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  • Vi Business inks pact with HPE to boost India’s enterprise tech game

    Vi Business inks pact with HPE to boost India’s enterprise tech game

    MUMBAI: In a move that signals smarter days ahead for Indian enterprise networks, Vi Business—the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea—has signed a strategic managed services deal with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to deliver next-gen networking solutions across industries.

    The collaboration leans on the power of HPE Aruba Networking to roll out managed wireless LAN, switching, and security infrastructure, designed to support everything from sprawling manufacturing plants to sleek corporate HQs. With this alliance, Vi Business and HPE are looking to wire up workplaces with scalable, secure and AI-powered tech that runs as smoothly as a late-night software patch.

    All services will be handled by Vi’s Network Operations Center (NOC), which promises seamless delivery and in-life support. The offering includes AI- and ML-based analytics for intelligent orchestration, boosting user experience through predictive and adaptive networking. Enterprises also get support with well-defined service level agreements (SLAs), giving them peace of mind alongside performance.

    Private data centres are also in focus. Vi and HPE plan to co-develop solutions that can cater to the growing storage and compute demands of private and public sector enterprises—including government entities.

    Vodafone Idea chief enterprise business officer Arvind Nevatia said, “We are excited to sign this strategic partnership with HPE. This collaboration will not only strengthen Vi Business’s ICT product portfolio but also enhance our offerings by integrating our telco core with advanced enterprise solutions. Together, Vi Business and HPE are committed to delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions that drive operational efficiency, enabling digital transformation for our enterprise customers”.

    HPE Aruba Networking EVP & GM Phil Mottram added, “We are thrilled to join forces with Vi Business, as this represents a powerful leap forward for enterprise innovation in India. By combining the intelligence and security of HPE Aruba Networking with Vi’s strong connectivity and service expertise, we will deliver agile, resilient, and future-ready solutions that will empower businesses to scale confidently in a rapidly evolving digital landscape”.

    This partnership brings together robust connectivity and deep tech innovation, creating a one-stop solution for enterprises hoping to modernise their network infrastructure without the usual headache.

     

  • From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    MUMBAI: In a career-defining rally that started from the squash courts of India, IOS Sports and Entertainment has launched a vibrant new logo to mark its 20 anniversary—an era that has seen it shape the trajectory of Indian sports management.

    Founded in 2005 by former squash player Neerav Tomar and industrialist Sanjeev Khandelwal, IOS has grown from a modest operation into one of India’s leading sports management agencies. The firm has managed over 150 elite athletes and partnered with 500+ brands.

    The new logo, revealed on 27 May, features a striking ’20’ in gradient hues, symbolising the breadth of sports it represents. It sits alongside the bold ‘IOS’ typography and the dates ‘2005 – 2025’, underpinned by the tagline ‘SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT’.

    “This new logo represents not just our journey, but the evolution of sports management in India”, said MD & CEO Tomar. “The vibrant colours symbolise the diversity of talent we represent, while the modern design reflects our forward-thinking approach”.

    Over the years, IOS has transformed how Olympic sports are perceived and monetised in India. It began its innings with Olympic boxer Vijender Singh and went on to represent top names like Suresh Raina, Lovlina Borgohain, Mirabai Chanu, Saina Nehwal, Geeta Phogat, and Ishan Kishan.

    Singh reminisced, “My journey with IOS began when they were just starting out, and we’ve grown together over these 20 years. They believed in me when Olympic sports athletes had limited commercial opportunities in India”.

    IOS also provides services to sports bodies including the Indian Olympic Association, Athletics Federation of India, Paralympic Committee of India, and Weightlifting Federation. Beyond athletes, the firm has overseen franchise operations like the Gujarat Lions in the IPL.

    Its entertainment credentials are equally robust, having delivered brand integrations in films like Mary Kom, Toofaan, and Rock On, seamlessly blending sport and cinema.

    With a refreshed identity and a legacy to match, IOS is entering its third decade at full sprint. The new branding will roll out across platforms from 27 May, kicking off a year of celebrations.

