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Tag: AI

  • Nine in ten Indian internet users are already using AI in some form or the other: Kantar AI research findings

    Nine in ten Indian internet users are already using AI in some form or the other: Kantar AI research findings

    Mumbai: The internet in India is democratized and widely used; but now the country sits on the cusp of an AI revolution. ICUBE* data shows that AI is already touching the lives of nine in ten internet users in India, powered by the enormous computing capabilities on their phones, connectivity, and cloud infrastructure. Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business unveils a probe into this burgeoning AI market to dish out actionable insights for marketers. Furthermore, the company also unveiled an AI-powered suit of research solutions that will enable brands and brand builders to understand consumer behavioral data better and stay ahead of the curve in future.

    The current AI user base of the country stands at 724 million and poised to grow YoY at six per cent. These are users who have used any of the AI features like image filters, personalized recommendations, smart devices, etc till now.

    Kantar also found that ‘fitness’ and ‘social media’ apps are driving AI adoption with an average of 2.3 AI-led features embedded in these applications. ‘Entertainment’ apps are a close second, standing at 2.0 AI features on average. AI is also touching ‘digital commerce’ and ‘pharmacy apps’ at an average of 1.8 AI features each. Kantar also anticipates that many more digital commerce & entertainment apps will adopt AI features to enhance quality of customer experience and stay in line with the emerging trends. Adoption however is slower in the ‘BFSI’, ‘job search’ and ‘short video’ apps segments, at an average of 1.2 features each.

    Adoption of AI among users is currently high for popular features while enhanced AI functionalities are catching up. Incidence among AI users in 2023:

    1. 88 per cent consumers used AI-based algorithms which analysed their preferences, behaviours, and interests to create personalized recommendations for tailored experiences. This segment grew at six  per cent YoY.

    2 . 88 per cent consumer also automated various tasks and streamlined routines to enhance efficiency and productivity in their daily lives using AI. This segment grew at six per cent YoY.

    3 . 86 per cent used ‘image enhancement filters’ so that the resulting image is improved in terms of sharpness, contrast, brightness or with other features. This segment grew at five per cent YoY.

    4 . At 21 per cent, ‘smart home automation’ is a smaller segment but growing at 25 per cent YoY.

    5 . 15 per cent consumers enhanced their ‘user experience through virtual assistants’. This segment is the fastest growing at 27 per cent YoY.

    While AI technologies are touching most internet users of India today, their usage is expectedly higher among the youth (19–24-year-olds) at 92 per cent and interestingly, at a high 81 per cent for the older (45 plus year old) age bracket as well.

    Speaking about AI and addressing the marketers, Kantar MD & chief client officer – South Asia, insights division Soumya Mohanty said “AI is inevitable. Historically, technology adoption has always been a dominant determinant of a brand’s trajectory. We at Kantar feel that it is important to help marketers humanise AI to innovate successfully, help activate AI to predict future performance, maximize ROI and use AI strategies to build competitive advantage for sustainable growth. We have created a range of offerings which will benefit marketers and consumers by extension. LINK AI is one such solution, which helps evaluate creative effectiveness at scale and has helped uncover new insights into creating better video ads on YouTube which has a proven track record of growth, following Google’s ABCD framework. Similarly, we have introduced best in class offerings like LIFT ROI, Trend AI and NeedScope AI for various stages of brand growth as well.”

    Kantar Sr executive director, South Asia, insights division Puneet Avasthi added “Generative AI is set to become a $1.3T market by 2034 with a possible 42 per cent CAGR growth over the next 10 years. We are sitting at a point of inflection where the next few years will enable a competitive edge between businesses who adopt early and others. As the usage of AI grows rapidly, it is critical for marketers to not use AI in isolation and as a gimmicky fad, but weave in consumer behavioral data into it to remove biases, continue to focus on building equity and not just to run activations. Kantar is at the forefront of this AI revolution and is assisting brand builders to strengthen creative testing, innovation using it’s AI based solutions.”

  • “No matter the platform, if the music is good, it will be recognized”: Music composer Dhruv Dhalla

    “No matter the platform, if the music is good, it will be recognized”: Music composer Dhruv Dhalla

    Mumbai: Music has the power to transcend boundaries and evoke emotions like no other art form. And among the sea of music composers, Dhruv Dhalla epitomizes this with his illustrious journey in Bollywood.

