ORIGINAL CONTENT
From streaming to software, microdrama startups rewrite their growth pitch
Peak XV Partners-backed Dashverse has discontinued its consumer platform DashReels and is looking to raise $30-40 million, largely for Frameo AI, its video production software for businesses. Eloelo, which raised $80 million this week led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, is investing in Dolphin AI, its new production suite, alongside content creation and international expansion.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 will reportedly connect to HBO’s Harry Potter series, which premieres on Christmas Day; here’s what that could mean
Warner Bros. Discovery has exciting news for fans: Hogwarts Legacy 2 is officially in the works! Set to connect with HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter series, this sequel promises to build on the success of the original game launched in 2023. Despite facing some controversies, the first game's strong sales have paved the way for this next adventure, and fans are eager to witness the unfolding story linked to the series.
Healthier goes Kaju Katli as sweets too catch the trend
Healthier versions of traditional sweets, such as protein-rich laddoos and sugar-free gulab jamuns, are gaining popularity. Consumers now prefer sweets that combine health benefits with indulgence during celebrations. Major brands like Haldiram's and Amul are adapting to this trend by offering guilt-free options. Online sales of date-sweetened and sugar-free mithais have seen significant growth recently. This shift reflects a broader change in consumer preferences as festive seasons approach.
The Punisher took nearly 10 years to return, but why did Marvel have to wait so long to bring Jon Bernthal back as Frank Castle?
Jon Bernthal's portrayal of Frank Castle gained popularity but faced complications due to shifting corporate relationships and creative priorities. After Netflix canceled The Punisher, it took Marvel years to develop the character's next chapter. Bernthal emphasized the importance of maintaining Frank's emotional depth in his return to the role. The project evolved into The Punisher: One Last Kill, a standalone special, with Bernthal co-writing.
ETtech Deals Digest: Eloelo leads as weekly funding rises to $142 million, down 35% on-year
Eloelo led deal activity with $80 million, followed by Peppermint Robotics at $10.6 million, altM at $10.3 million, Two Point O Capital at $10 million, and PowerUp Money at $10 million. Crane Venture Partners was among the most active investors, backing Peppermint Robotics and Armatrix. Omnivore invested in altM and Two Point O Capital, while Flourish Ventures backed PowerUp Money.
Premji Invest pumps $35 million into Hical Technologies to expand aerospace, defence manufacturing
Premji Invest has invested $35 million in Bengaluru-based Hical Technologies, marking the aerospace and defence components maker’s first institutional funding in nearly four decades. The company, valued at $300 million-$400 million according to industry sources, will use the capital to expand manufacturing capacity, engineering capabilities and R&D across South India.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders deliver INS Amini to the Indian Navy, bolstering anti-submarine capabilities
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers delivered the Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft INS Amini to the Indian Navy on November 5. The vessel is named after Amini Island in Lakshadweep and carries a legacy from a decommissioned ship. This craft features over 80% indigenous content, enhancing India's defense manufacturing capabilities. The Indian Navy aims to strengthen its anti-submarine warfare capabilities with this delivery.
India's farms offer 116 GW solar manufacturing opportunity: ISMA
India's agricultural sector could create a demand for 116 GW of solar modules through the solarisation of irrigation pumps. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aims to support this transition. Solarising pumps can reduce dependence on conventional electricity and diesel while improving farmers' electricity availability. The report emphasizes the need for sustained policy support and demand visibility to benefit domestic manufacturers.
US midterm election result: Los Angeles gets an Indian-origin mayor; Nithya Raman wins against Karen Bass
Nithya Raman, an Indian-origin candidate, is stirring controversy in the race for mayor of Los Angeles, currently outpacing incumbent Karen Bass. Her progressive agenda, especially concerning homelessness, captures the attention of voters and may lead to a historic victory for the Indian-American population in this major U.S. city.
