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Consumer Houseware startup, Basil raises INR 3.6 crore seed funding from IIMA Ventures and Appreciate Capital

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Basil aims to reimagine homeware & kitchenware for Millennials and Gen AlphaLaunches food storage and hydration categories with its range of Bento Boxes and Bottles targeting urban parents.To utilize the funds to bolster its direct-to-consumer (D2C) play, expand reach via e-commerce channels and expand product portfolio.

BANGALORE, India, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bangalore-based, Consumer Houseware startup, Basil today announced that it has raised INR 3.6 crore seed funding co-led by IIMA Ventures (formerly IIMA-CIIE) and Appreciate Capital. The round also saw participation from prominent angel investors such as Mohit Sadaani (Co-Founder, The Moms Co.), Aprameya Radhakrishna (Co-Founder, Koo), Abhishek Goyal (Co-Founder, Tracxn), Malini Adapureddy (Founder, Deconstruct) and Brij Bhushan (Co-Founder, Magicpin). In its first phase of scale, Basil has launched stainless steel bento boxes and bottles catering to the sensibilities of millennial parents and Gen Alpha. The funds raised will be used to bolster its D2C play, expand reach via e-commerce channels and expand product portfolio.

According to Datum Intelligence, the Indian Consumer Houseware Market is set to cross ₹507 Billion by 2027. Within the Houseware market, categories such as lunchboxes, drinkware, storage containers and insulated products, contribute to 22% of the overall market share. With the evolving lifestyle of Indians, high degree of urbanization, proliferation of nuclear families and technological advancement, India is witnessing a major shift in the houseware industry. This is especially evident for young working couples and parents in the urban setting. This lifestyle evolution offers a massive white space for Basil to bring product differentiation and tap into the changing needs of its target consumers.

Founded by Harini Rajagopalan (Ex Amazon, Flipkart group) and Mahesh Muraleedharan (launched Uber in India as their first employee) in 2023, Basil is a first-of-its kind D2C startup aiming to reimagine the consumer houseware market in India that is typically dominated by a handful of traditional players. The firm’s range of products aims to cut away from the product designs that currently exist in the market. It offers consumers distinct, high-quality, visually appealing, and tailored products that are particularly appealing to Gen Alpha and their millennial parents. Basil’s water bottles and Bento boxes represent a strategic response to a significant market gap that exists in the industry.

Announcing the fund raise, Harini Rajagopalan, Co-founder of Basil said “In an era dominated by contemporary brands, the home and kitchen sector remains surprisingly resistant to innovation, still dominated by entrenched incumbents. As parents ourselves, we realised there is a definite need for innovation and design in this category, validated by our on ground research of talking to over 900 parents. Products that are currently in the market are a sea of sameness, with minimal overlap across functional design, aesthetics as well as safety. Our mission is to disrupt this overlooked space, infusing it with breakthrough designs based on market needs, premium materials, functional designs and aesthetic appeal. With our launch product range of stainless steel leak proof bentos and water bottles, we aim to emerge as the preferred choice for Indian parents seeking the best for their children and at the same time, be seen as a fun, cool, engaging & aspirational brand for kids.”

With this round of funding, Basil will deploy 30% of the capital into R&D to develop a nuanced view of market requirements, product design iterations so that they can clear the clutter to launch sought-after products. Basil’s products are currently available pan-India on their D2C platform – www.yourbasil.com as well as on marketplaces such as Amazon. In the next 12 months, it will expand its product categories launching lunch bags for kids and a newer range of bento boxes customized for working professionals. 

“Driven by urbanization and premiumization, the Indian home and kitchen market is witnessing a surge in online demand for branded products. As kitchens become central features of homes, Basil, led by Harini and Mahesh, is strategically positioned to innovate and tap into this trend. We are thrilled to co-lead Basil’s seed round, confident their modern approach will resonate with the preferences of the Indian audience.” – Vipul Patel (Partner, Seed Investing at IIMA Ventures).

“The kitchen and home sector has seen minimal innovation for over a decade. The Indian consumer, actively seeking both functionality and aesthetics, is no longer served by incumbent and traditional brands. This is the massive opportunity we believe Harini and Mahesh are a great team to build for. We are delighted to partner with them and co-lead the round from Appreciate Capital.” – Sairee Chahal & Abhishek Agarwal (Partners, Appreciate Capital).

About Harini Rajagopalan – Cofounder, Basil

Harini has over a decade of experience in the consumer internet space with stints at eCommerce giants such as Amazon and Flipkart. At Amazon, Harini led the product and marketing efforts for Amazon Deals, focusing on personalization and orchestrating large-scale events like the Great Indian Festival. While at Flipkart, she spearheaded the launch of multiple categories, from ebooks to large appliances, showcasing her expertise in product management, brand management, and business leadership. Harini began her career at Johnson and Johnson, where she pioneered initiatives like the Clean & Clear Times Fresh Face and contributed to launching the Clean & Clear fairness portfolio in India. Harini is an alumna of INSEAD.

