In a move that has stunned both Wall Street and Dilli Haat, investors linked with SpaceX — the futuristic force behind Elon Musk’s space ventures — have bought a stake in Haldiram’s, one of India’s most beloved and iconic snack brands.
In 2025, this news isn’t just viral — it’s historic. Because it proves one powerful truth: “Made in India” isn’t just local anymore. It’s global.
What’s the deal?
According to reports, several key SpaceX investors, through private equity networks and growth funds, have bought a stake in Haldirams.
Though this isn’t a direct SpaceX investment, it’s a massive vote of confidence from some of the world’s smartest tech investors, who typically back only hyper-growth, IPO-ready companies. And now, they’ve chosen an Indian bhujia brand.
Haldirams: From street snacks to shelf space in global markets
Haldirams isn’t just a snack brand anymore — it’s an empire of taste, trust, and tradition.
From humble beginnings in Nagpur, it now spans across India and abroad — exporting to the USA, UK, UAE, Southeast Asia, and more.
With this new investment, Haldiram’s plans to upgrade its digital operations, expand globally, rebrand for international markets, and most notably — prepare for a potential IPO in 2025-26.
Why would SpaceX investors pick a snack brand?
Because in 2025, investors are no longer just betting on tech — they’re betting on scalable, mass-market brands with a strong emotional connect. Haldiram’s fits the model perfectly:
• High growth, driven by India’s booming FMCG and export markets
• Strong unit economics, due to manufacturing control and brand loyalty
• And most importantly — potential to go global with minimal cultural adaptation.
This is the first time Indian bhujia and laddoo have entered the same investment universe as satellites and Starships. And that’s what makes it special.
What’s next for Haldiram’s?
Haldiram’s is now gearing up for a global transformation — focused on cross-border branding, direct-to-consumer platforms, cloud kitchens, AI-led logistics, and fusion flavor innovation.
Imagine Haldiram launching a “Masala Hummus” line in the Middle East, or “Samosa Pops” in the U.S. — this is not far-fetched anymore.
The brand is also revamping packaging, onboarding digital influencers, and expanding via e-commerce to new continents.
Why this is bigger than just a funding headline
This isn’t just a business deal. It’s a signal to the world that India’s brands are ready to go global. It’s proof that the world is ready to consume not just our software, but our snacks, stories, and spirit.
Haldiram’s success is a symbol — for every small-town founder, every local snack maker, and every Indian entrepreneur who dreams big.
If Bhujia can reach the stars, why can’t your business become a ‘Bada Business’?
Haldiram’s story shows us that every desi idea has global potential if backed by vision, planning, and the right business strategy.
Bada Business gives small business owners and startup founders exactly that. With complete handholding support, business tools, marketing guidance, and IPO readiness, Bada Business helps you scale from local hero to global brand.
So dream big, plan smart, and build your brand — because the world is ready for your ‘BadaBusiness’.
Picture this—dusty village roads, narrow city lanes, and one mighty beast roaring through them all—the legendary Rajdoot Bike! Back in the day, if you wanted a ride that screamed power, durability, and pure swag, Rajdoot was the bike to own. It wasn’t just a mode of transport; it was a statement! But then, just as dramatically as it rose, it disappeared into the shadows. What happened? Buckle up as we take you through the epic saga of Rajdoot’s rise and fall!
The Birth of a Legend (1962)
Flashback to 1962—Escorts Group, an Indian company, introduced 175, the first model of this soon-to-be-iconic bike. It was basically an Indianized version of Poland’s SHL M11, tweaked to survive our desi roads and rugged terrains.
Initially, had to fight tooth and nail to win the market. People were skeptical; after all, the mighty Bullet had already captured the hearts of biking enthusiasts. But fate had something else planned for Rajdoot, and its golden moment arrived in 1973!
How Bollywood Made Rajdoot a Superstar
Enter Rishi Kapoor in the Bollywood blockbuster Bobby (1973). The man rode into the big screen on a Rajdoot, and suddenly, the entire nation was obsessed! Every youngster wanted to channel their inner Rishi, racing down the streets on this stylish machine. Sales shot through the roof, and Rajdoot became an overnight sensation. If Instagram had existed back then, Rajdoot would have been the verified influencer of the biking world!
For nearly a decade, this bike dominated the Indian roads, becoming the heartbeat of speed lovers. It wasn’t just a ride; it was an emotion. But all good things must come to an end… and for Rajdoot, trouble was lurking around the corner.
