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<ul><li>These <keyword id="10993707" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ecommerce-startups" source="Orion">ecommerce startups</keyword> have raised over $135 million since August 2021.</li><li><keyword id="7598194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="khatabook" source="Orion">Khatabook</keyword> alone has raised $100 million in the last one month.</li><li>India is home to 60 million small and medium businesses (SMBs).</li></ul>It was the year 2019, when India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani declared that he would connect 13 million kirana stores —the Indian word for mom and pop stores — with his tech platform JioPlatforms. Amazon and Flipkart have been on hot pursuit of these neighbourhood stores for at least half a decade. However, for quite some time before that, a bunch of young startups like <keyword id="1249046" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dukaan" source="Orion">Dukaan</keyword> and Khatabook have been preparing the ground for these big tech giants to make a big splash. These enablers are getting their due from venture capitalists (VCs) now. These <keyword id="436047" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ecommerce" source="Orion">ecommerce</keyword> startups have raised over $135 million since August 2021. Key deals include: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Launched In </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">What does it do? </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Recent Funding </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Investors </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Merchants </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Khatabook </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2017 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Originally a bookkeeping app. Ventured into the ecommerce enablement space in 2020 with MyStore. </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$100 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tribe Capital, Moore Strategic Ventures (MSV), Alkeon Capital </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10 million monthly active users </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Dukaan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2020` </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Enables kirana stores to set up their online store </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$11 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">640 Oxford Ventures, OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal and Nothing CEO Carl Pei </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.5 million </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bikayi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2019 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Helps small businesses set up a digital store </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$10.8 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sequoia Capital India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 million </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Ping </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2020 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Aggregates all the local commerce message groups on the app and allows customers to discover new stores. </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$3.5 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Elevation Capital, </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">400 active residential communities </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ApnaKlub </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2020 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wholesale platform for small sellers and retailers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$3.5 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sequoia Capital India’s accelerator programme Surge. </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5,000 wholesale partners </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kirana247 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2020 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wholesale distributor of consumer goods for small businesses. It optimises warehousing using ML and AI. </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$1 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Undisclosed </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5000 </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table>Other major businesses in this segment include OkShop and MyStore. “The recent rounds in September are indicative of growing interest from investors in this segment,” Madhur Singhal, managing partner and chief executive at Praxis Global Alliance told Business Insider. He noted that Google and PayU’s investment in online-to-offline commerce platform DotPe further substantiate this claim. Devendra Agrawal, founder of investment bank Dexter Capital echoed the same sentiment, highlighting that while offline retailers have been severely impacted by the pandemic, online retail received a huge boost. “To compete with online retailers, offline retailers have started adopting solutions offered by ‘Dukan Tech’ startups at an unprecedented rate,” he said. India is home to 60 million SMEs and 13-14 million kirana stores, which employ over 130 million people. “Clearly, it is an extremely vast market and provides great opportunities for digital solutions,” he added. But what are the challenges ahead of these companies? According to Singhal, finding the right product market fit for these startups is going to be extremely challenging for these startups as they have a diverse mix of customers in terms of region, scale and vertical of operations. “Another challenge would be the monetisation aspect. Given the free adoption and availability of Dukan Tech solutions, it would be crucial for these start-ups to figure out what percentage of their merchant base become paid users,” Agrawal added. Sequoia-backed Khatabook is facing similar challenges when it comes to monetisation. The company, valued at $600 million due to its size and scale, is currently in a pre-revenue stage. The company is currently piloting some monetisation engine, according to sources within the company. But the biggest challenge remains the emergence of big tech companies in the segment. Agrawal told Business Insider that any segment where customers are interacting on a daily basis always has the potential for big players jumping in. The question, however, remains how and when they do it. They can either enter organically or follow Walmart’s approach and acquire another company, he added. However, he emphasised that companies that have figured out their business model and are raising capital will be able to survive. “But another thing to keep in mind is that the current dukan tech companies are in the customer acquisition phase. They need to figure out the business model and monetisation engines,” Agrawal added. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/shree-cement-zee-entertainment-telecom-and-other-top-stocks-to-watch-out-for-on-september-15/slidelist/86219264.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Shree Cement, Zee Entertainment, telecom and other top stocks to watch out for on September 15</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-13-series-ipad-ipad-mini-and-watch-series-7-announced-indian-pricing-availability-and-features/articleshow/86213320.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Apple iPhone 13 series, iPad, iPad mini and Watch Series 7 announced – Indian pricing, availability and features</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-unveiled-its-new-399-watch-series-7-that-lets-you-text-from-a-keyboard-on-your-wrist-and-can-detect-if-you-fall-off-your-bike/articleshow/86211383.cms">Apple unveiled its new $399 Watch Series 7 that lets you text from a keyboard on your wrist and can detect if you fall off your bike</a>