Story TV parent Eloelo raises $80 million from Hornbill, NBCUniversal
The funding follows a surge in Story TV’s business, which has helped lift annualised collections more than tenfold to around $250 million over the past year, according to people familiar with the company. Eloelo said Story TV offers over 5,000 dramas in six languages, while its apps have more than 40 million monthly active users.
EloElo eyes global expansion post $80 million fundraise, aims to build ‘Netflix of micro-drama’
EloElo Group, the parent company of Story TV, successfully raised $80 million in a Series C funding round. The funding round was led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, significantly increasing the company's valuation. EloElo aims to enhance its micro-drama platform and expand into international markets. The company reported substantial user growth and high production efficiency using AI technology.
EloElo Group raises $80 Million in Series C funding led by Hornbill Capital, NBCUniversal
EloElo Group has successfully raised $80 million in a Series C funding round to expand its AI-driven entertainment ecosystem. The company's focus will be on producing new original content and launching international micro-dramas. With over 40 million active users, EloElo plans to enhance its AI production capabilities through Dolphin AI. The funding will also support the company's aggressive growth strategy across diverse language offerings.
Couple spends nearly $55,000 on a $20,000 auction house. 8 months later, they say it’s ‘worth 10 times’ the purchase price
A Michigan couple bought a two-acre house at auction for $20,000 without seeing its interior. After finding six refrigerators filled with food left without power for two years, they spent nearly $35,000 renovating it. Eight months later, the property became a rental that they say is worth 10 times the original purchase price.
Meta halts new business terms after backlash over data scraping and AI use
Meta has postponed the rollout of new terms affecting its business accounts due to significant backlash. Critics claimed these changes could lead to unauthorized data scraping and unfair competition against news publishers. A Norwegian court granted an injunction on the terms, highlighting concerns over Meta's market dominance. The U.K. competition authority has also initiated an investigation into these new business conditions.
This auto ancillary stock soars 13% after Q2 PAT jumps 35% YoY. Do you own it?
Motherson Sumi Wiring shares surged after the auto ancillary company reported a 35% year-on-year rise in Q2 FY27 net profit and 47% revenue growth. Premiumisation, higher content per vehicle and new model wins supported the performance.
When someone does your push-ups, can you feel your muscles flex?
Anthropic has accused Alibaba of stealing its intellectual property and called this industrial espionage. The company's business model involves charging creators who contributed to its training data. This raises questions about the implications of artificial intelligence on independent thinking and creativity. The author emphasizes the importance of personal struggle in the thinking process. Ultimately, AI may provide answers but cannot replace the unique human experience of thought and creativity.
ZEE profit sinks 40% YoY in Q2, but revenue rises on FIFA subscription growth
Zee Entertainment Enterprises faced a sharp drop in consolidated net profit for the quarter ending September 30, 2026, despite a 13% rise in operating revenue to ₹2,225 crore, spurred by FIFA World Cup-related subscriptions. Total costs surged by 18%, largely due to inflated programming and promotional expenses. In a bright spot, ZEE5's revenue surged over twofold, showcasing a successful digital approach.
Zee Entertainment Q2 profit drops 40% to Rs 46 crore as EBITDA margin contracts to 3.2%
Zee Entertainment Enterprises reported a 40% decline in consolidated net profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. Operating revenue increased by 13%, largely due to growth in subscription revenue supported by the FIFA World Cup 2026. Total expenditure rose by 18% primarily driven by increased programming and promotional costs. ZEE5, the company's streaming platform, showed significant growth by doubling its revenue year-on-year.
VETO streams Pakistan tri-series in India, raising questions over scope of MIB advisory
VETO, a streaming platform, is currently broadcasting a tri-series involving Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory regarding Pakistani-origin media content due to national security concerns. While the advisory includes various Pakistani content categories, it does not explicitly mention sports broadcasts. VETO asserts that the advisory does not apply to the ongoing cricket tournament as it is international.
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