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India's lending landscape is experiencing a profound transformation driven by the relentless advance of fintech innovation. Traditional lending practices are being upended, giving rise to a new digital lending era that promises unprecedented convenience, inclusivity, and accessibility. As the world's third-largest fintech ecosystem, India is leading this financial revolution by employing cutting-edge technologies to redefine borrowing and lending. The Fintech Lending Boom In India, fintech lending has surged dramatically, with digital platforms distributing an impressive 7.10 crore loans worth Rs. 92,267 crore during the fiscal year 2022-2023. This exceptional growth—marked by a 49% increase in loan volume and a 21% rise in value year-on-year—highlights the rising demand for efficient and seamless financial solutions. Democratizing Access to Credit A major impact of fintech lending has been the democratization of credit access. Traditional lending often involved strict eligibility criteria, extensive paperwork, and bias, leaving many individuals and businesses underserved or excluded from financial services. Fintech platforms, utilizing advanced data analytics and alternative credit scoring methods, are bridging this gap and providing credit to those previously considered too risky or unprofitable by conventional lenders. Empowering Underserved Segments The fintech lending revolution has been especially beneficial for underserved segments, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and individuals in semi-urban and rural areas. By leveraging digital platforms and data-driven underwriting processes, fintech lenders can offer customized loan products with flexible repayment options to meet the unique financial needs of these groups. Digitization of Secured Lending: While unsecured lending has dominated fintech disruption so far, secured lending is now undergoing digital transformation. Startups and established lenders are developing digital infrastructures and employing technologies like AI, smart contracts, and advanced risk assessment models to modernize the traditionally manual and costly process of secured lending. The Path Forward: Collaboration and Innovation The future of fintech lending in India depends on collaboration and ongoing innovation. Traditional financial institutions and fintech companies must work together to combine their strengths, creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation while upholding regulatory standards and consumer trust. As the fintech lending landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to balance technological advancements with responsible lending practices. By focusing on financial inclusion, transparency, and consumer protection, India can fully leverage fintech lending's transformative potential and drive new economic growth and prosperity. #digital #lending #bharat

At its core, growth embodies the journey of transformation and progression from one state to a more intricate one. It represents a vital aspect of human life, appearing in diverse manifestations such as emotional maturity, intellectual enrichment, or professional advancement. Yet, growth rarely follows a straightforward trajectory of triumphs; instead, it typically navigates a winding path fraught with challenges and hardships. #growth #socialmedia

Nilesh Shah, CEO of Kotak AMC, asserts that for India to accelerate its growth, one generation needs to embrace the intense work ethic seen in countries like Korea, Japan, and China, where 12-hour workdays are common. In the "Invest Aaj For Kal with Anant Ladha" podcast, Shah remarked, "We need to work 12 hours per day for 365 days." Balancing Hard Work and Family Economist Sanjeev Sanyal echoed this sentiment but stressed the importance of balancing hard work with family and sustainable practices. He stated, "One generation will have to put in that effort... and also remember to procreate. It is doable (with the occasional break). We are that generation and perhaps the next one." On social media platform X, one user criticized the idea of excessively long work hours, saying: "70-hour week. 84-hour week. It’s just a number, right? Forget family, leisure, and health. Just work and pay taxes." This debate was reignited by Narayana Murthy's earlier suggestion of a 70-hour work week, which received mixed reactions from business owners and the public. Industriousness & Economic Growth: Is There a Link? The relationship between worker productivity and economic growth is complex. While increased productivity can enhance economic value, prosperity doesn't always benefit workers equally. Between 1980 and 2015, India's GDP skyrocketed from $200 billion to over $2,000 billion. However, income distribution changed dramatically during this period. The middle and lower income groups saw their share of national income decrease, while the top 10% saw their share nearly double. The wealthiest 0.001% experienced a staggering 2040% increase, highlighting a disconnect between income gains and productivity. This disparity often results from wealth inheritance or disproportionately high executive salaries rather than increased productivity. #startuppedia #kotakbank #worklifebalance #india #economist

