Startup founders who invent innovative tech products face limitations in expanding their horizons. Their groundbreaking products have the potential to disrupt the market, but they need to gain the know-how to navigate the complexities of operations, finances, and marketing. 

This dilemma is common in founders. To become a dark horse in the startup landscape, they need experts who could lead towards a common goal, leveraging their expertise to turn a good product/idea into a successful business. Every company requires a unique approach to sustain growth, success, and employee motivation.

Being relatively small and newly established, startups rely heavily on talented staff members to accomplish essential business tasks. The solution lies in building a high-performing team, where technical experts and agile leaders converge to fuel growth and innovation. 

Traditional leadership models are giving way to unconventional roles, empowering collaboration and problem-solving across the organisation. These roles aren’t mainly restricted to those in or close to the traditional C-suite job profiles.

With effective leadership taking centre stage, startups are increasingly focusing on collaborative problem-solving attitudes. This approach offers opportunities for employees across different positions to participate in decisions that align with the company’s objectives and goals. 

Today, despite a persistent trend towards hiring experienced leaders, there remains a strong demand for young talent to bring fresh perspectives and cultivate innovative thinking. Startups are increasingly introducing new-age leadership roles to encourage a dynamic workforce.

Consequently, these roles effectively combine the wisdom of seasoned professionals with the creativity of youth. These roles incentivise startups to maintain seamless operations across all functions. We will talk about the significant impact these roles have on startups. 

Chief Trust Officer 

With businesses facing a multitude of challenges, it has become critical to focus on trust. The increasing threat of data breaches, cyber crimes, regulatory compliance, and user trust calls for a new executive role- the chief trust officer (CTrO). A CTrO is a custodian of digital trust, data privacy, risk management, compliance efforts, and investor trust. This strategic leader is responsible for building trust across the organisation and its ecosystem. 

A CTrO is responsible for overseeing trust-building initiatives, assessing trust levels within and outside the organisation, and managing a trust framework that covers corporate culture, employee satisfaction, compliance, and customer experience.

The candidate for this role needs to have technological and financial expertise, with legal proficiency being a significant advantage. They must possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. By combining the core functioning of a chief information security officer (CISO) and the chief privacy officer, a CTrO becomes an indispensable asset in a startup. 

Chief Growth Officer  

According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2024 report, the chief growth officer (CGO) role is the fastest-growing job title in the US. A CGO is a leader responsible for spearheading long-term growth strategies by breaking down silos, challenging the status quo, and defining innovative marketing approaches. 

The functions of a CGO include working cross-functionally between sales, marketing, product, and IT departments, identifying new opportunities for expansion, exploring ways to reach target audiences, and developing data-driven strategies aligned with the company’s vision. 

The ideal CGO possesses a deep understanding of business strategy, market dynamics, and financial literacy. They should be visionary and understand growth nuances. With data analysis tools and a creative mindset to propose unconventional solutions, the CGO plays a pivotal role in a startup. 

Chief Revenue Officer 

The rise of the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in startups is driven by a focus on revenue growth and the need to unify sales processes, especially when expanding into new markets. CROs are responsible for creating a single revenue engine, overseeing everything from digital marketing lead generation to closing sales.

Their role extends beyond traditional sales and marketing; they encompass the entire market landscape, customer journey, and strategic expansion plans.

CROs are known to create a huge impact on an organisation. According to McKinsey, fortune 100 companies with a CRO-like role show 1.8 times higher revenue growth than their peers. This role is beneficial for both established companies and scale-ups, as CROs harmonise people, data, and measurements across sales and marketing teams. 

Bottomline

As startups continue to prepare themselves to face new challenges, these emerging leadership roles are becoming increasingly vital. Besides the CTO, CGO, and CRO roles, the position of chief AI officer (CAIO) is also witnessing an increasing demand in the startup ecosystem. As per Foundry’s AI Priorities Study 2023, 11% of midsize to large organisations have already designated a CAIO, with another 21% actively seeking one. This development reflects the growing importance of AI in innovation and business. 

For startups, these roles address critical business needs and provide ambitious professionals with the opportunity to shape the future of their industries. As the business landscape continues to change, more specialised C-suite roles are poised to emerge, which will further redefine leadership in the startup ecosystem. 

The post New-Age Leadership Roles In Startup Ecosystem appeared first on Inc42 Media.

“People who work in process-related industries, which we traditionally used to call BPO, fear the risk of getting replaced with an AI engine pretty quickly,” said Rajesh Nambiar, chairman of Nasscom, and chairman and managing director of Cognizant’s India unit. 

This statement captures the urgency of what’s unfolding across the enterprise software and IT service landscape. For over two decades, global businesses have followed a well-established playbook when it comes to enterprise software procurement and IT service implementation.

This playbook involves selecting large-scale software or SaaS vendors like SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and Workday to address various business needs, followed by choosing IT services providers, such as Infosys, TCS, Accenture, or Wipro, for implementation, customisation, and support. 

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) providers would then operate these systems to deliver specific functions like customer service, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement.

This system provided immense value, enabling businesses to manage, automate, and improve their processes, while creating massive employment opportunities and returns for investors in both software and IT/BPO services sectors.

But the rise of generative AI (GenAI) and agentic models is disrupting this traditional model, leading us toward what we might call “The Great Reset” of the enterprise technology landscape.

This “Great Reset” builds on the trends explored in Inc42’s report AI-powered Vertical SaaS. There, the author explores how AI-driven, industry-specific solutions are overtaking generic SaaS by delivering tailored outcomes. Now, we look beyond SaaS to see how this disruption is reshaping the broader landscape of enterprise technology, including the IT and BPO services sectors.

This article delves into how agentic systems leveraging GenAI and autonomous “AI employees” are fundamentally altering workflows, value chains, and the very structure of enterprise service delivery.

A System Under Strain: The Traditional Enterprise Model

Since the early 2000s, the integrated ecosystem of SaaS vendors and IT/BPO service providers has transformed how enterprises operate:

• Cost Efficiency: With standardised software and pre-built solutions, businesses no longer needed custom-built software developed from scratch—a costly and time-intensive process.
• Scalability: SaaS vendors provided broad, adaptable solutions that could be implemented across large-scale organisations, and IT/BPO services enabled these solutions to be scaled, customised, and supported globally.
• Operational Efficiency: BPO services companies could operate standardised software for business processes at scale, optimising workflows for customer service, procurement, HR, and other functions.

This model created a win-win environment, where SaaS companies, IT/BPO services providers, and global enterprises thrived on a cycle of software procurement, implementation, and support.

AI-Driven Disruption: A New Paradigm For Customisation And Automation

With the rapid development of AI technologies, especially GenAI, the threshold for creating custom solutions has drastically dropped. Today, organisations can leverage AI-native tools to develop bespoke software at a fraction of the time and cost.

GenAI, coupled with agentic models — AI-driven agents that can independently carry out tasks — empowers enterprises to automate workflows without reliance on traditional SaaS providers or IT/BPO services for customisation and implementation.

Here are key factors reshaping the landscape:

1. Dramatic Productivity Boosts in Software Development: GenAI models and AI-assisted coding tools accelerate software development, making it easier for organisations to develop custom applications tailored to their specific needs.
2. AI Employees in Action: Agentic models, often referred to as “AI employees,” can automate a range of tasks independently. This removes the need for traditional, human-operated BPO services for certain functions, leading to substantial cost savings and efficiency gains.
3. Reduced Time and Cost of Custom Software: Today, building custom AI-powered software is not only faster but significantly more affordable, allowing organisations to replace standard SaaS solutions with more targeted, efficient AI-native software. Klarna’s pivot from Salesforce and Workday to a homegrown AI-native system is a prime example of this shift.

The Shifting Landscape: SaaS Giants And IT/BPO Struggling To Adapt

As we discussed in our previous article on AI-powered Vertical SaaS, industries are moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions in favor of tailored, AI-driven approaches that deliver clear outcomes. This shift, however, is not limited to vertical SaaS alone; it signals a broader reset affecting enterprise software and IT/BPO services alike.

To stay competitive, traditional SaaS vendors like Salesforce are pivoting toward AI-based solutions, such as Salesforce’s Agenforce, which reflects an increasing focus on AI-driven automation.

Similarly, IT and BPO services providers are facing stagnant growth and a significant drop in profit margins as AI-native startups and agencies, equipped with highly productive AI-native talent, enter the market.

However, despite their attempts to keep pace with the AI wave, these legacy providers face structural challenges:

• Long Implementation Cycles: Large enterprises’ reliance on traditional software and customisation cycles limits their ability to adopt AI-based solutions swiftly.
• Legacy Workforce and Skill Gaps: While IT and BPO companies are rapidly retraining their workforces, AI-native employees in startups have an edge in productivity and innovation, making it hard for traditional providers to compete on quality and speed.
• Margin Pressures: With new AI solutions directly addressing enterprise needs without relying on intermediaries, profit margins for IT/BPO services are thinning, disrupting a model that has delivered double-digit growth for decades.

The Great Reset: A New Era Of Tech Dominance

Over the next 2–3 years, we are likely to see a significant shake-up across the technology landscape. The disruption being wrought by AI could lead to what we might call “The Great Reset,” where the new winners are those who fully embrace AI-native approaches to software and service delivery.

Companies like Klarna are already demonstrating what this shift looks like in practice. In its first month, Klarna’s AI assistant handled 2.3 million customer service conversations across 35 languages, performing the equivalent work of 700 full-time agents.

By seamlessly integrating AI to automate customer interactions, Klarna has not only reduced costs but also enhanced customer satisfaction, underscoring the competitive advantage for businesses that prioritise AI-driven innovation in their core operations.

Who Will Emerge On Top?

1. AI-Native Vertical SaaS and Solution Providers: Complex systems, will redefine the future of enterprise technology. By enabling deep customisation and configuration without the constraints of legacy platforms or cumbersome implementation processes, these solution providers position themselves for a significant competitive advantage in the evolving landscape.
2. New-Age Agencies and Startups: Startups and agile agencies that specialise in delivering tailored, AI-powered solutions are poised to disrupt the dominance of traditional IT and BPO service providers. By leveraging lean, AI-native teams that prioritise innovation, efficiency, and speed, these emerging players can offer cost-effective and highly customised alternatives. Their ability to rapidly adapt to client needs, integrate cutting-edge AI technologies, and bypass the inefficiencies of legacy processes positions them as attractive partners for organisations seeking to modernise and optimise operations. This shift represents a significant market share opportunity, signaling a transformative era for the IT services landscape.
3. Enterprises adopting Agentic workflows: Organisations that pioneer the development of agentic AI models in-house are set to transform the very foundation of enterprise workflows. These agentic models, driven by their ability to automate complex, end-to-end processes, challenge the traditional reliance on fragmented SaaS solutions and labor-intensive BPO support services. As these intelligent agents streamline operations with minimal human intervention, businesses will increasingly shift from adopting multiple standalone software applications to implementing cohesive, AI-driven ecosystems. This paradigm shift not only enhances efficiency and scalability but also reduces operational complexity, making traditional approaches less relevant. The rise of agentic AI marks a profound evolution in enterprise technology, fundamentally reshaping how organisations approach productivity and process optimisation.

Preparing For the Future – Adapting To Thrive In An AI-Driven World

To emerge as leaders in this new tech world, legacy SaaS and IT/BPO services providers must make decisive shifts in how they leverage AI. Businesses looking to succeed should focus on several key strategies:

• Demonstrate Domain Depth Companies: These companies with deep domain knowledge have an edge in understanding the nuanced needs of their clients. A detailed grasp of industry-specific workflows, regulations, and operational challenges allows for AI solutions that genuinely add value and align with real-world demands. 
• Seamless Integration with Existing Systems: Success in the AI landscape depends not just on creating new technologies but on ensuring they work harmoniously within current systems. Companies that excel in integrating AI with existing applications, databases, and workflows—creating a seamless user experience across platforms—will stand out from competitors who overlook this critical need.
• Marry GenAI with Existing Data and Tools: The real power of GenAI lies in combining it with existing organisational data and tools to generate insights, automate processes, and deliver predictive capabilities that feel native to the business’s existing technology environment. Companies that can effectively bridge the new potential of GenAI with legacy data and APIs will unlock substantial efficiencies and become indispensable to their clients.
• Build an AI-Ready Workforce: Retraining a massive workforce to meet the demands of AI and GenAI is a considerable challenge. Legacy providers are scrambling to reskill employees in AI-driven development, automation, and data analysis. Given the scale of this transformation, achieving a fully AI-capable workforce won’t be quick or easy, especially with rapidly evolving AI capabilities. TCS has reported working on over 200 engagements in GenAI with clients, likely combining GenAI with existing client data and systems.
• Strategic Acquisitions for Skill and Tech Enhancement: Given the difficulty of upskilling an entire organisation, many IT/BPO services companies are actively scouting for acquisitions that bring AI talent, domain expertise, and cutting-edge technologies into their fold. This trend is only expected to pick up, as legacy companies look to AI-native startups and agencies to accelerate their transformation and bring AI-enhanced offerings to market more quickly.

For legacy SaaS and IT/BPO services providers, the need to adopt an AI-first approach has never been more urgent. While legacy models have served well for the past two decades, businesses are ready for a new approach that maximises efficiency, automation, and customisation.

As we stand at the brink of the great reset, it’s clear that the old playbook is nearing its end. The pace of AI innovation will push organisations to rethink procurement, workforce strategy, and technology adoption. In this evolving landscape, only those who adapt quickly will remain relevant, marking the dawn of a new era where the true power of AI transforms every aspect of enterprise software and services delivery.

By prioritising domain expertise, seamless integration, and GenAI adaptation, as well as bolstering their AI readiness through strategic acquisitions, established players can improve their chances of thriving in the post-AI disruption era. But the transition will be challenging, and those who hesitate risk being overshadowed by agile competitors and AI-native startups. In the coming years, we expect the race for relevance in the AI-powered world to intensify, bringing about a tectonic shift in the global enterprise technology landscape.

The post The Great Reset: AI Revolution Disrupting Enterprise SaaS And IT/BPO Services appeared first on Inc42 Media.

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just competitive pay. Employer branding—the perception of a company as a desirable place to work—plays a critical role in boosting employee engagement and retention.

A LinkedIn survey found that 72% of recruiting leaders globally agree that employer branding significantly impacts hiring, while a Gallup study found that highly engaged workplaces can see up to 41% lower absenteeism.

Adapting branding strategies for different regions is essential, as employee expectations vary widely based on culture, economy, and local values. Here are six key ways employer branding impacts retention and engagement, with a focus on tailoring for a global workforce.

Speak Their Language: Culturally Relevant Communication

Retention Impact – Enhancing Belonging

An employer brand that resonates culturally boosts employees’ sense of belonging. Workers feel more engaged when they sense that the company appreciates their cultural values and norms. For example, US-based tech firms might focus on autonomy and innovation to connect with employees’ drive for independence, while in Asia, branding may centre on teamwork and local empowerment.

By localising communication, companies can make employees feel both unique and valued, increasing loyalty and reducing turnover. In fact, 57% of employees feel more loyal to companies that embrace cultural awareness and diversity initiatives, according to Deloitte.

Flexibility Matters: Work-Life Balance Redefined

Retention Impact – Supporting Well-Being

Support for work-life balance has become a critical component of retention, with 78% of employees saying they would stay with a company that offers flexibility, according to a Global Workplace Analytics report. Yet, perceptions of work-life balance vary worldwide. 

Scandinavian companies often offer flexible schedules and generous parental leave, reflecting their high value on work-life integration.

In Asia, career growth opportunities may take precedence over flexible hours. Adapting work-life policies to match these regional preferences ensures employees feel their needs are recognised, creating a supportive environment that makes them more likely to stay long-term.

Localised Rewards: Aligning Benefits And Compensation

Retention Impact: Meeting Market Expectations

Customising benefits to local standards is key to retention, as it shows the company understands and values employees’ specific needs. In the U.S., where healthcare can be costly, comprehensive health benefits are a significant draw, with 61% of U.S. employees considering health insurance the most critical benefit, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In Asia and Europe, transportation allowances or family support benefits may hold more appeal. By aligning compensation with local priorities, companies demonstrate their commitment to meeting employees’ real needs, creating a sense of care that encourages loyalty.

