Tag: Info Edge

  • Disruption edition Forbes India turns sweet sixteen with giant strides

    Disruption edition Forbes India turns sweet sixteen with giant strides

    MUMBAI: Who says turning sixteen can’t come with serious swagger? Forbes India has marked its 16th anniversary not with cake and candles, but with a hard-hitting, forward-looking special edition titled Giant Strides, a tribute to the power of disruption as the engine of transformation. Themed around seismic shifts shaping the country’s economy, society and culture, the commemorative issue brings together some of India’s sharpest minds and boldest voices.

    From boardrooms to Olympic podiums, this edition rounds up a powerhouse lineup: Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer, Tata Power Praveer Sinha, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Info Edge Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Mahindra Rajesh Jejurikar, Zydus Group Sharvil Patel, and even Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who steps in to talk about mental health and elite sport.

    The essays span everything from clean energy to AI, manufacturing to healthcare, charting India’s reinvention across sectors. These aren’t just nostalgic reflections; they’re bold blueprints for the road ahead, a call to embrace reinvention with urgency, clarity and intent.

    Ditching its usual cover design, the issue features a striking new visual identity, a bold aesthetic shift that mirrors the theme of transformation itself. It’s disruption, by design.

    In keeping with Forbes India’s mission since its 2009 debut, this edition doubles down on future-forward storytelling, shining a light on the entrepreneurs, thinkers and leaders driving the next chapter of India’s growth. Because in the age of disruption, standing still isn’t an option, it’s a liability.

    You can grab a copy at your nearest newsstand or digitally. But don’t expect a nostalgia fest. This is not a rear-view mirror moment, it’s a periscope into possibility.

    Sixteen years in, and Forbes India is still writing tomorrow’s headlines today.

  • Truecaller dials up policy muscle, taps Aruna Sundararajan for board role

    Truecaller dials up policy muscle, taps Aruna Sundararajan for board role

    MUMBAI: Truecaller is adding some serious regulatory firepower to its boardroom. The Stockholm-based caller ID giant has nominated Aruna Sundararajan—former telecom policy chief and digital transformation architect—for a seat on its board, ahead of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for 23 May.

    The nomination comes as part of a broader recommendation from the Truecaller AB nomination committee, which also proposed the re-election of all existing board members—Nami Zarringhalam, Alan Mamedi, Annika Poutiainen, Helena Svancar, and Shailesh Lakhani.

    Sundararajan is no stranger to tech and governance. The former secretary at India’s ministry of electronics and IT and department of telecommunications has steered some of the country’s most ambitious digital infrastructure and policy initiatives. She now chairs the Broadband India Forum and sits on the boards of Delhivery, Info Edge, L&T Technology Services, and India’s National Bank for Infra Financing and Development (NaBFID).

    “We are very pleased with the nomination of Aruna Sundararajan as a new board member of Truecaller. She possesses extensive experience in policy and regulatory matters within technology and has board experience from several listed companies in India. Her appointment as a new board member is expected to significantly enhance the board’s collective expertise and competence in these areas. With this addition the Board will consist of six board members with well diversified competences and experiences,” said Truecaller’s nomination committee chair Kamjar Hajabdolahi. “Her addition will level up the board’s strategic depth at a time when digital trust and global expansion are front and centre.”

    The committee, comprising reps from top shareholders and co-founder Alan Mamedi, will publish its full slate of proposals and justifications alongside the AGM notice.

    Founded in 2009 and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2021, Truecaller has become a default defence against spam and scam calls globally. With over 450 million active users, the app blocked nearly 56 billion unwanted calls in 2024—making it one of the world’s most widely used caller ID platforms.

    With Sundararajan’s potential onboarding, Truecaller is ringing in not just experience—but influence that matters.

  • IAMAI condemns removal of apps and urges Google to reinstate delisted apps

    IAMAI condemns removal of apps and urges Google to reinstate delisted apps

    Mumbai: IAMAI condemns removal of apps and urges Google to reinstate delisted apps.

    IAMAI has strongly condemned the removal of some of the most prominent consumer digital companies’ apps from the Play Store, including those of Bharatmatrimony, Info Edge, Shaadi.com, and TrulyMadly and IAMAI urges Google to reinstate the delisted apps.  

    The association’s governing council has in a statement called the delisting of apps unfair and disproportionate. The association urges Google to urgently reinstate the delisted apps and engage in consultations with the industry body or member companies to find mutually agreeable solutions till the matter is subjudice.

  • Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry, the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) is set to host the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024, exploring the profound impacts of digital transformation. The conclave, scheduled for 6 February 2024 at Shangri-La, New Delhi, promises to be a ground-breaking event, with a Grand Jury meeting on 15 January 2024, laying the foundation for an insightful and impactful gathering.

    Storyboard18 is the “Knowledge Partner” for the “DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024”.

    Jury Powerhouses: Steering the Course of Digital Transformation

    Distinguished leaders from across industries will be a part of the jury meet.

    The jury will be chaired by senior politician, and former senior parliamentarian of India, Suresh Prabhu.

    The Grand Jury includes Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and executive vice chairman, Info Edge; Ajay Prakash Sawhney, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India, Shashi Sekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati; Dr Aruna Sharma, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India and Practitioner Development Economist, Arvind Gupta, co-founder, Digital India Foundation; Robert Ravi, chief technology officer, Government of Tamil Nadu; Prasoon Joshi, chairman, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India; N.S. Nappinai, Supreme Court advocate and founder of Cyber Saathi Foundation; Vinit Goenka, author and former BJP spokesperson; and Vivan Sharan, founder and partner, of Koan Advisory Group.

