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Tag: Amit Jain

  • KlugKlug clicks with new funding as it eyes 10x growth and global reach

    KlugKlug clicks with new funding as it eyes 10x growth and global reach

    MUMBAI: From Klueless to Klug influencer intelligence just got sharper. Klugklug, the influencer marketing SaaS platform that’s already making noise across boardrooms and brand plans, has secured a fresh round of undisclosed funding. But this wasn’t just another cheque drop. The backers, a powerful mix of unicorn founders, ex-CXOs, ex-CMOs, and leading angel investors are joining not just as financiers but as co-pilots in Klugklug’s turbocharged growth ride.

    The Delhi-headquartered startup is aiming to scale its operations by 10x over the next two years, with much of the acceleration already kicking in during the first quarter of 2025. Its expansion roadmap now includes India, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as it sets sail into newer markets with a strong tailwind.

    As part of its scale-up playbook, Klugklug has added some heavyweight marketing minds to its advisory panel: Lloyd Mathias (ex-HP, Pepsico), Amit Jain (Cardekho), Gaurav Agarwal (Tata 1Mg), and Indranil Chakraborty (Storyworks).

    The influencer game is no longer a gut-feel gamble.
    Klugklug’s software, powered by AI, parses and profiles over 300 million influencers across 150 plus countries and 160 plus languages, giving brands deep dives into audience demographics, engagement metrics, campaign ROI, and influencer authenticity. It promises 40 to 60 per cent efficiency gains in influencer-led marketing music to the ears of performance-obsessed CMOs.

    “We’ve seen seasoned marketers achieve campaign wins from day one using Klugklug,” said CPO co-founder Vaibhav Gupta. “More and more CMOs are using data as the starting point not the afterthought in influencer planning.”

    CPO co-founder and CEO Kalyan Kumar added: “The global influencer market is at an inflection point. There’s a growing demand for transparency, smart targeting, and measurable ROI. This round of funding will accelerate not just our global expansion, but also the tech that powers sharper decision-making.”

    Currently, KlugKlug counts 200 plus Indian and global brands among its clients, cutting across categories like FMCG, D2C, electronics, health, beauty, lifestyle and e-commerce.

    With influencer campaigns becoming more high-stakes and ROI-focussed, Klugklug’s mission is to replace mood boards with dashboards and add a little brain to the brawn of brand advocacy. And if this new cohort of investors and advisors is anything to go by, it’s safe to say that KlugKlug just became a smarter bet on the future of marketing.

  • Orkla India bulks up boardroom with quartet of new directors

    Orkla India bulks up boardroom with quartet of new directors

    MUMBAI:  Orkla India has given its board a significant makeover, welcoming four new non-executive independent directors and expanding its ranks to eight. The move aims to bolster the company’s strategic direction and strengthen its corporate governance.

    The new additions – Rashmi Joshi, Amit Jain, Shantanu Khosla, and Meena Ganesh – join the existing board members: chairman Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen, Maria Syse-Nybraaten, Per Havard Skiaker Maelen, and Sanjay Sharma. This expansion ensures a broad spectrum of expertise across multiple domains, a vital ingredient for Orkla India’s ambitious growth plans.

    “We’re assembling a dream team,” said an inside source, “a blend of seasoned pros and fresh perspectives to drive us forward.”

    The restructuring is a clear indication of Orkla India’s commitment to robust corporate governance, aligning with its strategic objectives. “This isn’t just about filling seats,” a company spokesperson explained, “it’s about building a powerhouse board, ready to tackle any challenge.”

  • Arkade Developers unveils ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign

    Arkade Developers unveils ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign

    Mumbai: Arkade Developer, a Mumbai real estate developer with 38 years of legacy, launched the ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign to help homeowners create future-proof living spaces.

    The campaign is conceptualised by Arkade Developers & Good Old Delight and features a social media film emphasising the importance of family and spacious homes. A child’s conversation with Ganpati Bappa about their ideal home underscores the campaign’s message.

    Expressing his views on the campaign, Arkade Developers chairman and MD Amit Jain said, “Family First is our core philosophy and our commitment to redevelopment is a commitment to families, creating environments where every family can grow and prosper. Taking the same thought forward we have created a concept that everyone can relate to, the need for a home that meets their family’s requirements. Keeping the festive mood in mind, owing to Ganesh Chaturthi, ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ aims at capturing the positive spirit and encouraging everyone to fulfil their dream of a perfect home!”

