Mumbai, 8th April, 2025: Outzidr, a GenZ focused women’s “going out wear” fashion brand, has raised INR 30 crores in a seed funding round led by Stellaris Venture Partners. The funds will be used to strengthen the Outzidr brand and enhance its capabilities to deliver the latest on-trend fashion products for young women across various “going-out” occasions.

India’s fashion industry is undergoing a significant shift, as younger consumers move toward trend-driven global styles over traditional Indian wear. Despite the market’s size, valued at around INR 30,000 Crore and growing at 30-40% annually, it remains underserved, with only a few brands addressing this demand.

Outzidr was co-founded in 2024 by fashion veterans Nirmal Jain, Mani Kant Mani, and Justin Mario. Nirmal was the founding CEO of Styli, a middle-east focused fashion brand, where he scaled the business to INR 800 Crores in less than 5 years. He also co-founded Peak XV-funded Increff and worked at Myntra and Mckinsey. Mani was the Senior Vice President for the Digital & Omni business at Max fashion, driving 10x growth in 6 years. Before that, he headed the merchandising solutions business at Increff, and worked at Myntra. Justin was the Chief Operating Officer leading Supply Chain & Strategy at Aymakan and Styli, building operations across China, India, KSA, and Dubai.

Outzidr brings global fashion trends to Gen Z women at affordable prices with a unique “test and quick react” approach. It tests trends with low MOQs across a wide variety of styles and rapidly scales up bestsellers through higher purchase quantities. For example, college tops start at INR 249.

The brand launched its direct-to-consumer platform earlier this year and quickly expanded to major e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, Nykaa Fashion, and Ajio. With over 3,000 styles live on its website and 2,000 new styles added every month, Outzidr is aiming to reach INR 100 crore of annualized run rate in the next 6-8 months.

Nirmal Jain, CEO and Co-founder, Outzidr, said, “Five years ago, fashion trend adoption in India lagged behind global markets. But in the past couple of years, we’ve seen a complete shift – young consumers demand the latest styles at affordable prices. However, very few brands in India have the capability to meet this growing demand at scale. Building this business requires a sharp demand-sensing engine and an agile product supply chain that integrates trends, design, product development, and manufacturing. At Outzidr, we’re combining technology, analytics, and a strong network of partners to build a scalable, quick-react fashion ecosystem. The capabilities we are building allows us to provide high width, low MOQ and low inventory – in a highly scalable way. Further, the nature of this category gives us an opportunity to become a brand with global relevance in times to come.”  

Mayank Jain, Principal, Stellaris Venture Partners, said, “An attractive market of affordable fashion for GenZ, along with the team’s unique and differentiated ‘test & quick react’ solution approach and a strong founder-market fit, form the three key pillars of our investment thesis. Nirmal, Mani and Justin, not only come from the domain but also bring a proven track record of achievement within it. The team’s ability to quickly launch and garner early traction is a testament to this. We could not be more excited to partner with the team on their journey to build India’s largest affordable fashion brand.”

Outzidr operates on a hybrid manufacturing model, sourcing from both Indian and international factories. In just three months, it has worked with close to 30 factories across India, spanning multiple product categories. With a Just-In-Time model, Outzidr sources in small MOQs based on the demand patterns, ensuring lean inventory and an agile supply chain.

Looking ahead, Outzidr aspires to be the most preferred brand for GenZ women for all their going- out needs – whether for travel, parties, college, or more.

By Mr. Saleem Ahmed, Officiating Head, ESSCI

India is undergoing a significant transformation in its transportation sector, with electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this revolution. The government’s proactive initiatives, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery manufacturing, underscore a strong commitment to sustainable mobility. These efforts aim to achieve a 30% EV market share by 2030, a goal that necessitates a highly skilled workforce proficient in battery technology and e-mobility systems.

