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Tag: RazorPay

  • Sportz Interactive plays a power shot with GenAI-first leadership revamp

    Sportz Interactive plays a power shot with GenAI-first leadership revamp

    MUMBAI: Sportz Interactive (SI) is changing its game plan and it’s going big on both people and pixels. In a strategic shake-up aimed at fuelling its global expansion and pivoting to a GenAI-first future, the sports tech specialist has unveiled a bolstered leadership line-up spanning product, technology, delivery, HR, and business functions.

    At the core of this formation is a three-pronged attack:

    . Sanket Sawkar, SI’s chief product & innovation officer and a 23-year company veteran, will steer the product vision and innovation strategy, designing fan engagement tools to meet the ever-shifting demands of sports organisations.

    . Monojit Banerjee, the new chief technology officer, arrives with stints at JP Morgan, Amazon, and Razorpay, tasked with building secure, scalable engineering platforms to underpin SI’s ambitious product roadmap.

    . Ravi Ranjan, chief delivery officer and Agile delivery specialist from Capgemini and Thoughtworks, will ensure SI’s projects cross the finish line on time and at peak performance.

    Adding people power to the playbook, Himanshu Kapadia joins as SI’s first chief human resources officer, bringing experience from Disney, HDFC, and DBS to foster a high-performance, people-first culture.

    CEO Siddharth Raman called the move a “pivotal moment”, highlighting SI’s strengthening foothold in the UK and Europe, backed by its track record with marquee sports organisations in India. The reshaped leadership, he said, “will help us lead with digital foresight, build for a GenAI-first world, and deliver transformative impact for our partners.”

    With its enhanced bench strength, SI looks set to turn its strategic vision into a winning season, one where innovation, agility, and AI are all playing for the same team.
     

  • Dushyant Panda takes charge as VP marketing at Razorpay, adds SME business P&L to his plate

    Dushyant Panda takes charge as VP marketing at Razorpay, adds SME business P&L to his plate

    MUMBAI: Dushyant Panda has been elevated to vice president, marketing at Razorpay, while also taking the reins of the fintech giant’s SME business P&L. Known for blending brand-building brilliance with business acumen, Panda will now spearhead central marketing and drive growth across Razorpay’s core verticals—including Payments, POS, Engage, and Cross Border.

    In his new role, Panda wears multiple hats: brand custodian across units, growth leader for digital and performance marketing, and business builder with full ownership of SME revenues. He now commands the entire product marketing and creative ecosystem, bringing scale, swagger and sharp positioning to every Razorpay launch.

    Before this, he served as senior director, leading marketing for payments and the SME vertical. Panda joined Razorpay in 2021, quickly climbing the ranks from director of emerging business to now owning the company’s full-stack growth engine.

    A NestAway veteran and Kadence research alumnus, Panda began his career decoding consumer insights in southeast Asia. Now, with Razorpay’s rocket ship under his command, he’s out to turn marketing into a “true growth engine”—in his own words, “why settle for just one challenge?”

    The industry will be watching as Panda attempts to do what marketers rarely get to—run both the story and the store.

  • Times Internet clicks refresh on M&A strategy with Johney Maheshwari hire

    Times Internet clicks refresh on M&A strategy with Johney Maheshwari hire

    MUMBAI: Times Internet has made a power move in its corporate playbook, appointing Johney Maheshwari as head of corporate development. With a decade-long track record in M&A and investment banking, Maheshwari is set to lead the company’s inorganic growth strategy, strengthening its foothold in India’s dynamic digital landscape.

    Bringing experience from Razorpay, where he orchestrated high-profile acquisitions of Ezetap, Billme, and Curlec, among others, Maheshwari is no stranger to deal-making. His past stints also include investment banking at EY, where he advised financial giants like SBI, ICICI Lombard, and NIIF on M&A and fundraising. Now, at Times Internet, a company that has invested over Rs 1,000 crore in the past decade in brands like Uber, Swiggy, and Ola, his mandate is clear: accelerate strategic investments and expand the company’s digital ecosystem.

