Latest news with #onDemand
Reuters
18-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
South Africa's Takealot bets on Mr D to drive on-demand delivery expansion
JOHANNESBURG, July 18 (Reuters) - South African e-commerce company Takealot Group is ramping up on-demand delivery by repurposing its Mr D takeaway food platform to handle pet supplies, toys and other high-frequency purchase items in a bid to fend off growing competition. Mr D, which before the COVID-19 pandemic focused on doorstep food delivery, has been repositioning itself as a broader convenience marketplace, a strategy born out of desperation five years ago when restaurant operations were restricted. As competition intensifies in the e-commerce sector of Africa's most developed economy - with the notable arrival of Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab last year - Mr D is leveraging the shift to attract more customers and expand its market share. Takealot Group, which is owned by technology investment group Naspers (NPNJn.J), opens new tab, is betting big on Mr D to lead its next phase of growth as consumers demand more immediacy and convenience, its chief executive said. In addition to Amazon, it is going head-to-head against other international rivals like Uber Eats (UBER.N), opens new tab and local players Shoprite (SHPJ.J), opens new tab, Checkers Sixty60, and Pick n Pay ASAP! "Pets is one big category we're going to expand quite aggressively on. And it's not just pets. It's speciality pet food delivered on demand," Frederik Zietsman, Takealot Group CEO, told Reuters in an interview. Mr D also recently launched a partnership with Toy Kingdom, activating 24 stores nationally for on-demand delivery. Zietsman said the company's strategy is to work with well-known retail brands that lack the logistics and digital infrastructure to offer their own rapid delivery service. "We've got a clear vision of what that will be in terms of what categories come next," he added. "We look at, for example, is there a play in DIY? Is there a play in pharmacy? Is there a play in sports or baby? Like, what are those things that you truly appreciate on demand?" Food still forms a major part of Mr D's product categories, but a bulk of that 70% share is composed of groceries delivered through a partnership with retailer Pick n Pay (PIKJ.J), opens new tab. The strategy is to have a 50-50 split between food and other non-food categories in the next five years, Zietsman said. ($1 = 17.6773 rand)
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Bond, debond, recycle - tesa opens new Debonding on Demand laboratory in Singapore
Reliable in use, removable when needed – Next-gen adhesive solutions that can be precisely and residue-free removed Innovation hub with impact – Accelerating customer-specific developments through local partnership with A*STAR Enabling circularity – Debonding on Demand technologies provide foundation for recycling and reuse in high-tech applications SINGAPORE, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- tesa, international manufacturer of adhesive tapes and self-adhesive product solutions, is laying the foundation for future adhesive tapes with the opening of a state-of-the-art Debonding on Demand development laboratory. The new innovation hub in Singapore will be established as a permanent location in tesa's technology network to drive customized development and scaling of removable adhesive solutions, particularly for customers in the automotive and electronics industries. Remarks by tesa Executive Board Member Technology Dr. Ingrid Sebald on bonding for innovation and driving sustainability with groundbreaking technology. The strategic partnership between tesa and A*STAR, Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency, combines research expertise with industrial networks to accelerate development of market-ready solutions. This collaboration advances adhesive technologies while strengthening Singapore's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and circular economy innovation. Singapore: Strategic development location for Debonding on Demand technologies tesa's Debonding on Demand laboratory in Singapore focuses on developing new polymer concepts for the electronics and automotive industries. Singapore was chosen for this strategic investment due to tesa's regional headquarters presence and the country's innovation leadership. Proximity to leading universities and collaboration with A*STAR were the key factors. The lab strengthens tesa's Asia-Pacific presence alongside operations in Vietnam, Thailand and India. With approximately 6% of annual turnover invested in developing new products and technologies, and 100 new innovations yearly, tesa maintains its adhesive technology leadership. tesa CEO Dr Norman Goldberg explains: "At tesa, we don't just innovate – we push boundaries. Our Debonding on Demand technologies will be a future game-changer, enabling strong, durable bonds that can be easily removed on demand. This breakthrough will transform product repair, recycling, and reuse, helping industries reduce waste and embrace circularity without compromising performance. With our new Debonding on Demand laboratory, we are setting an important milestone in the further development of these pioneering technologies and are delighted to be starting operations together with strong partners like