About Mahesh Muraleedharan – Cofounder, Basil

With over a decade of experience, Mahesh Muraleedharan, comes with a diverse background encompassing experiences in Indian e-commerce, ridesharing, VC investing, and management consulting, He has been instrumental in launching and scaling early-stage operations for high-growth startups, including three unicorns—Uber, Rapyd, and OYO. Mahesh was the first hire for Uber in India, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s launch and exponential growth to one million trips per day. His leadership extends to navigating complex legal, regulatory, and technological landscapes, demonstrated by his contributions to setting up multiple core businesses from scratch. Mahesh is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad.

About IIMA Ventures

IIMA Ventures spearheads entrepreneurship-led activities at and beyond IIM Ahmedabad. It studies, educates, incubates, accelerates and invests in early-stage technology startups. Over its history, IIMA Ventures has mentored over 5000 entrepreneurs, accelerated over 2000 startups and invested in 350+ companies at seed stage and 40+ companies at early growth stage, securing more than 40 profitable exits. IIMA Ventures’ consumer investments include Jollee (children’s wear), Heelium (activewear), Bombay Hemp Company (wellness), Qlan, Mech Mocha, Rolocule and Hashcube (gaming). 

About Appreciate Capital 

Appreciate Capital is a gender smart, world positive companies focussed pre-seed / seed fund founded by Abhishek Agarwal and Sairee Chahal. Investor in companies like Basil, Aulerth, Teleport, Samosa Party – among others, Appreciate brings to its portfolio founders – deep building/ operating experience to the table along with its extensive network in India and globally. Over fifty percent of Appreciate cheques go to women founders / women markets.

 

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IronNet Inc. and Asterion Partner to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Counter-UAS Defense Solutions

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WASHINGTON and MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IronNet, the AI-based collective defense cybersecurity company, and Asterion, a leader in counter-UAS technology, announced today at the Bahrain International Airshow a partnership on the protection of critical infrastructure through the integration of AI-based cybersecurity and counter-UAS solutions.

This collaboration addresses the growing need for comprehensive and integrated defense strategies, representing a significant milestone in the evolution of air and space security. To enhance defense capabilities against unauthorized and hostile drones, the partnership integrates IronNet’s IronDome solution with Asterion’s advanced counter-UAS technology, delivering a layered defense framework that strengthens the protection of critical infrastructure, urban environments, and national borders.

The partnership integrates IronNet’s “IronDome” real-time cyber threat detection and coordinated response with Asterion’s drone detection and tracking systems, protecting airspace and critical assets from potential threats.

The methodology employs artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensor networks to analyze patterns and anomalies across a broad range of data sources. The result is a more robust and proactive defense system capable of identifying and mitigating threats before they can cause significant damage.

“Our partnership with Asterion represents a paradigm shift in how we approach critical infrastructure protection,” said Linda Zecher, CEO of IronNet. “By embracing the convergence of cyber and aerial threat detection and defense, governments and organizations can ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure and national interests.”

“Together we’re creating a solution that addresses the multi-dimensional threats facing our clients today, including those originating from both ground, air and space-based sources,” said Andreas Mustert, Asterion Founder and CTO

About IronNet 

Founded in 2014, IronNet combines cutting-edge cybersecurity technology with exceptional expertise to deliver advanced, real-time defense solutions for organizations across the private and public sectors worldwide. Leveraging a team of top-tier cybersecurity specialists from industry, government, and academia, IronNet is dedicated to protecting enterprises, critical infrastructure, and nations against highly organized and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With its industry-leading products and innovative approach, IronNet empowers clients to stay ahead of evolving cyber adversaries.

About Asterion 

A team of sensor, wireless IP and aircraft design specialists, all with outstanding track-records in their fields, have gathered in Asterion to follow a vision of creating a system of a fully networked early risk detection and game changing, collateral damage avoiding, protection of both local high-risk assets as well as long range border crossing threats, through groundbreaking efficiency and EW protected wireless communications. Rather than considering current risks, contemplating any conceivable future countermeasures is an important part of Asterion’s mission.

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Laconic and the Plurinational State of Bolivia announce landmark 5 Billion USD Sovereign Carbon Transaction

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CHICAGO and LA PAZ, Bolivia, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Laconic Infrastructure Partners Inc. (Laconic), announced today that it has been mandated by the Plurinational State of Bolivia to utilize its SADAR™ Natural Capital Monetization (NCM) platform to provide technology transfer in support of Bolivia’s capacity building initiatives as it seeks to finance the enhanced ambition set forth in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

By using Laconic’s first-of-its-kind carbon securitization platform, multiple large-scale environmental data streams will be aggregated to monetize up to 5BN USD of Bolivia’s present & future carbon stocks in the world’s first Article 6 compliant benchmark Sovereign Carbon sale.

