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Time Business News
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
6 Popular Topics in Bharat Information: What People Are Searching for Most
In today's fast-paced digital age, staying informed is essential. Bharat Information is emerging as a reliable source for the latest updates, news, and knowledge across various sectors. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to stay updated, Bharat Information offers valuable insights that can truly benefit you. Here are 8 ways this platform can help improve your life. Bharat Information provides authentic and well-researched news. From technology and education to social issues, you can count on accurate reporting. In an era of fake news and misinformation, finding a trusted source like this is a major advantage. One of the biggest strengths of Bharat Information is its educational resources. Whether it's exam tips, career guidance, or subject-wise articles, the platform supports students across various levels. It helps simplify complex topics and encourages better learning. Staying updated on the latest government schemes and policies is essential, especially for Indian citizens. Bharat Information regularly shares updates and explanations about schemes like PMAY, Startup India, and others. This can help you take advantage of benefits you're eligible for. Job seekers can greatly benefit from Bharat Information. It posts job alerts, resume tips, and interview preparation guides. It also provides updates about government job vacancies, which is a huge help for those preparing for public sector roles. Bharat Information also focuses on promoting Indian traditions, festivals, and cultural values. Articles on historical events, regional customs, and national heroes are featured regularly. This helps young readers stay connected to their roots. If you're an entrepreneur or planning to start your own business, Bharat Information has useful content for you too. From business ideas to growth strategies, you'll find practical advice to help you succeed in the competitive world of startups. Health is wealth, and Bharat Information doesn't ignore that. The platform offers wellness tips, health news, and lifestyle suggestions that are easy to follow. Whether it's mental health awareness or diet advice, this section is helpful for daily life. Cybersecurity and digital literacy are more important than ever. Bharat Information publishes articles about online safety, scam alerts, and tech updates. This helps users stay secure and make informed decisions on the internet. Bharat Information is not just a website—it's a complete knowledge platform that serves a wide range of audiences. Whether you're looking for the latest news, educational tips, job updates, or cultural insights, this platform has something valuable for everyone. Make it a part of your daily reading and experience the benefits firsthand. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
VCs love start-ups—But why are they turning away from MSMEs?
Entrepreneurs in India's micro, small and medium enterprises ( MSME ) sector have been facing significant hurdles in accessing capital from traditional banking and institutional sources, primarily due to stringent eligibility criteria, high collateral demands, and complex application procedures. As a result, angel investors and venture capitalists (VCs) have emerged as key alternative options for the sector to address the funding gap. However, the penetration of angel investment and venture capital funds in MSMEs here lags global standards. According to experts and industry players, India's angel investment and venture capital ecosystem is still in its early stages, trailing global benchmarks in size, scope, and maturity. In 2024, less than 5% of India's 63 million MSMEs received equity funding, as per a report by the MSME Ministry . MSMEs in the country, particularly those in manufacturing and services, have been struggling with challenges such as low scalability, low digital penetration, and high-risk perception. With limited access to institutional capital, they primarily depend on self-financing or bank credit to overcome these changes. Amit Mittal, Founder & MD of Chandpur Paper, says India's MSMEs receive very little angel and venture capital finance, while technology-oriented start-ups get most of the investments. In FY24, India's VC funding returned to around $13.7 billion, a 1.4 times surge from the levels of 2023, as investors regained confidence and investments in the technology sector saw a jump, according to a report by global consultancy Bain & Company released earlier this year. Angel investments contributed $500-700 million during this period, but less than 10% went to traditional MSMEs. This highlights a significant funding gap for non-tech businesses. Live Events Echoing Mittal's view, Pushkar Mukewar, CEO & Co-founder of Drip Capital, says the Indian MSMEs face several challenges when seeking institutional or equity capital, including limited financial documentation, lack of formal credit history, low investor awareness about non-tech MSME sectors, and geographical disadvantages. 