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  • Metafusion plugs in Avinash Trivedi to supercharge growth ops

    Metafusion plugs in Avinash Trivedi to supercharge growth ops

    MUMBAI: Vision AI specialist Metafusion has named Avinash Trivedi as its new chief growth officer, charging him with ramping up the company’s go-to-market strategy, scaling enterprise adoption, and unlocking new global partnerships across traffic, safety, and urban intelligence.

    Trivedi brings over 20 years of hard-won experience in video surveillance, SaaS, and smart infrastructure, with deep roots in high-growth markets across APAC, the Middle East and Europe.

    He joins Metafusion from Zygal, where he led sales and business development as president — driving expansion into VSaaS (Video Surveillance-as-a-Service) and Command Center-as-a-Service models. His resume also features senior leadership roles at Videonetics, Sony India, and Score Information Technologies, building high-performance growth pipelines.

    At Metafusion, Trivedi will take charge of revenue acceleration across its flagship AI product suite — from Metavisio (video intelligence) and Metatraffic (smart traffic management) to PixelFACE (facial recognition) and fuseNETS, a collaborative vision research platform.

    The appointment comes as Metafusion steps on the gas, expanding rapidly into smart city projects, traffic ecosystems, enterprise security, and intelligent highways.

    “I am excited to join Metafusion at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” said Metafusion chief growth officer Avinash Trivedi. “What drew me in was the vision and the clarity of purpose. We are shaping the digital nervous system for safer cities, smarter transport, and more responsive infrastructure. I look forward to partnering with our customers, team, and ecosystem to scale meaningful impact.”

    Metafusion founder & CEO Yatin Kavishwar added, “Avinash brings the right blend of enterprise acumen, GTM rigour, and industry foresight that aligns with our mission. As we scale our AI capabilities across sectors, his leadership will be instrumental in building new growth frontiers and deepening trust with our customers and partners globally.”

    Co-founded by Kavishwar, Saransh Karira, and Manish Soni, the company is carving out a niche at the intersection of generative AI, computer vision, NLP, and big data — decoding video, audio and metadata in real time to deliver actionable insights across industries.

    With Trivedi now in the cockpit, Metafusion seems primed to go from smart to unstoppable.

     

  • Manjyot Sandhu launches global distrib, acquisitions and creator-funding NARaTiV Media:

    Manjyot Sandhu launches global distrib, acquisitions and creator-funding NARaTiV Media:

    MUMBAI: A new global player has entered the content arena. NARaTiV Media, a next-generation distribution, acquisitions and creator funding company, has officially launched—armed with serious financial firepower and a subscriber arsenal topping 100 million+ across YouTube and Meta platforms.

    Built on over 25 years of global media and licensing experience, NARaTiV is co-founded by former Zee TV syndication and licensing veteran Manjyot Sandhu, who now leads the company as chief executive officer. The company aims to become the preferred partner for content owners, independent producers and creators looking to scale across borders, platforms and formats.

    At its core lies a creator investment fund, designed to turbocharge the growth of new media businesses and digital-first talent. The company’s owned and operated channel portfolio spans multiple languages, with exclusive content representation deals and active buying mandates for major CTV and linear networks.

    “We’re building NARaTiV with a bold vision—to unlock true value for creators and content owners worldwide,” said Sandhu. “Financial strength with strategic agility is our edge.”

    The company has hit the ground running with operational hubs in Rio, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Sofia, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and New Delhi—signalling a firm focus on global-local synergy.

    NARaTiV’s upcoming slate includes a flurry of content deals, platform partnerships, and international licensing moves—marking the start of what could be a narrative shift in creator economy infrastructure.

    Further announcements on partnerships, content mandates, and strategic initiatives will follow in the coming weeks.

  • Mahesh stays on board with AbhiBus for another blockbuster journey

    Mahesh stays on board with AbhiBus for another blockbuster journey

     MUMBAI: When it comes to bus bookings, Mahesh Babu isn’t just riding shotgun, he’s driving trust. Abhibus, Ixigo’s bus ticketing arm, has renewed its nearly decade-long partnership with Tollywood icon Mahesh Babu, extending one of the longest-standing celebrity-brand collaborations in India’s mobility space. First onboarded in 2016, the superstar continues as the face of AbhiBus in 2025, a partnership built on reliability, relatability, and regional resonance.