    “We are excited to welcome Johney to the Times Internet family,” said Times Internet COO Puneet Gupt. “Strategic investments and M&A have been foundational to our growth story, and with Johney’s exceptional track record and deep industry insights, we’re reinvigorating this crucial aspect of our business.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Johney Maheshwari said, “I am excited to join Times Internet and contribute to its impressive growth journey. The company’s diverse portfolio and ambitious vision present tremendous opportunities for strategic investments and acquisitions. I look forward to working with the talented teams across the organization to identify and execute value-creating opportunities that will accelerate our growth trajectory and expand our digital ecosystem.”

    With Maheshwari at the helm of corporate development, Times Internet is doubling down on its commitment to shaping the future of India’s digital economy, one strategic move at a time.

  • Marketing maestro Varun Thakar lands top brand gig at Razorpay

    Marketing maestro Varun Thakar lands top brand gig at Razorpay

    MUMBAI:  High-flying marketing strategist Varun Thakar has nabbed a plum position as director of brand marketing at fintech powerhouse Razorpay, after catapulting travel major Cleartrip into the second spot in India’s cutthroat online travel market.

    The Cannes Lion winner, who took up his new role this month, brings a blistering track record of brand transformations and marketing wizardry to the payment processing giant.

    During his three-year stint at Cleartrip, Thakar worked marketing miracles, masterminding a spectacular brand relaunch that sent top-of-mind awareness rocketing. 

    The marketing maverick, who wielded a hefty budget at Cleartrip, orchestrated the company’s first-ever big billion day campaign, roping in celebrities for a multi-channel blitz that delivered the brand’s highest-ever share of voice.

    “Thakar’s magic touch was evident in the wildly successful #ORTRAVELONCLEARTRIP campaign, which saw brand mentions surge by an eye-watering 2000  per cent,” said an industry observer.

    Before making waves in the travel sector, Thakar cut his teeth at beverage behemoth AB InBev, where he drove Budweiser’s brand power growth to record levels and spearheaded four 360-degree campaigns with a wallet-busting budget.

    The Goa Institute of Management alumnus also spent five years at adhesives giant Pidilite, managing its pipe joining portfolio  and delivering impressive top-line revenue growth.

    As Razorpay looks to cement its position in India’s digital payments landscape it will  be banking on Thakar’s proven knack for sticking his brand messages where they count and brewing up advertising campaigns that leave competitors feeling distinctly flat.

  • Razorpay first PA to offer International payments, saving 50 per cent on fees

    Razorpay first PA to offer International payments, saving 50 per cent on fees

    Mumbai:  With an unwavering commitment to simplify money movement for businesses irrespective of size, Razorpay, an omnichannel payments and banking platform for businesses, today announced the expansion of its MoneySaver Export Account for Freelancer Professionals. This makes Razorpay the first Indian Payment Aggregator (PA) to offer international payments for freelancers.

    This feature will now enable Freelancers to open a Smart Account in any country of their choice and accept payments locally via bank transfers on the Razorpay platform, all while benefiting from zero withdrawal fees. Razorpay aims to empower over 15 million Indian freelancers by saving them up to 50 per cent in fees and commissions on international bank transfers.

    India stands as the second-highest contributor to the global freelancer market. They primarily seek work through social media or online freelancing platforms. However, the payment options currently available to them are not seamless and cost-efficient. International payments for exporters largely rely on International Bank Transfers, with SWIFT being one of the primary modes. However, these transactions come at a significant cost, as per RBI reports, with approximately $13 spent on SWIFT charges for every $200 remitted. For freelancers, the challenges are even more daunting. Direct bank transfers can incur fees of up to $30 per transaction, along with additional currency conversion charges. This results in Indian freelancers losing up to 25 per cent of their income.