Pathways For Growth: Career Development Tailored To Region

Retention Impact: Fostering Loyalty Through Growth

Offering clear career development opportunities is a strong driver of engagement and retention. Studies show that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development (LinkedIn).

In Asia, structured career paths and defined promotion criteria are highly valued, as employees often seek growth-driven roles. Conversely, in the U.S., where lateral career moves are popular, flexible skill-building options may appeal more. Adapting career development to meet local expectations builds purpose and satisfaction, creating loyalty and reducing turnover.

Purpose Matters: CSR Initiatives That Resonate

Retention Impact: Strengthening Value Alignment

Employees increasingly want to work for companies that reflect their values, with 64% of millennials saying they won’t take a job without a strong CSR commitment (Cone Communications). 

CSR preferences vary globally. European employees may prioritise environmental impact, while in emerging markets, community support initiatives may resonate more. By aligning CSR efforts with local values, companies foster a sense of shared purpose. Employees are more engaged and committed when they see their values reflected in their company’s actions.

Remote And Tech-Ready: Technology That Fits Regional Needs

Retention Impact: Adapting to Modern Work Preferences

Investing in digital tools and remote work options shows a commitment to diverse work styles. In tech-savvy regions, employees expect advanced digital tools, and 73% of employees say they are more likely to stay with a company that offers remote work options (Owl Labs).

In areas with less tech infrastructure, flexibility without heavy tech reliance may be more effective. Tailoring technology and remote work solutions to regional capabilities helps employees feel supported and engaged, reducing turnover by meeting them where they are.

Conclusion

Effective employer branding isn’t one-size-fits-all; it requires an understanding of local customs, values, and market standards. When companies adapt their employer branding to different regions, they create an inclusive, supportive environment where employees feel valued and understood.

This fosters stronger engagement and long-term commitment across a geographically diverse workforce. In a world where talent has more options than ever, companies that can align their brand with regional expectations will succeed in attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent worldwide.

The post How Employer Branding Boosts Retention And Engagement Across Regions appeared first on Inc42 Media.

Tech transformation has disrupted many industries, and the impact is expanding swiftly. The technology transformation in MSMEs has rapidly advanced the industry, resulting in a rise. The country’s MSMEs are anticipated to increase from 6.3 Cr to 7.5 Cr, with a CAGR of 2.5%. 

With the rise of initiatives such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), the integration of MSMEs into India’s digital economy has been particularly revolutionary. As the government attempts to empower its different enterprises, technology has emerged as a bridge, allowing MSMEs to compete with larger corporations by connecting them to digital markets, financial services, and customer networks.

The ONDC ecosystem, which is powered by cutting-edge digital technologies, allows MSMEs to seize new possibilities, broaden their reach, and accelerate their growth.

ONDC presents a revolutionary opportunity for MSMEs to tap into a vast digital marketplace. However, the successful integration of MSMEs into this ecosystem hinges heavily on the adoption and effective use of technology.

Digital Platforms And Mobile Applications

A crucial step in bringing MSMEs into the ONDC fold is the development of user-friendly digital platforms and mobile applications. These platforms should simplify the onboarding process, allowing MSMEs to easily register and list their products or services. Additionally, they should provide intuitive interfaces for managing orders, inventory, and customer interactions.

One of the core challenges MSMEs face in joining a digital commerce network is the complexity of the processes. Many MSMEs, particularly those who are less tech-savvy segments, may not have the resources or expertise to seamlessly enter the digital economy. Here, technology plays a crucial role in simplifying and streamlining the onboarding experience. By offering user-friendly interfaces, multilingual support, and step-by-step guides, these platforms lower the barriers to entry for businesses.

AI-Driven Innovation In ONDC: Enhance Search And Optimise Logistics

AI is revolutionising the way we interact with the digital world, and ONDC is no exception. Here are some of the key use cases of AI in ONDC:

Enhanced Search And Discovery

• Semantic Search: AI can understand the context of user queries, leading to more accurate and relevant search results. For example, instead of searching for “red dress,” a user could simply ask, “What’s a good dress for a party?”  
• Visual Search: AI-powered visual search allows users to upload images of products they like and find similar items across different sellers.  
• Personalised Recommendations: AI algorithms can analyse user behavior and preferences to recommend products and services tailored to their needs.  

Efficient Logistics And Supply Chain Management

• Demand Forecasting: AI can analyse historical data and current trends to predict future demand, helping businesses optimise inventory levels and reduce costs.  
• Optimised Routing: AI-powered algorithms can determine the most efficient delivery routes, saving time and fuel.  
• Fraud Detection: AI can identify and prevent fraudulent activities, protecting both buyers and sellers.

Chatbots And AI-Powered Customer Engagement

Chatbots, powered by AI, can serve as the first point of contact for customers, providing instant responses to queries and resolving common issues. This enhances customer satisfaction and builds trust. AI-powered analytics can help MSMEs gain insights into customer behavior, preferences, and market trends, enabling them to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies accordingly. 

For MSMEs with limited manpower, chatbots serve as a virtual customer service agent, available 24/7. They help reduce response times and ensure that customers receive prompt assistance, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital environment. 

Connecting MSMEs With Urban Markets

ONDC, coupled with technology, presents a unique opportunity to connect rural MSMEs with urban markets. Digital platforms can provide a level playing field, allowing rural artisans and producers to showcase their products to a wider audience. This can help boost rural economies and reduce disparities between urban and rural areas.

One of the most significant impacts of the ONDC ecosystem is its ability to connect MSMEs to urban markets. Technology bridges the gap between geography and opportunity, offering rural businesses a platform to reach a broader audience. Digital commerce, powered by ONDC, democratises access, allowing rural MSMEs to showcase their products on a national stage. Integrating rural businesses into the broader ONDC ecosystem, technology ensures that every MSME, regardless of its location, can compete on a level playing field.

Technology is undeniably an enabler for MSMEs, offering them the tools and resources needed to thrive in a digital-first economy. From AI-driven automation to digital payments and fintech innovations, the ONDC ecosystem provides a comprehensive framework for MSMEs to grow and compete. As India continues its digital transformation, the role of technology in empowering MSMEs cannot be overstated—creating a future where businesses of all sizes can succeed.

The post Role Of Technology In Integrating MSMEs Into ONDC Ecosystem appeared first on Inc42 Media.

In today’s evolving landscape of B2B sales, artificial intelligence (AI) copilots are emerging new tech for how companies approach sales strategies, customer interactions, and revenue generation.

These intelligent assistants are practical tools that deliver tangible value across sectors and create significant new business opportunities.

The Rise Of AI Copilots In Sales

The traditional B2B sales process has long been using manual work, people-based decision-making, and time-consuming research. AI copilots are systematically changing these old methods to introduce high efficiency, precision, and intelligence levels into sales workflows. 

These digital assistants utilise machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics for real-time insights, recommendations, and automation for sales people.

Primary Strengths Of AI-Powered Sales Tools

AI copilots bring a multipronged approach to sales enhancement:

1. Intelligent Lead Qualification: Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on human judgment, AI copilots can rapidly analyse vast amounts of data to identify and prioritise high-potential leads. By examining historical conversion data, customer interactions, and behavioral patterns, these systems can score and rank leads accurately, ensuring sales teams focus their energy on the most promising leads.
2. Personalised Customer Engagement: Modern AI copilots go beyond generic communication. They can analyse customer data like previous interactions, buying patterns, and purchase history and generate personalised outreach plans. This level of customisation increases the likelihood of successful engagement and conversion.
3. Predictive Sales Forecasting: AI copilots can generate precise sales forecasts using market trends, past performance, individual customer behaviors, and external macroeconomic factors.

Streamlining Sales Operations

Integrating AI copilots is truly restructuring sales processes and workflows, introducing automation and intelligence that were previously not possible.

Automation Of Routine Tasks

AI copilots seamlessly handle repetitive tasks that traditionally consumed significant sales team hours. All the activities like scheduling meetings, sending follow-up emails, updating CRMs, and generating sales reports can be completed with minimal human intervention. This allows salespeople to redirect their focus toward high-value activities like relationship building and actual sales.

Enhanced Decision Support

AI copilots are becoming competent advisors who are providing real-time recommendations during sales processes. These systems can pull relevant details, suggest engagement plans, and recommend relevant products or pricing based on personalisation.

Insights And Competitive Advantage

The real power of AI copilots lies in their ability to convert raw data into strategic insights. These tools become smart in their analysis and recommendations by continuously learning from every interaction and sales data.

Competitive Intelligence

AI copilots can track market trends and competitor activities and provide granular insights that help businesses remain future ready. They can analyse pricing data, product positioning info, and customer sentiment data across multiple channels for a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape.

Continuous Learning And Adaptation

AI copilots are dynamic in nature and continuously learn and improve. Each prediction, recommendation, and interaction, successful or unsuccessful, becomes a data point that refines their understanding. This means that it will become progressively more intelligent and accurate over time.

Addressing Potential Challenges

While the potential of AI copilots is immense, effective deployment requires a strategic approach. Companies must invest in:

• Robust data infrastructure
• Clean, accurate, and comprehensive datasets
• Ongoing training and education
• Ethical AI rulebooks

The Human-AI Collaboration Model

It is essential to know that AI copilots are not replacements for human salespeople but augmentation tools. The successful deployment creates a symbiotic relationship where AI handles data processing and automation while humans focus on relationship building and creative thinking.

Wrapping Up

We can expect AI copilots to become even more sophisticated, and we are looking at a major shift in B2B sales regarding AI copilots. 

Embracing AI copilots is not just an option in today’s digital marketplace for businesses looking to remain competitive; it’s becoming necessary.

The companies that successfully integrate these technologies will be best positioned to succeed in the evolving landscape of B2B sales.

The post AI Copilots Shaping The Future Of B2B Sales appeared first on Inc42 Media.

Meta’s WhatsApp has significantly impacted India’s digital landscape by revolutionising communication for individuals and businesses. WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API have transformed business-customer interactions, enabling streamlined communication, integration, and automation.

Businesses of all sizes are increasingly using WhatsApp to connect with their customers and are using targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram to attract new customers. This could substantially change in the near future.

Come 16th January, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal will decide whether to stay the Competition Commission of India’s directive restraining WhatsApp from sharing user data collected on its platform with other Meta company products for ads purposes, including Instagram and Facebook, for the next 5 years.

The Commission’s blanket ban applies regardless of user consent, ignoring the consent-based framework for the use of personal data introduced by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Concluding a nearly 4-year long inquiry, on 18 November 2024, the Commission holds that WhatsApp’s January 2021 update to its terms of service and privacy policy is abuse of dominance.

Privacy Policy And Data Sharing Concerns

First, the Commission concludes that implementing the 2021 privacy policy on a “take-it-or-leave-it” basis imposes “unfair conditions” on users. This policy compels users to accept expanded data collection terms and share data within the Meta Group without the option to opt out. Due to network effects and a lack of effective alternatives, the 2021 update undermines user autonomy.

The Commission also finds fault with Meta’s integration of data across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp because this helps Meta “refine its algorithms and make increasingly accurate predictions about user preferences and behaviours,” allowing it to optimize algorithms and improve the effectiveness of its display advertising.

The Commission observes that “without comparable access to such data, rivals cannot offer similar levels of precision in targeted advertising, personalisation or consumer insights, which are now crucial for attracting advertisers.”

Steps Taken To Resolve The Concerns

To remedy the harms, the Commission directs WhatsApp to allow users to make informed decisions while consenting to the use of their data. Additionally, it entirely forbids WhatsApp from sharing user data with Facebook and Instagram for advertising purposes for 5 years, even if users give their consent.

The remedy mandating consent fosters user transparency and autonomy, but the complete prohibition of data sharing from WhatsApp to Facebook and Instagram, even with user consent, is ironic. While attempting to enhance competition in online display advertising, the Commission disregards the importance of respecting user choice.

The Commission’s remedies might stifle, rather than stimulate, competition.

First, the Commission’s directive strikes at the root of conglomerates that are organised under different business verticals but share a unity of economic interests and decision-making. Several Indian brick-and-mortar businesses are ramping up their digital offerings, and combining data collected across their various limbs is key to their growth.

They will all need to assess their relative strengths in each business segment and take greater caution while combining and cross-using data. A small misstep can cost crores in penalties and derail their business models being built around the cross-usage of data.

Second, the likelihood of the Commission’s directive helping smaller social networks and digital advertising platforms become more competitive appears remote. As the Commission itself notes, access to “comparable data” is critical. But restricting Facebook and Instagram from using data collected by WhatsApp, even if users have consented, will not automatically improve the quality and quantity of data collected by rivals.

If anything, this measure will restrain Meta but unduly help its closest rivals—other large technology firms—in strengthening their positions in the online display advertising market.

Third, and most importantly for the Indian economy, the Commission’s directive may actually hurt smaller businesses the most. MSMEs increasingly rely on digital advertising to be discovered by and reach customers. The cost per thousand impressions for digital advertising can be 70-80% cheaper than traditional advertising.

Not surprisingly, MSMEs constitute 30-35% of digital advertising spending, while only representing 4-6% of traditional advertising spend. The importance of affordable and effective access to digital advertising for MSMEs’ success in e-commerce is obvious.

Denying Facebook and Instagram the ability to use data collected by WhatsApp prevents MSMEs from harnessing a valuable platform for identifying, targeting, and reaching customers.

In Conclusion

The Commission’s directive prohibiting WhatsApp from sharing data with Facebook and Instagram, even with user consent, could hinder competition and innovation within India’s digital commerce sector. This is unless the Appellate Tribunal reexamines the directive and the potential repercussions of this comprehensive ban.

It seems that the costs of this measure exceed any potential benefits, harming Indian businesses and consumers—the very entities it aims to protect.

The post CCI Vs Meta: Who Gains From The Data Sharing Ban? appeared first on Inc42 Media.

As India celebrates National Startup Day this year, there is much to be proud of. With over 99,000 registered startups and an ecosystem valued at $500 Bn, India has been recognised as the third-largest startup hub in the world. 

But the true power of our entrepreneurial ecosystem is in its potential to catapult the country into a more equitable era. It lies in the growing number of startups that are harnessing technology to solve India’s most pressing social challenges; founders who are choosing to build innovative solutions to pervasive problem statements within education, healthcare, climate action, and livelihoods.

These mission-driven startups are beginning to reshape our country’s social narrative by prioritizing meaningful impact at scale while building enduring and sustainable organisations. 

Transforming Education & Livelihood Opportunities 

Education is a significant gateway to better employment opportunities and given increased digitisation, skilling the rural populace for enhanced livelihoods needs dedicated focus as well. Startups like Rocket Learning, Vidyakul, and Frontier Markets are addressing the gaps at different levels of the value chain. 

Rocket Learning has created an AI-powered Whatsapp solution that enables low-income parents as well as Anganwadi teachers to support early childhood education. They have integrated this solution into the public education system in 10 states to impact 3 million children as well as 1.5 lakh Anganwadi workers and have been transforming how foundational learning is approached in underserved communities.

On the other hand, through their affordable mobile app, Vidyakul provides vernacular digital learning content for 9th to 12th grade state board students in small towns, thus democratizing access to high-quality education. Now equipped with an AI-led doubt solver, their platform has reached over 2.5 million students and 80% of their learners in 2024 cleared their board examinations with first division, illuminating their path towards better opportunities.

Frontier Markets takes tech for good a step further by empowering rural women to become local entrepreneurs through the My Saheli app, enabling them to sell essential goods and services in their communities while earning additional income. Till date, they have trained over 35,000 women across 5,000 villages in 3 states and helped generate INR 2 billion in cumulative additional income for such micro entrepreneurs. 

Revolutionising Access To Affordable Healthcare 

Healthcare inequity continues to challenge millions of Indians, particularly in low-resourced rural and remote areas. Startups like Khushi Baby, Atom360 and Wysa are blending cutting-edge technology with an impact-led approach to ensure that quality healthcare remains an accessible human right. 

Khushi Baby’s Community Health Integrated Platform (CHIP) streamlines digitised health records across primary healthcare programs, which allows health workers to focus on caring for underserved communities while providing public health officials with hyperlocal insights to make informed decisions. Having onboarded 75,000 community health workers and impacting over 46 million people across 40,000 villages in Rajasthan, they are now building CHIP as an open source Digital Public Good for other states.