Long before Mukesh Ambani set his eyes on the millions of mom-n-pop stores, a bunch of e-commerce startups were preparing the ground ⁠— they are now getting their due

New Delhi, Mar 17 () Business accounting app Khatabook on Tuesday announced that cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company, and has become its brand ambassador. Khatabook is aiming to onboard another 2 crore merchants over the next 12 months. The firm plans to use proceeds from the latest equity investment to expand its product portfolio and double down on its technology and capabilities. "Having grown up in small-town India, I saw friends and family struggle with outdated modes of doing business and tracking finances. Khatabook has had an outsized impact on the lives of India's small merchants and retailers," Dhoni said. * * * * *Fintech firm Fintso raises $2.6 mn in maiden round of funding* Fintech start up Fintso on Tuesday announced raising USD 2.6 million from a set of individual angel investors including top officials of Mankind, Einfochips and Deutsche Bank. "Fintso, a 3-month-old fintech startup, founded by Wealth Management industry veterans, George Mitra and Rajan Pathak, has raised USD 2.6 milliom from a set of individual Angel investors. Investors include Rajeev Juneja (CEO of Mankind Pharma), Pratul Shroff (Founder of Infochips) and Dilip Khandelwal (MD and Head of Technology, Asia Pacific, Deutsche Bank)," the company said in a statement.Fintso said it will use the capital to develop platform to help independent financial advisors and mutual fund distributors to nurture client relationships, enable seamless operations, and help them enhance productivity. PRS SHWSHW

MS Dhoni invests in biz accounting app Khatabook

New Delhi, May 20 () Khatabook, which provides solutions to help micro, small and medium-sized businesses track business transactions, on Wednesday said it has raised USD 60 million (over 454 crore) in funding led by B Capital Group. The series-B round also saw participation from new and existing investors, including Sequoia India, Partners of DST Global, Tencent, GGV, RTP Global, Hummingbird Ventures, Falcon Edge Capital, Rocketship.vc and Unilever Ventures, a statement said. Angel investors Kevin Weil, Alexander Will, Kunal Shah, Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal (Snapdeal founders) also participated, it added. The latest funding will allow Khatabook to ramp up their products and services offerings for India's merchants, as the company builds technology solutions around financial services and a large merchant-focused distribution platform, the statement said. Traditionally, Indian MSMEs keep track of credit flow with their consumers and suppliers offline, maintaining handwritten accounts. Merchants spend hours tracking dues and lose significant revenue due to misplaced ledgers or missed collections. Khatabook said it is helping merchants manage their credit, creating transparency in cash flow, and increasing trust with end-consumers. "Khatabook is the biggest player in the micro, small and medium business segment in the country, with over 8 million active merchants on the app. Khatabook is playing an important role in the digitisation of MSMEs -- a sector that forms the backbone of our economy -- helping to increase their incomes and making them more efficient and competitive," Khatabook co-founder and CEO Ravish Naresh said. The company is looking to work closely with the government and financial institutions to strengthen Indian MSMEs, he added. The company said more than one million merchants are uploading data and engaging with the Khatabook app daily while adding USD 200 million worth of transactions every day. More than 25 per cent of its total active merchants are joining the platform through word-of-mouth and referrals, it added. SR HRS

