Archive: November 1, 2023

Eximius Ventures Welcomes Preeti Sampat as Co-founder and GP to Empower Indian Startups for Global Expansion

India, 01 November 2023: Eximius Ventures, a pre-seed stage fund committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of innovative startups in India, is pleased to announce the joining of Preeti Sampat as Co-founder and General Partner. With a strong focus on Fintech, SaaS, HealthTech, and Media and entertainment, Eximius Ventures is poised to reach new heights with Preeti’s addition to the leadership team.

Preeti Sampat brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to her role at Eximius Ventures. Her journey in the world of tech and venture capital began with a passion for technology that led her to pursue engineering at BITS Pilani. Following her graduation, she gained valuable experience in transaction advisory within the TMT sectors. However, her entrepreneurial spirit and love for technology led her to join Flipkart as part of their early team, where she became closely acquainted with the startup and venture ecosystem.

Later with an MIT Sloan MBA, Preeti embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. In 2018, she co-founded a micro VC fund in the US. This fund invested in the pre-seed and early-seed rounds of startups in the US and LATAM. She has backed companies founded by graduates from HBS, MIT, Wharton, and more. Notably, half of those portfolio companies have achieved a remarkable annual revenue of more than $5 million. This speaks to her keen eye for identifying promising startups and nurturing them to substantial growth and success in a global setting. She has also been a founder before joining Eximius and understands the founder’s journey deeply.

At Eximius, Preeti will lead the fund’s investment strategy and decisions, taking a thesis-driven approach to investing in startups that have the potential to scale globally. With her extensive experience and understanding of global ecosystems, she aims to amplify India’s impact on the global stage, nurturing startups in key sectors such as AI/Gen AI, SaaS, Health, and Commerce. She will also leverage her global network and insights to support the portfolio companies with follow-on fundraising, strategic hiring, and partnerships.

“I am excited to join Eximius Ventures as co-founder and General Partner. I have been impressed by the quality of the portfolio companies that Eximius has backed so far, which include remarkable startups such as Jar, and Eka. care, Stan, Skydo, and Vegapay. I believe that there is a huge opportunity for early-stage investing in India, especially in frontier tech sectors that can create impactful solutions for India and the world. I look forward to working with Pearl and the rest of the team to support exceptional founders who are building the next wave of innovation,” said Preeti Sampat, Co-founder and General Partner of Eximius Ventures.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Preeti as our co-founder and General Partner. Her diverse background, encompassing experiences as both an entrepreneur and an investor, brings a valuable and unique perspective to our team. Preeti also possesses a profound grasp of the global venture and startup ecosystem, which will enable us to broaden our fund’s reach across geographical boundaries and extend our investment focus into AI/Gen AI, SaaS, Health, and Commerce. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with her to further strengthen Eximius, positioning it as a prominent pre-seed stage fund in India,” stated Pearl Agarwal, the Founder and Managing Director of Eximius Ventures.

India hosts the 6th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly at New Delhi

New Delhi, November 1st 2022: The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was hosted today in New Delhi and was presided over by Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India in his capacity as the President of the ISA Assembly. Ministers from 20 countries and delegates from across 116 Member and Signatory countries participated in the Assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Raj Kumar Singh said: “Around 80 per cent of the global population resides in countries that depend on fossil fuel imports, totalling a staggering 6 billion people. Renewable energy sources have the potential to supply 65 per cent of the world’s total electricity by 2030 and decarbonise 90 per cent of the power sector by 2050. The International Solar Alliance is steadfast in its commitment to Member Countries to make solar the energy source of choice, foster environments conducive to attracting investments and ensure ample energy availability to meet the surging global demands. Towards this, ISA through its Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism provides a grant of USD 150,000 or 10% of the project cost (whichever is lower), per country per project. The Assembly decided to increase the range to 35% of the project cost, depending on the capacity and needs of the countries and their respective projects.”