'Traditional VC or angel investors often see MSMEs as high-risk and low-return due to their fragmented and informal operations.' How the things can get better Jaydeep Birje, CEO of Leo Engineers, also believes that the government's efforts via Startup India, the SIDBI Fund of Funds, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme are slowly pushing the needle. 'Some early-stage investors are also now expanding their scope beyond tech to more inclusive, impact-oriented MSMEs,' says Birje. Mittal emphasises that many MSMEs lack awareness and preparedness for equity funding. To boost access to funding, India needs to foster co-investment models, incentivise MSME-centric investors and develop digital matchmaking platforms. 'Mentorship and outreach in tier II and tier III cities can improve investor readiness. A focused ecosystem approach is essential to channel meaningful capital into this underfunded yet vital sector,' adds Mittal. Arvind Singh, Founder & CEO of Quest OntheFRONTIER, notes that the landscape is evolving, and changes are already underway. 'In 2025, angel investing in India is more structured and accessible than ever, driven by government initiatives like Startup India and the abolition of the Angel Tax (effective April 2025),' says Singh. A section of experts say that investors are now focusing on MSMEs with strong digital foundations, including robust online presence, e-commerce capabilities and technology adoption. This shift is driven by the recognition that digitally mature MSMEs are better positioned to scale and attract further funding. Additionally, the growth of angel networks and platforms has increased access to investors for MSMEs, including those in tier II and tier III cities, experts add. 'Multiple government schemes, such as the Startup India Seed Fund , MUDRA loans, and the Credit Guarantee Fund (CGTMSE), aim to provide MSMEs with access to capital, mentorship, and regulatory relief. The government is also encouraging sector-specific funds and Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) capital deployment into non-tech MSMEs. Exit pathways for VCs have improved, with streamlined M&A approvals and enhanced IPO regulations, increasing liquidity and making it more attractive for investors,' says Singh. According to Arvind Singh, India's MSMEs are poised for better access to angel and venture capital funding in 2025, driven by policy reforms, a thriving investor ecosystem and digital and technological readiness. While challenges remain—especially for non-tech MSMEs and those outside major urban centres—the overall trajectory is strongly positive, he adds. Similarly, Mukewar highlights that non-dilutive financing models are gaining popularity as a means to address the funding gap for MSMEs; options such as supply chain finance, invoice discounting, cash-flow-based lending, and marketplace seller financing are emerging as scalable solutions. 'These models leverage transaction data rather than collateral or credit history, making capital more accessible and relevant for MSMEs focused on exports, trade, or e-commerce. Scaling such fintech-driven models with supportive regulation and wider adoption can unlock meaningful capital access for India's MSMEs,' adds Mukewar. Singh believes there is a need to increase awareness and improve access for MSMEs to various financing options. 'Some countries, like Singapore, set up MSME support centres in the industrial clusters. Second, the government should encourage and incentivise/subsidise the MSMEs to go digital and automate their business processes, leading to the formalisation of their financial operations and also improving productivity,' says Singh. Singh suggests that finance providers, including banks and NBFCs, should leverage digital platforms and data-driven credit assessment tools and reach tier II and tier III cities and rural areas, thereby expanding funding access to MSMEs in underserved regions. This integrated approach can enhance efficiency, fairness, and inclusivity in MSME financing, says Singh.
Economic Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
VCs love start-ups—But why are they turning away from MSMEs?
