Category: business

AMPERA AND IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON PARTNER TO DEVELOP PHYSICS-GROUNDED AI PLATFORM FOR ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS

Proprietary NeuralTwin™ technology platform designed to accelerate engineering and optimize performance

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Oct. 27, 2026 — Advanced energy company AMPERA today announced a strategic ~$9 million / £7 million multi-year partnership with global research leader Imperial College London to develop a physics-grounded, digital twin platform known as NeuralTwin.

The collaboration brings together AMPERA’s technology platform and Imperial College London’s world-class expertise in AI, engineering, computational science and research. Together, the organizations will explore new approaches to creating intelligent digital representations that can learn from data, model dynamical systems and generate real-time insights. The program addresses methods to design, assess, optimize and validate energy systems to support faster, more cost-effective rapid deployment.

Unlike conventional digital twins, which can depend heavily on predefined models and computationally intensive simulations, NeuralTwin combines first-principles physics with AI-based surrogates to accelerate engineering, optimize performance, improve safety, support licensing and ultimately enable increasingly predictive, autonomous operation.

“This collaboration will supercharge every aspect of our technology development,” said AMPERA Founder and CEO Brian Matthews. “Imperial College London is a world-leading university, and the technology has the potential to transform how complex systems are understood, monitored, optimized and managed. From licensing to engineering analysis to autonomous operations, we see NeuralTwin as being a marketplace differentiator.”

The collaboration will provide a platform for continued research into the convergence of AI, advanced modeling, and real-time computational systems. The wider impact will reduce time, cost and technical risk associated with moving from initial concept to deployable, manufacturable and licensable energy systems.

“We are passionate about translating cutting-edge academic research into the commercial sector where it can accelerate the development of next-generation energy systems,” said Professor Christopher Pain, at Imperial College London. “This collaboration brings together two organizations focused on neural physics for processing, analyzing and executing ultra-complex operations in the safest, quickest way possible.”

“NeuralTwin reflects an important next step in bringing together scientific machine learning, digital twins, and high-fidelity computational methods,” said Dr. Jiansheng Xiang, Co-Investigator at Imperial College London.

Indian Stock Market Closes Flat as Pharma and Realty Shares Gain

Mumbai, Oct 27: Indian stock markets ended Tuesday’s trading session on a flat note as gains in pharmaceutical and real estate shares offset losses in banking and financial stocks.

The BSE Sensex closed at 73,598.87, down 8.08 points, or 0.01 per cent. The NSE Nifty 50 settled at 22,749.75, declining 3.45 points, or 0.02 per cent.

Despite the muted performance of the benchmark indices, broader markets recorded strong gains. The Nifty Midcap 100 rose around 1 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 2.70 per cent.

Pharmaceutical, real estate and media stocks witnessed strong buying, with their sectoral indices gaining between 2 and 3 per cent. In contrast, private banking and financial services stocks faced selling pressure.

Among the Sensex stocks, Bharti Airtel, Trent, Maruti Suzuki, Power Grid Corporation and Eternal were among the top gainers. State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, Asian Paints and HDFC Bank were among the major losers.

Market experts identified 22,600 as an important support level for the Nifty, while 22,800 remained a key resistance. A sustained move above 22,800 could help the index move towards 23,000.

Investors will continue to monitor corporate earnings, crude oil prices, developments in West Asia and signals from the US Federal Reserve for further market direction.

The session highlighted mixed investor sentiment, with selective buying supporting broader markets even as the benchmark indices remained largely unchanged.

Max Fashion Has Versatile Styles for Karwa Chauth and Beyond

Oct 27: From Karwa Chauth celebrations to Diwali gatherings, Max Fashion brings together a versatile edit of festive outfits and accessories designed for every occasion. With a mix of ethnic wear, contemporary styles and finishing touches, the collection makes it easy to dress up for the festivities and rewear your favourites throughout the season.

Max Fashion – Women Embroidered Straight Kurta Set

Description: Add a touch of elegance to your ethnic wardrobe with this set, featuring a straight kurta with a notched neck and an embroidered yoke embellished with sequins. The kurta has 3/4th sleeves and a side pocket for added functionality. It comes with palazzos featuring an elasticated waist and a woven dupatta finished with a border.

