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Tag: Collective Artists Network

  • Bebe Burp secures Rs 8 crore in a pre-series A funding round

    Bebe Burp secures Rs 8 crore in a pre-series A funding round

    Mumbai: Bebe Burp, a certified baby food brand from Mighty Steps Pvt Ltd has announced the closure of its latest pre series A funding round, securing Rs 8 crore from the venture capital firm Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF). This fund was launched by Gruhas in collaboration with Collective Artists Network earlier this year. This substantial capital infusion marks a pivotal milestone for Bebe Burp, setting the stage to propel the brand to new heights in the baby food industry and reinforcing its commitment to quality, safety, and nutrition.

    Mothers struggle to find consistent, healthy, and tasty baby food options that have home-made quality. Store-bought porridges often contain harmful chemicals and preservatives. Recognising the lack of safe and healthy baby food options in the market, parents Shruti Tibrewal and Bharat Tibrewal, along with Chirag Gupta founded Bebe Burp in 2018 with a vision to introduce nutritious alternatives that provide easy, healthy solutions for kids, making healthy eating a reality from birth. Utilising grandma’s secret recipes, developed by expert nutritionists and chefs, the company prepares instant mixes, cookies, and snacks like multi-flavoured porridge mixes, 100 per cent millet puffs, ragi cookies, organic jaggery powder, and more. These products harness the goodness of natural, high-quality ingredients sustainably sourced to provide optimal nourishment for children during their crucial growth stages. Bebe Burp has successfully delivered smiles to over 1,50,000 mothers and counting, enhancing the well-being of children and setting a new standard in the baby food industry.

    Bebe Burp followed its principle of ‘GIVES’, which stands for growth, involvement, visibility, efficiency, and stability to acquire this funding. The brand will utilise 60 per cent of the fund for growth, 20 per cent for operations, 10 per cent for product development, and the remainder for team building for a coherent production. The fund will be channelled into diverse aspects of the business like expansive market growth, advanced product development, targeted marketing campaigns, strategic hiring and talent acquisition, groundbreaking innovation and R&D, and seamless technology integration.

    It plans to allocate more resources to regions with higher market potential and strong competition to solidify its entry into the market. For a better ROI, Bebe Burp’s focal point will be scalable

    marketing channels and expansion strategies to widen the reach across potential markets. The funding will also aid in technological innovation in the baby food sector in the form of improved packaging, tracking, and faster delivery methods, proving beneficial for both consumers and the business.

    The baby food market is witnessing growth undercurrents with organic and natural product trends ensuing in the industry. Due to betterment in the standard of living with hyper-awareness regarding nutrition and a growing inclination towards organic foods, the next five years look healthy for the industry. It is estimated that by 2027, the industry will reach around $109 billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.1 per cent from 2021 to 2027. As for the Indian baby food market, it was valued at around USD 6.5 billion in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024-30, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of about 14%. Bebe Burp can capitalise on these trends due to its high-quality and organic baby food, and thereby, establish a dominant position in the market.

    Bebe Burp’s five-year growth strategy is ambitious and comprehensive, focusing on increasing brand awareness through robust digital marketing campaigns, strategic influencer partnerships, and active engagement with parenting communities. With a primary focus on tier-one and tier-two cities in India, specifically targeting millennials and working parents, the company plans to achieve substantial e-commerce growth and strong quick commerce penetration, establishing a formidable market presence. Besides, Bebe Burp is poised to enter major international markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, thereby extending its global footprint. Retail expansion is a key priority, with a target to establish a presence in over one lakh retail stores across India, complemented by significant R&D investments aimed at continuously developing cutting-edge products.

    Bebe Burp co-founder Shruti Tibrewal said, “We’re thrilled with the recent round of investments because it will significantly accelerate the growth of Bebe Burp. Being a mother, I have always found it difficult to find organic and healthy alternatives to the products already existing in the market. I wanted to bridge that gap by creating a brand like Bebe Burp. It’s been my vision to make healthy food alternatives accessible to mothers across the globe and, at the same time, inspire and promote the idea of women leading businesses. I consider this show of faith by our investors a win for my vision, and I will continue in my efforts to establish Bebe Burp as a major player in the baby food industry.”

