BENGALURU ENTREPRENEUR
Farmer's son from small Tamil Nadu village builds Rs 1.5-crore software business after quitting nine-year Chennai IT career & starting with just two laptops
Eswaran Arumugam launched his Tamil Nadu-based software venture, Yaa Creations, with just Rs 1 lakh borrowed from his brother and two laptops. The business faced several hurdles, including financial strain, disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and accumulated debt of Rs 5 lakh. However, he gradually turned things around and expanded operations. Today, the company, headquartered in Rasipuram in Namakkal district, employs 26 people, serves clients in seven countries and completed projects worth Rs 1.5 crore in 2025.
Amid layoff season, this Bengaluru company is paying employees to quit and start their own business and return back if things don't work out
Amid layoffs and voluntary buyout offers at global tech companies, Bengaluru-based iD Fresh Food is encouraging employees to quit and start their own businesses. CEO Musthafa PC's entrepreneurship policy offers a partially paid sabbatical, mentorship, access to the company's business network and an option to return if their ventures fail.
These mid-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%, according to analyst
No doubt, the mood in the market has changed and the bulls seem to be back in a determined fashion. Don’t, however, expect the indices to keep climbing daily. There will be pauses. Also, though the things troubling the market have receded for now, they can still return. And these troubles are likely to be global rather than local.
Ode to a compassionate algorithm: Philanthropists are backing AI for public good
From Flipkart’s Binny Bansal to Chrys Capital’s Ashish Dhawan and Karishma Sanghvi of Sun Pharma, a growing number of entrepreneurs are writing cheques for AI that can diagnose diseases, empower teachers, modernise courts and strengthen public services, betting that the technology can create social returns as significant as commercial ones.
Bengaluru man invests Rs 70 lakh to open a cafe, faces unexpected problem; explains why some cafes charge so much
Bengaluru-based founder Vikramaditya Shukla shared how his school friend’s Rs 60-70 lakh cafe investment has run into an unexpected challenge. Customers ordering just one Rs 150 coffee occupy tables for hours, driving away potential visitors. His post sparked debate over cafe pricing, with users suggesting hourly charges, laptop restrictions and other ways to manage seating.
Lighthouse Learning in talks to acquire Hyderabad's Kennedy School
Lighthouse Learning Group, previously EuroKids International, is negotiating to acquire Kennedy High and Meru International School. These acquisitions, valued at Rs 400 crore each, are expected to finalize in the coming weeks. The company aims to expand its network of K-12 schools to 100 over the next few years. Lighthouse Learning has undertaken several acquisitions since 2021 to grow its education portfolio.
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Kannada activists visit Bengaluru firms, seek data on local hiring in private sector
Kannada Rakshana Vedike activists have begun visiting IT companies and large retailers in Bengaluru, seeking details of Kannadigas in their workforce, recruitment trends and local hiring initiatives. The month-long campaign has drawn criticism from sections of the industry, with entrepreneur TG Ramesh warning that such visits could create uncertainty for businesses.
Kannada groups defy CM DK Shivakumar’s request, visit IT firms demanding hiring data
The visits are part of Kannada Rakshana Vedike's Agraha Abhiyana, a campaign focused on local employment in the private sector. The visits defy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s request that pro-Kannada outfits must not take the law into their hands and create problems at IT companies.
Kannada activists visit Bengaluru IT firms, seek data on local hiring
Kannada activists are actively engaging with IT firms in Bengaluru regarding local employment statistics and hiring practices. They are gathering information about the number of Kannadigas employed and recruitment trends in these companies. The activist group plans to protest if companies refuse to share this requested information. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stated the government will investigate complaints about local hiring discrimination.
Rs 2 crore revenue in 10 months: How Bengaluru couple bounced back from a Rs 4 lakh loss to build a successful food truck business
Bengaluru couple Kushal Reddy and Chahak Jain started a food business after initially suffering a Rs 4 lakh financial setback with their cloud kitchen. They converted a truck into a mobile kitchen selling juicy burgers. This creative pivot not only sparked public interest but also led to the rapid success of their food truck, Kried, which amassed Rs 2 crore in revenue in just 10 months.
Lighting lives beyond Diwali: How everyday Indians are making a difference through giving
An RBI officer, a Bengaluru retailer, a safari lodge owner and a 24-year-old money coach tell us how giving a little, steadily, lights someone else’s life, long after Diwali.
Rs 10,000 investment created a Rs 600 crore per yer business: How Bengaluru man created flourishing IT empire that survived three recessions
Bengaluru entrepreneur RS Shanbhag had just Rs 10,000 in is pocket but a vision and a relentless can-do attitude. The firm he established in 1991, went on to generate a revenue between Rs 500- Rs 1000 crore annually by 2025. He focused on IT services and rural employment, which helped him survive three recessions.
Karnataka urges exporters to leverage FTAs to boost trade, target $1 trillion economy
Karnataka's industries minister MB Patil has urged manufacturers and exporters to leverage free trade agreements effectively. The state has signed trade agreements with 38 countries, which could enhance market access for various products. This initiative is part of Karnataka's goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy in the future. Increasing foreign direct investment highlights the state's economic momentum and potential growth.
These large-, mid- and small-cap stocks can give more than 20% return in 1 year, according to analysts
Here’s one thing that is worth clarifying, because it is in the headlines. Large global technology companies have been announcing heavy spending on AI, and there has been some correction in those stocks because of it. It is natural to worry that this will spill over into the Indian market. It most likely will not.