    From his humble beginnings in a business class family to becoming a powerhouse in the Indian film music industry, Dhruv’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With unforgettable contributions to iconic films like ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’ and ‘Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye,’ Dhruv’s illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the industry. His recent collaboration with Dharma Productions for the upcoming film ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ promises to once again enchant audiences with his soulful melodies.

    Indiantelevision in conversation with Dhruv Dhalla talked about various topics, from his journey to collaborating with international artists and navigating feedback and criticism, and more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On your journey in the music industry so far

    I consider myself very fortunate to have started my career as a composer in the film industry with Dibakar Banarjee. His knowledge of film and music was a masterclass, and both my films with him – Khosla Ka Ghosla and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye – were amazing experiences.

    Bollywood is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a rollercoaster ride with some highs and a lot of lows. I realised that the idea is to keep working and not let failure be a deterrent. Patience and persistence will eventually be rewarded.

    On your collaboration with Dharma Productions for “Mr and Mrs Mahi,” and what can audiences anticipate from the soulful melody by Kavita Seth

    I had composed a song a while back and called Kavita Seth for the recording as a demo track. After she sang it, Kavita ji told me to pitch the song to a big film or production house. She was instrumental in making me believe that this song deserved a big canvas. And as luck would have it, it reached Dharma Productions and got selected. It’s a very soulful song, beautifully rendered by Kavita Seth and written by Devender Kafir. I really hope it touches the right chord and emotions with people.

    On your insights on the multifaceted impact of AI in music composition, balancing its potential as a creative tool with ethical considerations surrounding copyright, ownership, and artistic integrity

    I would consider AI as a tool, just as we use music software and technology for composing and production. Art in any form is a combination of feelings, emotions, and passion. It needs to have a human touch; otherwise, it’s mechanical.

    Creating music through AI can be interesting, but it needs a human brain and heart to guide it. Otherwise, music all over the world would start feeling and sounding similar, which is not the point of any art form.

    On perceiving bilingual collaborations like Shreya Ghoshal’s “Guli Mata,” which involve international artists, and do you aspire to engage in similar endeavors

    Artist collaborations are always interesting. The cultural blends always have a fresh mix. I’m working on a concept of creating Western music, with Western symphonic production, yet giving it a hint of our flavor. In the universal language of music, anything is possible!

    On navigating feedback and criticism, both positive and negative, within your creative process

    Negative criticism is what one needs to look out for. That’s where change and growth come. It’s okay to be praised for something good, but the challenge is to accept, re-learn, and start again. A fresh start is hard, but that’s where I, as an artist, have learned and discovered more. That’s where one gets better.

    On the advice that you would impart to aspiring composers seeking entry into the Bollywood music scene

    It’s a great space for young and upcoming composers. They do not need Bollywood or films to make a mark anymore. Social media, reels, YouTube are as big platforms as any. And they come without defined boundaries and references. You’re free to express as you like. I would advise the younger musicians to explore this space and create as much as they can. No matter the platform, if the music is good, it will be recognized.

    On envisioning the future of the music industry, anticipating its trajectory

    I feel the future of the music industry will be technology-driven. Songs will be seen more than heard. Ten to twenty-second reels have already shortened the attention span of the brain. Gratification will be delivered faster, and music will be consumed more than it needs to be felt.

  • IAS expands MFA AI solution with ad clutter detection innovation

    IAS expands MFA AI solution with ad clutter detection innovation

    Mumbai: Integral Ad Science (Nasdaq: IAS), a leading global media measurement and optimization platform, today announced the expansion of its Made for Advertising (MFA) AI-driven solution. With this enhancement, IAS now provides advertisers with the first solution that can measure and optimize against both MFA and Ad Clutter sites to drive maximum efficacy across the programmatic buying process.

    MFA sites are web pages built to conduct ad arbitrage and feature low-quality content (e.g. spam sites, or ad farms) created solely to serve ads, whereas Ad Clutter sites feature high ad density and high ad-to-content ratio, leading to lower performance. As opposed to a static exclusion list, IAS uses advanced machine learning technology and additional signals built into IAS’s core platform to intelligently identify MFA and Ad Clutter sites.

