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Startup News
Medium
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Mind the Gap
- Unmanaged gaps can slow down progress, create frustration, demoralize teams, and erode trust inside and outside a company.
- Bridging gaps is crucial for good product management, not just for product managers.
- The article discusses key gaps such as customer needs vs. product functionality, sales promises vs. engineering reality, strategy vs. execution, build velocity vs. learning velocity, founder's intuition vs. customer truth, and internal opinions vs. market evidence.
- It emphasizes the importance of great product management in addressing these gaps through empathy, validation, prioritization, and collaboration between product, engineering, and design.
- The role of product leadership in connecting strategic vision with actionable roadmap items is highlighted for startups and scaleups.
- The article stresses the need for product teams to balance build velocity with learning velocity to avoid building irrelevant features.
- Product management is described as the translator between founder's intuition and customer feedback, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
- The importance of relying on market evidence over internal opinions for product decisions is underlined.
- Fractional product leadership is suggested as a solution to help identify and close critical gaps, align teams, and accelerate product development.
- The article highlights the value of product management beyond feature shipping, focusing on building the right product for the right customers in the right way.
- In conclusion, the article advises founders and CEOs to address gaps in their product development process to ensure long-term success.
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Medium
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What Product Managers Really Do
- Product Managers have diverse responsibilities that can vary widely depending on the company, team, and product.
- Identifying the right problems to solve is a crucial initial step for Product Managers.
- Balancing user satisfaction and business objectives is a constant challenge for Product Managers.
- Critical thinking and analyzing various data sources are essential for PMs to derive meaningful problem statements.
- Problem-solving involves ideating solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Persuasion and alignment with stakeholders are key elements in a PM's role.
- Execution and timeline management are critical tasks for Product Managers.
- Continuously analyzing metrics and user feedback helps in refining and iterating product features.
- Product management involves steady progress through building, measuring, learning, and iterating.
- Advocating for users, effective communication, and leadership skills are essential for successful Product Management.
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ISN
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Indian startups raised over $390 million from June 09 to June 14, 2025; Groww tops the list
- Indian startups raised over $390 million between June 09 and June 14, 2025, with 19 startups from various sectors securing funding.
- Sectors attracting investments include Defencetech, Sportstech, Agritech, AI, Fintech, Wealthtech, Apparel, Lending, Gaming, and Entertainment.
- Groww led the funding list by raising $200 million, followed by CRED with $72 million, FlexiLoans with $43.56 million, Sanlayan with $21.56 million, and Vecmocon Technologies with $18 million.
- Other startups like Roomstory.ai, Flick TV, Wow! Momo, Machaxi, Leumas, MetaShot, Iom Bioworks, Repello AI, and Pehle Jaisa also secured funding.
- DeFi startup PlutoPe raised $500,000, Kisah raised $1.5 million, Piston raised $7.5 million, Garuda Aerospace raised $1 million, and PowerUp Money raised $7.1 million.
- Mergers & acquisitions during this period included acquisitions of Epic and Tynker by TAL Education and CodeHS, WLDD acquiring Imagined Studio, and RPSG acquiring MensXP parent company Lifestyle Network (ILN).
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TechCrunch
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Alexa von Tobel has high hopes for ‘fintech 3.0’
- Alexa von Tobel, founder of Learnvest, reflects on her journey after selling the startup to Northwestern Mutual for $250 million and discusses the launch of her early-stage venture firm, Inspired Capital.
- Von Tobel emphasizes the importance of a deep commitment to entrepreneurship in Inspired Capital and expresses optimism for fintech 3.0, focusing on fundamental product reinvention.
- She highlights the experience around Learnvest's acquisition and the subsequent digital transformation at Northwestern Mutual, where she served as chief digital officer and chief innovation officer.
- Von Tobel narrates the hectic period of closing the deal days before giving birth and explains her decision to leave Northwestern Mutual after four years to start Inspired Capital.
- Inspired Capital's unique approach includes long-duration capital focus, a team with extensive business building experience, and operating as a cohesive unit to support portfolio companies.
- Von Tobel stresses the importance of tackling hard business challenges for defensibility and sees a need for startups to reimagine financial products amid changing economic and demographic landscapes.
- She discusses the opportunities in fintech for startups to address issues like financial inclusivity, income inequality, and job loss due to AI, envisioning a wave of deep product reinvention.
- Von Tobel shares criteria for evaluating winning startup teams, emphasizing powerful insights, non-obvious ideas, long-term vision, and founder resilience.
- Her passion for building solutions to significant societal problems drives her investment approach, looking for founders who can deliver bold, transformative solutions.
- The interview provides insights into Von Tobel's entrepreneurial journey, her experiences at LearnVest and Northwestern Mutual, and her vision for the future of fintech and venture investing.
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Startup Pedia
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Meet the Founder Who Left His Family’s Legacy to Build a Guilt-free Ice Cream Brand that Clocked Rs 100 Cr in ARR
- Kiran Shah, who inherited Apsara Ice Cream legacy, founded Go Zero, a guilt-free dessert brand, to remove the guilt associated with joy of consuming ice creams.
- Kiran's journey involved stepping away from his family business, modernizing Apsara operations, and experimenting with alternative sweeteners to create a healthier dessert option.
- Go Zero's ice creams, sweetened with Stevia and functional ingredients, aim to provide indulgent yet healthy treats, challenging traditional dessert norms.
- Educating the Indian palate, maintaining the cold chain, standing out in the market, and convincing consumers to pay more for quality were some challenges faced by Go Zero.
- The brand focused on building a loyal customer base through early partnerships with gyms and health cafes, emphasizing trust and quality over mass reach.
- Go Zero's marketing strategy revolved around authentic storytelling, micro-influencer collaborations, emotional hooks, and a minimalist aesthetic, resonating with consumers.
- The company's approach to R&D prioritized natural ingredients, functional benefits, and traditional dessert experience, aiming to redefine guilt-free indulgence.
- Go Zero's success was fueled by a strong product-market fit, strategic partnerships, high customer retention, and smart expansion strategies in India.
- The brand's vision includes expanding globally, offering a variety of healthy desserts beyond ice cream, and reshaping the concept of indulgence for the next generation.
- Go Zero, with over ₹100 crore in annual recurring revenue, aims to reach ₹200 crore ARR, focusing on sustainable growth and innovation in the dessert industry.
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Startupreporter
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Stylish from the Ground Up: Gifts for Modern Dads
- Gift ideas for modern dads embrace style and functionality, making every day special.
- The selection includes classic gentleman socks with timeless patterns and rich colors, suitable for various occasions.
- For dads with a sense of humor, there are quirky socks with fun prints to match their personality.
- Sports cushioned crew packs offer comfort and functionality for active dads who enjoy sports or lounging.
- The luxe box presents a premium collection of socks, perfect for formal attire and making a statement.
- Bamboo packs provide soft and gentle socks made from 100% Bamboo yarn, ideal for dads with long days.
- The gifts aim to go beyond material items, offering comfort, style, and a daily reminder of appreciation for fathers.
- This Father’s Day, celebrate dads with thoughtful gifts like high-quality socks that reflect their personality.
- Appreciation for fathers should extend beyond holidays, acknowledging their importance throughout the year.
- The gift ideas cater to various preferences, ensuring there is something for every modern dad.
- These gift options redefine traditional presents, emphasizing the value of thoughtful and stylish choices for dads.
- Remember, heroes don't always wear capes; sometimes, they just wear really great socks.
- The selection of gifts acknowledges the unique qualities and interests of dads, making each gift meaningful.
- Showcasing love and appreciation through gifts that resonate with fathers' lifestyles and preferences.
- Choosing gifts that combine style and functionality to create memorable experiences for dads.
- Providing gift options that cater to different personalities and interests, ensuring a personalized touch for every dad.
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Medium
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️ The Night I Learned AI by Building the Future
- A person shared their experience of learning AI by building it with emotional intelligence, ethical scaffolding, and continuity.
- The individual started asking questions and then proceeded to build AI systems focusing on emotional aspects and ethics.
- The learning process involved practical application such as system architecture, token logic, and emotional frameworks.
- Key aspects learned include tokenization models for real use cases, embedded ethics modules, governance systems for accountability, and AI-human interaction protocols based on trust.
- The blank page transformed into a structured, scalable ecosystem through real-time learning and continuous refinement.
- The approach highlighted is based on thinking fast, learning dynamically, and persisting until a true solution emerges.
- The building process is described as not perfect or polished but principled, intelligent, and evolving.
- The emphasis is on continuous learning, active listening, and adapting to the evolving needs of creating a future with AI.
- Hashtags used in the post: #LearnByBuilding #FoundersInMotion #AIThinking #EmotionalArchitecture #EthicalAI #VitaCore #ExecutionMatters #RealTimeStrategy
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Medium
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Every developer struggles with doubt — Regardless of skill level BUT Keep Building!
- The author recalls a moment of doubt and frustration while working on a half-finished project despite having learned much and achieved small wins.
- Feeling far from reaching their big dream, the author was stuck in a frustrating middle ground of progress.
- The author compares the feeling to climbing a mountain at a slow pace but realizing they were closer than they thought.
- The author shares that the moment of feeling stuck is often right before a breakthrough in achieving one's goals.
- The author expresses the desire to share their journey and provide practical advice on how to keep building towards one's dreams.
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Inc42
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FY25 Financial Tracker: Tracking The Financial Performance Of Indian Startups
- The Indian startup ecosystem has witnessed significant changes due to the funding dynamics, leading to a shift towards profitability and operational efficiency.
- The number of Indian startups posting profits increased from 36 in FY23 to 45 in FY24, with further improvements expected in FY25.
- The FY25 Financial Tracker by Inc42 covers 20 new-age tech companies, showcasing an increase in operating revenue to INR 85,830 Cr.
- Key highlights include Ather Energy reducing its loss, Awfis turning profitable, and CarTrade reporting a significant profit jump.
- Delhivery achieved its maiden profitable year, while Nykaa and Zupee witnessed substantial profit growth.
- Ola Electric's loss increased, Paytm's revenue declined, and Swiggy's losses crossed INR 3,000 Cr.
- Companies like ixigo, Mamaearth, and MapmyIndia also reported financial details, indicating varied performance across startups.
- Overall, the financial landscape of Indian startups in FY25 reflects a mix of profitability, revenue growth, and operational challenges.
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Inc42
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New-Age Tech Stocks Bleed Amid Broader Market Decline, FirstCry Biggest Loser This Week
- The Indian equity market faced pressure this week due to rising geopolitical tensions and mixed global cues, causing a majority of new-age tech stocks to end in the red.
- 24 out of 33 new-age tech stocks declined while 9 gained, resulting in a $4 Bn decrease in the cumulative market cap of these companies.
- FirstCry was the biggest loser, with shares dropping 8.88% this week, followed by other companies like MobiKwik, Eternal, and Swiggy.
- Despite some losses, shares of Fino Payments Bank and Nazara Technologies gained, while ixigo emerged as the top gainer with a 9.33% rise in share value.
- ArisInfra filed for an INR 500 Cr IPO, and the broader market saw a decline with Sensex and Nifty 50 ending lower amidst geopolitical tensions.
- Nazara witnessed positive developments, including acquisitions, while Paytm's shares dipped due to uncertainty around MDR levy on UPI transactions.
- The market will be cautious amid high valuations and geopolitical risks, with a focus on the upcoming US Fed meeting for further cues.
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Medium
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The Shape of Mindhood: Rethinking AI with Meaning, Memory, and Ethics
- Artificial intelligence needs to focus on meaning, memory, and ethics rather than just mimicking the human brain.
- The Symbolic Operating System (Symbolic OS) emphasizes the importance of meaning, memory, and ethics in AI development.
- Large language models (LLMs) lack meaning, memory, and ethics, leading to issues like hallucinations and alignment failures.
- The SEIF framework aims to address these shortcomings by incorporating meaning, ethics, and relational stability into AI design.
- The SEIF Equation for Mindhood is a formula that focuses on semantic purpose, ethics, and relational stability in AI.
- Symbolic OS provides a narrative backbone, structured memory, and symbolic boundaries for AI systems.
- Relational stability is essential for AI to demonstrate intelligence, emphasizing empathy and emotional grounding.
- Blu Lab has implemented Symbolic OS in tools like Kindling and Syntaro to enhance narrative clarity and ethical alignment.
- Symbolic OS aims to create AI that maintains coherence and integrity through meaning, memory, and ethics.
- AI without symbolic foundations can lead to misguidance and drift on a larger scale.
- Symbolic OS is not a replacement for existing AI models but a framework to enhance their stability and human-like qualities.
- Mindhood in AI stems from how well it embodies meaning, memory, and ethics.
