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The shift from cable platforms to streaming is widely evident. And this shift is not just a passing trend but a transformation that is likely to last. With consumer preferences evolving, it's crucial for businesses to keep themselves updated with the latest technologies, and crucially innovate. These were the insights shared by <keyword id="19108136" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Srinivasan-KA" source="Orion">Srinivasan KA</keyword>, Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of <keyword id="19108137" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="amagi-corporation" source="Orion">Amagi Corporation</keyword>. He engaged in a discussion with <keyword id="19108138" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mark-aldrich" source="Orion">Mark Aldrich</keyword>, General Manager of the Media Entertainment Segment at AWS, in the SaaS Scions web series hosted by Business Insider <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> and <keyword id="8632828" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aws-india" source="Orion">AWS India</keyword>. The conversation revolved around the significance of cloud technology, the ongoing transformation within the industry, and the evolving demand within the streaming space. India has earned the moniker of being a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) powerhouse, and rightly so. Over the last few years, India has given rise to 15-17 SaaS unicorns. <keyword id="45963" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="srinivasan" source="Orion">Srinivasan</keyword> highlights that this success enables Indian companies to engage in global competition like never before. Unlike the past, significant capital, extensive local operations, or established relationships are not critical to penetrate the SaaS domain. Now, the essentials are talent and a keen comprehension of addressing global customers' challenges in distinctive ways. This, Srinivasan noted, was the key to thriving in the SaaS landscape. Discussing the tech evolution over the decade and the deep integration of cloud tech at Amagi, Srinivasan noted that this shift has immensely benefited their operations. Back in the late 2000s, he adds, the first line of code written at Amagi was on the AWS Cloud. Their ability to swiftly experiment and adapt, even if some endeavours didn't succeed, has been pivotal for their success. This agility, he mentioned, is the result of aligning with the cloud's advancement trajectory. He further stated, "Our journey has paralleled the cloud's progression, with substantial contributions coming from AWS, driving a significant portion of cloud-based innovations." Talking into streaming, Srinivasan underlined the presence and prospective growth of ad-supported models. He pointed out that numerous sizable publicly traded enterprises exhibit a significantly higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for their ad-supported tiers compared to pure subscription tiers. Highlighting the financial benefits, he stated, "These blended models undeniably deliver superior Return on Investment (ROI) for content proprietors." Additionally, he anticipated a significant shift towards content no longer being bound by exclusivity, marking a substantial change in the streaming landscape. Delving into the multitude of collaborations within the streaming domain, Srinivasan noted that this pattern is set to expand due to a heightened focus on cost-effectiveness. Network and content collaborators are increasingly integrating their broadcasting and digital streaming activities into a unified tech framework. This strategic shift aims to streamline operations and eliminate the perception of these businesses as separate entities, thereby fostering a cohesive approach to their management. Srinivasan emphasized the significance of partnerships as a means to establish a comprehensive platform – an all-encompassing end-to-end solution that caters seamlessly to customers' needs. Examining the current priorities of content creators and owners, Srinivasan highlighted a dual transformation. At the forefront, consumers are transitioning from linear platforms to streaming services and from subscription-based models to advertising-driven ones. Simultaneously, the backend is undergoing transformation for streamlined scaling on the streaming front, cost-effectiveness, and the shift from conventional hardware to cloud infrastructure. The advent of cloud computing presents a shift in focus from obtaining customer data to optimizing its utilization to provide tailored solutions and enhanced experiences to consumers. Srinivasan observed that businesses expand their content to global markets with minimal localization and now tap in to enhanced monetization opportunities. To address this challenge, Srinivasan noted their proactive engagement with clients. Their approach involves presenting diverse monetization models. In addition to strategic business consultations, Amagi is offering technology guidance to underscore the implications on the technology architecture. The landscape of media and technology is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the shift from traditional models to streaming. The insights shared by Srinivasan KA during his discussion with Mark Aldrich highlight the necessity for businesses to stay abreast of evolving consumer preferences and embrace cutting-edge technologies to remain competitive. India's emergence as a SaaS powerhouse with a significant number of unicorns illustrates the global potential of Indian companies, underpinned by talent and problem-solving prowess. The integration of cloud technology, as exemplified by Amagi's journey, underscores the role of adaptability and agility in navigating the evolving digital landscape. Furthermore, Srinivasan's observations regarding ad-supported models, collaborations, and the transition to cloud infrastructure highlight the industry's dynamic nature. The strategic interplay of technology, partnerships, and data optimization is shaping the way forward for media, content creation, and streaming services. And adding another feather to India’s SaaS-innovation cap. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on insiderstudios@businessinsider.in