    “With the proliferation of MFA, global advertisers need safeguards to avoid ad arbitrage and low-performing, high-ad-density sites while optimizing for media quality and performance,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. “We’re proud to offer the industry’s first pressure-tested solution for detecting and avoiding MFA and Ad Clutter sites at scale while also preserving the flexibility to reach audiences across a diverse range of publishers.”

    According to the ANA’s recent Programmatic Media Supply Chain Transparency Study, MFA websites counted towards 21% of study impressions and 15  per cent of ad spend, illustrating a significant opportunity for advertisers and agencies to better understand where their impressions are delivered and to optimize away from MFA sites to reduce media waste. IAS analysis from over 40 global agencies and brands found traffic served on sites classified as non-MFA has a 278 per cent better conversion rate than traffic served on sites classified as MFA. Further analysis by IAS found that quality media was more cost-efficient than sites classified as MFA, delivering lower cost-per-conversion by 63 per cent.

    The IAS MFA Measurement and Optimization solution supports the ANA’s definition of MFA and has been trained against Sincera’s deep library of metadata along with Jounce Media’s widely adopted list of MFA domains. The solution leverages supply chain data and IAS-measured site characteristics including ad-to-content ratio, total number of ads, auto-refresh ads, refresh rate, traffic source, and autoplay video ads to report on MFA Ads, MFA Rate, Ad Clutter Ads, and Ad Clutter Rate.  

    “The industry should not conflate Made For Advertising supply with other forms of low-quality advertising experiences. MFA publishers operate an ad arbitrage business model that has no place in the programmatic supply chain,” said Chris Kane, President, Jounce Media. “Separately, media companies that produce original content and attract organic visitors sometimes engage in aggressive monetization techniques that dilute the value of advertising. By clearly distinguishing MFA supply from ad clutter, IAS is giving media buyers the tools they need to make informed decisions about inventory quality.”

    By partnering with IAS, publishers can also garner greater insight into their inventory with solutions for how to improve quality and drive greater engagement with advertisers. Publishers identified as MFA or Ad Clutter will also have greater visibility into their inventory quality. IAS MFA measurement promotes a healthier media ecosystem by enabling publishers to improve the quality of their properties and drive greater engagement with their advertisers.

    IAS’s MFA AI-driven site Measurement and Optimization solution expands on the beta announced in Q4 2023 and will be available globally beginning in Q2 2024. For more information on how IAS is identifying and combating MFA sites, visit: How Marketers Can Detect and Avoid Made-for Advertising Sites.

  • Purna Gummies products are known for their appealing taste and chewy texture

    Purna Gummies products are known for their appealing taste and chewy texture

    Mumbai: Revolutionizing healthcare, Purna Gummies, a prominent nutraceutical company based in India, is making wellness irresistibly delightful. Their adorable bear-shaped gummies are not just a treat for the taste buds but a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals.

    Established in 2021 in New Delhi, Purna Gummies is the only vertically integrated brand in the gummies market. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, they are on a mission to make healthcare enjoyable and accessible for all.

    Indiantelevision caught up with Purna Gummies founder Dr Archana Gupta. With a distinguished medical background specializing in Gynecology, Dr. Gupta. Supported by her family’s expertise, she pioneers the creation of delicious and nutritious bear-shaped jelly gummies, revolutionizing the nutraceutical industry with her vision for accessible and enjoyable wellness solutions.

    On the Purna Gummies officially launching and introducing to the market

    Purna Gummies was officially introduced to the market in 2021. Ever since its inception, we have been proud to bring our products to the market to make a positive impact on the well-being of our customers.

    On Purna Gummies’ USP  

    There are a few USPs of our novel manufacturing technology that I would like to highlight.

    a. Our new technology of oil coating the gummies gives the product a smooth texture, without any rough coating of starch, sugar, or sour acid.

    b. The gummies are manufactured using the Delayed Heating Method which ensures that the gummies have uniform moisture chewiness and softness throughout.

    c. Our core competency is taste and presentation. We’re able to achieve bright lively colours and gummies without any bitterness.

