Tag: lockdown

Startups facing biggest challenges, 70% have less than 3 months of cash runaway

NASSCOM Survey reported that 70% of travel and transport startups have faced 40% revenue decline, 50% of fintech and logistics startups have seen a similar dip whereas 14% of edtech and health tech startups expect revenue growth amid coronavirus crisis.

The Indian Startup sector is hanging by a thread. National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) conducted a survey to study the impact of coronavirus crisis on Indian Startups.

Survey statistics

The survey showed the biggest challenges for Indian Startups as;

  • 90% registered a decline in revenues
  • 70% have less than 3 months of cash runaway
  • 30-40% have suspended their operations

Survey also reported that 70% of travel and transport startups have faced 40% revenue decline, 50% of fintech and logistics startups have seen a similar dip whereas 14% of edtech and health tech startups expect revenue growth amid coronavirus crisis. Infact, B2B startups have seen lesser revenue drops.

Another report conducted online over 250 startups across sectors by ‘Start-up Pulse Survey’ showed 92% decline in revenue for about 34% of such startups.

Worst-hit segments

Nasscom survey revealed that early and mid-stage business are the most affected segments, especially in B2C (Business to consumer) space. It also found that around 60% of B2C startups were facing closure as revenues plummeted to near-zero levels after businesses were forced to shut for nearly 2 months into the nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of the virus.

However, India continues to be 3rd largest tech startup ecosystem in the world with over 9,300 technology startups. They are rebounding with 54% respondents as they were looking to spindle their business.

Service startups are looking at different ways to survive. Infact, they are growing due to increasing utilization of Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and IoT.

President Speaks

Debjani Ghosh, president of Nasscom, stated, “However, it is not all doom and gloom; more than half of the start-ups are looking to pivot to new business opportunities, diversify into growth verticals like healthcare, and enhancing focus on emerging tech like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud.”

She also added, “to ensure that the Indian start-up movement and its growth trajectory is not derailed, coordinated support from key stakeholders is the need of the hour. Some of our key recommendations to the government include access to working capital, easing compliances and fiscal policy and funding support.”

Time to wake up

The study was analysed on various parameters like growth stages, revenues, employee strength, revenue verticals and lots of more. This focussed on the need for integrated central-state initiatives on procuring Made-In-India startup products and solutions.

This is because many startups were forced to undertake severe cost-cutting measures, such as laying off staff, slashing salaries, and ceasing all expansion plans and projects, in a bid to preserve cash and have a longer runway in an uncertain operating environment.

Exclusive for Retailers: Follow these simple steps amidst COVID-19

The current situation has led us into an unexpected world. On one side, Government and Medical Organisations are working on the damages and controls, other side people are adjusting to the new normal either by staying at home, working from home, and maintaining social distancing.

The current situation has led us into an unexpected world. On one side, Government and Medical Organisations are working on the damages and controls, other side people are adjusting to the new normal either by staying at home, working from home, and maintaining social distancing.

Coronavirus pandemic has arrested the liquidity of markets and businesses. Since supply chain and logistics industry are facing a massive burden, businesses are also beefing up their elbow grease to respond to the pandemic and ease the fallout.

There are no estimates of COVID-19 crisis to get rid off but retailers can use technologies to elevate their sales.

So here are five simple Dos’ for retailers to fight the COVID-19 impact.

1. Let your customer know you are available for them

It is very important that customers know your service is open for them now. It is courageous and welcoming as well.

Instant messaging service is the tool to notify your customers about your service, promotions and important information for which they were waiting for. It is one of the technologies that works as an adhesive to stick your customer in such hard times.

2. Be specific and selective while accepting online orders

As long as these challenging times persist, it will be tough to manage your labour. So say yes to time, money and labour only on things that reciprocate in any form. There will be many orders via phone calls or whatsapp which will make weary to keep eyes on every tab loaded with orders. And this is mainly because of increase in customer’s demand especially, if they are coming from several channels.

