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<keyword id="328347" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Angel-Network">Indian Angel Network</keyword> (IAN), which is India’s first and world’s largest angel investor network, has invested an undisclosed amount in <keyword id="6550201" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Staqu">Staqu</keyword>, a Gurgaon-based research start-up focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), working in automated image understanding technology. 
 On behalf of IAN, it was <keyword id="1710874" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bikky-Khosla">Bikky Khosla</keyword>, Neeraj Singal and Ajay Gupta who led the funding round, which as per sources will be used to further build technology and build up the team. Khosla would also be joining the Staqu board. 
 
Founded in 2015, Staqu’s core team includes researchers and engineers. 
 “We plan to invest this round to expand the computational strength of our <keyword id="3438817" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="VGrep-Lab">VGrep Lab</keyword> (AI research lab at Staqu) and fuel it with clusters of GPUs and other technical resources. Currently, we are applying our research to solve pressing problems in the e-commerce sector. In the near future, we are planning on use it to address issues across other market segments, too. Throughout the funding process, our ideas were constantly cross-questioned, which helped us set a clear vision and goals,” said Atul Rai, co-founder and CEO said. 
 
Staqu uses AI and engineering for image processing, deep learning, computer vision, NLP and overall improvement of users’ daily mobile experience. 
 
“IAN is extremely excited about Staqu and its proposition. Search is becoming very complex and consumer experience demands precise results of articles being searched. Staqu AI engine is the best that we have seen and can help increase the sales of its e-commerce customers by delivering superior customer experience. It can also create alternate revenue streams for its OEM customers. The team is rock solid with background in research and product development. We look forward to be a part of Staqu’s journey to deliver a true global product from India,” said Khosla. 
 
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IAN invests in AI-based research venture Staqu

<keyword id="133375" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajan-Mathews">Rajan Mathews</keyword>, COAI 
 We agree that there is no scarcity of spectrum in the country. We support the allocation and harmonisation of spectrum. The primary issue is not the quantity of spectrum, but its pricing, quality, deployment and how soon the bidders will be able to access the allocated spectrum. Availability of spectrum is no longer an issue and we agree with the <keyword id="6355261" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-minister">Finance Minister</keyword> on this. We need to focus on its pricing and quality and take care of the overall development of the telecom ecosystem ensuring a viable environment for the industry to proliferate. 
 Kenny Ye, GM-Overseas Business, UC Web, <keyword id="3387819" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Alibaba-Mobile-Business-Group">Alibaba Mobile Business Group</keyword> 
 
While last year’s auctions removed spectrum scarcity in the country, expansion of Bharat Net project will ensure high-speed broadband to 1.5 lk gram panchayats via Wifi. With increasing smartphone penetration and push for high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas, a massive digital revolution is imminent in India. Lastly, reduction of corporate tax for MSMEs is a welcome step but larger Indian conglomerates looking to compete with global peers will continue to find the tax rate challenging. 
 Anant Maheshwari, President, <keyword id="10387" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Microsoft">Microsoft</keyword> India 
 The <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance">Finance</keyword> Minister has presented a balanced budget, underlined by the continued push to using technology to aid a digital economy. As India strengthens its position on the global map, the need for skilled youth is crucial. The budget’s focus on extending market relevant training for the youth and setting up 100 international skill centers across the country, is a positive move. The emphasis on science and technology for students, and launch of SWAYAM, will further empower India’s youth for the future. I am glad to witness the increasing focus on cybersecurity, which is critical to securing the economy’s digital transformation. The reduction of corporate tax for MSMEs is a welcome move and will boost the economic growth. The momentum in the implementation of GST is promising and I look forward to seeing it unfold in the coming months. 
 
Arpita Pal Agrawal, Leader- Telecom, PwC India 
 
Digital India is a winner in this budget with provisions for Bharat Net, PoS Terminals etc. Telcos will benefit as this will accelerate adoption of data services. However the specific Industry demands related to clarity on pending tax issues have mostly remained unaddressed. 
 
 
Atul Rai, CEO and Co-founder, Staqu, a Gurgaon-based Artificial Intelligence Startup 
 The <keyword id="6360189" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Union-Budget">Union Budget</keyword> 2017 doesn't provide any direct benefits to startups this year. Besides, the tax exemptions from capital gain are rather difficult to meet, at least in the early stage of 3-5 years for a startup. However, the newly announced exemptions for income tax of common people and well-rounded push towards digital payments will ultimately increase the buying capacity, along with mobile phone utility. These institutional changes, I believe, will push towards the growth of new age digital startups, albeit indirectly.

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