    Bebe Burp co-founder Bharat Tibrewal said, “As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve always focused on creating innovative business ideas and understanding the market’s needs. Bebe Burp’s products have been created using traditional Grandma’s recipes, and the ingredients used are completely organic. It’s the need of the hour to shift focus towards healthier products without chemical combinations that help in infants’ overall development without causing side effects.”

    Bebe Burp co-founder Chirag Gupta said, “Our focus will be to expand into new domestic and international markets through the recently acquired funds. To increase brand awareness and visibility, we will employ diversified strategies ranging from influencer partnerships to creative campaigns. Bebe Burp has a vision in place to penetrate e-commerce and quick commerce to fortify its presence in the market while investing in R&D to improve innovation. This funding will pioneer our position as a leading Indian brand in the global baby food market, potentially attracting more international investment and interest.”

    Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF) general partner and Gruhas co-founder Abhijeet Pai said, “We are excited to announce our investment in Bebe Burp, a startup whose natural, millet-based products are redefining the baby food industry. Bebe Burp combines traditional Indian recipes with modern quality standards to provide essential baby feeding options that are both convenient and nutritious. Founded by parents who deeply understand the importance of a healthy diet from their own experiences, Bebe Burp is set to lead the way in offering wholesome choices for infants and toddlers.”

    “With India’s young population and a growing global interest in healthy, natural foods, we believe Bebe Burp is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on the infant food market worldwide. We are optimistic about Bebe Burp’s ability to enhance the well-being of countless children and proudly represent Indian innovation on the global stage.” Pai said.

    Collective Artists Network founder and group CEO Vijay Subramania commented, “At GCCF, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation and supporting visionary entrepreneurs like those at Bebe Burp. This funding round not only underscores the remarkable potential of Bebe Burp in the baby food market but also aligns with our mission to back ventures that bring significant value and positive impact to consumers. We are excited to see Bebe Burp’s journey unfold and are confident that their dedication to quality and nutrition will set new benchmarks in the industry.”

  • Collective Artists Network announces partnership with Parallel Studios

    Collective Artists Network announces partnership with Parallel Studios

    Mumbai: Collective Artists Network is proud to announce a partnership with Parallel Studios, a visionary gaming studio that blends art and technology to create cutting-edge gaming experiences. This strategic alliance will see Collective represent Parallel Studios, providing comprehensive support in building brand awareness, audience and consumer research, brand, media and Content partnerships, social media-led storytelling around the game, talent partnerships (celebrities and influencers), and IP creation– all aimed at gaining ground towards the acquisition of new players to build a community around Parallel.

    Parallel Studios has already made significant strides in the gaming industry, and this partnership marks an exciting new chapter in its journey. With a team comprising veterans from Blizzard, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Riot Games, and Xbox Game Studios, Parallel Studios is poised to redefine the trading card game (TCG) landscape with its award-winning digital trading card game, Parallel. Parallel Studios is leveraging blockchain and NFT tech to build games, movies & more. Parallel Studios is developing the next AAA sci-fi franchise and leveraging blockchain/NFT tech to deploy IP as cards, games, comics, movies, & more. They aim to continue breaking ground as they merge blockchain tech with traditional entertainment to create a new paradigm in which the users own parts of the digital worlds they grow to love.

    Collective Artists Network founder and group CEO Vijay Subramaniam commented on the partnership, saying, “Our collaboration with Parallel Studios represents a significant milestone in our journey to blend technology with creativity. By joining forces, we are setting a new standard for what is possible in the media industry. We have the potential to work together to develop revolutionary approaches that push the limits in this realm.”

    Dhruv Chitgopekar, co-founder of Collective Artists Network added, “We are thrilled to join forces with Parallel Studios to charter their India market entry. We intend to build community and content around Parallel’s unique approach to gaming experiences through our robust flywheel.

