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VC funding’s steady recovery; Tailoring therapy for neurodivergent kids

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Hello,

Tis’ the season of IPOs.

Ola Electric’s public issue was fully subscribed on day two, with the total offering subscribed almost 2X at the end of bidding for the day. The retail portion was subscribed almost 3X.

The Rs 6,145-crore IPO—one of the biggest this year—includes a fresh issue of Rs 5,500 crore and an offer-for-sale component of 8.4 crore shares. 

But there’s more to come. 

Omnichannel retailer FirstCry’s IPO is set to open for subscription today. Through the public offer, the company plans to raise Rs 4,194 crore.

While startups are renewing their confidence in the bourses, the stock market is in the grip of recession fear. 

BSE Sensex and Nifty crashed in trade on Monday, both plummeting nearly 3%. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 share index plunged as much as 12%—most since the 1987 Black Monday crash—triggered by the fear of unwinding Yen-based carry trade.

Wall Street too was in the grip of a global stock rout as the Dow, S&P500, and Nasdaq fell more than 2% in early trading. Tech stocks took a major beating, with NVIDIA tumbling roughly 7% as the markets opened. 

The bloodbath—no other way to call it—even resulted in thousands of traders facing downtime on some online brokerages, including Charles Schwab and Fidelity.

The cryptosphere wasn’t spared either, with Bitcoin slumping 10% and Ethereum facing its most dramatic fall since 2021. 

However, the chaos became an opportunity for some crypto hackers. A blockchain wallet linked to a hacker that pulled off a massive crypto heist two years ago swapped a chunk of its ill-gotten gains for Ether, buying nearly 17,000 tokens!

Now that’s one ‘Den of Thieves’! 

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about 

  • VC funding’s steady recovery
  • Tailoring therapy for neurodivergent kids
  • Eco-friendly airflow solutions

Here’s your trivia for today: How many times have the Olympics been hosted in Paris?


Funding

VC funding’s steady recovery

Venture Capital (VC) funding into Indian startups crossed the $1-billion mark on a month-on-month basis for three months in a row, auguring well for the ecosystem which seems to be slowly stepping away from the funding winter.

This psychologically important benchmark of $1 billion is important for the Indian startup ecosystem as it will boost the overall fund inflow.

Milestone:

  • The total VC funding for July 2024 came in at $1.1 billion, which was a 103% rise compared with the same period a year ago when the amount stood at $529 million, according to data from YourStory Research.
  • In terms of stage-wise funding, the early category continues to see the highest traction, garnering $447 million for the month, followed by the growth stage and then the late-stage category.
  • In terms of sectors that received the highest funding in July, fintech garnered the highest amount at $145 million, followed by ecommerce at $141, and mobility stood at $120 million.
State of startup ecosytem in August: Stretched

Funding Alert

Startup: Agrizy

Amount: $9.8M

Round: Series A

Startup: Latambarcem Brewers

Amount: $1.5M 

Round: Pre-Series A

Startup: CURRYiT

Amount: Rs 4.5 Cr

Round: Seed


Startup

Tailoring therapy for neurodivergent kids

In a world where neurodiversity is increasingly recognised and understood, the search for effective therapy options, tailored to each child’s unique needs, often leads to a frustrating maze of limited resources and inadequate solutions. 

This is where Butterfly Learnings comes in. Founded in 2021 by the husband-wife duo Abhishek Sen and Dr Sonam Kothari, the startup aims to address the deficiencies in children’s mental health and developmental support. 

Personalised support:

  • Mumbai-based Butterfly Learnings offers a range of therapies tailored to each child’s needs, including Applied Behavioral Analysis, occupational therapy, speech therapy, oral placement therapy, and sensory integration. 
  • The startup’s proprietary technology stack allows for detailed monitoring and analysis of therapy outcomes, ensuring that each child receives individualised attention and care.
  • Sen and Kothari invested around Rs 2 crore to bootstrap the startup. Currently, it has a team of over 300 members, including over 250 therapists.
Butterfly Learnings

Women Entrepreneurs

Eco-friendly airflow solutions

About four years ago, when Tanya Goyal and Karan Bansal were living in an apartment in Jaipur with a low ceiling, they were frustrated with the ceiling fan options in the market.

That’s when they decided to come up with a device that would offer a seamless alternative to ceiling fans. What began as a small project to meet their personal needs quickly evolved into an innovative all-in-one climate solution: Karban Envirotech.

