Salesforce, the #1 CRM, today announced the inaugural edition of AI Pitchfield, the first-ever startup pitch competition by the Salesforce Startup Community in collaboration with Salesforce Ventures, Lightspeed India and Khaitan & Co. The competition will bring together B2B SaaS, AI-first, and AI-focused startups in India and across Southeast Asia offering them a chance to put their best pitch forward and secure an investment of $100K from Salesforce Ventures.

Recognizing the transformative power of AI in shaping the future of business, AI Pitchfield offers growing and established startups the opportunity to pitch their unique business ideas. Shortlisted startups get to pitch in front of our esteemed jury consisting of Arundhathi Bhattacharya, CEO & Chairperson, Salesforce India; investors from Salesforce Ventures and leading executives and personalities from the Indian tech ecosystem.

Startups eligible for AI Pitchfield can apply by submitting the necessary details and resources via the competition websites application form, from October 21, 2024, to November 30, 2024. Salesforce Ventures, along with the Salesforce Startup Community, will review submitted applications to shortlist the top five finalists who will pitch live in the grand finale on January 9, 2025. The AI Pitchfield competition is subject in all respects to the competition terms and conditions provided on the AI Pitchfield website.

Comments on the news:

John Somorjai, President, Salesforce Ventures, said, “With the agent-fueld AI revolution charging ahead, there is an endless runway for innovation. In fact, the pace of transformation is faster than ever. By providing startups with the resources, exposure, and support they need to succeed, AI Pitchfield is empowering the next generation of AI leaders to shape a brighter future for all. AI Pitchfield is more than just a competition; it is a catalyst for innovation and a driving force behind the growth of the AI ecosystem in India and Singapore.”

Sanket Atal, SVP and Managing Director – Operations & Technology, Salesforce India said, “In todays world, AI is a key driver of innovation, offering startups immense potential to overcome challenges and achieve success. AI Pitchfield serves as a dynamic platform that brings together like-minded entrepreneurs, enabling them to network, collaborate, and share ideas. By fostering connections, facilitating engagement with ecosystem partners, and providing investment opportunities, we are dedicated to empowering startups to harness the power of AI, bring their ideas to life, and shape the future of technology.”

Hemant Mohaparta, Partner at Lightspeed said; “We are delighted to be a part of AI Pitchfield as we have a deep conviction in the power of these new-age startups to transform industries and shape the future of AI. We are excited to see how these visionary founders will drive the next wave of AI advancements.“

Interested startups can apply by submitting a pitch deck, product demo video, and financial information on the AI Pitchfield website.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for AI Pitchfield, startups must comply with the Official Rules and:

• Provide a B2B SaaS, AI-first, or AI-enabled product(s) or service(s) in the technology space

• Be in the pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage of fundraising

• Have received at least $500,000 in prior venture funding from a reputable venture capital firm

• Have at least five paying customers

• Be incorporated as a corporation based in India or Singapore

• At the time of the competition award, be recognized as a “startup” as defined by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India (for India-based entrants)

• Pass Salesforce’s standard company due diligence and background checks

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest runs from 21/10/24 12:00am to 05/01/25 5:00pm IST, with Initial Entry Period from 21/10/24 12:00am to 30/11/24 at 5pm. Open to legal residents of India, the U.S. (incl. D.C.), Australia, Canada (excl. Quebec), New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, U.K. Must be 18+. See Official Rules.

About Salesforce

Salesforce helps organisations of any size reimagine their business for the world of AI. With Agentforce, Salesforce’s trusted platform, organisations can bring humans together with agents to drive customer success-powered by AI, data, and action. Visit www.salesforce.com for more information.

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asias premier express air, integrated transportation, and distribution logistics company, declared its financial results today for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, at its Board Meeting held in Mumbai.

The company posted Rs. 60.76 crore profit after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Revenue from operations for the same period stood at Rs. 1,448.46 crore. Blue Darts exceptional service quality, strengthened by advanced automation and technology, remains a cornerstone of its operations, providing customers with a seamless, one-stop solution for all their logistics needs.

Reflecting on the companys performance, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd., stated, During the quarter, we achieved strong year-on-year revenue growth, showcasing our robust performance across both established and sunrise sectors. Our increased earnings capacity enables us to strategically invest in expanding our network, including the deployment of new aircraft into our fleet to enhance our service offerings and meet our customers evolving needs. Following this, we are also investing in the development of strategic ground hubs and delivery centers for B2B and e-commerce distribution. These investments are designed to enhance scalability, flexibility, accuracy, and speed across our entire network, driving sustainable future growth. By staying agile and innovative, we are well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities and deliver even greater value to our customers.