ESSCI’s Targeted Training Programs for E-Mobility

To address the burgeoning demand for skilled professionals in the EV sector, the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) has developed specialized training programs. These programs are meticulously designed to equip learners with industry-relevant expertise, preparing them for roles in manufacturing, design, and maintenance within the e-mobility ecosystem.

One of ESSCI’s flagship qualifications is the Battery System Assembly Operator (ELE/Q6604) program. This course focuses on training individuals in the precise assembly of battery packs, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of battery construction, adherence to safety protocols, and stringent quality control measures. Given that battery packs constitute a significant portion of an EV’s total cost, their proper assembly is crucial for both performance and affordability.

For those inclined towards innovation and design, the Battery System Design Engineer (ELE/Q6701) qualification offers a robust foundation in battery architecture, chemistry, and optimization techniques. Participants are trained to develop high-performance energy storage systems that enhance efficiency, extend battery lifespan, and minimize environmental impact. As India progresses towards advanced battery technologies, expertise in battery design becomes indispensable for realizing the nation’s e-mobility objectives.

Equally vital to the EV ecosystem is the Battery System Repair Technician (ELE/Q7001) program. This course concentrates on diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing battery systems. As battery degradation over time can affect vehicle performance and range, skilled repair technicians are essential to sustaining India’s EV adoption. The program ensures that professionals are proficient in battery diagnostics, cell balancing, thermal management, and safety protocols—skills that are increasingly in demand as India’s EV repair and servicing sector expands.

Collaborations and Industry Integration

To enhance practical learning, ESSCI collaborates with industry leaders and academic institutions, ensuring that its training programs align with the latest technological advancements and market demands. A notable initiative is ESSCI’s partnership with ABB India, which led to the establishment of a Smart Electrician Training Centre in Faridabad, Haryana. This center provides hands-on training in modern electrical systems, smart grid technologies, and EV charging infrastructure, equipping technicians with real-world expertise.

Additionally, ESSCI actively engages with automotive manufacturers, battery producers, and energy storage companies to integrate their insights into curriculum development. Collaborations with companies involved in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, battery recycling, and charging infrastructure development ensure that the training programs remain pertinent to industry needs. These partnerships also facilitate job placements for trainees, bridging the gap between skill acquisition and employment.

Rising Demand for E-Mobility Professionals in India

The Indian EV market is experiencing exponential growth, with projections estimating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 49% from 2022 to 2030.

This surge is driven by supportive government policies, increasing environmental awareness, and technological advancements. The adoption of EVs is anticipated to generate approximately 5 million direct and indirect jobs in India by 2030, with a significant portion of these roles emerging in battery technology, EV servicing, and charging infrastructure.

Furthermore, the lithium-ion battery market in India is expected to reach substantial capacity by 2030, propelled by the escalating demand from the EV sector. This trend underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals capable of developing, maintaining, and optimizing battery systems for electric vehicles, energy storage solutions, and grid stabilization.

The Road Ahead: Preparing India’s Workforce for the E-Mobility Revolution

ESSCI’s emphasis on future-ready skill development is instrumental in India’s journey toward sustainable mobility. By aligning its training programs with evolving industry trends, ESSCI addresses the immediate demand for skilled professionals and prepares the next generation for long-term career opportunities in e-mobility and battery technology.

With continued government support, industry collaborations, and advancements in battery research, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in electric mobility. However, achieving this vision requires a robust skilling ecosystem that empowers individuals with the expertise needed to drive innovation and ensure the reliability of EV technology.

Through its specialized training initiatives, ESSCI is effectively bridging the skill gap, enhancing employability, and contributing to India’s clean energy goals. As the demand for battery engineers, EV service technicians, and energy storage specialists continues to rise, ESSCI’s programs will remain integral to shaping the future of e-mobility in India.