So, take a smart step and preserve your limited labour for something that needs more attention because integrated online ordering apps can only simply the process of order taking. The single most effective way of processing sales orders is that the customer’s order products mobile apps only which can save a chunk of your time and labour.

Currently, all the big online retailers are facing a massive shortage in stock due to supply chain slowdown and are not able to provide adequate service to the customers. So it is better to capitalise on this and serve your customers by taking business online and build a strong bond.

3. Follow Contactless Deliveries to attract customers

Customers who have ordered products online want it to be delivered at their doorstep on time. So make them believe that your home delivery service is on work instead of calling them at your outlets.

Although, adopting delivery service may be challenging for you due to lack of workforce or skills of your labour but it can be easy through integrated delivery and payment management system.

Go for contactless deliveries with digital payments to provide service to your customer on time and facilitate convenience to your delivery person with quickest route navigation and tracking facility.

4. Stock your store as per customer’s need

Stop following your supply routine and focus on only what is essential for your customers. This is advised as logistics would be challenging and supplies would start to dwindle.

There is a need to study the recent sales trend in your store and then place orders with your suppliers accordingly. At the end of the day, it is a best option to open your stores with lesser but essential products.

5. To reach more customers, operate from multiple service points

There is a huge demand for goods and services at every place. Plan effectively to serve at multiple locations rather than just serving your community. There are some stores that are shutting down just because they are unable to cater the demands of customers of that locality. This is the time to grab an opportunity for you to see revenue as well as serve customers who need your service.

Van sales is an effective way to expand your boundary and operate from multiple service points. A handy mobile POS, which is already adopted by some of the supermarket retailers, can be a helpful to take your business with you.

Therefore, retailers can be the real difference makers against the powerless and fluctuating feeling amid COVID-19 crisis. Retailers can spread hope and positivity by providing their services to the customers at their doorstep and making the worldwide quarantine comfortable.

Zomato and Swiggy face competition as Amazon enters Indian Food delivery market

Zomato and Swiggy occupy a majority share of the food delivery market in India and Amazon’s entry in this space could be a massive challenge for them.

The most popular e-commerce site, Amazon India, has decided to launch its food delivery operations in selected parts of Bengaluru. Amazon will be a tough competitor to the already existing food delivery Swiggy and Zomato.

This announcement by Amazon India has come out when Zomato and Swiggy announced to cut out over 1600 employees amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, the service is in testing period for few months now.

Spokesperson of Amazon India said “Customers have been telling us for some time that they would like to order prepared meals on Amazon in addition to shopping for all other essentials. This is particularly relevant in present times as they stay home safe, we also recognise that local businesses need all help they can get.” The company hasn’t talked about its expansion plans in the Indian market.

“Amazon food will be launched in selected Bengaluru pincode allowing customers to order from handpicked local restaurants and cloud kitchens that pass our high hygiene certification bar. We are adhering to the highest standards of safety to ensure are customers remain safe while having a delightful experience.” the spokesperson added.

In initial stages, this service will be available in four places of Bengaluru namely Mahadevpura, Marathahalli, Whitefield and Bellandur covering over 100 restaurants. Some of the outlets that are included are Box8, Chai point, Chaayos, Faasos, Mad over Donuts and some restaurants from hotel chains like Radisson and Marriott. Shao, Melange and M Cafe among others.

Customers can place the orders through the Amazon app, but this option will currently be visible and available to customers in the live pin codes only.From the past six months, the food delivery service in India is being tested by Amazon among its employees.

Zomato and Swiggy occupy a majority share of the food delivery market in India and Amazon’s entry in this space could be a massive challenge for them. Zomato has already acquired the Indian business of Uber Eats, earlier this year so that it could build its position in the Indian market.

The nationwide lockdown, which started on March 25 has a bad impact on the business of restaurants which has forced Zomato and Swiggy to re-organize their business.

The CEO and Founder of Zomato, Deepinder Goyal posted a blog last week stating that “many aspects of the company’s business has changed to dramatically over the last couple of months and many of these changes are expected to be permanent. While we continue to build a more focus Zomato, we do not foresee having enough work for employees. We owe all our colleagues a challenging work environment, but we won’t be able to offer that around 13% of our workforce going forward.”

