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Prime Minister Narendra <keyword id="19899684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi" source="keywords">Modi</keyword> on Friday said the government is making necessary <keyword id="20861068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="policy-changes" source="keywords">policy changes</keyword>, like removal of <keyword id="20279287" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Angel-Tax" source="keywords">Angel Tax</keyword>, to promote the <keyword id="19945816" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="fintech" source="keywords">fintech</keyword> sector, even as he asked the <keyword id="19962476" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="regulators" source="keywords">regulators</keyword> to take additional measures to check cyber frauds which can have a crippling impact on startups. Lauding the fintechs for democratising <keyword id="19976433" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-services" source="keywords">financial services</keyword>, Modi said the sector, which has attracted USD 31-billion investment in the last 10 years, has played a key role in denting the parallel economy. The Prime Minister was addressing the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024, jointly organised by the Payments Council of India, the National Payments Corporation of India and the Fintech Convergence Council. He said the domestic economy and the capital market are in a celebratory mood at a time when the nation is also going through a festive period. Modi underlined that the government is making all necessary changes on the policy level to assist the fintech sector and gave examples of doing away with Angel Tax, allocating Rs 1 lakh crore to encourage research and innovation in the country and implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Broadly, fintech refers to entities utilising technologies for providing financial services. Expressing the need to put an end to <keyword id="19901142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cyber-fraud" source="keywords">cyber fraud</keyword>, he urged the regulators to take major initiatives to boost digital literacy. It is equally important to ensure cyber fraud does not come in the way of the growth of fintech and startups in the country, Modi said. In his speech, the Prime Minister also cautioned about the dangers of a parallel economy for the world. Fintech, he said, has played an impactful role in denting such a system and credited the emergence of transparency. He said that digital technology has introduced transparency in India and gave the example of the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer used in hundreds of government schemes that has prevented leakages in the system. "Today, people can see the benefits of aligning with the formal banking system," he said. Modi further said the trinity of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile have broken down the mentality of 'Cash is King' and made way for approximately half of the <keyword id="20004116" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-transactions" source="keywords">digital transactions</keyword> in the world taking place in India. "India's <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="upi" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> has become a major example of fintech in the world," he said, adding that it has enabled 24X7 banking services in every village and city in all weather conditions. Underlining the role of fintech in democratising financial services, the Prime Minister gave examples of readily available loans, credit cards, investments and insurance. He said that fintech has made access to credit easy and inclusive, and gave the example of PM SVANidhi scheme that has enabled street vendors to avail collateral-free loans and further expand their business with the help of digital transactions. "Sustainable <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword> is India's priority today," he said and emphasised that the government is creating robust, transparent and efficient systems to strengthen financial markets with advanced technologies and regulatory frameworks. About 800 speakers, including policymakers, regulators, senior bankers, industry captains, and academicians, from India and other countries are participating in the fest.

Removed Angel Tax, taking policy measures to promote fintech sector: PM Modi

India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, often seen as a key player in the country’s clean energy transition, has been called “irrelevant” without government <keyword id="20231384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="incentives" source="keywords">incentives</keyword> by a recent Bernstein research report. The report highlights the serious challenges automakers face in achieving profitability and scaling operations in the EV segment, which remains heavily reliant on financial support from the government. <h2>Struggling to achieve profitability</h2>The Bernstein report reveals that generating profitable margins in the Indian EV sector is proving to be an uphill battle for automakers. “It is tough to generate sufficient margins and get scale in EVs. Even with hefty incentives, incumbent OEMs are still unprofitable,” the report stated. This underscores the fact that even with <keyword id="20022183" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-subsidies" source="keywords">government subsidies</keyword> aimed at promoting <keyword id="20138204" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-mobility" source="keywords">electric mobility</keyword>, automakers are struggling to make EVs financially viable. High production costs, limited infrastructure, and relatively low consumer demand all contribute to this issue. Traditional automakers, particularly in India’s two-wheeler market, are facing significant financial losses. According to Bernstein, while some niche startups may survive, their long-term market share will likely remain limited, and competition will primarily be between established original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The key challenge for these OEMs is achieving the scale and cost reductions required to compete with the well-entrenched internal combustion engine (ICE) sector. <h2>Reliance on incentives</h2>One of the most striking conclusions from Bernstein’s analysis is the deep reliance of the EV sector on government subsidies. Without these incentives, the <keyword id="19952060" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="EV-Industry" source="keywords">EV industry</keyword> would be unable to compete with traditional ICE vehicles. “The EV Industry is not relevant without incentives currently, and to break the ICE sector, it needs intense focus, scale, and continued cost downs,” the report emphasised. This indicates that while government schemes like GST benefits have helped reduce the cost difference between EVs and ICE vehicles, they are not enough to ensure the long-term sustainability of the EV sector. Bernstein estimates that the overall EV two-wheeler industry in India generates around USD 1.3 billion in annual revenues, but without government support, the sector incurs an EBIT loss of approximately USD 300-400 million. The high cost structure of EVs, combined with the relatively low sales volumes, makes it difficult for companies to operate without subsidies. <h2>Established players face mixed fortunes</h2>Among India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, Bernstein noted that <keyword id="19897354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bajaj-Auto" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bajaj Auto" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Bajaj Auto">Bajaj Auto</keyword> and <keyword id="20326963" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TVS-Motors" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="TVS Motors" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="TVS Motors">TVS Motors</keyword> are on a similar footing in terms of their performance in the EV space. Bajaj Auto received an "Outperform" rating from Bernstein due to its lower valuations, while TVS Motors was rated "Market Perform" after it was found to be losing approximately 7.5% in EBITDA, or Rs 11,000 per vehicle, despite generating a gross profit margin of 7% without subsidies. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113631992" title="Tata Nexon EV with a bigger battery launched starting at ₹13.99 lakh" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Hero MotoCorp, a major player in India’s automotive market, lags behind both Bajaj and TVS in terms of its EV offerings. Bernstein also pointed out that Eicher Motors, which is expected to launch its own <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">electric vehicles</keyword> soon, is likely to remain “sub-scale and less relevant” in the competitive EV landscape. Interestingly, <keyword id="19897349" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola-Electric" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ola Electric" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Ola Electric">Ola Electric</keyword> (Ola-E) stands out as a startup that has been able to generate positive operating earnings (EBITDA) from its premium models like the S1 Pro and S1 Air, even as it incurs losses on its mass-market model, the S1X. “Our analysis indicates that Ola-E is generating positive operating EBITDA from its premium models, such as the S1 Pro and S1 Air while incurring a loss on its mass-market model, the S1X,” the report said. While Ola has shown some promise, it too remains heavily dependent on subsidies to maintain its financial health. <h2>Long-term outlook</h2>Bernstein’s report paints a challenging picture for the future of India’s EV sector, suggesting that while dominant startups may survive, the majority of the competition will come from traditional automakers. However, without significant scale and continued cost reductions, the EV industry will struggle to become self-sustaining. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113315022" title="Waiting for the festive season to buy an EV? Cabinet approves PM E-Drive subsidising most EVs, sans electric cars" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Bernstein emphasised that to truly compete with ICE vehicles, the EV sector needs to focus on scaling up operations, reducing costs, and maintaining long-term commitment. Until these conditions are met, India’s EV industry will remain highly dependent on government support and may continue to face an uphill battle for relevance. In conclusion, while India’s EV sector is seen as a vital part of the country’s clean energy future, Bernstein’s analysis highlights that it is far from being self-reliant. The industry’s heavy dependence on government incentives raises questions about its long-term sustainability and relevance, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges with profitability and scale. (With inputs from ANI)

Why has Bernstein called India’s EV sector 'irrelevant'?