    Parallel Studios has seen remarkable success since its founding in 2021, with its TCG already in open beta and winning several games of the year awards. Parallel Studios CEO Sascha Mojtahedi,  expressed enthusiasm for the partnership “India represents a big opportunity for Parallel and our studio’s goal to grow a game that truly redefines the TCG space. Partnering with Collective made sense given they are at the epicentre of culture in India and have relationships with many partners that can help us bring our game to the masses.”

    As Collective Artists Network and Parallel Studios embark on this exciting new venture, their shared commitment to innovation and quality storytelling promises to deliver exceptional experiences for gaming enthusiasts.

  • Collective Artists Network acquires Galleri5

    Collective Artists Network acquires Galleri5

    Mumbai: Collective Artists Network has acquired Galleri5. This move underscores Collective Artists Network’s commitment to scaling the creator and content ecosystem through technology.

    Galleri5 is at the forefront of AI-powered content solutions and influencer marketing technology. Its suite of solutions, including AI visual content generation, creator intelligence, campaign management and trend forecasting, empowers India’s largest retailers and brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences. The team comes with deep experience in engineering, community engagement, and retail strategy to redefine brand engagement and customer experience for the digital age.

    Collective Artists Network founder and CEO Vijay Subramaniam stated, “This acquisition of Galleri5 is a giant leap in integrating deep tech and AI into our ecosystem, enhancing our ability to provide cutting-edge solutions for our talents, content platforms and brands. By leveraging advanced AI technology, we can drive more impactful and personalized storytelling, trendspotting and research which will further solidify our position as a leading new media company centred around talent.”

    “Over the past nine years, galleri5 has operated at the crossroads of creators, AI, and social trends, leading award-winning influencer campaigns and developing cutting-edge AI and data solutions,” said galleri5 founder Rahul Regulapati. “Our journey has been about challenging the status quo and redefining brand engagement. Partnering with Collective Artists Network provides us with an expansive platform to scale our vision and build an even greater legacy.”

    This acquisition follows a series of strategic moves by Collective Artists Network to bolster its position in the new media landscape. Just last week, Collective Artists Network acquired Terribly Tiny Tales, a text-first flash fiction platform. In September 2023, the company acquired India’s largest tech-powered student community – Under 25 Universe, aiming to empower student culture and provide opportunities within the creator ecosystem.

    As Collective Artists Network continues to evolve and expand, its commitment to fostering quality storytelling remains unwavering. Whether through creators, directors, producers, or artists, the company is dedicated to supporting and empowering voices that shape and reflect contemporary culture. By integrating cutting-edge technology and focusing on talent and pop culture, Collective Artists Network is well-positioned to become a leading new media company in India.

  • Collective Artists Network acquires Terribly Tiny Tales

    Collective Artists Network acquires Terribly Tiny Tales

    Mumbai: Collective Artists Network, a trailblazer in the new media landscape, proudly announces its acquisition of Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT), a premier storytelling platform. This strategic acquisition aligns with Collective Artists Network’s vision to become the country’s new media company with its roots in popular culture and expanding its influence in the media industry.

    TTT began its journey in 2013 as a text-first flash fiction platform on Facebook, founded by Anuj Gosalia. Recognising the need for organic storytelling amidst the clutter of internet memes and GIFs, Gosalia launched TTT to bring meaningful and relatable content to digital audiences. Over the years, TTT has transformed into a versatile content powerhouse with a vibrant community of over 5 million creators and content lovers. The platform now spans Instagram, YouTube, and other social media, boasting millions of loyal followers.

    Collective Artists Network founder and CEO Vijay Subramaniam commented on the acquisition, “My vision has always been to build scale by creating an ecosystem that supports the best forms of storytelling for creators. The acquisition of Terribly Tiny Tales fits perfectly into our expansion plan to establish Collective Artists Network as the preeminent new media company centred around creators and content. We endeavour to empower the entire creator ecosystem with our network and this acquisition is another step toward achieving that goal.”

    TTT’s evolution from a micro-fiction platform to a comprehensive content business is marked by its impressive reach and impact. The platform’s weekly engagement reaches 25 million people, making it a valuable partner for ambitious brands seeking to share their stories. TTT has successfully collaborated with major brands and created original content, including web series, short films, and animated shorts.

