1 month ago
Meta Invests $900 Million in Indian Fintech Startup CRED
In one of the biggest technology investments of the year, Meta has announced a $900 million investment in Bengaluru-based fintech startup CRED. The deal values the company at approximately $4.5 billion and marks one of Meta's largest investments in India's growing digital economy. The investment highlights increasing global confidence in Indian startups and the country's rapidly expanding fintech sector.
Founded by entrepreneur Kunal Shah, CRED has become one of India's most recognized fintech platforms by offering rewards and financial services to users with strong credit scores. The platform currently serves around 17 million monthly users and processes a significant share of India's credit card payments. Over the years, CRED has expanded into loans, insurance, wealth management, and payments, transforming itself into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
The investment comes alongside a major leadership development. According to reports, Kunal Shah will take on a global leadership role at WhatsApp, becoming its new chief executive as part of Meta's broader strategy to bring entrepreneurial talent into key positions. Meanwhile, CRED will continue its growth journey under an interim leadership structure while expanding its product offerings and business operations.
Meta's investment is expected to help CRED accelerate innovation, strengthen its financial services portfolio, and expand its reach among India's digitally connected consumers. Industry experts view the move as another sign that global technology giants are increasingly looking toward India for future growth opportunities.
With India's fintech market continuing to grow at a rapid pace, this landmark deal could become one of the defining technology investments of 2026, reinforcing the country's position as a global startup and innovation hub.
[Meta, CRED, Kunal Shah, Fintech Startup, Startup Funding, WhatsApp, Indian Startup, Technology News, Digital Payments, Business News]
#meta #cred #startupfunding #fintech #businessnews
In one of the biggest technology investments of the year, Meta has announced a $900 million investment in Bengaluru-based fintech startup CRED. The deal values the company at approximately $4.5 billion and marks one of Meta's largest investments in India's growing digital economy. The investment highlights increasing global confidence in Indian startups and the country's rapidly expanding fintech sector.
Founded by entrepreneur Kunal Shah, CRED has become one of India's most recognized fintech platforms by offering rewards and financial services to users with strong credit scores. The platform currently serves around 17 million monthly users and processes a significant share of India's credit card payments. Over the years, CRED has expanded into loans, insurance, wealth management, and payments, transforming itself into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
The investment comes alongside a major leadership development. According to reports, Kunal Shah will take on a global leadership role at WhatsApp, becoming its new chief executive as part of Meta's broader strategy to bring entrepreneurial talent into key positions. Meanwhile, CRED will continue its growth journey under an interim leadership structure while expanding its product offerings and business operations.
Meta's investment is expected to help CRED accelerate innovation, strengthen its financial services portfolio, and expand its reach among India's digitally connected consumers. Industry experts view the move as another sign that global technology giants are increasingly looking toward India for future growth opportunities.
With India's fintech market continuing to grow at a rapid pace, this landmark deal could become one of the defining technology investments of 2026, reinforcing the country's position as a global startup and innovation hub.
[Meta, CRED, Kunal Shah, Fintech Startup, Startup Funding, WhatsApp, Indian Startup, Technology News, Digital Payments, Business News]
#meta #cred #startupfunding #fintech #businessnews
2 months ago
PM Modi to Disburse ₹2,400 Crore Under Employment Incentive Scheme, Benefiting 15 Lakh Workers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to disburse incentives worth approximately ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a flagship employment-linked incentive scheme aimed at boosting formal job creation across India. The initiative is expected to benefit around 15 lakh first-time employees and employers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The disbursement marks a major milestone for the government's employment generation efforts. PM-VBRY was introduced to encourage job creation, expand social security coverage, and promote participation in the formal economy. Since its launch, the scheme has already facilitated employment opportunities for nearly 15 lakh beneficiaries across the country.
Under the scheme, first-time employees registered in the formal workforce are eligible to receive incentives of up to ₹15,000. The financial support is designed to help young workers as they begin their professional careers and encourage greater participation in organized employment.