    As a trusted luxury redevelopment brand, Arkade Developers is committed to shaping futures and uniting families. With a portfolio of over 28 completed projects and the trust of 4,000 plus happy families, the ongoing redevelopment portfolio is Arkade Aura, Arkade Pearl, Arkade Vistas, Arkade Views, Arkade Eden and more across western suburbs.

  • Collective Newsroom appoints its first chair

    Collective Newsroom appoints its first chair

    Mumbai: The Collective Newsroom (CNR) is to announce the appointment of Amit Jain as the chair of its board of directors.  A cross-industry veteran, Jain will lead the newly founded board of CNR, which was launched in April 2024 as an independent Indian-owned media company.  CNR is the sole producer and publisher of content for BBC News in India in six Indian Languages and English YouTube.

    Jain brings a wealth of global corporate experience with a deep understanding of the Indian, Asian & European markets.  His transformational leadership comes from spearheading a range of leadership roles in diverse sectors that include consumer goods, media, and communication.

    In his last executive role, Jain was the first Indian to become the Managing Director of L’Oreal India.  He successfully led the integration of their digital strategy and paved the way for L’Oreal India’s foray into the luxury and cosmeceuticals market.  Post his move from the executive role, in 2023 he has assumed non-executive board positions including the Chairmanship of Sanofi CHC India.

    During his stint with Viacom where he was heading the business in Asia, Jain co-created the Viacom 18 joint venture which launched the Colors Television channel in India.

    Jain also has more than a decade of experience with Coca-Cola, where he led their businesses across India and Asia.

    Amit Jain, Chair of the Board of Directors, Collective Newsroom said, “I am delighted to take up the Chair’s responsibility of this thriving organisation.  I have observed the high standards of impactful and insightful content that the Collective Newsroom has been producing for the BBC in India.”

    “I will be keen to see the Collective Newsroom build upon its core strengths & expertise for developing more innovative business opportunities, Jain added.”

    Collective Newsroom chief executive officer Rupa Jha welcomed the appointment, “Amit’s vast experience across various industries, including the media and his dynamic outlook will certainly help the Collective Newsroom think out of the box and build on our vision.  I look forward to working with him.”

  • Arkade Developers launches #FamilyFirst campaign

    Arkade Developers launches #FamilyFirst campaign

    Mumbai: Arkade Group, a real estate developer in Mumbai, has unveiled its latest campaign titled “Family First.” Rooted in their core values, this campaign seeks to highlight the profound inspiration families have provided to Arkade over the years. Since 1986, the company has consistently strived to create landmarks that foster the growth and prosperity of families.

    The philosophy of “Family First” stems from the fundamental values that form the bedrock of a family and its unity. Through this campaign, Arkade places utmost importance on nurturing care, affection, bonding, happiness, and trust among its esteemed customer base of over 5000 individuals.

    Conceptualized by Arkade, #FamilyFirst is a comprehensive campaign spanning radio, OOH, digital, among other platforms. Within the campaign, the brand has adopted an innovative approach by utilizing CGI to promote #FamilyFirst. The CGI video showcases the numeric ‘1’ prominently displayed in strategic city locations, symbolizing Arkade’s leadership and commitment to family values.

    “Through this campaign, we aim to inspire not only the people of Mumbai but also our esteemed clients, partners, bankers, architects, and most importantly, all our dedicated team members to wholeheartedly embrace a ‘Family First’ approach. We recognize that while the world around us may undergo constant change, the fundamental elements of warmth, love, and family remain timeless. It is with this understanding that we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritizing families and ensuring that every Arkade project embodies a joyful and serene living space. This campaign is a heartfelt tribute to Arkade’s philosophy- Family First. We firmly believe in creating ‘Happy Spaces for Happy Faces’ that resonate with the desires and aspirations of every family member. This dedication has been instrumental in our remarkable growth over the past 38 years,” expressed Arkade Group CMD Amit Jain.

  • Namakwali strikes deal with Car Dekho founder on Shark Tank India

    Namakwali strikes deal with Car Dekho founder on Shark Tank India

    Mumbai: In the serene foothills of Uttarakhand, amidst the lush greens and mountain breezes, a tale of entrepreneurial spirit and social impact unfolds. Meet Shashi Bahuguna Raturi, the visionary founder of Yellow Hinsar Pvt Ltd and the driving force behind the acclaimed brand Namakwali.