    Commenting on the development, Razorpay COO Rahul Kothari said, “While India continues to grow as one of the fastest-growing markets for freelancers, it’s crucial to have seamless and a cost-efficient method to manage international money transfers securely and support this dynamic community with immense potential.”

    The MoneySaver Export Account adheres to the latest RBI guidelines, incorporating video KYC ensuring a safe and secure experience for freelancers. The account enables freelancers to receive international bank transfers from over 160 countries within 5 seconds, eliminating the need for additional paperwork. Additionally, the MoneySaver Export Account offers freelancers a single-click Digital FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) and incurs no withdrawal fees from online freelance marketplaces, unlike other solutions that currently charge $2 per withdrawal along with marketplace commissions of 20 per cent for every $500 earned. This account can be created across the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and other priority export markets, enabling the use of preferred banking networks like ACH, SEPA, SWIFT, and FPS.

    Commenting on the development, Rahul Kothari, Chief Business Officer, Razorpay, said, “While India continues to grow as one of the fastest-growing markets for freelancers, it’s crucial to have seamless and a cost-efficient method to manage international money transfers securely and support this dynamic community with immense potential.”

    Kothari added, “Freelancers face formidable challenges, particularly with direct bank transfers that can carry fees as high as $30 per transaction, compounded by additional currency conversion charges. As a result, they lose up to 25 per cent of their income. By addressing these challenges, our solution aims to significantly reduce the burden of high transaction fees and currency conversion charges that freelancers often face, thereby empowering this community with the unparalleled benefit of seamless, border-free global banking. Our commitment to providing a reliable, hassle-free financial experience can now ensure that freelancers can focus on what they do best—delivering exceptional work to clients around the world.”

    Razorpay has provided significant backing for export payments via its MoneySaver Export Account. Tailored specifically for exporters, the MoneySaver Export Account enables merchants to receive international payments through electronic funds transfer systems. This account, launched last year, has garnered substantial adoption, with over 15,000 exporters embracing its benefits so far. In addition, last year, Razorpay also introduced Forex Service for founders, which enabled Indian startups to effortlessly transfer globally raised funds to India, empowering them to navigate the international financial landscape with ease and thus maximize their Foreign Funding  Inflow (FDI) to India.

  • Razorpay introduces ‘Razorpay PaaS’ on April Fools Day

    Razorpay introduces ‘Razorpay PaaS’ on April Fools Day

    Mumbai: Expanding its horizons beyond pioneering payments and continually serving India with disruptive solutions, Razorpay, India’s Leading Omnichannel Payments, and Banking Platform for Businesses launched an Industry-first & World’s Only Podcast as a Service Platform, ‘Razorpay PaaS’*, on 1 April. Taking customization to a whole new level, this path-breaking platform by Razorpay will enable users to create a podcast within minutes on a topic of their choice, at a time most convenient to them, with over 20 Celebrity Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Joe Biden, Batman, Ironman, Rihanna, Morgan Freeman, Rafael Nadal, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Serene Williams among others.

    India is the third-largest podcast consumer in the world with over 57.6 Mn monthly listeners, according to PWC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2020-24 Report. One of the major roadblocks to adoption is getting hyper-personalised content of choice. For instance, if a user wishes to hear Batman and Bill Gates on the best tax-saving mutual funds and pension plans or Elon Musk and Sam Altman on ‘Zen Mode’, Tesla’s new autopilot feature for Indian roads – there is no tool at the user’s disposal to tune to these very intriguing and important conversations. However, Razorpay PaaS is indeed that ‘genie at the click of a button’ that can make this and so much more, happen in a jiffy! With Razorpay PaaS, users will now be empowered to decide what kind of podcast they want to tune in to. From Taylor Swift and Adele on how to write a song without getting your heart broken to Donald Trump and Barack Obama on the seven secrets of teenage parenting, Razorpay PaaS is poised to revolutionise the podcast landscape like never before.

