StartupSuperb

Author: Akash Das

  • Indians Prefer Social Media Over Banks for Financial Guidance, New Study Reveals

    Indians Prefer Social Media Over Banks for Financial Guidance, New Study Reveals



    Digital Platforms Revolutionising Financial Decisions in India

    Digital Platforms Revolutionising Financial Decisions in India

    A recent study sponsored by Meta and carried out by Ipsos indicates that digital platforms, especially those belonging to Meta, are increasingly integral in how Indian consumers seek, assess, and purchase financial products.

    Study Overview: From Feeds to Financial Futures

    The report, titled “From Feeds to Financial Futures,” involved over 2,000 participants aged 25 to 45 from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. The results highlight that digital content, short-form videos, and messaging applications are now critical in financial decision-making, particularly among younger, digitally savvy consumers.

    Key Findings on Digital Touchpoints

    According to the study, six out of eight stages in the financial product purchasing journey are connected to digital platforms, with Meta’s services contributing to half of these stages. Notable statistics include:

    • 81% of consumers engaged with Meta platforms during the discovery phase of their financial journey.
    • 79% relied on these platforms for evaluating products.
    • 83% made their purchasing decisions using Meta services.

    This influence spans several categories, including loans, investments, insurance, and savings.

    Social Media as a Tool for Financial Literacy

    Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are increasingly regarded as essential resources for financial knowledge, with 57% of respondents depending on Instagram and 53% on Facebook to guide their decisions. The use of Reels and short-form content featuring creators and influencers has proven to be effective in clarifying complicated financial topics.

    WhatsApp’s Role in Financial Decisions

    WhatsApp has emerged as a significant platform in this area. Half of the participants utilised the app during the evaluation phase, while 44% and 48% engaged with it during the discovery and purchase phases respectively. On average, those looking for financial services spend about 56 minutes on WhatsApp.

    Trust Dynamics in Financial Decision-Making

    The study also highlights a change in consumer trust dynamics. While traditional financial authority figures remain influential, a significant 75% of respondents trust financial podcasts, and 67% turn to influencers and subject matter experts, showcasing a growing preference for authenticity and relatability.

    Women’s Growing Financial Independence

    Shweta Bajpai, Director for Financial Services at Meta India, commented that the trajectory of financial planning is transforming swiftly due to digital platforms. The study underscores the increasing financial autonomy of women, with nearly 80% of female participants declaring they make financial choices independently. Moreover, women reported more significant engagement on Instagram and WhatsApp compared to men.

    Opportunities for Financial Brands

    The report concludes that with financial decision-making leaning toward a digital-first approach, there are novel opportunities for financial brands and marketers to connect with audiences through content, community engagement, and conversational commerce.


  • Swiggy Aims for Profitability by FY26 Fueled by Instamart Expansion

    Swiggy Aims for Profitability by FY26 Fueled by Instamart Expansion



    Swiggy’s Path to Profitability: Instamart’s Role in Quick Commerce

    Swiggy’s Path to Profitability with Instamart in Quick Commerce

    Swiggy is aiming for overall profitability between December 2025 and June 2026, with its quick commerce branch, Instamart, playing a crucial role in this turnaround. This objective was outlined during the Q1 FY26 earnings call with market analysts and investors.

    Instamart’s Growth in Quick Commerce

    Instamart has shown substantial growth, with Gross Order Value (GOV) more than doubling at 108% year-on-year. The average order value (AOV) also saw significant increases of 26% year-on-year and 16% quarter-on-quarter, exceeding expectations. This success has been attributed to the effective basket-building initiative known as Maxxsaver, which encourages customers to make larger purchases.

    Improvements in Contribution Margins

    Swiggy’s Chief Financial Officer, Rahul Bothra, confirmed that contribution losses for Instamart reached their peak in previous quarters, and there has been an improvement in contribution margins by 100 basis points sequentially. The expectation for even greater improvements in Q2 FY26 was communicated. Bothra stated, “We stay committed to our goal of achieving contribution margin neutrality between the December and June quarters of 2026.”