“The covid-19 pandemic has “severely impacted” the core food delivery business and this will continue to be the case over the short term. Swiggy will scale down its cloud kitchen operations as well.” Swiggy said.

Moreover, Swiggy on Thursday announced that, “We have started home delivery of alcohol in Ranchi and are in talks with various state government to provide support with online processing and home delivery of alcohol in their states.”

लॉकडाउन में रेल के बाद अब फ्लाइट को भी मिली हरी झंडी लेकिन नहीं लें फ्लाइट टिकट, ये हैं 5 बड़ी वजहें

लॉकडाउन 4.0 में केंद्र सरकार ने भारी दबाव के बीच अब डोमेस्टिक फ्लाइट सेवा को भी मंजूरी दे दी है। आपको बता दें कि, अगले सोमवार से फ्लाइटें दोबारा शुरू करने की घोषणा कर दी गई है। केंद्र सरकार का यह फैसला अलग-अलग राज्यों में फंसे लोगों के लिए राहत भरी खबर है। लेकिन, इस बीच एक्सपर्ट्स का मानना है कि इस समय फिलहाल फ्लाइटों में नहीं जाना ही एक सही कदम है।

लॉकडाउन 4.0 में केंद्र सरकार ने भारी दबाव के बीच अब डोमेस्टिक फ्लाइट सेवा को भी मंजूरी दे दी है। आपको बता दें कि, अगले सोमवार यानी 25 मई से फ्लाइटें दोबारा शुरू करने की घोषणा कर दी गई है। केंद्र सरकार यह फैसला अलग-अलग राज्यों में फंसे लोगों के लिए राहत भरी खबर है। फंसे लोगों के अलावा, लॉकडाउन में फंसे कई अन्य लोग भी अपने आपको तरोताजा करने के लिए भी अब दूसरे शहरों में जाने की योजना बना रहे होंगे। लेकिन, इस बीच एक्सपर्ट्स का मानना है कि इस समय फिलहाल फ्लाइटों में नहीं जाना ही एक सही कदम है।

5 बड़ी वजहें जो आपको अपने प्लान पर दोबारा सोचने पर मजबूर कर देगी..

1. दिल्ली से बेंगलुरु का किराया लंदन के किराए बराबर

देश की एक बड़ी ट्रैवल वेबसाइट के अनुसार इस समय आपको दिल्ली से बेंगलुरु जाने के लिए फ्लाइट में 20 हजार रुपये से भी ज्यादा किराया देना पड़ेगा। किसी सामान्य दिन में इस कीमत पर आप दिल्ली से लंदन की फ्लाइट बुक करा सकते हैं। एक टूर ऑपरेटर के मुताबिक शुरूआती पहले हफ्ते में ज्यादातर फ्लाइटों की कीमत चार गुना से भी ज्यादा हो सकती है। सामान्य दिनों में दिल्ली से मुंबई की फ्लाइट 2-5 हजार में बड़ी आसानी से मिल जाती है। लेकिन 25 मई को इस रूट का किराया 17 हजार से ज्यादा बताया जा रहा है।

2. सबसे ज्यादा एयरपोर्ट से ही फैला कोरोना वायरस

विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि कोरोना वायरस को फैलाने में एयरपोर्ट्स की भूमिका सबसे ज्यादा रही है। एयरपोर्ट में हर तरह के लोग आते हैं, ऐसा तो है नहीं की किसी के कपड़ों और चेहरे से कोरोना वायरस मुक्त होने की गारंटी दी जा सकती है। इसलिए, ऐसे में सबसे ज्यादा वायरस एयरपोर्ट से फैलने की संभावना बनी रहती है।