The company’s positive outlook underlines its readiness to capitalize on future prospects while maintaining its reputation as the provider of choice. Blue Dart is accelerating sustainable growth through its various initiatives, focusing on structural tailwinds in fast-growing geographies and industry sectors, including the megatrend of e-commerce. As a trusted trade facilitator, Blue Dart continues to expand its share of wallet (SOW) in key markets, setting industry standards and driving value for its partners.

About Blue Dart Express Ltd.

Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asias premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 56,000+ locations in India. Blue Dart is a provider of choice for its stakeholders due to its customer centric approach and aims to further strengthen this partnership. As part of DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce division, Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide, covering over 220 countries and territories, and offers an entire spectrum of distribution services including air express, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, customs clearance etc.

The Blue Dart team drives market leadership through its motivated people, dedicated air and ground capacity, cutting-edge technology, wide range of innovative, vertical specific products and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. Blue Darts market leadership is further validated by its position as the nation’s most innovative and awarded express logistics company for exhibiting reliability, superior brand experience and sustainability which include recognition as one of ‘Indias Best Companies to Work For’ by The Great Place to Work Institute, India, ranked amongst ‘Best Multinational Workplaces in Asia’ by The Great Place to Work Institute, Asia, voted a ‘Superbrand’ and ‘Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand’, listed as one of Fortune 500’s ‘Indias Largest Corporations’ and Forbes ‘Indias Super 50 Companies’ to name a few. Blue Dart’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives have also led to it being recognized as one of India’s ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ in 2021 and ‘Best Organisations for Women’ in 2022 by the Economic Times.

Blue Dart fulfils its social responsibility of climate protection (GoGreen), disaster management (GoHelp) and education (GoTeach) through its GoPrograms.

The Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund aims to tap into the exciting trends transforming the consumption landscape in India. With a systematic approach called the InQuBe philosophy, this fund employs a detailed stock selection process that aims to optimize returns for investors. Lets break down how this process works and what drives their investment decisions.

Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund

Understanding the stock universe

Before diving into the stock selection strategies, its essential to understand the funds scope. The total stock universe considered by the Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund consists of around 1,100 companies. Out of these, the fund narrows down its focus to a megatrend universe of 340 to 380 stocks. From this pool, it identifies 110 to 130 stocks that specifically fit the consumption theme. Ultimately, the portfolio will consist of approximately 25 to 50 carefully selected stocks by using the inhouse InQuBe philosophy.

The InQuBe Philosophy

The InQuBe philosophy encompasses three critical strategies: Information Edge, Analytical Edge, and Behavioural Edge. Each of these components plays a significant role in shaping the fund’s investment decisions.

Information Edge

The first strategy, Information Edge, focuses on gathering valuable insights before they become common knowledge. The investment team works to collect and analyze information about the economy, specific businesses, and broader market trends. By staying ahead of the curve, the fund aims to make informed investment decisions that can lead to optimal performance.

For example, if the fund becomes aware of a company launching an innovative product before the general market does, it can take advantage of this early insight. Investing early in such companies can lead to substantial gains as the market begins to recognize the potential of those products.

Analytical Edge

The second component of the InQuBe philosophy is the Analytical Edge. Even without exclusive information, the fund can still excel through robust analytical methods. The investment team utilizes advanced tools, including models and algorithms, to predict market trends and stock performance.

These analytical tools allow the team to process vast amounts of data efficiently, helping them identify which stocks have the potential for growth. By understanding market dynamics and stock behaviours, they can make informed choices about which investments to pursue and which to avoid.

Behavioural Edge

The third strategy, the Behavioural Edge, emphasizes understanding the psychological factors that influence investor behaviour. Market prices can often be swayed by emotions, leading to situations where stocks are either overvalued or undervalued. The Behavioural Edge focuses on two primary aspects:

Exploiting market overreactions or underreactions: The fund looks for opportunities where stock prices have been driven too high or too low based on investor sentiment. By identifying these mispriced stocks, the fund can invest in undervalued opportunities or sell overvalued stocks, aiming to capitalize on corrections in the market.

Improving decision-making: The investment team actively works to refine their decision-making processes. By minimizing biases and common mistakes, they enhance their ability to make sound investment choices.

Building the Portfolio

With the InQuBe strategies in place, the Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund carefully constructs its portfolio. The fund’s focus is on transformative megatrends within the consumption sector in India. By identifying sectors experiencing significant shifts in consumer behaviour, the fund positions itself to capitalize on long-term growth potential.

The consumption theme encompasses a broad range of industries, including retail, food and beverages, healthcare, and more. As consumer preferences evolve, the fund seeks to invest in companies that are well-equipped to adapt and thrive in this changing environment. This strategic approach ensures that the portfolio is aligned with emerging trends that could drive future growth.

