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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Make in Hyderabad: Economic Times X Tracxn's top sectors and startups report to launch at the inaugural ET Soonicorns Sundowner
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills P0 sectors represent those with the highest number of active investors, indicating market maturity and validation. P1 sectors highlight those with high funding concentration despite a lower investor base, suggesting early conviction bets with outsized growth potential. Number of startups founded Total capital raised Number of funding rounds Number of unique investors Count of Soonicorns (valued near or above $1 billion) Count of Minicorns (valued between $100 million and $500 million) City-wise capital flows and sectoral funding distribution etspotlight@ Hyderabad's startup surge gets its definitive pulse check this month. On July 31, 2025, The Economic Times, in collaboration with data intelligence platform Tracxn, will unveil the much-anticipated 'ET Top Soonicorns and Minicorns X Top 10 Sectors AP-Telangana 2025' report at the inaugural ET Soonicorns Sundowner in be unveiled by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, the report marks the beginning of a new city-focused spin-off from India's largest congregation of soonicorns, the ET Soonicorns Summit. Now in its fourth edition, the summit extends its geographic footprint by turning the spotlight on undercelebrated innovation corridors, beginning with India's startup narrative typically tilts towards Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region), a silent revolution has been brewing in Telangana's capital. Between January 2020 and May 2025, Hyderabad alone accounted for over 2,500 startups, $2.1 billion in funding, and a staggering 99.7% of the region's total startup capital. The city has emerged as a complete startup ecosystem—from seed-stage ventures to scalable makes this report unique is its expansive and ecosystem-first methodology that maps not just valuation but capital flows, sectoral density, investor behaviour, and ecosystem architecture. Unlike last year's Soonicorn analysis, which was limited to private companies nearing unicorn status based solely on valuation and revenue, this year's report takes a more holistic report analyses startup formation, capital concentration, investor activity, and exit trends across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana using data sourced from Tracxn, one of India's leading data intelligence platforms. The study spans January 1, 2020 to May 20, 2025, a five-year window that allows us to gauge both momentum and sectoral isn't your typical ranking list. Powered by Tracxn's proprietary data, the report segments companies and sectors using a dual-priority framework:The report covers over 1500 companies across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, spanning data from January 1, 2020, to May 20, 2025. Key metrics include:This multi-dimensional lens reveals not just where capital is going, but also why, and what this means for AP and Telangana's long-term startup the P0 category, Healthcare Booking Platforms lead with $335.7 million in funding across just 20 rounds from 58 unique investors. That's an average of $16.8 million per round—an astonishing figure that signals deep market confidence in scalable health-tech on its heels is HRTech, which drew $311.7 million across 40 rounds from 43 investors. Notably, 155 new HRTech companies were founded in the region during this period, reflecting sustained entrepreneurial interest in solving workforce management and upskilling challenges.K-12 EdTech and Continued Learning together gave rise to over 370 startups, supported by over $97 million in funding and participation from more than 80 investors. This signals a competitive, vibrant, and still-nascent Online Grocery and Logistics Tech continue to anchor Hyderabad's strong e-commerce backbone. With over $63 million in combined funding, these sectors demonstrate a reliable blend of demand-driven scale and operational tech P0 sectors showcase the breadth of innovation emerging across India—ranging from agri-tech to assistive intelligence—P1 sectors reflect the depth of conviction driving sustained investment and strategic focus. These are the areas where founders, investors, and policymakers are placing their strongest bets, with sharper business models, deeper capital backing, and clearer policy alignment. The P1 distinction signals that these sectors are not just promising—they're pivotal to India's next big leap in the startup Electric Vehicles (EV) sector leads the P1 cohort with 50 funding rounds, $134.2 million in capital, five minicorns, and two soonicorns—all backed by only 30 investors. This suggests considerable maturity and scale and a decent degree of strategic investment with significant backing from the likes of Hyderabad Angels and Beauty Tech, with just 18 investors, still raised $260.4 million, driven largely by a mega round.* This translates to an average deal size of $16.3 million per funding round, making it the second highest across P0 and P1 cohorts and the highest in the P1 Lending secured $149.8 million from only 20 investors and produced two soonicorns.* This indicates a diverse and micro-focused fintech playbook with high-growth potential despite a lean investor NewSpace sector, though still niche, brought in $125.8 million from just 14 investors. One soonicorn has already emerged in this vertical, showcasing Hyderabad and AP's ambitions in India's next frontier—private space unveiling of this report at the ET Soonicorns Sundowner Hyderabad marks more than a data milestone. It represents a narrative shift. As Indian startups decentralise, understanding the true gravity centres beyond Bengaluru becomes year's ET Soonicorns Summit on 22 August 2025 in Bengaluru expands its focus with the launch of the ET Soonicorns Sundowner series. These intimate, city-specific gatherings aim to bring capital, policy, and founders together in India's rising tech stop: Hyderabad. On July 31, expect sharp panels, closed-door huddles, and the region's most data-rich startup report—all wrapped in one evening. And it all begins with the unveiling of this report by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, setting the tone for India's next wave of unicorn builders.*As per the current inclusion criteria, only companies with revenue reported as of March 2023 or March 2024 have been considered.360 One is the presenting partner of the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bond market awakening in 2025: India catching up with global capital flows