Multi-functional:

  • To optimise the performance of the product, Karban Envirotech utilises CFD technology, allowing them to refine the airflow dynamics, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness. 
  • In April this year, the startup secured seed funding from marquee investors including Titan Capital, All In Capital, Rainmatter, and Anupam Mittal.
  • Building on the success of Karban Airzone, the company recently introduced Karban Airzone Lite, a smaller version designed for more compact spaces. 
Tanya Goyal

News & updates

  • AI vs law: Elon Musk has revived his complaint against OpenAI after dropping a previous lawsuit, again alleging that the ChatGPT maker and two of its founders—Sam Altman and Greg Brockman—breached the company’s founding mission to develop AI technology to benefit humanity.
  • ‘Thousand Sails’: Chinese state-owned enterprise, the Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, launched the first batch of satellites for a mega-constellation designed to rival Space X’s Starlink’s near-global internet network. The project aims to deploy 15,000 low-Earth orbit satellites.
  • NVIDIA rival: Groq, a startup developing chips to run generative AI models faster than conventional processors, has raised $640 million in a new funding round led by Blackrock. It is creating an LPU (language processing unit) inference engine which it claims can run existing generative AI models similar in architecture to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and GPT-4o at 10X the speed.

How many times have the Olympics been hosted in Paris?

Answer: Three (1900, 1924, 2024)


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Ola Electric’s Q2 loss narrows as revenue jumps 40%

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Ola Electric‘s net loss narrowed in the second quarter of the current financial year (FY25) as the Bhavish Aggarwal-led EV maker reported a 39% jump in sales.

Ola Electric reported a net loss of Rs 495 crore for the July-September quarter, down from Rs 524 crore in the year-ago period. The company’s revenue from operations jumped to Rs 1,214 crore in Q2 from Rs 873 crore a year earlier.

However, on a quarterly basis, Ola Electric’s loss widened from Rs 324 crore in the April-June quarter. The company’s sales declined from Rs 1,644 crore in the previous quarter.

The results come days after the EV-maker’s share price fell below its listing price, two months after the company listed on Indian stock exchanges. On Friday, Ola Electric’s share price closed at Rs 72.67 apiece, down 2.53%. Ola Electric got listed on India’s stock exchanges on August 9 at Rs 76 per share. The company had hit an all-time high of Rs 157.40 apiece.

Ola Electric, currently the market leader in the E2W segment, has also come under intense scrutiny over rising consumer complaints pertaining to its vehicles. In October, the company received a show cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeking alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertising, and unfair trade practices.

The company, in a BSE filing on October 22, said it has provided all requested information and clarification sought by the consumer watchdog. Additionally, Ola Electric said it resolved 99.1% out of 10,644 complaints it received from the CCPA.

The SoftBank Group-backed firm has since doubled down on expanding its service centers and hiring service technicians to help streamline operations and clear backlogs.





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Workplace boundaries: 5 things not to share with coworkers

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In today’s workplace, building relationships and open communication are highly encouraged. A collaborative environment can foster trust, creativity, and productivity among colleagues. However, there is a fine line between being friendly and sharing too much. Revealing certain personal information to your coworkers can blur professional boundaries and even affect your career negatively. In a world where first impressions and professionalism matter, knowing what to keep private is crucial to maintaining respect and credibility.

This guide highlights five essential things you should never share with colleagues. From sensitive financial details to personal beliefs, these are boundaries that every professional should respect for the sake of both personal privacy and workplace harmony.


1. Financial information

Discussing your financial situation at work—whether it’s your salary, debts, or even that new loan you’ve taken out—can lead to misunderstandings, envy, or resentment. Salary disparities, in particular, are a sensitive topic and can create friction in the workplace if colleagues perceive unfairness. Moreover, sharing details about your finances could unintentionally set you up for gossip or judgment from others, which could alter their view of your professionalism. If you’re asked directly, a polite but firm response, such as “I prefer not to discuss personal finances,” can help maintain boundaries.


2. Political and religious beliefs

In an era of heightened political polarisation and strong opinions on various social issues, discussing your political or religious beliefs at work can be risky. Even casual remarks can lead to disagreements and, in worst cases, workplace conflicts. This doesn’t mean you should hide your identity, but it’s wise to avoid diving into discussions that might alienate or offend others. Maintaining a neutral stance on sensitive topics can help create a respectful, inclusive work environment.


3. Personal health issues

Your health is deeply personal, and sharing too much about any physical or mental health challenges can lead to unintended consequences. While close friends may share personal health information, colleagues don’t need to know the specifics of your medical history. Revealing health information might result in unwanted sympathy, awkwardness, or even doubt about your ability to perform your job effectively.


4. Negative opinions about colleagues or management

It might feel cathartic to vent about a difficult coworker or a strict manager, but sharing these thoughts with other colleagues can easily backfire. Not only can it damage your reputation, but it could also harm your professional relationships if your words get back to the person in question. Criticising team members or managers can make you seem untrustworthy or negative, both of which can hinder your career progression. Maintaining a neutral or positive stance will reflect professionalism and emotional maturity.