Max Fashion – Women Floral Print Straight Kurta Set

Description: Elevate your ethnic wardrobe with this floral print straight kurta set. Featuring a V-neck sleeveless kurta adorned with intricate floral designs and side slits, paired with a comfortable elasticated farsi pant with dotted patterns and no pockets.

Max Fashion – Women Embroidered Straight Kurta Set

Description: Elevate your style with this embroidered straight kurta set. The kurta features a round neckline and sleeveless design with intricate yoke embroidery. Paired with palazzo pants having an elasticated waist for comfort, this set offers a sophisticated look.

Max Fashion – Women Embroidered Straight Kurta Set

Description: Elevate your wardrobe with this elegant embroidered straight kurta set. Featuring a V-neck kurta with intricate embroidery, 3/4th sleeves, and one side pocket, paired with straight pants for a sophisticated look. The elasticated waistband ensures comfort and style.

Max Fashion – Women Minimal Necklace

Description: Elevate your look with this minimal necklace, featuring a sleek design with a knotted accent. Its open-end structure offers a contemporary touch and effortless slip-on closure. Perfect for adding a subtle yet sophisticated charm to any outfit.

Max Fashion – Women Earrings – Pack of 6

Description: Elevate your style with this versatile earrings set. Includes minimal hoops, floral studs with pearl accents, textured danglers, and classic studs. Perfect for any occasion with secure post and back closures.

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Startup in India in 2027: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oct 27: Starting a business can be exciting, but turning an idea into a successful venture takes more than enthusiasm. You need to know who your customers are, how much money you will need, what your competitors are doing and how your business will earn revenue.

This is where a business plan becomes useful. It helps you organise your ideas, estimate expenses and decide how you want to grow your business. It can also help when you approach a bank, potential investor or business partner.

Whether you are planning to open a retail shop, start a digital marketing agency, launch an online store or build a technology company, a clear business plan can help you get started with greater confidence.

Here is how to write a business plan for a startup in India, with a simple format and a practical financial example.

1. Explain Your Business Idea

Start by describing what your business will do and why customers might need it.

For example, if you want to start a digital marketing agency, you might offer SEO, website development, content writing and social media management to small businesses. If you plan to sell products online, explain what you will sell and how customers will benefit from your offering.

Your business idea should answer three basic questions:

• What product or service will you provide?

• Who is likely to buy it?

• What will make your business different from existing options?

You do not need a complicated explanation. A clear description of your idea is enough to begin building the rest of your plan.

2. Understand Your Target Customers

Before spending money on your business, take time to understand the people you want to serve.

Think about their needs, spending habits, location and the problems they want to solve. A business selling affordable products to students, for instance, will need a different approach from one offering specialised services to large companies.

Speak to potential customers, conduct surveys, study online reviews and observe how people currently buy similar products or services.

Try to find out what customers like about existing options and what they believe could be improved. These insights can help you develop an offering that meets a genuine need.

3. Research the Market and Your Competitors

A business idea may sound promising, but you need to check whether there is enough demand for it.

Research the market you plan to enter and identify businesses already serving your target customers. Compare their pricing, product quality, customer service and marketing strategies.

For example, if several agencies already provide digital marketing services in your city, consider whether you could focus on a particular industry, offer specialised services or provide more personalised support.

You do not have to be the cheapest business in the market. Customers may be willing to pay more for better service, convenience or expertise.

Use your findings to explain where your startup could fit into the market and how you intend to attract customers.

4. Decide How Your Business Will Earn Money

Your business plan should clearly explain how you intend to generate revenue.

Depending on your business, you could earn money through product sales, service fees, subscriptions, commissions or long-term contracts.

For example, a software company might charge customers a monthly subscription, while a consulting firm could charge for individual projects or ongoing advisory services.

Think about how much customers will pay, what it costs to deliver your offering and how many sales you need to cover your expenses.

Your pricing should be competitive, but it should also leave enough room to manage costs and support future growth.

5. Plan How You Will Find Customers

Even a good product or service needs the right marketing strategy. Your plan should explain how potential customers will discover your business and why they should choose it.