    On Purna Gummies leveraging AI in the development and formulation of its products

    We use the power of artificial intelligence to enhance taste and maximize the effectiveness of our products, differentiating us from other gummy brands. The delicate balance required in formulating nutraceutical gummies is achieved through advanced analytical capabilities provided by AI. By processing vast amounts of data related to ingredient interactions, nutritional science, and consumer preferences, AI enables us to optimise formulations with unprecedented accuracy. This data-driven approach ensures our products are not only scientifically sound but also align with the evolving demands and preferences of our consumers, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and effective gummy experience.

    On the Purna Gummies utilising advertising and media strategies to enhance brand visibility and expand its reach to a broader audience

    We employ a comprehensive approach to enhance brand visibility and expand our reach to a broader audience. Influencer marketing plays a pivotal role as we collaborate with influencers to showcase the benefits of our products authentically. PR and media coverage further contribute to creating awareness and credibility. Our strong social media presence ensures continuous engagement with our audience, fostering a sense of community. Additionally, product sampling allows us to provide firsthand experiences, building trust. Through these advertising and media strategies, we aim to establish a widespread presence, connecting with diverse consumers and making Purna Gummies a household name.

    On the ways the brand adapting its social media strategy to align with evolving trends and changes in the digital landscape

    To adapt our social media strategy and align with evolving trends and changes in the digital landscape. Purna Gummies embraces several key approaches, they are as follows:

    1. We keep track of the emerging platforms and trends.

    2. Staying updated on social media algorithm changes.

    3. Encouraging user-generated content.

    4. Leveraging influencer marketing trends.

    5. Embracing visual and interactive content formats.

    6. Using data and analytics to optimize strategies.

    7. Experimenting with new features and trends.

    8. Maintaining authenticity and transparency.

    On observing any notable trends or shifts in consumer preferences toward gummy products

    Certainly! There has been a noticeable and positive trend in consumer preferences towards gummy products in recent years. Here are some key observations:

       Health and Wellness Focus: Consumers are increasingly prioritising health and wellness, and gummy products often align with this trend. Many consumers perceive gummies as a fun way to incorporate beneficial ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and supplements into their daily routines.

       Convenience and Accessibility: Gummy products offer convenience and accessibility, especially for individuals with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules. They provide a convenient alternative that is easy to consume on the go, making them popular among busy lifestyles.

       Variety and Customization: Purna Gummies has responded to consumer demand by offering a wide variety of gummy products catering to different dietary needs, preferences, and lifestyles. This includes options for vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free gummies, as well as formulations targeting specific health concerns.

       Taste and Texture: Purna Gummies products are known for their appealing taste and chewy texture, which enhances the overall sensory experience. This makes them enjoyable for both adults and children, contributing to their popularity across diverse demographics.

       Social Media Influence: Social media platforms have played a significant role in popularising gummy products, with influencers and wellness enthusiasts often endorsing them as part of their daily routines. This exposure has helped increase awareness and drive consumer interest in gummy supplements and snacks.

       Innovative Formulations: At Purna Gummies we are continually innovating and introducing new formulations and flavours to keep up with consumer preferences and market trends. This includes incorporating trendy ingredients, such as CBD or adaptogens, into gummy products to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

    Overall, the positive trend toward gummy products reflects a growing consumer appreciation for convenient, enjoyable, and health-promoting options in the market. As manufacturers continue to innovate and respond to consumer preferences, the popularity of gummy products is expected to further increase in the coming years.

    On whether Purna Gummies engaged in influencer marketing on social media If yes, how are influencers selected, and the role that they play in promoting the brand

    Yes, at Purna Gummies, we actively engage in influencer marketing on social media as a key component of our strategy. Influencers are selected based on various criteria, including their alignment with our brand values, target audience relevance, engagement metrics, and authenticity. We seek influencers who genuinely resonate with our wellness-focused products. They create engaging content, share personal testimonials, and highlight the unique features of our products. This collaboration helps us reach a wider audience, build trust, and establish a genuine connection with consumers through the influencer’s credibility and reach on social media platforms.