    Expansion and Operational Focus

    Despite the rapid growth of Instamart, Swiggy expanded its network significantly, adding over 316 stores in Q4 FY25. The company believes its existing network of 4.3 million sq. ft. is adequate to support 100% growth without needing major new additions. The focus will now shift towards enhancing operations in current locations instead of expanding into new cities.

    Shifts in Product Offerings

    Interestingly, the non-grocery selections on Instamart, which accounted for 6.6% of the total mix a year ago, now contribute 18.5%, indicating strong interest in higher-ticket items. Although increased delivery costs and marketing expenditures slightly affected margin gains, optimism about long-term monetization through seller commissions and advertising remains high.

    Food Delivery Growth Amidst Competition

    While Instamart took the lead in discussions, Swiggy’s food delivery sector also reported a healthy 18.8% year-on-year GOV growth. The company claims to maintain the best service time in the industry, with initiatives such as Swiggy Bolt (its 10-minute delivery model) accounting for over 10% of order volume. Continuous investments in Bolt and SNACC, its experimental cloud kitchen brand, are ongoing, though losses in the “platform innovations” segment increased during the quarter.

    Strong Cash Reserves

    In terms of cash flow, Swiggy has reserves of Rs 5,500 crore, which allows the company to avoid needing an equity raise. An exit from its stake in Rapido has been hinted at due to competition overlaps in the food delivery sector.

    Management’s Confidence in Quick Commerce

    Despite the growing competitive landscape, particularly in quick commerce, management remains confident. Chief Executive Sriharsha Majety highlighted that the speed of delivery and customer experience at Swiggy are strong and that there is no need to match competitors on store density if it does not impact service quality.

    A Balanced Strategy for the Future

    With a balanced approach towards consolidation, monetization, and careful reinvestment, Swiggy is optimistic that Instamart’s momentum will propel the company into profitability in FY26.


  • Canon EOS R50 V: The Ultimate Vlogging Companion in India?

    Canon EOS R50 V: The Ultimate Vlogging Companion in India?


    Canon EOS R50 V: The Perfect Mirrorless Camera for Creators

    The Canon EOS R50 V serves as a mirrorless camera tailored for content creators, showcasing its thoughtful design. This compact and lightweight camera packs impressive capabilities, striking an ideal balance of performance and convenience for novice vloggers, YouTubers, and casual travel photographers. With a starting price of ₹79,995 (including the RF-S 14-30mm lens), it stands out as one of the most accessible creator-focused cameras in the Indian market today.

    Video-Centric Features

    Canon has reimagined the R50 with a clear focus on video functionality. This version eliminates the electronic viewfinder to prioritise lightweight design and enhance usability through features like dual record buttons, a flip-out touchscreen, and a side-mounted tripod socket specifically for vertical filming. These user-friendly innovations make the R50 V especially attractive to solo shooters and creators who primarily use Instagram.

    Impressive Video Capabilities

    The camera offers uncropped 4K video at 30fps, cropped 4K at 60fps, and Full HD recording at up to 120fps, providing ample flexibility whether capturing cinematic B-roll or fast-paced handheld vlogs. Notably, Canon has equipped the R50 V with Canon Log 3, which is an advantageous feature for those aiming to colour-grade their footage.

    Advanced Autofocus System

    The standout feature is the autofocus system. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II enables near-instant subject tracking for faces, eyes, animals, and even vehicles. This functionality translates to fewer botched takes and a more seamless shooting experience, especially for those working independently.

    Still Photography Capabilities

    Despite its video-forward positioning, the R50 V excels in still photography as well. The 24.2MP APS-C sensor captures sharp and vibrant images that reflect Canon’s well-known colour science. However, the low-light performance, while acceptable, could be improved. Noise may become noticeable at higher ISO settings, and the absence of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) is a drawback for handheld shooting in low light or during video sessions.