    It all began in September 2020 when Shashi, at the age of 50, officially registered Yellow Hinsar Pvt Ltd. However, the roots of her journey trace back to 2018 when she commenced operations through Instagram and Facebook. Prior to this venture, Shashi was deeply involved in running an NGO focused on women’s empowerment, marking her commitment to uplifting marginalised communities.

    The motivation behind Namakwali was twofold – to generate income for rural women and to showcase the natural and organic products of the mountains. With a desire to provide healthy alternatives while empowering women, Shashi embarked on a journey that would transform into a thriving business endeavour.

    Recently in this season of Shark Tank India, she participated and represented her brand at the national level. They also got a deal from Amit Jain, founder of Car Dekho.

    As the sun sets over the majestic Himalayas, Shashi Bahuguna Raturi’s journey continues to inspire, illuminating pathways for women empowerment and sustainable entrepreneurship in the heart of the mountains.

    Bootstrapped from the outset, Namakwali started with a modest investment of 150,000 rupees. Yet, through dedication and perseverance, the business flourished, achieving an annual turnover of 50 lakh.

    Namakwali’s business model revolves around direct-to-consumer (D2C) operations, offering a diverse range of 21 products priced between Rs120 to Rs2800. Their primary clientele consists of health-conscious consumers who value natural and organic products.

    Headquartered at Upper Tunwala Ambika Vihar, Dehradun, Namakwali currently operates with a team of 13 individuals. Their manufacturing and packaging unit spans 1200 square feet, housing a dedicated workforce.

    Looking ahead, Namakwali aims to expand its presence offline by venturing into supermarkets and stores in metropolitan cities, with aspirations for international expansion on the horizon.

    Beyond business, Shashi’s journey is deeply personal. Raised in Uttarakhand, her love for local cuisine and passion for community development were ingrained from an early age. Armed with a degree in social work, she embarked on a mission to empower women, with her family and friends providing unwavering support along the way.

    Within her familial circle, Shashi is supported by her esteemed husband, and her cherished sons, Navendu Raturi and Suvendu Raturi, each contributing to the family’s journey of growth and resilience.

    Shashi’s legacy extends beyond Namakwali. In 1982, she laid the foundation for community awareness initiatives through the establishment of Balwadis, now recognised as Anganwadis, symbolising a testament to her enduring commitment to societal impact and empowerment.

  • The Shark Tales : Thoda sa hot chocolate, thoda tech and a lot of hustle!

    The Shark Tales : Thoda sa hot chocolate, thoda tech and a lot of hustle!

    Mumbai : Shark Tank India Season 3 started premiering on 22 January 2024, showcasing a diverse array of pitches and narratives from emerging entrepreneurs. With a lineup of 12 sharks in the latest season, the pool of guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs has doubled up, promising enhanced mentorship and opportunities.

    CarDekho founder and CEO Amit Jain has been an integral part of this journey since season 2, offering investment and mentorship to ventures spanning various sectors. Amit’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young entrepreneurs has been a cornerstone of his involvement. His investment decisions are often guided by a shared ethos of determination, creativity, and sustainability. The same was seen in the very first episode of Shark Tank India Season 3 where Amit saw a connection between himself and the sustainable business philosophy of The Honest Home Company founder Mayank Sisodia.

    In Season 3, episode 8 of Shark Tank India, Amit’s dedication to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs was evident in his interaction with Anuva Kakkar, the founder of Tiggle.

    Acknowledging the importance of fostering an ecosystem that uplifts visionary entrepreneurs like Amit Kakkar said, “Magar iss show par aakar maine aap jaise entrepreneur ko support nahi kiya toh mere yahan aane ka faida hi nahi.” Tiggle, which offers vegan and dairy-free ready to make hot chocolate mixes, represents a promising player in the rapidly evolving market landscape.

    Among the ventures Jain backed in the previous season are notable names like Mopp India, Licksters, Maisha Lifestyle, Ekatra, and Gladful, showcasing his diverse portfolio and unwavering commitment to driving innovation and success in the Indian startup ecosystem.

    Read about Amit Jain’s learnings from the three pitches below:

    Tiggle:

    The episode started on a sweet note with Anuva Kakkar, founder of Tiggle, pitching her brand that sells ready-to-make hot chocolate mixes. Her pitch was solid, the packaging was on point, and the chocolate tasted really good. Plus, being vegan and dairy-free, Tiggle is catering to a fast-growing market and has a bright future, even more so if they focus more on targeting their products to kids, in my opinion.