    On the ways digital marketing facilitates the integration of Purna Gummies into e-commerce platforms

    To seamlessly integrate Purna Gummies into e-commerce platforms, we focus on using digital marketing strategies that embrace technology across various aspects of our business. Our commitment to cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven solutions, optimizes product formulations with enhanced accuracy and precision. This agility allows us to swiftly respond to emerging health trends and consumer preferences. We harness the power of digital platforms for marketing, employing social media campaigns and forging influencer partnerships to establish a robust online presence. Exploring immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) enables us to provide unique and interactive experiences for our customers, enhancing the e-commerce journey and fostering brand loyalty.

  • Google CEO Sundar announced Pichai Bard Advanced AI chatbot

    Google CEO Sundar announced Pichai Bard Advanced AI chatbot

    Mumbai: In a much-anticipated move, finally Sundar Pichai announced the powerful AI chatbot tool ‘ Google Bard Advanced ‘. The tech world is considering this move to challenge Microsoft Copilot Pro.

    The CEO also confirmed a subscription-based model for a powerful AI chatbot. It will be available to consumers on a subscription basis.

    While speaking on the development, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said, ‘ Bard is now powered by Gemini Pro, and it’s much more capable at things like understanding, summarising, reasoning, coding, planning. It is now in over 40 languages and over 230 countries around the world. Looking ahead we will be rolling out a more advanced version for subscribers powered by Gemini Ultra.’

     

  • Technological renaissance transforms the music industry

    Technological renaissance transforms the music industry

    Mumbai: The music industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation propelled by recent technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. From music production to distribution and consumption, these technologies are reshaping how music is created, promoted and enjoyed around the world. Many experts describe this phenomenon as a “technological renaissance” for the music industry. The AI music generation industry is projected to achieve a market value of $1.10 billion by 2027, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.89 per cent.

    AI and the creation of music

    One of the most groundbreaking applications of AI is its ability to actively participate in the creative process of songwriting. Algorithms can now analyse patterns in existing songs or musical styles and use that data to generate original melodies, harmonies and lyrics. Companies like Amper Music and Popgun use advanced AI to produce customisable, royalty-free music tracks for content creators within minutes. The quality of these AI-generated tracks is impressive and continues to improve each year.

    For human artists, AI tools provide songwriting support by suggesting intelligent chord progressions, unique melodies and clever lyrical ideas. Musical skills that once took years to develop can now be augmented with smart technology. Apps like Runway ML and Amadeus Code let artists craft catchy tunes through accessible AI-aided interfaces. With the help of artificial intelligence, both professional and amateur musicians have new ways to actualise their creative visions.

    The democratisation of music production

    Emerging AI applications are also making music production much more inclusive for creators worldwide. Tools like Splice Studio use machine learning to provide real-time feedback during a recording session, allowing vocalists to hone their performance without extensive studio knowledge. For home producers, apps like Landr and Cvr provide instant online mastering and distribution at the click of a button. Users can upload their tracks to be optimised sonically by an AI mastering engineer and published across leading streaming platforms.

    Such innovations are lowering economic barriers and enabling broader participation in music creation. Bedroom artists can now achieve near industry-standard production quality without expensive hardware or audio engineering degrees. With these technologies, musical expression is no longer limited to those with access to professional studios.

    Reimagining music distribution

    The companies leading music’s technological renaissance also aim to improve how artists reach listeners and achieve commercial success.

    Streaming platforms are leveraging artificial intelligence in their distribution and recommendation features. Services like Spotify, YouTube Music and SoundCloud are training algorithms to study users’ listening patterns and musical tastes. They then utilise predictive modelling to recommend relevant new artists that align with an individual’s preferences. For emerging musicians, scoring a top spot on a service’s editorial playlist can mean mass exposure and a platform for sustainable growth.

    To increase streaming revenue, artists are also beginning to experiment with lyrics written by AI that target popular searches. Further, blockchain technology also shows potential for transforming music distribution. Smart contracts can facilitate direct payments to artists, allowing them to bypass labels and keep a higher share of streaming royalties. By incorporating blockchain, musical creators gain more control over rights management and unlock new community-driven business models.

    The immersive musical experience

    As virtual and augmented reality mature, music fans can expect even more immersive listening environments powered by interactive AI capabilities. Spatial audio innovations from Dolby and Sony are bringing dynamic new sonic dimensions to headphone and speaker experiences. Of course, live shows are still irreplaceable for most fans – but virtual concerts hosting 3D holograms of artists could expand access and customisation. Imagine choosing camera angles while watching AI-generated versions of Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley dancing across a stage! For pop stars embracing eligibility, AI imaging lets them appear continuously young and modify their looks to suit different videos or promotions.