  • PwC India and Kapture CX dial Up the future of agentic automation

    PwC India and Kapture CX dial Up the future of agentic automation

    MUMBAI: Call it the new CX factor where agents don’t just listen, they lead. In a major push towards redefining customer experience, Kapture CX, the agentic AI-powered CX platform, has partnered with PwC India to roll out a new generation of scalable automation solutions. The focus? Taking enterprises from task execution to intelligent orchestration, especially in sectors like Retail, Consumer, and BFSI.

    Unlike the typical chatbot hype, this alliance promises to deliver serious muscle behind the buzzwords. The partnership brings together Kapture CX’s proprietary LLMs and industry-specific AI approach with PwC India’s heavyweight experience in enterprise implementation and deep domain know-how.

    “Agentic automation is transforming how enterprises operate, shifting from task execution to intelligent orchestration. At PwC India, we’re helping clients lead this shift by harnessing this through purposeful collaborations. Our partnership with Kapture CX brings next-generation automation to the front lines of customer experience to drive smart efficiency and build agile, future-ready enterprises,” said PwC India chief client and alliance officer, Manpreet Singh Ahuja.

    The solutions will span contact centres, employee experience modules, and voice agents moving beyond generic automation to contextually intelligent interactions that can act, learn, and evolve.

    “With PwC India’s agentic automation solutions, we are paving the way for a smarter and more agile future for our clients. We are at the forefront of helping organisations reimagine the art-of-possible, enabling them to turn modern-day technology disruption into a competitive advantage,” said PwC India partner and leader of agentic automation Sumit Srivastav.

    Kapture CX’s AI isn’t just reactive, it’s proactive. Designed to automate workflows, enhance business operations, and cut costs, its AI agents aim to become a seamless extension of enterprise teams.

    “Partnering with PwC India marks a significant milestone for Kapture CX. Our AI agents are designed not just to respond but to act, automate workflows, and enhance business processes across industries. Together with PwC India, we are set to redefine how organizations harness Agentic AI for scalable, efficient, and cost-effective automation,” added Kapture CX co-founder and CEO Sheshgiri Kamath.

    Wrapping up the alliance’s vision Kapture CX VP for partnerships and alliances Nibha Kothari summed it up saying, “This collaboration is a strategic catalyst amplifying the potential of agentic AI to drive agentic automation at scale. By uniting Kapture’s advanced capabilities with PwC India’s enterprise depth, we’re delivering transformative, future-ready solutions. It’s been a privilege working alongside PwC India’s exceptional team, and we’re energized by the bold innovations we’ll shape together.”

    If you thought automation was just about bots, think again, this partnership is handing the mic to AI agents that know how to listen, lead, and leap ahead.

  • Intesab Hussain named CMO & COO at Rilox EV in power-packed leadership move

    Intesab Hussain named CMO & COO at Rilox EV in power-packed leadership move

    MUMBAI: As India’s electric mobility sector revs up, Rilox EV has added fresh horsepower to its leadership pit crew. The company appointed Intesab Hussain as its new chief marketing officer (CMO), while also handing him the keys to operations as chief operating officer (COO) of Rilox E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd.

    With over 15 years of experience, Hussain brings a formidable track record across brand positioning, strategic communications, and pan-India campaigns. His dual mandate will be to steer Rilox’s marketing engine and streamline operational velocity as the company scales up to meet growing EV demand.

    “It’s an honour to join Rilox EV at such a dynamic phase of growth”, said Hussain. “I look forward to crafting bold, impactful campaigns and customer experiences that reflect our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our goal is to make Rilox a household name in electric mobility, synonymous with quality, performance and value”.

    Rilox EV founder & CEO Avesh Memon said the dual-role appointment signals a pivotal chapter in the company’s journey. “We’re thrilled to welcome Intesab to our leadership team. His strategic vision and intimate knowledge of the EV ecosystem align perfectly with our mission: making electric mobility more accessible and aspirational. With his dual CMO-COO capacity, we’ll accelerate both our market outreach and operational excellence”.

    Prior to this, Hussain led marketing and business development at major advertising and marketing firms. He has spearheaded product rollouts, acquisition strategies, and national brand activations—experience that will now fuel Rilox EV’s next growth sprint.