Depending on your audience and budget, you could use:

• SEO to help potential customers find your website through search engines.

• Social media to build awareness and engage with your audience.

• Email marketing to follow up with enquiries and maintain customer relationships.

• Paid advertising to reach specific customer groups.

• Referrals and business networking to generate new leads.

• Direct sales and partnerships to reach other businesses.

Start with the channels that make the most sense for your target audience. You do not need to spend money on every marketing platform from day one.

Track enquiries, sales and marketing expenses to understand which activities are bringing in customers.

6. Work Out What You Need to Run the Business

The next step is to plan how your business will operate.

List the resources you need, such as equipment, software, stock, suppliers, employees or office space. If you are starting a service-based business from home, your initial requirements may be relatively simple. A manufacturing or retail business may need a larger investment.

Also consider whether you need to hire employees immediately or whether some activities can be outsourced.

For instance, a new business might use an external accountant, freelance designer or third-party logistics provider instead of hiring a full-time employee for each function.

The aim is to have the resources needed to serve customers without taking on unnecessary expenses.

7. Check the Legal Requirements for Starting a Business in India

Your business structure is an important decision because it affects ownership, liability and compliance.

Common options in India include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and private limited companies. Each structure has different requirements, so choose one that suits your business plans and ownership arrangements.

Depending on your activities, you may also need GST registration, local licences or industry-specific approvals. Udyam registration may be relevant if your business qualifies as a micro, small or medium enterprise.

Before registering, check the latest requirements through the appropriate official government portals, including the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the GST portal and Startup India.

If you are unsure which structure to choose, consult a qualified legal or tax professional.

8. Prepare a Realistic Financial Plan

Financial planning helps you understand how much money you need to start and whether your business can cover its running costs.

Begin by estimating your initial expenses. These could include registration, equipment, website development, inventory, rental deposits and launch marketing.

Then calculate your expected monthly expenses, including salaries, rent, software subscriptions, utilities, transport and supplier payments.

Your financial plan should include:

• Initial investment required to launch the business.

• Expected monthly sales and revenue.

• Regular operating expenses.

• Cash flow and working capital requirements.

• Estimated profit or loss.

• The sales level needed to break even.

Avoid assuming that sales will increase quickly from the beginning. It is better to prepare conservative estimates and adjust them as you gain actual customer data.

Example: A simple startup financial plan

Imagine you are starting a small service business in India. Your initial costs and monthly figures might look like this hypothetical example.

In this example, the business has ₹40,000 left after deducting the listed monthly operating expenses from revenue.

However, this is not necessarily the final profit. Taxes, loan repayments, depreciation, unexpected expenses and delayed customer payments may affect the actual financial position. The initial setup costs must also be considered when assessing how long it will take to recover the investment.

Use figures based on your own business model, location and expected customer demand rather than copying an example directly.

How to calculate your break-even point

The break-even point is the level of sales at which your revenue covers your costs.

For a business selling products, you can use this formula:

Break-even units = Fixed costs ÷ (Selling price per unit − Variable cost per unit)

Suppose your monthly fixed costs are ₹60,000, each product sells for ₹1,000 and the variable cost per product is ₹400.

You earn ₹600 towards fixed costs from each sale. You would therefore need to sell 100 units per month to cover the ₹60,000 in fixed costs, assuming the figures remain unchanged.

This calculation can help you set sales targets and decide whether your pricing is practical.

9. Decide How You Will Fund Your Startup

Once you know how much money you need, decide where the funds will come from.

You might use personal savings, contributions from business partners, bank loans, eligible government schemes or investment from angel investors and venture capital firms.

The right option depends on your funding needs, business model and growth plans. A small local business may be able to start with personal savings, while a business requiring substantial technology development or manufacturing equipment may need external funding.

If you approach a bank, be prepared to explain your expenses, expected income and repayment capacity. If you approach investors, you should be able to explain the market opportunity, revenue model, growth plans and how you intend to use the money.

Check the eligibility criteria and current application requirements before relying on any government funding scheme.

10. Set Goals for the First Year

A business plan should give you something concrete to work towards.

Instead of simply aiming to grow your business, set targets you can measure. These might include launching your website, acquiring your first 25 customers, reaching a monthly sales target or entering a new market.