    Preserving musical heritage

    Beyond pioneering new sounds, artificial intelligence opens exciting doors for preserving our existing musical heritage. MIREX organisation hosts annual competitions challenging researchers to build algorithms that can accurately transcribe or detect attributes of specific recordings. Such technologies may soon help digitise archives of classical, folk or traditional music more efficiently. AI transcription also helps map the long cultural impact of seminal artists like the Beatles through tools such as deconstructing their melodic particularities or vocal phrasing nuances over time.

    Responsible innovation

    However, such seismic change does not come without risks or challenges to overcome. As the application of artificial intelligence transforms this industry, leaders must prioritise transparency and fair practice. Developing guidance around responsible innovation safeguards artists and audiences while allowing helpful disruptions to improve music’s future.

    Data protection concerns

    The vast data collection powering modern AI does raise critical privacy issues. To create accurate musical insights, companies may utilise personal information or recordings without obtaining full user consent. Artists run the risk of having their brand identity digitally exploited without proper permissions or attribution. Startups should follow strict protocols around announcing data collection policies and securing user sign-off before gathering any musical samples for machine learning development.

    Copyright infringement fears

    Another area needing governance is establishing protections around copyright violations. Existing songs and sonic works used to train musical prediction algorithms could become replicated through imitative AI attempting new compositions. While these occurrences appear rare currently, standards preventing plagiarism should be instituted as the technology progresses. Companies might submit lyric samples or full tracks to panels gauging substantial similarity before releasing any AI-generated content. Such oversight reduces legal disputes.

    Moderating synthetic media

    Perhaps the most dangerous misuse lies in AI’s ability to generate synthetic impersonations of real-world artists through manipulated imagery or vocals. Nefarious uses involving political figures also display how easily the technology enables falsification. While debunking tools emerge alongside synthetic media itself, undoubtedly more aggressive identification and reporting mechanisms must counteract malicious attempts. Significant lawsuits or regulations could follow if the technology becomes an outlet for fraud. Progress relies on equitable access paired with accountability.

    Preserving creative jobs

    Economic anxiety also looms large, as promising automation often prompts fears of technology replacement. Musicians’ unions have already voiced scepticism about enterprises promising to simulate the nuances of human creations through algorithms alone. However, a balanced perspective shows AI will more likely augment roles rather than outright replace creative professions in the years ahead. Just as past production tools expanded options rather than abolished instruments, artificial intelligence can unlock new vocations we have yet to envision.

    To conclude

    This wave of exponential progress makes today an electrifying period to participate in the music industry. Behind the nerves around any sweeping change rests confidence that new paradigms ultimately shift power closer towards consumer benefit. Fans gain more choice over what they hear and how media gets made. Musicians unlock tools once unthinkable to achieve their creative goals through mass collaboration; funding channels or instant information sharing increase their strategic autonomy. Though the days ahead are not without uncertainty during this technological renaissance, one certainty persists – our cultural fervour for music will only intensify in remarkable ways through artificial intelligence.

    The author of this article is TreadBinary founder and director Darshil Shah.

  • Performics India elevates Gautam Surath as its chief operating officer

    Performics India elevates Gautam Surath as its chief operating officer

    Mumbai: Performics India, part of Publicis Groupe India has announced the elevation of Gautam Surath as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective from January 1, 2024. In his new position, Surath will provide strategic direction and oversight to all domestic large client portfolio, spanning across BFSI, CPG, Telco, Travel& Hospitality, Gaming and New-Age Startup industry verticals. In addition, he will integrate Performics’s rich expertise on digital media, e-commerce and SEO with new-age beyond media capabilities such as MarTech, Data, AI and Performance creatives to help our clients maximise value from their digital investments. In this new role, Surath will report to Lalatendu Das, Performics India CEO.

    Surath has been with Publicis Groupe for over 20 years, working across, China, Southeast Asia and India. Surath has demonstrated an impressive track record in serving clients across media, ecommerce, data, analytics and technology. Prior to the current role, Surath led BFSI and CPG verticals for Performics India as its Managing Partner.