<keyword id="19945815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="startups" source="keywords">Startups</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> have high expectations from this year's upcoming <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword>. Early-age startups hope for the removal of angel taxes, while <keyword id="20677283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-tech-startups" source="keywords">health tech startups</keyword> expect increased <keyword id="19913964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="funding" source="keywords">funding</keyword> for the sector. Startups function as engines of economic growth, playing a crucial role in generating new jobs, ideas, products, and services. As of December 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had recognised 1,17,254 startups. These startups have reportedly created over 12.42 lakh direct jobs, significantly impacting the economy. Eklavya Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Recur Club, stated, "We are confident that India's business credit landscape is on the brink of a major digital overhaul. FinTechs are at the forefront of this change, deploying innovative technologies and utilising in-depth data analytics to streamline and expand <keyword id="20974354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-access" source="keywords">credit access</keyword>." He added, "While the current allocation of Rs 10,000 crore is an excellent initial step, realising the full capabilities of India's SME and startup ecosystem will necessitate greater investment, especially in credit guarantee schemes." Vinod K Singh, Co-Founder and CTO of Concirrus, expressed his expectations from the budget: "As the Union Budget 2024-25 approaches, we hope the government will address the pressing issue of the 'angel tax.' Eliminating this tax will enhance capital formation and attract vital <keyword id="19895633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investments" source="keywords">investments</keyword>. Streamlining the duty structure and reducing high tariffs on electronic inputs are also crucial to bolstering the startup ecosystem and driving innovation. Expanding the Fund of Funds and introducing low-interest loans would be beneficial." Rajiv Lamba, co-founder and CEO of AI-enabled customer feedback platform Surveysensum, added, "Just as the government has prioritised financial inclusion, it should now focus on <keyword id="22405441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="technological-inclusion" source="keywords">technological inclusion</keyword> to propel India to the next stage of growth. By training youth in AI, the government can make a strategic investment in the nation's technological future. Given the rapidly evolving job market, a substantial increase of 20 to 25 percent in budget allocation should be considered for AI-based skill development and entrepreneurship." He further emphasised, "Incentivizing investment in <keyword id="20328842" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-startups" source="keywords">AI startups</keyword> and R&amp;D initiatives can boost local innovation in the AI space. The last budget introduced a deep tech fund of Rs 1 lakh crore with a 50-year interest-free loan period; the government should now establish a clear and transparent mechanism for access to this fund." Raja S, founder and MD of Hearzap, highlighted the expectations of health tech startups: "Health tech startups are eagerly anticipating increased funding that could usher in transformative advancements. This crucial investment holds the promise of extending cutting-edge healthcare solutions to rural and underserved areas, effectively bridging existing gaps in care. The upcoming budget ensures that every individual in our diverse population, from the youngest to the oldest, can access essential health services, including specialised care." Discussing taxation for startups in India, Vvihan Gulati, Director of Mediagraphics PR, commented, "Removing the angel tax is a highly anticipated move that would benefit early-stage startups and their investors. It would foster a more favourable environment for innovation and growth, allowing startups to attract much-needed capital without the burden of excessive taxation. This change could significantly enhance the ease of doing business and contribute to the overall growth of the startup ecosystem in India." The Union Budget 2024 will be tabled on July 23 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. With this, she will become the first Finance Minister to deliver seven consecutive budgets, surpassing Morarji Desai. She presented the interim budget on February 1 of this year.

Startups demand angel tax elimination, incentives on investments in upcoming budget

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Some expat Indians are moving back home to launch companies of their own.</li><li>India's booming market size, internet growth, and post-pandemic spending is driving their decision.</li></ul>Nithin Hassan, 41, has always been fascinated with building something of his own.As a child in India, he would get in trouble for dismantling electronics around the house just so he could peek inside.In college, in true <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/startups-to-bet-your-career-on-in-2024-2024-2">startup</a> fashion, he started working on a small business out of his parent's garage in Bengaluru, assembling computers for friends and family.It was the early 2000s and the internet was not the trove of knowledge it is today — Hassan was relying on books to learn. Finding mentorship and the right guidance was a challenge, too.Everyone around Hassan told him that going to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/resume-tips-google-software-engineer-skills-experience-careers-software-tech-2024-3">US for a master's degree</a> was the next big opportunity. So he did.Over the next 16 years, he put his startup plans on hold and worked at some of the world's biggest companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.<div type="image" title="Nithin Hassan" height="2450" width="3266" msid="113831978" hostid="261" sizebytes="215682"></div>But the pandemic felt like a turning point. And its aftermath made India look like a lab-designed business environment: It had just become the world's most populous country, the pandemic had created <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/private-consumption-continues-to-be-supported-by-pent-up-demand-finance-ministry/articleshow/99069973.cms?from=mdr">pent-up demand</a> for consumer products, and growing internet adoption made commerce more scalable, he said.So Hassan left behind about $500,000 in annual pay at Meta to move back to Bengaluru in December 2023 with his wife and two children. He has since launched two startups.Hassan is part of a group of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-moved-back-to-india-after-living-abroad-for-decade-2024-9">expat Indians moving back</a> home to venture out on their own. As such, he's also part of a decades-long trend of reverse migration back to India.The trend began in the 1990s and picked up at the turn of the century, driven by the economic collapse in 2008, said Binod Khadria, the president of Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism. Many of those who returned to India for work were largely working for multinational companies.Today, the impetus for the move often looks a bit different: It's driven by factors like unstable visa policies and economic recessions, which lead to uncertainty when it comes to jobs and duration of stay in these destinations.Many returnees find work in tech, but the finance, retail, and climate sectors also absorb a large number of expat Indians, Khadia said. And some of the returnees are heading back to India to start companies of their own.India is undergoing a startup explosion. The country reported over<a target="_blank" href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2043805"> 140,800 recognized startups</a> at the end of June — nearly 50,000 more than last year — and credited them with creating 1.6 million direct jobs.To be sure, not all of these companies will make it big — and some do still stumble, like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://inc42.com/features/what-are-the-current-problems-being-faced-by-oyo/">Oyo </a>and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blackrock-hsbc-funds-byjus-startup-valuation-zero-edtech-india-raveendran-2024-6">Byju's</a>. But the chaos, where even established startups are trying and failing, makes India a fair playing field for new entrants, Hassan said.Business Insider spoke to six <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-vc-wants-see-5-traits-new-founders-fundraising-antler-2024-8">first-time founders </a>about why they have recently returned to India after spending several years, or even an adult life, abroad.<h2 id="0e4a3c47-ba19-4690-8b52-c6bfece1c81d">Fastest-growing economy</h2>The health of the economy and interest from investors are fueling the entrepreneurship boom.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-billionaire-karan-adani-plans-challenge-china-dominance-seaports-2024-8">India's economic growth</a> in 2023 — 8.2% — was the fastest of all large economies worldwide. That's led to greater purchasing power, which lets companies, including startups, sell more.India's inflation rate of about 3.5% is well below its annual wage growth of 9.6%. This makes inflation less of a challenge than it is for slower-growing peers, where consumer-focused businesses have been <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economy-jobs-report-sentiment-consumers-elections-recession-inflation-mortgage-rates-2024-9">hurt by high prices</a>.Investors are getting in on the action.From 2015 to 2021, the number of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sequoia-capital-vc-firm-split-china-india-2023-6">unique investors in India</a> nearly quadrupled, though the number is tracking much lower this year, per PitchBook."Other than a slight downturn in 2022 and 2023 due to global macroeconomic factors, VC funding has been consistently growing in India," said Ben Mathias, a managing partner at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia &amp; India.Besides funding, domestic developments have encouraged founders and VCs too, Mathias said.The Indian government's Universal Payment Interface system has spurred consumers and businesses to pay online, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bcg.com/press/2june2022-digital-payments-in-india-projected-to-reach-10-trillion-by-2026">40% of all digital payments</a> globally happen in India today, the partner said.Programs like Startup India, which provides founders benefits like tax exemption, easier compliance, and funding support, have made creating a company smoother.Devyani Parameshwar worked in the microfinance and fintech space in India in the 2010s before heading to the UK and Africa. She returned to India in 2022 to launch a financial management venture."It's changed dramatically. I remember standing in line at various ministries in Delhi trying to get meetings and then trying to get answers and it wasn't easy in the past," she said of her memories of India.Now, she can use an online platform to ask the country's central bank and banking regulator questions.It's easier than ever for foreign companies to invest in India, which means startups have a clearer exit path through acquisition — something VCs think hard about before entering new markets or writing checks.<h2 id="e5dd7b6f-a09f-4ff2-84c1-5907de96dc5e">Market ripe for the taking</h2>For Rohan Bhide, who spent most of his college and professional life <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worked-in-big-tech-before-launching-my-own-startup-engineer-2024-9">preparing to launch something of his own</a>, a trip home in 2017 while he was studying in the US was a turning point.Indian telecom giant Reliance had recently launched a cheap unlimited data plan, which spiked Indian internet adoption. India was charting among the countries with the highest online transactions."That really, really drew my attention," said Bhide, who worked at Meta after graduation. "It was my dream come true — a huge market, a huge user base, and at the same time, the ability to adopt technology was incredible."Bhide returned to India in January, leaving behind about $580,000 in total compensation at ticketing platform StubHub. He and a cofounder are working on launching a consumer tech product later this year.<div type="image" title="Rohan Bhide" height="2304" width="3072" msid="113831979" hostid="261" sizebytes="218468"></div>Most Indians grew up wanting to work at a multinational company — but that's changing, Bhide said.Freelancing, running your own business, or working for a startup is much more socially acceptable now, because people see the success of other Indian startups. The country has the third-largest number of "unicorns" — companies worth $1 billion or more — with 64, per PitchBook.<h2 id="7f423804-745b-4e04-a250-839e01663f09">Boom in entrepreneurship culture</h2>A lot has changed since Hassan first wanted to launch his hardware startup in the early 2000s.Tech hot spots like Bengaluru and Gurugram have seen a boom in entrepreneurship culture in the last few years, with meet-ups, networking mixers, and even morning walks with like-minded builders.<div type="image" title="man standing in front of mountains in USA" height="2268" width="3024" msid="113831980" hostid="261" sizebytes="141132"></div>Dhruv Anand, who left Google in the US to move back to India in 2021 to launch an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-startups-most-promising-2024-9">AI startup</a>, said that there were lots of other founders and mentors to help guide him."If you want to figure out who's the right chartered accountant to talk to, who's the right lawyer to help you draft agreements, all of that stuff is very easy," Anand said."It's been a really, really supportive community," Bhide said. There are people "telling you about their entire lives just because they want to help you and they're hoping that you pass the favor onto the next person who moves to India and wants to start their own company."<h2 id="3c8bff36-e855-4530-9b44-bcc7f36b0825">Not everything is perfect</h2>Although these founders made the decision to return to India, that doesn't mean they no longer see the benefits of operating in the US.Ruchit Garg founded an agriculture startup in Silicon Valley in 2016, with a focus on supporting farmers around the globe. In 2019, he returned to India, where his late grandfather worked as a farmer.Garg has been building in India ever since, but he says its startup ecosystem cannot yet compete with the Valley's decades of experience."The overall ecosystem was more mature back in Silicon Valley. It's still one of the best places for entrepreneurs. India isn't there yet, although it's growing pretty drastically," he said.Despite efforts to digitalize key processes, many bureaucratic challenges persist.For most founders, after living in US cities where populations are a fraction of those in Mumbai and Bangalore, congested roads and poorer air quality are also everyday annoyances.But India provides some big perks, including affordable domestic help and the appeal of building solutions for problems they witness firsthand."It's a different joy to be able to build for problems that you feel for very personally," Parameshwar, the fintech founder, said. When she worked in Africa, she needed translators. Now, she can speak with her users herself.Bhide said the general sentiment among local founders is shifting from "Build from India" to "Build for India."For some founders, being surrounded by family and the culture they grew up in was another selling point.Niranjan Vemulkar moved back to India in 2015 and later founded a digital legacy planning platform.He said that he never fully felt at home in the US, where he lived for over a decade."For us, it was the fact that we wanted to raise a family in an environment where the children would have access to the grandparents and Indian culture," Vemulkar said. "The fact that you could come back to India, start something of your own and figure things out in an ecosystem which was potentially booming for startups, was just a cherry on the cake."Are you in India and have a story to share about the tech and entrepreneurship landscape? Please reach out at shubhangigoel@insider.com