    Excited to launch a platform such as this, Razorpay spokesperson said, “The recent surge in consumption of in-depth insightful conversations in the form of podcasts has been astounding. An avid podcast listener myself, I have resorted to some of the best podcasts, be it while commuting to work, walking my dog, or having a ‘Sleepless In Seattle’ moment. I’ve always been fascinated by the enriching knowledge and experience they offer, expanding one’s mental horizons and sparking

    unconventional thinking. After immersing myself in countless podcasts, the idea of empowering others to create their own podcasts felt like the next logical step. With Razorpay PaaS, we’re not just introducing a service; we are unleashing a platform that will seamlessly integrate into the fabric of daily life of every human.”

    The Spokesperson added, “At Razorpay, we continue to introduce many firsts in the ecosystem and we believe this one will truly disrupt consumption patterns like never before. I can’t wait to see the stories, insights, and conversations that will emerge as a result of this.” 

    Disclaimer: April 1 is all about humour and this is our attempt at it. Razorpay has no intention to demean any person or event or otherwise cause any harm. All voices are AI-generated parodies meant for entertainment purposes only and do not involve the actual participation or endorsement of any person. Listener discretion is advised . Razorpay encourages the responsible use of AI technology.

  • Razorpay launches ad campaign emphasising role of safety security in online transactions

    Razorpay launches ad campaign emphasising role of safety security in online transactions

    Mumbai: In the rapidly evolving payments landscape, ensuring security and trust is paramount. This helps maintain user confidence, provides protection against financial threats, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Reiterating its commitment to safety and security, Razorpay omnichannel payments and banking platform for businesses launched its biggest digital ad campaign featuring Gulshan Grover, and Urvashi Dholakia on its social platforms – YouTube, LinkedIn, X (previously Twitter), and Instagram. With 692 million internet users, India has the world’s second-largest Internet user base. This growing digitisation also makes the country a target for fraudulent activities. With this campaign, Razorpay hopes to reiterate the need to drive awareness amongst customers by educating them about risk and safety measures to ensure a secure digital payment transaction.

    With a tagline of “For online businesses to win trust, Razorpay payment gateway is a must”, the campaign showcases Razorpay as a “trust marker” for businesses. The 2-part ad series featuring Gulshan Grover and Urvashi Dholakia is curated to showcase that businesses certified by Razorpay comply with the highest standards of safety and security. Furthermore, it aims to empower end-consumers with essential information for making informed decisions when engaging with a business through digital transactions.

    The ad films of thirty seconds each, conceptualised and brought to life by Tilt Brand Solutions, a Mumbai-based creative agency, showcase two different scenarios wherein customers who are trying to make online purchases are skeptical of going through with the payments, wondering if their card details would be stolen or if the business was legitimate to engage with at the first place; Gulshan Grover and Urvashi Dholakia play the role of unethical business owners who aggravate the insecurities of these customers. The customers then realise that these businesses are safe and secure with the Razorpay trust marker and are KYC verified, giving them the utmost confidence to make the purchase.

    Commenting on the launch, Razorpay senior VP, marketing Apuarv Sethi, said, “We are excited to unveil our most extensive ad campaign yet, highlighting the paramount importance of safety and security in online transactions. In a digital landscape where trust is the currency, Razorpay serves as the definitive ‘trust marker’ for businesses. We believe it’s our responsibility to empower our merchants with the right products and services, enabling them to deliver a reliable and protected customer experience. This campaign aims to cultivate a profound sense of confidence, emphasizing our commitment to providing a dependable and secure digital payment experience. It underscores our dedication to raising awareness about the critical significance of security in online transactions. This initiative goes beyond a mere endorsement; it mirrors our steadfast commitment to shaping a safer and more trustworthy online transaction environment for all.”