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TechJuice
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Kodifly Selected for ScaleX Program to Expand in Saudi Arabia
- Hong Kong-based tech startup Kodifly chosen for ScaleX program by KAUST in Saudi Arabia from a large pool of applicants.
- The ScaleX program by KAUST aims to attract top-tier international startups to support their integration into the Saudi innovation ecosystem.
- Kodifly's selection highlights its solutions in smart infrastructure, urban mobility, and AI-powered analytics.
- Participation in ScaleX offers Kodifly mentorship, industry connections, and growth opportunities aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
- The selection demonstrates Kodifly's dedication to shaping urban environments with advanced technology.
- Kodifly's involvement in ScaleX is anticipated to establish strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia and drive regional expansion.
- This milestone accentuates Kodifly's global competitiveness and significance in markets focusing on sustainable development and smart city evolution.
- Kodifly's rising international presence is reinforced by the ScaleX program selection, positioning it as a key player in advancing infrastructure technology in digital economies like Saudi Arabia.
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Inc42
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Raids On Zepto, Blinkit: The Ugly Side Of Dark Stores
- Recent raids on Zepto and Blinkit dark stores and quick cafe kitchens have revealed food security violations, leading to the suspension of Blinkit's license in Pune and raids on Zepto in Mumbai.
- Dark stores are struggling with food safety standards in the quick commerce market projected to hit $40 Bn by 2030, risking brand value and credibility.
- Authorities found fungal growth and expired products at Zepto's Dharavi facility, highlighting the lack of proper storage conditions and hygiene standards.
- Food businesses in India must adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, ensuring sanitary handling, storage, and adherence to expiry dates.
- Instances of perishable food items like meat and dairy not properly stored have been reported, raising concerns about customer health and safety.
- While dark stores continue to expand, violations may lead to improvement letters, eventual license suspension, or cancellation if not rectified.
- The dark store race led by Blinkit emphasizes the need for maintaining food safety across these quick commerce platforms with vast inventory and storage requirements.
- A founder of a cold storage company noted the need for monitoring products based on shelf life to prevent selling expired, near expiry, or long shelf products.
- Quick commerce platforms should prioritize temperature monitoring, checking perishable products, and ensuring consumer health is not compromised for quick deliveries.
- The focus for quick commerce players should shift towards responsible models to maintain consumer trust and health in the competitive market landscape.
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Economic Times
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Startups fire up hiring engine in hunt for senior executives
- Startup Inc is witnessing a surge in senior-level hiring, especially among companies that recently secured funding.
- Several startups like Snabbit, Battery Smart, Nawgati, Better Nutrition, and others are actively recruiting for leadership roles.
- Established players like Flipkart, PhonePe, and Lenskart are also seeking senior professionals, primarily for crucial positions ahead of their IPOs or for replacement purposes.
- Factors contributing to the uptick in hiring include funding, IPOs, and a preference for AI-focused recruitment.
- Despite geopolitical uncertainties affecting medium-term visibility, the current hiring landscape appears optimistic.
- Search firms have noted a significant increase in mandates for senior hires, with early-stage startups enhancing their leadership teams post-fundraising rounds.
- Indian tech startups raised $2.96 billion in Jan-March 2025, indicating a rise in investor interest and funding.
- Companies like Snabbit, Battery Smart, and Better Nutrition are actively hiring senior professionals to drive growth and innovation.
- Salaries for senior positions range from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 4 crore, with ESOPs being offered for long-term value creation and retention.
- Startups emphasize the importance of experienced leaders to scale operations efficiently and navigate strategic priorities.
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Medium
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‘Vintage’ Startups are Having a Moment
- Some startups like Cursor are innovating rapidly, while others, termed 'vintage startups,' are securing significant funding at later stages.
- Examples of 'vintage startups' include TAE Technologies, GridPoint, Mubi, Infleqtion, and XGS Energy, among others.
- These startups have been in operation for over a decade and continue to attract substantial investment.
- Potential reasons for the shift in focus towards 'vintage startups' include valuing real traction, resilience, and proven business models.
- Technology advancements, such as AI, are enabling long-standing startups to capitalize on their years of development.
- Recognition is given to both the enduring startups and the investors who have supported them throughout their journey.
- The trend towards supporting 'vintage startups' signifies a departure from the earlier emphasis on rapid scaling and quick exits in the startup ecosystem.
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