Some techies are leaving cushy Silicon Valley jobs to launch startups at home in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Adtech startups face leadership changes as investors demand growth and profitability.</li><li>Private-equity firms are looking for adtech startups to achieve scale.</li></ul>Close observers of the adtech industry will have noticed there's been a heap of change in the upper ranks of the sector's startups in recent months — especially those <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/private-equity-firms-investing-in-advertising-and-marketing-companies-2024-3">financed by private equity</a>.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.xr.global/press-releases/xr-announces-strategic-leadership-changes-to-accelerate-growth">Louisa Wong stepped down</a> as chief executive of Gamut Capital-owned XR Xtreme Reach in August. She was replaced in the interim by Chandler Bigelow, the company's chief financial officer. Doug Knopper, an investor in the company, was appointed executive chairman, while adtech veteran Jo Kinsella was promoted to global president and chief operating officer.In July, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.adexchanger.com/online-advertising/triplelift-ceo-dave-clark-abruptly-exits-after-setting-the-ssp-on-a-new-trajectory/">Dave Clark left his role as chief executive of Triplelift</a>. His responsibilities were split among an "office of the CEO," led by Eric Roza, a managing director at its lead investor, Vista Equity.At the turn of the year, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/media-deals/2024/01/04/videoamp-ceo-out-layoffs">VideoAmp CEO Ross McCray exited</a>, passing the reins to board member and investor Peter Liguori, now executive chairman. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/01/videoamp-media-measrement-nielsen-sale">Axios reported this month, citing multiple sources, that the company is now pursuing a sale</a>, with its investor Vista Credit Partners reportedly leading some of those discussions.Each of the changes comes with its own company-specific nuance, but experts said there are broader industry trends that link them. Those experts — bankers, adtech executives, and consultants — told Business Insider that the revolving door is likely to continue over the next six months as investors press adtech companies for growth.It marks the next stage of evolution for the adtech industry. With the digital ad market largely dominated by tech giants Google, Amazon, and Meta, independent adtech companies are forced to find new ways to compete over the remaining scraps. The small and medium-sized startups still duking it out are now entering their operator era."Automation, AI, and the optimization of corporate structures will mean that only the lean, mean companies are going to end up gaining market share and be in a position to win," said Chris Karl, chief business development officer at the M&amp;A advisory firm JEGI Clarity.<h2 id="fd8233e1-0d16-4bc2-8b40-8db1559a0af4">Adtech valuations have come back down to earth, but PE investors still want scale</h2>Private-equity firms such as Vista, GTCR, and Blackstone have been increasingly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/private-equity-firms-investing-in-advertising-and-marketing-companies-2024-3">active investors in the adtech space</a>, leading a flurry of deals between 2021 and 2022.There were 784 PE or PE-sponsored transactions in the media and marketing space in 2021, up 96% from the prior year, according to the advisory firm Ciesco. That number rose to 874 in 2022 and lowered slightly to 786 in 2023, per Ciesco.Now, a few years have passed, and leadership changes are to be expected, given historic PE investment cycles, said Mark Wright, a veteran tech investor and executive, who now leads the M&amp;A strategic advisory practice at Prohaska Consulting. Founding teams make way for more experienced operators who can take the company to the next level, he said."Although there are exceptions to the rule, there are very few founding teams that are marvelous at groundbreaking innovation that can successfully make the transition to managing and operating at scale," Wright said.Public and private valuations of adtech companies have dropped dramatically since 2021, the height of the zero-interest-rate period when there was a rise in digital ad spending and a slew of adtech IPOs. Tougher macroeconomic conditions in the years since put a strain on consumer spending and marketing budgets, cooling the markets and M&amp;A activity."Some of the changes you're seeing are indicative of a two-year cycle post-COVID where things are back to normal, or the new normal," Karl of JEGI Clarity said. "Where company performance could be tied to events that were out of their control a couple of years ago, that excuse no longer suffices. Investors want growth."Meeting growth expectations has been a challenge for some companies. JEGI Clarity, which, alongside CIL Management Consultants, conducted a survey of 25 marketing services agency leaders this summer, heard from multiple CEOs who said 2022 and 2023 were some of the most difficult operating environments of their careers.Those surveyed said they were more optimistic about 2024 now that rates have stabilized and clients are less risk-averse with their marketing budgets. Almost three-quarters (70%) of respondents in the study said that their margins had remained stable or increased this year.<h2 id="7a33b071-67d8-4249-828a-d18e4d17a037">CTV is adtech's bright spot – but it's complicated</h2>Despite a rising global advertising market that is expected to surpass $1 trillion in spending next year, not all adtech vendors are positioned to reap the rewards.Take the connected TV space. It's one of the fastest-growing ad channels in the US, with spending expected to grow 13.3% and cross $30 billion in 2025, according to Emarketer. The change in viewing patterns and forecast ad spend attracted investor interest in adtech companies that had a strong position in CTV.<div type="image" title="Emarketer US TV CTV ad spend chart" height="1466" width="1410" msid="114016955" hostid="261" sizebytes="114730"></div>However, much of the recent growth in CTV advertising is being driven by platforms like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video — so-called walled gardens that don't integrate third-party adtech vendors such as buying platforms and exchanges.CTV is also a lower-margin channel for adtech vendors than traditional online display, where up to half of every dollar spent on ads gets gobbled up by vendors like demand-side platforms, ad exchanges, ad servers, measurement vendors, and data brokers."In network TV, those supply chain costs are in the 15% level — you have to take 50% and squeeze it down to 15%," Prohaska's Wright said. "It's going to put a real emphasis on operating at scale and put a pressure on margins."As TV viewing grew fragmented, several adtech companies that took on investment in recent years positioned themselves as rivals to ratings giant Nielsen. These firms are jockeying to become the go-to companies for tracking audiences or to become the universal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.adexchanger.com/adexplainer/adexplainer-tv-measurement-vs-tv-currency/">currency</a> used to buy TV and video ads.But Nielsen still hasn't been unseated. And Walmart's acquisition of TV manufacturer Vizio — from which many adtech vendors license viewing data derived from its tens of millions of TV sets — could signal further trouble ahead if the grocery giant doesn't renew those contracts when they expire.With the Walmart-Vizio deal front of mind, adtech companies and investors are likely to turn their attention to retail media, where ads are placed on e-commerce sites. Retail media is also growing at a clip, with almost every retailer and app owner now also operating an ad business.The increasing complexity for advertisers offers opportunities for adtech companies to innovate. Though, while around $1 in every $7 US ad dollars is expected to go to the space this year, according to Emarketer, retail media is largely dominated by Amazon.There's also some executive shuffling happening in the retail media ranks: Megan Clarken, who leads the publicly traded adtech company <a target="_blank" href="https://digiday.com/media-buying/criteo-seeks-new-chief-executive-after-megan-clarken-announces-pending-exit/">Criteo</a>, said she plans to step down within the next year once her successor is found.Many industry observers expect more adtech management upheaval ahead, as well as a further consolidation of the sector once the intense fourth-quarter holiday period is over."You will see more heavy-handed PE involvement primarily because the M&amp;A market hasn't been great and people sat on the sidelines," said Domenic Venuto, COO of investment bank Progress Partners and soon-to-be chief of product and data at media agency Horizon Media."The market can only sustain so many of these companies that have grown to be quite sizable but are now hitting their upper limits," he said.