ETtech In FY24, India's VC funding returned to around $13.7 billion, a 1.4 times surge from the levels of 2023. Entrepreneurs in India's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector have been facing significant hurdles in accessing capital from traditional banking and institutional sources, primarily due to stringent eligibility criteria, high collateral demands, and complex application procedures. As a result, angel investors and venture capitalists (VCs) have emerged as key alternative options for the sector to address the funding gap. However, the penetration of angel investment and venture capital funds in MSMEs here lags global standards. According to experts and industry players, India's angel investment and venture capital ecosystem is still in its early stages, trailing global benchmarks in size, scope, and maturity. In 2024, less than 5% of India's 63 million MSMEs received equity funding, as per a report by the MSME Ministry. MSMEs in the country, particularly those in manufacturing and services, have been struggling with challenges such as low scalability, low digital penetration, and high-risk perception. With limited access to institutional capital, they primarily depend on self-financing or bank credit to overcome these Mittal, Founder & MD of Chandpur Paper, says India's MSMEs receive very little angel and venture capital finance, while technology-oriented start-ups get most of the FY24, India's VC funding returned to around $13.7 billion, a 1.4 times surge from the levels of 2023, as investors regained confidence and investments in the technology sector saw a jump, according to a report by global consultancy Bain & Company released earlier this year. Angel investments contributed $500-700 million during this period, but less than 10% went to traditional MSMEs. This highlights a significant funding gap for non-tech businesses. Echoing Mittal's view, Pushkar Mukewar, CEO & Co-founder of Drip Capital, says the Indian MSMEs face several challenges when seeking institutional or equity capital, including limited financial documentation, lack of formal credit history, low investor awareness about non-tech MSME sectors, and geographical disadvantages. 'Traditional VC or angel investors often see MSMEs as high-risk and low-return due to their fragmented and informal operations.'How the things can get better Jaydeep Birje, CEO of Leo Engineers, also believes that the government's efforts via Startup India, the SIDBI Fund of Funds, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme are slowly pushing the needle.'Some early-stage investors are also now expanding their scope beyond tech to more inclusive, impact-oriented MSMEs,' says emphasises that many MSMEs lack awareness and preparedness for equity funding. To boost access to funding, India needs to foster co-investment models, incentivise MSME-centric investors and develop digital matchmaking platforms. 'Mentorship and outreach in tier II and tier III cities can improve investor readiness. A focused ecosystem approach is essential to channel meaningful capital into this underfunded yet vital sector,' adds Singh, Founder & CEO of Quest OntheFRONTIER, notes that the landscape is evolving, and changes are already underway.'In 2025, angel investing in India is more structured and accessible than ever, driven by government initiatives like Startup India and the abolition of the Angel Tax (effective April 2025),' says Singh.A section of experts say that investors are now focusing on MSMEs with strong digital foundations, including robust online presence, e-commerce capabilities and technology adoption. This shift is driven by the recognition that digitally mature MSMEs are better positioned to scale and attract further funding. Additionally, the growth of angel networks and platforms has increased access to investors for MSMEs, including those in tier II and tier III cities, experts add. 'Multiple government schemes, such as the Startup India Seed Fund, MUDRA loans, and the Credit Guarantee Fund (CGTMSE), aim to provide MSMEs with access to capital, mentorship, and regulatory relief. The government is also encouraging sector-specific funds and Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) capital deployment into non-tech MSMEs. Exit pathways for VCs have improved, with streamlined M&A approvals and enhanced IPO regulations, increasing liquidity and making it more attractive for investors,' says Singh. According to Arvind Singh, India's MSMEs are poised for better access to angel and venture capital funding in 2025, driven by policy reforms, a thriving investor ecosystem and digital and technological readiness. While challenges remain—especially for non-tech MSMEs and those outside major urban centres—the overall trajectory is strongly positive, he Mukewar highlights that non-dilutive financing models are gaining popularity as a means to address the funding gap for MSMEs; options such as supply chain finance, invoice discounting, cash-flow-based lending, and marketplace seller financing are emerging as scalable solutions. 'These models leverage transaction data rather than collateral or credit history, making capital more accessible and relevant for MSMEs focused on exports, trade, or e-commerce. Scaling such fintech-driven models with supportive regulation and wider adoption can unlock meaningful capital access for India's MSMEs,' adds believes there is a need to increase awareness and improve access for MSMEs to various financing options. 'Some countries, like Singapore, set up MSME support centres in the industrial clusters. Second, the government should encourage and incentivise/subsidise the MSMEs to go digital and automate their business processes, leading to the formalisation of their financial operations and also improving productivity,' says suggests that finance providers, including banks and NBFCs, should leverage digital platforms and data-driven credit assessment tools and reach tier II and tier III cities and rural areas, thereby expanding funding access to MSMEs in underserved regions. This integrated approach can enhance efficiency, fairness, and inclusivity in MSME financing, says Singh.