Atom360 on the other end is tackling the burden of oral cancer among low-income communities by developing an app-based solution that utilises AI to analyse oral cavity images, to enable early detection in hard-to-reach areas. Easily operable by community health workers, their solution demands minimal training and has helped detect 150 early stage cases within 1 year, at an extremely

low cost of less than Rs. 100 per screening. And in a country where almost 200 million people require mental health assistance but only a fraction receive it, Wysa recently launched a vernacular version of its advanced conversational AI chatbot for mental health in Hindi that leverages cognitive behavioural therapy to address issues like anxiety and depression.

This solution, which will also be available on Whatsapp, aims to ensure access to affordable, stigma-free and privacy-aware mental health services in underserved regions, particularly Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. 

Driving Innovation For Outsized Environmental Impact 

India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 demands scalable solutions. Startups like Indra Water, Solinas Integrity and Cancrie are tackling environmental challenges with rapid innovation, infusing hope for a greener future for the generations to come. 

Indra Water has treated 2.5 billion litres of industrial wastewater and abated 1800 tons of GHGs till date using its electrocoagulation technology, designed to treat forever chemicals in water in a decentralised manner and at the point of source. Their solution recovers up to 99% of water for reuse while enabling faster treatment time, 25% less energy consumption, and 30% lower overall treatment cost.

As they make climate-friendly operations a cost-efficient reality for industries, Solinas Integrity is addressing India’s burgeoning water crisis at the municipal level with their robotic solutions that have saved over 29 million litres of water through water pipeline inspections across 12 cities. They’re now building a robot that can enable the end-to-end inspection as well as cleaning of sewer pipelines to prevent water contamination at source and improve sanitation infrastructure.

On a different plane, Cancrie is using coconut husk waste to create advanced nano carbons which are used on battery electrode plates and increase the battery efficiency by 125%. As on date, they have processed 1,330 kgs of agri-waste, which would otherwise have been burnt to cause air pollution, and helped abate 4.3 MT of carbon, addressing a major environmental challenge. 

The Road Ahead For India’s First Wave Of Social Unicorns 

These examples are not isolated; they are but a few of the many examples of social startups that are addressing traditional barriers in creative ways, paving the way for a better future. 

India’s burgeoning impact ecosystem reflects a broader trend: the rise of startups that prioritize social outcomes without compromising on scalability or sustainability. While the term ‘unicorn’ has traditionally been associated with startup valuations, India is now on the brink of witnessing its first generation of ‘social unicorns’ – startups that achieve significant social impact at scale – and the potential they hold is enormous.

A NASSCOM report highlights that the social impact startup sector in India has the capacity to attract investments of up to $3 Bn annually by 2030. These funds, in addition to ecosystem support, could not only help accelerate the pace of change but also inspire more founders to build for Bharat at an unprecedented scale. 

As we celebrate National Startup Day, let’s shift some of the spotlight to these impact-driven innovators. Ecosystem stakeholders must collaborate to create enabling policies, provide patient capital, and amplify mentorship opportunities for social startups. By nurturing this new wave of social entrepreneurs, we can ensure that innovation serves the many, not just the few and in doing so, we will not only celebrate our startup ecosystem’s global stature but also its profound potential to uplift millions of lives. 

The post National Startup Day 2025: The Dawn Of India’s Social Unicorns appeared first on Inc42 Media.

India’s startup ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade, evolving from a niche market to one of the most vibrant startup landscape in the world. India sure did have a humble beginning, but its current global recognition is a testament to the Government’s proactive stance in fostering a startup-friendly environment. Initiatives like Startup India, launched in 2016, played a pivotal role in this transformation by providing support through policies like — Fund of Funds for startups (a scheme of DPIIT being managed by SIDBI), National Deeptech Policy and infrastructure to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship across different sectors and industries.

In the early 2010s, India’s startup landscape was dominated by a handful of major players limited to mainly NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru. However, as of December 2024, India has around 157,066 DPIIT-recognised startups across 779 districts. Today, India has become the world’s third-largest hub for unicorns, with 118 unicorns showcasing the startup sector’s maturation and its contribution to the economy. This reflects a diverse and expansive entrepreneurial journey the country had in just ten years.

Thanks to the government’s push to decentralise, entrepreneurs anywhere in India have access to resources, capital, and mentorship. It brought one of the most significant shifts in India’s startup landscape: the emergence of tier 2 and tier 3 cities as startup hubs, catching the attention of VCs who were looking beyond the metros to invest. In 2016, India had around 300 DPIIT-recognised startups which has increased to more than 1.25 lakh by the end of March 2024. And it’s not just the number of startups, the funding raised by Indian startups since 2014 has grown from $20 Bn in 2016 to $111 Bn in 2021 and finally reaching $158 Bn by the end of 2024.

In the most recent scenario, from just June 2024 to August 2024, tier 2 & tier 3 cities witnessed a surge in fundraising up to INR 2,202 Cr compared to just INR 175 Cr in June 2024. It is a result of the Government’s efforts of encouraging innovation, access to capital, favourable policies, tax incentives, easier compliance processes, that made venturing into niche markets or emerging industries a risk worth taking. We’ve seen a trend where startups from smaller cities are gaining traction as they focus on solving local problems and catering to niche markets. These startups are playing a vital role in driving inclusive growth and bridging the urban-rural gap.

Another factor that helped is the Government’s proactive policies and initiatives like The Startup India initiative, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which introduced several measures aimed at supporting startups through tax exemptions, easier compliance procedures, legal support for patent filing, etc to start a business easily. Along with providing a framework for setting up incubators, accelerators, and research parks that help startups with mentoring, networking, and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Additionally, India’s push toward a digital economy through initiatives like Digital India and Make in India have made it easier for startups to establish themselves and attract global investors.

India’s startup ecosystem has attracted significant interest from international limited partners (LPs). The country’s large consumer base, rapid digital adoption, and burgeoning middle class make it an attractive destination for global investors. Venture capital and private equity firms from across the world are eager to tap into India’s rapidly expanding market, providing startups with the much-needed capital to scale and compete globally. This trend is likely to continue as the Indian government’s reforms and policies continue to create a favorable environment for startups.

The Way Forward In The Indian Startup Ecosystem

Looking ahead, tech will continue to bring the most innovative models to the forefront while solving real-life problems. Every sector and industry is now becoming tech-savvy. Be it agriculture going agritech, education going ed-tech, finance going fin-tech and so on and so forth. Deeptech will see a strong emergence of early movers. Deeptech startups around AI, machine learning, IoT, robotics, quantum computing, biotechnology, green hydrogen, and spacetech are going to be the next big thing in India and around the globe.

Deeptech startups are not just about creating new products but are also about solving complex, high-impact problems across industries like healthcare, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. They require a high level of technical expertise, R&D, and significant patient capital to scale. Fortunately, India’s deeptech ecosystem is supported by a growing number of tech-savvy founders, venture capitalists willing to back them. The talent pool is also slowly expanding. The government has played a key catalyst role in this sector gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Fund of Funds for startups and National Deeptech Startup Policy, BIRAC programmes, Atal Innovation Mission, etc, provide much-needed support to deeptech startups along with the creation of specialised incubators and accelerators.

The future of India’s startup ecosystem looks promising. The government’s policies, the rise of tier 2 and tier 3 startups, and increasing international interest are all contributing to the growth of the sector. As we look ahead, deeptech will continue to be a focal point, with India’s ecosystem maturing to support the next wave of breakthrough innovations.

The post Startup India’s Decade: Catalysing Innovation Across 779 Districts appeared first on Inc42 Media.

In 2024, the new media market roared to life, evolving into a $12.5 Bn powerhouse. Driven by both systemic developments and user aspirations, the gaming sector constituted 30% of the new media market revenue pie, touching $3.8 Bn, emerging as its fastest-growing segment in FY24.

As demographics shifted, regulations evolved, and revenue records shattered, the gaming industry shed its image as a pastime and cemented its reputation as a legitimate economic sector. Here is a look back at the year, and a glimpse into the future.

Record Revenue Milestones

The Indian gaming landscape exploded in the past year, with a 20% surge in revenue. In-app purchases, the industry’s fastest-growing segment, skyrocketed by 41%. By FY29, the sector is projected to cross $9.2 Bn, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. 

This meteoric rise finds its roots in infrastructural propellers of increased smartphone penetration, affordable data services, and localised payment infrastructure. With 25% of gamers making in-game purchases, the paying user base swelled to 148 Mn in FY24.

Annual ARPPU (Average Revenue Per Paying User) climbed to $22—a 15% jump from FY23—recalibrating the growing sophistication and spending propensity of Indian gamers. Enhanced ad revenues and the incremental willingness to pay for premium experiences suggest that India’s gaming ecosystem isn’t just growing—it’s levelling up.

The New Gamer: Changing Demographics 

The Indian interactive media and gaming landscape is undergoing a profound shift. Women, now comprising 44% of gamers, are increasingly drawn to casual and mobile titles. Moreover, the gaming community is no longer an urban enclave. Two-thirds of gamers hail from non-metro cities, reforming the medium’s broad appeal.

Young adults, especially first-time earners, are willing to pay for premium gaming experiences. This demographic evolution signals a new era for Indian gaming, one marked by inclusivity and accessibility. This redefinition of the user landscape truly shows the efficacy of technology as the great leveller.

User Engagement At An All-Time High

Indian gamers are more invested than ever, clocking an average of 13 hours a week—a 30% jump from last year. Blockbuster titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Free Fire Max dominate screens, offering immersive worlds that have now become digital playgrounds.

Casual and hyper-casual games are no bystanders either; their in-app purchase (IAP) revenues grew 10% this year, even as global ad-spend contractions left advertising revenue remarkably steady. Remarkably, INR 29 has emerged as the preferred entry price for first-time payers, lowering the barrier to monetisation and attracting millions of new users. These developments have made gaming a ubiquitous part of Indian entertainment, shaping the way Indians spend their leisure time.

Dominance Of Mid-Core Games

Mid-core games experienced a staggering 53% growth in IAP revenues, outpacing casual and hyper-casual games. Titles like Clash of Clans lead the charge, offering challenging gameplay and captivating storytelling. This trend appeases the Indian gamers’ maturing palates, who now seek depth and strategy in their gaming experiences and is reflected in the mid-core and hardcore sector’s CAGR of 44%. 

This shift isn’t just about gameplay; it’s about economics. Higher ARPPUs reflect players’ willingness to pay for premium experiences and competitive edges. With global gaming giants eyeing the Indian market, mid-core games shall remain a major revenue driver for years to come.

Global Investor Confidence

Even amid global economic uncertainty, India’s gaming sector has remained a magnet for investors, pulling in $400 Mn this year alone, and $4.8 Bn since 2020. It’s not hard to see why: the country’s massive, diverse audience and untapped market potential make for a compelling pitch. 

Investors—both domestic and international—are channeling funds into mid-core game development and esports infrastructure, betting on India’s ability to lead on a global stage. This influx signals a deep faith in the sector’s scalability, innovation, and long-term profitability.

Predictions For 2025

Having added 23 Mn new gamers to India’s 591 Mn gaming population in FY24 alone, the industry is on an upward trajectory. Corroborating this, a recent USISPF report says that India’s interactive entertainment sector is projected to grow to $60 Bn by 2034, creating over 2 million jobs. This, coupled with the government labelling gaming as a “sunrise” sector, cements global interest in India’s sophisticating interactive media and gaming market.

Casual and hyper-casual segments will remain strong due to their accessibility, but mid-core games are poised for sustained dominance. Esports, now an official sport, will continue its bloom in 2025, as recognised as an official sport, buoyed by India hosting the WAVES Summit in February 2025, and the establishment of AVGC Centres of Excellence. 

Gaming will also be leveraged by brands to reach younger audiences and will continue to become more entrenched in pop culture. These trends indicate a compelling future where India consolidates its position as a global gaming powerhouse, with the sector expected to surpass $9.2 Bn by FY29.

The post Level 2024: Reflections On India’s Gaming Industry Milestones appeared first on Inc42 Media.

When venture capital started as an asset class in the early 70’s in the US, it was started as a way to provide patient capital. Emerging technologies at the time such as chips etc. needed high capex and could only truly commercialise over later years. 

So it was an innovation in the financial industry. As venture capital itself got bootstrapped and started producing results, it attracted more and more capital against a backdrop of ever-evolving technology landscape – Desktops, Phones, Internet, Cloud and now AI. Other than wealthy individuals, family offices, and silicon valley professionals, the third party funds that got started were ones that had access to institutional money. They expanded the asset class significantly through the 80s and 90s.

Similarly in India, one of the earliest venture capitals were ICICI Ventures (investors in Info Edge). The global platforms entered India in mid-2000’s as capital started globalising. Through the 2010’s the global platforms were joined by local platforms. Folks like Kae, Orios emerged from the Bombay style angel investing through 2000’s. They were part of Mumbai Angels or had seen success in early Internet ventures in India. 

For operator seed funds to rise – 2 things need to happen. There needs to be successes in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and 2, capital needs to be more available for such an asset class. This started happening in the US in the 2000’s and in India more broadly in the last 7-8 years. 

I started angel investing in 2011 in India, and in 2014, I was published as a top 10 angel in India alongside late Sh. Ratan Tata, even though I had made only 7-8 investments that year. The whole angel investment landscape exploded in the subsequent years with dozens of moderately to very successful entrepreneurs starting angel investing.

Some made 100’s of investments individually while many others made dozens. I have seen folks like Kunal Shah (Cred), Ramakant (Livspace), Abhishek (Tracxn) and several others make a number of investments.

Some of us went institutional and started funds. Of course Info Edge started investing early from their balance sheet and eventually turned into a fund.

I started the fund in 2018 and over years, few other operator led funds have started. For me, a reason to start was that as an angel my impact was limited. The companies that became successful quickly outgrew me. I wanted to align my goals and impact longer with the company and I felt a fund allows me to stay more meaningful. This has come to be true over the last few years.

I am sure different operators had different reasons to start. Another subclass of operator funds are micro VC funds, which are somewhere in between an angel and a seed fund. Several angels became successful and noticed other investors wanted to invest with them. They turned this into opportunities and started microVC funds. 

All this combined, has resulted in growth of operator led funds. As you would expect, there are far fewer later stage operator-led funds – the market needs to evolve more for that.

The above is a top down view of how the money has flowed and resulted in formation of this sub-asset class. However, there is also a bottom up view of how the market needs have evolved, which is correlated. 

Operators, who have turned investors have first hand experiences of building a business. I started Pine Labs in 1998 and gained first hand experience of working with banks. Similarly, when I started GlobalLogic and built it through the 2000’s, I gained experiences in building a business in the India / US corridor.

Many of these experiences are relevant today for startups, for example in the fintech and global SaaS space. While the technology keeps changing rapidly the market behaviors dont change at the same pace, specially in enterprises. Large banks today in India, are not that different from how they were 20 years back. The US / India Go To Market learnings are still relevant.

I noticed this at the time of my angel investing. While I was a small shareholder, some of these companies raised significant capital from large global investors.

As I observed the functioning of these founders, I noticed that the conversations that they had with me were very different from the ones they had with the global investors. They would talk to me about things that were top of their mind, usually what it would take to raise the next round, how to build the team, their own stresses and key decision points. 

The global platforms brought in a lot more top down market knowledge and connections to the table – I brought in more contextual bottom up experience. This was a great combination. 

I have seen the same dynamic play out as we have invested through the fund. We continue to try to bring the same operator-type value to be table and combine really well with platform funds. We are very contextual and bottom-up and the platforms are far more top down and breadth-first.

I now see it in companies which have even reached 100’s of millions of dollars in value and have 4-5 funds invested in them. Different investors / Board members continue to bring in different values to the table.

For founders, this is a good market dynamic. Many founders, both first time founders and repeat founders continue to see us having a seat around the table. Business building is hard work, we understand it and try to contribute meaningfully wherever we can.

Venture capital itself is evolving at a rapid pace with capital becoming more and more commoditised. There is pressure to innovate, both in positioning and action. Ultimately, this is good for the ecosystem and will drive innovation and value at all levels.

I see a place for all sorts – platforms, niche sectoral funds, stage centric funds, and so on. Operators are now a part of this across the board and bring in a missing flavor.