    Terribly Tiny Tales founder and CEO Anuj Gosalia shared his enthusiasm, “Joining forces with Collective Artists Network is a definitive moment for Terribly Tiny Tales. This partnership will enable TTT to leverage Collective’s extensive resources and expertise, allowing us to amplify our reach and impact in the storytelling domain. We are thrilled to be part of this burgeoning force that values creativity, storytelling and innovation as much as we do.”

    Since its inception, Collective Artists Network has transitioned from its renowned talent management roots to becoming a dynamic new media entity. The company launched BigBang.Social last year, a tech platform that connects creators with opportunities for commerce, brand collaboration, upskilling, and community building. This platform has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant creator community.

    Last year, the company further expanded its portfolio by acquiring Under 25 Universe, a learning technology company aimed at empowering student culture and providing opportunities within the creator ecosystem. And most recently the Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund was established in partnership with Nikhil Kamath’s Gruhas to invest in and support young entrepreneurs and start-ups in the consumer sector.

    The acquisition of Terribly Tiny Tales is a significant milestone in Collective Artists Network’s journey to redefine creator-led new media businesses. With this acquisition, the company is poised to resonate even more deeply with diverse audiences in today’s dynamic media landscape.

  • SOCIAL partners with Big Bang Social

    SOCIAL partners with Big Bang Social

    Mumbai: Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social and India’s leading casual dining restaurant company, Impresario, behind iconic brands like SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, and Smoke House Deli, have joined forces to form a unique partnership. SOCIAL provides a natural space for creators to come together, offering a platform where they can collaborate and share their work. By fostering these connections, SOCIAL plays an important role in enabling local communities, creating a vibrant environment where creativity and community spirit thrive.

    The essence of this partnership lies in its mission to empower creators across multiple cities to curate compelling narratives that celebrate the essence of their local neighborhoods. From the bustling streets of Hauz Khas to the charm of bylanes of Khar, from the vibrant spirit of Church Street to the yet-to-be-discovered gems, this collaboration brings in a new era of discovery and celebration of local culture.

    Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd chief growth officer Divya Aggarwal commented, “With the creative prowess of creators like comedians, writers, dancers, podcasters, visual design artists, poets, and more, we aim to showcase rich narratives that flaunt different aspects of neighborhoods and bring together local communities in the pincode. This partnership is a milestone development in discovery and celebration of local talents, paving the way for new initiatives in the F&B industry.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Big Bang Social’s Dhruv Chitgopekar said, “At Big Bang Social, we are committed to providing creators with a platform to amplify their voices and showcase their unique perspectives. In this partnership, we seek to bring in a creative renaissance, where creators are empowered to weave narratives that align with the soul of neighborhoods, giving birth to a sense of exploration and pride in the local culture among patrons of SOCIAL.”

  • India’s influencer marketing sector primed for meteoric rise!

    India’s influencer marketing sector primed for meteoric rise!

    Mumbai: A recent report titled ‘The State Of Influencer Marketing in India’ by EY and Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social unveils a promising approach for influencer marketing in the country. Projections suggest a remarkable 25 per cent surge in 2024, reaching Rs 2,344 crore, with further expansion to Rs 3,375 crore by 2026.

    The report showcases the integral role of influencer marketing across sectors, particularly in lifestyle, fashion, and beauty, as well as automobiles, e-commerce, and FMCG. With over 50 per cent of mobile usage dedicated to social media platforms, integrating influencer marketing into communication strategies is becoming imperative for marketers.

    A blend of mega/macro influencers for brand awareness and micro/nano influencers for engagement is proving effective, with nano influencers exhibiting the highest engagement rates. Notably, 47 per cent of brands prefer micro and nano influencers due to their cost-effectiveness.

    Challenges persist on both the brand and influencer fronts, with marketers grappling to determine the ROI of campaigns while influencers strive to maintain credibility and build loyal audiences.

    The rising popularity of influencer marketing is evident, with 75 per cent of brands considering it an integral part of their marketing strategy. Smartphone users are driving this trend, with around 50 per cent of their time spent on social media platforms, predominantly Instagram and YouTube.