Khatabook raises USD 60 mn funding led by B Capital Group

<ul><li>There are over 6.3 crore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, majority of which are micro and small enterprises.</li><li>Majority of Indian MSME have a turnover of less than ₹40 lakhs, but do not have access to any kind of loan, CEO of Chqbook added.</li><li>The challenges in the assessment of requirement is one of the major reasons why the India MSME have been financially excluded.</li></ul>There are over 6.3 crore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India and most of them are facing one major problem — access to capital. Whether it is investment opportunities or credit facilities, Indian MSMEs have been largely financially excluded. Gaurav Shahlot, head of product at Khatabook, in a conversation with Business Insider India, noted that credit has been a challenge for the Indian MSMEs as they need small amounts of capital for a short period of time. “They also needed very, very frequently, whether it's for purchasing an inventory or financing an invoice,” he added. Vipul Sharma, founder and CEO of Chqbook, noted that a majority of Indian MSMEs have a turnover of less than ₹40 lakhs, which is also the segment that does not have to pay any Goods and Services Tax (GST). “That segment has done better... The access to credit is definitely a challenge,” he added, saying that less than two crore of the total six crore MSMEs have taken any loan. Even though the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made MSME into a priority lending sector, the lack of data on these small businesses hasn’t been helping. Yet, fintechs and digital businesses have been gearing up to lend to small businesses, who have been left out of the financial system for too long. Shahlot noted that the intervention of technology has created several touchpoints for MSMEs, making it easier to underwrite loans. He noted that it has also created a lot of different modes of credit lines such as distributor-to-retailer model where retailers are financed on the back of the purchases; Buy-Now-Pay-Later solutions where lenders are financing a purchase by directly paying the supplier and much more. Just like traditional lenders, even fintechs are facing similar challenges but have devised alternate ways to disburse these loans and credit lines. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="But there must be some shortcomings to this as well" comment="subhead" text="But there must be some shortcomings to this as well">But there must be some shortcomings to this as well</cmsannotation> “The lenders also face certain challenges because the data and information, which is required for processing the credit lines or pretty facilities, is not easily available… It's not even authenticated. Because the operations [of these MSME] are such small level operations it becomes difficult for them [lenders] also,” Kishor Kharat, former MD and CEO of IDBI Bank and Indian Bank, said. He noted that the biggest challenge in the MSME lending has been the assessment of requirements. Some of these MSMEs operate on such a small scale that they have not been audited and sometimes it is even difficult to calculate their turnover. UPI and QR-based payments have made the assessment of turnover and requirement somewhat easier, but a fully computerized operation would be a “dream situation” for assessment of these requirements, Kharat added. While it is all good, the impact of fintechs is still on the surface. Kharat noted that fintechs are largely serving audiences in urban areas, and the MSMEs in the rural regions have still not been able to reap the benefits of these companies. He believes roughly 5-10% MSMEs must have benefited from the technology intervention. Loans amounting to ₹3.32 trillion have been sanctioned under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) till April 30, 2022. About ₹2.54 trillion had been disbursed. “Even though the Reserve Bank of India has stipulated this [MSMEs] under priority sector lending, banks find it difficult to lend to micro and small MSMEs [which makes up for roughly 95% of the industry] whereas medium category people get more credit support,” Kharat noted. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/karan-virwani-kunal-shah-and-4-other-startup-ceos-invest-in-a-real-estate-venture/articleshow/92829944.cms">Karan Virwani, Kunal Shah and 4 other startup CEOs invest in a real estate venture</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/mba-chai-wala-is-now-looking-to-hire-500-people-for-100-new-stores/articleshow/92828283.cms">From a small thela to 100 stores — MBA Chai Wala is now looking to hire 500 people for 100 more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/cement-companies-are-girding-for-tougher-times-as-rising-fuel-costs-bite/articleshow/92822829.cms">Cement companies are girding for tougher times as rising fuel costs bite</a>