Driving Value Through Unification of Digital Space & Operations- Srinivasan KA

Media technology company <keyword id="751982" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="amagi" source="Orion">Amagi</keyword> on Thursday announced it has raised over $100 million, including $80 million in primary capital, from global growth equity firm General Atlantic. The investment brings Amagi's valuation to $1.4 billion, representing an increase from the $1 billion valuation the company reached in March this year with a $95 million investment from Accel, Norwest Venture Partners and Avataar Ventures. "We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of developing futuristic technology solutions that can help media companies deliver premium personalized content and engaging advertising experiences to their consumers," said <keyword id="2690319" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="baskar-subramanian" source="Orion">Baskar Subramanian</keyword>, Co-founder and CEO of Amagi. Amagi crossed the $100 million ARR threshold after a record second quarter (July-September). It offers a full suite of solutions for the creation, distribution, and monetization of live, linear, and on-demand channels across cable, OTT, and CTV-led free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms globally. With this latest funding, the company said it will strengthen support infrastructure for customers and invest in AI-driven personalization, advertising, and live-streaming solutions, particularly in the FAST ecosystem. "Amagi has demonstrated a consistent ability to anticipate key trends, acting as an early mover in the rise of free ad-supported streaming TV. The company has also championed the use of cloud technology to optimize results for their broadcast and streaming partners globally," said <keyword id="5198859" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="shantanu-rastogi" source="Orion">Shantanu Rastogi</keyword>, Managing Director and Head of India at General Atlantic. Amagi's clients include ABS-CBN, A+E <keyword id="50752" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="networks" source="Orion">Networks</keyword> UK, beIN Sports, Curiosity Stream, Cinedigm, Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox Networks, Fremantle, <keyword id="196545" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gannett" source="Orion">Gannett</keyword>, Gusto TV, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, Tegna and Vice Media, among others. The company has now expanded operations into Germany, South Korea and Australia. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/rocket-startup-astra-lays-off-16-of-its-workforce/articleshow/95429015.cms">Rocket startup Astra lays off 16% of its workforce</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/tesla-investor-zerodha-founder-invest-in-a-smart-upliance-that-can-chop-stir-and-cook/articleshow/95429478.cms">Tesla investor, Zerodha founder invest in a smart ‘upliance’ that can chop, stir and cook</a>