    TILT Brand Solutions chief creative officer Adarsh Atal said, “We’re proud to partner with Razorpay to champion their commitment to empowering businesses. This commitment encompasses the cultivation of trust, safety, and security for the millions of businesses they serve. In line with this, trust, the cornerstone of all transactions, takes centre stage in the two-part ad series featuring the uncanny and dynamic duo of Gulshan Grover and Urvashi Dholakia. Drawing parallels between the safety measures in online transactions and the confidence Razorpay instills, each ad is a visual and narrative masterpiece with a unique twist, capturing attention, while underscoring the importance of a secure payment experience”,

    With almost every transaction happening in the virtual world, businesses must ensure seamless, hassle-free payment experiences for their customers offline and online. This includes real-time reconciliation, reduction in time per transaction, minimal failures while ensuring a risk-free environment. Keeping this and a fast-evolving dynamic regulatory environment in mind, Razorpay effectively and efficiently solves payment complexities that businesses go through daily, making it a one-stop shop for everything payments and banking for businesses.

    Links to the campaign:

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiFUz0FqsxI

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlXv_sprA3Q

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7155827110433984512

    X: https://x.com/Razorpay/status/1750061314523767078?s=20

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2eZHG0obpA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_ 

  • Five companies redefining success with #VocalForLocal initiative

    Five companies redefining success with #VocalForLocal initiative

    Mumbai: In the spirit of #VocalForLocal, a movement that resonates deeply in India, companies across the nation are actively championing local businesses.

    Amid India’s growing emphasis on the #VocalForLocal movement, these companies shine brightly, demonstrating that expanding their global presence doesn’t mean compromising their local roots. They not only rejoice in the vibrant tapestry of Indian cultures but also play a pivotal role in nurturing and sustaining local businesses. These impactful campaigns go beyond fleeting trends, serving as a resounding reminder that championing homegrown art and artisans is a dynamic movement that not only captivates consumers within India but reverberates globally.

    Today, let’s turn our focus to five companies that have wholeheartedly embraced the #VocalForLocal ethos in India, seamlessly integrating it into their campaigns with authenticity and impact.

    Protium:

    Championing MSMEs: Protium takes center stage in the #VocalForLocal movement, advocating for and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The campaign reflects their dedication to empowering small businesses, addressing the challenges they face in a competitive market, especially during festive season.

    Protium is guided by a strong moral compass to support small businesses, which often grapple with the challenges posed by intense competition and the allure of more expensive alternatives.

    Protium reaffirmed its commitment to the #VocalForLocal campaign, carrying forward the spirit that has ignited positive change over the past years. The campaign’s essence revolved around the idea of encouraging individuals to embrace and support local businesses, with a special focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the backbone of our nation’s economy.

    This resounding success of the campaign underscored Protium’s commitment to the #VocalForLocal principles, emphasizing that collective efforts truly empower small businesses and fortify our local economy.

    MobiKwik:

    Local merchant partnerships: MobiKwik, another prominent player in the Indian fintech space, has collaborated with local merchants to promote digital payments. Their initiatives often focus on supporting local businesses and driving financial inclusion, aligning with the #VocalforLocal campaign.

    MobiKwik’s strong focus on financial inclusion and commitment to serving traditionally underserved markets, such as tier two, three, and four cities, rural areas, and lower-income brackets, sets them apart from its peers. At MobiKwik, the digital payment services have been used in 19,103 pin codes out of 19,253 in India, covering 99.2% per cent of India’s PIN codes.

    At MobiKwik, innovation has been a driving force for us to differentiate ourselves in a highly competitive landscape.

    Paytm:

    Local Initiatives: Paytm, one of India’s leading fintech companies, has been active in promoting local businesses through its platform. They have supported various local campaigns, encouraging users to shop from nearby stores and promoting local merchants.

    PhonePe:

    Boost for Local Merchants: PhonePe, a popular digital payments platform, has been actively involved in initiatives to support local businesses. They have introduced features and campaigns to encourage users to transact with local merchants, contributing to the #VocalforLocal movement.

    Razorpay:

    Empowering small businesses: Razorpay, a fintech company specializing in payment solutions, has shown support for local businesses through various initiatives. They have provided tools and technologies that empower small businesses, aligning with the ethos of the #VocalforLocal movement.