Break larger goals into smaller steps with realistic deadlines.

Review your progress every month. If sales are lower than expected, examine whether the issue is pricing, marketing, customer demand or the sales process. You may need to revise your original assumptions.

Tracking revenue, expenses, customer enquiries, repeat purchases and cash reserves can help you make better decisions.

Simple Business Plan Format for Startups in India

If you need a basic business plan format, use the following outline and fill in the details relevant to your venture.

1. Business overview: What the business does, its products or services and its objectives.

2. Target market: Who your customers are and what they need.

3. Market research: Industry demand, competitors and opportunities.

4. Revenue model: How the business will earn money.

5. Marketing plan: How you will reach customers and generate sales.

6. Operations plan: Equipment, suppliers, staffing and daily processes.

7. Legal requirements: Business structure, registrations and applicable licences.

8. Financial projections: Initial costs, monthly expenses, sales forecasts and cash flow.

9. Funding plan: How much money you need and where it will come from.

10. Growth targets: Your milestones, performance measures and plans for expansion.

This format works as a starting point for many small businesses. If you are preparing a plan for a lender, investor or specific government scheme, check whether a more detailed format is required.

Common Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid

New entrepreneurs sometimes focus heavily on their business idea but overlook the practical details needed to make it work.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Expecting high sales without checking customer demand.

• Ignoring competitors or changing market conditions.

• Underestimating operating costs and working capital.

• Setting prices without considering all delivery expenses.

• Spending too much on marketing before testing different channels.

• Overlooking legal and tax requirements.

• Depending on funding that has not yet been approved.

• Preparing a business plan and never updating it.

Your first business plan does not need to be perfect. It needs to be realistic, useful and flexible enough to change as you learn more about your market.

Conclusion

A business plan gives you a clearer picture of what it will take to start and run a business in India. It helps you understand your customers, estimate costs, choose a revenue model and prepare for the challenges of the early stages.

Start with the basics, research your market and use realistic financial figures. As your business grows, review your targets and update the plan based on actual results.

A well-prepared business plan cannot guarantee success, but it can help you avoid preventable mistakes and make more informed decisions as you build your startup.

Diwali Decor Business: How Sustainable Festive Products Are Gaining Popularity

 Pic Credit: Pexel

Diwali has always been a time for decorating homes, exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones. Today, these familiar traditions are also creating opportunities for businesses across India. The Diwali decor and gifting business is evolving as consumers look for products that combine festive charm, personal meaning, convenience and value for money.

From traditional clay diyas and handmade torans to decorative lights, customised gift boxes and carefully arranged hampers, festive shopping has become more varied. Consumers are increasingly interested in products that reflect their personal taste, suit their budgets and make celebrations feel special.

For retailers, artisans, home-based entrepreneurs and small businesses, this shift offers an opportunity to reach customers with thoughtful products and distinctive designs. Success, however, depends on understanding what people want rather than simply offering more festive merchandise.

Sustainable Diwali Decor Gains Attention

Festive decoration remains an important part of Diwali preparations, but shoppers are becoming more conscious of the products they bring into their homes. Reusable, durable and locally made decorations can appeal to consumers who want to celebrate without creating unnecessary waste.

Clay diyas, fabric torans, wooden ornaments, paper decorations and natural floral arrangements offer alternatives to disposable plastic products. Reusable lanterns and energy-efficient LED lighting can also help households decorate their homes while managing electricity consumption.

For small businesses, sustainability does not need to mean expensive or complicated products. Simple designs, durable materials and minimal packaging can make festive goods more attractive to practical buyers.

The key is to offer products that are both appealing and useful. Customers are more likely to value sustainable decor when it fits their homes, lasts beyond one celebration or can be reused in the following year.

Personalised Gifts Make Celebrations More Meaningful

Gift-giving remains central to Diwali, but many customers now look beyond standard sweets and generic gift boxes. Personalised products allow people to express appreciation in a more individual way.

Customised candles, engraved keepsakes, name-printed accessories, handmade home decor and curated gift boxes can make presents feel more thoughtful. Businesses can also create options for different relationships, from family and friends to colleagues, customers and business partners.