The scheme also rewards employers for creating additional jobs. Companies hiring new employees can receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month for each eligible worker. Manufacturing sector employers can receive these benefits for up to four years, while employers in other sectors are eligible for support for up to two years.
PM-VBRY came into effect on August 1, 2025, with a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore. The government aims to generate more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years through the initiative, including nearly 1.92 crore first-time entrants into the workforce. The scheme forms a key part of India's strategy to accelerate employment growth and strengthen the country's economic development.
Government officials have described the programme as an important step toward ensuring that economic growth translates into quality employment opportunities, particularly for India's youth. By supporting both workers and employers, the scheme seeks to create a stronger and more inclusive labour market while encouraging long-term formal employment.
[PM Modi, PM-VBRY, Employment Scheme, Job Creation, Employment Linked Incentive, Labour Ministry, Direct Benefit Transfer, India Jobs, Economic Growth, Formal Employment]
#pmmodi #employment #jobsindia #governmentscheme #businessnews
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to disburse incentives worth approximately ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a flagship employment-linked incentive scheme aimed at boosting formal job creation across India. The initiative is expected to benefit around 15 lakh first-time employees and employers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The disbursement marks a major milestone for the government's employment generation efforts. PM-VBRY was introduced to encourage job creation, expand social security coverage, and promote participation in the formal economy. Since its launch, the scheme has already facilitated employment opportunities for nearly 15 lakh beneficiaries across the country.
Under the scheme, first-time employees registered in the formal workforce are eligible to receive incentives of up to ₹15,000. The financial support is designed to help young workers as they begin their professional careers and encourage greater participation in organized employment.
The scheme also rewards employers for creating additional jobs. Companies hiring new employees can receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month for each eligible worker. Manufacturing sector employers can receive these benefits for up to four years, while employers in other sectors are eligible for support for up to two years.
PM-VBRY came into effect on August 1, 2025, with a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore. The government aims to generate more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years through the initiative, including nearly 1.92 crore first-time entrants into the workforce. The scheme forms a key part of India's strategy to accelerate employment growth and strengthen the country's economic development.
Government officials have described the programme as an important step toward ensuring that economic growth translates into quality employment opportunities, particularly for India's youth. By supporting both workers and employers, the scheme seeks to create a stronger and more inclusive labour market while encouraging long-term formal employment.
[PM Modi, PM-VBRY, Employment Scheme, Job Creation, Employment Linked Incentive, Labour Ministry, Direct Benefit Transfer, India Jobs, Economic Growth, Formal Employment]
#pmmodi #employment #jobsindia #governmentscheme #businessnews
2 months ago
Rusk Media Raises ₹100 Crore in Pre-Series C Funding Round Led by Nazara Technologies
Digital entertainment startup Rusk Media has secured ₹100 crore ($10.6 million) in a Pre-Series C funding round led by Nazara Technologies. The funding round also attracted participation from Info Edge Ventures, IvyCap Ventures, and an investor consortium led by Audacity VC. The latest investment strengthens Rusk Media's position as one of India's fastest-growing digital content and entertainment companies.
Founded in 2019 by Mayank Yadav, Rusk Media specializes in creating mobile-first entertainment content for young audiences. The company produces fiction series, animation, unscripted shows, vertical dramas, and live entertainment formats distributed across social media platforms, OTT services, and its own content platform, Alright! TV.
This latest funding comes less than a year after the company raised ₹103 crore ($12 million) in its Series B round. With the new capital infusion, Rusk Media has now raised approximately $32 million in total funding since its inception.
The company plans to use the fresh funds to expand its content portfolio, strengthen and scale Alright! TV, and introduce new sports-focused and audio-first entertainment formats aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. These younger demographics continue to drive content consumption trends across digital platforms, making them a key focus area for future growth.
Rusk Media also announced plans to invest heavily in AI-powered production capabilities. The company is developing proprietary tools designed to reduce production costs, improve content creation efficiency, and enhance monetization opportunities. This move reflects the growing adoption of artificial intelligence within the media and entertainment industry.
Additionally, the startup aims to expand its successful intellectual properties, including I-Popstar and Engaged, into multiple languages and international markets. The strategy is expected to help Rusk Media reach a broader global audience while increasing the value of its content ecosystem.