The Decline: When Rajdoot Became “Old School”
By the early ’80s, the same bike that once ruled the streets began to feel outdated. No upgrades, no innovation, no glow-up. It was still rocking the same old-school look while newer, sleeker, and more fuel-efficient bikes were entering the scene. By 1983, sales dropped drastically, and Escorts decided to pull the plug.
But wait—the Rajdoot story wasn’t over yet!
The Grand Comeback: Rajdoot 350
Fast forward to the 1980s—Escorts wasn’t ready to let go just yet. They collaborated with Yamaha and launched the Rajdoot 350—a beast modeled after the iconic Yamaha RD350. This new version was meant to give Bullet a run for its money.
It was lighter, faster, more powerful, and incredibly stylish. With six-speed gears, a 350cc engine, and a top speed of 150 km/h, this bike was a rocket on wheels. It zoomed past the competition, leaving them in the dust. Even the Indian government took notice and started using Rajdoots for official duties in rural areas, thanks to its ability to tackle rough terrains like a boss!
For a brief moment, Rajdoot 350 looked unstoppable. But then, just like a plot twist in a thriller movie, things went south again.
The Final Downfall: Outpaced by Time
By the 1990s, Rajdoot faced its biggest challenge yet—modern competitors. New bikes from Hero Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki hit the market with better mileage, smoother rides, and lower maintenance costs. Rajdoot, despite its raw power, was now too expensive and impractical for the average buyer.
No updates. No fresh designs. No competitive pricing.
It was like watching a king slowly lose his empire. By the late 1990s, Rajdoot sales plummeted, and eventually, production was stopped forever.
Rajdoot’s Legacy: Gone But Never Forgotten
Even though Rajdoot is no longer seen tearing up the roads, it still holds a special place in the hearts of biking enthusiasts. Many vintage bike lovers have preserved their Rajdoots as a tribute to an era gone by. Some farmers still use it to transport milk, proving that this beast was truly built to last!
Even MS Dhoni, the cricket legend, is known to be a huge Rajdoot fan—his very first bike was a Rajdoot!
So, while newer and shinier bikes rule the roads today, the Rajdoot legacy will always remain—an untamed beast that once ruled Indian streets like a true king!
What Do You Think?
Did you or someone in your family ever own a Rajdoot? What’s your favorite memory of this iconic bike? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you grew up in the ’90s, Doordarshan was more than just a TV channel—it was a part of your childhood heartbeat ! The electrifying “Shakti ShaktiShaktimaan,” the melodious hits of Chitrahaar, the mysterious tales of Vikram-Betaal, and the heartwarming simplicity of Malgudi Days—weren’t they all so close to our hearts? And when Ramayan and Mahabharataired, the whole house transformed into a temple. People would take baths, light incense sticks, and sit in devotion. Once the episode ended, prasad would be distributed! Doordarshanwas truly a golden part of our childhood memories.
The Beginning of Doordarshan
Today, we’re surrounded by the internet, OTT platforms, and private channels. But do you know who laid the foundation for television in India? Doordarshan! It started on September 15, 1959, as nothing more than an experiment. Back then, it was called ‘Television India.’ Slowly, it won people’s hearts, and by 1975, it had reached several major cities.
The Game-Changer in Indian Television
Before TV, people relied on the radio for news. But in 1965, when Doordarshan launched its first news bulletin, it was revolutionary! Then came ‘KrishiDarshan’—a show that fueledIndia’s Green Revolution. Teaching farmers about modern farming techniques, machinery, and technology, this program still airs today, making it India’s longest-running TV show!
The Era of Color Television
In 1982, when the Asian Games were broadcast in color, it sent shockwaves across the nation. For the first time, people moved from black-and-white screens to a world of colors! What followed was a golden era of television—‘Hum Log,’ ‘Buniyaad,’ and, of course, the epic sagas of Ramayan (1987) and Mahabharat (1988). During their telecast, streets would go silent, and people treated them as sacred rituals rather than just shows.
The Downfall: Where Did Doordarshan Go Wrong?
In 1991, economic liberalization changed everything. The entry of private channels like Star Plus and Sony, with modern content and high production value, reshaped the game. Meanwhile, Doordarshan remained stuck with outdated formats and storytelling. Though shows like ‘Shaktimaan’ and ‘ByomkeshBakshi’ were hits, they couldn’t keep up with the competition.
