Uber to bring ‘Black’ back🚘
Uber to bring ‘Black’ back🚘
India launches first reusable hybrid rocket, Cricketers start up a different game, Gig worker demand set to rise 40%, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Monday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
"There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don’t allow yourself to become one of them."
— Ralph Marston
As we start a new week, Ralph's quote serves as a poignant reminder not to be our own biggest impediment on the journey toward our goals.
Recognizing and overcoming our internal obstacles can propel us further than any external solution.
Tech Updates
Uber to bring ‘Black’ back in big premiumisation push
Uber is set to relaunch its luxury ride-hailing service, Uber Black, in India as part of its strategy to enhance its premium offerings. The company had started its India operations in 2013 with the Uber Black service, under which luxury cars like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi were available on demand. Black was discontinued a year later.
Uber Black will be priced 30-40% higher than the platform’s existing top product, Uber Premier, and the company expects it to have “huge traction with corporate travel use cases”.
India launches first reusable hybrid rocket RHUMI-1
India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket RHUMI-1 from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai on August 24 at 7 am. The rocket has been developed by Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India and Martin Group. The rocket, carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites into a suborbital trajectory, was launched using a mobile launcher.
MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, other cricketers start up a different game
Cricketers, both past and present, are making equity investments or even turning founders of various new ventures, joining a growing cohort of celebrities looking beyond traditional endorsements.
Gig worker demand set to rise 40% during festive season peak
As the festive season kicks in, the demand for gig work riders employed by quick commerce platforms may grow by as much as 40% on peak demand days from the current level of about three to four lakh riders. There will be an addition of up to 10-12 lakh gig riders across all platforms in the ramp up to the festive season peak.
Funding Deals
Aroa Venture Partners has received Rs 40 crore ($4.8 million) capital commitment from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) under the Government of India’s Fund of Funds for Startups and the Uttar Pradesh Government’s UP Startup Fund schemes.
Legends League Cricket (LLC), the cricket league featuring senior cricketers, has raised Rs 39 crore from Brickwork at the valuation of Rs 350 crore.
HouseEazy, an online marketplace for pre-owned homes, has raised Rs 33.5 crore (around $4 million) in Series A led by Chiratae Ventures Fund with participation from Veena Jindal, Antler Innovation Fund, and IA Growth Opportunities Fund.
Mortgage brand LoanKuber, which operates Janasha Finance, has raised $3.5 million in a pre-Series B round led by Singapore-based TRTL VC and existing backer Inflection Point Ventures. The round also saw participation from Auxano, LetsVenture, Mavuca Capital as well as angel investors such as Ruchi Deepak (co-founder, Acko), Prashant Tandon (co-founder, 1mg) and Pankaj Vermani (co-founder, Clovia).
Ben & Gaws Private Limited, which runs the manufacturing tech startup Fabrication Bazar, has raised $3 million in its pre-Series A round led by Physis Capital. The round also saw participation from Japan-based Venture Capital ICMG and existing investor Inflection Point Ventures.
SaaS startup Acadru has secured $0.5 million in pre-Series A round led by AIG Direct LLC along with a clutch of other investors.
✍🏻 Short Story: The Writer's Block
A passionate but struggling writer, Emily often found herself unable to write a single word, paralyzed by the fear that her work wouldn’t be good enough. She saw every new writing assignment as a mountain to climb, not because the task was inherently difficult, but because she doubted her abilities.
One day, inspired by Marston’s words, Emily confronted her self-imposed obstacles. She began with small, manageable writing goals each day and joined a supportive writing group.
By focusing on consistent effort rather than perfection, Emily was able to overcome her internal barriers, leading to the completion of her first novel. The journey taught her that she was capable of being her own worst enemy but also her greatest ally.
Tweet of the day🐥
As you face challenges this week, take a moment to consider whether any of these challenges are self-created.
Remember, the attitude you bring to your obstacles can define your path.
Rise & Shine encourages you to clear your internal roadblocks and move forward with confidence.
Have an insightful and barrier-breaking Monday!
Thanks for reading till the end!