3. सोशल डिस्टेंसिंग नहीं

पहले ऐसे कयास लगाए जा रहे थे कि लॉकडाउन के बीच अगर फ्लाइट सेवा शुरु होती है तो उसमें बीच वाली सीट को खाली रखा जाएगा ताकि सोशल डिस्टेंसिंग बनी रहे और यात्रियों को संक्रमण से बचाया जा सकेगा। लेकिन, बुधवार रात केंद्रीय नागरिक उड्डयन मंत्री हरदीप सिंह पुरी ने इस बात को स्पष्ट करते हुए कहा कि, फ्लाइटों में बीच की सीट खाली छोड़ने का सवाल ही नहीं है। ऐसे में आप खुद ही अंदाजा लगा सकते हैं कि, 2-3 घंटे की फ्लाइट में यात्रियों के बीच सोशल डिस्टेंसिंग का पूरी तरह से खिलवाड़ होना लाजमी है या नहीं।

4. एयरपोर्ट से घर के बीच ट्रांसपोर्ट एक समस्या

अगर आप दिल्ली में रहते हैं तो शायद आपको एयरपोर्ट तक पहुंचने के लिए कैब की सुविधा मिल जाए लेकिन ये जरूरी नहीं है कि जहां आप जाना चाह रहे हैं वहां भी ट्रांसपोर्ट की सुविधा होगी। बता दें कि, अभी तक देश के किसी भी राज्य ने पब्लिक ट्रांसपोर्ट को मंजूरी नहीं दी है। ऐसे में आपको एयरपोर्ट से घर पहुंचने में भी काफी मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है।

5. एयरपोर्ट में होगी खासी दिक्कत

दिल्ली एयरपोर्ट के अधिकारियों का कहना है कि, यात्रियों की सुविधा और कोरोना संक्रमण मुक्त रखने के लिए एयरपोर्ट प्राधिकरण ने पूरी तैयारी कर ली है। मतलब, सोशल डिस्टेंसिंग को ध्यान में रखते हुए एंट्री से लेकर बोर्डिंग पास तक की लाइन में 6 मीटर की दूरी का नियम तय किया गया है। इसका मतलब साफ़ है कि आपको एयरपोर्ट पर फ्लाइट तक पहुंचने में अच्छी खासी परेशानी होने वाली है।

एक्सपर्ट्स द्वारा कयास लगाए गए इन सभी वजहों पर विचार कीजिए और उसके बाद ही टिकट बुकिंग की प्रकिया को पूरा कीजिए।

Food business of this woman in Thane helped her earn 25 lakhs in eight months

Mumbai, the city of dreams has people coming from all across the country to earn their livelihood, to achieve their dreams. For these people, getting homemade food is a rare thing.

A homemaker can do wonders, and Lalita Patil, 35 years old, a mother of a 13 year old is proof of the same. Born and brought up in Thane, Lalita majored in Physics and married at an early age of 20. However, her dream of being financially independent never died.

Thus, she started taking tuition classes and later joined a full-time job. However, she did quit that and decided to become her own boss. This is what led to the beginning of her food venture ‘Gharachi Aathvan’ means remembering home.

Mumbai, the city of dreams has people coming from all across the country to earn their livelihood, to achieve their dreams. For these people, getting homemade food is a rare thing. In an era where people find it is difficult to take time out of their busy schedules for their family, Lalita does this job filling stomachs of these people who yearn for homemade food at an affordable & reasonable price.

She started her small tiffin service in Thane in 2016 and continued for over a year, however, her work was not respected as other working women. She then decided to work, however, there was another obstacle at hand outside home, Zero capital. With nothing in hand, it was impossible to start something that she dreamt of.

One day, Lalita came across ‘Britannia Marie Gold My start-up’ contest which was launched in 2019. They helped women complete financial support to fulfill their start up dreams. Ten winners would be gifted 10 lakhs each, she contested and won in 2019. She already had planned an effective use of the capital. She did have a food license from her tiffin service days.

Then, she had both, capital and license, all she needed was a physical set up for her restaurant that too within her budget. It took three months of patience, hard work and effort to get her business up and running.