NDTV
a day ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Maruti Suzuki Announces Winners Of Its Accelerator Program's 9th Edition
Maruti Suzuki India Limited announces the winners of the 9th Cohort of its flagship Accelerator program. The winners include six Indian startups: Frinks AI, mistEO, Adagrad, Com Olho, ProSolvr and Eligere and three German startups: Caire AI, Syn2Core and Talonic, under the newly introduced Global Startups category. All nine startups will now engage in a proof of concept (PoC) with Maruti Suzuki, working closely with the Company's teams to test and validate their solutions in real-world conditions. Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, "Startups bring fresh thinking and new ideas. Through the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator program, we have been working with them to co-create future ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive operational efficiency in the automobile manufacturing and mobility space. The participation of global startups, this cohort onwards, marks a new milestone in this journey. It further supports our efforts to contribute meaningfully to 'Make in India' and 'Startup India' initiatives of the Government. We welcome the winning startups to join us in our mission to offer 'Joy of Mobility' to as many people as possible." Also Read - Mahindra Thar Facelift Interiors Spied- Check Similarities With Thar Roxx This was the first cohort to include global participation, with 19 startups from India and 7 from Germany, presenting their solutions at the grand finale. The cohort witnessed startups showcasing innovative AI-powered solutions across diverse domains, such as cybersecurity, road safety, quality control, EV charging infrastructure, and and battery swapping. These solutions have the potential to enhance operational efficiency and improve overall customer ownership experience, supporting Maruti Suzuki's ambition to scale up its business operations. Maruti Suzuki's Innovation Programs: The Company has built multiple programs that provide the right direction and support to startups in developing innovative solutions to help solve business problems. In the journey of 6 years, over 5,000 startups have been screened, 150 startups were engaged and 25 of these startups have been onboarded as partners delivering value to our business. Maruti Suzuki Accelerator was launched in January 2019. Through this program, Maruti Suzuki fosters open innovation in the automobile manufacturing and mobility space, by collaborating with startups to co-create cutting-edge technological solutions. Later in August 2020, Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program was started with an aim to nurture technology enabled startups defining future of mobility. Further, Mobility Challenge was initiated in June 2021 to explore new-age technologies and help growth-stage startups to showcase their cutting-edge innovative solutions in the mobility space. Nurture was started in 2023 as a Pre-Incubation Program for early-stage startups.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Developed world nowhere close to India in Fintech: Finance Minister
NEW DELHI: Praising India's Fintech revolution, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that even advanced countries are nowhere close to the kind of progress India is witnessing. "This is something very unique to Indian Fintech. Several countries are now eager to engage with us, often requesting deeper interactions," she said while addressing the Digital Payments Award ceremony on Monday. The speed of innovation in India is something that many other countries can only dream of, she said, underlining the immense progress that India has made. She attributed India's fintech success to the Startup India movement, which she said has now expanded far beyond a single sector. "We're already reaping the benefits of innovations across agriculture, space, and beyond. India's profile has become both versatile and admirable," she said. According to her, excellence in digital payments has benefited not only banks and innovators but citizens at large. "This, in turn, has enhanced financial inclusion—critical for a country where a large section of the population still awaits access," she added. To support her statement, she cited the World Bank, which has said India achieved 80% financial inclusion in just six years through digital public infrastructure—a level that would have otherwise taken 50 years. India now accounts for 48.5% of all real-time digital transactions globally. Highlighting the success of direct benefit transfer, the FM said the government has transferred Rs 44 lakh crore to beneficiaries since 2014, with ₹3.48 lakh crore saved by preventing leakages. "This is entirely due to the power of technology," she reiterated. She laid out key focus areas going forward—expanding scope and scale of digital lending for small businesses, agriculture and rural innovation for better market connectivity for farmers, and addressing scams and fraud through Fintech solutions.