The Co-President of the Assembly, H.E. Ms ChrysoulaZacharopoulou, France’s Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships said: “For France, the ISA is a key initiative to promote the development of clean energy and thus combat climate disruptions. It is playing its full part in this great project, with constant and growing support for our Alliance. Through the French Development Agency (AFD), we’ve financed over 1.5 billion euros worth of solar projects since 2016. France is taking action and we are determined to accelerate. Last year, we provided over 7.5 billion euros in climate finance to our partners. These are not mere figures, but concrete projects, such as the construction of the Onigbolo solar power plant in Benin, which we completed this year, bringing 25 megawatts of clean energy to the people of Benin. We also support our partners in formulating and financing their fair energy transition plans. This is the founding principle of all our international partnerships: to be based on national agendas and priorities. The solar revolution must be backed up by a broader strategy of access to energy. I sincerely believe that this Alliance can provide solutions to one of the great challenges of our time, despite the fractures in the world.”

Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of International Solar Alliance, said: “We urgently need to accelerate the build-up of solar energy, especially in developing countries and in applications that influence the daily lives of those without access to reliable energy – such as getting electricity from solar mini-grids, powering agricultural pumps, running cold storages, etc. Capacity building and regulatory change are necessary enablers towards that. ISA is facilitating over 9.5 GW of solar applications in 55 developing countries, including LDCs and SIDS, and has already provided training to nearly 4,000 people across the developing world on ways to make a living out of supporting solar energy. We are working on developing STAR Centres in countries which will be a hub of technology, knowledge, and expertise on solar energy. In addition, ISA is enabling solar mini-grids to provide universal energy access, especially where grid extension is too expensive. Guarantees help in crowding in private sector investment, and ISA has developed such a mechanism to provide guarantees through its Global Solar Facility to its member countries in Africa. We are also enabling entrepreneurs in these countries who can, with help, become major suppliers of solar energy across countries and regions.”

In May 2020, ISA initiated Demonstration Projects to meet the needs of LDCs and SIDS. The aim was to exhibit solar technology applications, which can be scaled up, and build the capacity of beneficiary member countries. Four projects set up with ISA’s assistance were inaugurated by Shri RK Singh These projects include:

1. i. Solarisation of the parliament building of the Republic of Malawi
2. ii. the solarisation of two rural health care centres in the Republic of Fiji, with an 8-kW solar PV system & 20-kWh battery storage capacity for each health centre
3. iii. Installation of 1 solar-powered cold storage of capacity 5 MT for the benefit of its agricultural stakeholders at La Digue Island, Republic of Seychelles
4. iv. Solarisation of the Nawai Junior Secondary School (JSS) in the Republic of Kiribati, with a 7kW Solar PV rooftop system paired with a 24-kWh BSS

Shri Singh said“It is my honour and privilege to dedicate four projects to the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Kiribati, each of USD USD 50,000 (Fifty thousand) provided by the ISA under the ISA grant initiative. The ISA recognises the achievements of our Member countries and applauds their efforts in advancing the cause of energy transition through solar. We as a collective must learn from one another’s successes and challenges.”

The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each Member Country is represented. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance. The Sixth Assembly of the ISA is deliberating on the key initiatives of ISA on three critical issues energy access, energy security, and energy transition.

SendQuick Named Winner of the Coveted Top InfoSec Innovator Awards for 2023

[Singapore, 1 November 2023] – SendQuick Pte Ltd is proud to announce we have been named the winner of the following award from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine:

Most Innovative in Authentication (Multi, Single, or Two-Factor)

“We are thrilled to be a member of this coveted group of winners in the 11th year of Cyber Defense Awards, during CyberDefenseCon, where the Top Global CISOs exclusively gather by invitation only. We knew the competition would be tough and with top judges who are leading infosec experts from around the globe, we couldn’t be more pleased,” said Mr JS Wong of SendQuick Pte Ltd.

SendQuick won in this category with its SendQuick Conexa, which comes with various multi-factor authentication options for all its users: Email OTP, Soft Token, Hard Token, Push OTP, Push Authentication, Digital ID login with Singpass or Yoti, FIDO2-capable Yubikey and passwordless biometric authentication.