Fintechs are helping Indian MSMEs with their biggest challenge — data and the lack of it

<ul><li><keyword id="6354832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MS-Dhoni" source="Orion">MS Dhoni</keyword> forayed into the world of business by making major investments in various companies across sectors.</li><li>His investments include <keyword id="4610420" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Garuda-Aerospace" source="Orion">Garuda Aerospace</keyword>, Khatabook, Cars24, and many more.</li><li>He has an estimated net worth of $111 million and featured among highest paid athletes in the world in 2015.</li></ul>After bidding a goodbye to international cricket, former Indian team skipper Mahendra Singh <keyword id="6397" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="dhoni" source="Orion">Dhoni</keyword> seems to have turned into a full-time startup investor. He now has interests in companies across sectors like auto, liquor, agricultural, clothing etc. His latest venture is into the world of drones as he invested an undisclosed sum in Chennai-based drone company Garuda Aerospace today. He has also become its brand ambassador. The company works in the agri sector and has 300 drones along with 500 pilots operating in 26 countries. <div type="twitter" handle="garuda_india" handlename="Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1435499480695013376/O7KKwlM-_normal.jpg" favoritecount="41" retweetcount="20" status="The Helicopter has arrived 🚁 Captain Cool #MSDhoni makes a strategic investment in India's Largest Drone Startup… https://t.co/Fuq72WLmzK" createdat="1654500456000" id="1533712192670814208"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="One of India’s highest paid athletes" comment="subhead" text="One of India’s highest paid athletes">One of India’s highest paid athletes</cmsannotation> Dhoni has an estimated<a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-net-worth"> net worth</a> of $111 million and is featured among the highest paid athletes in the world in 2015 — earning as much as $31 million. Apart from investments, he endorses 20 brands including TVS Motors, Ashok Leyland and Exide Batteries. It hence comes as no surprise that he is carefully growing his wealth by investing in various ventures — which are mostly startups. Here are some companies in which Dhoni has invested in — 1. Khatabook Dhoni became the investor and brand ambassador of the Saas-based ledger company in March 2020. It is an online platform for companies to keep a digital log of their financial transactions and accept payments online. The company claims that it had managed to clock in five crore registered merchants in just a year. 2. Cars24 He became a part of the e-commerce platform for pre-owned cars in 2019 by investing an undisclosed sum in its Series D round. He is also its brand ambassador. 3. <keyword id="6359801" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Seven" source="Orion">Seven</keyword> Dhoni who is known for his personal style launched his own lifestyle brand popularly known as Seven, after his iconic jersey number 7. Reportedly, he just owns the footwear segment of the brand, while the rest of it is owned by RS Seven Lifestyle. He is also the global brand ambassador of the company he launched in 2016. 4. 7InkBrews The food and beverage company announced Dhoni as its brand ambassador and shareholder of the company last April. Adil Mistry and Kunal Patel, co-founders of the company launched a whole new range of chocolates and beverages under the brand Copter7, which was inspired by Dhoni’s famous helicopter shot and his jersey number. 5. Hotel Mahi Residency This one is one of the lesser known investments made by the cricket legend. Very few people know that Mahi owns a hotel as well named as Hotel Mahi Residency located in Ranchi, Jharkhand. 6. HomeLane Dhoni became an equity partner and brand ambassador of the home interior company last August. The agreement was signed for three years, however, no other details were disclosed. HomeLane, founded in 2014, is a platform that promises to deliver home interiors within 45 days. 7. <keyword id="14129080" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sports-fit" source="Orion">Sports Fit</keyword> He also owns a stake in Sports Fit, which is a gym franchise located in multiple locations in India such as Delhi, Mumbai. As per media reports, he owns around 200 gyms under this brand name. The Ranchi-based hockey team, which replaced the defunct <keyword id="4931806" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ranchi-rhinos" source="Orion">Ranchi Rhinos</keyword> in 2014, is also owned by Dhoni. Previously, it was owned by the Patel-Uniexcel Group. 8. Ranchi Rays The Ranchi-based hockey team, which replaced the defunct Ranchi Rhinos in 2014, is also owned by Dhoni. Previously, it was owned by the Patel-Uniexcel Group. 9. Chennaiyin FC He is the co-owner of the popular football Indian Super League (ISL), which is men’s football league, franchise Chennaiyin FC. The other co-owner is Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/elon-musks-spacex-teases-next-gen-satellites-reveals-company-on-track-meet-goal-of-52-60-launches-this-year/articleshow/92040368.cms">Elon Musk's SpaceX teases next-gen satellites, reveals company on track meet goal of 52-60 launches this year</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/indias-central-bank-denies-reports-that-it-is-replacing-mahatma-gandhi-with-tagore-and-kalam-on-currency-notes/articleshow/92037998.cms">India's central bank denies reports that it is replacing Mahatma Gandhi with Tagore and Kalam on currency notes</a>