Keeping away some amount as a reserve for the unforeseen contingencies, she tried to do everything in six lakhs. The reserve has been of great help during this lockdown she says. Lalita clocks monthly revenue of 3 to 3.5 lakh and has gained 25 lakhs in the past 8 months including the lockdown period. Her services had come to halt during the lockdown but now she has resumed her services and has been serving all those people who are serving and protecting us during this pandemic.

She and her husband at times go to deliver and at times, people come for take away. She also has given spoons and bowls as it will be difficult for them to search for utensils now, and they can return it once the lockdown is over.

Lalita had eight people working for her before the lockdown but now she is working just with her husband helping her here and there. Even in this difficult time, she is paying her employees. She wishes to be a synonym for good food.

कोरोना संकट और लॉक डाउन में Google का कमाल, ऐसे कर रहा है परेशान और भूखे लोगों की मदद

गूगल के इस नए फीचर का उद्देश्य कोरोना वायरस के चलते हुए लॉकडाउन से प्रभावित नागरिकों की मदद करना है। फिलहाल, यह अंग्रेजी भाषा में ही उपलब्ध है। हालांकि, इस पर काम चल रहा है, ताकि इसका इस्तेमाल हिंदी भाषा में भी किया जा सके।

देश में कोरोना के मामले लगातार बढ़ते जा रहे हैं और अब इनकी संख्या 4000 के पार चली गई है। कोरोना को देखते हुए देश में 21 दिन के लिए लॉकडाउन लागू है। इसकी वजह से गांवों, कस्बों और शहरों में लोगों की जिंदगी बाधित हुई है, लोगों की आजीविका और यातायात पर हुए असर की वजह से बहुत से मजदूर जो बेहतर जिंदगी की तलाश में शहर आए थे, वे या तो पैदल घर जाने लगे हैं या फिर उनके पास खाने को नहीं है।

नया फीचर लाया Google

ऐसे लोगों की मदद के लिए गूगल ने अपने मैप्स और सर्च के साथ गूगल असिस्टेंट में भी नया फीचर ऐड किया है। जहां आपको भारत के 30 शहरों के पब्लिक फूड शेल्टर और नाइट शेल्टर यानी रैन बसेरों का पता चल जाएगा।

गूगल मैप के इस नए फीचर का उद्देश्य COVID-19 यानी कोरोना वायरस के चलते हुए लॉकडाउन से प्रभावित नागरिकों की मदद करना है। फिलहाल, यह अंग्रेजी भाषा में ही उपलब्ध है। हालांकि, इस पर काम चल रहा है, ताकि अंग्रेजी के साथ-साथ इसका इस्तेमाल हिंदी भाषा में भी किया जा सके।

इसके लिए बस आपके फोन में गूगल मैप्स ऐप होना चाहिए, जिसपर आप अपने नजदीकी फूड शेल्टर और रैन बसेरों को सर्च कर सकते हैं। इसका लाभ आप KaiOS आधारित फीचर फोन पर भी उठा सकते हैं, जैसे कि जियो फोन। गूगल ने ट्विटर पर इसकी जानकारी दी है, कंपनी ने बताया कि इसके लिए वह MyGovIndia के साथ काम कर रही है।

कैसे करें इसका इस्तेमाल?

इसका इस्तेमाल करना भी बेहद आसान है। जिसके लिए आपको गूगल मैप्स, गूगल सर्च या फिर गूगल असिस्टेंट पर जाकर, Food shelters in <शहर का नाम> या Night shelters in <शहर का नाम> डालकर सर्च करना है। रिजल्ट आपको तुरंत दिखाया जएगा। शुरुआती रूप में यह सुविधा अंग्रेजी भाषा में ही है, लेकिन आने वाले दिनों में जल्द ही आप इसके लिए हिंदी भाषा का भी इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं।

कंपनी ने यह भी कहा कि वह जल्द ही एक क्विक एक्सेस शॉर्टकट शामिल करेगी। जो कि सर्च बार या पिन के नीचे दिया होगा जिससे लोगों को Maps पर फूड और नाइट शेल्टर की जगह का पता लगाने में आसानी होगी।

जरूरतमंद लोगों के पास नहीं हैं स्मार्टफोन्स, फिर कैसे..?