Doordarshan’s Survival Strategy
To adapt, Doordarshan launched various channels—DD National for general entertainment, DD Bharati for culture, DD Sports for sports, and DD Kisan for farmers. However, it still failed to capture the audience’s attention. The 2005 hit show ‘Hawaayein’ created a buzz, but soon after, Doordarshan’s graph started dipping again.
Government Control and Slow Decisions
One major setback was excessive government control. News and content were tightly regulated, making Doordarshan lose its creative freedom. From the Emergency of 1975 to political propaganda, it became more of a government mouthpiece than an entertainment platform. This pushed viewers towards private channels, which offered fresh and independent content.
Can Doordarshan Make a Comeback?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, re-telecasting Ramayan and Mahabharat sent TRPs soaring! It hinted at a possible Doordarshan revival. However, the viewership largely consisted of old fans rather than new audiences. Now, the government has approved a ₹22,500 crore budget to modernize Doordarshan. If utilized wisely, this could bring Doordarshan back into the limelight!
What’s Your Take?
What are your fondest Doordarshan memories? Do you want it to regain its past glory? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the founder of Paytm and the face of India’s digital revolution. His journey is not just about building a company, but about breaking all limits—of language, money, and fear—to teach India how to pay through mobile.
Early Life and Education
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was born on July 8, 1978, in a small village in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. His father was a school teacher and his mother a homemaker. He studied in a Hindi-medium government school, where even understanding English was difficult. But inside him, there was a fire to do something big.
When he joined Delhi College of Engineering (now DTU) for higher studies, English became his biggest challenge. He couldn’t understand lectures or textbooks properly. But instead of giving up, he started learning English by himself—reading newspapers, listening to songs, and practicing every day until he gained confidence.
First Startup and Early Struggles
During college, Vijay fell in love with technology. In 1997, he launched a company called XS Corps that built websites. Along with a few friends, he also created a content management system similar to what WordPress is today.
He didn’t have a laptop or money. He worked from cyber cafes, coding late into the night. There were times when he didn’t even have enough money for food, but he never complained. He had a dream and believed in it with all his heart.
Start of Paytm
In 2000, Vijay started One97 Communications, which later became the parent company of Paytm. It offered value-added mobile services like caller tunes and alerts. But the real revolution came in 2010 when he launched Paytm—short for “Pay Through Mobile.”
At first, Paytm was only for mobile recharges and bill payments. But Vijay had a bigger dream—he wanted people to use mobile for everything, from buying tea to booking flight tickets. So he launched the Paytm Wallet, and soon, shops, autos, and businesses across India started accepting Paytm.
The Rise to Success
Paytm’s biggest growth came in 2016 during demonetization. With cash suddenly out of reach, India turned to digital payments—and Paytm was ready. In that one year, millions of new users joined Paytm and the company’s value grew rapidly.
In 2017, Paytm launched its own bank—Paytm Payments Bank. It then added services like Paytm Mall and Paytm Money. In 2021, the company went public with India’s largest IPO.
Challenges and Criticism
As the company grew, so did the problems. The IPO did not perform well in the stock market, and the company had to face financial losses and declining user trust.
Vijay also faced personal attacks and was even seen crying during a press conference. But he didn’t give up. He revised his strategies, strengthened his team, and worked hard to keep Paytmon top.
Paytm’sPresent and Future
Today, Paytm is not just a wallet. It is a full digital ecosystem that offers payments, banking, investment, shopping, and more—all on one app. Vijay’s dream is to make India truly cashless, and Paytm is playing a big part in that journey.
Paytm’s Growth (2010–2024)
This graph clearly shows how Paytm’s user base grew rapidly between 2010 and 2024. From just 50 lakh users in 2010 to over 10 crore in 2024, the growth is nothing short of incredible. Demonetization acted as a major turning point, pushing the platform into every corner of the country.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s story is proof that dreams don’t need perfect English or a rich background—just courage and belief. He broke through language barriers, survived financial struggles, and built one of India’s most trusted tech brands. Today, he represents the face of India’s digital future.
At Bada Business, we believe in such stories of courage and transformation. We proudly support small businesses and new entrepreneurs, because together, we can make the Indian economy stronger.
Ritesh Agarwal is one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in India. He is the founder of OYO Rooms, a global hospitality company that changed the way people stay while traveling. He started his business journey at the age of 19 and built a billion-dollar company. His story is full of passion, hard work, and belief in his dream.