    The move underscores Rilox EV’s intent to turbocharge brand differentiation in a market increasingly crowded with EV hopefuls. With Hussain in the driver’s seat, the company is betting big on strategic clarity and execution muscle to stand out.

  • The Mavericks plugs into One Asia Communications to power brands across 13 Asian markets

    The Mavericks plugs into One Asia Communications to power brands across 13 Asian markets

    MUMBAI: When reputation precedes the passport, it pays to go regional. The Mavericks, one of India’s fastest-rising communications consultancies, has officially joined the One Asia Communications (OAC) network—a coalition of leading owner-operated PR agencies across the continent. As OAC’s exclusive partner in India, The Mavericks now offers brands a single-window approach to strategic communications across 13 key Asian markets, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

    The move positions The Mavericks as a gateway for both Indian brands with regional ambitions and international players looking to decode India’s complex communications landscape. With OAC’s deep local reach, the firm will offer clients culturally attuned, insight-driven storytelling without the bureaucracy or disconnect of traditional global networks.

    “This partnership is built on shared values — deep local expertise, a commitment to meaningful storytelling, and an audience-first mindset”, said The Mavericks founder & CEO Chetan Mahajan. “For Indian brands going global and global brands entering India, this network offers the agility of local operators and the scale of a regional powerhouse”.

    The OAC alliance now spans Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and other dynamic markets. With The Mavericks onboard, the network consolidates its presence in south Asia, adding India to its coverage map.

    OAC chair & Hahm Partners CEO Siwon Hahm said, “The Mavericks brings incredible energy, creativity, and a strong foundation of strategic reputation management. Their inclusion completes OAC’s presence in major Asian markets, strengthening our mission to deliver cohesive, high-quality communications across borders”.

    For Maverick Indonesia founder Ong Hock Chuan, the partnership is more than coincidence. “While we share a name by chance, what binds us is a shared philosophy. Chetan and his team have consistently inspired with their bold yet grounded approach. We’re thrilled to collaborate more closely and create value for businesses, bridging India and Indonesia”, he said.

    As clients increasingly seek sharper localisation within global narratives, the OAC-Mavericks partnership offers a cross-border strategy rooted in trust, insight and creative muscle. Whether it’s launching a fintech brand in Seoul or repositioning an FMCG player in Jakarta, The Mavericks is now equipped to make the message travel farther and hit harder.

  • Tohands unveils AI-powered calculator to digitise 1.5 lakh kirana stores in Maharashtra

    Tohands unveils AI-powered calculator to digitise 1.5 lakh kirana stores in Maharashtra

    MUMBAI: In the bustling bylanes of India, where kirana stores are the beating heart of daily commerce, Tohands is quietly sparking a retail revolution. The Mumbai-based fintech startup has launched the Tohands Smart Calculator V5 Silver—an AI-enabled tool designed not just to crunch numbers but to change the way India’s small retailers do business.

    Unveiled on 28 May 2025 in Mumbai, the device marks a pivotal moment in Tohands’ mission to bring digital equity to grassroots retail. The company plans to digitise 1.5 lakh kirana stores across Maharashtra in the coming year, targeting key regions including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Vasai. Nationwide, it aims to reach one million shops by year-end.

    Unlike conventional billing systems or ERP software, the V5 Silver keeps things simple. Built for shopkeepers with limited digital literacy, the calculator works both offline and online. It manages inventory, tracks expenses, integrates with barcode scanners and printers, and generates remote reports. Most importantly, it delivers AI-driven insights to help owners identify sales trends, curb losses, and improve cash flow.

    “In every narrow bylane of this country, there’s a kirana store operating on trust and hustle, but without the tools that modern retail enjoys”, said Tohands founder & CEO Praveen Mishra. “The Tohands Smart Calculator V5 Silver is not just about smarter transactions—it’s about enabling these shopkeepers to save time, reduce loss, and gain control over their business”.