  • Razorpay unveils inspiring brand film ‘Believe’ on National Entrepreneurs Day

    Razorpay unveils inspiring brand film ‘Believe’ on National Entrepreneurs Day

    Mumbai: Reiterating its commitment to supporting and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of founders, Razorpay, India’s Leading Omnichannel Payments, and Banking Platform for Businesses, has launched its new brand film, ‘Believe’. Launched on National Entrepreneurs Day, the film is an ode to the spirit of self-belief and conviction entrepreneurs showcase throughout their journeys.

    The film aims to highlight that while everyone celebrates the success of these trailblazers and game-changers who have put the nation on top of the startup table globally today, very few focus on the nuances of their journeys which play a crucial role in their victories. Having partnered with Footloose Films to conceptualize and co-create the film, Razorpay has vividly captured the story of every founder’s journey in under three minutes, encapsulating their triumphs, and challenges throughout, from starting with that simple idea, and relentlessly braving through all possible odds till the end.

    Launched on Razorpay’s social media platforms – Youtube, LinkedIn, Twitter & Instagram, the film brings this message alive through the lens of a successful founder who after five years of starting his company, gives in a moment of retrospection and reminisces about his journey – one filled with big challenges and equally big successes. He reflects on his founding journey of how it all began, right from quitting a high-paying job and comfortable lifestyle to having nothing but a vision and conviction, from being a CEO to a receptionist, from pitching his idea to others to sometimes having to convince even himself, from moments of solidarity with his supporters to moments of deafening solitariness – he reflects on everything that’s brought him to this moment of success and realizes that the one thing that kept him going was his – Belief.

    Commenting on the launch of the brand film, Razorpay VP of marketing Apuarv Sethi said, “With this brand film, we are pumped up to drive home the message that entrepreneurial spirit must be celebrated, appreciated, and supported, not limited to just their successes. At Razorpay, we have consistently prioritized our mission of empowering founders and facilitating their success by proactively identifying their challenges and pioneering innovative solutions well ahead of the industry curve. Having experienced the entrepreneurial journey firsthand, we deeply understand the hardships and obstacles founders frequently encounter. This film, therefore, reiterates our vision that no founder will ever have to walk this journey alone.

    He added, “India, being home to the third largest startup ecosystem in the world, is a true testament to the mindset and purpose-driven outlook that our entrepreneurs have brought about. From curating swift and seamless money movement outlets across borders to providing robust capital support, Razorpay has been walking along as a trusted payments partner with these entrepreneurs, supporting & championing them in their journey.”

    Directed by Ishaan Gaur, and Indrasish Mukharjee, the entire film is a vivid montage of instances and moments filled with ups and downs, curveballs, and swift wins peppered with what seem like endless failures, that not only strike a chord with young founders and seasoned ones, but are relatable to any and every founder.

    “Razorpay is rooted in its belief to enable and empower entrepreneurs and we are extremely proud of how the same spirit has been translated in this brand film. We would like to describe this film as ‘Behind the scenes with Razorpay’. With this piece, we wanted to give a heartfelt shout-out to the entrepreneur community. Strip away the glamour and the numbers and take a look at what goes on behind the curtains, all the ups and downs, the stellar human stories behind these giant names and achievements. And we felt if someone could do justice to this story, it would be us”, said  Footloose Films creative director  Indrasish Mukherjee.

    Razorpay empowers businesses of all sizes with its comprehensive and expansive product portfolio, right from offering PG services to POS Solutions, Business Banking, Rize Community, Payroll solutions, and more, seamlessly helping founders outgrow the ordinary. By constantly shouldering businesses, Razorpay has remained true to its core value of serving the startup ecosystem in India. This film comes after the widely successful campaign of Razorpay ‘Imagined By AI’ showcasing 45 founders in 45 days and narrating their stories through AI.