Latest news with #RiteshJain
Entrepreneur
11-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
FlexiLoans Raises INR 375 Crore in Series C Round to Boost MSME Lending
he round was led by existing investors including Fundamentum, Accion Digital Transformation Fund, Nuveen, and Maj Invest, while British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution, joined as a new backer You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Digital lending platform FlexiLoans has raised INR 375 crore in fresh equity funding as part of its Series C round, according to a press release issued by the company. The latest tranche adds to the INR 290 crore raised in September 2024, taking the total capital infusion to INR 665 crore over the last six months. The round was led by existing investors including Fundamentum, Accion Digital Transformation Fund, Nuveen, and Maj Invest, while British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution, joined as a new backer. The investment mix includes both primary capital to drive operational expansion and secondary transactions that provided liquidity to early investors. Founded in 2016 by Deepak Jain, Ritesh Jain, and Manish Lunia, FlexiLoans operates as a digital-first NBFC focused on serving India's underserved MSME sector. The firm said the fresh funds will be used to scale operations, broaden its suite of credit products, and strengthen its technology platform aimed at small businesses, particularly in non-metro areas. Less than 10 per cent of the estimated 60 million MSMEs have access to formal credit. FlexiLoans targets this credit gap, with 66 per cent of its loan book spread across Tier II and Tier III cities. "We are pleased to have secured an additional INR 375 crores from our existing investors and are proud to welcome BII to our cap table," said Deepak Jain, co-founder of FlexiLoans. "This round not only enabled us to return capital to our early investors, but also gives us the firepower to double down on our mission—empowering underserved MSMEs across India with fast, accessible financing to grow, scale, and thrive." FlexiLoans operates without physical branches, using a fully digital infrastructure to approve and disburse loans—often within 48 hours—by leveraging alternative data and digital partnerships. The firm has disbursed over INR 10,000 crore across more than 2,100 towns and cities. Its current assets under management (AUM) stands at INR 2,300 crore, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 83 per cent from FY22 to FY25. Srini Nagarajan, managing director and head of Asia at BII, said: "We are delighted to support FlexiLoans in their mission to empower MSMEs across India with its innovative digital-only model. Financial inclusion is a key part of our strategy, and this investment underscores our commitment to supporting underserved businesses and entrepreneurs." Unitus Capital acted as the exclusive advisor to the transaction.
Economic Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Silver prices surge as market anticipates record-breaking rally
The ratio had made an all-time high of 126.55 in March 2020, from where silver prices had doubled by August. Silver is poised for a potential record-breaking surge, surpassing $36 per ounce for the first time in 13 years, driven by technical strength and a weakening dollar. Analysts anticipate silver outperforming gold, potentially reaching $50 by year-end. Favorable technical patterns and expectations of easing trade tensions further fuel the bullish outlook for the white metal. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: Silver may be on the cusp of a record-breaking rally after having topped the $36 per ounce mark in international markets for the first time in 13 years late last week. With technical charts pointing to continued strength and a weaker dollar boosting demand for hard assets, analysts expect the white metal to play catch-up rally with gold prices were trading at $36.3 per ounce on Monday, up 0.9% on the international market. In India, it was trading at ₹1,05,520 per kilogram on MCX."With gold likely to consolidate after a strong run, silver has the potential to outperform," said Ritesh Jain, founder, Pinetree Macro. "If silver holds above $36, it could retest the $50 highs seen during the Hunt Brothers era by the end of this year."In 2025, international gold prices have gone up 43.7%, fuelled by growing demand for safe-haven assets in the wake of Donald Trump's tariff actions and geopolitical uncertainties. Silver has rallied 22.3%. In comparision, the equity benchmark Nifty 50 has gone up 5.7%, Nifty Midcap 150 has advanced 3.6% and Smallcap 250 index has declined 1.3%.Silver is known for its short and swift run-ups. In 17 instances since 2005 when it has made a fresh high, the average three-month, six-month and one-year returns thereafter have been 5.2%, 13.3% and 26.1%, respectively, according to Samco the technical charts, silver is pointing to a breakout. Apurva Sheth, head of research at Samco Securities, said a rare 'Cup and Handle' pattern