Razorpay & Cashfree Greenlit by RBI🚦 FirstCry's IPO Ascent Begins📊
Blume's Remarkable Fund Returns, Google Maps' AI Unveiling, Funding Deals and the Wisdom of Managing Judgments.
Hello folks 👋🏻,
Welcome to Rise & Shine, where we delve into the profound philosophy of Epictetus on the nature of our reactions to the world around us.
“It's not things that upset us but our judgments about things.”
— Epictetus
In the intricate dance of life, these words serve as a guiding principle, inviting us to explore the transformative power of mindfulness in shaping our perceptions.
In this edition, let's navigate the seas of emotional intelligence, where the wisdom of Epictetus becomes a compass for a calmer and more resilient existence.
Tech Updates
Razorpay, Cashfree secure RBI approval for payment aggregator business
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted final approval to Razorpay and Cashfree to operate as payment aggregators (PAs), a shot in the arm for both fintechs after a yearlong regulatory ban.
FirstCry set to file for IPO, eyes $500-600 million raise
SoftBank-backed FirstCry is looking to file its draft IPO papers in the next few days, sources told. This comes after the omnichannel retailer had delayed its listing plans last year due to choppy market conditions. The company aims to raise $500-600 million through the public offer.
Blume sees five-fold returns from the first fund
Homegrown early-stage venture capital firm Blume Ventures has clocked returns of over five times from its first fund. Between 2010 and 2015, it invested Rs 114 crore through Fund-I and its extension, Fund-IA. Of the Rs 114 crore, Blume Ventures has so far realized Rs 549 crore through exits, with another Rs 102 crore expected to be realized early next year.
Google announces AI-powered features for Maps in India
Google announced a slew of new features powered by AI to make Google Maps more helpful, localised and visually immersive for users in India. This includes Address Descriptor, an India-first innovation to be launched next year to help users find locations more easily.
Funding Deals
VideoVerse, a video-editing SaaS platform formerly known as Toch.ai, has scooped up $45 million in a new round from Bluestone Equity Partners, a global private equity firm focused on the sports, media and entertainment industry.
Lithium battery recycling startup BatX Energies has raised $5 million in pre-Series A round led by Zephyr Peacock in participation with Lets Venture, and existing backers JITO Angel Network and Family offices of Mankind Pharma, Excel Industries, and BluSmart among others.
Artificial intelligence-driven customer support platform Kapture CX has picked up $4 million in an extended Series A round (A1) led by India Alternatives which is a private equity fund.
Insurance distribution startup Finhaat has raised $3 million in its first institutional fundraise led by agri-focused venture fund Omnivore along with participation from early-stage venture fund Kettleborough VC.
Healthtech startup Monitra Health has raised $1.5 million in a pre-Series A round led by Equanimity Ventures and Kotak Alternate Asset Managers.
HouseEazy, an online marketplace for pre-owned homes, has raised $1 million in a seed round led by Antler along with participation from India Accelerator, AC Ventures, Agility Ventures, Finvolve Ventures, Pirojsha Godrej, and Droom’s founder Sandeep Aggarwal.
AI drug discovery startup Peptris has raised $1 million in its pre-seed round led by Speciale Invest.
👓 Short Story: The Lens of Perception
In a quiet village, there lived a philosopher named Elena, known for her serene demeanor. One day, a distressed villager approached her, burdened by life's challenges. Elena shared Epictetus' wisdom, "It's not things that upset us but our judgments about things."
Curious, the villager questioned, "How can I find peace amid chaos?"
Elena handed the villager a clear lens and said, "Think of this lens as your perception. Cleanse it from judgments, and you'll see the world with clarity." The villager, applying this principle, found that the lens of mindful perception transformed their experience amidst challenges.
Tweet of the day🐥
As we bid farewell to this edition, carry with you the transformative insight of Epictetus: “It's not things that upset us but our judgments about things.”
Embrace the journey of mindful tranquility, recognizing that by refining your judgments, you shape a path of peace and resilience.
Thank you for being part of our community, where together, we explore the art of mindful living and the profound impact it has on our well-being.
Feel free to share it with someone who could use a little inspiration. Let's pass on the good vibes and make someone's day!
Thanks for reading till the end!
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