    From quirky in-transit ads to heart-tugging tales of homecoming, the duo has delivered some memorable campaigns over the years. This summer, fans can look forward to a new campaign that rides on this legacy while showcasing Abhibus’s evolved customer offerings like the “Filter New Buses” feature and the “AbhiAssured” promise.

    “Mahesh Babu has been more than just a brand ambassador, he’s been a fellow traveller in our journey of growth,” said Abhibus COO, Rohit Sharma. “From 2016 to 2025, his presence has helped us build deeper connections across the South and beyond.”

    Mahesh Babu echoed this sentiment, saying, “My journey with Abhibus has always felt personal. It’s about making travel smoother and safer. Abhibus doesn’t just take you places, it makes sure you get there comfortably.”

    As Abhibus expands across new markets, Mahesh Babu remains its most familiar co-passenger, a constant in a changing travel landscape, reminding Indian commuters that the ride can be just as memorable as the destination.

  • Oben rides high with Rs 100 Cr Series A charge for e-motorcycle push

    Oben rides high with Rs 100 Cr Series A charge for e-motorcycle push

    MUMBAI: Full throttle, zero emissions, Oben Electric is charging ahead, literally and figuratively. The Bengaluru-based EV startup has announced an extended Series A funding round of Rs 50 crore in May 2025, doubling its January raise and taking the total Series A tally to Rs 100 crore. With this, Oben Electric has now raised a total of Rs 200 crore to date, further fuelling its ambition to become India’s leading electric motorcycle brand.

    The latest round saw participation from both new and returning investors, including Helios Holdings, the Sharda Family Office, and the Kay family, signalling continued confidence in the company’s growth, tech edge, and strong unit economics.

    Oben plans to deploy the fresh capital to supercharge its expansion to 150 plus showrooms across 50 plus cities by FY26, roll out its O100 platform of affordable e-bikes under Rs 1 lakh, and boost manufacturing capabilities at its Bangalore facility, which already churns out up to 100,000 units annually.

    Sandesh of the Sharda Family Office said, “Oben Electric has cracked the product-market fit in a large, untapped category. Their full-stack integration from LFP batteries to control units and their high growth QoQ made this a clear bet.”

    The company currently boasts 37 retail outlets across 26 cities in 13 states, with new footprints in Punjab, Telangana, Gujarat, and Odisha, among others solidifying its rapid post-funding execution.

    At the heart of Oben’s offering is the Oben Rorr EZ, priced at Rs 99,999, targeting urban commuters with its 175 km range, 0–40 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and 95 km/h top speed. Its flagship Rorr, too, continues to make noise among performance-first riders, both powered by India’s first LFP battery tech in two-wheelers, engineered for durability and heat resistance.

    Oben’s differentiation lies in being truly R&D-led and vertically integrated, designing not just bikes but also their core systems motors, batteries, vehicle control units, and fast home chargers all in-house. With a team of 500 plus experts, 150 plus domestic vendors, and partnerships across 68,000 public chargers, Oben is laying the groundwork for long-term dominance.

    Oben Electric founder & CEO Madhumita Agrawal summed it up, “With O100 and rapid expansion underway, we’re not just building electric motorcycles, we’re building India’s answer to global two-wheeler mobility.”

    The company now has its sights on a USD 30 million Series B fundraise in 2025, aimed at international expansion and deeper product scale-up. If Oben’s roadmap is anything to go by, India’s electric two-wheeler scene just got a whole lot more exciting.

  • Coca-Cola India’s recycled PET flag makes Limca Book of Records history with sustainable swing

    Coca-Cola India’s recycled PET flag makes Limca Book of Records history with sustainable swing

    MUMBAI: On a cricket field where sixes were smashed and fans chanted for centuries, a different kind of record took centre stage. Coca-Cola India has earned a spot in the Limca Book of Records 2025 for crafting the country’s largest national flag made from recycled PET (rPET) bottles—a sustainable salute that flew high during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

    The eco-friendly tricolour, stitched from approximately 11,000 post-consumer PET bottles, made its debut at the tournament’s opening ceremony and fluttered proudly at every India match across 10 stadiums from 5 October to 19 November 2023. This showstopper wasn’t just about symbolism. It was a centrepiece of Coca-Cola India’s Maidaan Saaf campaign, aimed at advocating responsible waste management and nudging fans toward conscious consumption.