Adtech is undergoing an exec shake-up as investors seize control and startups enter a new era

The overall size of the budget has remained almost unchanged from the interim one presented in February, indicating the government's strong commitment to move along the <keyword id="20099794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fiscal-prudence" source="keywords">fiscal prudence</keyword> path, said experts on Tuesday. According to the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the total expenditure in Budget Estimates (BE) 2024-25 is estimated at Rs 48,20,512 crore of which total <keyword id="20018917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capital-expenditure" source="keywords">capital expenditure</keyword> is Rs 11,11,111 crore. The total expenditure in the Interim Budget presented in February was estimated at Rs 47,65,768 crore of which total capital expenditure was Rs 11.11 lakh crore. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director &amp; CEO, <keyword id="19920717" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bank-of-Baroda" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bank of Baroda" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bank of Baroda">Bank of Baroda</keyword>, said the Union Budget complements the main takeaways from the Economic Survey and focusses clearly on medium term development of the economy. "The overall size of the budget has remained almost unchanged from the interim one. The budget has shown strong intent on moving along the fiscal prudence path and targeted the <keyword id="19942084" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fiscal-deficit" source="keywords">fiscal deficit</keyword> at 4.9 per cent for the year," he said. The said action will keep the growth steady as well as robust not only for economy but also banking. Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA Limited, said the budget has kept the capital expenditure unchanged and pared the fiscal deficit to 4.9 per cent of GDP. "The anticipated reiteration of the reduction in the fiscal deficit to below 4.5 per cent of GDP in FY2026 is welcome. Interestingly, the new medium term fiscal consolidation path has been linked to a reduction in the debt/GDP ratio instead of continued compression of the fiscal deficit/GDP ratio," she said. Buoyed by improvement in revenue collection, the government has lowered fiscal deficit target to 4.9 per cent for the current <keyword id="19910979" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-year" source="keywords">financial year</keyword> as against 5.1 per cent estimated in February's interim budget. Ranen Banerjee, Partner and Leader Economic Advisory, PwC India, said that fiscal prudence is the highlight of the full Union Budget 2024-25. The government has gone with realistic projections on its revenue and expenditure estimates and refrained from announcing overly populist measures. "The majority of the allocations, including the capex allocation, are as outlined in the interim budget, thus providing continuity. The capex being kept at INR 11.11 trillion was expected, given that the ability to consume this allocation is limited due to disruption from the elections in the first quarter and the second quarter being typically slowed down by the monsoons," Banerjee said. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal said the government has announced five schemes to facilitate employment and skilling for 4.1 crore youth over the next five years with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore. "This is a welcome step that will create a skilled workforce to address the existing deficit and generate <keyword id="19972727" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment-opportunities" source="keywords">employment opportunities</keyword>. Additionally, financial support for loans up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education will help students pursue higher education and acquire skills," he added. Indian Institute of Insolvency Professionals of ICAI (IIIPI) Chairman Ashok Haldia said the budget proposals for an integrated technology platform and sprucing up NCLT infrastructure will provide a fillip to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) regime. IIIPI is promoted by ICAI. Meanwhile, Kumarmangalam Vijay, Partner, JSA Advocates and Solicitors, opined that in its new avatar, it seems that the Modi government is keen to deliver on its promise of 'ease of doing business'. "Its focus on making it simpler is evident from the abolition of the angel tax, the increase in new income tax regime thresholds, new Vivad se Vishwas Scheme 2024 for the resolution of pending cases and the increase in the threshold for appeal by tax departments at various levels, decriminalising the non-reporting of shares received from non-resident employers and reducing the period for re-opening of the cases," Vijay said. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) said there has been a focus on the manufacturing sector in the budget. Measures have been taken for simplifying the FDI/ODI rules and regulations, and the <keyword id="21847964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-regimes" source="keywords">tax regimes</keyword>. The enhanced Mudra loan limit and the abolition of angel tax are all set to incentivize the startup and MSME ecosystem of the country. "The nine priorities identified in this progressive and inclusive budget 2024 are aimed at generating ample opportunities for all. Besides agricultural reforms, the budget focuses on skilling, educating and employing the youth, a priority that the ICSI has been concentrating on," said ICSI President B Narasimhan. Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said the government's continued emphasis on infrastructure development is commendable. Enhanced road infrastructure will bolster the travel and tourism sector. "We also welcome the initiatives to develop iconic spiritual and cultural sites into world-class tourist hotspots," Magow said. Furthermore, he said the provision of credit for TCS against income tax under 'Income from Salaries' is logical and will provide much-desired relief to taxpayers who travel internationally.