Amagi raises over $100 mn from General Atlantic, now valued at $1.4 bn

<ul><li>The pandemic and the ensuing lockdown has changed our lives, perhaps forever. It has brought about many behavioural changes among consumers. While some were temporary, there are many that will perhaps become permanent.</li><li>People discovered the many conveniences of <keyword id="1245953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ott" source="Orion">OTT</keyword> platforms during the last 2 years and the sector is only expected to grow from here.</li><li>Baskar Subramanian, Co-founder and CEO, <keyword id="751982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amagi" source="Orion">Amagi</keyword> writes why OTT is getting consumer love and why the streaming media is here to stay. </li></ul>The pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns completely transformed our entertainment experience. From 'Let's go for a good movie', we moved to 'What should we watch on <keyword id="128682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="netflix" source="Orion">Netflix</keyword>?'. Movie premiers and live sporting events like IPL and others have moved to OTT. For example, Netflix released the Kangana Ranaut starrer Thalaivi and Zee5 released Bob Biswas starring Amitabh Bachchan exclusively on OTT platforms. Homegrown web series like The Family Man, Sacred Games, Aarya, Special Ops, Aashram, Mirzapur and more undoubtedly elevated the popularity of OTT platforms among the tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z population who had embraced OTT over Cable TV or DTH subscriptions even before the onset of the pandemic. Post the pandemic, however, the trend has only increased, fuelled by the many conveniences that OTT offers over traditional broadcast. With streaming TV, the fight for the remote is laid to rest. Every person in a household can watch their favorite shows on their personal devices. Content can be viewed even while travelling, and consumers are spoilt for choice with languages, content variety, and on-demand viewing. Consumers have made their preferences clear - more people are cutting the cord, shifting from paid TV subscriptions to internet-based streaming services. Boston Consulting Group predicts that the OTT content market is at an inflection point in India and is likely to reach a market size of $5 billion by 2023. From just two OTT platform providers in 2012 to about 40 players at present, the OTT revolution has come a long way in India. Estimates from Phando Corp suggest that monthly active users (MAUs) for India’s OTT video sector have grown at a blistering rate of 300% since 2019 to reach 680 million in 2021, with rural and tier 2 &amp; 3 cities consumption reaching an 80% share. West Versus India Several factors including the widespread availability of broadband infrastructure, the ubiquity of mobile phones and other connected portable devices, and quest for personalised experiences have spurred the adoption of OTT consumption in the Western world. At the same time, technology investments, the emergence of new apps, features, and independent platforms for OTT content have also been growth drivers. Tech companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Apple, YouTube, connected device providers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, and studios such Disney, MGM, Paramount, Sony are among the major corporations who have entered the OTT space, giving a plethora of programming choices to the consumers in the West. The growth in OTT platforms combined with the subsequent content boom has seen vernacular content from different regions gaining international popularity. South Korean dystopian drama broke all records by becoming the most watched content on Netflix by netizens around the world. Similarly, Indian dramas such as Sacred Games and Delhi Crime were viewed and enjoyed by a global audience. As a result, all eyes are now firmly set on opportunities in emerging economies, specifically in the Indian subcontinent, with major players from the west entering the foray with attractive subscription offers, and diverse content catalogues. Some have chosen to collaborate with or acquire local brands to establish a firmer foothold in the region. For example, with the launch of Disney Plus in the US back in 2019, the streaming service promptly expanded to many other countries, including India. However, instead of getting a dedicated app for Indian users, the company acquired the Hotstar streaming platform and soon rebranded to Disney+ Hotstar. The coming together of Disney and Star TV Network (20th Century Fox) attracted tens of millions of subscribers in India and provided them access to a premium catalogue of content from Disney and Star TV. One of the challenges in India is the ability to monetize online content. Research suggests that the Advertising-led Video on Demand (AVOD) model is far more popular than Subscription-led video on demand (SVOD) models given the reluctance of viewers in India to pay for online content. While about 60% of total video viewing in India happens on YouTube, Netflix has 40 Mn monthly active users. Disney Plus Hotstar too has reached the critical mass with its freemium model, well-supported by relevant collaborations, such as sports (read cricket), which drives volume. Also, a KPMG study reveals that, unlike the West, only 10% of viewers access OTT platforms for watching original content. Rather, OTT is used primarily for the convenience of anytime and personal viewing of movies, music, sports or to catch-up with TV content. Driving OTT Growth in India As a country with a