Early Life and Family
Ritesh Agarwal was born on 16th November 1993 in a small town called Bissamcuttack in Odisha. He belonged to a middle-class family and grew up in a simple environment. From a young age, he was very interested in technology and business. He loved to explore, read books, and understand how things work. After finishing school, he moved to Delhi for college. He got admission into the Indian School of Business and Finance, but he soon realized that he wanted to start something on his own. So, he dropped out and decided to follow his dream of building a business.
Early Struggles
Ritesh always wanted to do something different. When he was just 18 years old, he started traveling across India on a very small budget. He stayed in many cheap hotels and faced many problems like dirty rooms, poor service, and no proper facilities. These problems gave him an idea. He thought—why not create a company that helps people find better budget hotels?
With this idea, he launched a startup called Oravel Stays. It was similar to Airbnb and helped people book affordable homestays online. But after some time, he realized that just listing hotels online was not enough. The real problem was the bad quality of hotels. So, he changed his business model and started working on something bigger.
Start of OYO
In 2013, Ritesh launched OYO Rooms, which means “On Your Own.” His goal was to help budget hotels improve their quality and service. He partnered with small hotel owners, trained their staff, improved their rooms, and gave them technology and branding support. In return, these hotels became part of the OYO network, and customers could book them online easily.
The special thing about OYO was that it offered clean and reliable rooms at low prices. Customers started trusting the brand. Slowly, more hotel owners joined OYO, and the company began to grow.
First Big Success
OYO received its first investment from VentureNursery and later from Lightspeed Venture Partners. But the biggest success came when SoftBank invested in OYO. After that, OYO started growing very fast. In 2015, OYO had more than 10,000 rooms in over 100 cities in India.
Then, the company started expanding into other countries like China, Malaysia, and Nepal. By 2018, OYO’s value became more than 1 billion dollars, and it became one of the fastest-growing startups in India. In 2019, OYO entered the US and Europe and added thousands of new hotels around the world.
Challenges and Failures
Like every successful entrepreneur, Ritesh also faced many challenges. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel industry was badly affected. Travel stopped and bookings were cancelled. OYO faced big financial losses and had to lay off many employees. People started questioning the company’s future.
There were also legal problems in some countries because of different business rules. As the company grew fast, managing everything became difficult. But Ritesh never gave up. He kept working hard and made changes in the company to bring it back on track.
OYO’s Present and Future
Today, OYO is running in more than 80 countries with over 100,000 hotels and homestays on its platform. The company is using new technologies and business ideas to give better service to its customers.
Some of the latest innovations by OYO include OYO Wizard, which is a loyalty program that gives special deals to repeat customers. OYO has also started OYO Workspaces for office needs and OYO Townhouse for premium budget stays.
OYO’s Growth (2015–2024)
This graph clearly shows how OYO Rooms grew rapidly from 2015 to 2024. From just 1,000 hotels in 2015, OYO expanded to over 100,000 hotels worldwide by 2024. It’s a strong example of what consistent vision and hard work can achieve.
The story of Ritesh Agarwal proves that anyone can achieve big dreams with passion, courage, and never giving up. He started from a small town with limited resources, but he believed in his idea and worked day and night to build it. Even during hard times like the pandemic, he stayed strong and continued improving his company.
At Bada Business, we also believe in supporting such hardworking entrepreneurs. We proudly support small companies and new startups, because we believe they are the future of India. Our goal is to make the Indian economy stronger by helping more people like Ritesh succeed.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it has become a powerful tool for small and growing businesses in India. In 2025, with the small business sector contributing over 30% to India’s GDP and employing millions, AI is revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs operate by providing affordable, scalable, and practical solutions. Let’s explore how AI is helping small businesses achieve success.
Repetitive tasks like inventory management, customer support, and accounting can be time-consuming and tedious. AI simplifies these processes, allowing business owners to focus on growth. Imagine an AI chatbot handling customer inquiries 24/7 for a small retailer in Mumbai or a handicraft seller in Jaipur. With AI, businesses no longer miss out on sales, even when they’re offline. These tools are cost-effective, easy to integrate, and ideal for businesses with limited resources.
Market research can be expensive, but AI helps small businesses analyze customer preferences, buying patterns, and local trends using data from social media or sales records. For example, a Delhi street food vendor could predict the most popular items for weekends, reducing waste and maximizing profits. AI eliminates guesswork and enables businesses to make data-driven decisions with confidence.
Effective marketing is crucial for growth, but not all businesses can afford large campaigns. AI-driven advertising platforms allow small businesses to target the right audience at a lower cost. A rural artisan, for instance, can sell handmade products on Instagram or Amazon and reach customers across India or even globally—without needing a professional marketing team. AI-powered marketing tools help businesses expand their reach and visibility effortlessly.