Budget size almost unchanged from interim, shows govt's commitment to fiscal prudence: Experts

The parents were right, folks; we should have been looking out for a government job, especially if you reside in the startup capital of India. In a move that has left <keyword id="19974189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-sector" source="keywords">private sector</keyword> employees green with envy, the <keyword id="19896017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="karnataka" source="keywords">Karnataka</keyword> cabinet on Monday decided to implement the recommendations of the <keyword id="20985744" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Seventh-Pay-Commission" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Seventh Pay Commission" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Seventh Pay Commission">Seventh Pay Commission</keyword>, resulting in an impressive 27.5% hike in the basic salary of state government employees. <h2><keyword id="20727223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pay-hike" source="keywords">Pay hike</keyword> like few others</h2>The Chief Minister is expected to make the official announcement in the Legislative Assembly, detailing how over seven lakh state government employees will benefit from this substantial increase starting August 1, as per sources. The Seventh Pay Commission, chaired by former chief secretary K Sudhakar Rao, has recommended this hefty pay rise, which will cost the state exchequer an additional Rs 17,440.15 crore annually. This move comes on the heels of the interim 17% salary hike given by the former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in March 2023, to which the current administration is adding another 10.5%, making the total hike 27.5%. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111663090" title="The latest trick companies could be using to pay workers less" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The decision for this remarkable pay raise wasn't just an act of benevolence, however. The Karnataka State Government Employees Association had announced plans to go on an indefinite strike starting August, pressuring the Siddaramaiah government to act decisively. With this hike, the state administration aims to not only meet the demands of its employees but also to bolster morale and productivity within its workforce. <h2>Miles above the average</h2>To put this in perspective, let's compare the raise to the private sector. HR research firm Aon's latest survey indicates that while India Inc. is set to offer an average hike of 9.5% in 2024, the manufacturing sector is expected to be the most generous with a 10.1% increase. Financial institutions come close with a 9.9% hike, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) of multinational firms are likely to offer 9.8%. Even tech product companies, known for their competitive salaries, are projected to give an average hike of 9.5%. Yet, all these figures pale in comparison to the Karnataka government's increment. <h2><keyword id="21315567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employee-retention" source="keywords">Employee retention</keyword></h2>As private companies grapple with attrition rates that have almost reached pre-pandemic levels, the Karnataka government's move could be seen as a strategic effort to attract and retain talent. Aon's study shows that attrition in 2023 was 18.7%, a decrease from over 21% in 2021 and 2022. By offering a significant pay hike, the Karnataka government is positioning itself as an attractive employer in a competitive <keyword id="19916569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-market" source="keywords">job market</keyword>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111115782" title="Flexibility, salary key jobseeker parameters for new roles in India: Report" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, even if you look at salary increments across Asia Pacific countries, India's expected average hike of 9.5% is significantly higher than its neighbours. Bangladesh follows at 7.3%, China at 5.7%, and Japan at a modest 3.6%. Karnataka's 27.5% hike, therefore, is not just a national highlight but an extraordinary figure in the broader regional context. In an era where private sector employees are often seen as the beneficiaries of generous pay hikes, Karnataka's state government has flipped the script. With this 27.5% salary hike, the allure of a government job in Karnataka has never been stronger.

Time for a govt job? Karnataka announces impressive 27% pay hike for state employees

<ul class="summary-list"><li>This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.</li></ul>Hi! Kamala Harris' VP pick is in, tapping Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-names-tim-walz-vice-president-pick-minnesota-2024-7">as her running mate</a>. Here's how <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/business-leaders-respond-kamala-harris-selects-tim-walz-vp-2024-8">the business world is reacting</a>.In today's big story, we're looking at our annual list of the most promising startups.What's on deck:<ul><li>Markets: The trade that helped upend markets <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-crash-carry-trade-yen-boj-interest-rates-selloff-2024-8">can still do a lot more damage</a>.</li><li>Tech: YouTube's biggest star is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/youtuber-mrbeast-embroiled-in-controversy-involving-staff-amazon-show-2024-8">starting to collapse</a>.</li><li>Business: A weaker job market could give employers cover to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economic-fears-job-cuts-employers-less-flexible-with-workers-2024-8">pull back on work perks we've come to enjoy</a>.</li></ul>But first, this one has some promise.If this was forwarded to you, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/newsletter/insider-today">sign up here.</a><h3 id="7fa5f018-5b05-4a37-a8dc-d3f89138bcb3">The big story</h3><h2 id="5fd547b9-ec52-41fc-8e08-4f4b27dd8097">Up-and-comers</h2><div type="image" title="Image of top startup founders" height="900" width="1200" msid="112349968" hostid="261" sizebytes="138082"></div>Remember these names.Business Insider spoke to dozens of venture capitalists to compile its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-promising-startups-2024-according-top-vcs-2024-8">annual list of the most promising startups</a>.We identified 85 young companies that are on the rise based on recommendations from 50 top VCs. Investors highlighted their portfolio companies and startups they had no financial ties to.Surprise! AI-focused startups made up a majority of the list. Leena Rao, who oversaw the list and leads BI's VCs and startups team, estimated about 80% of the startups included are focused on AI.But there is some nuance amid the AI frenzy. Instead of large-language models or all-purpose AI tools, these startups focus on specific sectors. From coworking spaces to weather prediction to military defense, they want to leverage AI in a niche.Outside of AI, some familiar faces remain. Healthcare and fintech are still a draw even as AI has overtaken the startup community.<div type="image" title="A sparkling cardboard robot" height="1000" width="1332" msid="112349970" hostid="261" sizebytes="49520"></div>As differentiated as AI startups try to be, the market has undeniably become oversaturated.That's par for the course in startup world. When investors are willing to throw a ton of cash at an idea, people try to replicate it.Hype builds until there are too many startups and not enough market share. Then comes consolidation. A new trend emerges. Rinse and repeat.But unlike previous trends — social-media apps of the late aughts or the 2010s' personal-finance tools — AI comes with a massive price tag. It's not cheap to run AI models. It's also not immediately clear how they can generate revenue.Historically, the tech industry doesn't mind burning cash for the sake of growth and innovation, but times are different.We're no longer in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/zirp-end-of-cushy-big-tech-job-perks-mass-layoffs-2024-2">zero interest rate phenomenon</a>, and the biggest companies in the world are struggling to pitch investors on their AI investments being worth it.Now, cracks are starting to show in the AI ecosystem despite being less than two years into the revolution.That's not to say AI is overblown. The tech will have a massive impact on the world. But the industry will have to navigate some rough waters in the meantime.It's tough to say who will make it out alive, but these startups have a better shot than most.<h2 id="f4b54806-7f81-450c-ba32-92560d4fae9b">3 things in markets</h2><div type="image" title="stock market plunges against globe" height="1000" width="2000" msid="112349972" hostid="261" sizebytes="109976"></div><ol><li>Woah, we're halfway there! Unwinding the widely popular carry trade that relied on the Japanese yen <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-crash-carry-trade-yen-boj-interest-rates-selloff-2024-8">will still take some time</a>, according to JPMorgan. Arindam Sandilya, the bank's cohead of global FX strategy, said speculative investors unwinding the trade are only "50% to 60% complete."</li><li>The AI hype bubble might be about to burst. The panicked sell-off in stocks might mark the <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-crash-ai-stocks-bubble-recession-prediction-economy-outlook-2024-8">beginning of the end of the AI craze</a> among investors, market strategist Paul Dietrick said. He pointed to similarities between the recent sell-off and the dot-com crash.</li><li>Some Wall Street strategists smell blood in the water. As some investors panic, strategists at firms like UBS and Oppenheimer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-crash-investing-strategy-volatility-economy-earnings-growth-ubs-2024-8">see a lot of upside for US stocks</a>. "Such sell-offs can offer an opportunity to 'catch babies tossed out with the bath water,'" wrote John Stoltzfus, the chief investment strategist at Oppenheimer.</li></ol><h2 id="545818b4-6561-4465-a6aa-94bbe2d1ae4f">3 things in tech</h2><div type="image" title="AI Hand holding a scale." height="690" width="1378" msid="112349963" hostid="261" sizebytes="49296"></div><ol><li>Prosecutors used an AI tool to send a man to prison for life. Now the person who created it is under investigation. Adam Mosher claimed his AI crime tool Cybercheck helped cops and prosecutors with thousands of cases. But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-crime-tool-cybercheck-founder-adam-mosher-investigation-2024-8">serious questions have been raised about the program and its reliability</a>, and Mosher is now being investigated for false testimony.</li><li>YouTube's biggest star is embroiled in some beastly scandals. Jimmy Donaldson, the creator known as MrBeast, is at the center of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/youtuber-mrbeast-embroiled-in-controversy-involving-staff-amazon-show-2024-8">some major workplace controversies</a>. Participants on his reality show claim neglectful on-set conditions, and his former employee is accused of inappropriately messaging a minor.</li><li>Big Tech reform is coming, but Washington won't be the one doing it. Congress can't or won't act, so people who want Big Tech companies to change their ways <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/big-tech-antitrust-courts-not-congress-2024-8">are trying to do it through the courts</a>. But it's unclear whether courtroom challenges will have any real, lasting impact.</li></ol><h2 id="9260fa45-d397-4b3c-b4f8-4bb193976216">3 things in business</h2><div type="image" title="An old, cobweb-covered briefcase with an American flag tie resting on top, surrounded by pink slips marked 'Notice of Termination" height="1000" width="2000" msid="112349975" hostid="261" sizebytes="73158"></div><ol><li>Panic! At the job market. A weaker-than-expected jobs report triggered fears of an imminent recession, a nasty wake-up call that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-report-labor-market-hiring-layoffs-quits-recession-sahm-rule-2024-8">danger is a lot closer than we thought</a>. That means employees may have to brace themselves for brutal layoffs and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economic-fears-job-cuts-employers-less-flexible-with-workers-2024-8">kiss goodbye that four-day workweek dream</a>.</li><li>Uber is on the up. After years of losses, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/5-reasons-why-uber-is-now-profitable-2024-8">the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings</a> on Tuesday. Its core business, ride sharing, is booming and its delivery bets are paying off. Plus, Uber's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-ads-reaches-1-billion-annual-revenue-run-rate-2024-8">ad business hit a $1 billion annual run rate</a> — and there's still room to grow.</li><li>Elon Musk's war with advertisers just hit a turning point. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-x-lawsuit-advertisers-boycott-antitrust-2024-8">X is suing a group of advertisers</a>, accusing them of violating antitrust law through an advertising boycott. The platform has lost billions in ad revenue since their departure.</li></ol><h2 id="1ad7b482-3f4b-44b4-81b6-a864aa386478">In other news</h2><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-netflix-openai-executives-host-kamala-harris-fundraiser-2024-8">Google, Netflix, and OpenAI execs are hosting a fundraiser for Kamala Harris</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nvidia-doj-investigation-runai-big-tech-crackdown-antitrust-acquisition-competition-2024-8">Even Nvidia can't escape the government's crackdown on Big Tech</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ravin-jesuthasan-why-companies-enforce-rto-mandates-future-of-work-2024-8">A future-of-work expert explains why some companies are willing to risk losing talent to get workers back to the office</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-favorite-work-perk-having-own-desk-to-decorate-2024-7">Assigned desks are now a work perk — and Gen Zers are making themselves right at home</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/several-top-news-sites-shun-openai-searchgpt-search-engine-2024-8">The New York Times and other top news sites block OpenAI's new SearchGPT web crawling bot</a>.</li></ul><h2 id="9f5d80ac-3466-429f-a50a-2ffbb70c65ff">What's happening today</h2><ul><li>Fortune 500 ranking of world's largest corporations released.</li><li>First batch of Chinese G60 Starlink satellites reportedly launches today. The endeavor is in direct competition with the US's Elon Musk-backed Starlink.</li></ul>The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Annie Smith, associate producer, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.