Personalisation does not always require a large investment. A handwritten message, carefully selected colour scheme or simple customised label can make an ordinary gift feel more distinctive.

For entrepreneurs, the challenge is to balance creativity with timely delivery. Clear order deadlines, accurate product descriptions and reliable packaging are particularly important during the busy festive period.

Festive Gift Hampers Offer Room for Creativity

Gift hampers have become a versatile option for consumers who want to combine several products into one present. Depending on the recipient and budget, a hamper may include traditional sweets, dry fruits, teas, candles, artisanal snacks, decorative items or locally made products.

Small businesses can develop different combinations rather than relying on a single standard package. Affordable hampers can serve neighbours, friends and colleagues, while premium collections may suit family celebrations or corporate gifting.

Presentation matters, but value matters just as much. Customers should be able to understand what a hamper contains, how much it costs and whether the products suit the recipient.

Businesses can also offer reusable baskets, fabric packaging or recyclable boxes to appeal to shoppers who prefer less waste. Clear pricing and thoughtful product selection can help a well-designed hamper stand out without making it unnecessarily expensive.

Corporate Gifting Creates Opportunities for Small Businesses

Diwali is also an important period for workplace appreciation and business relationships. Companies often look for gifts for employees, clients, suppliers and other professional contacts.

This creates opportunities for businesses that can provide consistent quality, bulk quantities and dependable delivery. Locally sourced products, regional food specialties, handcrafted decor and customised gift boxes can help organisations choose gifts that feel more personal than standard merchandise.

However, corporate orders require careful planning. Businesses must calculate production costs, packaging expenses, delivery charges and applicable taxes before finalising prices. They also need to confirm quantities, branding requirements and delivery schedules well in advance.

For smaller suppliers, starting with manageable orders and building a reputation for reliability can be more valuable than accepting large orders that stretch their resources.

Local Artisans and Small Businesses Can Benefit

The festive season creates demand across a wide network of businesses, including potters, weavers, painters, confectioners, packaging suppliers, florists, retailers and delivery providers.

Buying from local makers can help customers discover distinctive products while supporting traditional skills and small-scale livelihoods. Handmade diyas, regional crafts, woven baskets and locally produced festive foods can bring a sense of place to Diwali celebrations.

Digital platforms and social media also allow small sellers to reach customers beyond their immediate neighbourhoods. Clear photographs, transparent pricing and prompt responses can help build trust, especially when customers cannot inspect products in person.

For many small businesses, the opportunity lies in combining local craftsmanship with modern customer expectations. Traditional products can find new audiences when they are presented well, priced fairly and made easy to order.

How Businesses Can Prepare for the Festive Rush

The Diwali season can bring a sharp increase in orders, but higher demand does not automatically translate into higher profits. Stock management, pricing and delivery planning all influence the final result.

Businesses should begin by identifying their main customer groups and selecting products that match their budgets and preferences. Ordering too much stock can leave sellers with unsold merchandise after the season, while inadequate inventory can result in missed sales.

A few practical steps can help businesses prepare:

• Plan inventory carefully: Prioritise products with dependable demand and avoid overstocking seasonal designs.

• Offer clear price options: Provide affordable, mid-range and premium choices where practical.

• Calculate the full cost: Include materials, labour, packaging, delivery, platform fees and other operating expenses.

• Set realistic deadlines: Communicate the last date for customised orders and bulk deliveries.

• Present products clearly: Use accurate photographs, descriptions and pricing to help customers make informed decisions.

• Keep packaging practical: Protect products during transport without adding unnecessary costs or waste.

• Maintain customer communication: Confirm orders, share delivery timelines and respond promptly to concerns.

These measures can help businesses manage demand without compromising product quality or customer experience.

What Consumers Look for When Buying Diwali Gifts and Decor

For shoppers, the best festive purchase is not necessarily the most expensive one. A well-chosen gift or decoration can be meaningful, attractive and affordable at the same time.

Before buying, consumers can consider the recipient’s preferences, the usefulness of the product, its quality and the seller’s delivery terms. Comparing prices and checking what is included in a hamper can also prevent unexpected expenses.

For decorative items, durability and safe use deserve attention. Electrical lights should come from reliable sellers and be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For food gifts, buyers should check packaging, freshness and relevant product information.