#InternetUsageIndia2023 Here's a fascinating chart that highlights how the Internet is utilized across India, from metropolitan areas to rural regions. (Note: 42% of India's population, or 596 million people, still don't have Internet access!) Recent reports estimate the total internet user base in India at 890 million, whereas the chart below is based on a base of 810 million. This study was conducted by two well-known organizations and is based on an exhaustive sample size of over 90,000 people (66,000 urban, 25,000 rural) in 400 cities across 35 states and UTs, lending credibility to these data points. While activities like #NetCommerce, #DigitalPayments, and #OnlineLearning are more urban-centric, other activities such as #OTT, #Communication, #SocialMedia, and #OnlineGaming are more widespread. Each column should be read independently. For instance, of the total OTT consumers (Video + Audio) in India, 15% are in the top 9 metros (106 million), while 53% are rural consumers (374 million)! #DigitalIndia2023 #DigitalConsumersIndia #OTTVideo #OTTAudio Source: Internet and Mobile Association of India, Kantar

𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 – 𝐏𝐚𝐳𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐦 📌In the 1950s, after their father's passing, two brothers aged 9 and 11, hailing from a small village near Coimbatore, faced the stark reality of halting their education to support their family. 📌Their journey commenced by working at a local fruit stand, where they sold mangoes and apples using a pushcart while also preparing fruit juice on-site. N Chinnasamy and N Natarajan, driven by a shared entrepreneurial dream, eventually ventured into marketing fruits in Ooty, pooling their earnings to sustain their family. 📌Their resolve to establish their own business led them to save a few paise daily, despite their modest wages. Five years later, both brothers secured jobs at a spinning mill, strategically working different shifts to lay the groundwork for their future enterprise. 📌Meanwhile, they seized an opportunity to launch a fruit stand in Coimbatore in 1965, investing a nominal sum of Rs 300 and pioneering the concept of selling goods by weight at their store, 'Pazhamudir Nilayam.' 📌Despite initial skepticism about the affordability of fruit stores, their focus on providing high-quality produce at reasonable prices gradually earned public trust. Their innovative practices, such as offering pure fruit juice without dilution and expanding into vegetable sales in 1983, propelled the success of Pazhamudir Nilayam. 📌By 1983, the brothers had expanded to four stores in Coimbatore, implementing a collaborative approach where family members equally shared profits. 📌The family divided the business, with the eldest brother ensuring his younger siblings received the stores with the highest sales. The store with the highest sales volume was managed by the youngest sibling. The second-highest sales volume store was given to their third brother, and the chain continued to expand thereafter. 📌In 1998, Natarajan inaugurated his second location in Tiruppur under the name “Kovai Pazhamudir Nilayam.” His brothers remain actively involved in the business, which now operates nine Pazhamudir Nilayam outlets across Tamil Nadu. 📌Subsequently, they strategically broadened their business footprint, opening multiple outlets in Chennai, Trichy, Thanjavur, and Pondicherry over the past decade. Embracing diversification, they incorporated dairy, confectionery, bread, and grocery items into their product range, enhancing their market presence and addressing evolving consumer preferences. 📌Notably, a subsidiary established by Natarajan's wife in 2016 significantly contributed to their revenue by producing natural and nutritious snacks. 📌Through perseverance, foresight, and a commitment to excellence, KPN has emerged as a leading player in the retail sector, epitomizing innovation and resilience. With an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and sustainable growth, the brand continues to enrich the lives of consumers and communities across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

The D2C luggage and travel accessories startup ICON.in has announced that it raised $1.2 million (about INR 10 crore) in seed funding. 👇 The startup stated that it will use the funding to expand its product line, grow its team, and strengthen its distribution network. Founded in 2023 by Mohammad Patel, Poojan Shah, CA Fazal Abbas Lakhani, and Aakash Mehta, ICON.in is an internet-first D2C brand catering to the mass premium segment with a range of hard luggage, backpacks, and handbags. #fundraising #startups #d2c

