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Atomic Asher takes on new-age security challenges such as QR code threats

EntrackrEntrackr · 1y ago
Atomic Asher takes on new-age security challenges such as QR code threats
Medial

Mumbai-based Atomic Asher is one of the few cybersecurity startups leveraging the latest technologies such as AI to protect common people from new-age digital threats. Founded in 2021 by Anirudh Asher, the startup offers apps like ‘QR Safety by Atomic Asher,’ which helps detect malicious QR codes and URLs. It also features a web application called’ WhatsApp Number Cleaner’, which helps users to clean up unwanted contacts for direct chatting without saving their numbers. Another offering is the ‘Anti-counterfeiting App’, which aims to assist users in distinguishing between fake and original products. We spoke to the founder and CEO Asher to learn more about the startup, how it works, and the roadmap ahead. Here are the edited excerpts: How did you come up with the idea? How do the QR safety and anti-counterfeiting platforms work? The idea was born out of identifying a critical gap in digital security with the increasing use of QR codes, increased counterfeiting of branded goods such as pharmaceuticals leading to the conceptualization of a solution to protect users and entire populations from potential threats. As far as our safety platforms go, users simply scan a QR code through the app, which then checks the code against a database of known threats and analyzes the linked URL for suspicious behavior, ensuring safe interaction. For the anti-countefeiting aspect, we have developed our own technology that takes QR technology to the next level. Please help understand how you generate revenues? Revenue is generated through a blend of premium app subscriptions, partnerships with cybersecurity firms, and tailor-made enterprise solutions, focusing on long-term value. Overall, we charge brands to help keep their customerbase safe from scams and counterfeits. What are the key challenges in the industry that have not been addressed yet? And how do you plan to address this? A major unaddressed challenge is the sophistication of digital threats. Our approach combines continuous research with technological innovation to stay ahead of threats. We also feel like there are not enough organisations focussed on building technology for the betterment of mankind and often seem to be chasing profits and get rich quick rather than doing the right thing. What are your short-term and long-term goals in terms of product and business expansion and diversification? Short-term goals include expanding our user base and refining our technology stack, while long-term objectives focus on geographical expansion and diversifying our product line to cover a broader range of security solutions. We aim to become the leading name in protecting the Indian diaspora from threats to their health, identity and digital security.

Uber India made Rs 807 Cr from ride-hailing in FY24

EntrackrEntrackr · 5m ago
Uber India made Rs 807 Cr from ride-hailing in FY24
Medial

Online mobility platform Uber India recorded a 41.1% year-on-year surge in revenue, which surpassed Rs 3,700 crore in the fiscal year ending March 2024. However, despite this growth, the company's losses shrank by 71.4% during the same period. According to the consolidated financial statements of Uber India System Private Limited, its revenue from operations increased to Rs 3,762 crore in FY24 from Rs 2,666 crore in FY23. Moving to revenue recognition, collection from Uber rides (ride-hailing) accounted for 21.45% of the total operating revenue which increased by 18.9% to Rs 807 crore in FY24 from Rs 679 crore in FY23. The remaining income came from Uber BV, generated through engineering support services, back-office, and other support services, billed under a cost-plus model. The company also added Rs 99 crore from interest on current investment and other miscellaneous sources (non-operating) which tallied the overall revenue to Rs 3,860 crore in FY24 from Rs 2,744 crore in FY23. According to its consolidated statements, Uber India spent 67.6% of its overall cost on employee benefits. This cost grew by 29.4% to Rs 2,690 crore in FY24, compared to Rs 2,079 crore in FY23. Its cost of consumables amounted to Rs 657 crore in the previous fiscal year (FY24). Legal/professional fees, advertising, rent, repairs, safety security, and other overheads took the total expenditure up by 26.4% to Rs 3,977 crore in FY24 from Rs 3,146 crore in FY23. Uber India’s over 40% growth and controlled expenditure led its net losses to shrink by 71.4% to Rs 89 crore in FY24, compared to Rs 311 crore in FY23. On a unit level, it spent Rs 1.06 to earn a rupee in FY24. While continuing to play out like a mid-tier software firm with low margins and a division that is a drag (the cab services), Uber India seems the closest it will ever get to profitability, especially if it acquires Blusmart mobility, as some reports will have it. Even without that, for most lay observers, it's a wonder that the firm continues to make losses, when we consider that its best in terms of service quality and ‘partner morale’ or driver satisfaction, is well behind it. Granted, the firm has had to virtually create and make up a business model as it has gone along, but considering the not insignificant role it plays in many cities in India as a service provider, the numbers are underwhelming. Selling software services to its parent has been a good fix to cover up for what has surely been a very rough ride in India so far, but the bigger tragedy is that very few people or customers will sympathise. It is frankly incomprehensible that the firm has to struggle to make enough here, and get earn nothing but criticism most of the time. As it completes a dozen years in India this year, one can only hope that the firm makes a breakthrough financially, morally and efficiency wise.