Planning purchases early can offer more choice and reduce the pressure of last-minute shopping. It can also give customers more time to explore products from local artisans and smaller businesses.

The Business Outlook for Diwali Decor and Gifting

The Diwali decor and gifting market reflects a broader change in festive consumption. While traditional products remain important, customers are also exploring personalised gifts, contemporary home accessories, reusable decorations and curated hampers.

For businesses, this creates room for innovation without abandoning the cultural traditions that make the festival distinctive. A small seller can compete through thoughtful design, dependable service and a clear understanding of customer needs rather than relying solely on discounts or large inventories.

At the same time, seasonal demand requires financial discipline. Businesses that manage costs, plan production and maintain realistic delivery commitments are better positioned to turn festive sales into sustainable income.

Conclusion

The Diwali decor and gifting business brings together tradition, creativity and commercial opportunity. From neighbourhood shops and home-based entrepreneurs to established retailers and corporate gift suppliers, businesses can serve a wide range of customers by offering products that feel personal, useful and fairly priced.

As festive shopping habits evolve, the strongest opportunities may lie in combining familiar customs with thoughtful design, responsible packaging and reliable service. Ultimately, successful festive businesses do more than sell decorations and gifts. They help people express appreciation, prepare their homes and make celebrations more meaningful.

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Is CRM Software Necessary for a New Business in India

Oct 27: Starting a business in India often means managing sales, customer enquiries and daily operations with a small team. In the early stages, founders may rely on spreadsheets, phone contacts and WhatsApp conversations to keep track of potential customers. While these tools can work initially, managing multiple enquiries and remembering every follow-up becomes harder as the business grows.

Customer relationship management (CRM) software helps businesses organise customer information, track sales opportunities and manage communication in one place. It can improve the way a startup handles leads without requiring a large sales team.

However, CRM software is not essential for every new business from day one. The decision depends on the number of enquiries, the complexity of the sales process and the company’s growth plans.

What Is CRM Software?

CRM software is a tool for managing relationships with potential and existing customers. It allows businesses to maintain contact records, track conversations, schedule follow-ups and monitor the progress of sales opportunities.

For example, a small IT services company may receive enquiries through its website, email, social media and referrals. Without a central system, the founder might struggle to remember which prospects have received quotations and which need another call.

A CRM can bring these activities together, making it easier to identify pending tasks and keep sales discussions moving.

Depending on the platform, additional features may include sales reports, email integration, marketing automation and customer support management.

Why Should Startups in India Consider CRM Software?

1. Manage Customer Enquiries More Effectively

For a new business, every promising enquiry matters. When customer details are scattered across different applications, it becomes easy to overlook a message or miss an opportunity.

CRM software creates a central record of customer details, requirements and previous interactions. This helps founders and employees respond with better context and maintain consistent communication.

2. Improve Lead Follow-Ups

Many customers need time before making a purchasing decision. They may request a quotation, compare providers or seek approval from other decision-makers.

A CRM helps businesses organise leads according to their progress and schedule follow-up activities. Sales teams can see which prospects need attention instead of relying on memory or manually checking old messages.

Consistent follow-ups can help businesses manage their sales pipeline more effectively, although successful conversions still depend on the quality of the offer and the customer’s needs.

3. Understand Sales Performance

New business owners often want to know which marketing activities generate enquiries and how many of those enquiries become paying customers.

CRM reports can help track lead sources, sales stages, conversion rates and pending opportunities. This information can support decisions about marketing budgets, sales priorities and areas that need improvement.

The reports are useful only when customer records are entered and updated consistently.

4. Strengthen Existing Customer Relationships

Winning a new customer is only part of building a sustainable business. Repeat purchases, contract renewals and referrals can also contribute to long-term revenue.

CRM software helps businesses maintain records of previous purchases, service requirements and customer conversations. This makes it easier to follow up at relevant times and offer services that match customer needs.

5. Prepare for Business Expansion

A founder may manage customer relationships personally during the initial months. As the business hires employees or serves more clients, this approach can become difficult to maintain.