population of 1.23 billion, India is the next big market for OTT platforms. Some of the growth drivers for OTT players in India, based on the precedent from the West include: ● Investments in Content Video streaming services are expected to spend around ₹1,920 crore to create original content for India in 2021, driven in part by the sharp rise in audiences during the 2020 lockdown. The platforms will further increase spends, including on sports, to ₹30,000 crore, during 2021-25, according to the latest FICCI-EY media and entertainment industry report. Around 500 original titles are likely to be released in 2021 across platforms, as opposed to 385 titles in 2019 and 220 in 2020. The investment in original content makes sense given that viewers are learning to pay for the content they consume, especially original content. In 2020, 29 million subscribers paid for 53 million OTT video subscriptions (not counting subscriptions bundled along with data plans), a figure that is estimated to increase to 39 million subscribers for 71 million subscriptions in 2021. Netflix has more than 40 originals scheduled for 2021 and is expanding its slate by nearly three times compared to 2020. Amazon Prime Video has 50 local originals in various stages of development and 30 in various stages of production. Demand for original content will likely double by 2023 compared to 2019 levels. ● Content – the New Battlefield for Viewers Increasing number of consumers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities have spurred the production of regional content. Alt Balaji has seen a change after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, the top 8 cities in India contributed to 70% of their total audience; post-April 2020, 60% of the traffic is from other tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Old favourite shows are being re-aired on OTT platforms, while investments in new content production continue. Recently Amazon announced the acquisition of MGM, for $8.45 billion, giving it access to MGM’s library of 4000 film titles and 17,000 TV shows. We have witnessed the emergence of a wide variety of content including Indian content since India has a diverse market with over a dozen languages that are widely spoken across the country. OTT players are shifting their focus towards localisation of their platforms, to be able to connect with the Indian users, be it in terms of regional languages, geography and user experience etc. India already has about 40 OTT players and 10 music streaming apps in existence catering to various entertainment and media demands. This has opened the doors for OTT platforms to promote regional and hyperlocal content. In fact, a leading OTT player recently released 11 shows during the lockdown- all locally curated shows. The share of regional language consumption on OTT platforms is expected to cross 50% of total time spent by 2025, easing past Hindi at 45%. ● Government Regulations The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has, in the past year, stressed the need for some form of regulation of OTT Platforms to streamline the sector. In this regard, the MIB recently notified the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. The new rules require OTT platforms to set up a robust three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. The first level will comprise regulation by the OTT Platform itself through a grievance officer. The second level will be an institutional self-regulatory body formed by publishers of content and their associations. This self-regulatory body will comprise industry experts headed by a retired Supreme Court/ High Court judge /eminent personality in the relevant field. At the third level is an inter-department committee constituted by the MIB that will provide oversight and hear appeals for decisions taken at level two or if a complaint is referred to the inter-department committee by MIB. Regulation might help improve the quality of content in the future. ● The Future of OTT - New Applications and Content Innovations There is no doubt that the future of <keyword id="6357922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="television" source="Orion">television</keyword> is OTT, and the industry is at a nascent stage. Content is the force that defines the direction of evolution in the industry. New applications such as learning, education and fitness are being explored. Pricewaterhouse Coopers reported that in 2018, more than 40% of new internet users in the world were children. Edtech platforms like Byjus and Unacademy use the OTT streaming approach for education. Similarly, possible applications for learning management in corporations are being explored. While fitness was never considered an activity that could be done remotely, the pandemic saw this notion change. According to a Bobble.AI report, besides video conferencing apps and websites, fitness applications such as Lose Weight, Cure.fit, recorded a 104.53% rise in daily active users. Video streaming platforms are also creating content to cater to this trend. Disney+ Hotstar has partnered with Brilliant Wellness, to introduce content from its fitness experts, yoga, and spiritual gurus. -- India’s large population and relatively young age demographics make the business environment dynamic and interesting. Digital savvy young consumers in India are spread over a wide geography and have a vast range of preferences, languages and appreciate multi-cultural entertainment. As content and technology come together to create a solution that caters to this unique business environment, OTT and streaming media are here to stay.