M S Dhoni ventures into the world of drones — look at the other companies he invested in

<ul><li>According to the Cisco India <keyword id="160494" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="SMB">SMB</keyword> Digital Maturity Study 2020, digitalisation of small and medium businesses(SMBs) could add anywhere between $158-216 billion to India's GDP by 2024.</li><li>MSMEs currently contribute around 6.11% of India’s manufacturing GDP, and 24.63% of the GDP from service activities as well as 33.4% of manufacturing output. </li><li>Everyone from the government, to corporates and even startups are focussing on the micro, small and medium enterprises of India. </li></ul>India’s <keyword id="469687" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-and-medium-businesses">small and medium businesses</keyword> are in the spotlight now as the Modi government has pushed out several initiatives to boost the sector, cue Atmanirbhar Bharat. Given the current scenario due to COVID-19, more and more consumers are looking online, e-commerce is booming and it provides the potential for SMBs to transform and build on digitisation of their businesses. A shift that has been underway and began post demonetisation in 2016. According to the Cisco India SMB Digital Maturity Study 2020, digitalisation of small and medium businesses(SMBs) could add anywhere between $158-216 billion to India's GDP by 2024 and contribute to the country's economic recovery post COVID-19. According to the Confederation of Indian Industries, MSMEs currently contribute around 6.11% of India’s manufacturing GDP and 24.63% of the GDP from service activities as well as 33.4% of manufacturing output. From government, to corporates and startups – everyone wants to work for MSMEs This goes on to prove why everyone from government, to corporates and even startups are focussing on the micro, small and medium enterprises of India. The Indian government on May 13 had said that the definition of micro, small and medium enterprises (<keyword id="6358354" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSME">MSME</keyword>) will be changed to allow for relatively bigger companies to avail the benefits of cheaper and priority loans. Earlier in April, Nitin Gadkari, India’s minister of micro, small and medium enterprises had launched an idea and innovations portal for SMBs – MSME Bank of Ideas, Innovation and Research. But it's not just that, from e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart to corporates like Mastercard have been doling out initiatives to help the MSME sector. Several startups like Khatabook, FarEye, Udaan, Shiprocket and Reliance-backed Nowfloats among several others are helping MSMEs in the <keyword id="73524" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digitization">digitization</keyword> journey. The challenges ahead But for the thousands of MSMEs to turn to digitization in India will not be an easy task. India currently ranks 9th in the small and medium businesses digital maturity in the Asia Pacific region, according to the CISCO report. The challenges range from an absence of digital skills and access to talent, to lack of necessary technologies required for a business overhaul. "While technology will serve as the greatest enabler in helping SMBs leverage the opportunities created by the emerging low-touch economy, this crisis is far too complex for anyone to solve alone. Now more than ever, we need to work together to navigate these uncharted waters,” said Panish PK, Managing Director, SMB, Cisco India and SAARC. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/mahindra-and-mahindra-finance-managing-director-gets-candid-about-the-rights-issue/articleshow/77212386.cms">EXCLUSIVE: M&amp;M Financial Managing Director gets candid about the rights issue, the bleak prospects for this year and why there should be no more loan moratorium</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/india-sees-second-wave-of-layoffs-and-pay-cuts-as-companies-grapple-with-covid-19-pandemic/articleshow/77212542.cms">India sees second wave of layoffs and pay cuts as companies grapple with COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Digitisation is the only choice for small businesses in India — and it may add up to $200 billion to the GDP