AI also plays a key role in improving the customer experience. Personalized recommendations based on previous purchases can significantly boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. Imagine a clothing store in Bangalore suggesting outfits to customers based on their shopping history. By offering a tailored shopping experience, businesses can build strong relationships with their customers and encourage repeat purchases.
From automation to smart insights, AI is transforming how small businesses operate. It is not just a technological advancement—it is the future of business growth. By embracing AI, small businesses in India can enhance efficiency, increase profits, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
A motivational speaker is a speaker who delivers speeches intended to inspire or motivate an audience. Such inspirational talkers may attempt to transform or challenge their audience.
Motivational speakers are ordinary individuals who have made their place in this world by going through a series of ups and downs in their lives.They learned from his experience and gained expertise in a particular area.They are manual not only for your professional challenges but also for the issues related to your personal life.
How does Business Motivational Speaker help you?
A business motivational speaker can help you in the following ways:
He/she reignites the passion to achieve your goals.
He/she motivates you to overcome personal as well professional challenges.
He/she inspires you to set and attain goals.
He/she pushes you out of your comfort zone.
So, when a person faces any situation in life where he/she gets stuck, loses direction, loses faith in his capabilities, gets surrounded by negative people, thoughts or situations, or when he or is completely lost a business motivational speaker can instill hope for a brighter future and confidence to attain success.
At such times, we need help from someone who could guide and inspire us to bring a wave of positivity to our lives. Someone who can influence, inspire and motivate us to bring about a change for the better so that we can sort out the problems of our lives. These mentors don the role of motivational speakers to provide help at the right time with their wisdom of words.
Anyone can motivate you. It could be in your family, friends, and relatives as they influence and encourage you in different phases of your life. For instance, as a teenager, your family, teachers, and friends influence you a lot while selecting a career option. These are the people who will always make sure you choose what is best for you.
Many people want to pursue this as a full-time career too. They want to become a motivational speaker because these days it pays well. With the right experience and passion for motivating people to achieve their dreams, you too can become a business motivational speaker.
Motivational speakers choose to do this to fulfill various objectives:
High-level executives who want to share their knowledge.
People who want to educate people in a particular field.
People who want to educate others about social issues and motivate them to take action in this direction.
People who guide others on personal or professional aspects of life.
People who have a story or passion that they want to share with others.
How can a motivational speaker influence the lives of people?
By inspiring people to bring about a change in their lives and achieve their goals.
By providing guidance or education in a particular field.
By aligning individuals with their goals.
By providing new ideas or perspectives to see things.
Are a Motivational Speaker and a Business Coach the same?
Though a motivational speaker and business coach do the same work, they influence and inspire people; there are several differences between the two.
Some of these differences are:
Motivational Speaker
Business Coach
Gives a motivational speech to a group of people from different backgrounds
Guides businessmen or employees on a one-to-one basis belonging to the same company
Inspires and motivates people to bring positivity to their lives
Enhances the knowledge and skills of businessmen and their employees by giving them tips and strategies to perform their work efficiently
Delivers a powerful and encouraging speech, which every individual in the audience can relate to and apply in their life differently
Gives a speech related to a particular topic like a strategy to increase sales, tips to reduce the cost of the company, tricks to create a positive attitude in employees towards the company, etc. So, all the people attending this session will reach the same conclusion.
Can a person develop expertise in both genres?
You can find several people who are either motivational speakers in India or well-trained business coaches, but very few can do justice to both roles.
But, there is definitely ‘one’ person who has been recognized and awarded for excellence in both- Dr. Vivek Bindra. Dr. Vivek Bindra is an international motivational speaker and business coach who has received many awards for his invaluable contribution to developing entrepreneurship in India.
Some of the global recognition awards that he has under his kitty are:
“Best Motivational Speaker” by the International Glory Awards 2019.
“Best Leadership Trainer in Asia” by Marshall Goldsmith at World HRD Congress.
“Best CEO Coach in India” by Times of India –Speaking Tree.
“Best Corporate Trainer in India” by Maruti Suzuki.
“Think Tank of Corporate Asia” by World Leadership Federation.
Dr. Vivek Bindra is one of the top motivational speakers in India and a renowned business coach. He is the Founder & CEO of one of the largest and most progressive organizations in South Asia– Bada Business Pvt. Ltd. (formerly known as Global ACT).