Practo founder’s Cent raises $15 million from Blume Ventures, South Park Commons
The round, comprising equity and debt, comes nearly eight months after the Bengaluru-based company raised an undisclosed amount from South Park Commons and OneFlow Holdings, Shashank’s family office. Cent did not disclose its valuation or the equity-debt split.
Bengaluru CA shares how middle-class Indian families quietly ‘tax’ children's 20s: ‘My father's retirement was my responsibility...’
Bengaluru CA Meenal Goel revealed how feeling responsible for her father's retirement pushed her towards a safe job and steady salary instead of entrepreneurship. Although she achieved financial stability and supported her family, she believes unspoken middle-class expectations delayed her ambitions. She described this pressure as a quiet tax on young Indians' 20s.
Why Walmart would rather keep Flipkart private, for now
Over the past few weeks, much has been written about former employees of the online commerce company writing to Walmart's board, asking for liquidity on the stock options they were granted 10 to 15 years ago. On October 1, at least eight former senior executives, among them former Myntra CEO Mukesh Bansal and former chief business officer Ankit Nagori, wrote to Walmart chairman Gregory Penner, other board members and Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, seeking a complete exit for all former employees holding vested options.
Exclusive: Unacademy founders Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini plan Rs 700 crore AI, deeptech fund
The fund, named Longshot Capital, has secured commitments of about Rs 300 crore and is targeting its first close in January 2027, following which it plans to begin investing, the people said. Fundraising discussions are continuing, and the size and timing of the first close could change.
Amaha to raise Rs 100 crore to expand mental healthcare network
The round also saw participation from the family offices of Shreyas Shibulal (son of Infosys cofounder SD Shibulal), who heads Micelio — an early-stage clean mobility fund, Ashish Bharat Ram, chairman and managing director of SRF, and Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Adarsh Jalan. Alteria Capital is providing the debt financing.
Over 20% Indian college students already started business: IIT Mandi survey
A survey conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Mandi reveals 22 percent of Indian college students have started businesses. The proportion of students aiming to start after college has risen to 16.2 percent. The survey indicated that 31 percent of student businesses began in 2025 with regular sales. Furthermore, 41 percent of student founders previously closed earlier businesses before starting again.
University of Manchester to establish new centre in Bengaluru for research and industry collaboration
The University of Manchester is set to establish a centre for education, research, and innovation in Bengaluru. This centre aims to provide students with practical experiences through internships and work placements. It will also foster partnerships between academics, businesses, and entrepreneurs to address shared challenges. The initiative builds on the university’s existing collaborations with Indian organisations and educational institutions.
HLL Lifecare launches eStore to expand direct-to-consumer reach
State-owned company HLL Lifecare launched HLL eStore, a digital platform aimed to expand access to its healthcare and wellness products across the country. The platform would be part of its broader digital transformation strategy, enabling customers, business partners and healthcare institutions to engage with the company through an integrated online marketplace. The eStore also offers medical products and supplies.
India’s family offices bet on homegrown AI firms to gain ground
India’s tech landscape is witnessing an influx of investments from family offices and wealthy individuals. Key players like Premji Invest and Claypond Capital are funding promising AI startups. With at least six companies achieving unicorn status, the environment for AI is becoming increasingly supportive. This shift highlights the need for sustained investment in India’s AI ecosystem. The growth potential is significant, despite challenges in funding and competition.
'India's dynamic market': Canada Trade Minister Sidhu highlights opportunities for Canadian firms
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has highlighted opportunities for Canadian companies in India's "dynamic market", identifying artificial intelligence, quantum computing, aviation infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainability and smart mobility as key areas for bilateral cooperation.
Nexedge Capital appoints former Avendus Wealth CEO Apurva Sahijwani as co-founder
Nexedge Capital has appointed Apurva Sahijwani, previously with Avendus Wealth Management, as co-founder to strengthen its leadership. It aims to utilise his experience for expanding its presence in India's wealth management sector. Nexedge Capital currently operates in 11 cities and advises more than 1,300 ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families.
KIADB to cancel industrial plot allotments over payment delays
Karnataka industries minister MB Patil has directed officials to enforce rules regarding industrial plot payments without delay. Entrepreneurs must pay 30% of the plot cost within one month of allotment to retain their plots. An additional month may be granted, but with 10% interest for any late payments. Patil has warned of actions against officials who do not comply with these requirements.
ETSA 2026: A secret circle, cosmic sparks and the night tech elite got goosebumps
The Closed-door Manifesto The unscripted room where minister Goyal’s call to arms met Bengaluru’s spirit, inspiring a tech elite primed for global dominance.
ETSA 2026: Over a decade on, India's startup story is only getting started
The 12th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) captured this transition, reflecting an ecosystem that has moved beyond the race for scale to pursue technological depth, durable businesses and international markets.
Goodbye sightseeing, hello selfcare: The nearly trillion-dollar business of getting your life back
Wellness travel is transforming holidays as Indian travellers increasingly prioritise fitness, sleep, stress relief and personal wellbeing over conventional sightseeing. From Hyrox races and yoga retreats to luxury wellness resorts offering medical diagnostics, longevity programmes and digital detoxes, the trend is reshaping tourism. Experts say the real challenge is turning holiday wellness experiences into lasting everyday habits.
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