    Looking forward, 86 per cent of influencers anticipate income growth of over 10 per cent in the next two years, reflecting the increasing demand for their services. Additionally, brands are poised to amplify their investments, with 70 per cent planning to maintain or increase budgets for influencer marketing in 2024.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to industry experts and digital creators on their thoughts on the state of Influencer marketing in India, what factors are contributing to its projected growth and the challenges anticipated in the evolving influencer marketing economy.

    Edited excerpts

    Chtrbox VP Karan Pherwani

    The influencer marketing industry in India is expected to grow to Rs 3,375 crore by 2026 due to more people using social media, increased digital content consumption, and the rise of specialized influencers appealing to different audiences. The increasing adoption of influencer marketing by a wide range of industries, from fashion and beauty to technology and healthcare, is contributing to this growth. Furthermore, the trend towards personalized and authentic brand experiences is driving brands to invest more in influencer collaborations as a means of connecting with their target audiences on a deeper level.

    Challenges in influencer marketing include ensuring genuine content in a crowded market, weeding out the influencers that ‘buy followers’, dealing with regulations.

    Mint + Milk PR founders Komal Rukhana and Janvi Mankani

    As an industry insider, it’s really fascinating to see how influencer marketing has evolved and exploded over the years. I think one of the big drivers behind this growth is the sheer number of influencers out there; and of course that’s paired with the way people consume news today. Post-covid, the audience relies on social media to know what’s happening in the world (topically) – all the way from fashion to politics, social media has become an hourly routine for audiences to know what’s happening in the world. It’s not just the usual lifestyle influencers anymore; we’ve got people from all walks of life sharing their stories and recommendations. But with everyone trying to be an influencer, it raises the question – who are they actually influencing? It’s become a bit overwhelming for audiences too, with so much content flooding their feeds every day. Therefore on the flip side, brands are facing a challenge in standing out amidst this sea of influencers and posts.

    It’s true, many influencers are expecting their incomes to shoot up in the coming years. But along with that growth comes some challenges. Traditional media channels are shrinking, and brands are turning to influencers to get their messages across. Influencer marketing offers brands a way to control their message while still letting influencers bring their own flair to it. This blend of brand messaging and influencer authenticity is what resonates with audiences and ultimately drives sales. Plus, with all these new tools for tracking influencers and their audiences, brands are getting savvier about who they work with. It’s all about finding the right fit! And with influencers more accessible than ever, even smaller brands can jump into the game and grow their business without relying on big agencies.

    Actor, model and digital creator Hamid Barkzi

    With the growing internet penetration and smartphone usage in India, influencers have access to a larger audience, allowing brands to target a wider demographic. However, in a saturated market, navigating the right influencers can be challenging. Brands sometimes prioritize influencers based solely on their follower count, which may overlook content creators who offer genuine engagement and authenticity. This approach could limit opportunities for meaningful collaboration and reduce the impact of influencer marketing efforts.

    Digital creator Hiba Hasan

    Brands are now allocating more resources towards collaborating with micro and nano influencers. These influencers typically have smaller follower counts compared to macro-influencers but often possess highly engaged and loyal audiences.  They provide brands with cost-effective and targeted avenues for marketing. Their ability to engage with niche audiences effectively contributes significantly to the overall growth of the industry.

    Maintaining authenticity while adhering to brand guidelines can be tricky. Striking the right balance between creative freedom and brand expectations is crucial for content creators to preserve their credibility and resonate with their audience.

    Content creator: Lifestyle and beauty Ria Amin

    Consumers are increasingly valuing authenticity and trust, favoring influencers who can authentically endorse products and services, leading to higher engagement rates and ROI for brands.

    The constant evolution of social media algorithms and platforms requires content creators to stay agile and adapt their strategies accordingly. Keeping up with the latest trends and algorithm changes while producing quality content remains a significant challenge in the ever-changing landscape of influencer marketing.