💡 The Power of Self-Discovery ⚡ In my coaching practice, I often encounter a misconception where coaching is equated with mentoring, with clients expecting clear-cut answers to their questions. This blurring of roles can be quite common. 🤔 During a coaching session yesterday, I faced a similar scenario where the coachee was seeking a direct answer to his dilemma, likely expecting me to guide him based on my experience. 🕒 However, understanding the true essence of coaching, I refrained from offering explicit advice. Instead, I continued to ask probing questions about his thought process and the nature of his dilemma. By the end of our 40-45 minute session, he found his own solution with increased confidence. 💡 It was at this point that he realized the distinction between mentoring and coaching. Had I simply given him an answer, he would have accepted it as definitive and acted upon it due to my influence. But: 🤔 Would my solution have truly resonated with him? I can't be sure. 🤷♂️ 🤔 Would he have continued to rely on me for future guidance? Perhaps NOT. 🚫 🤔 By providing the answer, would I have equipped him to solve his own problems? Definitely NO. ❌ This is where coaching diverges from mentoring. Mentoring is about telling; coaching is about asking. 🗣️ vs. ❓ Mentors may offer advice that aligns with their own experiences, but it might not resonate with every individual due to differing beliefs and perspectives. While some might embrace the guidance, others might not. 🔄 However, A Coach is your Thinking Partner. 🧠 A Coach asks questions that delve into your thought process, guiding you to explore your beliefs and assumptions. This approach not only uncovers your deeper motivations but also helps you develop a greater awareness of yourself. It fosters self-reliance, enabling you to address your own challenges and find your own answers in the future. 💪 More power to coaches! 💪🌟🚀

The online jewellery market is expanding at a remarkable pace! Forecasts indicate that the online jewellery market is expected to hit USD 36.23 billion, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.55% from 2022 to 2027. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including: ✨ Advances in jewellery design and technology ✨ Increased access to the internet ✨ The continued rise of e-commerce The high-end jewellery sector is also set to see substantial growth, with a CAGR of 8 to 12 percent from 2019 to 2025. Shifts in consumer preferences are contributing to this growth, as people gravitate toward brands that resonate with their values and increasingly embrace online shopping. What are your thoughts on the rapid growth of the online jewellery market? #marketinsights #RubansAccessories

ProcMart, a B2B procurement marketplace headquartered in Noida, has secured $30 million (INR 250 crore) in a Series B funding round. With this fresh infusion of capital, ProcMart aims to embark on strategic acquisitions to bolster its market leadership and enhance its range of client offerings. These strategic acquisitions will enable ProcMart to further refine its backward integration of the supply chain for businesses and broaden its capabilities in contract manufacturing. Additionally, ProcMart intends to diversify into new industries beyond MRO consumables, such as biofuel and packaging. The company plans to expand its distribution network within India and strengthen its international operations in Southeast Asia. The funds raised will also be allocated towards talent acquisition, technological advancements, and establishing a presence in emerging regions both domestically and globally. #b2b #fundraising #startups

Creating an online store can sometimes feel constraining for small businesses. Enter headless e-commerce, changing the game entirely! What exactly is it? Headless e-commerce allows you to select different platforms for the "front-end" (what customers see) and "back-end" (product information, payments). This offers unparalleled flexibility: Design autonomy: Craft a distinctive store that authentically represents your brand, unrestricted by templates. Omnichannel prowess: Retail on any device or platform, spanning from your website to social media. Customers can make purchases seamlessly across various channels. Scalability advantage: Say goodbye to platform constraints! Effortlessly expand your store as your business grows. Future-proof adaptability: Stay ahead of the curve by experimenting with new features and integrations, ensuring your store remains dynamic and engaging. Is it suitable for you? Headless e-commerce is ideal for brands seeking: Total authority: Tailor your store precisely to your vision. Multi-channel presence: Reach customers wherever they may be. Future-proof expansion: Easily adjust and expand alongside your business. What are your thoughts? #ecommerce #ecommercesuccess #ecommercetips #ecommercebusiness