Invest4Edu makes education planning easy for parents

EntrackrEntrackr · 1y ago
Invest4Edu makes education planning easy for parents
Medial

Not everyone can afford to pay for high-quality education for their children. Whether it’s about studying in a premier institution in India or colleges abroad, it’s expensive. The complexities of accessing education loans have also been a significant pain point for parents. Of late, quite a few startups have begun working in this space. For instance, GradRight helps make higher education abroad accessible and affordable. Other notable names are Leap Finance and Propelled. Another startup trying to tap into this space is Invest4edu. Based in Mumbai, Invest4Edu aims to address common anxieties around the rising cost of education, college planning, and long-term payment. We spoke to the company co-founder and CEO Peeyush Agrawal to learn more about the ‘ed-fintech’ startup, how it operates, and more. Here are the edited excerpts: What are the key challenges in the industry that have not been addressed yet? And how do you plan to address them? There has been a surge of edtech and fintech companies, and all of them are doing a great job in their respective horizons, but we have found that India still lacks tech platforms offering comprehensive education financial solutions. Only partial solutions are being offered by existing Edtech and Fintech companies. There is a lack of focused unified solutions in the market, and an absence of education goal-based planning leading to insufficient funds for education. Less than 30% of parents use money for their child’s education from dedicated education savings. Inadequate planning leads to insufficient funds for education, restricting a child’s ability to achieve their real potential. Two out of three Indian parents cannot plan for retirement due to the higher education financing needs of their children. With smart AI-based tools, we want to empower parents and students to discover and plan their education goals. Early planning with mandate-based early savings and great career-building services will help Indians manage education inflation and fulfill their commitment to quality education. We are offering an array of education services to help students and parents discover ideal career paths in the increasingly changing environment. What are the key highlights of your platform? We at Invest4Edu offer an AI-based education journey, essentially a digital toolkit aiding parents in crafting career-centric education goals from nursery to university. The toolkit is aimed to simplify learning requirements, skill development, assessments, and counseling with precise expense details. There is also a free planner that ensures holistic education. Subscription plans offer services like career counseling, skill-building, and financial investment guidance for achieving goals. We also have a College cost calculator, EduAbacus, which helps deliver informed decisions on future education costs. Subscriptions or standalone services from this tech-driven platform streamline education planning for parents and students. How do you generate revenues? Invest4Ed offers a unique blend of educational and financial services to B2C and B2B2C markets. We have an annuity-based revenue model with high customer retention. The revenue is generated from commission on financial products like MF, FD, Insurance along with fees from educational solutions and subscription plans. What are your short-term and long-term goals in terms of product and business expansion and diversification? Over the next two years, our company aims to spearhead a transformative initiative in education planning that prioritizes and enhances while ensuring accessibility for a diverse student population of more than 2 Lakh students. Our long-term goal is to create 1.5 Million User Base and 0.5 Million Families Empowered In this endeavour. We will be building a $250 Million Mutual Fund AUM & Monthly SIP Book of $60 Million. We have recently expanded our core team aimed at launching our global business.

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