As Indian startups face turbulence in the global funding winter, experts on Monday said they need to reserve cash, create a long-term goal and adopt a culture of customer feedback to survive in 2023. On the occasion of the 'National Startup Day', envisioned by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> last year, industry experts said that the founders must continuously monitor the trends which are happening in the world. Indian startups fired more than 18,000 employees in 2022 amid a funding winter and macroeconomic uncertainty. "Investing in R&amp;D can be one of the finest ways to actually tackle disruption. Make sure that as a business, you keep some of your profits or your balance sheet reserves for investing into R&amp;D to actually learn more," Dr Ritesh Malik, Director, <keyword id="6365866" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="alliance" source="Orion">Alliance</keyword> for <keyword id="2947744" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="digital-india-foundation" source="Orion">Digital India Foundation</keyword>, or <keyword id="1429787" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="adif" source="Orion">ADIF</keyword>, told IANS. "If you feel that there is a platform like Instagram where the go-to-market strategy is more efficient, start learning Instagram and start promoting your products there," he added. According to <keyword id="6061635" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tejas-khoday" source="Orion">Tejas Khoday</keyword>, Co-Founder and CEO of trading platform FYERS, this year is special as India has emerged to be the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. "While the past year was turbulent with IPOs of several well-known startups not doing too well, the ongoing funding winter and related layoffs, in the long run, all this will be a blip on the radar," he said. That said, this will help the ecosystem to mature and hopefully and we will see startups achieve a better balance between scale and profitability in 2023, Khoday noted. While interacting with over 150 startups, <keyword id="2238662" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pm-modi" source="Orion">PM Modi</keyword> last year announced the commemoration of National Startup Day on January 16 every year. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the <keyword id="6416832" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-commerce-and-industry" source="Orion">Ministry of Commerce and Industry</keyword> marked an entire week as <keyword id="16072714" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="national-startup-week" source="Orion">National Startup Week</keyword>, from January 10 to 16. According to Malik, startups must hear back from their customers. "The more you hear from your customers, the more you will be able to understand their changing needs. And the more your product becomes dynamic and you constantly change that product to the whims and fantasies of the customer," he noted. <keyword id="3337958" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ravish-naresh" source="Orion">Ravish Naresh</keyword>, CEO and Co-founder of Khatabook, said that there is a stronger acknowledgment of Indian startups' role in solving core problems of emerging economies to bridge the socio-economic gaps. "This year, our primary aim is to turn profitable and scale up the digital lending offerings to meet the unmet credit demand of Indian MSME businesses. We are optimistic about the Indian economy and its opportunities for the startup ecosystem," he said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/logistics-startup-locad-raises-11-million-in-series-a-funding-led-by-reefknot-investments/articleshow/97020396.cms">Logistics startup Locad raises $11 million in Series A funding led by Reefknot Investments</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/foreign-investors-pull-out-15000-crore-from-stocks-in-the-first-two-weeks-of-2023/articleshow/97019987.cms">Foreign investors pull out ₹15,000 crore from stocks in the first two weeks of 2023</a>

Indian startups need to conserve cash & listen to customers, say experts

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<ul><li>The development comes after the CCI revoked its clearance to Amazon’s 2019 deal with Future Coupons.</li><li>The deal had set ground for Amazon’s disapproval of Reliance Industries- <keyword id="44949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="future-group" source="Orion">Future Group</keyword> deal.</li><li>The Supreme Court of India in August 2021 upheld the emergency award given to Amazon by the Singapore arbitrator.</li></ul>Kishore Biyani-led <keyword id="375475" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="future-retail" source="Orion">Future Retail</keyword> has asked the Delhi High Court to declare the arbitration proceedings in Singapore, which passed judgement in favour of Amazon, as illegal, according to a report by news agency Reuters. The development comes after the Competition Commission of India (CCI)<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/amazon-future-deal-cci-clears-the-way-for-reliance-acquisition-by-revoking-2019-deal/articleshow/88343227.cms"> revoked its clearance to Amazon’s 2019 deal</a> with Future Coupons, a subsidiary of Future Group. The deal had set ground for Amazon’s disapproval of Reliance Industries' ₹24,715 crore deal to buy the retail assets as well as warehouses of the Future Group. Notably, Amazon had bought 49% stake in Future coupon in 2019, which gave it access to gnarly 3% stake in Future Retail. As per Amazon’s agreement with Future Group when the deal was signed, The Biyani-led company could not sell any of its retail assets to 11 companies including Reliance. Future Group, however, went ahead to sell its retail assets to Amazon. The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) considered the Future-Reliance deal to be invalid on these grounds. Now that the CCI has revoked its clearance to the two-year-old deal, Future Retail seeks Delhi High Court’s intervention to invalidate the Singapore-based arbitrator’s verdict. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/amazon-wins-supreme-court-case-against-mukesh-ambani-reliance-retail-and-kishore-biyanis-future-group/articleshow/85092072.cms">Supreme Court of India in August</a> 2021 upheld the emergency award given to Amazon by SIAC. The "continuation of the entire arbitration proceedings is a perpetuation of illegality," Future Retail was quoted as saying by the latest Reuters’ <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/indias-future-retail-asks-court-declare-arbitration-with-amazon-illegal-2022-01-03/?taid=61d2b78ea4e5640001ce72a9&amp;utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter">report</a>. Business Insider has reached out to Amazon and Future Group for comments on the report. Last month, Amazon had reportedly told SIAC that the suspension of the 2019 deal does not mean that the transaction between the two companies is void, as the CCI has given the ecommerce giant the chance to reapply the deal. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/mamaearths-revenue-neared-500-crore-by-selling-its-personal-care-products-in-fy2021/articleshow/88658722.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mamaearth says it has turned profitable as revenue neared ₹500 crore last year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/khatabook-dunzo-purplle-rapido-and-17-other-startups-that-can-become-unicorns-in-2022/slidelist/88614480.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">From Dunzo to Purplle to Khatabook — here are the 21 startups that may turn unicorns in 2022</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/#:~:text=Tata%20Motors%2C%20Maruti%20Suzuki%2C%20Future%20Retail%20and%20other%20hot%20stocks%20on%20the%20first%20trading%20day%20of%202022" data-type="tilCustomLink">Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Future Retail and other hot stocks on the first trading day of 2022</a>

You Searched For "khatabook business" and got 9 results

Long before Mukesh Ambani set his eyes on the millions of mom-n-pop stores, a bunch of e-commerce startups were preparing the ground ⁠— they are now getting their due

Kritti Bhalla

MS Dhoni invests in biz accounting app Khatabook

PTI

Khatabook raises USD 60 mn funding led by B Capital Group

PTI

Fintechs are helping Indian MSMEs with their biggest challenge — data and the lack of it

Kritti Bhalla

M S Dhoni ventures into the world of drones — look at the other companies he invested in

Vaamanaa Sethi

Digitisation is the only choice for small businesses in India — and it may add up to $200 billion to the GDP

Sanchita Dash

Indian startups need to conserve cash & listen to customers, say experts

IANS

Best thermal printers for print bills, receipts and tickets

Rahul Verma

Amazon Vs Future Retail: Kishore Biyani-led company asks court to declare Singapore arbitration illegal

Kritti Bhalla

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