Advertorial (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ India's financial journey has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. Indian households, once heavily focused on fixed deposits, gold, and real estate, are now exploring a wider range of investment options. In recent years, equity markets have experienced growing acceptance, particularly with the rise of digital investment platforms and a corresponding increase in financial bonds are stepping into the spotlight as Indian investors begin to appreciate the benefits of fixed-income products in a well-rounded portfolio. India's bond market is massive, valued at over $2.6 trillion, and plays a vital role in supporting government and corporate funding. Yet, the market has remained heavily dominated by institutions such as banks, insurance firms, and mutual funds. While corporate bond issuance has been growing—crossing ₹7.3 lakh crore in FY24—most of this has come from A-rated companies via private India's corporate debt market may seem sizeable, it represents just 18% of the country's GDP — a stark contrast to over 100% in the US and 70–80% in East Asian economies. This highlights the significant headroom for growth. Investment-grade corporate bonds in India offer returns of up to 14% with tenures as short as six months, making them an attractive avenue for both institutional and retail investors. Deepening this market is not just vital for private sector financing but also critical to sustaining long-term economic growth. A more robust corporate bond market will be key to unlocking private capital expenditure — something India will need to scale if it aims to become an $8 trillion economy in the coming only does the corporate bond market have room for expansion, but it also has considerable potential for developing depth by attracting a broader investor base through increased public offerings, rather than relying solely on private placements. Currently, private placements made up over 99 percent of corporate bond deals last markets are deeply interlinked with interest rate movements. Higher interest rates in 2024 and tighter bank lending have prompted an increasing number of companies to seek funding through bond issuance. Still, 97% of these issuances fall into the top three credit rating categories: AAA, AA+, and AA. The credit rating concentration makes it difficult for smaller or lower-rated firms to raise funds in the market, limiting diversity and depth. Additionally, this also limits investor choices as high-yield investment-grade bond offerings with BBB ratings are implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has played a crucial role in enhancing investor confidence by reducing credit spreads, particularly for non-financial firms. A stronger resolution process can continue to build trust, making it easier for a broader range of issuers to private placement and institutional investors dominate the corporate bond market in India, retail participation is increasing as accessibility improves, and confidence grows. Retail involvement in the bond market is gaining traction, albeit slowly. The number of retail bond transactions jumped from 1.2 lakh to more than 7.5 lakh over the past three years. Less than 5% of individual investors are currently active in this space. In contrast, developed countries have seen strong retail involvement for the United States, over 2.5 million households invest directly in individual corporate bonds. In Europe and Japan, there is also a long-standing culture of individual participation in both government and corporate gap between India and the rest of the world is substantial, yet it also presents a significant opportunity for growth. With more than 19 crore demat account holders in India, even a modest increase in bond investing could significantly boost market liquidity, depth, and steps in the right direction include the rise of user-friendly SEBI-approved digital platforms like Jiraaf , simplified access to information about returns and credit risk, and smaller minimum investment investment journey of Indian households mirrors the country's broader economic development. Initially, real estate was the go-to asset, viewed as stable and tangible. Gold followed as a culturally significant store of value. In the 1990s and 2000s, equities gained traction, followed by mutual funds (equity-heavy), thanks in part to reforms, dematerialisation, and the rise of systematic investment plans (SIPs).Now, bonds are starting to earn their place. Young India, mainly comprising first-time investors, formed the base of the equity investment boom over the last five years. The first-time equity investors are experiencing their first extended market volatility, only to realise that it is not always upwards and onwards for the equity markets. This financially savvy investor base realised the importance of stability and is now turning to bonds to anchor their volatile equity offer predictable income and zero volatility compared to stocks, and a way to preserve capital while keeping pace with inflation. Bonds also carry relatively lower risk than most of the other asset classes, be it equity, real estate, or gold. With rising financial awareness, more Indians are exploring bonds