    Design and Handling

    Weighing in at just under 370g, this camera is incredibly lightweight, making it suitable for creators who are frequently on the go. While the grip might feel slightly shallow for individuals with larger hands, its overall design is comfortable for extended use. Additionally, the camera is compatible with Canon’s expanding RF-S lens selection, which should be taken into account when budgeting for upgrades beyond the kit lens.

    Canon EOS R50 V: Perfect for Today’s Creators

    As content creators transition from smartphones to dedicated cameras, the Canon EOS R50 V meets their needs effectively. This camera is user-friendly enough for beginners, yet powerful enough to support growth, all while being competitively priced for the features it provides. Although the absence of IBIS and the cropped 4K at 60fps represent minor compromises, it largely excels in essential areas.

    For those eager to elevate their content production without feeling overwhelmed by professional equipment, investing in the R50 V could be one of the best decisions made this year, costing around ₹80,000.

  • Tracxn Reports 12% Decline in Q1 FY26 Profits; Revenue Stays Steady

    Tracxn Reports 12% Decline in Q1 FY26 Profits; Revenue Stays Steady


    Tracxn Financial Results for Q1 FY26

    Data and research platform Tracxn has revealed its financial outcomes for the first quarter of the current fiscal year (Q1 FY26) on Thursday. The company’s revenue experienced a slight growth of 3.4% during this period, while profits witnessed a decline of 12.6%.

    The revenue from operations for Tracxn rose by 3.4% to Rs 21.2 crore in Q1 FY26, compared to Rs 20.5 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year (Q1 FY25), as per the financial statements obtained from the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

    When compared quarter-on-quarter, Tracxn’s operating revenue remained stable at Rs 21.2 crore in Q1 FY26, aligning closely with Rs 21.14 crore reported in Q4 FY25.

    The entire operating revenue for Tracxn was derived from subscription sales, which provide access to its data and software. Nevertheless, the Bengaluru-based company did not disclose a detailed revenue breakdown for the reported quarter.

    Additionally, Tracxn generated Rs 1.68 crore from non-operating sources, bringing its total revenue to Rs 22.88 crore in the first quarter.

    Employee benefits emerged as the primary cost centre for Tracxn, making up 88% of the total expenditure. This expense has risen by 7% year-on-year, increasing to Rs 18.95 crore in Q1 FY26 from Rs 17.67 crore in Q1 FY25. Overall, Tracxn’s total costs expanded by roughly 6%, reaching Rs 21.43 crore in Q1 FY26.

    The company’s profit after tax has dropped to Rs 1.11 crore in Q1 FY26 from Rs 1.27 crore in Q1 FY25. However, Tracxn reported a profit before tax amounting to Rs 1.45 crore.

    As of the end of Thursday’s trading session, Tracxn’s share price was at Rs 56.24, reflecting a market capitalization of Rs 604 crore ($69 million).

  • Nuuk Secures Million Investment from Vertex Ventures SEA and Good Capital

    Nuuk Secures $2 Million Investment from Vertex Ventures SEA and Good Capital



    Nuuk Secures Over $2 Million in Funding for Home Appliances

    Nuuk Secures Over $2 Million in Funding for Home Appliances

    Home appliance brand Nuuk has successfully raised over $2 million (approximately Rs 19 crore) in a follow-on funding round led by Vertex Ventures SEA and Good Capital, both of which also participated in the company’s previous Series A funding round in February 2025.

    This investment elevates Nuuk’s total funding to over $10 million (~Rs 90 crore). Earlier in March this year, Nuuk secured $5 million (Rs 40 crore) in a Series A funding round, also led by Vertex Ventures SEAI.

    The funds will be utilised to enhance its made-in-India supply chain, strengthen its brand presence, and further product development.

    About Nuuk

    Founded by Gazal Kalra and Shalabh Gupta, Nuuk is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) home appliance brand that focuses on designing and selling high-performance, aesthetically pleasing appliances aimed at urban Indian consumers.