The post An Insight Into The Rising Popularity Of Operator-Led Funds appeared first on Inc42 Media.

Indian businesses seeking growth beyond traditional methods are increasingly adopting B2B marketplace models. This approach offers expansion opportunities without the risks associated with conventional strategies. For executives and technology leaders aiming to implement or refine a B2B marketplace, grasping the nuances of this model is paramount.

India’s online B2B marketplaces have the potential to reach $200 Bn by 2030, based on the latest projections from the Economic Diplomacy Division of IndBiz. This growth stems from key technological advancements reshaping B2B interactions. As India progresses with its Digital India initiative, B2B marketplaces will play an increasingly significant role in the country’s digital economy.

Technological Foundations For B2B Marketplaces

API-first architecture stands at the forefront, enabling seamless integration with existing enterprise systems. This approach creates a unified ecosystem where data moves effortlessly between the marketplace, ERP systems, CRMs, and other mission-critical software.

Microservices architecture complements this shift, allowing businesses to adapt swiftly to market changes and scale functionalities independently.

Advanced marketplaces often rely on cloud-native solutions to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and reliability. This is particularly relevant for B2B platforms handling high transaction volumes and intricate business logic. Cloud infrastructure facilitates the implementation of AI and machine learning technologies, which are increasingly applied to predictive analytics in inventory management, product recommendations, and fraud detection.

Emerging trends such as blockchain integration for supply chain transparency, IoT devices for real-time inventory tracking, and voice-activated ordering systems for hands-free procurement are set to further advance the B2B landscape.

Key Features Driving B2B Excellence

Modern B2B marketplaces require sophisticated features to meet complex buyer and seller needs. A multi-tier pricing engine is indispensable, accommodating customer-specific pricing, volume-based discounts, and market-driven dynamic pricing. This pricing flexibility allows businesses to remain competitive while maintaining profitability.

Configurable approval workflows are equally significant. B2B transactions often involve multiple stakeholders and intricate approval processes. Implementing role-based access control with customisable approval chains allows marketplaces to align with clients’ organisational structures, streamlining operations and reducing purchase friction.

The efficacy of a B2B marketplace hinges on its ability to help buyers locate products efficiently. This necessitates an advanced search and filtering system with faceted search capabilities, custom attributes, and technical specification filters.

In the B2B sector, where purchases are often highly specific and technical, the ability to pinpoint exact product specifications significantly impacts user satisfaction and conversion rates.

A comprehensive quote management system is another critical feature. The capability to handle requests for quotes (RFQs) with integrated negotiation tools and CRM system connectivity can significantly improve the sales process. This is particularly relevant in industries with complex, customised products or services where standard pricing may not apply.

Real-time inventory visibility across multiple warehouses or suppliers is indispensable. In B2B transactions, where large orders and just-in-time delivery are common, accurate inventory information is critical. Advanced systems should support backorder and pre-order management, providing businesses with the flexibility to meet varied customer requirements.

Best Practices And Considerations

Implementing these advanced features requires adherence to proven best practices. Data migration and cleansing is a critical process often underestimated in its complexity. A comprehensive ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process is necessary to ensure consistent data across the marketplace, particularly when consolidating information from multiple legacy systems or integrating various supplier databases.

Performance optimisation significantly impacts success. Employing caching strategies, content delivery networks (CDNs), and lazy loading techniques ensures swift page loads, even for extensive product catalogues. 

In B2B transactions, where buyers often review detailed technical specifications, performance directly influences user satisfaction and sales outcomes.

The increasing trend of mobile usage in B2B transactions, particularly in the Indian market, cannot be overlooked. A mobile-first approach using responsive design and progressive enhancement techniques is necessary to cater to B2B buyers who prefer mobile transactions.

Localisation is a critical consideration, especially in India’s diverse market. Supporting multiple languages and currencies is fundamental. Adherence to regional tax regulations, such as India’s GST system, is crucial for compliance and building user trust.

B2B marketplaces require stringent security measures due to high-value transactions and sensitive data. Multi-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and regular security audits should be standard. In an era of increasing cyber threats, demonstrating a strong commitment to security can be a significant differentiator in the B2B space.

Real-World Applications And Future Outlook

B2B marketplace implementations have yielded impressive results across various industries. In the food distribution sector, companies have successfully digitalised their B2B operations by developing specialised platforms for different customer segments. 

By implementing flexible pricing systems and integrating with existing ERPs, these businesses have achieved round-the-clock order placement capabilities, reduced operational costs, and expanded their customer bases.

In the wholesale distribution space, companies have optimised operations by creating self-service portals with custom catalogues and pricing. Automating quote-to-order processes and implementing advanced analytics for personalised product recommendations has led to significant reductions in order processing times and increases in average order values.

A prime example of the transformative power of B2B marketplaces comes from one of our customers, a food distribution company in Europe. They have highlighted two major benefits of shifting to B2B online ordering:

1. Reduced Cost Per Order: B2B businesses are encouraged to calculate their cost per order, factoring in all necessary expenses such as agents, devices, petrol, and consumables. They proudly report that they have decreased their cost per order by over 50% through the implementation of their B2B marketplace.
2. Impact On Average Order Value (AOV) And Product Quantity: A positive outcome identified is that customers, when presented with a digital catalog, are discovering and ordering from more product categories compared to traditional ordering methods. This contrasts with the tendency of sales agents to focus on replenishing products that customers typically buy.

Furthermore, owning the digital customer relationship has emerged as a key factor in the B2B marketplace model. The customer data gathered through these platforms is an invaluable asset. For instance, owning a network of 50,000 restaurant customers can drive significant GMV growth in a marketplace model as the category offer expands.

This is because customers tend to consolidate their ordering processes, preferring to use a single platform for multiple product categories.

The B2B marketplace model presents a significant opportunity for Indian businesses to overcome growth constraints and expand their reach. To capitalise on this potential, companies should assess their current technology stack and identify B2B functionality gaps. Selecting technology partners with proven expertise in B2B marketplace development is crucial for successful implementation.

A phased implementation plan, beginning with core B2B features and gradually expanding, can help manage the transition’s complexity. Investing in staff training and change management is crucial to ensure smooth adoption of the new B2B platform. Ongoing feedback collection from B2B buyers and sellers should inform continuous improvements to the marketplace.

The advanced B2B marketplace model represents a transformative opportunity for Indian businesses. By embracing these sophisticated digital platforms, companies can position themselves at the forefront of India’s digital commerce sector, driving growth, efficiency, and innovation in the B2B arena. 

The current moment presents an opportune time to act – businesses that swiftly adopt and optimise B2B marketplace strategies will be well-positioned to thrive in tomorrow’s digital economy, leveraging reduced costs per order, increased AOV, and the invaluable asset of customer data ownership.

The post B2B Marketplace Playbook: Transforming Growth For Indian Businesses appeared first on Inc42 Media.

What was once more of a buzzword close to being synonymous with disruptive innovation, fintech is doing much more; it is transforming financial services. It is bringing technology to every finance element, automating, refining, and reinventing payments, lending, insurance, core banking, and wealth management.

As digital transformation continues to build on its momentum, fintech is fundamentally reshaping delivery in financial services, offering unparalleled improvements in efficiency, security, and accessibility.

Though there is a new era of fintech in consumer-centric applications and services, an equally important and often overlooked space is B2B fintech within the banking tech domain. The complex infrastructure that lets financial institutions flow smoothly is at the core of fintech.

B2B Fintech Ecosystem: The Unsung Powerhouse

Although B2C fintech mostly has the majority of the limelight regarding ease of use in a day-to-day consumer experience, B2B fintech forms a strong, robust ecosystem to address the relatively complex requirements of businesses and financial institutions.

This sector is geared towards finding solutions through tech to make institutional operations more efficient, reinforce security frameworks, and ensure strict regulatory compliance.

The challenges are different –much higher transaction volumes, more complex workflows, and ever-tightening regulatory standards versus their B2C counterparts. These applications do not merely automate but assimilate other advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and APIs to help enable deep, secure integrations, allowing smoother business processes.

The fast-paced evolution of B2B banking tech is driven by many transformative solutions created to solve pressing challenges between financial institutions. Let’s break them down in a way that describes the pillars shaping this space. Below are the core components of the Evolution of B2B banking tech: 

• Digital Channels & Customer Lifecycle Management (CLM): Gone are the days when all touchpoints were physical branches and phone lines. Given the number of digital channels available, a financial institution can now reach out to their customers through various online gateways in a hassle-free and smooth end-to-end journey for the customer. These platforms powered by analytics and AI optimise the business-to-customer relationship from acquisition to retention.
• Digital Automation: It is the automation of mundane-looking tasks such as compliance checks or offering intelligent customer support, where the concept of digital automation bridges artificial frailties like human errors into driving efficiency in large-scale banking operations. It is this silent engine that keeps everything running smoothly.
• Digital Lending: Digital lending platforms with various algorithms and data analytics streamline everything- from credit scoring to loan disbursals. Thus, the processes become quicker and much more precise since financial institutions can now serve the demand for speedier loan services while being prompt and secure.
• Digital Payment Solutions: Payment solutions supporting volume transactions between businesses at an organisation, security, and compliance level. Today’s world is fast paced, and the solution ensures high-value payments are processed and settled rapidly and securely to adhere to stiff industrial standards.
• Enterprise Digital Automation: Businesses require more tailored solutions towards specific complex financial transactions, and, as the case may be, corporate digital automation is no different. The platforms help in both speed and accuracy by allowing the automation of complex workflows and financial transactions for enterprise-level clients, which gives them the speed they need in a high-stakes financial environment.
• Trade Finance & Supply Chain Solutions: The risks and inefficiencies in international trade have drastically changed because of the emerging digital platforms. It connects global financial systems with the supply chains to make cross-border transactions secure, transparent, and efficient.
• Treasury & Liquidity Management: For businesses, cash flow and liquidity must be controlled properly so stability is maintained, above all else, in turbulent markets. Real-time insights in Treasury management platforms enable businesses to optimise cash reserves while mitigating financial risk. These tools are no longer desirable but essential tools that help corporations survive amid the most turbulent financial landscapes.
• Regtech: The B2B fintech space is slowly getting a stronghold in the field of regulatory technology, or Regtech. With the current complexity of regulations, the institutions are setting their sights on the right kind of technology that can automate their organisational compliance functions. From real-time reporting to automated monitoring, Regtech takes care that the institution follows rules and its resources stay manageable in tandem.
• Universal And Next-Generation Core Banking Systems: Banks can no longer afford to stay rested on legacy systems. Next-generation core banking platforms are made to be flexible, scalable, and digital-first and allow banks to meet modern demands placed by modern customers. Modern infrastructures will pave the way to new functionalities and more personalised, responsive services.

B2B fintech will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services. Considering the ever-increasing demand for digital solutions, automation, and cutting-edge financial tools, institutions that do this will remain competitive and ensure greater operational efficiency, security, and satisfaction of the ever-evolving expectations of businesses and their customers. 

The post How B2B Fintech Is Revolutionising Banking Tech appeared first on Inc42 Media.

AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is on the brink of transforming the startup landscape in ways we’ve only glimpsed in science fiction. Where once “AI” was synonymous with smart automation, today’s AGI advancements push us beyond narrow applications into something closer to human-level intelligence. 

It’s no longer a matter of optimising processes or refining recommendations but of building systems with a depth of adaptability that mirrors human reasoning. 

For startups, the implications are as profound as they are daunting: AGI presents not just a tool but a partner in reshaping how business, growth, and innovation are fundamentally conceived.In India, where a startup culture has ignited over the last decade, the potential of AGI could be particularly catalytic. 

For a country producing an unparalleled number of engineers and data scientists, AGI offers more than efficiency; it introduces an era where technology doesn’t merely support human effort but actively collaborates in it. 

Already, several Indian startups are making headlines by integrating AGI to address the country’s unique challenges, from scaling healthcare solutions to transforming rural education. 

In the tech hubs of Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and beyond, startups are using AGI models to design systems that don’t just execute commands but interpret and adapt, often outperforming traditional AI models that dominate the landscape.

The implications for decision-making are remarkable. AGI’s potential to parse immense datasets, identify nuanced patterns, and suggest solutions in real-time could make today’s analytics tools look like relics. 

Consider an ecommerce startup: conventional AI can improve inventory predictions and user recommendations. AGI, however, could dynamically adapt to sudden market shifts, adjusting strategies based on real-world data and evolving customer behavior patterns.

It’s the difference between a machine learning model that predicts the next purchase and an AGI system that predicts and adapts to the entire market’s mood swings.

But it’s not just in practical applications that AGI promises transformation; it changes the speed and ambition of startup growth. In a competitive market, adaptability is a currency. AGI offers startups the ability to pivot almost instantaneously in response to market changes or regulatory shifts. 

With AGI, a financial technology startup navigating India’s strict compliance landscape could foresee potential regulatory shifts by analysing historical policy changes, international trends, and socio-political cues. 

This foresight doesn’t just save time; it provides an anticipatory advantage, allowing startups to innovate within compliance, often outpacing competitors still deciphering new regulations. However, the marriage of AGI and startup ambition also raises profound ethical questions. 

While AGI can analyse, predict, and even advise, it lacks the ethical guardrails that are often integral to responsible decision-making. 

For Indian startups, especially those operating in sensitive areas like healthcare and finance, this introduces a moral weight. 

With AGI, a healthcare startup could scale diagnostics across rural clinics, yet it would also need to confront questions about accountability in life-and-death decisions. The moment AGI moves from supporter to decision-maker, the ethical stakes escalate sharply, and with that, the pressure on startups to embed ethical considerations within their technological DNA.

The stakes are economic as well. While many predict that AGI will increase productivity, it could also concentrate power and capital in unforeseen ways. If the promise of AGI holds, it’s possible that a handful of AGI-powered firms might amass capabilities that dwarf those of traditional competitors, creating economic asymmetries that extend across borders. 

Indian startups, especially, will need to grapple with how to deploy AGI without allowing it to exacerbate inequalities. There’s a pressing need for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with equity, ensuring that AGI’s benefits aren’t cornered by a few at the expense of many.

This regulatory challenge is already prompting action. In the EU and the U.S., conversations around AGI’s oversight have shifted from abstract to immediate, with regulatory bodies beginning to draft policies aimed at keeping AGI’s capabilities within ethical and legal bounds. 

India, where the startup ecosystem is both vast and culturally unique, is likely to take a different regulatory path, one that prioritises localised concerns while remaining cognizant of global trends. 

Startups, in turn, are encouraged to participate in these regulatory discussions, not just as stakeholders but as innovators who can actively shape policies that safeguard AGI’s integration.

And then there’s the cultural impact. For a country as diverse as India, AGI in startups represents an unparalleled opportunity to develop solutions rooted in local contexts. 

Traditional AI has often been accused of being blind to cultural nuance, applying uniform solutions to heterogeneous problems. 

AGI, with its capacity to learn and adapt in ways closer to human cognition, offers the potential for systems that are culturally aware and regionally specific. Imagine a language-learning app that understands not just Hindi or Tamil but the linguistic nuances of specific dialects, adjusting its approach to best serve users from different regions. This type of adaptation, tailored to India’s mosaic of cultures, is an exciting frontier AGI could enable.

The dawn of AGI for startups isn’t just technological; it’s a redefinition of purpose. When a machine can adapt, respond, and reason, the role of human creativity shifts from direct command to collaboration, from building tools to partnering with them. As AGI continues to evolve, the distinction between “human” and “machine” contributions will blur, forcing founders and CEOs to consider not only how they use AGI but also how they coexist with it.

In this new dynamic, Indian startups stand at the precipice of something remarkable: the opportunity to merge the technological with the human in a way that amplifies the best of both worlds, shaping not only the future of startups but perhaps the future of work itself.

In exploring the reach and versatility of AGI within various industries, several startups illustrate its transformative potential in tangible ways. 

Take CureMetrix, which has pioneered AI tools like cmAssist to enhance breast cancer diagnostics. Studies published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology confirm that cmAssist boosts early detection rates by 27% and reduces false positives by 69%. This exemplifies how AGI-driven diagnostics are not only enhancing healthcare accuracy but also delivering critical efficiencies across medical workflows.