is forming not just on the weekly chart, but also on the multi-decade (yearly) chart."This technical formation is often a precursor to explosive breakouts. What makes this instance remarkable is its repetition across timeframes, hinting at deep market structure alignment," said and traders could bet on the white metal by buying Silver Exchange-traded Funds, Silver Fund of Funds, or by trading in Silver futures on of a sharp rally in silver have been driven by factors such as softening US dollar, renewed hopes of easing trade tensions between the US and Chinese presidents, and the European Central Bank's seventh consecutive rate cut, said Ramesh Varakhedkar, head commodities at ICICI said silver's dual role as both a financial asset and an industrial input makes its current rally particularly the gold to silver ratio - a measure of how many ounces of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold - stood at 91.3 on Monday, the lowest since April 2, said Varakhedkar. The gauge, which compares the prices of gold and silver, is signalling that silver offers better value at the juncture. The ratio had made an all-time high of 126.55 in March 2020, from where silver prices had doubled by August."In the short-term, silver could rise further to around $37.2, and on the MCX, Silver July contract, short-term price range is expected between ₹102,400 and ₹108,200 per kilogram, provided it maintains above ₹102,400 (currently at ₹1,05,520)," said Varakhedkar.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Silver prices surge as market anticipates record-breaking rally
The ratio had made an all-time high of 126.55 in March 2020, from where silver prices had doubled by August. Silver is poised for a potential record-breaking surge, surpassing $36 per ounce for the first time in 13 years, driven by technical strength and a weakening dollar. Analysts anticipate silver outperforming gold, potentially reaching $50 by year-end. Favorable technical patterns and expectations of easing trade tensions further fuel the bullish outlook for the white metal. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: Silver may be on the cusp of a record-breaking rally after having topped the $36 per ounce mark in international markets for the first time in 13 years late last week. With technical charts pointing to continued strength and a weaker dollar boosting demand for hard assets, analysts expect the white metal to play catch-up rally with gold prices were trading at $36.3 per ounce on Monday, up 0.9% on the international market. In India, it was trading at ₹1,05,520 per kilogram on MCX."With gold likely to consolidate after a strong run, silver has the potential to outperform," said Ritesh Jain, founder, Pinetree Macro. "If silver holds above $36, it could retest the $50 highs seen during the Hunt Brothers era by the end of this year."In 2025, international gold prices have gone up 43.7%, fuelled by growing demand for safe-haven assets in the wake of Donald Trump's tariff actions and geopolitical uncertainties. Silver has rallied 22.3%. In comparision, the equity benchmark Nifty 50 has gone up 5.7%, Nifty Midcap 150 has advanced 3.6% and Smallcap 250 index has declined 1.3%.Silver is known for its short and swift run-ups. In 17 instances since 2005 when it has made a fresh high, the average three-month, six-month and one-year returns thereafter have been 5.2%, 13.3% and 26.1%, respectively, according to Samco the technical charts, silver is pointing to a breakout. Apurva Sheth, head of research at Samco Securities, said a rare 'Cup and Handle' pattern is forming not just on the weekly chart, but also on the multi-decade (yearly) chart."This technical formation is often a precursor to explosive breakouts. What makes this instance remarkable is its repetition across timeframes, hinting at deep market structure alignment," said and traders could bet on the white metal by buying Silver Exchange-traded Funds, Silver Fund of Funds, or by trading in Silver futures on of a sharp rally in silver have been driven by factors such as softening US dollar, renewed hopes of easing trade tensions between the US and Chinese presidents, and the European Central Bank's seventh consecutive rate cut, said Ramesh Varakhedkar, head commodities at ICICI said silver's dual role as both a financial asset and an industrial input makes its current rally particularly the gold to silver ratio - a measure of how many ounces of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold - stood at 91.3 on Monday, the lowest since April 2, said Varakhedkar. The gauge, which compares the prices of gold and silver, is signalling that silver offers better value at the juncture. The ratio had made an all-time high of 126.55 in March 2020, from where silver prices had doubled by August."In the short-term, silver could rise further to around $37.2, and on the MCX, Silver July contract, short-term price range is expected between ₹102,400 and ₹108,200 per kilogram, provided it maintains above ₹102,400 (currently at ₹1,05,520)," said Varakhedkar.