How India is ‘Cutting the Cord’ to drive an OTT revolution

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tech is disrupting all areas of media and entertainment, and investors are rushing to cash in.</li><li>Startups are attracting millions in investments to change how content is made, distributed, and more.</li></ul>Technology is upending all facets of media and entertainment. New startups are raising capital to jump on audiences' shift to streaming, change hidebound production practices, and more.Business Insider talked with founders about the pitches they used to raise millions and innovate in content creation and distribution. Investors have particularly chased <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-startups-netflix-marvel-lucasfilm-holllywood-deepfake-dubbing-vc-funding-2023-3">AI startups</a> like Runway, which promises to reduce the cost and time it takes to create special effects like de-aging and film restoration; and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-ai-startup-papercup-help-media-entertainment-translation-global-2023-5?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Papercup</a>, an AI-based translation company."There's a lot of friction in making content," Peter Cioni previously said of his and his brother Michael's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-ai-startup-strada-raised-2m-streamline-content-creation-2023-9">AI platform, Strada, </a>which streamlines production processes. "We want to ease that."There's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canela-media-pitch-deck-example-latino-focused-streaming-service-2022-2?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Canela Media</a>, which raised $32 million to build a streaming home for Latinos, believing the audience wasn't well served by mainstream streamers. "I kept reading about the streaming wars," cofounder Isabel Rafferty previously told BI. "But I'm a Latina and my options are very limited."<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/legion-m-production-startup-fans-invest-paul-scanlan-jeff-annison-2022-11?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Legion M</a> took an unconventional approach to fundraising. The production startup crowdsourced funding from ordinary people, who will then get a chance to help decide what projects the company pursues. The company called its app that lets users influence the development process a "fantasy football for film buffs." Check out the 23 examples below to learn more about how these and other founders have sold their vision (arranged in alphabetical order):<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-mark-cuban-backed-gaming-creator-startup-allstar-2023-12?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Allstar, a startup that helps gamers become creators: $12 million Series A</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/friday-beers-raises-6-million-rebrands-almost-friday-pitch-deck-2022-3?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Almost Friday Media, formerly Friday Beers, a digital media company: $6 million seed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/real-pitch-deck-amagi-used-to-raise-95-million-2022-3?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Amagi, a media tech firm for streaming channels: $95 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canela-media-pitch-deck-example-latino-focused-streaming-service-2022-2?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Canela Media, a Latino-focused streaming startup: $32 million Series A</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adrian-grenier-earth-speed-media-production-entourage-texas-ranch-kintsugi-2023-1?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Earth Speed Media, a media company launched by "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier: $150,000 in pre-seed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-josh-flagg-million-dollar-listing-real-estate-media-startup-2023-9?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Estate Media, a media platform cofounded by "Million Dollar Listing" star Josh Flagg: $1.7 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-filmhedge-fintech-hollywood-jon-gosier-financing-movies-tv-2023-4?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">FilmHedge, a fintech company that helps new movies and TV series get made: $5 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/legion-m-production-startup-fans-invest-paul-scanlan-jeff-annison-2022-11?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Legion M, a startup film production company: 15 slides</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-lost-in-raised-seed-round-travel-media-2024-6?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Lost iN, a creator-focused travel media startup: $4 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/metaphysic-startup-behind-tom-cruise-deepfake-raises-75-million-2022-1?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Metaphysic, an AI startup behind the viral Tom Cruise deepfake: $7.5 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-ai-startup-neosapience-raised-21-million-hollywood-2023-4?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Neosapience, an AI startup: $21.5 million Series B</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overtime-deck-how-it-reaches-sports-fans-raised-80-million-2021-4?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Overtime, the sports-media startup for Gen Z: $80 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paper-live-edtech-disney-creator-streaming-service-like-peloton-kids-2022-11?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Paper, an edtech startup behind a kids' streaming service: $270 million Series D</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-ai-startup-papercup-help-media-entertainment-translation-global-2023-5?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Papercup, an AI dubbing company: $20 million Series A</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-rebel-girls-8-million-empowerment-books-tv-film-2023-4?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Rebel Girls, an empowerment-focused media company: $8 million Series A</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-event-marketing-startup-recess-raised-5m-series-a-2022-11?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Recess, a live events startup: $5 million Series A</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/latino-media-company-sonoro-plans-to-turn-audio-into-tv-2024-2?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Sonoro, a Latino-focused media company: $12.5 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-raised-1-million-stagetime-linkedin-performing-artists-2021-11?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Stagetime, a LinkedIn for performing artists: $1.5 million Series A</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-storyco-blockchain-immersive-storytelling-nft-raised-6-million-2023-1?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">StoryCo, a blockchain-based platform that links Hollywood creatives to fans: $6 million seed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-ai-startup-strada-raised-2m-streamline-content-creation-2023-9?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Strada, an AI startup to streamline content creation: $2 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-free-ad-supported-tv-startup-telly-fundraise-vaynerchuk-2023-5?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Telly, an ad-supported TV startup from Pluto's cofounder: Seed round</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/toonstar-mila-kunis-gimmicks-animated-nft-series-blockchain-2022-3?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">Toonstar, an animation studio: $4 million</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/read-pitch-deck-tv-show-ultimate-beastmaster-netflix-2022-5?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp">"Ultimate Beastmaster," Netflix's first reality show: 37-page deck</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-rebel-girls-8-million-empowerment-books-tv-film-2023-4?r=entertainment-pitch-decks-lp"></a></li></ul>

Read the pitch decks from media and entertainment startups that have raised millions to disrupt Hollywood