A*STAR at our side." Sustainable technologies meet customer requirements With its Debonding on Demand technologies, tesa is hitting the pulse of the times and meeting customer requirements for repairable and recyclable products and components. "Our Debonding on Demand technologies will enable a completely new approach to product design. Sustainability is integrated as an essential part of applications and system solutions from the very beginning. This will create new perspectives for entire industries regarding manufacturing and life cycle management," emphasizes Dr. Ingrid Sebald, Board Member Technology at tesa. "The Debonding on Demand lab in Singapore's vibrant innovation ecosystem serves as the perfect launch pad to establish these breakthrough technologies for the global market and industry customers, making an important contribution to the circular economy." "A*STAR is pleased to partner with tesa in developing advanced adhesive technologies that enable new possibilities in product design, sustainability, and circularity. This collaboration reflects our broader efforts to work with industry in translating research into solutions that support next-generation manufacturing," says Professor Lim Keng Hui, ACE, Science & Engineering Research Council at A*STAR. New concepts already in the pipeline Backed by a strong interdisciplinary network and a technology partner like A*STAR, tesa plans to make groundbreaking advances in polymer chemistry, adhesive formulation, and coating technologies. The aim is to develop new solutions and improve existing Debonding on Demand concepts. The partners intend to test up to 20 new Debonding on Demand concepts in terms of performance and application relevance via a standardized process. Those that show promise will then be further developed and scaled up in line with customer requirements. The Debonding on Demand lab will begin operations on July 1, 2025 with its first group of experts, engineers, and technicians. Additional team members will follow. About tesa SE As a multinational company, tesa develops innovative adhesive tapes and self-adhesive product solutions for various industries, commercial customers, and end consumers. There are already more than 7,000 tesa adhesive solutions that help improve the work, products or lives of our customers. Today, the focus is on sustainability and energy-saving processes. tesa invests in the development of environmentally friendly products and solvent-free manufacture processes as well as in the use of renewable energy sources at its locations. tesa is active in 100 countries and operates plants in Germany, Italy, China, the USA, and in Vietnam. Around three quarters of the tesa Group's sales (2024: EUR 1.7 billion euro) are generated by applications for industries. Together with its international clients, tesa develops innovations that are customized at product and process level. Already more than 130 tesa tapes may be installed in an electric car and over 70 in a smartphone. In the printing and construction industries, too, tesa is constantly penetrating new segments and countries with its special adhesive tapes. The company generates almost one quarter of its sales with products for end consumers and professional craftsmen. 300 applications, such as the legendary tesafilm®, make life easier or, when it comes to insect protection, even make it a bit more pleasant. tesa counts among the world's leading manufacturers of adhesive solutions. Since 2001, tesa SE is an independent 100% affiliate of Beiersdorf AG (i.e., NIVEA, Eucerin, la prairie) with approx. 5,400 employees today. About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Final Destination Bloodlines Gets New Digital Release Date
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Final Destination: Bloodlines is heading for home release now it's wrapping up the theatrical run that saw it bag $272.5 million on its modest budget of $50 million. The film, starring Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, and Rya Kihlstedt, with Brec Bassinger and Tony Todd, follows a college student who returns home in search of someone to break the cycle of her recurring nightmare that threatens the fate of her family. Already available on Video on Demand platforms, Final Destination: Bloodlines is also heading for release on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD. Tony Todd as 'William Bludworth' in New Line Cinema's 'Final Destination Bloodlines,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Tony Todd as 'William Bludworth' in New Line Cinema's 'Final Destination Bloodlines,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Eric Milner READ: 10 Series You Need To Stream in Summer 2025 So, if you missed the film during its theatrical run, now's your chance to get stuck in. We've put together a guide that includes details on where to watch Final Destination: Bloodlines, as well as Final Destination: Bloodlines digital release date and Final Destination: Bloodlines streaming information. Final Destination: Bloodlines – How to Watch Final Destination: Bloodlines is now available on Video on Demand platforms. You can rent and buy the title on places like Fandango at Home, Google Play, and Apple TV+ for $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy. Where Can I Watch Final Destination: Bloodlines? Final Destination: Bloodlines is available