  • India’s influencer marketing industry estimated to reach Rs 3,375 crore by 2026: EY – Collective Artists Networks Big Bang Social report

    India’s influencer marketing industry estimated to reach Rs 3,375 crore by 2026: EY – Collective Artists Networks Big Bang Social report

    Mumbai: Highlighting the influencer marketing trends in India, the latest report by EY and Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social indicates that the industry is poised for significant growth. The report titled ‘The State Of Influencer Marketing in India’, states that influencer marketing in India is expected to surge by 25 per cent in 2024, reaching Rs 2,344 crore, and further expand to Rs 3,375 crore by 2026. These projections underscore the continued growth and immense potential of the influencer marketing industry, presenting ample opportunities for brands, marketers, and influencers alike.

    The report highlights a crucial insight: with 50 per cent of mobile usage dedicated to social media platforms, integrating influencer marketing into communication strategies is essential for marketers. In addition, it is expected that there will be 740 million active smartphones in India by 2030. Consequently, three out of four brand strategies are expected to include influencer marketing. Brands prioritize engagement rate and the quality of the target audience when selecting influencers, recognizing the importance of authentic connections in reaching their desired audience.  

    Reflecting on the key findings of the report, EY India partner, marketing advisory Amiya Swarup said, “In today’s rapidly changing Indian society, citizens face transformations in various aspects – be it societal norms, career paths, financial strategies, or cultural shifts. Influencers are stepping in to provide guidance, reassurance, and advice, effectively assuming the role of contemporary heroes. Coupled with the projected growth in influencer marketing, it’s clear that influencers now define an unprecedented era of knowledge and impact, while also unlocking vast opportunities for brands and marketers.”

    The report further reveals that the growth of influencer marketing is anticipated to be driven by lifestyle, fashion, and beauty categories. Further insights from the survey indicate that sectors such as automobiles, e-commerce and FMCG are expected to increase spending on influencer marketing the most.

    Collective Artists Network group CEO and founder Vijay Subramaniam shared, “It is heartening to see that brands are recognizing the potential of the creator economy and are increasingly investing in influencer marketing, with sectors like FMCG, automobiles and consumer durables leading the way. This report should serve as an invaluable resource for brands seeking to harness the power of influencer marketing to connect with their audience, drive engagement, and achieve sustainable growth in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the Indian market.”

    It was found that marketers must strike a strategic balance between mega/ macro influencers to drive awareness and brand loyalty, while also tapping into the power of micro/ nano influencers to drive engagement. Interestingly, nano influencers had the highest engagement rate compared to other influencer categories. It is important to note that 47 per cent of brands preferred driving influencer campaigns with micro and nano influencers due to the lower cost per reach.

    Challenges were reported from both the brand side and influencer side. The biggest challenge for marketers was determining the ROI of their influencer marketing campaigns, while building a loyal audience and maintaining credibility were the top two challenges for influencers.

    Key insights:

    •    75 per cent brands are expected to consider influencer marketing as part of their marketing strategy.
    •    56 per cent of the brands invested more than 2 per cent on influencer marketing.
    •    70 per cent of brands plan to keep their influencer marketing budget the same or increase it in 2024, with half planning to increase it by up to 10 per cent
    •    77 per cent brands believe that their agencies are fairly equipped to drive influencer marketing campaigns.
    •    71 per cent of brands engage with influencers on a fixed fee model and 29 per cent are exploring performance linked models to drive influencer accountability.
    •    77 per cent of influencers reported income growth in the past two years and 86 per cent of influencers expected over 10 per cent increase in their income over the next two years.

    Big Bang Social CEO Anurag Iyer commented, “India is often described as a young and aspirational country, and as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, it is a complex time to be an Indian. In the world of digital marketing, where getting 2-3 mins of attention from a consumer is a massive challenge, creators are able to capture undivided attention with their creativity. May this report serve as an invaluable resource for brands seeking to harness the power of influencer marketing to connect with their audience, drive engagement, and achieve sustainable growth in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the Indian market.”

    This report reflects the findings from the survey of CMOs, creators, agencies, and individuals.

  • Under 25 Summit 2024 wraps up with resounding success, enthusiasm and inspiration

    Under 25 Summit 2024 wraps up with resounding success, enthusiasm and inspiration

    Mumbai: The historic Jayamahal Palace in Bangalore witnessed the ninth edition of the much-anticipated Under 25 Summit 2024, further solidifying its status as the world’s leading youth festival. This extraordinary event brought together a diverse assembly of students, creators, performers, and thought leaders, celebrating the limitless potential of the youth.