    Anuva’s story was also inspiring. It was inspiring to hear her bootstrapped story. This is how I feel any startup story begins, with the founder trying to find product market fit. She started from a small room and sold her first batch with a steel jar in hand at a bustling Gurgaon metro station within 40-50 minutes. It showcased the demand and appeal of Tiggle and her ambition. She lives the dream of every entrepreneur – turning their passion into a startup.

    I definitely appreciated Anuva coming prepared with precise unit economic data and dressed to match her brand! Her grip on her numbers was just amazing to see. I love such founders with this level of attention to detail. Glad I partnered with Peyush and sealed the deal with Tiggle. It’s a bet on Anuva’s entrepreneurial passion to create not just good products but a good culture – be it a team of 9 or 9000, her strong potential, and a delicious future for Tiggle. Because like always, Pehle Banda, Phir Dhanda!

    Wyld :

    Next came WYLD, a Visa-powered social currency card, founded by IIT-B alumni, offering cashback for Instagram posts. I loved their idea, especially gestures like customised cards that read ‘Founder Member’, but I think execution is key. They had the right partnerships in place, and their algorithms for assigning “WYLD scores” seemed great. I loved the way they solved working capital by getting money to pay cashback from brands in advance.

    I appreciate the founders, their love for tech and their ambitions – they were young, adaptable, and loaded with energy. Namita and Anupam saw the potential too. I gave them an offer, but they went ahead with Anupam’s offer. It will be interesting to see them turn those influencer dreams into reality. I wish them all the best.

    Upliance.ai:

    Lastly, we had Upliance.ai, an AI-powered personal cooking assistant. Now, I love AI & innovation, but this one wasn’t for me because I found the AI bit missing. While the technology and patented recipes were interesting, the price point and lack of market fit raised questions. It’s great that they have a feedback system in place, but is it enough to justify the cost? The limited market and slow growth raised more questions.

    AI is surely going to be a game-changer, but it needs to solve real problems and offer value at a reasonable price. Upliance.ai has to cover some distance to get there. I do hope they adapt and get there eventually!

    Overall, the episode was a mixed bag of promise, treats, tech and more. And that’s the beauty of Shark Tank. Stay tuned for more Shark Tales!

     

  • Amit Jain’s investment mantra on ‘Shark Tank Season 3’ through ‘Shark Tales’

    Amit Jain’s investment mantra on ‘Shark Tank Season 3’ through ‘Shark Tales’

    Mumbai: Shark Tank India embarked on a journey into the world of investments, offering a sea of opportunities for Indian start-ups. Since its inception, Shark Tank India has taken the country by storm as the featured Shark Tank judges and Shark Tank pitches have had a significant impact on the business landscape of Bharat.

    Committed to providing opportunities to young entrepreneurs, hailing from small towns, CarDekho founder and CEO Amit Jain joined this brand wagon in Season 2 and invested in ventures across sectors, narrating a unique story of determination, creativity and success. Some of the businesses Jain invested in the last season were Mopp India, Licksters, Maisha Lifestyle, Ekatra, and Gladful amongst others.

    Season 3 started with a bang, with three opening pitchers and Jain investing in a sustainable start-up- The Honest Home Company, highlighting the demand for eco-businesses in India.

    Read about Amit Jain’s learnings from the three opening pitches below:

    The Honest Home Company:

    First pitch of the season, and what a way to kick it off! Mayank from The Honest Home Company lives the essence of honesty in business, which aligns with my own value system as well. From plastic-free cleaning to sustainable paper products, his venture is not just about eco-friendly solutions but also about giving back to nature. Mayank’s enthusiasm, customer-centric and lean approach to building the business and dedication caught my attention, and I found my ‘Pehle Banda Fir Dhanda’ moment as I heard his pitch. His persistence to keep learning and improving despite 80 rejections from VCs is commendable. A great all-shark deal was on the table, but I chose to go solo as I believe I would be spending disproportionately large time with him to build this together. Glad that Mayank accepted my offer – looking forward to helping his venture scale heights that benefit the planet as well!

    AdilQadri:

    Adil, the face behind his premium perfume brand, presented a great pitch. With over 10 lakh orders processed, Adil’s entrepreneurial journey, from his backyard and a small town, is one of resilience and passion. The missing link for me was no visible brand leverage while scaling. I try to find founders who build 10x better products which get customer retention, which gets visible in the increasing profit pools and lower CAC over some time. The revenue growth was awesome but profitability was not increasing. This meant that the organic demand after trying the product was not getting visible in the numbers. Nonetheless, I wish him and Vineeta the best as they continue to leave a lasting fragrance in the market!