यह पहल इस बात को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए है कि सभी लोगों की खाने और शेल्टर की पहुंच रहे। क्योंकि बहुत से जरूरतमंद लोगों के पास स्मार्टफोन्स या मोबाइल का एक्सेस नहीं हो सकता है। इसके अलावा, जिन लोगों को फूड शेल्टर या फिर रैन बसेरों की जरूरत पड़ती है, उनमें से ज्यादातर लोगों स्मार्टफोन यूज़र्स नहीं होते हैं, गूगल ने इस बात का भी ध्यान रखा और यह पुख्ता किया कि यह सुविधा हर जरूरतमंद तक पहुंचे, इसके लिए गूगल ने इस सुविधा को जियो फोन जैसे फीचर फोन के लिए भी ज़ारी किया है। मालूम हो कि, जियो फोन में गूगल असिस्टेंट एक्सेस उपलब्ध होता है।

गूगल इंडिया के सीनियर प्रोग्राम मैनेजर अनल घोष का कहना है कि जरूरतमंदों तक इस सुविधा की जानकारी पहुंचाने के लिए एनजीओ, ट्रैफिक अथॉरिटी, वॉलेनटियर्स का सहारा लिया जा रहा है, ताकि यह जरूरी सुविधा हर जरूरतमंद तक पहुंचे जिसके पास स्मार्टफोन एक्सेस न हो। गूगल इसमें न केवल ज्यादा भाषाओं को शामिल करने पर काम कर रही है बल्कि आने वाले दिनों में इसमें और शहरों के शेल्टर्स को जोड़ा जाएगा।

कंपनी ने कोरोना से संबंधित कई कदम लिए

कोरोना वायरस की महामारी के दौरान गूगल ने अपने स्तर पर कई ऐसे कदम लिए हैं जिससे इस बात को सुनिश्चित किया जा सके कि लोग बीमारी के बारे में जागरूक हैं और उनके पास अपने स्तर पर इसके खिलाफ लड़ने के लिए जरूरी जानकारी है।

टेक कंपनी ने अलग से वेबसाइट बनाई है जिसमें केवल विश्वसनीय जानकारी है जो विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन (WHO) और दुनिया भर की स्थानीय स्वास्थ्य अथॉरिटी से ली गई है, जिससे लोगों को बीमारियों के बारे में कोई गलत जानकारी न मिले।

MakeMyTrip’s Executives To Draw Zero Salary amid COVID-19

MakeMyTrip’s Group Executive Chairman and Group CEO announced that they would draw zero salary, and the rest of the company’s leadership team has offered to take a 50% pay-cut amid Coronavirus outbreak.

MakeMyTrip’s Group Executive Chairman Deep Kalra and Group CEO Rajesh Magow announced that they would draw zero salary, and the rest of the company’s leadership team has offered to take a 50% pay-cut amid Coronavirus outbreak.

“On people costs front, both of us will take the lead and take zero salary effective April 2020, while the rest of our leadership team have also offered to take a reduction of approximately 50 percent in their compensation,” Kalra and Magow said in a message to company’s employees.

In a recent announcement, Indian Government has ordered a complete lockdown in the whole country till for 21 days. People are advised to forbid any kind of travelling.

As MakeMyTrip provides online travel services including flight tickets, domestic and international holiday packages, hotel reservations, and rail and bus tickets. This business sector has been hit really hard by the decision. There has been sharp drop in bookings with spiralling cancellations and the latest restrictions on domestic air/rail/bus travel has brought the industry to a virtual standstill.

“The last few weeks have been very tough for all of us with the sudden and sharp spread of Covid-19 in India. Our stellar performance in Q3 2020 was sadly short lived as the travel and tourism sector is one of the worst sectors that have been hit by this pandemic,” Kalra and Magow said.

Economic experts across the world are predicting it to be a global economic tsunami that will have far reaching implications for the global economy.