    Design-First Approach

    Nuuk employs a design-first product development methodology, with an emphasis on addressing real-world challenges through human-centric engineering. The company manufactures its products in India and markets them online, offering a diverse array of kitchen and home appliances tailored to modern households.

    Full-Stack Model

    Nuuk operates on a full-stack model that includes in-house product design, controlled supply chains, and direct online sales. This model helps the company distinguish itself from traditional brands and imported appliances.


  • Apple Commits to 0 Billion Boost for the U.S. Economy

    Apple Commits to $100 Billion Boost for the U.S. Economy


    Apple’s $100 Billion Investment in the United States

    Apple has declared it will allocate an extra $100 billion to the United States, increasing its total commitment to $600 billion over the upcoming four years. This decision aligns with growing pressure from former President Donald Trump on American technology firms to bring production back to the homeland.

    During a briefing at the Oval Office, Trump remarked that this step is crucial for ensuring that iPhones sold in America are also produced domestically. Apple CEO Tim Cook presented him with a US-made keepsake mounted on a 24-karat gold base.

    Trump stated that companies like Apple are returning to the US. He emphasized the momentum towards manufacturing localisation.

    Cook’s Response to Production Realities

    Cook recognised the political influence but highlighted that while many components such as semiconductors, Face ID modules, and glass are already produced in the United States, the final assembly of iPhones will remain international “for a while.”

    Investment Goals and Political Pressures

    The announcement aims at broadening Apple’s supply chain and enhancing its advanced manufacturing presence in the US; however, it does not meet Trump’s expectations for full local production.

    In May, Trump had warned of imposing a 25 percent tariff on products made overseas by Apple. His previous tariffs during his presidency had spared electronics such as smartphones and laptops, but this new threat marked a significant change, sparking speculation that Apple’s recent investment could be a tactical response to avoid these tariffs.

    Past Investment Track Record

    Despite the impressive figures, analysts note that Apple’s current investment levels align with prior commitments made during both Trump’s and Biden’s administrations.

    Apple has a varied history about fulfilling its US investment promises. A prominent example is a Texas factory touted as a new manufacturing site during Trump’s earlier term, which was subsequently disclosed to have been operational since 2013. Production has since been transitioned to Thailand.

    Current Manufacturing Landscape

    At present, most of Apple’s manufacturing continues in Asia, particularly in China, though the company has started operations in India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Experts generally agree that achieving complete iPhone production within the US is impractical due to high labour costs and the intricate nature of the global supply chain.

    Collaborations for Enhanced Manufacturing

    Apple’s partners in this new US investment initiative include Corning, Applied Materials, Texas Instruments, GlobalFoundries, Broadcom, and Samsung. Samsung will provide chips from its facility in Texas, while GlobalWafers will supply 300mm silicon wafers from its Texas plant.

    Following the investment announcement, Apple shares experienced a 5 percent rise. Corning shares surged nearly 4 percent in after-hours trading, and Applied Materials saw an increase of close to 2 percent.

  • NPrep Secures Pre-Seed Funding Round Led by All In Capital to Enhance Job Placement Services

    NPrep Secures Pre-Seed Funding Round Led by All In Capital to Enhance Job Placement Services


    NPrep Announces Funding Round to Enhance AI-Powered Skilling for Nursing Students

    NPrep, a company focused on placements, is developing an AI-driven skilling platform specifically for nursing students and professionals. The company has secured an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round led by All In Capital, with contributions from IIMA Ventures, Chegg’s founder Aayush Phumbhra, as well as various family offices and angel investors.

    The funding will be used to expand course offerings, enhance AI-based learning platforms, and strengthen placement partnerships with hospitals and healthcare institutions throughout India, as stated by NPrep in a press release.

    Background of NPrep and Its Vision

    NPrep was co-founded in 2024 by Prince Kaushik, Utkarsh Paliwal, Gourav, and Shrey Gupta. The startup’s mission is to break down the barriers faced by students from tier II and tier III cities by providing a tailored AI-powered skilling and placement platform aimed at the unique needs of nursing students and professionals.

