Latest news with #Swaroop
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Investors Race To Back The AI Winners Of Tomorrow
India has become a centre for AI development, boosted by events such as Mumbai Tech Week The race to cash in on the artificial intelligence boom continues, with investors rushing to identify the AI winners of tomorrow. The latest example is venture capital firm Accel, which will today unveil the launch of a new funding and support programme aimed at Indian pre-seed businesses in the technology industry. The program consists of two different tracks: Accel Atoms AI, which will focus specifically on AI specialists, and Accel Atoms X, for start-ups with business models built around other deeptech innovations. Start-ups selected for either program will receive up to $1 million of funding, as well as mentorship support from the venture capital firm, and introductions to the other businesses Accel funds. 'The big thing for many of these founders is the community,' says Accel partner Prayank Swaroop. 'It's an opportunity to reach out for support to other founders dealing with many of the same issues and problems as them.' Swaroop speaks from experience. This is the fifth edition of the Atoms programme that Accel has run. I first interviewed the firm in November 2022 when it announced the second cohort of the early-stage support scheme. Since then, its focus on AI has intensified, says partner Shekhar Kirani, to the extent that Accel now believes a specific program for businesses making use of the technology is justified. 'We're starting to see a wave of AI businesses coming through that are living up to the hype around the technology,' he says. 'They're building products that deliver genuine business outcomes for customers.' The Accel programme is India-based – reflecting the country's growing strength in the AI sector and other deeptech specialities – but the firm is looking to invest in start-ups both inside the country and with Indian-origin founders now based elsewhere. 'We are seeing a fundamental shift where Indian founders in AI are moving to global markets earlier than ever before, to be closer to their first customers,' Swaroop adds. 'These founders understand that while AI is borderless, execution isn't.' He points to firms supported by Accel such as Rapid Claims, which is automating medical coding work in the global healthcare industry, and to Bridgetown Research, which is helping customers worldwide to build sophisticated presentations. In the deeptech domain, Swaroop cites Accel-backed Posha as an example of a business with global reach; the firm produces kitchen robots that help people to make meals and aims its products at Indians worldwide who want to make food from home. Kirani argues that the role of venture capital investors in helping start-ups to become financially sustainable has to go beyond simply providing funding. 'Many of these companies are run by incredibly talented technologists but they're often lacking a business background,' he argues. 'Investors' support is needed to help them build commercially viable companies.' That can be particularly important for the deeptech businesses that Atoms X will support. Many of these businesses are innovating at speed but have yet to develop the right products and services for their products, let alone to begin earning significant revenues. Such companies are unlikely to make the breakthrough without professional advice, as well as additional capital investment.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Paresh Rawal's wife Swaroop Sampat once called him 'dumb' as he didn't speak to her for nearly a year: ‘If I paid attention to anyone else..'