to rent and buy on Video on Demand platforms. It lands places such as Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, and Google Play on June 17, 2025. Final Destination: Bloodlines Physical Release Date Final Destination: Bloodlines is now available for pre-order on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, and DVD, releasing on July 22, 2025. Bonus features include: Commentary with Directors Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky Death Becomes Them: On the Set of Final Destination Bloodlines The Many Deaths of Bloodlines The Legacy of Bludworth (Bonus features may vary depending on format and retailer) Final Destination: Bloodlines Digital Release Date Final Destination: Bloodlines will be available to watch digitally from June 17, 2025. Is Final Destination: Bloodlines Available to Stream in the US? Final Destination: Bloodlines does not yet have an official streaming release. However, as a Warner Bros release, it will likely end up on Max in the future. What Is Final Destination: Bloodlines About? The official synopsis for Final Destination: Bloodlines, as per Warner Bros, reads:
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Four special trains between Nagpur and Miraj for Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Fair
Nagpur: In view of the anticipated heavy rush of pilgrims during the Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari Fair at Pandharpur (Main Day July 6), Central Railway's Nagpur Division will run four special trains between Nagpur and Miraj (01205/01206). These special trains will operate under the Train on Demand (TOD) scheme with a fare structure of @1.3 times the normal fare. 01205 Nagpur-Miraj Special will depart from Nagpur at 8:50am on July 4 and July 5, and arrive at Miraj at 11:55pm the following day. 01206 Miraj-Nagpur Special will depart from Miraj at 12:25pm on July 6 and 7, and arrive at Nagpur at 12:55am the following day. Halts en route: Ajni, Wardha, Pulgaon, Dhamangaon, Chandur, Badnera,Murtijapur, Akola, Shegaon, Malkapur, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Chalishgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Belapur, Ahmednagar, Daund, Kurduwadi, Pandharpur, Sangola, Mhasoba Dongargaon, Jath Road, Dhalgaon, Kavathe Mahankal, Salgar, Arag and Miraj. CR as requested the passengers to plan their journey in advance and take advantage of these special train services. For reservations, passengers may visit the nearest reservation centre or book online through the IRCTC website.
Entrepreneur
29-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Snabbit Raises USD 19 Mn Series B to Transform On-Demand Home Services
The Series B round was led by Lightspeed, with continued participation from Elevation Capital and Nexus Venture Partners. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Snabbit, the Mumbai-based on-demand home services startup, has raised USD 19 million in its Series B round, led by Lightspeed, with continued participation from Elevation Capital and Nexus Venture Partners. This fresh infusion comes just four months after Snabbit's USD 5.5 million Series A, underscoring strong investor conviction in the startup's breakout potential and its vision to revolutionize how Indian households access everyday services. The newly raised capital will be strategically deployed to expand Snabbit's operations from 10 to over 200 micro-markets in the next nine months. The company also plans to scale its workforce, investing heavily in team building and training, as it ramps up operations to meet rising demand. "At Snabbit, we're leading the biggest disruption in Indian consumer internet today, fundamentally changing how households access regular services," said Aayush Agarwal, Founder and CEO. "While ride-hailing transformed mobility and e-commerce reshaped fashion, regular home services remained largely undigitised. With Snabbit, we're solving for trust, quality, and speed — all at the tap of a button." Founded in 2024 by Aayush Agarwal, Snabbit is a quick-service app for home services, offering on-demand assistance for tasks like cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry. Users can book trained professionals by the hour, who arrive within 10–15 minutes, enabled by Snabbit's hyperlocal, tech-enabled infrastructure. Snabbit operates on a full-stack model, managing everything from sourcing and training experts to quality assurance and pricing. Its innovative time-based pricing and commitment to speed make it a daily utility for urban families. Snabbit is also reshaping the lives of service providers, many of whom are women from informal employment backgrounds. "They now have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, insurance, and steady incomes," said Aayush. "Once invisible and underpaid, they're now trained, trusted, and celebrated professionals." Rahul Taneja, Partner at Lightspeed, remarked, "Aayush and the team are building a platform that brings structure and dignity to a sector long ignored. We're proud to support this transformation." Suvir Sujan of Nexus Venture Partners and Manish Advani of Elevation Capital echoed similar optimism, praising Snabbit's scalable model and its ability to crack a complex, underserved market. With this new funding, Snabbit is well on its way to making trusted, high-quality home services a mainstream part of urban Indian life.