    Support Services Offered by NPrep

    According to NPrep, the platform will assist students with mock interviews, resume building, and automated assessment tools designed to enhance job readiness. The platform currently boasts over 2 million learners each month and has expanded its user base to 40,000 students within the last six months.

    Future Expansion Plans

    The company aims to broaden its placement services domestically in FY26 and expand internationally by FY27, building upon its expertise in medical and technological fields.

  • Unveiling GPT-5: OpenAI’s Next Leap in AI Technology Today!

    Unveiling GPT-5: OpenAI’s Next Leap in AI Technology Today!


    Exciting Plans for GPT-5 Launch

    OpenAI seems to be gearing up for the official rollout of GPT-5, the eagerly awaited successor to the GPT-4 model. Strong indications suggest a livestream announcement is taking place today, Thursday 7 August at 10:30pm IST (10am PT).

    Speculation Surrounding “LIVE5TREAM”

    A teaser labelled “LIVE5TREAM” has ignited significant speculation on social media platforms. The clever play on words, replacing the “s” in “livestream” with a “5,” indicates that the launch is just around the corner.

    Anticipated Hints from OpenAI Leadership

    Hints have been circulating across various social media venues. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, shared a cryptic message alluding to “something big-but-small today,” referencing the release of open-source models gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b. Following that, he mentioned “a big upgrade later this week,” which many speculate refers to GPT-5.

    Adding to the anticipation, Boris Power, the head of applied research at OpenAI, expressed his eagerness, stating he was “excited to see how the public receives GPT-5!” Furthermore, third-party platforms like Flowith have already integrated GPT-5 into their model selectors, amplifying the rumours of a forthcoming release.

    Expectations for GPT-5 Features

    Though OpenAI has not yet disclosed specific details, expectations are soaring. GPT-5 is projected to offer significant enhancements in reasoning, memory, and task execution. It may merge the advanced functionalities of the o-series reasoning models, such as o3 and o4, with the extensive knowledge and adaptability of the GPT series. This could enable the AI to make more informed choices regarding speed, cost, and depth based on user queries, subsequently minimising the need for users to manually select models.

    Enhanced Features and Capabilities

    There is growing speculation that GPT-5 will boast improved tool-awareness, support multi-step reasoning, and potentially enhance the multimodal features introduced with GPT-4o. Improved memory capabilities may allow GPT-5 to maintain context over sessions, paving the way for more cohesive and personalised engagements.

    Access Levels and User Experience

    OpenAI reportedly has a roadmap detailing the varying levels of access to GPT-5. Free-tier users are expected to receive unlimited access at a standard intelligence level, while ChatGPT Plus subscribers may experience heightened performance. Pro users will likely unlock the most advanced capabilities, which could encompass integrations with tools like Voice, Canvas, Search, and Deep Research.

    Managing Expectations with GPT-5

    Nevertheless, OpenAI has sought to moderate expectations as well. Altman clarified that GPT-5 remains experimental and will not yet achieve the “IMO gold level,” a benchmark associated with a future unreleased model. Yet, considering the competitive landscape with entities like Anthropic, Google, and Meta, GPT-5 is anticipated to reshape the AI landscape once more.

    With a major announcement on the horizon, it is evident that OpenAI is set to elevate the standards of what generative AI can achieve.

  • MangoPoint Secures Million in Pre-Series A Funding, Led by IPV

    MangoPoint Secures $1 Million in Pre-Series A Funding, Led by IPV


    MangoPoint Secures Funding to Boost Agritech Exports

    Chennai-based agritech exporter MangoPoint has successfully raised $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round that was led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). This round also saw contributions from The Chennai Angels, Native Angel Network, Keiretsu Forum India, Fondation Botnar, IIM-CAN, Metis Family Office, and JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation.

    The capital injection will enable MangoPoint to enhance its infrastructure, enter new markets, improve backend operations, and expand its range of products.

