Listed below are some of the major news from the startup sector, take a look to stay updated:
Weighing options to launch television brand, OnePlus holds talks with Amazon
Smartphone maker OnePlus has been exploring options to launch a separate television vertical in India. The Oppo-owned phone brand has been weighing chances of launching a range of smart television, according to sources. OnePlus has also held preliminary talks with Amazon India for having potential synergies in the television segment.
The move is likely to be driven by Xiaomi entry into television vertical.
Xiaomi has a partnership with Flipkart for selling Mi TV. Another Chinese television manufacturer-TCL, which claims to be among top three TV manufacturers globally is launching India-focused TV range iFFALCON.
Lending startup Rubique Technologies raises a new round of funding
Rubique Technologies, an online lending marketplace, has raised a new round of funding led by Japan’s Recruit Group and Russian venture capital management company Emery Capital, the company said.
The funding round saw participation from Blacksoil and existing investor Kalaari Capital. The funding is estimated to be in the range of $15-20 million, though it was not disclosed.
Rubique is currently also set to launch into two new categories – insurance and mutual funds, with the company having received regulatory approvals for both, CEO Manav Jeet said.
RELATED ARTICLES
- DIPP Unhappy With SIDBI For Its Slow Pace Of Startup Funds Disbursement
- China Is The Latest Hub For Startups, Here’s Why
- Startups Are Hiring Professionals From Abroad Because Of Lack Of Artificial Intelligence Talent In India
Startup Lithium Urban to raise funds
Bengaluru-based Lithium Urban Technologies (Lithium), an electric vehicle (EV) cab provider to the corporate sector, is due to get investment from International Finance Corporation (IFC) for proposed $8 million for an equity. IFC, which is World Bank’s investment arm, offers investment, advisory and asset management services to encourage private-sector development in developing countries.
Lithium, which currently provides electric cab services to corporate customers in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR, plans to expand its operations in other parts of the country, apart from entering other businesses in electric mobility, which are currently being piloted.
Netherlands’ Nutreco leads Series B funding in Eruvaka
In a one of its kind strategic investment in an Indian agri-tech startup, Netherlands based global leader in animal nutrition and aqua feed Nutreco has led Series B investment in IoT startup Eruvaka.
Agriculture focussed impact investor Omnivore which has earlier invested in the startup in 2013 also participated in this round. Nutreco’s Chief Innovation Officer, Viggo Halseth with join Eruvaka’s board post the deal. Both sides did not disclose the quantum of investment made in the startup as part of the deal.
Eruvaka is a Vijayawada based startup founded in 2012 by Sreeram Raavi. The company’s IoT based products allow farmers to actively monitor pond parameters and remotely control automated equipment which reduces farming risk while increasing feed efficiency and shrimp growth.
Today’s Take Away:
Uniqueness is a special feature of all entrepreneur- something that sets them apart from all others. Instead of blindly emulating others, it is important that we nurture our uniqueness.
Like Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American philosopher said,
“Insist on yourself, never imitate.”