    The first day of the summit, on 9 March, lived up to its stellar reputation with a star-studded lineup of speakers and performers. Renowned personalities such as Vikrant Massey, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Babil Khan, Nikhil Kamath, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Tanmay Bhat, and Kenny Sebastian graced the stage, captivating the audience with their insights and experiences. The day also witnessed stellar musical performances by Brodha V, No Treble, and Shubham Roy.

    The second day, on 10 March, continued the excitement with engaging activities, discussions, and memorable performances. Eminent personalities like Saba Azad, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Niharika NM, and Ankush Bahuguna, presided over various talks at the event. The day concluded with an electrifying drone show and a captivating performance by Ritviz.

    Collective Artists Network founder and Group CEO Vijay Subramaniam expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At the Under 25 Summit 2024, the energy was electric. Ideas exchanged, opinions voiced, and electrifying performances showcased the vibrant spirit of today’s youth. With each passing year, the summit grows more impactful, drawing a larger crowd and sparking greater anticipation. This event embodies the active participation, creativity, and enthusiasm of our youth, paving the way for a promising future driven by their energy and ideas.”

    Under 25 Universe CEO and co-founder Anto Philip highlighted, “We gave it our all and wore our heart on our sleeves as we built this year’s summit. It was truly homecoming in more ways than one, coming back to Jayamahal Palace felt special and none of this would have been possible without our student crew and the lovely team that worked tirelessly to make sure no one left the festival ground without a smile.”

    Under 25 Universe co-founder Shreyans Jain added, “Having witnessed the high level of gusto and engagement among participants fills me with immense pride. This energy is a testament to the passion shared by us as organizers as well as the enthusiastic attendees towards the goals of the summit.”

    Actor Vikrant Massey shared, “Kya mahaul hai! The Under 25 Summit is an event like nothing I’ve seen for youth. The fact that it is also put together by students is a heartening testimony to those whose hands the future of the country lies in.”

    Actor Babil Khan emphasized, “It is important to understand why Under 25 Summit is important for our youth; it is because as we try to find our way through the burden of excessive information and external validation, our yearning for the expression of our individuality is drastically increasing. Under 25 Summit allows us to step out of those boxes and be involved in an energy that motivates us to create, to innovate, to inspire and to be inspired. To let our guards down and finally FEEL! I am honored to have been a small part of this beautiful and essential venture.”

    Hindustan Unilever general manager Kwality Wall’s Maya Ganapathy commented, “This partnership is truly a unique IP and I am thrilled that we have associated with an event that engages with the student community at such a large scale. Cornetto’s connection with the GenZs is deep and rooted in popular trends and culture that define them! The Under25 summit is a truly immersive event for the Gen Zs, conceptualized and curated by the GenZs themselves! That is why its a pleasure for Cornetto to share this stage with them while keeping things cool and OG, just the way they like it!”

    With multiple successful editions under its belt, the summit stands as one of India’s most triumphant edutainment IPs, having welcomed over 100,000 students! With top-tier curation, the Summit brings together different fields through inspiring speaker sessions, talent discovery opportunities, enriching workshops, engaging panel discussions, and interactive experience zones, promising a great experience for all attendees.

    Sponsored by Cornetto, Gujarat Tourism, Zero1, Mytnra Fwd, Acer, Korean Ramen Noodles, KFC, Coca Cola, Third Wave Coffee, and others, the two-day summit, held on March 9th and 10th, delivered an immersive experience featuring a rich tapestry of activities. This event encapsulates the essence of active participation, creativity, and enthusiasm among the youth, shaping a promising future for tomorrow’s India.

  • Collective Artists Network welcomes Dhruv Sheth to lead M19

    Collective Artists Network welcomes Dhruv Sheth to lead M19

    Mumbai: Leading new media and technology company, Collective Artists Network, is pleased to announce its foray into the content business with a new joint venture “M19 Collective” to be helmed by Dhruv Sheth as its CEO and co-founder. This initiative aims to develop intellectual properties (IPs) spanning branded content, offline experiences, fiction, and non-fiction for various platforms, leveraging the synergies of Collective’s flywheel along with Dhruv’s experience.