5. Ambitions for a new job or career move

Sharing your plans to apply for a new job or change careers might seem harmless, but it could shift how your colleagues or managers view your commitment. If your supervisor learns that you’re planning to leave, it could lead to fewer opportunities or even less favourable treatment as they prepare for your departure. To protect your current position, focus on your work, and wait to share the news until you’re ready to make a formal exit.


Conclusion

In a professional setting, boundaries are essential for a healthy work environment. While sharing parts of your personal life can help build connections, knowing where to draw the line is equally important. By keeping your financial matters, health concerns, personal beliefs, and career ambitions private, you’ll be better able to maintain a positive reputation, foster respectful relationships, and ultimately advance your career without unnecessary complications.

Remember, in the workplace, less can often be more. Protect your privacy, and you’ll find it easier to focus on what truly matters—your professional growth and contributions.





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Taming the restless ‘Monkey Mind’: 6 signs and calming tips

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Do you ever feel as if your thoughts are racing, jumping from one idea to the next without pause? This restless state of mind, commonly known as the “monkey mind,” can leave you feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to focus. Imagine a monkey swinging from branch to branch—never still, always moving. The monkey mind does something similar, dragging your attention in multiple directions at once. In a world filled with constant notifications, endless tasks, and overstimulation, it’s no wonder our minds are often buzzing with a mix of unfinished thoughts, worries, and ideas.

Recognising and managing a monkey mind can be a game-changer for mental clarity, productivity, and peace. In this article, we’ll dive into six telltale signs of a monkey mind and explore proven strategies to calm it down and regain focus.

6 Telltale signs of a monkey mind


1. Constant overthinking

A classic sign of a monkey mind is constant overthinking. You may find yourself analysing every detail, reliving past conversations, or stressing over hypothetical situations that may never happen. This mental loop can keep you from moving forward or making decisions, trapping you in a cycle of what-ifs.

Try to channel overthinking into action by setting a time limit for worrying or planning, and then move on. Journaling can also help you process your thoughts and release them from your mind. Practicing mindfulness by focusing on what you’re doing right now can redirect your attention away from endless what-ifs.


2. Difficulty focusing on a task

If you find yourself switching tasks frequently, unable to concentrate on one thing for long, it’s a clear sign your mind may be restless. The monkey mind is easily distracted, often drawn to anything that promises novelty or instant gratification.

Implementing techniques like the Pomodoro Method—where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can improve focus. Create a designated workspace, eliminate distractions, and try using noise-cancelling headphones or listening to concentration-friendly music to help you stay on task.


3. Procrastination and avoidance

A monkey mind often leads to procrastination, especially when faced with big or daunting tasks. The mind can become overwhelmed by the task’s complexity, prompting you to avoid it entirely and instead focus on smaller, less important activities.

Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming. Set a specific goal for each work session, even if it’s just to complete a small portion. Reward yourself for each accomplishment, no matter how small, to keep your momentum going.


4. Heightened anxiety or stress

With the mind constantly jumping from one thought to another, stress and anxiety levels can increase. A monkey mind often dwells on worst-case scenarios and hypothetical fears, causing a continuous cycle of worry and tension.

Incorporate regular deep-breathing exercises or meditation into your day. Slow, mindful breathing can help activate the body’s relaxation response, lowering stress levels and bringing a sense of calm. For some, a quick physical reset—such as stretching or walking—can break the anxiety loop and help you feel grounded.


5. Trouble sleeping

If your mind feels like it’s in overdrive at night, it could be because of a monkey mind. Endless thoughts and worries can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day.

Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal your mind and body that it’s time to wind down. Avoid screens at least an hour before bed, and consider listening to a guided meditation or calming sounds to lull your mind into relaxation mode. Journaling before bed can also help you clear your mind by putting your thoughts on paper.


6. Feeling constantly distracted

A monkey’s mind craves stimulation and often finds it challenging to stay present. You may find yourself constantly checking your phone, seeking out new content, or even daydreaming when you should be focused on a task at hand.

Practice “mindful breaks” during your day—short intervals where you put down your devices, observe your surroundings and ground yourself in the present. Limiting the number of things you try to multitask can help, too. Start by giving your full attention to one task, and slowly build your focus endurance from there.


Conclusion

Our minds are naturally curious, and having occasional restless thoughts is normal. However, when the monkey mind takes over, it can disrupt our peace, productivity, and well-being. Recognising the signs of a monkey mind and incorporating calming strategies—like mindfulness, structured work sessions, and relaxation techniques—can help you regain control over your mental landscape. The next time you find your mind swinging wildly, try one of these calming techniques to bring yourself back to a state of balance and clarity.

By making mindfulness a habit and addressing the monkey mind head-on, you’ll be able to cultivate a deeper sense of peace, focus, and contentment in your daily life.





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