Another health-focused player, Vara.ai, brings AGI to radiology, helping radiologists quickly analyse vast radiological data to highlight potential concerns. Its approach addresses a crucial gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly in regions where radiology expertise is scarce. By automating initial diagnostic reviews, Vara.ai exemplifies how AGI is improving healthcare scalability, accuracy, and access—a vision well-aligned with India’s healthcare goals.

Beyond healthcare, Yellow.ai has established itself as a leader in customer service automation. By automating up to 90% of customer inquiries, their AGI-powered platform improves response times by nearly 50% and boosts customer satisfaction scores by around 40% .

In an age where customer experience can make or break brand loyalty, Yellow.ai’s AGI solutions are helping enterprises optimise interactions at scale. Reflecting on AGI’s role in reshaping business interactions, Siddharth Kashiramka, Product Head, AGI at Amazon, observes, “We’re moving into a realm where AGI allows startups to ‘think’ in ways that aren’t just faster but fundamentally more intuitive, anticipating needs before they become obvious.”

Adding another perspective, Anthropic is an AGI-centered venture formed by former OpenAI researchers. This startup is dedicated to developing AGI systems focused on safety and reliability, making its models particularly valuable in sensitive sectors like legal tech and customer support.

As startups increasingly depend on AGI to manage complex, multi-step processes, Anthropic’s attention to safety is becoming a distinguishing factor, providing solutions that are as secure as they are powerful.

In the foundational AGI research, OpenAI itself has transitioned from academic development to commercial deployment. By making its AGI models like ChatGPT widely accessible, OpenAI has enabled even small startups to incorporate AGI into customer service, R&D, and data analysis—domains once dominated by larger corporations. 

Startups in India are especially capitalising on OpenAI’s models, using them to create intuitive, data-driven interactions that rival those of global brands.

Reverie Labs brings AGI into the world of biotech, focusing on the rapid simulation of molecular interactions for drug discovery. Reverie Labs’ platform allows for faster, more precise testing of drug viability, a process that traditionally consumes both significant time and resources.

By accelerating drug discovery timelines, AGI from startups like Reverie Labs is not only driving innovation but potentially transforming life-saving treatments. Echoing the significance of responsible AGI implementation, Sivadeep Katangoori, an AI expert and angel investor, stresses, “AGI, while powerful, is a double-edged sword for startups.

Yes, it opens avenues we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago, but it also demands a level of responsibility that many aren’t prepared for. AGI can’t replace judgment or empathy, and that’s where founders must draw the line.”

“We’re moving into a realm where AGI allows startups to ‘think’ in ways that aren’t just faster but fundamentally more intuitive, anticipating needs before they become obvious,” says Siddharth Kashiramka, Product Head, AGI at Amazon. “This isn’t incremental innovation; it’s a new rhythm for startup growth.”

Together, these startups embody the broad and growing influence of AGI across sectors, demonstrating how adaptable intelligence is evolving from a research dream to a practical tool. 

Each of these players, from CureMetrix in healthcare to OpenAI’s foundational models, brings unique strengths that underscore AGI’s vast potential in addressing industry-specific needs while redefining the operational capabilities of modern startups.

AGI in startups transcends mere technical evolution; it’s a recalibration of intelligence, intertwining computational precision with human adaptability in an unprecedented dance of progress. 

We can’t be certain of anything but with how it’s going, the startup world will be revolutionised inevitably. As this synthesis deepens, we aren’t merely refining productivity but re-engineering the very cognitive fabric of enterprise. 

Indian founders, standing at this fulcrum of AI-human convergence, now face decisions that will shape not just market trajectories but societal futures. In this excellently profound shift, AGI is less a tool and more an emergent collaborator, transforming what it means to build, innovate, and lead.

Let’s see what the future holds.

The post How The Emergence Of AGI Is Redefining Startups appeared first on Inc42 Media.

In the past few years, digital lending platforms have emerged as a game-changer in the financial sectors of emerging markets, offering unprecedented access to credit for underserved populations. Leveraging technology, these platforms streamline loan processes, providing speed, convenience, and inclusivity in economies where traditional banking systems often fall short.

The rapid expansion of digital lending has also raised concerns about market stability, consumer protection, and systemic risk. 

Thus, regulatory frameworks have become crucial in shaping the future of digital lending, striking a balance between innovation and maintaining a secure, transparent financial environment.

Growth Of Digital Lending In Emerging Markets

Increasing smartphone penetration, widespread internet access, and the rise of fintech innovations have contributed to the growth of digital lending in emerging markets. Adoption rates have surged as consumers seek faster, more accessible alternatives to traditional banking services, especially in regions with limited financial inclusion.

Beyond convenience, innovations such as AI-driven credit scoring, blockchain-based loan agreements, and mobile wallet integration have fuelled this growth by offering secure, personalised lending solutions. 

Key drivers of this expansion include the growing demand for microloans, the rise of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and government support for digital financial ecosystems. These factors have collectively made digital lending a powerful tool for economic empowerment and financial inclusion in emerging markets.

Let’s Look At Some Key Regulatory Components In Digital Lending

Consumer Protection

Consumer protection is a central element, ensuring borrowers have access to clear, understandable loan terms and are shielded from predatory lending practices. Regulations often require lenders to disclose comprehensive information about interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules upfront, promoting transparency and helping borrowers make informed decisions.

Additionally, many jurisdictions implement interest rate caps to prevent exorbitant lending rates, ensuring loans remain affordable for consumers. Fee disclosures are similarly mandated, obliging lenders to provide a detailed breakdown of associated costs to avoid hidden charges.

Data Privacy And Security

Data privacy and security protect sensitive consumer information. Many countries are adopting data protection laws modelled after the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, which sets stringent standards for collecting, processing, and storing personal data.

These regulations require digital lenders to obtain consent from borrowers, limit the use of data for specific purposes, and ensure data accuracy and access controls. 

Additionally, cybersecurity standards are increasingly emphasised, with regulators mandating security measures to safeguard against cyber threats. This includes encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with international cybersecurity frameworks that protect financial systems from data breaches and fraud. 

Just like other nations, India also prioritises the privacy and security of individuals’ data. The India Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDPA) that was passed in August 2023 plays a key role in protecting the personal data of an individual. 

This legislation aims to safeguard the privacy rights of an individual while bringing the focus on responsible data management practices. It focuses on processing of the digital personal data of an individual while giving them the power to protect their personal data. 

Specific requirements on consent and access to Data Principal rights are cornerstones for DPDPA 2023. Also, huge penalties up to INR 250 Cr are a major deterrent and may ensure compliance once the rules get notified. 

Licensing And Compliance

Licensing and compliance ensure that only authorised and responsible entities operate in the market. Most regulatory bodies require digital lenders to obtain a license, subject to specific criteria such as financial stability, operational transparency, and adherence to consumer protection laws.

These licensing requirements prevent fraudulent or unqualified players from entering the market, whereas compliance involves ongoing adherence to regulatory guidelines, including reporting obligations, risk management, and maintaining adequate capital reserves. Enforcement and oversight mechanisms, such as regular audits, inspections, and penalties for non-compliance, are crucial in preserving market integrity.

This is how regulatory agencies monitor digital lenders’ activities, ensuring that they follow industry standards, protect consumers, and contribute to a stable financial environment.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) And Know Your Customer (KYC)

AML and KYC regulations are essential for maintaining the integrity of digital lending platforms and preventing financial crimes. KYC procedures require digital lenders to verify the identity of borrowers through official documentation, such as government-issued IDs, proof of address, and sometimes biometric data. 

These measures ensure that lenders only engage with legitimate customers and help mitigate the risks of fraud or illicit activity. AML regulations, on the other hand, focus on detecting and reporting suspicious transactions that may be linked to money laundering. Digital lenders must establish internal systems for monitoring transactions, flagging unusual patterns, and fulfilling reporting obligations to regulatory authorities. 

Challenges And Opportunities

One of the primary regulatory challenges is balancing the need for innovation with adequate oversight. While regulators aim to encourage fintech advancements, overly stringent regulations can stifle innovation and limit financial inclusion. Another challenge is regulatory fragmentation, where different regions or countries impose varying standards, creating inconsistencies that complicate cross-border operations for digital lenders. 

However, this environment also offers significant opportunities for innovation. Governments can develop more adaptive, tech-friendly frameworks that promote growth while ensuring compliance through partnerships between regulators and fintech companies.

These collaborations can lead to regulatory sandboxes, where new lending models can be tested in a controlled environment, helping both parties refine policies that support innovation while protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability.

Future Outlook

Regulation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital lending, determining the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring financial stability. As digital lending continues to evolve, regulatory frameworks will become more critical in promoting transparency, protecting consumers, and mitigating systemic risks.

Understanding and navigating these regulatory environments will be essential to the long-term success of digital lenders.

Lenders should prioritise compliance by staying informed about regulatory changes, investing in robust data security measures, and adopting transparent lending practices.

Engaging proactively with regulators, building strong internal compliance teams, and leveraging partnerships within the fintech ecosystem can help digital lenders meet regulatory requirements and drive innovation safely and sustainably.

The post How Regulation Drives Trust And Growth In Digital Lending appeared first on Inc42 Media.

As the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) transforms industries, the Artificial Intelligence of things (AIoT) is emerging as a game-changing technological advancement. AIoT enables smart devices to not only collect and exchange data but also process and analyse it in real-time, leading to better decision-making across applications such as smart cities, industrial automation, and healthcare.

A significant enabler of this technology is edge computing, which allows data to be processed closer to its source, reducing latency and bandwidth usage. However, this growing adoption of AIoT at the edge introduces critical security challenges. To address these, Edge-as-a-Service (EaaS) offers a list of comprehensive solutions, providing the tools and infrastructure necessary to strengthen data protection in AIoT environments.

Understanding AIoT And Edge Computing

AIoT integrates the power of artificial intelligence with IoT devices, enabling real-time data analysis and intelligent automation. This convergence allows devices to make decisions autonomously, streamlining processes in various industries. For example, in smart cities, AIoT can optimise traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and improve public safety. 

In industrial automation, AIoT systems can predict equipment failures and optimise production lines, while in healthcare, wearable devices and smart medical systems monitor patients in real-time, alerting medical professionals to potential health risks.

Edge computing, on the other hand, refers to the practice of processing data closer to the point of origin rather than relying solely on centralised cloud infrastructure. By moving data processing to the edge, companies can reduce latency and bandwidth consumption while enabling faster decision-making.

However, this decentralised model also increases the complexity of securing these systems.

Security Risks In AIoT Deployments At The Edge

While AIoT offers immense benefits, the deployment of these solutions at the edge presents significant security risks. One of the primary concerns is data breaches.

Edge devices often process sensitive information locally, making them susceptible to unauthorised access. In fact, according to a report by Keyfactor and Vanson Bourne, 69% of companies reported increase in data breach and cyberattacks in the past three years, further highlighting this concern. 

Another major risk is cyberattacks. With edge computing’s distributed architecture, each connected device becomes a potential entry point for attackers. This expanded attack surface makes it easier for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. 

Insider threats also pose challenges. As the number of edge devices grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage and monitor security, creating opportunities for malicious insiders to compromise systems.

Additionally, device compromise is a risk, as AIoT devices located in remote or unsecured areas can be physically tampered with or hacked. High-profile cases, such as the Mirai botnet attack, in which millions of IoT devices were hijacked to launch a massive DDoS attack, illustrate the potential dangers.

The Role Of EaaS In Strengthening Security

Edge-as-a-Service (EaaS) is an emerging solution that simplifies the deployment, management, and security of edge infrastructure. EaaS allows businesses to outsource the complexity of managing their edge environments to specialised providers who offer built-in security frameworks designed to address the unique challenges of edge computing.

One of the key benefits of EaaS is encryption, which ensures that data is protected both in transit and at rest. This reduces the risk of data breaches by preventing unauthorised parties from accessing sensitive information. EaaS also incorporates access control mechanisms, such as secure authentication and authorisation, ensuring that only authorised users and devices can interact with the system.

EaaS enhances security through zero-trust architecture, continuously verifying users and devices to prevent unauthorised access. It also offers real-time monitoring, AI-driven threat detection, and automated patch management, ensuring edge devices stay updated and secure.

How EaaS Enhances Data Protection In AIoT Solutions

EaaS enhances data protection in AIoT systems by providing continuous monitoring, ensuring rapid identification and response to potential security threats. In addition, EaaS services offer automated software updates and patches, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed as soon as they are identified. This reduces the risk of security breaches caused by outdated software.

EaaS also leverages AI-powered anomaly detection, which can identify unusual activity or deviations from normal patterns that may indicate a security breach. This proactive approach to security allows businesses to respond to threats more effectively, minimising potential damage.

Future Of AIoT Security With EaaS

As AIoT deployments continue to grow, the importance of security will only intensify. EaaS will play a critical role in ensuring that AIoT systems remain secure as they scale across industries. The demand for robust security measures will likely increase, with EaaS providers leading the charge in offering scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions.

Regulatory compliance will also play a key role in shaping the future of AIoT security. As data protection laws such as GDPR and CCPA evolve, businesses will need to ensure that their AIoT systems comply with these regulations. EaaS providers will be instrumental in helping companies navigate these complex requirements.

Deploying AIoT at the edge offers operational benefits but adds security challenges. EaaS addresses these risks with encryption, real-time monitoring, and Zero-Trust architecture, ensuring secure, scalable deployments. Businesses that adopt EaaS will be better equipped to succeed as AIoT adoption grows.

The post How EaaS Is Solving Security Implications Of AIoT Solutions appeared first on Inc42 Media.

In today’s digital world, the demand for secure, transparent, and efficient agreements is more pressing than ever. Enter smart contracts—self-executing agreements that are changing industries face, thanks to blockchain technology’s power. 

By removing intermediaries, smart contracts offer a more streamlined, cost-effective, and tamper-proof method for executing transactions. The revolutionary role of blockchain in securing these contracts has redefined trust in digital agreements, propelling us into a future where transparency and security are foundational pillars.

The adoption of smart contracts is gaining momentum across various sectors. The global smart contracts market was valued at approximately $684.3 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach around $73.77 Bn by 2030, reflecting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 82.2%. The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector is at the forefront of this trend, accounting for over 37% of the market share in 2022.

This sector leverages smart contracts for peer-to-peer transactions, error-free insurance claims processing, and seamless Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.

The Essence Of Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are autonomous programs that execute predefined actions when specific conditions are met. Hosted on decentralised blockchain networks, they eliminate the need for middlemen, thus reducing costs and improving transaction speed. Some core attributes include:

• Automation: Self-executing contracts based on encoded terms reduce manual intervention.
• Transparency: All participants can access immutable contract terms stored on the blockchain.
• Trustless Operation: Unlike traditional agreements, smart contracts function in a “trustless” environment, meaning participants rely on the code rather than the integrity of the other party. 

Blockchain’s Security Framework

The security of smart contracts relies on several robust features of blockchain technology. Here are key elements contributing to its unparalleled security:

• Decentralisation: Blockchain’s distributed nature ensures that no single party can manipulate the data, making unauthorised modifications or interference virtually impossible.
• Cryptography: Blockchain secures contract terms and transactions using advanced cryptographic algorithms, ensuring only authorised users can interact with the contract.
• Immutability: Once a smart contract is deployed on the blockchain, its data is immutable—meaning it cannot be altered or deleted without consensus from the entire network, minimising the risk of tampering.

To further strengthen security, consensus mechanisms are essential for validating transactions and maintaining the integrity of the blockchain. These mechanisms ensure that all nodes agree on a single transaction history, effectively preventing issues such as double-spending. 

Common types include Proof of Work (PoW), where miners solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions, and Proof of Stake (PoS), where validators are selected based on the number of tokens they hold.

Moreover, the distinction between private and public blockchains significantly impacts how smart contracts operate. Public blockchains promote openness and transparency but may expose themselves to certain security risks due to their accessibility. In contrast, private blockchains provide enhanced privacy and control over data at the expense of some degree of decentralisation.

Within this framework, nodes in a blockchain network validate transactions by comparing them against their copies of the ledger. If most nodes approve a transaction based on established consensus rules, it is then added to the blockchain, thereby reinforcing the overall security and reliability of smart contracts in various applications.

Enhancing Smart Contract Security

Ensuring the security of smart contracts requires a multifaceted approach. One of the most effective methods is formal verification, a mathematical process that confirms the contract’s correctness before deployment. By detecting potential flaws in the code at an early stage, formal verification helps ensure only secure, reliable contracts are launched.