India Today
02-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Illegal routes to US: Rise in undocumented Indian students alarms experts
In the last ten years, the US has continued being one of India's most popular choices for pursuing higher education. The American dream captures the imagination of millions. The value placed on world-class universities, enhanced job opportunities, and access to international career avenues continues to draw lakhs of students each however, there is a disconcerting reality that we are increasingly becoming aware of Indian students who wish to pursue higher studies and work towards integrating themselves in the US are doing so through undocumented Ritesh Jain, Co-Founder, LaunchEd Global – Gateway to Excellence in Education, the rise in undocumented routes and visa overstays among Indian students chasing the American dream highlights the urgent need for awareness, regulation, and safer legal alternatives. A GROWING BUT UNDER-REPORTED PHENOMENON According to the DHS Entry/Exit Overstay Report for F category visa holders, student visa overstays rose to 3.5% in FY 2023. Despite the lack of evidence-based, nationally representative surveys directly targeting the Indian immigrant student population, numerous reports suggest that India still remains part of the top ten countries in the world with the highest visa overstay one of the most concerning hypotheses regarding undocumented Indian immigrants suggests that over 1500 Indian nationals were deported from the US in FY figure, strategically claimed by ICE, relies on controversial methodologies, highlighting the opaque nature of border policing—90% of these claimed deportations were through so-called 'border arrests' where students or young people try to cross the border through so-called 'irregular' routes like the US-Mexico such accounts, many of the forcible removals of these individuals occurred in the context of forced removal ARE INDIAN STUDENTS TURNING TO ILLEGAL ROUTES?Several factors are driving this concerning shift:1. Limited opportunities at homeDespite a growing number of educational institutions being set up in India, however, the limited top-tiered seats available in the elite institutions is highly sought after and remains intensely competitive. Many students, particularly those hailing from rural or semi-urban regions, consider the US as a panacea, a quick-fix solution, even if it entails going down unconventional or illegal routes.2. Flawed guidance from unregulated agentsAn unregulated study abroad market exists in India, and an alarming number of students are being solicited by unlicensed agents who promise unrealistic results such as guaranteed work permits and permanent residency in exchange for exorbitant consultancy fees. Certain unscrupulous agents even direct students towards dubious or non-accredited institutions abroad, which endangers students' visa status.3. Misinformation and peer pressureSocial media narratives glamorising life abroad, along with peer pressure fomo to 'go international,' can push students and youth to act out of desperation. Legally, students and families tend to overlook the complete range of consequences that come with unfavourable immigration scenarios or overstaying their visas, or entering the U.S. through undocumented Loopholes in the systemEvents like the University of Farmington sting operation in 2019 by ICE, where a fake university was created to expose visa fraud, captured the attention of students in America on fraudulent visas – and the institution with no classes, faculty, or campus. A large portion of these students claimed to have no idea what was going on, defaulting the blame on many of these consultants and agents who submitted their documents without informing them of basic realities.A Dangerous Shift: The Mexico Border RouteWhat's more alarming is the increasing capture of Indian nationals, a large proportion of whom are students, at the US-Mexico border. Over the past few years, there have been reports about Indian adolescents, typically from Punjab and Gujarat, willing to pay traffickers exorbitant sums of money for a chance to sneak into the United States through smuggling routes in Latin journey is treacherous and involves lengthy hikes, being transported in unreliable vehicles, and being apprehended by authorities at the borders. Unfortunately, some have died along the path highlights a more fundamental problem: some Indian youths are ready to cross safety, legality and long-term prospects to pursue a dream of either studying or settling down in WAY