As part of the investment agreement, representatives from Nazara Technologies and Audacity VC will join Rusk Media's board, providing strategic guidance for the company's next growth phase.
Financially, Rusk Media reported strong performance in FY25. Revenue increased by 43.1% to ₹81.38 crore, compared to ₹56.85 crore in FY24. At the same time, losses narrowed by 11.7%, falling to ₹25.33 crore from ₹28.70 crore in the previous fiscal year, indicating improved operational efficiency.
With growing investor confidence, expanding content offerings, and a strong focus on AI-driven innovation, Rusk Media is positioning itself to become a leading player in India's rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.
[Rusk Media, Nazara Technologies, Pre-Series C Funding, Startup Funding, Digital Entertainment, Alright TV, Mayank Yadav, AI Content Creation, Gen Z Content, Indian Startup]
#ruskmedia #startupfunding #digitalmedia #nazaratechnologies #businessnews
Digital entertainment startup Rusk Media has secured ₹100 crore ($10.6 million) in a Pre-Series C funding round led by Nazara Technologies. The funding round also attracted participation from Info Edge Ventures, IvyCap Ventures, and an investor consortium led by Audacity VC. The latest investment strengthens Rusk Media's position as one of India's fastest-growing digital content and entertainment companies.
Founded in 2019 by Mayank Yadav, Rusk Media specializes in creating mobile-first entertainment content for young audiences. The company produces fiction series, animation, unscripted shows, vertical dramas, and live entertainment formats distributed across social media platforms, OTT services, and its own content platform, Alright! TV.
This latest funding comes less than a year after the company raised ₹103 crore ($12 million) in its Series B round. With the new capital infusion, Rusk Media has now raised approximately $32 million in total funding since its inception.
The company plans to use the fresh funds to expand its content portfolio, strengthen and scale Alright! TV, and introduce new sports-focused and audio-first entertainment formats aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. These younger demographics continue to drive content consumption trends across digital platforms, making them a key focus area for future growth.
Rusk Media also announced plans to invest heavily in AI-powered production capabilities. The company is developing proprietary tools designed to reduce production costs, improve content creation efficiency, and enhance monetization opportunities. This move reflects the growing adoption of artificial intelligence within the media and entertainment industry.
Additionally, the startup aims to expand its successful intellectual properties, including I-Popstar and Engaged, into multiple languages and international markets. The strategy is expected to help Rusk Media reach a broader global audience while increasing the value of its content ecosystem.
As part of the investment agreement, representatives from Nazara Technologies and Audacity VC will join Rusk Media's board, providing strategic guidance for the company's next growth phase.
Financially, Rusk Media reported strong performance in FY25. Revenue increased by 43.1% to ₹81.38 crore, compared to ₹56.85 crore in FY24. At the same time, losses narrowed by 11.7%, falling to ₹25.33 crore from ₹28.70 crore in the previous fiscal year, indicating improved operational efficiency.
With growing investor confidence, expanding content offerings, and a strong focus on AI-driven innovation, Rusk Media is positioning itself to become a leading player in India's rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.
[Rusk Media, Nazara Technologies, Pre-Series C Funding, Startup Funding, Digital Entertainment, Alright TV, Mayank Yadav, AI Content Creation, Gen Z Content, Indian Startup]
#ruskmedia #startupfunding #digitalmedia #nazaratechnologies #businessnews
2 months ago
Virat Kohli Set to Launch One8 Globally: Everything You Need to Know About His Sportswear Brand
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is preparing for a major new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey with the global launch of his sportswear and lifestyle brand One8. Inspired by Kohli's iconic jersey number 18, One8 has evolved from a celebrity-backed label into a standalone sportswear brand with ambitions to compete with leading international athletic companies.
The brand was originally launched in partnership with Puma in 2017 and quickly gained popularity through apparel, footwear, fragrances, and lifestyle products. However, in late 2025, Kohli ended his long-standing ****** ociation with Puma and partnered with Indian sportswear company Agilitas Sports to take complete control of One8's future growth and expansion.