Dr. Vivek Bindra is recognized as the best motivational speaker in India and rewarded everywhere because of his immense knowledge of Business Strategies and his ability to empower entrepreneurs to make it big. As an Indian motivational speaker, he has shown the direction to millions of people to take control of their life and move towards happiness and success.
A little background on Dr. Vivek Bindra (Motivational Speaker in India & Business Coach)
1. Owner of the World’s No. 1 Most Subscribed Entrepreneurship YouTube Channel:
He owns the World’s No. 1 Entrepreneurship & Leadership Development YouTube Channel. He has more than 12 million subscribers globally and 700 million+ viewership
On his YouTube channel, he provides several business strategies and frameworks to solve the business problems of small businessmen, entrepreneurs, and Startups in India.
He also gives case studies on different companies, renowned personalities, and countries to motivate and inspire people.
His YouTube channel is a “Free Digital Learning University” whose objective is to empower every aspiring potential entrepreneur to start his own business and generate employment contributing to his vision of adding to the GDP of the country.
2. Founder & CEO of one of the Most Progressive Organizations – Bada Business Pvt. Ltd.
Apart from being one of the best Motivational Speakers in India, Dr. Vivek Bindra is a revolutionary entrepreneur as well. He is the Founder and CEO of Bada Business Pvt. Ltd. (formerly known as Global ACT). He established this company in 2010. It started as a training company that provides business training to corporates from different industries but has now grown into a ‘University of Entrepreneurial content’ for SMEs.
He is a trusted advisor for over 1500+ corporates and a guide to various entrepreneurs and other top-notch business entities. He has also been an inspirational pathfinder to various high-profile entrepreneurs and other top-notch business entities providing Leadership excellence for taking their organizations to the next level.
As a business coach, he has been instrumental in providing CEO coaching to over the Top 100 CEOs in the country.
3. Launch Various Programs and Events for Motivating People
Dr. Vivek Bindra has organized various seminars and events like Leadership funnel, Bounce Back, etc. wherein he dons the role of both a motivational speaker and a business coach and solves the problems of entrepreneurs by giving powerful tips, strategies, and frameworks.
Problem Solving Courses (PSCs) are designed to give practical solutions to the most frequent and prominent business problems around various business functions like Business Finance, IT, HR, Sales, Digital Marketing, Legal, etc. faced by entrepreneurs.
Recently, he has also launched Business Coaching Program under which anyone can get access to premium courses that are specifically designed to solve business challenges that entrepreneurs face.
Vision of Dr. Vivek Bindra
As the world best motivational speaker, his vision is to empower businessmen in a manner that they can expand their businesses not only in India but around the world. This will help in making India economically stronger; and further, take our country ahead on the path of becoming a developed nation.
Dr. Vivek Bindra’s mission is to help and guide the Indian entrepreneur who is struggling to establish and expand his businesses.
The objective of Dr. Vivek Bindra is entirely different from the people who have taken up motivational speaking as a career choice to either share their knowledge, earn money and fame or do it as a part of service to the society.
For his contributions to empowering and motivating entrepreneurs, Dr. Vivek Bindra has received 100+ awards. Some of them are:
Royal American University, Boston has rewarded him with the highest degree of “Doctorate” in the year 2020.
Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Bhai Rupani awarded Dr. Vivek Bindra for his “Outstanding Contribution in the field of Entrepreneurship Development” in the year 2020.
Economic Times has rewarded him with the award of “Game Changer of the Year 2019.”
Conferred upon with “India’s Greatest Brands and Leaders –Pride of the Nation” award, process reviewed by PricewaterhouseCooper
World Leadership Federation has crowned him as the, “Think Tank of Corporate Asia”.
Dr. Vivek Bindra also holds a place in the Esteemed Golden Book of Records for “Training the Largest Gathering of HR Professionals under one Roof on the topic – Can HR Become a CEO?”
The awards and achievements of Dr. Vivek Bindra, whether as a motivational speaker in India, a business coach or an entrepreneur himself are endless, but the goal is one- to relentlessly work towards the growth of the nation and its people. As one of the best motivational speakers in India, it is his dream to make the entire nation a powerhouse full of entrepreneurs and he is leaving no stone unturned to make it a reality!
Ather Energy Converts Preference Shares Into Equity: Poised for IPO in April 2025
Ather Energy, one of India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) startups, has recently made a strategic move by converting its preference shares into equity, a decision that is paving the way for the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO), which is expected to launch in April 2025. This financial restructuring is part of Ather’s broader strategy to align its capital structure with public market standards, making the upcoming IPO a highly anticipated event for investors in the electric vehicle market.