A CRM establishes a shared process for recording enquiries, assigning responsibilities and tracking progress. It can help a growing team maintain continuity without depending entirely on one person’s records.

Does Every New Business Need CRM Software?

No. A new business should invest in CRM software when it addresses a genuine operational problem.

A freelancer managing a few regular clients may be comfortable using a spreadsheet and calendar. A small retailer with straightforward transactions may need billing or inventory software before a dedicated CRM.

However, a startup receiving regular enquiries, managing several quotations or employing multiple salespeople may benefit from CRM software much earlier.

Consider adopting a CRM when customer information becomes difficult to organise, follow-ups are frequently missed or the business cannot easily track its ongoing sales opportunities.

Which Businesses Can Benefit From CRM Software?

CRM software is particularly useful for businesses that depend on enquiries, sales discussions and long-term customer relationships.

• IT and consulting companies: Track business enquiries, proposals and sales discussions.

• Digital marketing agencies: Organise leads, manage client communication and monitor renewals.

• Real estate businesses: Record buyer enquiries, property preferences and scheduled follow-ups.

• Education and training providers: Manage course enquiries, admissions and prospective students.

• Manufacturers and distributors: Maintain business customer records, quotations and dealer relationships.

• E-commerce businesses: Organise customer service requests and support repeat-purchase activities where suitable integrations are available.

The best CRM depends on how the business operates. Startups should prioritise features that solve their current problems rather than paying for tools they may never use.

How Much Should a Startup Spend on CRM Software?

CRM pricing varies by provider, subscription plan, number of users and available features. Some platforms offer free plans for individuals or small teams, while others charge for advanced reporting, automation or additional users.

Before selecting a paid plan, founders should calculate the overall cost, including setup, training, integrations and any additional services.

A business starting with a limited budget can begin with basic contact management and follow-up reminders. More advanced features can be introduced as the number of customers and complexity of sales activities increase.

Testing a free plan or trial, where available, can help determine whether the software fits the team’s workflow before making a long-term commitment.

How to Choose the Right CRM for a New Business

Choosing a CRM should start with the business’s needs rather than the number of features offered.

Ease of use: Employees should be able to add customer details, update sales stages and schedule follow-ups without unnecessary effort.

Relevant features: Lead tracking, contact management and task reminders may be enough for an early-stage startup.

Integration options: Check whether the software works with existing email accounts, website forms and other business tools.

Data security: Review access permissions, authentication options, backup arrangements and how the provider handles customer information.

Flexibility: Choose a system that can accommodate the business as its team and customer base expand.

Total cost: Compare subscription fees and additional charges before selecting a plan.

Businesses should also ensure that their collection and use of customer information comply with applicable Indian data protection requirements.

CRM Software vs Spreadsheets: What Should Startups Choose?

Spreadsheets are often sufficient when a business has a small customer base and a straightforward sales process. They are familiar, flexible and relatively inexpensive.

The limitations become more noticeable when several employees need access to the same information, follow-ups take place over extended periods or managers need regular sales reports.

CRM software can make these activities easier by combining shared customer records, reminders and sales pipeline tracking.

There is no fixed number of customers that determines when a business must switch. The right time is when the existing process becomes unreliable, difficult to maintain or too time-consuming.

Common CRM Mistakes New Businesses Should Avoid

Buying CRM software does not automatically improve sales. Without a clear process, the system can become another tool that employees struggle to maintain.

Startups should avoid choosing an unnecessarily complex platform, leaving customer records outdated or expecting automation to replace personal communication.

They should also establish who is responsible for updating information, restrict access to sensitive records and review whether the software is delivering practical benefits.

A simple system that the team uses consistently is often more valuable than an advanced platform filled with unused features.

Conclusion

CRM software can help Indian startups organise customer information, improve follow-ups and gain better visibility into their sales activities. It is particularly valuable for businesses that handle regular enquiries, manage several sales opportunities or depend on repeat customers.

However, not every new business needs a paid CRM immediately. Spreadsheets and basic tracking tools may be sufficient until customer management becomes more complex.

The best approach is to identify the business’s requirements, select a solution that fits the budget and introduce it when it can deliver measurable value. For a growing startup, effective customer management can create a stronger foundation for sales, customer retention and long-term business growth.