    Backed by Go Rewise and Ganesha Ecoverse Limited, the bottles were turned into Global Recycled Standard-certified yarn before being stitched into the vibrant flag. Alongside it, over 1,000 volunteers clad in rPET safety jackets took on the role of cleanliness champions. They fanned out across stadiums to educate fans on proper waste segregation while ensuring the stands didn’t look like post-match war zones.

    “This moment is not just about setting a record; it’s about reimagining possibilities”, said Coca-Cola India & south west Asia VP – public affairs, communications and sustainability Devyani Rana. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners ‘Go Rewise’ who played a crucial role in creating the Recycled PET Flags, and to ICC for their invaluable efforts”.

    International Cricket Council CCO Anurag Dahiya called the recognition a ‘proud moment’, while Go Rewise founder Yash Sharma underlined the impact of innovative recycling, “It not only reduces waste but also gives rise to powerful symbols of unity and environmental responsibility”.

    The Maidaan Saaf campaign, launched in 2023, is part of Coca-Cola’s wider sustainability roadmap. It focuses on innovative packaging, integrating recycled materials, and boosting recyclability. The flag is both a literal and figurative banner of Coca-Cola’s packaging goals, which include ‘Design’ and ‘Partner to Collect’—strategies built to leave a lasting impact on communities while tackling India’s plastic problem.

    With the Limca Book of Records nod, Coca-Cola India has given a new meaning to making the nation proud—not just with cricket, but with conscience.

  • DLF unveils Privana North at Times Square in bold diaspora-focused branding spectacle

    DLF unveils Privana North at Times Square in bold diaspora-focused branding spectacle

    MUMBAI: Times Square saw more than tourists stop and stare this week—India’s real estate behemoth DLF took over the iconic digital skyline to introduce its latest showpiece: DLF Privana North. As crimson hues lit up the three-sided digital tower known as ‘The Cube’, New York became ground zero for one of India’s flashiest real estate launches.

    DLF unveiled the name and first look of Privana North on 18 June in a high-impact marketing stunt aimed squarely at the Indian diaspora. The 50-storey glazed towers of the Gurugram-based project stood tall, not in concrete, but in LED glory, above the legendary red stairs at 2 Times Square—a globally photographed backdrop that promises maximum eyeballs.

    The unveiling formed part of DLF’s larger strategy to court NRI investors, who account for nearly 30 per cent of its residential sales. Nearly half of this NRI chunk comes from the United States alone, making the Big Apple a strategic choice for the launch. It wasn’t just about showing off a new skyscraper. This was DLF waving the Indian urbanisation flag on a global screen—quite literally.

    DLF Privana North is the latest phase of the 116-acre DLF Privana township in Gurugram’s Sectors 76 and 77. The project follows Privana South and West, both of which sold out in under three days before they even officially launched. Privana North is expected to push the bar further, becoming the crown jewel of the township.

    The Times Square reveal was more than a marketing gimmick. It reflected a confident crossover between real estate and show business. It placed India’s housing ambitions under Manhattan’s neon lights, where eyeballs from every continent converge—and Instagram follows.

    Privana North has been in investor and buyer chatter for more than a year. Its formal introduction on a global stage adds momentum to DLF’s positioning as not just a builder, but a storyteller in the evolution of urban India. Gurugram, once a cluster of villages, now gets billboarded in the world’s most-watched intersection.

    ‘The Cube’ features six massive LED screens angled across Broadway, 7th Avenue and 47th Street. With millions of daily footfalls and billions of potential impressions online, DLF’s digital takeover ensures that Privana North already has the world’s attention—even before its foundation stone is laid.

  • Capri Loans puts the spotlight on India’s unsung hustlers with #TarrakiKeHaath

    Capri Loans puts the spotlight on India’s unsung hustlers with #TarrakiKeHaath

    MUMBAI — In a stirring new campaign titled #TarrakiKeHaath, Capri Loans salutes the unsung engines of India’s economy — the self-employed, the small shopkeepers, the dhaba owners, the carpenters and countless others who fuel the country’s daily hustle with grit and graft.

    Anchored by actor and brand ambassador Pankaj Tripathi, the campaign zooms in on the hands that toil quietly but relentlessly — stitching dreams, steering livelihoods, and shaping aspirations. Directed by Rediffusion brand solutions, the film is a visual homage to the working hands of Bharat, set to a grounded narration that exudes dignity, warmth, and resolve.