What Does Converting Preference Shares Into Equity Mean?
In corporate finance, preference shares are typically issued to early investors or venture capital firms, offering them certain advantages like priority in dividend payouts and claims during liquidation. By converting these preference shares into common equity, Ather Energy is simplifying its capital structure and positioning itself to attract more institutional investors and retail investorsas part of its IPO launch. This move also ensures that the company is fully aligned with public market expectations before it lists on the stock exchange.
This conversion to equity is an essential step as Ather Energy prepares for its public offering, making its financial reporting more transparent and appealing to potential investors interested in the rapidly growing electric vehicle sector.
Ather’s Growing Position in the EV Market
Founded in 2013 by IIT graduates Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, Ather Energy is at the forefront of India’s electric mobility revolution. With its flagship products like the Ather 450X and the Ather 450 Plus, the company has quickly captured significant market share in India’s competitive electric two-wheeler market. Known for its innovative technology and premium design, Ather’s scooters are equipped with smart features, long battery range, and fast charging capabilities that appeal to modern consumers.
The company has also been focused on expanding its EV charging network across India, aiming to make it easier for customers to adopt electric vehicles and reduce range anxiety. As a result, Ather Energy has become a key player in India’s sustainable transportation landscape, attracting significant funding from investors like Hero MotoCorp and Accel.
Why the IPO?
The decision to go public through an IPO is a pivotal move for Ather Energy, which intends to raise substantial capital for scaling its manufacturing operations, accelerating R&D for next-generation electric vehicles, and expanding its sales and service network across India. By listing on the stock market, Ather Energy aims to enhance its brand visibility and position itself as a leader in India’s electric vehicle industry. The IPO is expected to be a major event in the Indian EV market, attracting both green investors and those looking to capitalize on the long-term growth potential of the clean energy sector.
Additionally, the funds raised will help Ather Energy explore international expansion opportunities, particularly in regions with growing demand for electric mobility, such as Europe and Southeast Asia. The capital could also help the company diversify its product portfolio to include new electric scooters and even electric cars, expanding its reach in the electric mobility market.
Investor Interest and Market Outlook
With the Indian electric vehicle market expected to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years, Ather Energy’s IPO is likely to generate significant investor interest. The Indian government’s push toward sustainable transportation, coupled with stricter emission regulations, is driving the shift toward electric mobility. As a result, companies like Ather Energy are poised for growth in the green economy, with a growing customer base looking for clean, affordable, and efficient electric vehicles.
Analysts predict that Ather Energy’s post-IPO valuation could see substantial growth, particularly if the company continues to innovate with connected vehicle technology, battery solutions, and charging infrastructure. Investors will be watching closely to see how Ather can compete with other electric vehicle startups and established players in the market, such as Ola Electric, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor Company.
Challenges Ahead for Ather Energy
Despite its strong position, Ather Energy faces several challenges as it scales. While the EV industry in India is growing, it still faces hurdles such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and high upfront costs for consumers. Furthermore, as more automotive giants and startups enter the electric vehicle space, Ather will need to differentiate itself through customer-centric innovation and by expanding its after-sales service offerings.
The company will also need to navigate regulatory challenges as governments around the world begin to implement more stringent regulations on electric vehicle standards and battery safety. Addressing these challenges will be key to Ather’s success post-IPO.
Conclusion
Ather Energy’s decision to convert preference shares into equity is a key step as it prepares for its IPO in April 2025. With the IPO, Ather Energy is positioning itself as a leader in the electric vehicle market, looking to raise funds for expansion and capitalize on the growing demand for electric mobility in India and abroad. Investors will be closely monitoring the company’s progress and strategies in the coming months to see how it will maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
As the company moves towards becoming a publicly traded entity, Ather Energy’s performance will be seen as a bellwether for the future of the electric vehicle industry and the shift toward sustainable transportation.
In the realm of modern transportation, few companies have managed to revolutionize the industry as profoundly as Uber. What started as a small startup in 2009 has grown into a global behemoth, altering how we think about getting from point A to point B. The Uber case study serves as a captivating tale of innovation, disruption, challenges, and opportunities that have reshaped urban mobility and ignited conversations on various fronts.