Conclusion

The stock selection process of the Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund is driven by a structured and systematic approach that leverages the InQuBe philosophy. By focusing on the Information Edge, Analytical Edge, and Behavioural Edge, the fund aims to identify and invest in high-potential stocks that align with transformative trends in consumer behaviour.

As the consumption sector in India continues to expand, this fund can benefit from the increasing demand for various products and services. For investors looking to capitalize on the growth potential in this vibrant sector, starting an SIP investment in Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund can be an informed investment strategy. Investors can also make use of an SIP calculator online to plan their monthly SIP amount. By understanding market dynamics, this Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund is poised to ride the wave of change in Indias consumption landscape.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

In recent years, the field of hair restoration has witnessed an unprecedented rise in popularity, particularly among celebrities and athletes. For these high-profile individuals, hair transplants have become more than just a solution for hair loss; they are an investment in their marketability, self-confidence, and overall public image. With cutting-edge technology and transformative results, Eugenix Hair Sciences has emerged as the go-to destination for those looking to enhance their appearance and boost their professional longevity.

Dr. Pradeep Sethi & Dr. Arika Bansal of Eugenix Hair Sciences

At the forefront of this surge is Eugenix Hair Sciences, led by the internationally acclaimed Dr. Arika Bansal and Dr. Pradeep Sethi. Known for their precision, expertise, and the advanced techniques they employ, they have helped numerous individuals-including athletes, Bollywood celebrities, and global stars-achieve natural-looking, fuller hair with minimal downtime. The clinic’s signature techniques, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), are renowned for ensuring a seamless, natural appearance with little scarring.

The list of satisfied clients at Eugenix Hair Sciences reads like a who’s who of the sports and entertainment worlds. The clinic has built a strong reputation among elite athletes, including cricketers like Mohammad Shami, Ravi Shastri, Mohammad Azharuddin, Nikhil Chopra, and international stars like Michael Bevan and Nick Compton. These individuals, known for their commitment to performance and appearance, have all praised Eugenix for restoring not just their hair, but their confidence.

Eugenix’s celebrity clientele extends beyond sports figures, with Bollywood icons such as Boney Kapoor, Manoj Muntashir, Anup Jalota, Elvish Yadav, and Mandana Karimi turning to the clinic for hair restoration. The high-profile nature of these clients is a testament to Eugenixs ability to cater to the unique needs of individuals whose public image is vital to their careers. Eugenixs track record of delivering natural, subtle results has earned it the trust of many who rely on their appearance for professional success.

This trend is not confined to India alone. International sports figures like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, as well as Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks and Jude Law, have openly shared their experiences with hair transplants. These high-profile figures have cited hair restoration as a way to maintain their personal image and professional relevance. Wayne Rooney, for instance, gained widespread attention when he underwent a hair transplant in 2011, which helped him rejuvenate his public persona and increase his marketability in endorsement deals. Similarly, David Beckham’s iconic look has been maintained, in part, through hair restoration treatments.

It’s not just the men in the spotlight benefiting from this growing trend. More and more women are seeking hair restoration procedures, breaking the stigma surrounding female hair loss. Eugenix Hair Sciences has been a pioneer in offering tailored solutions to women, ensuring that their hair restoration process respects their unique hair patterns and aesthetic preferences.

For many, hair restoration is much more than a cosmetic procedure-it’s a powerful tool for restoring self-esteem. Eugenix’s clients, whether they are athletes preparing for the next big game or celebrities preparing for a red carpet event, rely on Dr. Bansal and Dr. Sethi’s expertise to ensure a natural, flawless look. Their approach goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about helping individuals regain their confidence in front of the camera or the crowd.

Dr. Arika Bansal and Dr. Pradeep Sethi’s innovative techniques have revolutionized the way hair transplants are perceived-moving beyond a simple cosmetic procedure to become an essential component of personal empowerment. As hair restoration becomes increasingly popular, Eugenix has established itself as a trusted name in the industry, known for delivering personalized care, expert precision, and long-lasting results.

As the stigma around hair loss continues to diminish, hair restoration is now seen as a mainstream solution rather than a taboo subject. The growing trend among celebrities and athletes to undergo hair transplant procedures reflects a broader cultural shift toward self-care, confidence, and personal empowerment. Whether driven by the desire to enhance public image, regain a youthful appearance, or simply improve self-esteem, these high-profile individuals are proving that investing in one’s appearance can be a crucial part of staying relevant and successful in a competitive world.

In a world where image matters more than ever, Eugenix Hair Sciences has proven itself to be the trusted partner for those seeking the highest level of care and expertise. With its advanced techniques and world-class service, Eugenix has become the clinic of choice for celebrities, athletes, and influencers looking to take their appearance-and their confidence-to the next level.