    The campaign isn’t just sentiment — it underscores Capri Loans’ commitment to delivering grassroots financial inclusion. With over 1,100 branches and 7.2 lakh+ customers, the non-banking financial company is doubling down on its core mission: making credit accessible to those often overlooked by traditional banks.

    From MSME loans and gold loans to affordable housing finance, Capri Loans is backing India’s enterprising middle with tech-enabled solutions that go beyond just lending — combining data science, AI, and empathy to make borrowing faster, smarter and more human.

    “At Capri Loans, we don’t just finance livelihoods — we fuel aspirations,” said Capri Loans head marketing, Nishant Gehlot. “Capri Loans is committed to democratizing credit and bringing financial services to those who have long been underserved. #TarrakiKeHaath is a tribute to individuals whose contribution to the economy is vital yet often overlooked. This campaign reflects our brand’s ethos of inclusivity, access, and trust — values we live by in our journey to empower every Indian hand that dreams of growth. Pankaj Tripathi has been our brand ambassador for 3 years now, and his association not only lends more relatability to the narrative, but also strengthens brands connect with our audience.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Rediffusion Brand Solutions national creative director Pramod Sharma added, “The idea for #TarrakiKeHaath emerged from what we see around us every day—millions of Indians working with quiet dignity and extraordinary resilience. The creative expression focuses on their hands, which bear the mark of both toil and hope. Capri Loans’ vision to empower this segment gave us the perfect canvas to tell these stories with emotional truth and impact.”

    Adding further, Rediffusion Brand Solutions executive director Asheesh Malhotra said, “At Rediffusion, our strategy for #TarrakiKeHaath was rooted in creating an emotional connection with Capri Loans’ core audience—unsung professionals driving Bharat’s growth. By focusing on their hands, we symbolized both their resilience and aspirations. This campaign is designed to deepen Capri Loans’ brand equity, especially in urban and semi-urban markets, while reinforcing its commitment to democratizing credit. Through authentic storytelling and powerful visuals, we have positioned Capri Loans as a true enabler of growth and dreams for India’s hardworking individuals.”

    #TarrakiKeHaath will roll out across television, print, and digital platforms in multiple languages, aiming to drive deep emotional resonance in both metros and Bharat’s heartland. With its grounded storytelling and laser-sharp media plan, Capri Loans hopes to win more than visibility — it wants to win trust.

    Because in India’s growth story, it’s not just the big names that matter — it’s the calloused hands behind every small win.

  • Itc Sunfeast Baked Creations signs off mango season with a juicy finale for #CertifiedAampaglus

    Itc Sunfeast Baked Creations signs off mango season with a juicy finale for #CertifiedAampaglus

    MUMBAI: Just when you thought mango season had packed its bags, Itc Sunfeast Baked Creations drops one last, delicious surprise with a zany digital film — the grand finale to its Mad Over Mangoes Again campaign.

    This final hurrah is equal parts dessert porn and fruit-fuelled frenzy. The video plunges viewers into a sun-drenched world where mango obsession turns dessert lovers into full-blown #CertifiedAampaglus — the mango-mad masses whose cravings know no chill. With toe-tapping music, hyper visuals, and unapologetic indulgence, it’s mango love turned up to eleven.

    Front and centre are three showstoppers:

    1    Mango Pudding — a custard-and-caramel jar layered with fresh mango

    2    Mango Mascarpone Cake — spongy, pulpy, and as breezy as a tropical holiday

    3    Mango Tres Leches — a creamy classic gone delightfully desi

    Joining the lineup are a riot of other tropical temptations: Mango Cheesecake Bento, Mango & Chocolate Mini Croissants, Custard Pastry, Tropical Cake, and a chilled Mango Shake. Each treat promises a different flavour of summer, designed to be devoured before the season does a disappearing act.

    And in true mango madness fashion, the brand has taken its campaign offline — with a mango-for-mango swap. In Bengaluru, show up at any Café Sunfeast Baked Creations outlet with a real mango, and you’ll walk away with a free dessert. Sweet deal, quite literally.

    Available for delivery in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad via Swiggy and Zomato, this mango farewell is more than just dessert. It’s a fruity frenzy, a sugar rush, and a seasonal tribute rolled into one.

  • Act Fibernet plugs in Amazon Prime Lite for a double shot of value

    Act Fibernet plugs in Amazon Prime Lite for a double shot of value

    MUMBAI: Act Fibernet has struck a streaming sweet spot. The wired internet major has teamed up with Amazon Prime to offer its users a fresh set of broadband plans bundled with Prime Lite — a compact yet power-packed version of Amazon’s popular subscription service.