In an oversaturated market for AI companies, these startups have the best shot at surviving

The Budget 2024-2025 announcement by Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> saw productivity and resilience in <keyword id="19931887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture" source="keywords">agriculture</keyword> being prioritised above all else. With a desire to turn focus on <keyword id="19934969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers" source="keywords">farmers</keyword>, or Annadatas, ₹1.52 lakh crore has been allocated for agriculture and its allied sectors. This is quite an increase from the Interim Budget announcement of ₹1.27 lakh crore in February 2024. It is being speculated that this substantial focus on the agricultural sector stems from the BJP's vote share dipping in semi-urban and rural areas during the recent Lok Sabha elections. In fact, when Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> returned for a third term in office, the first file he signed was for the release of the 17th instalment of the PM <keyword id="22000840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kisan-nidhi" source="keywords">Kisan Nidhi</keyword> scheme, ET reported. However, the government's commitment to transforming agriculture and potentially the lives of Indian farmers could lead to the agricultural sector growing at 3.7% in the current fiscal, compared to 1.4% last year, as per the CII. <h2>Key initiatives in agriculture</h2>Transforming Agriculture Research The government is set to conduct a comprehensive review of the agricultural research framework, with an emphasis on enhancing productivity and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Funding will be allocated on a challenge basis, including to private sector initiatives. This research will be overseen by domain experts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Release of New Varieties A total of 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be introduced for farmers to cultivate. Promoting Natural Farming In the next two years, the government plans to transition one crore farmers to natural farming practices, supported by certification and branding efforts. This initiative will be carried out through scientific institutions and willing <keyword id="20030597" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gram-panchayats" source="keywords">gram panchayats</keyword>, with 10,000 bio-input resource centers to be established based on need. Missions for Pulses and Oilseeds To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will strengthen their production, storage, and marketing. As outlined in the interim budget, a strategy is being implemented to attain 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) for oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111930255" title="Economic Survey calls for urgent agricultural reforms; cites growth hurdles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Vegetable Production &amp; Supply Chains Large-scale clusters for vegetable production will be developed near major consumption centers. The government will support Farmer-Producer Organizations, cooperatives, and startups to streamline the vegetable supply chain, including collection, storage, and marketing. Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture Building on the success of a pilot project, the government, in partnership with states, will facilitate the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture over the next three years. This year, a digital crop survey for Kharif crops will be conducted in 400 districts, integrating details of six crore farmers and their lands into registries. Additionally, Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be issued in five states. Shrimp Production &amp; Export Financial support will be provided to establish a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for shrimp broodstocks. NABARD will facilitate financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export. National Cooperation Policy A new National Cooperation Policy will be introduced to promote systematic and comprehensive development of the cooperative sector. This policy aims to fast-track rural economic growth and create large-scale employment opportunities. <h2>Budget allocation highlights</h2><ul><li>PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi: Will be retaining its allocation of ₹60,000 crore to provide direct financial assistance to 11.8 crore small and marginal farmers.</li><li>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Allocated funds to provide crop insurance to four crore farmers, protecting them from adverse weather conditions.</li><li>e-NAM Expansion: Integration of 1,361 mandis into the e-NAM platform to enhance market efficiency and transparency, benefiting 1.8 crore farmers with an expected trading volume of ₹3 lakh crore.</li></ul><h2>Government committed to Polavaram irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh</h2>The Finance Minister said that the government is fully committed to financing and expeditiously completing the Polavaram irrigation project, which is considered a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. <h2>Future directions</h2>The government aims to increase public and private investment in post-harvest infrastructure and supply chains, promoting aggregation, modern storage, and efficient processing to reduce losses and improve food security. Additionally, the dairy and fisheries sectors will see significant development, with initiatives to boost productivity and exports, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111951205" title="Budget 2024-25: Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?