Additionally, independent security audits are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance with best practices. These audits help boost user confidence and foster trust in the reliability of the contracts.

Real-time monitoring tools also play a significant role by enabling organisations to detect and respond to suspicious activities as they happen, thereby offering an additional layer of protection against potential threats.

By integrating these strategies, organisations can significantly enhance the security of their smart contracts, fostering wider adoption and trust in blockchain-powered agreements.

The Road Ahead: Advancing Smart Contract Security

The increasing adoption of smart contracts highlights the need for stronger and more resilient security frameworks. Blockchain technology, with its inherent features of decentralisation, cryptographic security, and immutability, offers a solid foundation for building secure digital ecosystems.

However, the evolving nature of blockchain applications requires continuous improvements and collaboration among developers, security experts, and industry leaders to tackle emerging challenges.

Future innovations are expected to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to further enhance the efficiency and security of smart contracts. AI can automate real-time threat detection, while ML can help predict and prevent vulnerabilities before they become critical.

Furthermore, the establishment of standardised security protocols and guidelines for smart contract development will help mitigate risks and set a universal benchmark for contract integrity. As blockchain technology evolves, these proactive strategies will ensure that smart contracts remain secure, efficient, and widely adopted across industries.

The Stablecoin Revolution

Integrating stablecoins with smart contracts adds another layer of functionality and security. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies, which helps mitigate volatility—a common concern in the crypto space. By using stablecoins within smart contracts, businesses can ensure predictable transaction values, making them more appealing for financial applications.

For instance, in decentralised finance (DeFi), stablecoins facilitate lending and borrowing activities through smart contracts. This allows users to engage in transactions without the fear of sudden value fluctuations, thus enhancing user confidence and participation in blockchain-based financial systems.

Future Outlook

The future of smart contracts appears promising as their adoption continues to expand across various sectors. Emerging technologies like AI and IoT are expected to further enhance these capabilities by automating processes and enabling real-time data integration. Furthermore, as regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate these technologies, we can expect increased legal recognition and support for smart contracts.

The potential for interoperability between different blockchain platforms will also play a crucial role in their future development. This capability will enable seamless interactions between diverse systems and applications while fostering innovation across industries.

In conclusion, the rise of stablecoins illustrates the increasing integration of blockchain technology into the global financial landscape. By leveraging stablecoins within smart contracts, businesses can achieve more secure, reliable, and transparent transactions while benefiting from blockchain’s efficiency.

As we move forward, the seamless convergence of stablecoins and smart contracts will unlock new possibilities for industries —reshaping how agreements are made and executed in the digital age.

The post Why Enterprises Are Betting On Blockchain-Based Smart Contracts appeared first on Inc42 Media.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, it presents a transformative opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The potential for AI to revolutionise business operations is not just immense, but also inspiring, offering a hopeful future for MSMEs. However, the path to successful implementation can be challenging.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies that MSMEs can employ to leverage AI effectively. These strategies are designed to overcome common hurdles and seize growth opportunities, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence as MSMEs navigate the complex AI landscape.

Understanding AI In The Context Of MSMEs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to developing computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. This broad field encompasses a variety of technologies, including machine learning, where systems learn from data to make predictions or decisions, and natural language processing (NLP), which enables machines to understand, process, and respond to human language.

How Does AI Adoption Help MSMEs?

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) recruit sparsely, with employees wearing multiple hats, leading to inefficiencies in operations. 

Imagine if repetitive processes and well-defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) could be automated. It would free up the currently stretched team members to focus on tasks requiring their expertise and intervention.

Would integrating AI benefit such an automation endeavor? Absolutely. AI can be a game changer for MSMEs, driving efficiency and fostering innovation across their operations.

Let’s explore some quick applications where AI could be integrated:

• Customer Service Automation: AI-powered chatbots can handle inquiries 24/7, improving customer response times while reducing operational costs.
• Predictive Analytics: This allows businesses to forecast demand, optimise inventory, and make informed decisions based on data trends.
• Supply Chain Optimisation: AI can streamline operations by predicting potential disruptions and suggesting the most efficient routes and processes.

A McKinsey report highlighted that 44% of MSME respondents reported cost savings from AI adoption in their business units, particularly in areas of manufacturing and supply chain management, indicating that AI drives efficiency and contributes to cost savings and revenue increases. 

Challenges In AI Adoption For MSMEs

While AI adoption can be transformative for MSME growth, several challenges can hinder its implementation:

• Lack Of SOPs: In the absence of well-defined Standard Operating Procedures, automating processes becomes difficult.
• Resource Constraints: Limited human and technical resources can slow down AI adoption.
• Financial Limitations: High initial costs can be a significant barrier for small businesses.
• Knowledge Gap: A lack of understanding of AI technology can prevent effective implementation.
• Diffidence and Data Security Concerns: Concerns over data privacy and the fear of the unknown can cause hesitation in adopting AI.
• Legacy Systems: The older, outdated systems are often incompatible with modern AI solutions.

Moreover, the absence of effective data management can make AI implementation ineffective, as AI relies heavily on high-quality data for accurate analysis and decision-making.

While these challenges may seem overwhelming for MSMEs, they can be overcome with the right strategies.

Strategies For Effective AI Adoption

To successfully adopt AI, MSMEs need to start by laying a solid foundation:

1. Document Processes And Create SOPs: Clearly defined processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for identifying areas where AI can be integrated effectively.
2. Formalise Data Collection: Establishing robust data collection and management practices is critical, as AI relies heavily on high-quality data for accurate analysis and decision-making.

MSMEs should begin by implementing manageable AI projects that deliver quick wins. This could include tools that automate customer service or focus on basic predictive analysis. These initial successes help build momentum, demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI, and ease concerns, securing buy-in from stakeholders.

Collaboration and partnerships with technology providers, AI startups, and academic institutions are crucial for broader AI implementation, giving them access to expertise and resources that MSMEs may lack internally. Collaborating with companies like NVIDIA and AMD, or tech giants like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Google, as well as local AI startups like KissanAI, VoiceOwl, and Fasthr.AI, can offer specialised solutions—whether in agriculture insights, customer interaction, or streamlining hiring processes.

Investing In Skill Development is equally important. Upskilling employees through AI literacy programs ensures the workforce can effectively engage with and utilise AI tools. This internal capacity-building is essential for sustained success.

Selecting AI solutions that are scalable, user-friendly, and compatible with existing systems is another critical step. MSMEs should choose technologies that can grow with their business and integrate seamlessly with current operations.

Finally, running pilot programs allows MSMEs to test AI applications in a controlled environment, gathering valuable insights before committing to full-scale implementation. This phased approach reduces risk and ensures a smoother transition to AI integration.

Cashing On Opportunities For Growth

AI adoption can provide MSMEs a significant competitive advantage in their respective markets. By improving operational efficiency, AI helps businesses reduce costs and streamline processes, enabling them to do more with less. This newfound efficiency makes it an even playing field, giving smaller enterprises the much-needed edge to compete more effectively with larger counterparts. It’s a future full of exciting possibilities. 

This newfound efficiency makes it an even playing field, giving smaller enterprises the much-needed edge to compete more effectively with larger counterparts.

AI-powered tools can also profoundly impact the customer experience. Solutions like chatbots and personalised marketing create more engaging and responsive interactions, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Additionally, AI’s data-driven insights empower MSMEs to make better decisions, enabling them to respond swiftly to rapidly changing market conditions.

The scalability of AI solutions is particularly beneficial for MSMEs. As the organisation grows, its AI capabilities can be easily extended to support larger operations, new markets, or more complex processes. This flexibility ensures that businesses remain agile and responsive to new opportunities.

For instance, companies have reported a 15% reduction in logistics costs and a 35% decrease in inventory levels, showcasing AI’s ability to streamline operations and reduce overhead expenses.

Moreover, AI can serve as a catalyst for innovation. AI-driven analysis and automation enable MSMEs to explore new product and service offerings, enhance existing ones, and even create entirely new business models. This differentiation in a crowded market drives growth and ensures long-term success.

Bottom Line 

AI adoption presents a transformative opportunity for MSMEs, offering the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. While the implementation challenges are real, with the right strategies—such as starting small, forming strategic partnerships, investing in skill development, and maintaining high-quality data— navigating the complexities of AI integration for MSMEs can be reduced. 

AI adoption will not only level the playing field with larger competitors but also open up new avenues for growth and long-term success. As AI continues to evolve, MSMEs who have adopted AI will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market landscape.

The post AI Adoption Strategies For MSMEs: Navigating The Challenges And Opportunities appeared first on Inc42 Media.

Generative AI is toppling the business strategy & operational models of the enterprises and startups. In addition to executing well-defined tasks, GenAI is starting to address broader, more ambiguous problems.

It’s not implausible to imagine that one day, a “GenAI strategist in a box” could autonomously develop and execute a business strategy. During my multiple conversations with several CXOs and startup founders who express such a vision — and they would like to embed GenAI in the business strategy and their operating models; here’s a sneak peek of the observations emanating from the conversations and the ensuing impact of GenAI on business strategy & operational models:

Business Processes – Increasing Productivity By Reducing Disruptions

AI algorithms are not natively “intelligent.” They learn inductively by analysing data. Most leaders and startup founders are investing in AI talent and have built robust information infrastructures. 

Airbus started to ramp up production of its new A350 aircraft, the company faced a multibillion-euro challenge.The plan was to increase the production rate of that aircraft faster than ever before. To do that, they needed to address issues like responding quickly to disruptions in the factory.

Airbus turned to AI. It combined data from past production programs, continuing input from the A350 program, fuzzy matching, and a self-learning algorithm to identify patterns in production problems. AI led to rectification of about 70% of the production disruptions for Airbus, by matching to solutions used previously — in near real time.

Just as it is enabling speed and efficiency at Airbus, AI capabilities are leading directly to new, better processes and results at other pioneering organisations. Other large companies, such as BP, Wells Fargo, and Ping , an insurance company, are already solving important business problems with AI. Many others, however, have yet to get started.

Integrated Strategy Machine – The Implementation Scope Of GenAI At Scale

The integrated strategy machine is the AI analogy of what new factory designs were for electricity. In other words, the increasing intelligence of machines could be wasted unless businesses reshape the way they develop and execute their strategies. No matter how advanced technology is, it needs human partners to enhance its competitive advantage. It must be embedded in what we call the integrated strategy machine.

An integrated strategy machine is a collection of technological and human resources that act in concert to develop and execute business strategies. It comprises a range of conceptual and analytical operations, including problem definition, signal processing, pattern recognition, abstraction and conceptualisation, analysis, and prediction. One of its critical functions is reframing, which is repeatedly redefining the problem to enable deeper insights.

Amazon represents the state-of-the-art in deploying an integrated strategy machine. It has at least 21 AI systems, which include several supply chain optimisation systems, an inventory forecasting system, a sales forecasting system, a profit optimisation system, a recommendation engine, and many others.

These systems are closely intertwined with each other and with human strategists to create an integrated, well-oiled machine. If the sales forecasting system detects that the popularity of an item is increasing, it starts a cascade of changes throughout the system: The inventory forecast is updated, causing the supply chain system to optimise inventory across its warehouses; the recommendation engine pushes the item more, causing sales forecasts to increase; the profit optimisation system adjusts pricing, again updating the sales forecast.

Manufacturing Operations – An AI Assistant On The Floor

CXOs at industrial companies expect the largest effect in operations and manufacturing. BP plc, for example, augments human skills with AI in order to improve operations in the field. They have something called the BP well advisor that takes all of the data that’s coming off of the drilling systems and creates advice for the engineers to adjust their drilling parameters to remain in the optimum zone and alerts them to potential operational upsets and risks down the road. 

They are also trying to automate root-cause failure analysis to where the system trains itself over time and it has the intelligence to rapidly assess and move from description to prediction to prescription.

Customer-Facing Activities – Near Real-Time Scoring

Ping, the second-largest insurer in China, with a market capitalisation of $120 Bn, is improving customer service across its insurance and financial services portfolio with AI. 

For example, it now offers an online loan in three minutes, thanks in part to a customer scoring tool that uses an internally developed AI-based face-recognition capability that is more accurate than humans. The tool has verified more than 300 Mn faces in various uses and now complements Ping An’s cognitive AI capabilities including voice and imaging recognition.

Generative AI For Different Operational Strategy Models

To make the most of the GenAI implementation in various business operations in your enterprise, consider the three main ways that businesses can or will use GenAI:

Insights Enabled Intelligence

Now widely available, it improves what people and organisations are already doing. For example, Google’s Gmail sorts incoming email into “Primary,” “Social,” and “Promotion” default tabs. The algorithm, trained with data from millions of other users’ emails, makes people more efficient without changing the way they use email or altering the value it provides. Assisted intelligence tends to involve clearly defined, rules-based, repeatable tasks.

Insights-based intelligence apps often involve computer models of complex realities that allow businesses to test decisions with less risk. 

For example, one auto manufacturer has developed a simulation of consumer behaviour, incorporating data about the types of trips people make, the ways those affect supply and demand for motor vehicles, and the variations in those patterns for different city topologies, marketing approaches, and vehicle price ranges.

The model spells out more than 200,000 variations for the automaker to consider and simulates the potential success of any tested variation, thus assisting in the design of car launches. 

As the automaker introduces new cars and the simulator incorporates the data on outcomes from each launch, the model’s predictions will become ever more accurate.

Recommendation Based Intelligence

Recommendation based Intelligence, emerging today, enables organisations and people to do things they couldn’t otherwise do. Unlike insights enabled intelligence, it fundamentally alters the nature of the task, and business models change accordingly.

Netflix uses machine learning algorithms to do something media has never done before: suggest choices customers would probably not have found themselves, based not just on the customer’s patterns of behaviour, but on those of the audience at large. 

A Netflix user, unlike a cable TV pay-per-view customer, can easily switch from one premium video to another without penalty, after just a few minutes. This gives consumers more control over their time. They use it to choose videos that are more tailored to the way they feel at any given moment.

Every time that happens, the system records that observation and adjusts its recommendation list — and it enables Netflix to tailor its next round of videos to user preferences more accurately. This leads to reduced costs and higher profits per movie, and a more enthusiastic audience, which then enables more investments in personalisation (and AI).

Decision Enabled Intelligence

Being developed for the future, decision enabled intelligence creates and deploys machines that act on their own. Very few intelligence systems — systems that make decisions without direct human involvement or oversight — are in widespread use today. Early examples include automated trading in the stock market (about 75 per cent of Nasdaq trading is conducted autonomously) and facial recognition. 

In some circumstances, algorithms are better than people at identifying other people. Other early examples include robots that dispose of bombs, gather deep-sea data, maintain space stations, and perform other tasks inherently unsafe for people.

As you contemplate deploying generative artificial intelligence at scale, articulate what combination of the three approaches works best for you.

1. Are you primarily interested in upgrading your existing processes, reducing costs, and improving productivity? If so, then start with insights-enabled intelligence with a clear AI strategy roadmap
2. Do you seek to build your business around something new — responsive and self-driven products or services and experiences that incorporate AI? Then pursue a decision-enabled intelligence approach, probably with more complex AI applications and robust infrastructure
3. Are you developing a genuinely new platform? In that case, consider building the first principles of an AI-led strategy across the platform’s functionalities and processes.

CXOs and startup founders need to create their own AI strategy playbook to reimagine their business strategies and operating models and derive accentuated business performance.

The post Reimagining Business Strategies And Operating Models Through Lens Of GenAI appeared first on Inc42 Media.

The growth of the electric two-wheeler market in India is nothing short of remarkable. According to a recent estimate, the market is currently valued at approximately $1.2 Bn, and driven largely by Tier I cities, where the need for eco-friendly, efficient transportation is at its highest. 

With over 60% of sales coming from urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, the demand for electric two-wheelers is clearly on the rise.

What Is Fueling This Demand?

A broad and diverse audience that spans young professionals, environmentally conscious individuals, and budget-conscious commuters. Whether it’s the appeal of reducing one’s carbon footprint or the practicality of saving on transportation costs, electric two-wheelers are attracting a wide range of users.

Indian brands are stepping up to meet this demand, developing vehicles that cater to this diverse market, from sleek models designed for urban professionals to more affordable options for students and daily commuters.