Mumbai, 8th April, 2025: InCred Alternative Investments Private Limited (“InCred Alternatives”), part of InCred Capital Financial Services Limited (‘InCred Capital”) announced the successful final close of its maiden Private Equity fund – InCred Growth Partners Fund-I (“IGPF-I”, the “Fund”). The Fund has secured capital commitments in excess of ₹575 crores, well above its target size of ₹500 crores (after exercising the greenshoe option), with support from large family offices, UHNI and HNI investors.

IGPF-I is focused on the themes of consumption, enterprise, technology and financial services, and has made investments in multiple high-growth and well scaled companies including Manjushree Technopack, Shadowfax, Niva Bupa and Purplle. Of these, Niva Bupa has already been listed since November 2024. In addition, the Fund is in advanced stages of discussions and has recently offered term sheets to two more companies.

IGPF-I is led by Vivek Singla, Managing Partner & CIO – Private Equity at InCred Alternatives, who has more than two decades of investment management experience in both the private and the public equity markets.

He believes that private equity investing in India is at a very attractive juncture. There has been a broad-based reset in the pricing expectations and a concomitant shift in the founders’ mindset from ‘growth at any cost’ to ‘profit after all costs.’ This offers very exciting entry points for fresh investing by new funds like IGPF-I.

Commenting on the successful close of the Fund, Vivek said, “The close of IGPF-I marks a significant milestone for InCred Alternatives and reflects the confidence that the investors have placed in our strategy and approach. We remain committed to identifying and partnering with high-quality businesses in India and supporting ambitious entrepreneurs in the next phase of their growth.”

Mumbai, India – April 8, 2025 — Decimal Point Analytics, a leading AI and data analytics company serving global financial institutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Yuen, as Partner and Head of Data Science.

Eric joins Decimal Point Analytics with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of finance, technology, and data science. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Head of Data Science at Blackstone Credit, where he was responsible for building and leading a high-impact data science team supporting both Liquid and Private Credit strategies. Under his leadership, the team drove innovation across investment diligence, market intelligence, and portfolio management.

Prior to Blackstone, Eric held a variety of senior leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. over a distinguished 19-year career. His tenure included overseeing digital strategy and fintech investments, driving enterprise-wide regulatory initiatives, and leading business operations for global commodities and capital management functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric Yuen to Decimal Point Analytics,” said Shailesh Dhuri, CEO of Decimal Point Analytics. “His unique blend of financial expertise, technological foresight, and data-driven thinking aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver a performance advantage to our clients. Eric’s leadership will be pivotal as we continue expanding our AI and data science capabilities across global markets.”

Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of New South Wales and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) from CPA Australia. He has also served on the boards of private companies and educational institutions.

Commenting on his appointment, Eric Yuen said, “Decimal Point Analytics has a bold vision for transforming how data and AI drive insights in the financial sector. I’m excited to join a firm that is deeply committed to innovation and look forward to contributing to its next phase of growth.”

Mumbai, 08 April, 2025: AuthBridge, India’s leading authentication technology company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Amit Balwani as Senior Vice President – Technology. With over two decades of experience in modernizing technology infrastructures, leading large-scale digital transformations, and driving high-performance engineering teams, Amit will play a pivotal role in strengthening AuthBridge’s technology vision and innovation.

Amit has held key leadership positions at organizations like Ecom Express, Paytm, Expedia Group, Nagarro, and TCS. His expertise spans AI integration, data engineering, event-driven architectures, and API-first ecosystems. At Paytm, he was instrumental in building conversational platforms, while at Ecom Express, he spearheaded large-scale technology modernization initiatives.

Amit Balwani

“We are thrilled to welcome Amit to the AuthBridge family,” said Ajay Trehan, Founder and CEO, AuthBridge. “His deep understanding of emerging technologies and strategic approach to innovation will help us accelerate our mission to redefine identity management and authentication solutions.”

Amit is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Technology. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, listening to technology podcasts, music, and playing table tennis with his child. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining AuthBridge, stating, “AuthBridge is at the forefront of technology-driven authentication solutions. I look forward to contributing to its growth and driving technological excellence.”