    Their collective expertise will significantly enrich the deliberations of the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024.

    The Grand Jury will focus on outstanding contributions in navigating India’s digital transformation and fostering innovation. The DNPA Awards serve as a platform to honour cutting-edge digital initiatives that have had a profound contribution to the nation’s progress. The awards recognise the extraordinary innovations made in various sectors including health, education, finance, and media, alongside pivotal areas like women empowerment, environmental protection, governance, and administrative reforms, acknowledging those who have been instrumental in India’s digital journey and inspiring continued innovation and excellence, while setting global standards.

    As the credibility, transparency, and excellence custodians, DNPA is committed to ensuring that the awards bestowed reflect a thorough and meticulous selection process.

    “DNPA Conclave and Awards bring together the best minds in India to select the country’s cutting-edge digital initiatives that are transforming the lives of millions of people and taking India to greater heights. It gives me immense pride to share that some of India’s most credible names are part of this year’s grand jury. I am certain that DNPA Conclave and Awards 2024 Jury Meet will be a great success” commented Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman, DNPA.

    “As we gear up for the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 Grand Jury meet, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a deep dive into digital impact. With industry leaders coming together, these awards are all about celebrating excellence and fostering innovation as we navigate a brave new world driven by human intelligence and technology,” commented Sujata Gupta, Secretary General, DNPA, emphasizing on the importance of the Grand Jury meeting and awards.

    The DNPA Conclave Agenda: Navigating Digital Transformation in the Media Industry

    The conclave scheduled in February, will delve into critical facets of the ongoing revolution in media. Dialogues and discussions will dissect the role of online intermediaries in shaping public trust, the impact of misinformation on a diverse society like India, and the readiness of the Indian media industry to embrace technological disruptions. Equitable monetization models, advancements in generative AI, and the future of job prospects in the media and entertainment sector will be central to the discussions.

    It promises to be a day of engaging discussions and insightful keynotes by the most notable leaders from corporate and media spheres, and policymakers, culminating in the DNPA Digital Impact Awards (DDIA) ceremony. Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman of DNPA and managing director of Amar Ujala, will set the stage for the awards’ proceedings, where the winners will be honoured, signifying their endorsement of outstanding contributions.

    The DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds and visionaries to navigate the digital transformation of the media industry which is foundational to India’s progress, and set the tone for a dynamic and innovative future.

     

  • Punjabi singer-actor Parmish Verma partners with Jeevansathi

    Punjabi singer-actor Parmish Verma partners with Jeevansathi

    NEW DELHI: Matrimonial platform Jeevansathi.com has roped in Parmish Verma, a celebrated Punjabi singer, actor, and music director for its social media and digital brand promotions. The brand has partnered with the regional star to reach out to the Punjabi audience across north India and consolidate its leadership position in the north-west. 

    The video-led social media campaign is designed to woo the Punjabi youth who wish to find the right life-partner, but do not find enough avenues to meet prospective matches.

    Info Edge CMO Sumeet Singh said, “Parmish is a youth icon and appeals to our core audience. He fits well with our brand and lends a credible voice to Jeevansathi.com’s endeavour to help find the perfect soulmate. The idea is for the campaign to not just be mutually beneficial for the brand and the influencer, but also to give our followers the kind of content that they love to engage with.”

    Parmish Verma said, “The pandemic has impacted everyone and young people have realised the importance of companionship. For many, this has felt like the time to start the journey towards finding that special one who can love you unconditionally. With young people now getting used to doing almost everything online, I believe that a platform like Jeevansathi.com makes it really easy to choose a life-partner as per your own preferences and the best is it’s easy to use.”

    Jeevansathi has lately been focusing on influencer marketing and video campaigns with multiple celebrities. Recently, the brand also partnered with celebrity couple Debina-Gurmeet Choudhary to stress on the importance of compatibility and understanding in a long-term partnership.

  • Zomato raises $60 million from Vy Capital and existing investors

    Zomato raises $60 million from Vy Capital and existing investors

    MUMBAI: Zomato, the popular restaurant search and discovery service, has closed a fresh round of funding of $60 million at a post-money valuation of $660 million.

    These funds will be used to accelerate Zomato’s global expansion and new product development. This round of funding is being led jointly by Info Edge (India) and Vy Capital, with participation from Sequoia Capital. This takes Zomato’s total funding to over $113 million. Zomato has earlier raised $53 million from Info Edge (India) and Sequoia Capital over multiple rounds of funding.

    Founded in 2008, Zomato provides up-to-date detailed information, menus and photos for over 300,000 restaurants across the 18 countries it is present in on both web and mobile.

    Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal said, “Zomato is well on its way to becoming the world’s local expert in dining out. In the past year, we have added eight countries and millions of new users to our foodie truck. From just restaurant discovery and menus, Zomato has now become a vast global community driven by social interactions. This is an exciting point in our journey, as we accelerate our way across the globe, and build a product that will continue to redefine the way people dine.”

    Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani added, “Our first investment in Zomato was made almost 4 years ago, and the team has shown phenomenal progress since then to build the Zomato that we know and use. The company is growing very fast, and we are proud to back them up to further grow the business – both inside and outside of India.”

    Vy Capital founding partner Alexander Tamas said, “Zomato is one of the first internet companies out of India with a consumer product that is scaling on a global basis and a team that is executing extremely well against the opportunity. We look forward to being long-term partners of the company as it establishes itself among the global internet leaders.”

    Headquartered in New Delhi, Zomato plans to expand to 14 more countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Americas.