Amazon reveals Alexa+📢
Kiko Live exceeds 5000 daily orders on ONDC, Swiggy moves to new office in Gurgaon, Reels as separate app, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Friday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present."
— Jim Rohn
Today, Rohn’s words remind us that happiness isn’t something to wait for—it’s something we create here and now.
When we stop waiting and start appreciating, we realize that joy comes from small moments, meaningful relationships, and the mindset we choose daily.
Tech Updates
Amazon reveals Alexa+ with AI upgrades, completely free for Prime members
Amazon has launched Alexa+, a genAI-powered version of its digital assistant Alexa. Amazon will initially roll out Alexa+ to US users before expanding its user base in the following months. Alexa+ is compatible with almost all Alexa devices. However, its rollout will begin with Echo Show devices. Amazon is touting Alexa+ as an “agent” that can perform multiple tasks on behalf of the user.
ONDC quick commerce app Kiko Live exceeds 5,000 daily orders in Delhi
Kiko Live, a player in the quick commerce sector on the ONDC platform, said it exceeded 5,000 daily orders from its consumer app, KikoShop, within just a month of its launch.
Swiggy moves to new office in Gurgaon, maintains Bengaluru headquarters
Quick commerce company Swiggy has moved into a new office in Gurgaon. Surendhar Kumar, the head of Administration and Procurement at Swiggy, announced this via a LinkedIn post. The company continues to maintain its headquarters in Bengaluru.
Instagram may launch Reels as separate app: Report
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri told his staff that the company plans to launch a separate app for its short-form video feature, Reels. Given TikTok's uncertain future, the company aims to capture the platform’s market in the United States. According to The Information, Meta has launched an initiative code-named “Project Ray.”
Funding Deals
FanTV, a content platform on the Sui blockchain, has secured an additional $3 million in strategic investment from Mysten Labs, Cypher Capital, CoinSwitch Ventures, and Illuminati Capital.
Spacetech startup Sisir Radar, which builds Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), has raised $1.5 million in its seed round led by Shastra VC. The round also saw participation by Riverwalk Holdings and INVSTT.
Home décor brand Ritualistic has raised $1 million in a mix of secondary and primary funding from Deep Bajaj and Mohit Bajaj.
Plant-based nutrition brand Earthful has raised Rs 5 crore in a seed funding round led by Srinivasan Namala.
Logistic startup Pickkup has raised $500K in a seed funding round led by We Founder Circle (WFC) along with participation from other angel investors.
⏲️ Short Story: The Waiting Game
Nisha always thought she’d be happy once she got her dream job. When she finally did, she realized she was still chasing "the next thing" instead of enjoying life.
One day, she made a change—she started savoring little joys: morning coffee, meaningful conversations, and hobbies she loved. For the first time, she felt truly happy—not because of achievements, but because she designed her days with joy in mind.
Tweet of the day🐥
Don’t wait for happiness—it’s already within your reach. Make time for things that bring you joy today.
Rise & Shine reminds you that happiness is not a reward for the future but a choice for the present.
Have a joyful and fulfilling Friday!
Thanks for reading till the end!