    Designed for digital-first consumers who want speed and spectacle in equal measure, the new ACT plans include high-speed fibre connectivity along with Prime Lite benefits: HD access to Prime Video’s catalogue of originals, films, and TV shows on one device, unlimited Same-Day/Next-Day deliveries, early bird access to marquee sales like Prime Day, and exclusive shopping deals.

    Act’s subscribers, both new and existing, can access the bundle by signing up for six-month (or longer) plans. Once onboard, Prime Lite perks remain active for as long as the eligible Act subscription is live.

    Act VP, head of brands, content and partnerships, Naveen Nahar, said, “At Act Fibernet, our brand promise is simple — Feel the Advantage. It’s about going beyond the fast internet to deliver real, everyday value to our customers. With the launch of Amazon Prime Lite on our platform, we’re giving our users the best of entertainment, shopping, and convenience — all in one seamless experience. Whether its world class shows, free express deliveries, or early access to deals, this partnership ensures our customers don’t just stay connected, they stay ahead.”

    “At Prime Video, we remain committed to offering easy and convenient access to our much-loved Originals, movies, series, and more to customers across India,” said Prime Video India director & head, SVOD Business, Shilangi Mukherji said, “This strategic collaboration with Act Fibernet not only simplifies access to Prime Video’s extensive content selection but also delivers other shopping & shipping benefits of Prime Lite, like unlimited free ‘Same-day/Next-Day’ delivery across millions of products, early access to exclusive deals, and much more.”

    With this move, Act is no longer just a broadband provider — it’s a bundled convenience powerhouse. For subscribers, it’s all the streaming, scrolling, and shopping — at the speed of light.

    Below is a list of cities and their corresponding starting rates for Prime Lite with ACT Plans:

     

  • Dettol Fresh promises 12-hour confidence boost in a bar

    Dettol Fresh promises 12-hour confidence boost in a bar

    MUMBAI: Dettol, the household name that’s long been associated with hygiene and protection, has now added a splash of confidence to its cleansing credentials. The brand has rolled out a bold new promise of 12-hour freshness across its Cologne Fresh and Lime Fresh soap variants — a timely move in a country where a commute can be longer than a board meeting, and body odour can strike at the worst possible moment.

    Designed for modern Indians on the move, Dettol Fresh claims to eliminate 99.9 per cent of odour-causing germs^ while delivering a day-long burst of confidence. Cologne Fresh brings a musky, masculine edge perfect for power moves and post-shower swagger, while Lime Fresh’s citrus zing is tailor-made for social sparks and morning hustle.

    To bring the proposition alive, Dettol has partnered with McCann Worldgroup for two spirited ad films. In one, a young woman with a startup pitch finds an investor at an airport — only the one who smells success (literally) gets the deal. In the other, a duo of musicians get a surprise gig at a nightclub — but only the fresher of the two steals the spotlight.

    Reckitt – South Asia regional marketing director, health, Kanika Kalra said, “At Reckitt, we believe real confidence starts with feeling fresh & protected so you are ready for anything. With Dettol Cologne & Lime Fresh, we’re not just offering freshness — we are helping people feel confident. Whether you’re chasing dreams in boardrooms or on stage, 12-hour freshness*~gives you the confidence to show up at your best. This marks an exciting benefit from Dettol as we expand our promise of protection into the freshness space — because when you feel fresh, you always feel ready.”

    The campaign is headlined by two engaging ad films, conceptualised by McCann Worldgroup. McCann Worldgroup India chief creative officer and CEO Prasoon Joshi said, “Opportunities don’t wait – they can come anytime! And when they do, you’ve got to feel fresh, confident, and ready to grab them. That’s what this campaign is all about. With 12 hour-freshness, Dettol Lime Fresh and Cologne Fresh have your back, helping go-getters feel fresh and confident, and also protect from body odour.”

    The message is simple: with Dettol Fresh, you don’t just feel clean — you feel ready. Whether it’s for a chance meeting, a professional breakthrough, or a bold night out, Dettol wants to be your invisible wingman.

    As the brand evolves from its germ-killing legacy to confidence-boosting freshness, the humble soap bar is suddenly less about hygiene and more about head-turning assurance. Freshness, it seems, is now a career strategy.