Hitting a hattrick of 6’s to dazzle the crowd hasn’t been the only cool thing <keyword id="6354832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MS-dhoni" source="Orion">MS Dhoni</keyword> has been up to of late. The Indian cricketing legend continues to make waves off the pitch in many ways, one of which involves investing in interesting and impactful <keyword id="20067715" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="start-up" source="keywords">start-up</keyword> projects. His latest venture involves an undisclosed investment in <keyword id="20656950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-cycle" source="keywords">electric cycle</keyword> manufacturer <keyword id="20835176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EMotorad" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="EMotorad" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="EMotorad">EMotorad</keyword>. In addition to his financial backing, <keyword id="19896463" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dhoni" source="keywords">Dhoni</keyword> is set to serve as the <keyword id="21321553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brand-endorser" source="keywords">brand endorser</keyword> for the company, further solidifying his role in shaping its future direction. Expressing his excitement for this venture, Dhoni commented: “The future is in our hands. We are in an era where innovation plays a huge role in shaping sustainable solutions, and I’m a fan of new-age companies that build these. EMotorad stands at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility, and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey!” <keyword id="20835175" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kunal-Gupta" source="keywords">Kunal Gupta</keyword>, founder and chief executive of EMotorad, expressed confidence that MS Dhoni's association with the brand will significantly boost awareness and trust in the e-biking sector. He told ET: “There is no one better and more reliable than Dhoni who resonates with what our brand stands for, an avid biker himself.” <div type="twitter" handle="e_motorad" handlename="e_motorad" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1776119471704608843"></div> This Pune-based startup now joins a growing list of startups that are part of Dhoni's diverse portfolio, which includes ventures spanning various sectors such as fitness, technology, automotive and digital solutions. As per The Economic Times, notable among his investments are Bengaluru-based fitness startup Tagda Raho, digital lending platform Khatabook, and Gurugram-based used car retailer Cars24. Founded in 2020 by Kunal Gupta, Rajib Gangopadhyay, Aditya Oza and Sumedh Battewar, EMotorad has rapidly gained traction in the Indian e-cycle market, capturing a 65% share. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, the company aims to revolutionise transportation by offering high-quality and value-driven solutions. Back in November 2023, EMotorad demonstrated its growth potential by securing substantial funding worth Rs 164 crore in a Series B round led by Panthera Growth Partners. It has raised a total of $20 million in equity thus far. The company boasts a network of more than 350 dealers nationwide, along with over 10 experience centres. Despite its strong foundation in India, its reach spans across eight countries, demonstrating its global presence and influence. Offline dominance aside, EMotorad also leverages online platforms to reach a wider audience, including e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, EMotorad reported sales of Rs 140 crore, a notable increase from Rs 115 crore the previous year. Looking ahead to FY25, the company targets sales of Rs 270 crore, with approximately Rs 130 crore stemming from domestic markets and the remainder anticipated from regions like the US and Europe. With plans underway for a new factory and the development of innovative e-cycle designs, EMotorad is poised for further expansion. By diversifying its product range, expanding its market reach, and now partnering with one of the most beloved sporting figures in the country, the company is fully committed to solidifying its position as a leader in the evolving mobility landscape. (With inputs from The Economic Times)

Dhoni goes electric: Former team India captain invests in affordable e-bike start-up EMotorad

<ul><li>Space taken up by enterprises, when measured on a per seat basis, has grown by 3.2 times from FY2021 to FY2023, reaching an all-time high. </li><li>Since 2018, Bengaluru has consistently been at the forefront of the flexible office space market, commanding an average share of around 39%. </li><li>From FY2021 to FY2023, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai emerged as the leading cities for large flexible office space deals. </li></ul>India's operational flexible office space (flex stock) is expected to double in size to reach 106 million sq ft over the next five years. Currently, the country's operational flex stock stands at 53 million sq ft, spread across the top seven cities, providing about 839,250 <keyword id="42492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="seats" source="Orion">seats</keyword>. This translates to an overall <keyword id="6773950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="office-stock" source="Orion">office stock</keyword> penetration level of about 4.7%, according to a report by real estate services firm JLL, and managed and <keyword id="12685716" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flex-space" source="Orion">flex space</keyword> provider Smartworks. Enterprises across scales, and industry segments are increasingly incorporating flexible office spaces into their portfolios. The space taken up by enterprises, when measured on a per-seat basis, has grown by 3.2 times from FY2021 to FY2023, reaching an all-time high. Additionally, the enterprise seat uptake in FY2023 has surpassed the combined numbers from FY2021 and FY2022, indicating a significant rise in demand for flexible office solutions. Among the top cities, Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi NCR have emerged as the three dominant markets in the past three financial years, jointly accounting for around 60% of all enterprise seats taken up during that period. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Start-ups make a beeline for flex space" comment="subhead" text="Start-ups make a beeline for flex space">Start-ups make a beeline for flex space</cmsannotation> Between FY2021 and FY2023, Indian start-ups have shown a significant increase in leasing flexible office spaces, second only to the technology sector. Their share has surged to a noteworthy 31% in FY2023, making it the second-highest for the past two financial years. The start-up ecosystem in India is increasingly adopting flexible office solutions as these offer the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness, convenient locations, and flexible lease terms, while also creating modern and flagship workplaces for their employees. Start-ups from diverse sectors, including manufacturing/industrial, banking, financial services &amp; insurance (BFSI), and consulting, are now embracing flexible office formats in a big way. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bengaluru on top, while Pune and Hyderabad surpass Mumbai" comment="subhead" text="Bengaluru on top, while Pune and Hyderabad surpass Mumbai">Bengaluru on top, while Pune and Hyderabad surpass Mumbai</cmsannotation> Since 2018, Bengaluru has consistently been at the forefront of the flexible office space market, commanding an average share of around 39%. Following closely is Delhi NCR with an average share of approximately 17%. In the same period, Hyderabad and Pune have surpassed Mumbai to become the cities with the next highest flex stock among the top 7 cities. Pune experienced the highest compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49% since 2018, closely followed by Hyderabad at 40%. Chennai and Delhi NCR also demonstrated substantial growth with a CAGR of 30% each during the same period. These figures highlight the shifting dynamics in the flexible office space sector, with certain cities witnessing significant expansion and increased adoption of flexible workspace solutions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Large flex spaces with over 500 seats most in demand" comment="subhead" text="Large flex spaces with over 500 seats most in demand">Large flex spaces with over 500 seats most in demand</cmsannotation> In the period from FY2021 to FY2023, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai emerged as the leading cities for large flexible office space deals, with a combined share of 75-80% for deals comprising more than 500 seats. The demand for larger, managed solutions from large enterprises is evident, as enterprise deals with over 500 seats hold the highest share among all deal size segments. On the other hand, for smaller deal sizes of less than 100 seats, Delhi NCR and Chennai dominated the market, capturing a combined share of 55-60% during the same period. This trend indicates that smaller businesses or organisations prefer flexible office space solutions tailored to their specific needs. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Flex space demand across deal sizes" comment="subhead" text="Flex space demand across deal sizes">Flex space demand across deal sizes</cmsannotation> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></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;">Deal Size </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;">&lt;100 seats </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;">100-200 seats </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;">201-300 seats </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;">301-500 seats </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;">&gt;500 seats </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;">Q1 FY 2023, Total seats leased 139,000 plus </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;">13.1% </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;">20.4% </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;">13.3% </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;">16.9% </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;">36.4% </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: JLL- Smartworks report

Start-ups account for almost ⅓ flex place adoption, second only to technology sector