“SendQuick embodies three major features we judges look for with the potential to become winners: understanding tomorrow’s threats, today, providing a cost-effective solution and innovating in unexpected ways that can help mitigate cyber risk and get one step ahead of the next breach,” said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

Dreamtime Learning Hub Introduces Weekend Makerspace Program for Experiential Hands-on Learning

Hyderabad, 1st November 2023: Adding more realm to its Micro-Schooling Hub in Hyderabad, Dreamtime Learning Hub is adding a distinguished approach to the education ecosystem. Advancing with technology adoption and creating a boon of experiential learning, Dreamtime Learning Hub is thrilled to announce the launch of its Weekend After School Learning Program. This dynamic initiative is designed to give young learners a hands-on experience within the Makers Space, opening up a world of exciting educational possibilities. With a focus on experiential learning and practical-based education, the Weekend After School Learning Program is set to ignite the curiosity and creativity of children aged 4 to 15 years.

The Weekend After School Learning Program will run on Saturdays, and will offer various engaging activities tailored to different age groups.

Creators Hub:

•  Robotics & Coding: Deep dive into the world of robotics and coding with hands-on experiences
•  3D printing: Use various tools to draw and write using 3D pens, enhancing learning by experiencing and also providing robotic printer technology.
• Studio:
•  Aero-modeling: Discover the art of drone making and testing, engaging young minds in the fascinating world of aviation.
•  Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR): Immersive experience for learners in the world of augmented and virtual reality using state-of-the-art VR headsets.
• Workshop Space:
•  Product Design via Carpentry: Get hands-on while designing and creating using carpentry tools.

Creative & Fun Zones: Includes musical instruments (Ukulele and Keyboard), reading, tending to a kitchen garden, cycling, skateboarding, obstacle climbing wall, rope play, sensory play, and even trying their hand at becoming a radio jockey in the RJ Room.

Excited to bring transformation in the industry, Ms. Lina Ashar, Founder, of Dreamtime Learning Hub, states, “Technology is a boon to the education system, and it is prominently important to adopt and move forward with advancements. Introducing technology to our young minds and giving them the prolific experience of surroundings, we are excited to launch the Weekend After School Learning Program. This program encourages children with several opportunities for practical-based learning to nurture their creativity and enhance problem-solving skills. This also embodies our commitment to delivering immersive, hands-on learning experiences that empower young minds, preparing them for a future full of innovation and possibilities. We are thrilled to see diverse interest among educators, learners and parents and enthralled towards excellence.”

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and boasting a world-class curriculum, this program is designed to inspire and engage students in a dynamic and immersive learning environment. The program places a strong focus on “learning by doing,” nurturing the inquisitive minds of children, and fostering a genuine love for exploration and innovation.

This is a ground-breaking micro-school concept that reflects the transformative impact on learners and is a progressive step towards a brighter future.

Loco launches VIP, a loyalty program for the platform’s paying users

New Delhi, 1st November 2023: Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live game streaming platform, has introduced the Loco VIP program, to redefine the way users and streamers interact and engage with content. The VIP loyalty program is designed keeping the platform’s paying users in mind, offering them exclusive benefits, experiences, and special recognition both on and off the platform. Loco believes that the VIP program will be a key catalyst for transactions on the platform and therefore, create a sustainable financial model for creators in the country, ensuring they can keep producing content that their audience loves. Loco foresees this as a model that helps the company support multiple new content categories on the platform.

The VIP program comes with the following key features that users can look forward to:

1. Specialized Chat Text & Badges: VIP Members can accentuate their presence with distinct chat text colors and badges, ensuring they always stand out and make a statement in their favorite streamers’ chat rooms.
2. Exclusive sticker packs: VIP members can display their excitement during a stream with brand-new premium in-chat stickers that will be available only for our VIP members.
3. Ad-Free watching: Say goodbye to interruptions! VIP members enjoy a seamless, ad-free watching experience, keeping them immersed in the action.
4. Ultra HD 4K Streaming and specialized camera angles for select esports tournaments: Loco VIP members can immerse themselves into the gaming world with the clearest visuals possible with exclusive member-only Ultra HD 4K streams and camera angles not available to other users.
5. VIP Leaderboards: Loco has now enabled certain streamers to run giveaways and reward their most loyal VIP fans. This transparent leaderboard system enables viewers to climb up their rankings by displaying their fandom through the time spent on the streams and their engagement via stickers.
6. Exclusive invites to on-ground events: VIP members will also be invited to Loco on-ground events giving them a chance to meet their favourite creator.
7. Discounts on Loco Store: Loco VIP members will get access to discounts on the soon-to-be-launched Loco Store, enabling them to gain greater value on their spending on virtual goods on the Loco store