    Built on the ‘MAYA’ principle—Most Advanced Yet Acceptable—the device is affordable, user-friendly, and designed for the realities of India’s informal retail sector. It supports integration with essential peripherals and maintains a low learning curve, making it a plug-and-play option for store owners previously alienated by complex POS systems.

    Tohands, which shot to prominence after a feature on Shark Tank India, has already onboarded thousands of kirana stores over four years. It raised Rs. 3.5 crore from investors Radhika Gupta and Varun Dua on the show, along with Rs. 50 lakhs from the Startup India Seed Fund and support from Turbostart.

    As Maharashtra prepares for a new wave of digital kiranas, the calculator may just become the unsung hero behind India’s next chapter of retail transformation.

  • Simply Nam secures fresh funding to scale up beauty play for Indian women

    Simply Nam secures fresh funding to scale up beauty play for Indian women

    MUMBAI: Simply Nam, the homegrown beauty brand led by celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni and entrepreneur Hanna Stromgren Khan, has secured a strategic investment from the Bhaane Group to power its next phase of growth. The fundraise will enable the company to double its monthly recurring revenue (MRR), expand its product portfolio and grow its omnichannel presence across India.

    Founded in 2020, Simply Nam has doubled its customer base in the past year and clocked a 40 per cent returning customer rate, with its current MRR averaging Rs 2 crore. The brand is currently live across platforms including Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Tira Beauty, Zepto and Blinkit.

    What sets Simply Nam apart is its founder-led formulation approach: no off-the-shelf white-labelling, no shortcuts. Namrata Soni brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to the lab, combining her deep understanding of Indian skin tones, textures and climates with skincare-forward, vegan and cruelty-free innovation.

    “Simply Nam is more than just a makeup brand — it’s a reflection of my life’s work and a deep understanding of the beauty needs of Indian women”, said Simply Nam co-founder Soni. “Having worked with Sonam for over 17 years, it’s incredibly meaningful to now build this brand alongside her and Anand… Their trust at such a pivotal stage fills me with renewed confidence”.

    The Bhaane Group’s investment signals confidence in Simply Nam’s vision of clean, inclusive and professional-grade beauty. The partnership also reflects a commitment to scaling quality-first Indian beauty brands. “With Bhaane Group, we’ve found that rare alignment. This strategic investment is a launchpad for what comes next”, added CEO & co-founder Khan.

    The brand’s hero products, like the Ultimate Kajal (with 100,000 units sold in just three months), the Sweet Kisses Lip Balm, and the Magic Tinted Lip Oil, have already found favour with Indian consumers and influencers alike. Simply Nam has also bagged accolades at the Elle Beauty Awards 2023 and the Grazia Indie Beauty Superstars 2024, with nominations at the upcoming Vogue Beauty & Wellness Awards 2025.

    Bhaane Group CEO Anand S Ahuja remarked, “Simply Nam represents the next chapter in clean, inclusive beauty for India, and we’re incredibly proud to support their journey”.

    The funding will be used to:

    ●    Launch new, innovative product lines

    ●    Expand its educational content

    ●    Strengthen physical and digital reach

    ●    Reinforce its made-in-India ethos across all touchpoints

    As India’s first celebrity makeup artist-owned beauty brand, Simply Nam now sets its sights on building a globally resonant identity that remains proudly Indian at its core.

  • Diageo India fuels road safety with Tab Lab rollout across all Goa RTOs

    Diageo India fuels road safety with Tab Lab rollout across all Goa RTOs

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends digital grit with civic sense, Diageo India has extended its ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ (WSOTR) initiative across all seven Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Goa. The latest Tab Lab, launched at the Panaji RTO, was inaugurated by the Goa CM Pramod Sawant, making it a full sweep for the initiative across the state.

    The initiative, driven in partnership with Bharatcares and the Directorate of Transport, brings interactive, tech-enabled driver education to life. Targeting drink driving behaviour, the programme uses real-life simulations to highlight the harsh consequences of unsafe driving. Each Tab Lab delivers a mandatory 45-minute immersive experience to all new driving licence applicants. These modules include behavioural assessments and interactive films designed to simulate the dangers of driving under the influence.