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Louis Lehot, a Silicon Valley law-firm partner, specializes in taking companies from startup to IPO.</li><li>Lehot gave his suggestions for how to prepare, like hires to make and risks to consider pre-IPO.</li></ul>The IPO market is expected to pick up later this year, so Business Insider emailed Silicon Valley lawyer Louis Lehot, a partner at Foley &amp; Lardner, for advice on how startups should prepare for life as public companies.Lehot has more than 25 years of experience advising businesses, financial sponsors, venture capitalists, investors, and investment banks on topics including equity offerings, mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs. His work often involves helping startups prepare for initial public offerings.The following has been edited for brevity.What's the environment like for IPOs?2023 was the toughest year for IPO activity in more than two decades. The IPO outlook for the second half of 2024, or at least the first half of 2025, can only get better.Riskier assets, such as Bitcoin, have rebounded strongly, suggesting risk appetite is a lot higher. The Fed is expected to make at least one rate cut later this year. The after-market performance of some recent IPOs has been stronger. Earnings reports from public companies are improving.There's a substantial backlog of companies preparing to go public as soon as the window opens, and the outcome of important federal and state election races should bring greater clarity.Which sectors are most likely to be successful in an IPO?<ul><li>Healthcare and Biotech: These companies go public as part of their venture financing path, often before they have a product in the market. As a result, they are heavily risk-driven, and the opportunity to make alpha with smaller amounts of capital invested is real. If risk appetite is truly back, we can expect investors to pile into biotech, life sciences, and medical device IPOs. New tech, enabled by CRISPR and AI, should increase the speed and accuracy of clinical trials.</li><li>Green Energy: As the effects of climate change spread, we expect industrial policy to favor renewable energy companies and the ecosystem that they enable, maybe even nuclear energy. Renewables and related technologies are gaining traction with a growing focus on sustainability.</li><li>Enterprise software and fintech: There's a solid backlog of late-stage private companies whose venture capital and private equity investors require a public market exit to return capital to limited partners and raise new funds. As a result, we expect a bumper crop of enterprise software (B2B solutions, cloud services, and cybersecurity) and fintech companies (digital banking, payments, and financial services) to come to market when the window opens later this year or next.</li></ul>Are public market investors generally keen to invest in IPOs, or are they focused elsewhere?Public market investors are selective, focusing on established profitability and sustainable growth over speculative, high-growth stories. Many investors are diverting their attention to safer, more predictable assets due to market volatility and economic concerns.What are IPO investors expecting in the current climate?<ul><li>Profitability, or a clear path to profitability: Unlike previous periods focused solely on growth, profitability is now critically correlated to a successful IPO.</li><li>Sustainable revenue growth: Consistent and predictable growth trajectories</li><li>Robust metrics: Strong KPIs and unit economics</li><li>Valuation discipline: More conservative valuations compared to the frothy markets of past IPO booms</li></ul>Should tech startups want to go public right now?If you have a choice, you stay private.For example, if you're the CEO of a successful startup with more than $100 million in revenue that's growing in excess of 30% at over 40% gross profit margins, every door is open to you.There's ample private capital to finance your company's scaling needs. There is likely a robust secondary market for your personal shares if you need to take some chips off the table. You have no obligation to report your compensation and equity holdings publicly or your company's quarterly results, much less live under the public microscope and the constant glare of Wall Street analysts who are focused on reporting on any short-term event that might drive trading.Fringe benefits include more control over business decisions, fewer regulatory requirements, and the ability to focus on long-term growth.The choice is not even close. Any CEO-founder would want to stay private. Look no further than the example of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-collison-brothers-built-stripe-most-valuable-us-startup-2021-3">Collison brothers at Stripe</a>.However, the characteristics that drive a transformational CEO-founder to achieve this level of commercial success are not necessarily driven by the same logic.The vision of a transformational CEO extends far beyond the perceived short-term benefits of a quick exit. I'm surrounded by mission-driven CEO's with the burning ambition to achieve global market ubiquity, which usually means an IPO is a necessary step on their long road.What are the most important hires to make before an IPO?<ul><li>Chief Financial Officer: A CFO with public company experience is crucial for navigating financial reporting and investor relations.The CFO of a public company is the first or second line of communication with Wall Street, key long-term investors, auditors of your financial statements, and financial regulators. In addition, the finance department will quickly need someone who can manage internal controls over financial reporting and write public financial reports. This person is usually a "controller."The CFO will also need someone who can forecast, model, and plan ahead and ensure that the company, when going public and forever thereafter, accurately telegraphs its future performance on a forward-looking, one-quarter, and one-year-ahead basis. This is usually a vice president for forecasting, planning, and analysis, or FP&amp;A. For larger public companies, a chief accounting officer is also on the road map.</li><li>General Counsel: Whereas 20 years ago, a general counsel was not hired until just before an IPO, nowadays, a company with $10 million of revenue or more may consider hiring a head of legal in-house to control costs, particularly for rote, repeatable tasks. But an IPO puts the company under a microscope of regulatory, investor, employee, and public scrutiny where the stakes get large enough that an experienced general counsel is usually hired, and if large enough to support the cost, even a deputy general counsel for securities law compliance to manage the more hours intensive processes of making the company ready for IPO and maintaining compliance thereafter.</li><li>Investor Relations Officer: About a year ahead of the big day, a forward-thinking CFO will try to hire a vice president of investor relations who has been through the process of managing a syndicate of analysts before, during, and after an IPO. Particularly for larger companies who garner analyst coverage from six or more sell-side and buy-side analysts, making sure the analysts are getting adequate information to build quality models will ensure higher quality coverage and greater liquidity for the company once public, which is a critical indicator of success.</li><li>Audit Committee Chair: While a pre-IPO company will seek to hire a majority-independent board of directors, the audit committee chair is one key role to fill on the board.The audit committee chair is usually a former CFO who has deep knowledge of the IPO process and the interplay of a board of directors and its independent registered public accounting firm, which is a critical relationship at every stage of an IPO and beyond.The audit committee's role is to oversee the production and auditing of the financial statements and the financial integrity of the company's public disclosures and compliance with regulatory standards. The audit committee chair will want to make sure there are at least two other directors who can serve independently on the audit committee who are financially literate and expert enough to assist them.</li></ul>What are the biggest changes startups must go through to be IPO-ready?To consider a successful IPO, a tech company will need to have line of sight to $100 million in revenue with eight quarters of historical growth and line of sight to eight quarters in the future of predictable growth. For a tech business, annual growth in GAAP revenue will need to be in excess of 20% (and ideally double this amount) at gross margins of 40% or more. These are herculean feats that few businesses will ever achieve.There also has to be some other ingredient, which some call the "sizzle," to inspire long-term fundamental investors to believe that growth can be significantly greater than what the models show over the next eight quarters.Historically, that sizzle could be explained by exposure to international markets that would be enabled by the scaling capital provided by the IPO.Today, revenue from a US tech business may well be evenly split between US and international markets from the outset, so the "sizzle" will need to come from planned advances in technology, new product releases, and new product enhancements that will unlock new and significant branches of growth.What are the key process changes companies need to make ahead of an IPO?<ul><li>Leveling up the company's financial reporting function: Enhanced accuracy and transparency in financial statements is an absolute necessity, both historically and forward-looking for eight quarters in both directions.</li><li>Corporate governance: Companies need to recruit an experienced, independent, and supportive board that can provide wisdom to management during the IPO process and beyond.</li><li>Operational scalability: Ensuring systems and processes can support growth and compliance requirements. Have you installed a world-class ERP software system? Do you have a contract management system and CRM software? Do they all work together?</li><li>Compliance and risk management: Implementing robust controls to meet regulatory standards is a playbook that a new CFO and new General Counsel can implement with the help of outside advisors.</li></ul>

How startups can get in top shape for an IPO, according to Silicon Valley lawyer Louis Lehot

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="19894886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="China" source="keywords">China</keyword> is pulling ahead in the <keyword id="21403172" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flying-car-industry" source="keywords">flying car industry</keyword>.</li><li>Chinese regulators are fast-tracking approval for <keyword id="21403173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eVTOL-vehicles" source="keywords">eVTOL vehicles</keyword>.</li></ul>China is leading the pack as the flying car industry tries to take off. Chinese regulators are racing to approve eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicles. These aircraft take off like helicopters but can also fly like planes at higher speeds. Kellen Xie, the vice president of Chinese eVTOL company <keyword id="21403174" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="autoflight-group" source="Orion">AutoFlight Group</keyword>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/c181d6ab-e560-427c-9254-9cadb62889b5">told the Financial Times</a> that the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has been "quite supportive" of the growing industry. Xie told FT that CAAC regulators "work longer hours" and "are determined to actually speed up the process of bringing this new technology into reality." China became one step closer to that reality in March when the CAAC granted certification for AutoFlight's unmanned CaryAll aircraft, the first time regulators have approved an eVTOL over 1 metric ton for flight, FT reported. AutoFlight is still awaiting regulatory approval in Europe, according to FT. In the US, several smaller eVTOLS have already received the green light. In July, the Federal Aviation Administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-backed-flying-car-company-got-nearly-3-000-preorders-2024-3">granted the first-ever US approval for Alef Aeronautics' Model A flying car</a>, which can actually drive on city streets like a car, as well as pick up and take flight. As of March, the company had already received more than 2,850 reservations to purchase the $300,000 vehicle, which is expected to hit the streets (and the skies) as early as the end of 2025. A month later, California-based startup Aska became the second eVTOL company to earn FAA certification, but Aska's prototype is more like an aircraft than a car.

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