    Performics is a leading provider of digital, performance marketing, e-commerce, digital creative and MarTech solutions in India. Performics India has been on a strong growth trajectory, clocking double digit revenue CAGR consistently over last 4 years. Further, 2023 has been a seminal year for Performics with multiple award wins at reputed platforms such as DRUM, Effies, MMA Smarties and Emvies. Performics India’s decision to appoint Surath as COO is a strategic move aligned to the company’s overarching vision of being the ‘pre-eminent full-stack digital marketing Agency in India.’ His proficiency in cross-disciplinary functions, along with his proven leadership capabilities, positions him as a key enabler in realising Performics India’s aforesaid vision.

    Das said, “I am extremely pleased to have Gautam as our Chief Operating Officer at Performics India. Gautam brings rich digital experience at the intersection of digital Branding, eCommerce and Performance media. Our clients are looking for full-stack digital solutions, including rich media, SEO, digital creatives, data and AI, to drive specific outcomes.

    Leveraging his holistic understanding on media, data, analytics and eCommerce, Gautam will provide consultative support to our clients in their growth journey. Further, as Chief Operating Officer, Gautam is poised to contribute significantly to Performics India’s continued success and growth trajectory. On behalf of the entire team at Performics India, I congratulate Gautam on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

    Speaking about the new opportunity, Surath said “These are exciting times at Performics India. We are now well into our journey of creating expertise within our key industry verticals CPG, BFSI/Fintech, OTT and Telecom. We continue to strive to grow our clients market share through a blend of strategic, technological, and product-oriented solutions. In a world where consumers engage with more and more platforms, our 1800 performance marketing experts, who undergo continuous certification on these platforms bring a distinctive advantage to our clients. I look forward to being part of Performics India’s growth journey and the opportunity to shape it.”

  • Yellow.ai and Infobip partner to elevate experience with Gen AI-powered customer support automation

    Yellow.ai and Infobip partner to elevate experience with Gen AI-powered customer support automation

    Mumbai: Yellow.ai, a global generative AI-powered customer service automation announced its strategic partnership with global cloud communications platform Infobip to enable enterprises with AI-powered customer support and deliver elevated customer experiences. The collaboration aims to establish a strong global synergy by leveraging combined capabilities in voice automation, CPaaS, and generative AI solutions, intending to expand market presence across North America, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific markets.

    By integrating proficiencies, Yellow.ai and Infobip will engage in building an end-to-end voice solution to address the increasing demand for humanized and personalized voice conversations. As part of the partnership, Yellow.ai will power its CPaaS solutions across channels such as WhatsApp, SMS, and email through Infobip’s platform to create seamless conversational experiences. Additionally, the focus will revolve around harnessing Yellow.ai’s advanced generative AI capabilities, which have already demonstrated success by deploying over 100 gen AI-powered bots within just three months for customers such as Pelago by Singapore Airlines, Oona Insurance, leading Indian NBFC companies, and the largest US housekeeping brand .

    Yellow.ai CPO & co-founder Rashid Khan said, “At Yellow.ai, we’ve consistently aimed to leverage our partner ecosystem’s synergies to drive business outcomes for our customers. Our collaboration with Infobip will strengthen our presence in existing markets and aid in devising robust go-to-market strategies for new regions such as Europe. Infobip’s expertise in creating connected experiences, coupled with our generative AI-powered customer service automation solutions, will undoubtedly empower enterprises to offer more intuitive, and personalized experiences, creating memorable conversations with their customers.”

    Infobip VP GM Asia Harsha Solanki, said, “We are committed to empowering businesses by providing them with innovative solutions to facilitate end-to-end conversational customer journeys. This strategic partnership with Yellow.ai further aims to create value for brands. Together, we will enable them to establish reliable, secure, and swift connections with their existing and new customers across geographies over their preferred communication channels. Leveraging our combined Omni channel capabilities and Gen AI-powered technologies, we will not only enhance customer journeys but also boost conversion rates, drive sales, and improve customer loyalty.”

    The partnership will target industries including retail and consumer electronics, BFSI, telecommunications, utilities, and healthcare. By jointly coordinating go-to-market strategies and customer success initiatives, Yellow.ai and Infobip are dedicated to driving ROI impact at scale for their customers globally. While the partnership initially emphasizes expanding business through existing product suites, both companies plan to collaborate on product ideation and development in the long term.