Beyond the diverse customer base, the Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry faces several notable challenges. These include the lack of adequate charging infrastructure and high upfront costs associated with battery technology and production scalability. 

However, leading manufacturers are rising to the occasion, integrating innovative solutions that make electric two-wheelers more accessible and reliable. For instance, many manufacturers now offer state-of-the-art features such as detachable batteries for easier charging, geo-tracking security systems, and cutting-edge motor technology. 

These advancements are easing user concerns while positioning electric two-wheelers as a viable, long-term solution for urban mobility.

Beating The Traffic: How Electric Two-Wheelers Are Easing Urban Gridlock

Traffic congestion has long been a bane of urban India, with daily commutes stretching hours longer than necessary. Electric two-wheelers are changing that dynamic. Their compact design and agile manoeuvrability make them ideal for weaving through heavy traffic, reducing congestion in densely populated areas. 

These vehicles offer commuters an escape from the gridlock, shortening travel times and improving the overall flow of traffic in cities notorious for their bottlenecks.

The ability to move quickly and efficiently through crowded streets is not just a convenience – it’s a necessity. As urbanisation accelerates, our cities need smart, scalable solutions that alleviate the strain on infrastructure. Electric two-wheelers are providing exactly that, offering urbanites a way to bypass the worst of traffic while contributing to a smoother, more efficient urban transport system.

Moreover, some electric two-wheeler brands are developing models with enhanced stability features such as low wheelbases and high ground clearance, making them more versatile for India’s often uneven urban terrain.

The introduction of these performance-enhancing features ensures that electric two-wheelers not only beat the traffic but do so safely and reliably.

Making The Case For Cleaner Air, Quieter Cities 

India’s struggle with air pollution is well documented, with many of its cities regularly topping global rankings for poor air quality. Electric two-wheelers present a solution that doesn’t just help commuters; it helps entire communities breathe easier. 

With zero tailpipe emissions, these vehicles drastically reduce pollutants that contribute to smog and health issues, offering a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters.

Beyond the environmental benefits, electric two-wheelers also tackle another pervasive urban problem: noise pollution. In cities filled with the constant hum of engines and honking horns, the near-silent operation of electric vehicles creates a quieter, more peaceful urban soundscape. 

This shift toward quieter transportation not only improves mental well-being but also enhances the quality of life for city dwellers who often feel overwhelmed by the cacophony of urban life.

Savings At Every Turn

One of the most compelling reasons for the rapid rise of electric two-wheelers is their affordability. With skyrocketing fuel prices and the high maintenance costs of conventional vehicles, electric two-wheelers offer significant savings. 

Not only do they eliminate the need for fuel, but they also require far less maintenance, thanks to fewer moving parts and the simplicity of electric engines. For everyday commuters, this means lower running costs, making electric two-wheelers a financially smart choice.

In addition to savings on fuel and maintenance, government incentives make these vehicles even more appealing. Programs like FAME II provide substantial subsidies, while tax benefits and exemptions on road taxes make the initial investment in electric two-wheelers more affordable. 

Some manufacturers are also addressing concerns around battery durability, offering warranties that cover up to three years or introducing IP67-rated water and dust resistant features to ensure longer lasting vehicles.

Charging Ahead To Overcome Infrastructure Challenges 

Despite the obvious benefits, the widespread adoption of electric two-wheelers faces significant hurdles, primarily around charging infrastructure. In many cities, the lack of readily available charging stations limits the appeal of these vehicles for longer commutes. 

However, both government initiatives and private sector investments are rapidly addressing this issue. The expansion of EV charging networks is a key priority, ensuring that users can charge their vehicles with ease and confidence, no matter where they are in the city.

Another pressing concern is battery disposal. As the electric vehicle market grows, so does the need for sustainable battery recycling solutions. Leading brands are investing in sustainable production practices and working to develop eco-friendly battery recycling programs.

Government policies are also evolving to include stricter regulations on battery waste, ensuring that the environmental benefits of electric two-wheelers are not offset by improper disposal methods.

The Onset Of Electric Evolution

India stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward redefining urban mobility, and electric two-wheelers are the catalyst driving that transformation. They are not just vehicles but a movement; one that challenges the way we think about transportation, sustainability, and the very design of our cities.

In a country where innovation must meet the scale of its population, electric two-wheelers offer more than just convenience; they embody the promise of a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient future.

As we look ahead, the question is no longer whether electric two-wheelers will succeed, but how quickly we can embrace their full potential. Each ride represents a shift in mindset, a step toward a future where our cities are not held hostage by pollution and gridlock, but instead thrive with smarter, greener solutions. It’s time to accelerate this transition – because the future of urban India is electric, and that future begins now.

The post How Electric Two-Wheelers Are Transforming India’s Urban Mobility appeared first on Inc42 Media.

In today’s fast-paced ecommerce landscape, businesses are continuously seeking ways to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. One of the most effective strategies that companies employ is outsourcing. 

This approach allows ecommerce companies to focus on core functions while leveraging external expertise to manage various aspects of their supply chain. But what exactly is the role of outsourcing in streamlining ecommerce supply chain operations? Let’s explore.

What Is Outsourcing In Ecommerce?

Outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring third-party companies to handle specific business tasks or services. In ecommerce, this often includes services like logistics, warehousing, customer support, and even IT solutions. By outsourcing these tasks, businesses can offload time-consuming responsibilities to experts, leaving them free to focus on core operations like marketing and product development.

Why Ecommerce Businesses Outsource Supply Chain Functions?

For ecommerce businesses, managing an efficient supply chain is vital to staying competitive. However, handling every single process internally can be both time-consuming and costly. Here are some reasons why outsourcing supply chain operations makes sense:

• Cost Efficiency: By outsourcing functions like warehousing, logistics, or customer service, businesses can save on labour costs, infrastructure investments, and operational overhead.
• Scalability: Outsourcing partners can easily scale their services up or down depending on business needs, which is especially beneficial for ecommerce businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations.
• Access to Expertise: Third-party providers are specialists in their field, meaning they can often provide faster, more reliable, and optimised solutions than what an internal team could manage.

Key Areas Of Outsourcing In Ecommerce Supply Chains

There are several areas within an ecommerce supply chain that businesses commonly outsource. Here are the key ones:

Warehousing And Inventory Management

Managing inventory can be a complex task for growing ecommerce businesses. By outsourcing warehousing and inventory management, companies can access advanced storage solutions, automated inventory tracking, and timely replenishment systems, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstock.

Order Fulfillment

Order fulfillment involves picking, packing, and shipping products to customers. Outsourcing this function to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can streamline operations, ensuring faster and more accurate deliveries. This is particularly important for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Shipping And Delivery

Shipping is one of the most critical aspects of the ecommerce supply chain. By outsourcing shipping services to external providers, businesses can take advantage of negotiated shipping rates, global delivery networks, and optimised routing systems, ensuring timely deliveries at reduced costs.

Customer Support

Handling customer inquiries and complaints can be overwhelming for ecommerce companies, especially as they scale. Outsourcing customer support to specialised agencies enables businesses to offer 24/7 support without the need for in-house teams.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Ecommerce Supply Chain Operations

Outsourcing plays a significant role in helping ecommerce businesses streamline their operations. Let’s dive into the major benefits:

• Increased Efficiency: Outsourcing allows businesses to improve the overall efficiency of their supply chain operations. External providers use the latest technology, automated systems, and trained staff to ensure faster and more accurate processes.
• Cost Savings: When businesses outsource functions like warehousing, logistics, or customer service, they save on labour costs, infrastructure investments, and operational overhead. This frees up resources for other growth areas like marketing and product expansion.
• Enhanced Flexibility And Scalability: Outsourcing partners can quickly adjust their services to meet demand fluctuations. Whether it’s managing seasonal sales spikes or expanding into new markets, outsourcing enables businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing needs.
• Focus On Core Competencies: By offloading non-core activities to external providers, ecommerce businesses can concentrate on what they do best—whether that’s innovating new products, building customer relationships, or enhancing brand reputation.
• Access To Cutting-Edge Technology: Outsourcing providers often have access to the latest technology and software for logistics, order tracking, and customer service. Ecommerce companies can leverage these advanced systems without the need for heavy upfront investments.

Challenges to Consider When Outsourcing

While outsourcing offers many benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Ecommerce businesses should be aware of potential drawbacks:

• Loss Of Control: Relying on a third party means businesses might lose some control over certain aspects of the supply chain, which could affect quality or timing.
• Communication Barriers: When outsourcing to providers in different regions, language differences, time zones, and cultural misunderstandings may pose communication challenges.
• Data Security: Outsourcing requires sharing sensitive business data, so companies need to ensure that third-party providers follow strong data security protocols.

How to Choose the Right Outsourcing Partner

To mitigate the challenges of outsourcing, it’s essential to choose the right partner. Here are some factors to consider:

• Reputation And Experience: Look for providers with a proven track record in the specific area of supply chain management you need help with.
• Technology And Innovation: Make sure your outsourcing partner is using the latest tools and technologies to stay competitive and improve efficiency.
• Scalability: Ensure that the provider can scale services as your business grows or experiences demand changes.
• Customer Service: Reliable communication is key to a successful outsourcing relationship. Choose a provider that offers excellent customer service and is responsive to your business needs.

In conclusion, outsourcing has become an indispensable strategy for ecommerce companies looking to streamline their supply chain operations. By leveraging the expertise and resources of third-party providers, businesses can not only reduce costs but also increase efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction. However, it’s essential to choose the right outsourcing partner to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth supply chain experience. 

The post How Outsourcing Powers A More Efficient Ecommerce Supply Chain appeared first on Inc42 Media.

Enterprise software is at a turning point. For the last 2 decade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) dominated as the go-to model for businesses, offering scalable, accessible solutions for almost any operational need. Today, however, we’re seeing a fundamental shift. The average number of SaaS applications used by an enterprise decreased by 14% in 2023. 

The enterprise software landscape is being transformed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the rise of new use cases driven by changing consumer behavior. And it’s not a gradual evolution, it’s a complete paradigm-change. The disruptor is getting disrupted.

What’s replacing it is something far more powerful and targeted — AI-powered vertical SaaS. This new wave of SaaS focuses not on broad-based solutions but on highly specialised, industry-specific tools that deliver clear business outcomes. Mindbody, a vertical SaaS provider for fitness and wellness businesses, claims to grow revenue by an average of 36% within 6 months when moving from traditional SaaS.

Enterprises are moving past the era of generic software in favor of comprehensive, tailored solutions that combine AI, automation, and deep domain knowledge to address their specific needs. This shift marks the beginning of a new era for enterprise technology, one where business results, not software features, are the primary concern.

The Decline Of Traditional SaaS

Enterprises today juggle dozens, if not hundreds, of SaaS applications. Each platform claims to solve a specific problem, but this fragmented approach has led to integration headaches, data silos, and an overwhelming sense of complexity. 

Enterprise decision-makers no longer care about the underlying technology itself—they care about what it delivers. They care about tangible outcomes like cost savings, operational efficiencies, and improved customer experiences. This shift in focus is causing companies to rethink their approach to enterprise software.

Legacy SaaS platforms, once hailed for their simplicity and scalability, now struggle to meet the evolving demands of modern enterprises especially in the post GenAI era. Giants like Salesforce, which once defined the SaaS era, are scrambling to adapt, as seen in their pivot towards “Agentforce” — an AI-powered initiative aimed at reshaping their offering for the future. But even these efforts reflect a growing realisation across industries: enterprises are experiencing “SaaS fatigue”, wasting an average of over $135,000 on unused software licenses annually. 

AI has taken center-stage to correct this course, not by adding more tools, but by introducing a smarter, more targeted and unified approach: vertical SaaS.

The Rise Of AI-Powered Vertical SaaS

Enterprises no longer want one-size-fits-all solutions. They want software that understands the intricacies of their industry and can adapt to their specific needs. AI-powered vertical SaaS delivers exactly that. Unlike traditional SaaS, which is built for broad use cases, vertical SaaS is deeply tailored to specific industries. By using AI, it can offer real-time insights, automation, and optimisations that solve problems unique to each sector.

Take ecommerce, for instance. AI-powered vertical SaaS solutions in this space don’t just help manage product listings—they analyse customer behavior, predict purchasing trends, and even personalise shopping experiences based on real-time data. In addition, AI-driven platforms optimise inventory management by forecasting demand, automating restocking, and identifying potential supply chain disruptions. In marketing, they help tailor promotions, predict customer lifetime value, and enhance conversion rates with precision targeting.

This hyper-targeted approach allows vertical SaaS to deliver tangible business outcomes rather than generic efficiencies. AI powers this shift by enabling platforms to adapt to industry-specific challenges, automate routine tasks, and provide insights at a scale and speed that was previously unattainable.

Think of traditional SaaS like a Swiss Army knife — versatile, but not always the best tool for a specific task. vertical SaaS, however, is like a surgeon’s scalpel or a craftsman’s chisel — precisely designed for a specific job, delivering results with pinpoint accuracy and efficiency. What would you rather use for mission-critical work: a multi-tool that does everything adequately or an instrument built to perform one task perfectly?

Vertical SaaS – Future Of Enterprise Software

Deep Domain Knowledge Is The Key 

AI-powered vertical SaaS is effective because it doesn’t attempt to be everything for everyone. Instead, it leverages deep domain knowledge to understand the unique challenges faced by specific industries. 

Whether it’s healthcare, retail, manufacturing, or finance, vertical SaaS platforms are built with industry expertise at their core. This deep knowledge enables these platforms to address industry-specific pain points, making them far more valuable than traditional SaaS platforms.

In healthcare, for example, compliance with regulatory frameworks like HIPAA is non-negotiable. Vertical SaaS platforms can be designed with these regulations in mind, ensuring that data privacy and security are prioritised while enabling faster access to life-saving insights. In retail, these platforms can use AI to analyse consumer behavior trends and optimise inventory in real time. The result? solutions that don’t just provide tools, but real outcomes that align with the specific goals of each business.

Orchestrating Existing Systems, Data, And AI For Business Results

Most enterprises have spent years building a complex web of legacy systems, data repositories, and software platforms. The idea of ripping and replacing these systems for something new is not only unfeasible but also impractical. AI-powered vertical SaaS doesn’t require enterprises to start from scratch. Instead, it seamlessly integrates with existing systems, orchestrating data and workflows to unlock business value.

AI plays a critical role in this integration. By pulling data from multiple sources and applying advanced machine learning or deep learning models, these platforms can provide actionable insights at a speed and scale that manual systems can’t match.

Enterprises no longer need to rely on disparate point solutions or traditional SaaS tools that work in silos. Instead, vertical SaaS platforms can orchestrate data from across the organisation, unlocking new insights and automating workflows in ways that deliver real business outcomes.

For example, an AI-driven vertical SaaS platform for retail might analyse sales trends from multiple regions, predict supply chain disruptions, and automatically optimise inventory levels—all without human intervention. In this way, enterprises move from simply managing operations to optimising them in real-time.

Seamless Integration With Existing Systems

The last thing enterprises need is yet another platform that disrupts their existing operations. The beauty of AI-powered vertical SaaS is that it integrates seamlessly into what businesses already have. Enterprises are tired of dealing with massive data migrations and lengthy implementation cycles. What they need are solutions that enhance what they already use without introducing friction.

This seamless integration means vertical SaaS can slip into place, becoming an essential part of the workflow without requiring a complete overhaul.

By blending into existing systems, these platforms enable enterprises to extract value from day one. And because they are powered by AI, they continuously learn and adapt, ensuring that the solutions become more effective over time, not less.

Invisibility In Workflows

With 83% of IT leaders stating workflow automation is necessary for digital transformation, the most effective software then isn’t the one that demands the most attention. It’s the one that becomes invisible, operating in the background and enhancing workflows without users even noticing. 

AI-powered vertical SaaS does exactly this. By automating routine tasks, streamlining operations, and delivering real-time insights directly within existing workflows, these platforms make the enterprise more efficient without adding complexity.

Imagine a logistics company where AI quietly optimises delivery routes, predicts shipment delays, and reallocates resources in real time—all without requiring the intervention of managers. Or a healthcare system where AI automatically flags potential health risks for patients, allowing doctors to focus on patient care instead of data entry. When AI becomes invisible, it frees up employees to focus on high-value tasks that truly move the needle.