FORWARD: AWARENESS, REGULATION, AND LEGAL ALTERNATIVESThe rise in undocumented Indian students is not just an immigration issue—it's a wake-up call to educators, policymakers, and parents.1. Stronger regulation of education agentsIndia needs to impose licencing and control systems to regulate study abroad agents. A lack of transparency in counselling, documentation, and a framework to administer misleading practices will go a long way.2. Better awareness amongst students and familiesTargeting young aspirants and their guardians to legally educate them on visa application processes, post-graduation employment, and the dangers of entering a country illegally is crucial.3. Legal and safer educational pathwaysIndian institutions should collaborate with global partner institutions to develop safer scholarship programs, legitimate pathway programs (such as community college transfer schemes), and even offer remote international exposure through tangible internships, all while expanding international legally safe exposure opportunities.4. Collaborative policy between India and the USThere is a need for close cooperation between both countries to monitor the abuse of student visas and human trafficking. Enhanced data-sharing, educational exchange agreements, and streamlined visa processes are necessary to improve safety as well as clarity regarding the Indian student population adds value to the US higher education system academically, culturally, and economically. However, the rising trend of unlawful or unapproved entry into the US is a cause for concern as this practice undermines the progress made and endangers youths. As a society, there is a need to ensure that aspiration does not get harnessed by misinformation and desperation.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Has gold prices peaked? Pinetree's Ritesh Jain predicts prices to touch Rs 2 lakh in next 4-5 years, cites last 3 historic bull runs
Jain emphasized that the most significant gains in gold typically occur in the final 12–18 months of a cycle, marked by a sharp, parabolic rise. Amid geopolitical tensions, gold prices have surged, prompting bullish forecasts. Ritesh Jain of Pinetree anticipates a continued bull run, drawing parallels to historical cycles where gold appreciated significantly. He projects potential prices of $7,000-$8,000, noting Indian households' substantial gold holdings and their recent outperformance compared to equity investments. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Gold prices have surged in recent months, crossing Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams amid heightened geopolitical tensions. While some experts anticipate a price correction, Pinetree's Ritesh Jain holds a bullish view."There have been three major gold bull runs since Nixon removed the gold peg. One in 1975 — gold went from $35 to $225. Then the 1980 bull run — it reached $850. And the 2000–2011 bull run saw prices rise from about $1,200 to nearly $1,800. In each of these cycles, gold appreciated around 8x from the bottom," Jain said in a podcast with SOIC.'If we assume the last bottom was in 2014 at $1,500, then I'm also assuming an 8x rise again — because it's happened three times before. So why be surprised by the idea of gold hitting $3,500? It has happened in the past. Why can't it happen again?' he emphasized that the most significant gains in gold typically occur in the final 12–18 months of a cycle, marked by a sharp, parabolic rise. 'I believe there are still 4–5 more years left in this gold cycle,' he said, projecting a final surge that could take gold to $7,000–8, that at the current peak global gold price of $3,500, domestic gold prices in India recently touched nearly Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams. Going by the same calculation, if gold prices touch $8,000, domestic prices may breach the Rs 2 lakh also highlighted gold's recent performance pointing data from the World Gold Council, which estimates that Indian households hold 25,000 tonnes of gold, currently valued at around $3 trillion — up from $2 trillion a year ago. 'That's a $1 trillion increase in just one year,' he comparison, India's total stock market capitalization stands at $5 trillion, of which households own only 21%, or about $1 trillion. 'So Indians earned a $1 trillion mark-to-market gain in gold last year — matching their entire equity holdings,' Jain said. 'Yet our focus remains on equities. In reality, women in Indian households — who traditionally invest in gold — have outperformed.'Check the full video here:
