budgeting tools lined up for release.

    According to the Redseer Report, Mobikwik serves over 176.4 million users and 4.6 million merchants and holds a 23 per cent market share in prepaid instrument (PPI) wallet gross transaction value as of November 2024. The company continues to scale its financial services footprint across credit, insurance, savings, and investments.

    Founded in 2009 by Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku, Mobikwik has consistently positioned itself at the intersection of innovation and financial access. With Pocket UPI, it is now attempting to rewrite the UPI rulebook altogether.

  • Miraggio raises Rs 55 crore in Series A to bag bigger ambitions in India’s accessories game

    Miraggio raises Rs 55 crore in Series A to bag bigger ambitions in India’s accessories game

    MUMBAI: India’s fashion handbag market just found its next contender for the spotlight. Miraggio, the homegrown accessories label known for trendy handbags, secured Rs 55 crore (approximately $6.5 million) in a Series A round led by RPSG Capital Ventures and Client Associates Alternate Fund, with Prath Ventures joining the cap table.

    Founded in Gurgaon, Miraggio has racked up over one million orders and plans to scale fast. With the fresh capital, the brand aims to expand its product portfolio, tap into tier two and three cities, and build a sturdy omnichannel strategy to make aspirational handbags accessible to India’s modern woman.

    “We are thrilled to welcome our new investors on board and truly value their belief in Miraggio’s long-term vision. This funding marks a pivotal moment for us as we accelerate our journey toward becoming an omnichannel fashion handbag and accessories brand. With a sharper focus on delivering elevated retail experiences, expanding our product portfolio, and building deeper connections with customers across India, we’re excited to shape the next chapter of Miraggio’s growth story”, said Miraggio founder & CEO Mohit Jain.

    The brand is set to launch over 500 new products in the next 18 months and expand its sourcing network across Asia. This includes strengthening supply chains across multiple countries to meet growing demand. With India’s handbag market projected to grow by $2 billion between 2024-2029, the runway appears long.

    RPSG Capital Ventures Abhishek Goenka praised the startup’s ability to mix style with value. “Miraggio is rapidly emerging as a defining force in India’s fashion accessories space. In a highly fragmented and dynamic market, Miraggio stands apart in its ability to offer exceptional value for money, seamlessly combining aspirational design, quality, and experience with premium affordable pricing, making it especially relevant to India’s new-age consumers. We’ve been deeply impressed by the clarity of Mohit’s vision and are excited to support him and the team as they lead the charge towards becoming India’s go-to destination for fashion-forward accessories”.

    Echoing the sentiment, Client Associates Alternate Fund Shivam Diwan added, “Miraggio has quickly captured attention with its fresh approach. Their commitment to innovation stands out, and it positions them well to make a big impact in the market. We’re excited to be a part of their journey, as we believe they have the potential to reshape the handbag and accessories industry in India. This investment is in line with our mission to support companies that are not just growing, but driving real change and offering something new to the market”.

    Prath Ventures Piyush Goenka also remarked, “We see in Miraggio a rare combination of design-led thinking and execution excellence. We are proud to back a brand that is not only scaling rapidly but is also setting new benchmarks for what Indian fashion brands can achieve”.

    As India’s appetite for fashionable yet functional accessories rises, Miraggio now looks to stitch together scale, relevance, and retail punch.

  • Kodiaq roars again as Skoda shifts gears on luxury SUV game in India

    Kodiaq roars again as Skoda shifts gears on luxury SUV game in India

    MUMBAI: Bigger, bolder, and back with a bite, Skoda’s new Kodiaq has hit Indian roads and it’s not just purring, it’s roaring. Celebrating 25 years in India and 130 globally, Skoda Auto kicked off the next chapter in its SUV legacy with the launch of the all-new Kodiaq at PPS Motors in Kondapur, Hyderabad. Following the buzz around the sub-4m Kylaq, this seven-seater luxury 4×4 adds muscle to Skoda’s premium line-up, flaunting a sleeker design, tech upgrades, and terrain-hugging capability.

    Unveiled in the presence of GHMC Corporator Jagadeshwar G and PPS Skoda COO S Cecil, the new Kodiaq is offered in two variants Sportline and the more luxurious Selection L&K both powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 150 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DSG. It’s assembled at Skoda’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar facility and offers a claimed mileage of 14.86 km/l.

    Dimensionally, it’s a roomier beast than before 59mm longer with an impressive 1,976 litres of max boot space. Interior indulgences include a 32.77 cm infotainment system, rotary Smart Dials, ergonomic gear placement, and even a massage function for the Ergo seats. Add nine airbags, a 13-speaker Canton sound system, and a panoramic sunroof to the mix, and you’ve got luxury firmly in the driver’s seat.

    Design-wise, the SUV makes an entrance with LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps and a dramatic Welcome Effect, while exclusive trims like Bronx Gold and Steel Grey add visual polish to its brawny appeal.

    Prices start at Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Sportline and go up to Rs 48.69 lakh for the top-end L&K. Backed by a 5-year warranty, 10-year roadside assistance, and a complimentary first-year service package, Skoda’s flagship offering is clearly designed to please both city slickers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

    With the new Kodiaq, Skoda isn’t just marking an anniversary, it’s rewriting the playbook for premium SUVs in India, one bold drive at a time.

  • A fresh twist in Powai as Freshpik spices up Brookfield’s retail mix

    A fresh twist in Powai as Freshpik spices up Brookfield’s retail mix

    MUMBAI: From aisle to style, Powai just got tastier. Brookfield Properties has rolled out the red carpet quite literally for Reliance’s premium gourmet grocery store, Freshpik, now open at Spectra in Downtown Powai. Think artisanal cheeses, global delicacies, and fresh produce and toss in a coffee bar and live culinary counters for good measure.

    It’s not your regular supermarket run. Freshpik’s sleek layout invites shoppers to linger, browse, and indulge in what can only be described as a wellness-forward, sensory delight. With a focus on interactive experiences and conscious consumption, this marks Freshpik’s second store and its very first foray into Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.

    And if that’s not enough star power, wellness icon Malaika Arora added her sparkle to the store’s launch, elevating the glamour quotient and reinforcing the brand’s lifestyle ethos.

    For Brookfield Properties, which manages over 55 million sq. ft. of real estate across India, this is more than just retail therapy. Downtown Powai, already buzzing with workspaces, eateries, and shopping, now has another reason to draw in discerning Mumbaikars.

    With this new addition, Brookfield continues to blend commerce with culture, offering not just places to shop or work, but places to truly live. And for Powai’s residents and visitors? Grocery runs may never be the same again.

  • Abhay Kaul’s Adtomica swipes right on Tinder as agency on record for India brand partnerships

    Abhay Kaul’s Adtomica swipes right on Tinder as agency on record for India brand partnerships

    MUMBAI: Love may be fleeting, but creative chemistry endures. Following the viral impact of Tinder’s 2025 ‘Move On’ campaign, independent creative shop Adtomica has been named the agency on record (AOR) for Tinder’s brand partnerships in India. The campaign, built around the emotionally liberating act of binning mementos from past relationships, delivered both heartbreak therapy and a bold marketing statement.

    Executed in collaboration with quick commerce platform Blinkit, the campaign distributed 150,000 Tinder Plus vouchers at 75 per cent off via Singles mode. Adtomica led the charge on creative direction, integrating the offers directly into the platform with in-app assets that drew heavy engagement.

    “Tinder is a brand that dares to be bold, and we love that. As their agency on record for partnerships in India, we’re excited to keep building experiences that are platform-first, culturally sharp, and always rooted in value for users”, said Adtomica founder & CEO Abhay Kaul.

    Tinder’s team credited Adtomica for nailing the cultural pulse and turning insight into action. “Tinder is more than a dating app — it’s a reflection of how young India explores identity, connection, and self-worth. With the ‘Move On’ campaign, we wanted to create something emotionally resonant yet unmistakably bold. Adtomica understood that instinctively. Their ability to translate cultural insight into real-world engagement made this campaign truly memorable. We’re excited about what’s next”, said a Tinder spokesperson.

    With Tinder continuing to shape gen z’s social rituals in India, Adtomica now carries the creative baton to expand its brand partnership playbook. If the last campaign was any hint, expect more swipe-worthy ideas to follow.

  • Asci calls time on opinion trading ads: dicey bets, dodgy claims under the scanner

    Asci calls time on opinion trading ads: dicey bets, dodgy claims under the scanner

    MUMBAI — The Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci) has fired a warning shot at the fast-growing world of opinion trading, releasing a hard-hitting whitepaper titled Examining Opinion Trading in India. With more than 50 million users and Rs 50,000 crore in annual transactions, the sector is booming—but flying in regulatory grey zones.

    Opinion trading platforms let users place monetary bets on binary outcomes of real-world events—from cricket matches to political polls. While they claim to be skill-based, Asci argues that many mirror gambling platforms and carry serious risks, particularly for young and financially vulnerable users.

    Globally, these markets are regulated either as financial instruments or as betting operations. In India, however, stock market watchdog Sebi has already washed its hands off, stating in its 29 April 2025 advisory that “opinion trading does not fall within Sebi’s regulatory purview… as what is traded is not a security.”

    Meanwhile, courts are mulling over public interest litigations, and the legal status remains fuzzy. Amid this uncertainty, Asci has flagged influencer-driven ads that sell these platforms as knowledge games—without any disclaimers or warnings.

    “Opinion trading platforms raise serious concerns as their structure and mechanics closely resemble betting in some instances, and can expose consumers to significant financial risk,” said Asci CEO & secretary general Manisha Kapoor. “The advertising that accompanies these platforms often heightens the risk, with exaggerated claims of easy winnings and false assurances of reliability.  No disclaimers cautioning consumers are provided. Asci’s whitepaper highlights these risks and urges urgent regulatory clarity so appropriate steps can be taken to protect consumers from potential harm.”

    Asci is now calling for one of two outcomes: either formalise opinion trading with tight advertising guidelines, or outlaw it and clamp down on rogue promotions. The whitepaper also dives into global approaches, existing Indian laws, and highlights how current ads may be skating on thin legal ice.

    Until then, it’s a gamble—one that consumers may be taking without knowing the odds. Read the whitepaper here.

  • Naos India names Sanjay Sahu area MD: a new chapter for Bioderma’s growth story

    Naos India names Sanjay Sahu area MD: a new chapter for Bioderma’s growth story

    MUMBAI: Naos India has announced the promotion of Sanjay Sahu to area managing director, Naos India (Bioderma), recognising his sharp strategic mind, dynamic leadership, and knack for driving stellar growth. With over two decades of industry experience, Sahu has been the force behind Bioderma’s impressive rise in India’s booming dermo-cosmetic market.

    Sahu’s promotion isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a mandate to make waves across south Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His mission? To unlock new growth, expand market access, and supercharge Bioderma’s doctor-led and digital-first models.

    “I’m honoured to step into this role at such a transformative time,” Sahu said. “With our commitment to ecobiology and innovation, we’re set to redefine skincare for consumers while scaling accessibility and digital engagement.”

    Under Sahu’s watch, Bioderma has become a star performer for Naos India, recording strong sales growth and market share gains. His playbook? Smart strategy, disciplined execution, and a relentless focus on innovation. Now, with his eyes on south Asia, Sahu will tap into new markets while staying true to Bioderma’s roots in ecobiology—a science-meets-skincare philosophy that respects the skin’s natural balance.

    Naos, a pioneer in active cosmetics, is more than just a skincare brand. Founded in 1977 by pharmacist-biologist Jean-Noël Thorel, the company’s mantra—ecobiology—views skin as a living ecosystem, not a problem to be fixed. With its global footprint across 100 countries, including powerhouse brands Bioderma, Institut Esthederm, and Etat Pur, Naos continues to redefine skincare with science-backed solutions.

    For Sahu, the challenge now is clear—scale new heights while staying true to the brand’s roots. With his track record, the future looks bright for Bioderma in South Asia.