End-To-End Workflow Automation

The real power of AI lies in its ability to automate not just individual tasks but entire workflows. AI-powered vertical SaaS doesn’t just provide insights; it takes action. From monitoring key metrics to making decisions and executing tasks, these platforms automate the full range of enterprise processes.

Consider a finance team using a vertical SaaS platform that automates everything from invoice processing to fraud detection. The platform doesn’t just alert the team to potential issues rather it resolves them autonomously. In manufacturing, vertical SaaS platforms can monitor equipment, predict failures, and automatically schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs. 

This level of end-to-end automation unlocks new efficiencies and drives faster decision-making, allowing enterprises to stay agile and competitive.

The Path Forward: From Generic To Vertical SaaS, Powered By AI

The days of enterprises investing in one-size-fits-all software are numbered. What businesses need now are tailored solutions that deliver real business outcomes—solutions built on deep domain expertise, powered by AI, and designed to integrate seamlessly into existing operations.

The next generation of enterprise software won’t just solve problems; it will transform industries. As enterprises look to the future, those who embrace AI-powered vertical SaaS will be the ones who lead the charge in reshaping their industries and driving meaningful results. AI isn’t just disrupting SaaS, it’s building something entirely new. And, when Andreessen Horowitz pays attention, so should you.

The post How AI-Powered Vertical SaaS Is Taking Over Traditional Enterprise SaaS appeared first on Inc42 Media.

By 2030, the global semiconductor market is expected to be worth a trillion dollars, thanks to developments in electronics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. This offers India a huge chance to position itself as a prominent player in international supply networks. 

The geopolitical environment is driving diversification away from Taiwan’s hegemony in chip production, hence India’s goal of building a strong semiconductor ecosystem is not only ideal but also inevitable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a plan at the recently concluded SEMICON India 2024 that highlights India’s democratic ideals and robust supply chains while combining the nation’s expanding skilled population with an investment-friendly climate. 

India is putting a lot of emphasis on semiconductor infrastructure as it develops a workforce of 85,000 engineers, technicians, and R&D specialists. India is making a significant attempt to establish itself as a global centre for semiconductor production, in line with global demand.

India’s Expanding Semiconductor Market: A World Of Possibilities

According to recent estimates, the semiconductor market in India, currently valued at $23.2 Bn, is predicted to rise at an astounding 17.10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $80.3 Bn by 2028. The rising demand for electronics, smart devices, and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), which mostly rely on sophisticated semiconductor chips, is what is driving this growth.

The government’s commitment to lowering reliance on imports and promoting domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities is reflected in India’s 2020 Semiconductor Policy. 

Building semiconductor design capability and increasing manufacturing volume are its two main goals. The strategy encourages innovation and fosters research and development (R&D), creating a cooperative ecosystem between research institutions, industry, and academia.

The Indian government is further sweetening the pot for semiconductor makers by providing financial incentives to develop chip fabs domestically through programs like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. India hopes to do this in order to develop a self-sufficient semiconductor sector that serves both local and foreign markets.

Challenges On The Path To Semiconductor Self-Reliance

However, India’s ambitious semiconductor journey is not without its challenges. The complexities and resource requirements of semiconductor manufacturing present significant hurdles that must be overcome.

Water and energy are used extensively in the semiconductor manufacturing process. It needs large amounts of ultra-pure water, necessitating complex purification systems, as well as a constant power source. 

Ensuring these resources are available around-the-clock is a difficult task for a nation with sometimes shoddy infrastructure, particularly in areas with unreliable water and utility systems.

Additionally, the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication factory is expensive. According to government estimates, the cost of starting a chip fabrication plant in India might range from $5 to $7 Bn. Investors may be seriously discouraged by this huge upfront capital demand if it is not made up for with large government incentives and subsidies.

India’s long-standing battle with inefficient bureaucracy impedes its aspirations in the semiconductor industry. Several government agencies must approve the establishment of domestic manufacturing, and delays at each level deter potential investors. Simplifying this procedure will be essential to luring and keeping the largest semiconductor companies.

Smooth semiconductor fabrication necessitates a consistent and dependable power source. Unfortunately, there are not many places in India that can house chip production equipment because of the country’s propensity for power shortages and outages. 

For continued expansion, attention must be paid to the energy infrastructure, particularly in important centres for semiconductors.

Modern technology, much of which is licensed at a premium from patent holders, is essential to the semiconductor manufacturing industry. It will be costly for emerging semiconductor businesses in particular to acquire these technologies and make sure they are used appropriately in India. To overcome this obstacle, developing indigenous knowledge and securing advantageous terms for technology licences are essential.

And finally, despite India’s efforts, FDI in electronics remains under 1% of the total FDI inflow, largely due to hurdles like skilled labour shortages, delays in land acquisition, and an uncertain tax regime. For India to attract global semiconductor giants, it must address these structural challenges and offer a clearer, more stable investment framework.

Pathways To Future Success

India’s aspiration for the semiconductor industry is a declaration of will for the country’s future, not just an industrial objective. If this industry succeeds, it will establish the country as a leader in technology and guarantee its survival in a world where sophisticated electronics and data-driven ideas are becoming more and more important. 

The government has been focusing heavily on boosting manufacturing, but to truly elevate India’s position, more emphasis on innovation and R&D is crucial. With the abundance of brilliant minds in the country, a stronger push from the government in fostering innovation could significantly accelerate the journey towards self-reliance, particularly in the semiconductor sector. 

While efforts are being made, there’s potential for more targeted initiatives that encourage the development of cutting-edge solutions. If we build a strong innovation ecosystem, it won’t just reduce our dependence on foreign vendors – it could position India as a global leader, with other nations looking to us for advanced technologies.

The post India’s Semiconductor Revolution: Seizing A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity By 2030 appeared first on Inc42 Media.

Is there anything more fierce than a Bollywood dance-off? Yes indeed! The commerce landscape is incredibly cut-throat. With over 17,000 companies fighting for dominance in the fashion & apparel sector, newer brands are often willing to let profits bleed in their quest to conquer the market and challenge established players. This trend is particularly damaging to the apparel industry, as the goal to stay ahead can negatively impact profitability and brand positioning.

Consider this for a moment: While 8 out of 10 shoppers look for quality when making a purchase, 40% keep an eye on the price, and over 20% expect their shopping to arrive quicker than getting a cup of chai at the local tea shop! Additionally, customers love brands that offer free returns, and close to 60% of online apparel retailers experience 25% returned merchandise.

Here’s a rundown of what customers expect in exchange for their loyalty- speed, incredible delivery and return experiences, competitively priced products to encourage impulse purchasing, and unparalleled product quality. Let’s take a minute and let that sink in.

How can a brand possibly deliver all of this, while staying ahead of the game? How does one avoid being “bled out” and ensure their customer base remains protected from aggressive competitor brands? Here’s how one legacy kidswear brand does it.

The Pitfalls Of Spreadsheets & Courier Tabs

Logistics remains the heart of any business. In B2C shipping, many complex gears at work must run friction-free to ensure smooth operations, much like a perfectly choreographed dance. There is a common misconception that cutting shipping costs can negatively impact delivery experiences and thereby increase customer churn. Spoiler alert: This is simply not true.

Many organisations still use Excel spreadsheets to create and track their shipments. They usually have multiple courier websites open and painstakingly stay on top of any potential delays or errors and manually resolve them. With such primitive efforts still largely at play in pre-dispatch data recording and shipment assigning, the chances of error are incredibly high.

The resulting inefficient allocation, NDRs (non-delivery reports), and RTOs (return-to-origin) translate to expensive logistics capable of bringing even domain giants to their knees in silent prayer. The main culprits behind high shipping costs include returns from a lapse of EDD (expected delivery date) and sub-par carrier allocation.

The Science Behind Accurate EDDs

Hopscotch has partnered with ClickPost for intelligent data-science-based EDD prediction. This innovative functionality pairs business goals with real-time carrier data capture and selection. The date calculated using this formula, broken down by delivery location and chosen carrier, is –90% accurate!

What makes this unique is that it considers the carrier’s historical performance against specific parameters like RTO%, SLA breaches, etc. Much like a seasoned chess player using past games to soundly trounce the opponent. The EDD derived from this process is presented on the PDP (product detail page).

The outcome of this ClickPost + Hopscotch EDD project was evident in an exhilarating conversion surge and the on-time delivery ensured Hopscotch’s customers were happy with their brand experience!

To Optimize Is To Automate

Hopscotch approached Clickpost with the desire to incorporate an optimised automated carrier allocation module into their B2C operations to reduce shipping costs while ensuring the delivery experience they are renowned for, remained unscathed. This was a novel and visionary move, particularly for a brand that has occupied a prime space in kids’ apparel for more than a decade. 

“Hopscotch is undoubtedly one of our trailblazer brands, leading the way in strategy and decisive action. In fact, their bold move to make their core operations better, more powerful, and more efficient, caused such a rush of energy in our pre-dispatch team. And in just three weeks, from initiation- to- implementation, we gave Hopscotch a fully functional configuration that is sure to improve profitability, immediately,” said ClickPost’s cofounder Prashant Gupta.

A Touch Of Allocation Alchemy

With Hopscotch’s SLAs and pricing uploaded onto a state-of-the-art AI-driven carrier allocation product suite, Clickpost began to run simulations. Wholly based on parameters defined by the brand, algorithms, and weightages were established to reflect their priority and strategy. 

To evaluate the maximum possible reduction in shipping costs, while ensuring other key performance areas improved/remained constant, ClickPost ran multiple scenarios to identify the optimum combination for Hopscotch to adopt.

The best possible combination yielded a reduction in RTO rates while saving on shipping costs!

What The Future Holds

Looking at the expected volume of the Indian kid’s apparel market in 2028 projected to hit 16 Bn pieces and a revenue of $26.5 Bn, brands must fine-tune their shipping. This will enable them to access scalability and unlock profitability.

“As we know, AI & ML-driven solutions are the future. Especially as a predictive tool. What humans lose days over, and what organizations need dedicated teams for, intelligent systems are absolutely capable of arriving at a logical, unbiased result. And automation is an added bonus that can help brands reshuffle employees to customer-facing and product-centric teams.

We have seen our solutions help businesses scale quicker, save costs & improve their brand perception in the market. The future is now, and it is time to embrace tech-powered workflows,” said ClickPost’s cofounder Naman Vijay.

The post The Link Between Intelligent Shipping Automation & Profitability appeared first on Inc42 Media.

India’s push for a cashless economy has seen significant developments, particularly with integrating credit card payments into the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that all credit card bill payments be routed through BBPS, positioning it at the forefront of India’s digital payment landscape. 

This move enhances security and transparency, minimises fraud, and provides a unified payment interface. The rise of BBPS, alongside emerging solutions like credit on UPI, which allows on-demand borrowing, underscores the evolving digital payments ecosystem. According to a PwC report, India’s digital payments sector grew at a CAGR of about 50% from 2015–16 to 2019–20, reflecting the rapid adoption and innovation in this space.

What Is BBPS?

BBPS is a comprehensive platform that centralises bill payments for various services. Starting July 1, the RBI mandated that all credit card payments through third-party applications must be processed via BBPS, overseen by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This regulation aims to improve oversight and regulation of credit card transactions, which previously bypassed centralised systems through direct transfers like NEFT/IMPS.

Beyond credit card payments, BBPS has expanded its reach into various other payment modes. Universities now adopt BBPS for seamless fee collection, enabling students and parents to pay education fees through their preferred banks, mobile apps, or wallets. Additionally, BBPS simplifies utility bill payments, offering a single interoperable system for customers to manage everything from electricity to water bills. 

BBPS is also a fast-emerging tool in the loan repayment sector, especially for small-ticket loans and credit card dues that require manual repayments. While many large loans, such as home and auto loans, are managed through auto-debit mandates, BBPS offers convenience to those who prefer to handle their payments manually. Initially embraced by non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) for EMI collections, large banks also adopt BBPS to send payment collection requests, further cementing its role in India’s evolving digital payment landscape.

Tech Infrastructure: The Backbone Of Fintech

The Union Budget 2024 focuses on enhancing fintech infrastructure, supporting MSMEs with data-driven solutions, and advancing technologies like AI and blockchain, with key investments in high-speed internet, data centres, and cybersecurity. McKinsey’s research predicts that fintech revenues will grow nearly three times faster than traditional banking from 2023 to 2028, highlighting the importance of a robust tech infrastructure. 

BBPS: A Model For Efficient Fintech Infrastructure

BBPS exemplifies the transformative potential of a well-structured fintech infrastructure. By establishing a unified platform for bill payments, BBPS has significantly streamlined processes for both customers and billers, demonstrating the critical role of interoperability, data standardisation, and robust system integration. BBPS’s success highlights how a carefully planned infrastructure can drive efficiency and scalability, serving as a model for other Fintech initiatives.

Benefits For Customer

BBPS provides customers with convenient, flexible bill payments through multiple channels, including mobile apps and ATMs. It reduces late payment risks with timely notifications and ensures transaction security with enhanced protocols. Supporting various payment options, BBPS aligns with the growing preference for digital payments, as PwC’s June 2022 report highlights.

Benefits for Billers

For billers, BBPS enhances reach, increases revenue, and simplifies integration. It provides detailed transaction reports and a robust grievance system, improving operations and building customer trust.

The Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) aims to transform India’s bill payment landscape by consolidating various bills into a single platform. This centralisation simplifies payments, enhances financial oversight, reduces fraud through standardised security, and improves transparency with detailed reporting. It also provides valuable data on payment behaviours to inform regulatory policies and financial strategies.

The Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is poised to revolutionise the bill payment process in India, offering significant benefits for consumers, businesses, and the financial ecosystem. However, as with any transformative initiative, BBPS faces challenges that must be addressed to realise its full potential.

Role Of Technology Service Providers (TSPs) 

Having established BBPS’s role in revolutionising how bills are paid across India, it is time we look at what sits at the heart of this robust ecosystem: Technology Service Providers (TSPs), who play an instrumental role in ensuring the seamless operation and success of BBPS. By enabling seamless onboarding of billers and agents, ensuring efficient payment processing, and integrating the BBPS platform with various stakeholders, TSPs provide the necessary infrastructure and technical expertise to facilitate secure and scalable transactions.

As BBPS continues to expand its reach and impact, the role of TSPs will only grow in importance. Their contributions to integration, security, scalability, innovation, and support are critical to the platform’s ongoing success. By facilitating smooth, secure, and efficient bill payments, TSPs are helping to drive the digital transformation of India’s financial ecosystem. As the BBPS evolves, so will the role of TSPs, making them indispensable partners in the journey towards a cashless and inclusive economy.

Short-Term Disruption For Consumers

One of the immediate challenges of BBPS is the potential disruption for consumers accustomed to their preferred fintech platforms. This shift requires users to adjust to a different interface and payment process, which might cause temporary inconvenience and resistance.

Integrating BBPS requires fintech adjustments, which impact operations and customer interactions. Despite initial challenges, BBPS aims to enhance India’s digital payments with a unified, secure platform. Benefits like centralised payments and reduced fraud will become more apparent over time.

BBPS And The Fintech Industry

BBPS bridges traditional bill payment methods with digital platforms like Paytm and PhonePe. By offering a unified system, BBPS enhances transaction efficiency and provides significant advantages to agent institutions, such as seamless integration into the BBPS network and increased revenue potential through additional bill payments. BBPS also offers value-added services like bill reminders, auto-payments, and consolidated bill management, improving customer experience.

Budget 2024 And The Fintech Ecosystem

The Union Budget 2024 highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening the fintech infrastructure, which is crucial for financial innovation and inclusion. Key initiatives include supporting MSMEs with data-driven financial solutions and focusing on AI and blockchain technologies. This approach promotes collaboration between the government and fintech companies, emphasising the need for advanced digital infrastructure and the digitisation of financial processes.

Expanding The Fintech Ecosystem

BBPS shows how important robust systems are for improving digital payments. By making payments smoother and safer, BBPS is improving how we pay today and opening doors for future innovations. As the government invests in better digital systems, like secure identity checks and open connections between platforms, BBPS will help drive the fintech industry forward. With advances in technology like AI and blockchain, India is on track to become a leader in financial technology. 

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