Paresh Rawal has long been a cherished name in Hindi cinema. With a career that has spanned decades, he has delighted audiences through his brilliant comic timing as well as strong antagonist roles. Whether it's the hilarious Baburao in 'Hera Pheri' or his unforgettable performances in films like 'Andaz Apna Apna', 'Chachi 420', 'Hungama', 'Garam Masala', 'Awara Paagal Deewana', 'Ready' or 'OMG', Paresh has carved out a versatile and respected place in Bollywood. But behind all the fame is a love story that is as sweet and funny as some of his best films. It's the story of how he fell in love with actress Swaroop Sampat – and didn't speak to her for nearly a year! Love at first sight – but no words The moment Paresh Rawal saw Swaroop Sampat for the first time, he knew she was the one. It happened at an Indian National Theatre festival where Swaroop was handing out brochures in a pink saree. Her father was the chief producer at the event. Paresh was there to perform with his college friends. Swaroop recalled the moment in an earlier interview with Bollywood Bubble and shared, 'I was wearing a pink saree and I was handing out brochures. And Paresh walks in with his friend and he says, he is going to marry me. But you know he is so dumb, he didn't talk to me for nearly a year.' Yes, she called him 'dumb' for not talking to her for so long! Theatre and acting brought them closer Paresh and Swaroop both had a strong love for acting and theatre. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Irish homeowners eligible for solar 'bonus' if they live in these eircodes Activ8 Learn More Undo This common interest helped them get close once they finally started talking. Swaroop had always been a big fan of Paresh's work and admired his stage performances. In a past chat with The Free Press Journal, she said that Paresh was serious from the beginning. He made it clear that he wouldn't be in a relationship unless there were plans to get married. She said,'Even during our courtship days, Paresh was the possessive one. He would not like it if I paid attention to anyone else. But now, after many years of knowing each other, he is relatively chilled out.' A long wait before tying the knot Paresh and Swaroop's love story began in the 1970s, but they didn't get married until 1987. They dated for 12 years before finally tying the knot. The reason for this long wait was quite simple – Paresh wanted to focus on building his career before getting married. Swaroop, on the other hand, had her own clear views. She didn't want to elope with Paresh, as she was the only daughter in her family, born after many years. For her, marriage had to happen with her parents' blessings and at the right time. Once Paresh's career was stable and both of them were ready, they had an intimate wedding in 1987. After their marriage, Paresh and Swaroop welcomed two sons – Aditya Rawal and Aniruddh Rawal Akshay Kumar Hints at Paresh Rawal's Return to Hera Pheri 3: 'Fingers Crossed'
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Paresh Rawal proposed to his boss' daughter and waited 12 years to marry her: 'Yeh ladki meri wife banegi'
is famous for his perfect comic timing, he has made people laugh with iconic roles in films like 'Andaz Apna Apna', 'Chachi 420', 'Hera Pheri', 'Awara Paagal Deewana', 'Hungama', 'Garam Masala', 'Ready', 'OMG' and many more. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Born in Mumbai into a Gujarati family, Paresh always dreamt of becoming an actor. His love for acting and theatre not only shaped his career but also helped him meet the love of his life, . A theatre festival that changed his life Swaroop Sampat met Paresh at an Indian National Theatre festival. She had just finished school and was handing out brochures at the event. Her father was the chief producer at the time. Paresh and his college friends were performing a play at the same event. The moment he saw Swaroop, he knew she was the one. In fact, he told his friend Mahendra Joshi then and there that he was going to marry her. Even when Mahendra warned him that Swaroop was their boss' daughter, Paresh didn't back off. In a past interview with Bollywood Bubble he said, 'I was kind of 'Yeh ladki meri wife banegi'. My friend Mahendra Joshi was with me. He told me, 'Tujhe pata hai tu jis company mein kaam kar raha hai us boss ki beti hai woh'. Toh maine bola, 'Kisi ki bhi beti ho, behen ho, ma ho, main iske saath shaadi karunga'.' A bold proposal and a clear mind Paresh and Swaroop shared a love for theatre and acting, which brought them closer. While Swaroop was impressed by Paresh's talent on stage, Paresh couldn't take his eyes off her beauty. After a few months of dating, Paresh proposed to her in a very honest and straightforward way. Recalling his proposal, Paresh shared, 'After 2-3 months, I told her, 'I want to marry you but don't tell me 'let's get to know each other, let's grow together'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Marte dum tak koi kisiko nahi jaan sakta. Toh mere saath woh futile exercise mat karo. Commit yourself. But we got married after 12 years.' 