not only for safety, but also for diversification and passive income. The heightened retail interest is expected to shape the next decade of bond investments in digital platforms like Jiraaf have facilitated this shift. They provide access to corporate and government bonds with details on the borrower, returns, maturity period, minimum investment amount, and credit rating. Jiraaf also recently launched Bond Analyzer , a first-of-its-kind tool in India for bonds. This comprehensive tool is designed to empower investors with deeper insights into the country's fastest-growing bond market. These tools are helping close the information gap that previously kept retail investors away from fixed-income the bond market is gaining momentum, several improvements are still necessary. First, financial education should continue to emphasise the role of bonds in diversified portfolios. Second, liquidity in the secondary market must improve to allow easier exits, even though bonds are not inherently designed for frequent buying and selling like stocks. Third, simplifying taxation for bond investments could increase their appeal. Finally, having a unified and streamlined infrastructure for transactions will help build investor progress so far is promising. More investors are recognising the value of bonds as a key component of long-term financial planning. With supportive policies, improved digital tools, and ongoing market reforms, India's bond market could follow a trajectory like that of equities two decades outdated perception of bonds as dull, low-return instruments meant only for retirees is quickly giving way to a more informed and enthusiastic outlook. Today, Indian investors across all life stages — from ambitious 30-year-olds to financially prudent retirees — are recognising the strategic value of bonds in delivering stable income, managing risk, and adding meaningful diversification to their portfolios. A thriving bond market encourages more balanced portfolios, supports business growth, and enhances the financial system's resilience. As more individuals engage with this asset class, India moves closer to matching the investment behaviors seen in mature global transformation is underway. Bonds are no longer in the background; they're becoming a central part of India's financial story. The rise of bond investing offers fresh opportunities to participate in and shape the next chapter of India's economic article is contributed by Vineet Agrawal, Co-founder, views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgment of the experts and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. The brand is solely liable for the correctness, reliability of the content and/or compliance of applicable laws. The above is non-editorial content and TIL does not guarantee, vouch or endorse any of it. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Plum perfect: Beauty that speaks to the soul
Advertorial Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ Plum was founded on a simple belief: the beauty industry deserved honesty, transparency, and kindness to both people and the planet. As India's first 100% vegan beauty brand, Plum began its journey in 2013 with a simple yet revolutionary idea: beauty should not compromise on kindness. Since then, Plum has carved a unique niche by being a brand with a heart, soul, and was founded by Shankar Prasad, who transitioned from chemical engineering to entrepreneurship after noticing a gap in the Indian beauty market during his global travels. He realised there were very few beauty brands that combined scientific efficacy with sustainable practices. Driven by his passion, Prasad created Plum, a brand that cared for both people and the planet. From its inception, Plum has maintained its commitment to sustainability, using recyclable packaging and creating cruelty-free, vegan products. Their 'Empties4Good' initiative rewards customers for returning empty Plum containers, reinforcing their eco-conscious with 15 sustainable, toxin-free products, Plum quickly gained consumer trust, now serving over half a million customers monthly. Transitioning from online to offline, it has a presence in 350+ towns and cities through exclusive outlets and retail partnerships, such as Nykaa. Plum has expanded beyond skincare to include haircare, body products, and makeup, creating an all-encompassing beauty experience that resonates with customers' everyday Plum launched its 'We have Chemistry' campaign, which spotlights both its scientific formulations and the emotional connection it shares with consumers, endearingly called #Plumsters. Founder Shankar Prasad explains, "We offer science, but our consumers provide the faith. Together, we share something truly special." This campaign reinforces Plum's philosophy of celebrating skincare rituals that foster deeper connections between the brand and its brand strategy is a contemporary example of smart customer engagement, driven by a deep understanding of consumer needs. The brand continually refines its offerings based on customer feedback, ensuring its products evolve with the changing expectations of its audience. Plum emphasises building a sense of community by encouraging user-generated content, allowing customers to share their personal experiences and become brand advocates. Influencer collaborations span diverse niches, from beauty enthusiasts to sustainability advocates. About 70% of its efforts focus on brand awareness, while the remaining resources target specific product or marketplace campaigns. This strategic blend of UGC, targeted influencer partnerships, and data-driven marketing enables Plum to engage deeply with consumers, fostering long-lasting loyalty while continuously attracting new Plum continues to innovate and grow, it remains dedicated to delivering beauty that aligns with personal values. In a world filled with choices, Plum stands out as a trusted brand for those seeking products that reflect their beliefs. With its authentic approach, commitment to sustainability, and effective formulations; Plum is more than just a beauty brand, it is advancing a movement in ethical beauty.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Top leaders converge at the 2025 Spiritual & Wellness Summit as MP charts its path to global wellness leadership
