Bharat Mandot Of Stelcore Group On The Hidden Costs Of Taking Indian Brands Global

Source: inc42

Bharat Mandot Of Stelcore Group On The Hidden Costs Of Taking Indian Brands Global

Business

Bharat Mandot, chairman of Stelcore Group, argues that sustainable global expansion for Indian brands depends on robust infrastructure rather than just marketing. He emphasizes that operational excellence and repeat customers drive long-term growth. Mandot recommends a hybrid approach using both marketplaces and D2C channels, while advising founders to maintain a 60-65% domestic gross margin to absorb international costs and ensure profitability across diverse regulatory environments.

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AI content startup Flam raises $40M from QED Investors, Shah Rukh Khan, and others

Startups

The Bengaluru- and San Francisco-based tech startup, which delivers AI-powered interactive content, was founded by BITS Pilani alumni Shourya Agarwal, Malhar Patil and Amit Gaiki. It plans to use the funding on R&D, expanding its product portfolio, and scaling enterprise sales.

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Flam Bags $40 Mn To Offer Immersive Content To Enterprises

Business

Flam, an AI-powered content platform, has raised $40 Mn in Series B funding led by QED Investors, with participation from Shah Rukh Khan's family office and other investors. The capital will be used to ramp up R&D in AI models, expand its product suite, and accelerate enterprise sales in existing and new markets. This funding round occurs as mixed reality gains traction,.

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Kids’ Nutrition Brands Face A Familiar Struggle

Business

Indian D2C brands are transforming the kids' food market by enhancing familiar foods with better nutrition to appeal to both children and health-conscious parents. While many urban parents are willing to pay a premium, brands face challenges including high ingredient costs, manufacturing hurdles, and regulatory scrutiny from the FSSAI over misleading claims. Long-term success depends on balancing taste with proven nutritional benefits to ensure repeat purchases.

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Apple’s Siri AI Gambit, Moneyview Trims IPO Size & More

Business

Apple launched Siri AI with iOS 27, though advanced features are limited to premium devices with potential future subscription fees. Meanwhile, Moneyview halved its IPO size, and InsuranceDekho faces leadership changes. Lenskart expanded its stake in AjnaLens for smart glasses, while the RBI proposed new cyber safety protocols. Additionally, Google selected four Indian startups for its AI accelerator, and Saubha Aerial Systems developed drone parachute recovery systems.

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Jensen Huang took a call from Trump, and showed off something else, too

Startups

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang received a live call from President Trump on stage at the All-In conference, answering on a foldable phone. Their discussion focused on AI safety, with both seemingly agreeing that mounting fears about AI constitute a "hoax." Trump asserted AI is "bigger than the internet" and shouldn't be slowed, claiming panic benefits China and "political people." Huang's apparent agreement might align with Nvidia's.

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Only at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: What happens when OpenAI ships your roadmap?

Startups

If you're building an AI company, the question isn't whether foundation models will continue to evolve. It's whether your company will continue creating value as they do. The greatest risk isn't building a weak product — it's building a strong one that eventually becomes someone else's feature. You don’t want to miss this interactive session on the Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Register before Sept 25 to save up to $200.

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Hear how AI can engineer nature’s comeback at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Startups

Not long ago, bringing an extinct species back to life belonged to science fiction. Today, it’s the mission of a billion-dollar startup. Advances in artificial intelligence, genetics, and computational biology are changing what’s possible in conservation research, raising questions that extend far beyond the laboratory. If technology can help revive extinct species, should it? And […].

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5 days left to exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Startups

The last day to apply for an exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 on Sept 18. Just 5 days left. Secure your spot on the Expo Hall floor and put your business in front of 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders.

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Personal loan for home renovation: Costs and benefits

Startups

Personal loans for home renovation offer flexible, collateral-free funding for various upgrades and repairs without end-use restrictions. Key benefits include quick disbursal, customizable repayment tenures, and fixed EMIs. Borrowers should be aware of associated costs such as processing fees, GST, interest, and potential.

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The snake that cannot shed its skin must perish and fade

Startups

The article emphasizes that personal growth, like a snake shedding its skin, demands embracing change. Clinging to outdated beliefs, unhealthy habits, or past identities restricts development and threatens progress. While transformation can be uncomfortable, it's essential to avoid stagnation and unlock potential. Letting go of the familiar allows individuals to adapt, learn, and evolve, leading to stronger, wiser versions of themselves and enabling true fulfillment.