Under the new partnership, Agilitas Sports acquired One8 and brought Kohli on board as an investor and co-founder. The goal is to transform One8 into a premium global sportswear brand originating from India. The company plans to compete across multiple categories, including performance footwear, sports apparel, accessories, training gear, and lifestyle fashion.
One8 is expected to officially enter a new phase with its global premiere event scheduled for June 21, 2026. The launch is being positioned as a landmark moment for the brand, with Kohli describing it as his debut as a co-founder. The event is expected to showcase the future vision of One8, including new product lines, branding, and international expansion plans. Reports suggest that the brand will focus heavily on high-performance athletic products designed specifically for Indian and global consumers.
Earlier this year, One8 unveiled its first signature cricket shoe, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The footwear was designed with direct input from Kohli and reflects his vision of combining elite sports performance with modern design. The company is also expanding into women's sportswear, with Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana joining as a co-creator and ambassador to help develop products for female athletes.
Industry experts believe One8 has the potential to become India's first truly global sportswear brand. Backed by Agilitas' manufacturing capabilities, retail network, and research infrastructure, the brand aims to expand beyond India into markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The company is expected to launch through a combination of online sales, mobile applications, and exclusive retail stores.
For Kohli, One8 represents more than a business venture. It reflects his vision of building an Indian sports brand that can compete with global giants while inspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts. As the brand enters its next phase on June 21, all eyes will be on whether One8 can become one of the biggest success stories in Indian sports business history.
[Virat Kohli, One8, One8 Global Launch, Sportswear Brand, Agilitas Sports, Cricket Shoes, Sports Fashion, Indian Startup, Athlete Brand, Sports Business]
#viratkohli #one8 #sportswear #businessnews #startupindia
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is preparing for a major new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey with the global launch of his sportswear and lifestyle brand One8. Inspired by Kohli's iconic jersey number 18, One8 has evolved from a celebrity-backed label into a standalone sportswear brand with ambitions to compete with leading international athletic companies.
The brand was originally launched in partnership with Puma in 2017 and quickly gained popularity through apparel, footwear, fragrances, and lifestyle products. However, in late 2025, Kohli ended his long-standing ****** ociation with Puma and partnered with Indian sportswear company Agilitas Sports to take complete control of One8's future growth and expansion.
Under the new partnership, Agilitas Sports acquired One8 and brought Kohli on board as an investor and co-founder. The goal is to transform One8 into a premium global sportswear brand originating from India. The company plans to compete across multiple categories, including performance footwear, sports apparel, accessories, training gear, and lifestyle fashion.
One8 is expected to officially enter a new phase with its global premiere event scheduled for June 21, 2026. The launch is being positioned as a landmark moment for the brand, with Kohli describing it as his debut as a co-founder. The event is expected to showcase the future vision of One8, including new product lines, branding, and international expansion plans. Reports suggest that the brand will focus heavily on high-performance athletic products designed specifically for Indian and global consumers.
Earlier this year, One8 unveiled its first signature cricket shoe, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The footwear was designed with direct input from Kohli and reflects his vision of combining elite sports performance with modern design. The company is also expanding into women's sportswear, with Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana joining as a co-creator and ambassador to help develop products for female athletes.
Industry experts believe One8 has the potential to become India's first truly global sportswear brand. Backed by Agilitas' manufacturing capabilities, retail network, and research infrastructure, the brand aims to expand beyond India into markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The company is expected to launch through a combination of online sales, mobile applications, and exclusive retail stores.
For Kohli, One8 represents more than a business venture. It reflects his vision of building an Indian sports brand that can compete with global giants while inspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts. As the brand enters its next phase on June 21, all eyes will be on whether One8 can become one of the biggest success stories in Indian sports business history.
[Virat Kohli, One8, One8 Global Launch, Sportswear Brand, Agilitas Sports, Cricket Shoes, Sports Fashion, Indian Startup, Athlete Brand, Sports Business]
#viratkohli #one8 #sportswear #businessnews #startupindia