OPPO India will launch the Find X8 Series and ColorOS 15 at a global event on November 21, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. Both devices-the all-new Find X8 and Find X8 Pro-redefine excellence in flagship smartphones.

OPPO Find X8 Series and ColorOS 15

“Until now, flagship camera phones with ultra-zoom, power, battery life, and AI tools have been weighed down by thick, heavy designs, but Find X8 Series changes the game,” said Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer at OPPO. “The Find X8 is a thin and light powerhouse with a sterling battery life and a periscope zoom. The Find X8 Pro takes zoom further, delivering ultra-grade experiences without the bulk. And with ColorOS 15’s smart and smooth experience, the Find X8 Series is set to mark an exciting shift for the smartphone industry.”

The OPPO Find X8 fits an incredibly slim periscope zoom camera into a sleek, light design that is 7.85mm slim and weighs a mere 193g. The immersive yet compact handset sports a 6.59-inch display with an ultra-narrow 1.45mm symmetrical bezel and a fingerprint-resistant diffuse finish in Star Grey, and Space Black.

Fans of bigger screens would be impressed by the Find X8 Pro with its ultra-immersive 6.78-inch display that showcases quad-curved glass on both sides. The handset debuts OPPO’s dual-periscope telephoto camera for global markets. The Find X8 Pro is available in Space Black and Pearl White, with each Pearl White device featuring a unique pearlescent pattern so no two devices look the same.

Both Find X8 and Find X8 Pro-featuring OPPO’s latest Hasselblad Master Camera System-carry forward the Find X line’s tradition of introducing breakthrough camera innovation. Now, with AI Telescope Zoom, the Find X8 Series can reach further than ever, activating at 10x and beyond. Each device can also freeze time in an instant with Lightning Snap, which captures up to seven photos every second without compromising on flagship-grade photo processing.

The OPPO’s Find X8 is powered by a huge 5630mAh silicon-carbon battery while the Find X8 Pro packs a 5910mAh whopper; both devices boast a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC for smooth performance that extends over a day.

It takes world-class software to elevate ultra-grade hardware, and ColorOS 15 perfectly complements the Find X8 Series. Its seamless visuals, intuitive elements, and powerful, time-saving AI tools put everything you need at your fingertips.

Stay tuned to learn more about OPPO Find X8 Series and ColorOS 15 at the upcoming global launch.

Advaiya, a leader in technology solutions, and Crayon, a global leader in software asset management, today announced the organization of a Customer Roundtable designed to empower businesses in navigating the evolving landscape of cloud security and modern workplace technologies. The event will take place on November 15, 2024, at Microsoft’s Gurugram office, providing a platform for business leaders to explore the transformative potential of Azure and the importance of robust cloud security measures.

Empowering workplaces with cloud and security

This exclusive event aims to connect business owners, CEOs, CFOs, Heads of IT, Heads of Sales, and Chief Procurement Officers (CFOs) from small to mid-sized companies, fostering discussions around cutting-edge solutions that can drive business growth.

“As organizations increasingly adopt cloud technologies, ensuring security and efficiency is paramount,” said Vikram Jain, Practice Director at Advaiya. “This roundtable will offer invaluable insights into enhancing cloud security frameworks, leveraging modern workplace tools for collaboration, and optimizing operations through Azure.”

Participants can expect a dynamic agenda featuring interactive discussions and expert insights, including:

• Enhanced Cloud Security: Strategies to protect sensitive data, avoid common security pitfalls, and achieve compliance with industry standards.

• Increased Workplace Efficiency: Exploration of innovative workplace technologies that facilitate seamless collaboration and boost productivity.

• Azure’s Transformative Potential: Insights into how Azure’s extensive capabilities can drive innovation and scalability for businesses.
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The roundtable will feature presentations from industry leaders and experts, including Vikram Jain, Practice Director at Advaiya, Kamal Kant Paliwal, Principal at Advaiya, and Deepesh Belwal, Partner Program Manager at Crayon. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an open discussion and Q&A session to address specific challenges in their digital transformation journeys.

Event Details
Date: November 15, 2024
Location: Microsoft, 8th floor, Building B Commercial Site, DLF Downtown, Block 5, DLF City Phase 3 Rd, DLF Cyber City, Sector 25 A, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM

About Advaiya
Advaiya is a technology consulting and implementation services company specializing in tailored digital transformation solutions through business applications, analytics, and peripheral automation. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner since 2005, Advaiya has successfully completed over 1,000 client projects, showcasing our extensive expertise across the Microsoft technology stack.

For more information, please visit website advaiya.com.