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Insight Partners’ Devin Parekh on why the firm is diversifying while everyone else bets the farm on OpenAI and Anthropic

Startups

Insight Partners' Devin Parekh opens up about losing Legora to General Catalyst, why he's fine holding stakes in rival AI labs, and why — even as everyone else piles into OpenAI and Anthropic — his $90 billion firm is deliberately staying diversified.

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Fusion power startups find new partners in the defense world

Startups

Fusion startups are increasingly embracing defense applications, a return to the industry's roots, as climate tech funding stalls. This shift provides new revenue streams for expensive fusion development. Defense sees fusion-related laser technology as crucial for developing cost-effective laser weapons against drones. Xcimer partnered with RTX, and Pacific Fusion collaborates with NNSA, highlighting fusion's dual utility for energy and national security.

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Tesla says it will finally unveil the second generation Roadster on October 1

Startups

Tesla's long-awaited second-generation Roadster is slated for an October 1 unveiling, as hinted by a recent "Go for launch" post. First announced in 2017, the electric sports car has faced multiple delays and reportedly features a new design. The graphic also suggests optional cold gas thrusters, developed by SpaceX, hinting at unique flight capabilities. Production is anticipated 12-18 months after the.

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BRICS should help 100 startups scale across member markets every year: PM Modi

Startups

Prime Minister Modi urged BRICS nations to help 100 startups expand into member markets annually. He also tasked the BRICS Business Council with identifying top trade barriers and facilitating 1,000 new business partnerships yearly. India, with its robust startup ecosystem, aims to drive innovation and has proposed a BRICS Incubator Network and Startup Innovation Fund. The expanded 11-nation BRICS group seeks deeper economic ties, with Iran advocating for national currency use and simplified trade.

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Karnataka launches Rs 25 crore Government First startup initiative

Startups

Karnataka launched the "Government First Initiative" to make government a first customer for startups. This Rs 25 crore program supports 100 startups over three years, offering up to Rs 25 lakh for pilot implementation of deployment-ready solutions. It allows startups to propose ideas or respond to problem statements, removing prior experience requirements. Successful pilots can lead to wider government procurement, connecting innovation with public service delivery.

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Fintech Stocks Rally On Report Of 40 Basis Point MDR On UPI, Paytm Touches 52-Week High

Business

Fintech stocks, including Pine Labs, Mobikwik, AvenuesAI, and Paytm, rallied significantly following reports that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) fees on UPI transactions could soon be notified. The proposed 40 bps MDR for P2M transactions, with third-party apps receiving around 12 bps, is expected to unlock a substantial ₹5,000-10,000 Cr revenue stream for payment.

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Paris Panini Parent Popo Global Raises ₹532 Cr From Artal Asia

Business

"Bengaluru-based restaurant company Popo Global, operator of brands like The Pizza Bakery, Paris Panini, and Smash Guys, has raised ₹532 crore from Artal Asia. Founded in 2017, the company currently operates 41 outlets in Bengaluru. Popo Global intends to use the investment to scale its portfolio of gourmet food brands across India, leveraging a model that blends quick-service convenience with a fine-dining customer experience.".

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OpenAI Open To Slowing AI Development Amid Safety Concerns: Sam Altman

Business

OpenAI's CEO indicated openness to slowing advanced AI development with other companies to ensure adequate safeguards, citing competitive pressures. Separately, OpenAI paused new Pro plan subscriptions due to "unprecedented" demand for its Astra model, aiming to maintain service quality for existing users. Meanwhile, concerns about AI misuse intensify, with.

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Pocket Entertainment crosses $500M in ARR fuelled by AI

Startups

Pocket Entertaiment attributed its growth to audio platform Pocket FM and the increasing use of AI across content creation, production, personalisation and distribution. It noted that AI has reduced the time required to launch in new markets from about 12 months to two.

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Hero Motors’ Rs 1,000 Cr IPO to open on September 16; price band fixed at Rs 79–84 per share

Startups

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 600 crore, and an offer-for-sale of shares worth up to Rs 400 crore by promoters. Hero Motors’ initial public offering will open for subscription on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) and close on Friday (September 18). The company has s.

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