  • Gautam Sinha, former CEO of Times Internet launches his new venture SimpleO

    Gautam Sinha, former CEO of Times Internet launches his new venture SimpleO

    Mumbai: Gautam Sinha, the former – CEO of Times Internet has embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey with the launch of SimpleO.ai. With SimpleO.ai (short for Simple Office), Gautam and his team are on a mission to simplify the enterprise using AI, starting with the management of contracts and the risks, obligations, SLA’s, audits, compliance, and governance associated with them.

    Gautam is a global executive with over 35 years of rich experience including a wealth of startup and industry expertise. Prior to confounding SimpleO, Gautam was the CEO of Times Internet Ltd., the digital arm of The Times of India Group, where he drove the strategy, vision, and execution for all the internet, mobile and telecommunication properties of the group. With iconic brands like Times of India, Economic Times, Gaana, Mx, Magicbricks, TLabs, Dineout, Cricbuzz, Gradeup under the flagship of Times Internet, his contribution to the internet economy of India is well acknowledged.

    Prior to Times Internet Ltd., Gautam was the chief operating officer of CashEdge Inc., a company based out of New York and California working in payments and wealth management, where he worked since 2001 building and leading the company from startup to profitability. Prior to CashEdge, he held senior management positions at Sevant, Aspect Communications, at the Neural Applications Corporation, and as a scientist at the ministry of defense in India (DRDO).

    Reflecting on his new venture Gautam Sinha, said, “I used to have a personal pain point around management of contracts.  I used to sign many contracts on any average day, and with that used to take risks, obligations, SLA’s, governance, and audit commitments on behalf of the organization.  However, there were no end-to-end smart/AI tools to automatically dashboard and manage the risks, obligations, SLA’s, audits, compliance, and governance around the tens of thousands of signed contracts. Even the process of creating, negotiating, and executing contracts was very tedious and time consuming.  With the maturing of GenAI, we saw an opportunity to radically simplify the entire lifecycle and manageability of contracts by building a legal-grade GenAI product suite. SimpleO strives to infuse simplicity into the core of corporate operations, offering an innovative solution for the efficient and effective management of contract lifecycles. We believe that tackling this challenge will contribute to the overall efficiency and success of organizations, allowing them to focus on what matters the most.”

    SimpleO.ai is backed by successful investors and entrepreneurs in US and India, Satyan Gajwani, Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Mukesh Singh and Vetri Vellore.

  • Capri Global Capital to develop an insurance platform

    Capri Global Capital to develop an insurance platform

    Mumbai: Capri Global Capital Limited (CGCL) received a composite Corporate Agency license from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in December 2023 to distribute life, general, and health insurance products.

    CGCL is planning to leverage technology to revolutionise the way insurance products and services are delivered to customers. The Company is planning to use data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to deliver insurance solutions. This will enable CGCL to automate claims processing and customer support services, thereby reducing the cost of operations while improving customer satisfaction. Hence, the key goal of the Insurtech platform will be to create an ecosystem of insurers who can offer coverage in a more affordable, customer-friendly way. This in turn will assist the Company to immensely contribute to the ‘Insuring India by 2047’ mission of IRDAI.

    The Company’s basic motto is to offer a customer-centric approach to insurance. CGCL will provide a wide range of insurance products and services through its website, app, and call centers. Moreover, the platform will adopt a customer-friendly payment policy too that will allow customers to pay in several ways, including through digital wallets, credit cards, net banking, and debit cards.

    With this tech-centric focus, CGCL aims to leverage its robust active client base of 270K as of Sep’23 to cross-sell insurance products. In H1 FY’24, CGCL disbursed total loans amounting to Rs. 62 Bn and added 107K live clients. Further, the Company has on behalf of the partner Banks originated a Car Loan of Rs. 44 Bn i.e. 39K new clients. The rapidly increasing client relationships offer CGCL a captive base to improve insurance penetration and help CGCL strengthen its fee income and deliver better returns to its stakeholders. The Company expects to generate a net fee income of Rs. 200 Mn from insurance cross-sell in FY’25.