“Our goal is to build meaningful, long-term relationships with India’s educators and institutions,” Mr. Clyde said. “This visit is about collaboration, innovation, and strengthening pathways for student success.”

Dr. Sindhu M.V, Consultant – Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensive Care, Aster RV Hospital

In today’s digital era, screens are an integral part of our life.  Post COVID, from learning to entertainment and social interactions, all of us are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While technologies are beneficial, excessive screen time can negatively impact a child’s development, physical and mental health, and over all well-being.

As a pediatrician, I frequently encounter concerned parents asking: How much screen time is too much? and how can we create a healthy balance? Let’s explore the effects of screen time, recommended guidelines, and practical strategies to ensure responsible usage.

Too much screen exposure can affect children in multiple ways:

Sleep Disruptions: Screens emit blue light which suppresses melatonin (the hormone responsible for sleep). This can result in difficulty falling asleep, poor quality of sleep and disturbed sleep pattern.

Delayed Social, Language and Emotional Development: Children who spend excessive time on screens may have fewer face-to-face interactions, leading to delays in language development, reduced empathy, and difficulty understanding social cues.

Obesity and Physical Health Concerns: Sedentary screen time replaces active play, leading to decreased physical activity, a higher risk of obesity, and related health problems such as diabetes and poor posture. Food advertisement is an important link connecting media time with unhealthy food consumption and subsequent obesity.

Attention and Learning Challenges: The fast-paced content on digital platforms can shorten a child’s attention span, making it harder for them to focus in school and develop patience for problem-solving.

Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Increased screen time has been linked to irritability, anxiety, depression, and difficulty managing emotions. Exposure to violent or inappropriate content can also influence aggressive or impulsive behaviors.

Eye Strain and Headaches: Extended screen use, especially close-up viewing, can lead to digital eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and even nearsightedness (myopia).

Practical Tips for Managing Screen Time

Striking the right balance between screen time and other activities can be challenging, especially with screens being so accessible in our daily lives. Here are some practical, real-life strategies that parents and caregivers can use to help children develop healthy digital habits while ensuring their overall well-being.

1. Create Screen-Free Zones at Home

Designate specific areas in the house where screens are not allowed. This helps in reducing passive screen exposure and encourages family bonding.

2. Set a Daily Screen Time Schedule

A structured screen time schedule helps children understand when and for how long they can use devices.

3. Encourage Active Breaks (The 20-20-20 Rule)

Spending long hours on screens can lead to eye strain, poor posture, and reduced physical activity. Introducing short breaks ensures better health and engagement in non-digital activities.

4. Prioritize Outdoor Play and Physical Activities

Outdoor play is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. It reduces stress, strengthens muscles, and encourages creativity.

5. Co-View and Discuss Digital Content

Instead of banning screens altogether, engage with your child while they watch or play. This helps them understand educational content, internet safety, and digital responsibility.

6. Monitor and Use Parental Controls

While technology is a great learning tool, not all content is child-friendly. Using parental controls ensures kids access only appropriate and educational content.

7. No Screens Before Bedtime (at Least 1 Hour Before Sleep)

Screen exposure before bedtime disrupts melatonin production, making it harder for kids to sleep.

8. Be a Role Model:

Children imitate their parents. If they see you glued to a screen, they are likely to do the same.

9. Use Screens for Learning, Not Just Entertainment:

Encourage children to use screens as a tool for learning and creativity, rather than passive entertainment.

10. Encourage Social Interaction:

Screens should not replace face-to-face human interactions, which are essential for a child’s social skills and emotional development.

Technology is an integral part of modern life, and rather than completely banning screen time, moderation and mindful use are the keys to raising a healthy, well-rounded child. By setting clear boundaries, offering alternative activities, and actively engaging in children’s digital experiences, parents can help shape responsible digital habits while promoting a balanced lifestyle. Let’s guide our children to use technology as a tool for learning and creativity, rather than letting it replace real-world interactions and experiences.