Users who purchase Loco Diamond packs are automatically enrolled in the VIP Loyalty Program without additional charges. Users enjoy the freedom to pick their subscription duration, with day-wise packs starting at just Rs.20. These Loco Diamond packs are designed with a pay-as-you-prefer approach, mirroring mobile recharge plans.

The Loco user base has wholeheartedly embraced this feature with a remarkable surge of up to 50% in watch hours has been witnessed by participating streamers and 10x growth of on-platform transactions since the program’s inception. Furthermore, users are actively competing daily to enhance their chances of securing a spot at the top of the VIP leaderboard. The VIP users have shown high retention and stickiness on the platform, creating a strong momentum for the program. Creators have also embraced the program and Loco has received thousands of requests for creators to be added to this program. Loco has a robust roadmap for the program with multiple new creator monetization features being launched shortly. These include exclusive streams, chats, shoutouts, creator calls, and creator direct messaging features for VIP users.

Sharing a comment on the announcement Anirudh Pandita, Founder, Loco said “At Loco, we are deeply committed to pioneering innovative business models that not only strengthen the platform but also facilitate the growth of diverse content categories. Loco VIP represents our commitment to transforming the content landscape in India by providing exceptional value to our users. It’s an attempt to innovate the business model of content platforms here in India, providing customers with excellent value for their spend. Given the roadmap we have in mind, we believe the value will compound over time with time.”

Voyage Eyewear Launches Voyage Women: An Exclusive Platform for Women Sunglasses

Delhi, November 1st, 2023: Voyage Eyewear, an online brand specializing in affordable yet premium sunglasses, has recently launched an exclusive platform for women’s sunglasses, Voyage Women. This website of Voyage Women, www.voyagewomen.com, has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of women seeking stylish and protective sunglasses.

The sunglasses available on Voyage Women, have been thoughtfully designed for diverse needs and preferences of women. Offering a comprehensive range of styles, each pair has been designed to complement various personal styles, ensuring that every woman can find the perfect sunglasses of their choice. Beyond fashion, these sunglasses come equipped with advanced UV protection, ensuring your eyes are shielded from harmful rays while also providing exceptional visual comfort.

Varun Agarwal, Co-founder of Voyage Eyewear, said, “Expanding our product lines has been our vision to increase our reach among customers. We are constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of our customers, and this new website is at the forefront of our vision. The launch of Voyage Women represents our commitment to providing tailored sunglasses for women. The website is more than online stores; it is a destination where women can discover sunglasses that not only protect their eyes but also reflect their personalities.”

Sweta, Co-Founder of Voyage Eyewear, said, “At Voyage Eyewear, we firmly believe that every woman deserves to look and feel stylish while protecting her eyes. Hence, we decided to launch Voyage Women to cater to our women customers. We are on a mission to empower women to express their unique style and embrace their individuality through our range of sunglasses.”

La Mior Expands Product Portfolio – Launches It’s One Swipe Liquid Eyeshadow

[1st November, 2023] New Delhi: La Mior, a high performing clean beauty brand, has come up with their newest launch of Liquid Eyeshadows. As a formulation philosophy, powered with plant based ingredients & naturally derived gentle actives, La Mior is a PETA-certified, vegan, and cruelty free brand!

The latest addition of eyeshadow brings about a massive shift in the beauty sector! In a world where beauty meets elegance, La Mior has unveiled its latest masterpiece – The Glistening Eyes Liquid Eyeshadow. This game-changing product introduces a set of three perfectly coordinated shades: Matte, Shimmer, and Glitter, presented in an array of nine captivating sets. The Glistening Eyes Liquid Eyeshadow promises to transform your eye makeup routine, empowering you to achieve professional-level looks in just a matter of minutes.