The Genesis of a Game-Changer: Birth of Uber
The story of Uber began with Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, two entrepreneurs who sought a more efficient and convenient way to hail taxis. Their frustration with the traditional taxi industry’s shortcomings laid the foundation for Uber’s disruptive concept. With the tap of a smartphone screen, users could summon a ride driven by an independent contractor, using their vehicles, at a competitive price. This seamless blend of technology and transportation marked the inception of the ridesharing era.
Disruptive Innovation Takes Flight
Uber’s ascent to dominance was meteoric, largely attributed to its innovative business model. By circumventing the need for extensive fleet ownership, Uber reduced overhead costs significantly. This, coupled with a real-time pricing mechanism based on supply and demand, created an appealing value proposition for both riders and drivers. As Uber rapidly expanded into new markets, it encountered resistance from traditional taxi services and regulatory bodies, setting the stage for legal battles and debates about the gig economy.
Challenges and Controversies
Uber’s rapid growth was accompanied by a trail of controversies. Critics raised concerns about driver working conditions, passenger safety, and the potential implications for the broader transportation ecosystem. The company faced backlash for inadequate background checks, surge pricing during high-demand periods, and a lack of accessibility for disabled passengers. Regulatory challenges also emerged as local governments grappled with categorizing and regulating this innovative business model.
Innovating Beyond Ridesharing
Uber’s innovative spirit extended beyond ridesharing. The company ventured into various other realms, such as food delivery (Uber Eats), autonomous vehicles, and even urban air mobility (Uber Air). The pursuit of self-driving cars led to partnerships and research initiatives, but it also faced setbacks after a fatal accident involving an autonomous vehicle during testing.
The Path Forward: Adaptation and Evolution
In response to criticism and challenges, Uber underwent significant changes. It began investing in safety measures, enhanced background checks, and initiatives to improve the driver experience. The company also worked on diversifying its offerings, incorporating electric and hybrid vehicles to address environmental concerns.
Lessons Learned and Future Prospects
The Uber case study offers several lessons for businesses and industries seeking to disrupt traditional models:
Embrace Innovation:
Uber’s success hinged on its ability to leverage technology to solve real-world problems, and this approach can be applied across sectors.
Anticipate Regulatory Challenges:
Innovators must be prepared to navigate regulatory hurdles and work with stakeholders to find common ground.
Prioritize Safety and Ethics:
Balancing innovation with passenger and worker safety is paramount. Addressing concerns head-on can help build trust.
Adapt and Diversify:
Markets evolve, and successful companies must be ready to pivot and diversify their offerings to stay relevant.
As Uber continues to evolve and adapt, its journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of technology and entrepreneurship. The case study of Uber underscores the potential for even the most entrenched industries to undergo radical shifts, with innovative ideas and perseverance at the helm.
Bengaluru, October 29: A new report has revealed that about 71 percent of Indians expect companies to accelerate digital initiatives which means that the customer engagement is changing amid the COVID-19 crises. A report by leading Cloud software company Salesforce said that the Indian customers estimate 60 percent of their interactions with businesses take place online this year, compared to 47 percent in 2019. According to the fourth edition of Salesforce’s ‘State of the Connected Customer’ report, about 94 percent of customers said how a company acts during a crisis demonstrates its trustworthiness.
The global report is based on insights from over 15,000 consumers and business buyers across 27 countries, including 650 respondents from India. In India, 94 percent of customers said that COVID-19 has elevated their expectation of digital capabilities and 95 percent said the societal role of companies is changing.
The report adds that while a string of crises has affected all facets of life, including a fundamental shift in how customers connect with brands, factors like empathy, personalisation, convenience, and digital transformation are the keys to customer relationships. According to a report by IANS, as these same customers re-evaluate the role of business in society, the notion of stakeholder capitalism is increasingly factored into purchase decisions. Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce, said in a statement said that regardless of who they market, sell, or provide service to, businesses are navigating a landscape they couldn’t have imagined at the beginning of this year. “A massive shift to digital channels isn’t the only challenge that leaders have to grapple with”, he said.
“Connecting customers at various touchpoints — digital, human, or other — to gain a holistic understanding is the first step on the path to resiliency and growth. They also need to listen and respond to customer demands for empathy and understanding, innovative products and services, and a fundamental rethinking of the role of business in society,” Afshar said.
This graph clearly shows how OYO Rooms grew rapidly from 2015 to 2024. From just 1,000 hotels in 2015, OYO expanded to over 100,000 hotels worldwide by 2024. It’s a strong example of what consistent vision and hard work can achieve.