12 years of waiting and love Even though Paresh proposed in 1975, the couple didn't get married until 1987 — a whole 12 years later. The reason? Paresh wanted to focus on building his career before taking on the responsibility of marriage. Swaroop, too, was clear about her own values. She didn't want to elope as she was the only daughter in her family, born after many years. She wanted her parents to be part of her big day. In an interview with The Free Press Journal, Swaroop shared that Paresh was always sure about marrying her. Since they were both Gujaratis, their families had no objections. Once Paresh's career was settled, the couple tied the knot in a simple and intimate ceremony, marking the start of their lifelong journey. A happy ending with no family drama Since both Paresh and Swaroop were Gujarati, their families had no issues with the relationship. Once Paresh's career was stable, the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 1987. They went on to have two sons — and Aniruddh Rawal — and have lived a peaceful and loving life ever since. Their story shows that true love can wait, and sometimes, even a dramatic declaration like 'Yeh ladki meri wife banegi' can come true with time, trust, and patience. Paresh Rawal QUITS Hera Pheri 3
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
‘Operation Lagaam' launched in Garhwal division to curb road rage incidents
Dehradun: In response to a recent surge in road rage incidents involving tourists across the Garhwal division, Inspector General (IG) Garhwal, Rajeev Swaroop, on Saturday announced 'Operation Lagaam', aimed at identifying and taking action against those disrupting public order on the roads. The move came after videos of at least two recent incidents were widely circulated on social media, triggering outrage among locals. The latest such case occurred in Dehradun on May 30, when unidentified men in a Haryana-registered SUV allegedly attacked a merchant navy officer's car after he overtook them. A case was registered after the IG stepped in. Earlier on May 4, seven men from Punjab were arrested in Srinagar for allegedly attacking locals with swords after being asked not to create a nuisance with their modified bike silencers on the way to Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli. Swaroop told TOI, "Police took serious note of the road rage incidents, after which an SOP was issued to all district police units in the range to take appropriate legal action against those creating nuisance, engaging in unprovoked road rage, or drinking on roads." The drive is expected to continue through the peak tourist season. He added, "Tourists are welcome to visit Uttarakhand, which is known as Devbhoomi. But acts of road rage or violence by them will not be tolerated."
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Accel warns Indian AI founders risk falling behind
Accel warns Indian AI founders risk falling behind BENGALURU: Accel partners Shekhar Kirani and Prayank Swaroop said Indian AI startups risk falling behind their global counterparts due to a lack of urgency and global ambition, even as technical capabilities catch up. Speaking at a recent media roundtable on Wednesday, the investors said that while the country is seeing a new wave of technically strong, AI-native founders, many are still operating with a conservative, risk-averse mindset that could cost them valuable time in a hyper-competitive cycle. 'In the Valley, it's a warzone. Engineers are building, iterating, raising money, and chasing scale aggressively,' Kirani said. 'In India, many still operate in peacetime mode, trying to optimise for capital efficiency, fixing bugs, and selling to five customers. That's not how you win this AI cycle.' This difference in attitude is also reflected in valuations. According to Kirani, an AI-first startup in the US showing revenue acceleration can command a valuation of over $500 million at $15 million annual recurring revenue (ARR), while a traditional SaaS firm with similar numbers would likely be valued closer to $100 million. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like O novo dispositivo que os idosos usam para ajudar na neuropatia (dor nos nervos) A arte do herbalismo Undo 'The market rewards velocity. If you're an AI-native company growing fast, the delta in pull and valuation is unprecedented,' he said. Swaroop added that investors, too, have recalibrated expectations. 'Everyone's looking for that breakout moment. Earlier, a company showing $1-2 million ARR might be considered early stage. Now, if it's AI-first and compounding fast, the expectation is that it hits $50-100 million in revenue within 12-18 months,' he said. 'The bar is higher, but so is the upside, if the founder is thinking globally.' Accel has backed Indian AI startups such as Cursor and RapidClaims. While bullish on India-specific use cases such as cost-efficient inference, voice interfaces, and regulatory-compliant models, the partners emphasised that a strong go-to-market motion, especially in the US, is still essential. 'Platform adoption decisions still get made in the Valley,' said Kirani. 'If your product isn't getting used there, even Indian engineers hesitate to adopt it. That's why we ask our founders to be present in the Bay Area early.' Calling the current moment a '24- to 36-month land grab,' both partners urged founders to prioritise speed and product-led growth. 'If you're not compounding fast, you'll be irrelevant by the time the dust settles,' Swaroop said. 'This isn't a time to save money, it's a time to fight.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