The Glistening Eyes Liquid Eyeshadow, which are available in 9 sets, in a set of 3 coherent shades (Matte, Shimmer & Glitter) weightless & crease-proof liquid eyeshadow trio stack that features one matte eyeshadow, one light-reflecting micro-glitter eyeshadow, and one multidimensional prismatic glitter eyeshadow to create a versatile range of looks. They are highly pigmented and have a long-lasting liquid-to-powder formula that won’t crease or budge. It comes in a range of gorgeous shades that have single swipe full coverage. Major active ingredients of green tea, chamomile, kokum butter, shea butter and Vitamin E extract contribute to smooth, nourishing and hydrated eyes. This weightless liquid formula dries down quickly and comfortably upon application with no fading or fallout throughout the day, not even the glitters!

Aakriti Jayant Chhaparia, La Mior, Founder adds, “La Mior is all about keeping up high performing & Skincare Powered offerings! Our Glistening Eyes Liquid Eyeshadows are lightweight, a one-swipe wonder,, which is what every woman needs! It transforms your eyes from subtle to vibrant with just one swipe It is buildable and its multi-size glitter particles add a never-before-seen dimension to the lid. We created this eyeshadow to compliment the low-maintenance look, giving your eyes a soft blurred effect. You needn’t worry about overdoing your eyeshadow thanks to the flexible applicator that makes precise application an effortless task! It’s a true beauty essential!”

The Glistening Eyes Liquid Eyeshadows is not just makeup, it’s a celebration of your unique beauty. Embrace the joy of vibrant hues, and the confidence to rock any look you desire. Your eyes are ready to take center stage!

CIO Leadership Symposium 2023 sets new technology and cybersecurity benchmarks

New Delhi: CIO Klub, India’s largest non-profit association of more than 1800 Chief Information Officers (CIOs), marked a major milestone “CIO Leadership Symposium 2023” on the occasion of the Delhi Chapter’s 15th anniversary at the Pullman Aerocity in Delhi. CIO Klub’s unwavering commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing collaboration among tech leaders, supporting India’s digital economy, and driving unparalleled technological transformations across sectors.

The CIO Leadership Symposium 2023 stood as a testament to the organization’s enduring commitment to foster technological collaborations and ideate strategic ways forward to innovations and ways to find robust cybersecurity solutions. These themes have been at the heart of the CIO Klub’s mission since its inception in 2008. This year’s event transcended boundaries, bringing together more than 250 CIOs, technology enthusiasts, and industry experts to discuss pivotal topics shaping India’s technology landscape. Through insightful discussions, engaging panels, and dynamic workshops, the symposium served as a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and innovations that are crucial for the nation’s digital transformation.

One of the standout moments of the event was an exhilarating live performance by Sudesh Bhosale, an iconic playback singer known for his remarkable contributions to Bollywood’s musical journey. His enthralling performance infused a musical ambiance into the event, harmonizing perfectly with the beat of technological progress and the innovative spirit that characterizes the CIO Klub.

The event was made possible through the invaluable support of its partners, including Gold Partners- Hitachi Vantara and Whiz Hack, and Silver Partners – Thought SOI and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, among others. Their collaboration and dedication have played a pivotal role in making the symposium a resounding success.

Mr. Umesh Mehta, President of CIO Klub, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, “The symposium on Delhi Chapter’s 15th anniversary is not just a gathering; it’s a movement, a shared endeavor to drive innovation and collaboration in the digital realm. Today, we witnessed the power of unity among technology leaders, exchanging ideas and paving the way for a brighter future for India. The energy here is palpable, and it’s a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration.”

Mr. Basant Kr Chaturvedi, President of CIO Klub Delhi Chapter, reiterated Mr. Mehta’s sentiments, saying, “In this symposium, we witnessed the convergence of brilliance and aspiration. Our shared vision for India’s technological growth found a harmonious voice here today. Together, we have taken a significant step toward reshaping the landscape of technology in our nation. This event has not just been an event; it’s been a powerful catalyst for change.”