    With an illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Dhruv Sheth brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to further enhance Collective Artists Network’s existing ecosystem.

    Dhruv Sheth commenced his journey in the entertainment industry with OML in 2012, culminating in his role as the chief operating officer. During his tenure, Sheth played a pivotal role in delivering diverse content across OTT platforms, television, and brands, alongside managing live entertainment properties. His responsibilities included overseeing the content division, integrated creator and artist management, and finance and legal divisions, contributing significantly to organizational efficiency and growth.

    Under Sheth’s leadership at OML, notable shows were created, accumulating over 200 hours of content, including AIB’s Knockout, Comicstaan, One Mic Stand, Pushpavalli, Laakhon Mein Ek, and Chacha Vidhayak Hai Humare.

    Collective Artists Network founder and group CEO Vijay Subramaniam expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The introduction of M19 marks a pivotal addition to Collective’s diverse portfolio. With M19, we are poised to craft another compelling narrative, utilizing our accumulated expertise and resources to bring innovative content and experiences to the forefront. Dhruv’s background in content production and strategic leadership will undoubtedly amplify our efforts in empowering creators and expanding our offerings across diverse segments.”

    M19 CEO Dhruv Sheth commenting on his new role, said, “Joining Collective Artists Network is an exciting chapter in my journey. The vision of M19 aligns seamlessly with the Collective flywheel, and I look forward to contributing to the creation of impactful content and experiences. This collaboration is an opportunity to leverage Collective Artists Network’s extensive resources and foster innovation in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.”

    As Collective Artists Network continues to make strategic moves, the addition of Dhruv Sheth and the launch of M19 mark significant milestones, underscoring the company’s commitment to shaping the future of the creator economy.

  • Uorfi Javed announces debut podcast ‘UncanceLlable with Uorfi Javed’

    Uorfi Javed announces debut podcast ‘UncanceLlable with Uorfi Javed’

     Mumbai: Prepare for an extraordinary experience this season as the dynamic Uorfi Javed steps into the world of podcasting with her debut show, ‘Uncancellable with Uorfi Javed,’ produced by Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social. Uorfi Javed is set to push the envelope with her unapologetic dive into various aspects of her life, promising to entertain, educate, and challenge the status quo. The podcast trailer is now available for listeners.

    Known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, Uorfi Javed fearlessly expresses herself, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The trailer offers a glimpse into her unique perspective and unfiltered style. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, each episode guarantees an exciting exploration into the minds of rebels, independent thinkers, and notable personalities. ‘Uncancellable’ will unravel the power of authenticity, engaging in meaningful conversations that inspire change. Uorfi Javed will engage in heart-to-heart discussions with her guests, delving into their motivations to break barriers and challenge societal norms.

    Guests on the show include comedian Rohan Joshi, actor and creator Dolly Singh, singer Rashmeet Kaur, and actor and doctor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, among others.

    Uorfi Javed shared her thoughts on the podcast, stating, “I love exploring new things and learning more about myself. This podcast is all about celebrating authenticity, staying curious, and having the courage to follow your path – principles I deeply believe in. Audiences have always ‘seen’ me; now, I can’t wait for everyone to ‘hear me’ too and enjoy my role as a host. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know me and people who, like me, don’t back down from challenges.”

    Big Bang Social CEO Anurag Iyer expressed, “Uorfi Javed has been a social phenomenon in our country, and it is refreshing to witness the world from her unique perspective through the insightful conversations she will share with her guests. We believe the Indian podcast scene is ready for content that pushes boundaries, and we are proud to produce this show as we are committed to empowering our talent and their dreams. Whether it’s launching brands, products, or now shows, we stand firmly behind our creators. We are confident that this podcast is something like no other, embodying our belief in the creator space and the limitless potential it holds.

    The podcast is scheduled to launch on 23 February 2024 and will be accessible on all leading audio streaming platforms.