    “We congratulate and thank Bharatcares and Diageo India for implementing this CSR project”, said Sawant at the inauguration. “This small step will have a long-term impact in reducing accidents. No licence will be issued or renewed without watching this film”.

    The Panaji launch brings the number of WSOTR Tab Labs in India to over 70, bolstering Diageo’s goal of sensitising one million people to responsible driving by 2030. The initiative falls under the company’s broader ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG framework.

    “Changing attitudes is key to addressing the root causes of drink driving”, said Diageo India head of corporate relations Devashish Dasgupta. “With our partners at BharatCares and support from the Goa government, we are scaling WSOTR to equip drivers with the awareness they need to make responsible choices”.

    Bharatcares AVP – social impact programs Abhishek Tyagi echoed the sentiment, “Through initiatives like the Tab Lab, we are fostering a collective effort to build safer, more responsible communities”.

    The WSOTR campaign isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes. It’s a behavioural nudge wrapped in immersive tech—a civic reset disguised as a touchscreen.

  • Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    MUMBAI: Most people dread a legal-looking envelope but this one holds no fines, just facts. In a bold, attention-grabbing move for Menstrual Hygiene Day, femcare brand Plush has teamed up with quick commerce platform Blinkit to deliver more than just products, they’re delivering a cultural reckoning. In five Indian cities, over 25,000 homes received what appeared to be formal legal notices. But instead of summons, the sleek envelope bore a blazing message: “This is your final notice to put your comfort first.” Inside? A Plush 100 per cent rash-free pad and a mission to challenge the silence around periods.

    As part of its larger PeriodFriendlyWorld campaign, the activation brought period care straight into the spotlight (and the living room), removing the metaphorical brown bag from sanitary pads and giving menstruators permission to expect dignity, comfort and normalcy.

    The campaign ties into Plush’s wider digital movement, “Volume Up. Period.” which addresses a quiet truth: most menstruators instinctively lower their voices when talking about periods, not out of choice but conditioning. Plush is on a mission to unlearn that silence.

    “Periods have been tiptoed around for too long inside homes, offices, and even marketing boardrooms,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “This campaign isn’t just about delivering pads, it’s about speaking up. To expect better. To demand comfort. To turn the Volume Up. Period. We’re proud to do it in partnership with Blinkit, who help us take this message straight into the homes where it matters most.”

    Blinkit Senior vice president for revenue Anish Shrivastava added, “This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re proud to collaborate with a femcare brand like Plush to support a cause that underscores the need for period care to be seen, respected, and prioritised. It’s about making room for honest conversations, and ensuring that something so fundamental is never out of reach.”

    The campaign ran across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai on May 27 and 28, making a case for how direct-to-home marketing can become a megaphone for cultural change. And while the pads were soft, the message was loud and clear: periods aren’t taboo, they’re part of life and they deserve to be treated that way.

    Because building a PeriodFriendlyWorld doesn’t start with a billboard, it starts at your doorstep.

  • Moneycontrol beats ET in digital readership, tops April Comscore charts

    Moneycontrol beats ET in digital readership, tops April Comscore charts

    MUMBAI: The scoreboard in business journalism just got another update—and Moneycontrol is still running the game. For the eighth month in a row, the finance-focused platform outperformed The Economic Times (ET) across all key digital metrics, according to Comscore’s latest data for April 2025.

    With 43.93 million unique visitors in April, Moneycontrol widened the lead over ET’s 39.89 million, as per Comscore India MMX, which accounts for mobile, desktop, app and social traffic.

    But it didn’t stop at clicks. Moneycontrol tallied 298.76 million page views—nearly twice ET’s 159.33 million—suggesting readers stayed for more than just the headlines. When it came to time spent, users logged 347.19 million minutes on Moneycontrol versus 197 million on ET.

    In an age where scrolls and swipes dictate market leadership, Moneycontrol’s consistent dominance highlights its ability to keep users both informed and engaged.

    These figures reinforce the platform’s position as India’s most consumed source for business, markets, and financial news. If traffic is a proxy for trust, Moneycontrol seems to be the index India won’t stop tracking.