    MangoPoint’s Journey and Mission

    Founded in 2018 by Manjula Gandhi Rooban and Prasanna Venkatarathnam, MangoPoint positions itself as a premium exporter of chemical-free, single-origin Indian mangoes and processed mango products. Its primary markets include North America and Europe.

    Annual Mango Exports and Future Goals

    The startup currently manages over 2,000 metric tonnes of mangoes each year and has ambitious plans to scale this amount tenfold to 20,000 MT in the next few years. MangoPoint boasts packhouses recognised by APEDA and NPPO, as well as FDA approval for exporting to significant international markets.

    Market Potential for Mango Products

    According to market research, the global mango industry is valued at $60 billion, with India contributing a substantial $20 billion. The sector is experiencing growth at a rate between 4.9% and 8% CAGR.

  • Affordable 5G Smartphones Drive India’s Market Surge: Key Players and Those Lagging Behind

    Affordable 5G Smartphones Drive India’s Market Surge: Key Players and Those Lagging Behind


    India’s Smartphone Market Growth in 2025

    India’s smartphone market has seen an impressive 8% year-on-year growth in the second quarter of 2025, driven by a rising demand for cost-effective 5G devices and increased sales in the premium smartphone category, as reported in the latest India Mobile Handset Market Review by CyberMedia Research (CMR).

    Surge in 5G Smartphone Shipments

    5G smartphones constituted 87% of all shipments during this quarter, marking a significant 20% increase from the previous year. Notably, devices priced between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 witnessed a remarkable 600% growth, reflecting an aggressive consumer interest in affordable 5G options.

    Market Leaders: Vivo, Samsung, and Oppo

    Vivo secured its position at the forefront of the smartphone market with a 19% share, followed closely by Samsung at 16% and Oppo at 13.4%. Vivo also led the 5G smartphone segment, with its popular models, including the Vivo T4X and Y39, contributing to nearly half of its 5G deliveries.

    Samsung maintained its position in second place, primarily due to a staggering 90% increase in its ultra-premium smartphone sales. Meanwhile, Oppo experienced a 42% year-on-year growth, supported by an updated product lineup featuring the A3X and F29 series.

    Pioneers in the Super-Premium Segment

    The super-premium segment, which includes devices priced above ₹50,000, expanded by 35% year-on-year, propelled by strong sales from Apple and Samsung. Apple enjoyed a remarkable 54% increase in market share in this category, with the iPhone 16e being a significant contributor to its growth. Overall, Apple held a market share of 7%.

    In contrast, OnePlus experienced a 21% decline in the premium segment, despite substantial contributions from its Nord series.

    Affordable 5G Changes the Landscape

    Xiaomi and Realme have played crucial roles in facilitating the acceptance of affordable 5G technology. Xiaomi, however, faced a substantial 25% decline in overall shipments, marking the highest drop among the top five brands.

    Emerging as notable contenders, Motorola achieved an impressive 81% year-on-year increase, attributed to stronger market positioning and enhanced retail presence. Nothing reported a remarkable 190% growth from a smaller base, significantly boosted by the launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.

    Decline of Feature Phones

    The feature phone market continued its downward trajectory, decreasing by 18% year-on-year. The 2G feature phones experienced a 15% drop, while 4G feature phones fell by 31%. Itel remained the leader in this segment despite a 27% decline in shipments, whereas Lava marked its territory with a 17% growth.

    Chipset Market Dynamics: MediaTek vs Qualcomm

    MediaTek retained its dominance in the overall chipset market with a 46% share, while Qualcomm led the premium segment (devices above ₹25,000), capturing a 35% share.

    Looking Ahead: Anticipation for Festive Season

    CMR predicts modest single-digit growth for the Indian smartphone market in calendar year 2025. The forthcoming festive season coupled with a series of new flagship launches is anticipated to spark consumer interest.

    Analyst Pankaj Jadli noted that while there is a growing awareness of AI-driven features, they still play a minor role in influencing purchase decisions, with consumers typically prioritising fundamental smartphone features such as battery lifespan, camera capabilities, and overall performance.