    Conscious Chemist:

    The founders from Rajasthan, Prakhar and Robin, brought a pitch for science-backed solutions to everyday skincare concerns. It is a large market with room for great effective products to be introduced and new brands to be built. While the packaging and products impressed me and all other sharks, I was looking forward to a deeper product innovation. To win, the obsession with creating great products which are visibly effective is critical in the skin care category. I am a mentor to one such company named “Be Minimalist” and have seen word of mouth play for them basis the great products they launched and the significant volume of repeat organic orders because of the effectiveness of the products. I was benchmarking with them in this pitch. I would have loved for founders to be passionate about building that 10x better product with a much closer consumer connection. Adding an accomplished R&D member to the team with deep expertise in skin care may help here.

    This season’s first episode proved that passion, purpose, and authenticity can win over even the toughest Sharks. And the season is just getting started. Stay tuned for more Shark Tales!

  • Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Mumbai: In a hilarious turn of events, the seasoned Sharks found themselves caught in a lively debate over who truly reigns supreme in the entrepreneurial waters. Surprisingly, the contenders were not budding business tycoons but the unsung heroes of the set—the iconic door, the plush seating area, and the prestigious podium—all vying for the spotlight in their own unique ways.

    Amidst laughter and the sweet banter, these set elements boldly declared, “We are the stars here!” The Sharks responded with a proposal that left everyone in stitches—”why not turn this backstage showdown into a venture by auctioning off these scene-stealers?”

    Get ready to witness these Sharks in the tank! As they are not just investing in groundbreaking pitches but are selling the elements of the stage for success!

     

     

    The panel of season three includes – CarDekho Group – InsuranceDekho.com CEO & co-founder Amit Jain, Shaadi.com – People Group founder & CEO Anupam Mittal, SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder & CEO Vineeta Singh, Lenskart CEO & co-founder Peyush Bansal,

    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd executive director Namita Thapar, boat co-founder & CMO Aman Gupta, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal, Inshorts co-founder & CEO, Azhar Iqubal, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal, Edelweiss MF MD & CEO Radhika Gupta, ACKO founder and CEO Varun Dua, UpGrad co-founder and chairperson Ronnie Screwvala.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s Radhika Gupta joins Shark Tank India 3 as judge

    Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s Radhika Gupta joins Shark Tank India 3 as judge

    Mumbai: The newest addition to the Shark Tank India 3 judging panel, Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund is the perfect blend of elegance and ambition. Sharing inspiring thoughts from her simple observations of day-to-day life, Radhika is ready to collaborate with India’s one of the most loved shows – Shark Tank India for Season 3. Celebrating Radhika’s unapologetic self and fierce approach we bring instances that had all of us thinking.

    Lauding the elegance of the most beautiful piece of clothing, a saree, Radhika supports Indian traditional attire and promotes Indian handloom and artisans. She brings her conversation into her attire by donning a beautiful peach saree with the Indian Rupee and investment symbol drawn all over it. She combined her feminine side to her finance background with the brilliance of fashion and styling, sending a powerful statement that women can reach great heights, generate substantial wealth, and bring about positive change in the world.

    Radhika was drawn by the unparalleled popularity and the influence Shark Tank India has on the new-age entrepreneurs. She wants to educate the people of India about the importance of investing and mutual funds by bringing her years of experience in analyzing Indian companies to this national stage. Radhika wants to encourage the undiscovered potential of the youth across cities to build businesses of 5 cr to 100 cr and more. Through this new season, our newest shark, Radhika, is pumped and excited to back its unique and thoughtful business.

    All set to stream on Sony LIV from the 22 January, the lineup of sharks this year includes Aman Gupta (boAt co-founder and CMO), Amit Jain (CarDekho, and InsuranceDekho CEO and co-founder), Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com – People Group founder and CEO), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals ED), Vineeta Singh ( SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder and CEO), Peyush Bansal ( Lenskart.com founder and CEO), Ritesh Agarwal ( OYO Rooms founder and CEO), Deepinder Goyal (Zomato founder and CEO), Ronnie Screwvala (Upgrad co-founder and chairperson), and Azhar Iqubal (Inshorts co-founder and CEO). The show is hosted by comedian – Rahul Dua.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!