STARTUP
Customer engagement platform Exotel raises $40 million funding led by Steadview Capital
With this, the startup said it has raised around $100 million across multiple debt and equity financing rounds over the past 15 months.
BUSINESS
All you need to know about CCI's antitrust probe against Apple's app store practices
In its order on New Year Eve, CCI noted that the mandatory use of Apple's in-app payment solution for paid apps and in-app purchases restrict the choice available to the app developers to select a payment processing system of their choice.
BUSINESS
Ola Electric says it has shipped almost 4,000 scooters in December
Ola Electric, which was spun out of the ride-hailing major Ola in 2019, had started the deliveries of its electric scooters on December 15.
TRENDS
Video streaming services went beyond India's big cities in 2021. What to expect in 2022?
The focus on local original programming will be key as streaming platforms aim to make deeper inroads into smaller cities and towns to sustain the growth trajectory
BUSINESS
Google approaches Karnataka HC against CCI’s Google Play probe
CCI had in November 2020 directed a probe into the issue of mandatory use of Google Play Store’s payment system for paid apps & in-app purchases.
BUSINESS
After delayed deliveries, Ola Electric customers run into fresh issues
Ola, which sold nearly Rs 1,200 crore worth of scooters in September 2021, is facing heat from customers for delays in providing test rides and delivery of scooters.
BUSINESS
2021 was the year people in India started spending money on mobile games
A key reason for the trend is that the gaming habits of consumers are maturing and they are moving beyond casual games to those that offer deeper experiences or provide them a way to socialize with friends and family.
BUSINESS
A look at India's top Android and iOS app downloads in 2021
Indians spent nearly half a billion dollars on mobile apps in Google Play Store and Apple App Store this year, according to estimates.
BUSINESS
Karnataka HC concludes hearing, reserves judgement in online gambling ban case
The petitions challenge the constitutional validity of amendments made to the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act that had outlawed all forms of online gaming where transfer of money is involved.
BUSINESS
Ola aims to reduce driver cancellations by providing better location and payment visibility
This move comes as the IPO-bound firm witnesses a recovery in its core ride-hailing business from the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
BUSINESS
Profitability will be the foundation of our future growth, says MapmyIndia's Rakesh Verma
MapmyIndia claims to have a market share of 90 percent in the automotive space and counts top firms like Hyundai and MG Motors as its clients
STARTUP
Battlegrounds Mobile India maker Krafton leads $6.5-million funding in audio dating app FRND
This is Krafton's fourth startup investment in India this year, after previously backing game streaming platform Loco, esports firm Nodwin Gaming and Indian language storytelling platform Pratilipi.
BUSINESS
Key penalties imposed on Amazon across the world: A brief timeline
Over the past year, the online retail giant has faced penalties from several antitrust regulators across the world on various grounds ranging from allegedly abusing its market dominance to violating GDPR and withholding driver tips.
BUSINESS
Over 40% family offices have doubled their allocation to startups & VC funds in 5 years: Report
Direct startup investments contributed for 47% of the private market portfolio of these family offices, while 32% went into venture capital and private equity funds and 11% to venture debt funds
BUSINESS
Ola raises $500 million loan
Ola, which has a majority share of India’s ride-hailing market where it competes with Uber Technologies, has plans to raise up to $1 billion through an initial public offering.
STARTUP
Innovaccer's valuation jumps to $3.2 billion with new $150 million financing
Innovaccer plans to use the funds raised to invest in research and development and hire people as the company aims to scale its customer experience, product and engineering talent.
BUSINESS
India's talent pool playing a huge role in shaping the future of internet: Mark Zuckerberg
The country will be key to building the foundation of the metaverse, Zuckerberg said during the company's Fuel For India 2021 event
BUSINESS
WhatsApp looks to scale payment business in India with a financial inclusion pilot
WhatsApp said it has familiarised villagers with various aspects of digital payments across 500 villages in Karnataka and Maharashtra
BUSINESS
Nodwin Gaming picks up 10% stake in digital media firm Rusk Media
Nodwin Gaming, a subsidiary Nazara Technologies, has said the investment will help the 'massification' of entertainment-first gaming and esports content in the country
BUSINESS
Netflix slashes its India pricing, now available at Rs 149 per month
The service's most expensive Premium tier that offers Ultra high-definition (Ultra HD) content with support for four concurrent screens, is now priced at Rs 649 per month, down from Rs 799 per month.
BUSINESS
India could play a key role in shaping our metaverse efforts: Meta's Vishal Shah
Mark Zuckerberg has been one of the biggest proponents of the metaverse, so much so that the social media firm changed its corporate name to Meta and plans to spend at least $10 billion in building this platform.
BUSINESS
Google extends Play billing policy deadline to October 31, 2022
The move comes amid a pushback Google and Apple are facing over their business practices related to their app marketplaces in India and other countries
BUSINESS
Harsha Moily's $200 million climate tech startup fund eyes first close in Q1 2022
NFC Ventures is taking a unique approach by factoring in the reduction of carbon emissions through its portfolio companies in its overall returns to investors.
BUSINESS
Twitter tests new TikTok-like interface for Explore tab
The test is part of Twitter's ongoing efforts to improve personalised recommendations on the platform.