At least $7 million worth of <keyword id="6354947" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bitcoin">bitcoin</keyword> - or 6,296 coins - were spent on Black Friday, according to data from Bitpay, one of the country's largest payment service providers. )The price of Bitcoin averaged about $1,200 on Nov. 29.)
And what did a huge number of people buy? <keyword id="18712" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Gold">Gold</keyword> and <keyword id="35264" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="silver">silver</keyword> bullion. (The price of the latter, by the way, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-gold-parity-2013-11">nearly matched bitcoin's on Friday</a>).
The top-three online retailers whose payments Bitpay processed on Black Friday were KnCMiner (<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/knc-sells-8-million-in-miners-2013-11">whose gonzo order volume for its latest mining device we told you about yesterday</a>), Gyft, and Amagi Metals.
We asked Gyft, a gift card site, for any more data about what people bought with Bitcoin, and spokesman Ian Chaffee could only say electronics and food.
Amagi Metals chief Stephen McAskill told BI in a separate interview that his site processed $900,000 worth of bitcoin between Thanksgiving and Sunday. The biggest selling items? Silver and gold coins and bars. 
"To me it makes sense," he said. "A lot of bitcoin enthusiasts are interested in sound money, money that doesn't lose value."
But there are still enough users who think bitcoin will someday retain the value of gold, he said.
For the month of November, Bitpay processed 55,288 bitcoins. They did not provide us with a total dollar figure for the month. Here's a chart:
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image">Bitpay</div></div></div>
The price of bitcoin as of Wednesday afternoon was $1,1184. The price of an ounce of gold was $1,228.

People Are Buying A Lot Of Silver And Gold With Their Bitcoins

The growing start-up culture has certainly grabbed the attention of investors across India and overseas. But it is these beneficiaries that have generously become the patrons of many budding entrepreneurs. BI India lists down the top four investors, who have helped several start-ups and new firms to realise their dreams. 
	 
	<keyword id="6360722" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ratan-tata">Ratan Tata</keyword> 
	 Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Group, turned a patron for start-ups in India in early 2014 when he invested in Boston based wind energy firm Altaeros Energies. He then went on to invest in several Indian eCommerce firms such as online jewellery retailer Bluestone, etailer Snapdeal, online lifestyle store Urban Ladder, online payment solutions <keyword id="6357120" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PayTM">Paytm</keyword> and online car retailer <keyword id="2702185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="CarDekho-com">Cardekho.com</keyword>. 
	 
	The 77 year old private equity investor has also invested in social welfare firms such as Swasth India, Grameen India that focuses on microfinance, education and healthcare among others that caters to the lowest rung of the pyramid. 
	 
	<keyword id="6419840" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Azim-Premji">Azim Premji</keyword> 
	 
	This tech titan has set up a investment firm called Premji Invest in 2006 that invests his personal wealth in both listed and non listed companies including startups. The investment arm has preferred to remain low key and has never made its investments public. However, the firm did make investments in Snapdeal, Big Basket, Amagi Media among several others. 
	 
	NR Narayan Murthy 
	 
	The Infosys founder’s investment firm, Catamaran Ventures, has been encouraging startupreneurs by funding their companies. He feels that India’s future lies with the budding entrepreneurs. His investment firm has invested in startups such as Innoviti Payment Solutions, an online payment company, and Coverfox, an online insurance portal. 
	 
	<keyword id="249393" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajan-Anandan">Rajan Anandan</keyword> 
	 
	Search giant Google India’s MD, Rajan Anadan, is an angel investors for many startups. He primarily invests in technology startups and invested in 14 startups in 2014. Do we need to say more? 
	 
	Image Credit: Indiatimes.com

You Searched For "Amagi" and got 7 results

Driving Value Through Unification of Digital Space & Operations- Srinivasan KA

Insider Studios

Amagi raises over $100 mn from General Atlantic, now valued at $1.4 bn

ANI

How India is ‘Cutting the Cord’ to drive an OTT revolution

Guest Author

Read the pitch decks from media and entertainment startups that have raised millions to disrupt Hollywood

Lucia Moses

People Are Buying A Lot Of Silver And Gold With Their Bitcoins

Rob Wile

These investors have turned patrons for startups in India

Purba Das

Check out these 41 pitch decks that advertising startups used to raise millions from top investors

Business Insider

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