Advertorial Ujjain hosted the Spiritual & Wellness Summit, showcasing Madhya Pradesh's ambition to become a global hub for holistic health and spiritual tourism. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the state's commitment to wellness, infrastructure development, and leveraging traditional knowledge. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ Ujjain hosted the Spiritual & Wellness Summit on June 5, signalling Madhya Pradesh's ambition to become a global hub for holistic health and spiritual tourism. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasised the state's commitment to wellness, infrastructure, and leveraging traditional historic city of Ujjain emerged as the heart of a transformative dialogue on June 5 as it hosted the Spiritual & Wellness Summit, drawing spiritual leaders, wellness experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the country. The event marked a significant milestone in Madhya Pradesh's ambitious push to establish itself as a global centre for holistic health, spiritual tourism, and sustainable Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the summit and was felicitated by spiritual leader Chidanand Saraswati. In his keynote address, Yadav described Madhya Pradesh as a 'land of immense possibility' and reiterated the state's commitment to supporting real, on-ground impact in wellness, spirituality, and infrastructure. He highlighted major policy initiatives, such as offering subsidised land for medical institutions and encouraging private partnerships to foster a thriving wellness in the day, senior officials set the tone for the summit. Principal Secretary Raghwendra Kumar Singh underscored Ujjain's deep spiritual legacy and natural geography, over one-third of the state is covered in forests, as vital assets for wellness Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary and MD of MP Tourism Board, outlined Madhya Pradesh's roadmap to becoming a top-tier destination for health and spiritual travel, citing its unmatched heritage sites, forested terrain, and sustainable tourism of the highlights of the summit was the panel discussion on 'Ideating the Partnership Model', which brought together government officials, Ayurveda experts, and private wellness explored how public-private synergies could unlock the state's potential in traditional medicine, yoga tourism, and holistic infrastructure. Roshan Kumar Singh, Collector of Ujjain, spoke about aligning Simhastha 2028 with global wellness goals, envisioning the next Kumbh as a spiritual event that would yield economic and health key session on 'Building Wellness Ecosystem & Workforce' focused on skill development and capacity building, with contributions from experts across academia, fitness, and alternative medicine on World Environment Day and Ganga Dussehra, the summit celebrated Ujjain not just as a spiritual city, but as a modern wellness capital. In line with the state's vision, Madhya Pradesh is now being positioned as the 'cleanest, greenest, and safest' state, poised to champion a new era of conscious and holistic living in India and beyond.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ujjain to host Spiritual & Wellness Summit, showcasing India's holistic future
Advertorial Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ The revered city of Ujjain, nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is poised to become the epicentre of a transformative dialogue on June 5 as it hosts the Spiritual & Wellness Summit. Designed as a confluence of ancient traditions and contemporary health paradigms, the summit will be attended by renowned spiritual leaders, wellness practitioners, Ayurveda experts, yoga masters, mental health professionals, sustainability advocates, and summit will be inaugurated in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, whose keynote address will reflect on Ujjain's spiritual legacy and its emergence as a modern-day nucleus for yoga, Ayurveda, and meditative day's agenda will be anchored by compelling panel discussions that aim to bridge time-honoured wisdom and modern wellness. One of the cornerstone dialogues, titled 'Ideating The Partnership Model', will bring together thought leaders such as Raghwendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, DIPIP; Mukund Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group; Swami Chaittanya Hari, Founder of Yoga Nisarga undefined Dr. Ramesh Varier, MD, AVN Group; and Dr. Megha KL, Lead, Strategic Projects, Apollo AyurVAID. The conversation will focus on evolving collaborative frameworks that harmonise traditional health systems with contemporary wellness key highlight will be the session on 'Building Wellness Ecosystem undefined Dheeresh Khare, President, CREDAI Madhya Pradesh; Mona Walia, Vice President, Kairali Ayurvedic Group; Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore; Vijay Thakkar, celebrity fitness and wellness expert; and Shubham Agnihotri, Co-founder & Vice Chairman, Taiwan India Ayurveda sessions will dive deep into the integration of spirituality with mental health, sustainable living, and holistic wellness ecosystems, shaping a shared vision for individual and collective policymakers and wellness innovators gather in Ujjain, the summit not only underscores the city's evolving identity as a spiritual and wellness destination, but also reinforces India's broader commitment to holistic, inclusive, and sustainable health. This landmark event is expected to catalyse new partnerships, ignite transformative ideas, and carve a future where tradition and innovation walk hand-in-hand on the path to well-being.