“The Plurinational State of Bolivia is committed to completely ending deforestation within our territorial borders by 2030”, said Marcelo Montenegro Gomez Garcia, Minister of Economy & Public Finance. “By working with Laconic, we have been able, for the first time, to generate sufficient development financing to enable our country to make this commitment a reality and enhancing our ambition under the Paris Agreement. This benefits not only our own citizens, but all of mankind, as we collectively strive to meet NetZero 2050.”

By creating its unique Sovereign Carbon product, Laconic has revolutionized financial intermediation in the global carbon market by allowing carbon to be traded as a true financial asset for the first time. This capability allows governments to efficiently monetize their natural capital assets by issuing bona fide securities to institutional buyers at scale globally.

The Sovereign Carbon market is the only mechanism capable of generating the 1 Trillion USD of carbon trading required annually for mankind to achieve its collective NetZero pledge.

Laconic’s unique technology platform, SADAR™, works continuously to manage the data streams which the Sovereign Carbon product requires – ensuring compliance with the not only the Paris Agreement itself, but all applicable local and regional regulatory authorities governing the carbon market. Governments rely on Laconic to ensure seamless compliance with their treaty commitments, allowing them to focus on further enhancing their NDC ambitions and accelerating the pace of global decarbonization.

“Laconic is honored to be working with the Plurinational State of Bolivia to champion the innovative Sovereign Carbon market”, said Andrew Gilmour, CEO of Laconic. “This transaction demonstrates the power of technology to drive change in emerging markets finance, as, for the first time, we are able to collectively harness market forces to generate more economic growth from the preservation of natural capital assets than from the exploitation of them. Put simply – our technology has made it possible to make more money preserving your forests than you can by cutting them down.”

About Laconic
Laconic delivers accurate environmental intelligence, data management tools, and geospatially-fused insights that enable governments, corporations, and financial institutions to engage fairly in data interchange activities that facilitate open and compliant capital markets activity in carbon-linked instruments.

Founded in 2021, the company is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Toronto, London, and Singapore.

For more information, please visit www.laconicglobal.com.

Laconic and SADAR (Sentient All-Domain Augmented Response), LUEI, and LUCID are trademarks or registered trademarks of Laconic Infrastructure Partners Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Media contacts:
Laconic
Brant Pinvidic
brant.pinvidic@laconicglobal.com

Elke Heiss
Elke.heiss@laconicglobal.com

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Kyndryl Unveils Dedicated AI Private Cloud in Japan to Accelerate Customer Deployment of AI Services

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Kyndryl AI private cloud supports customer testing and adoption using the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA

Private AI cloud is also available to Japanese academic institutions for AI research and innovation

TOKYO, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, today launched a dedicated AI private cloud designed to enable AI innovation in Japan. Supported by a collaboration with Dell Technologies using the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, Kyndryl is establishing a controlled, security-rich and sovereign cloud where organizations can develop, test and implement AI services that expand their ability to compete and accelerate business performance.

Kyndryl’s new AI private cloud in Japan will help financial institutions, insurance providers, manufacturers, retail companies, and academics to confidently design and prepare to deploy innovative AI-powered solutions.

Under the collaboration, Kyndryl is establishing a Kyndryl Vital AI Lab capability that will leverage the AI-powered open integration digital business platform, Kyndryl Bridge, to support end-to-end AI applications and solution development on the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform. Kyndryl experts will assist with envisioning and co-creating solutions that harness the benefits of generative AI and large language models to drive innovation and achieve business objectives. Kyndryl also will apply the domain and industry expertise of Kyndryl Consult to advance customers’ ability to create, verify and deliver AI at scale.

“Organizations want to explore and understand how AI and generative AI can enhance and accelerate their business and technology transformation initiatives. They need a reliable and scalable environment with advanced security capabilities where they can develop, test and refine new solutions,” said Jonathan Ingram, President, Kyndryl Japan. “Our new AI private cloud with the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA will provide a stable and trusted space where customers and Japanese academic institutions can confidently and privately design new applications and solutions, with support for their security, sovereignty, and data residency requirements.”

Customers using the AI private cloud environment also can access Kyndryl’s decades of experience supporting and managing mission critical applications and systems. The collaboration also will leverage Kyndryl’s ongoing work with NVIDIA that is focused on driving the development, implementation and use of solutions that deliver AI-powered insights and business outcomes.

“The Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA integrates Dell’s leading AI portfolio with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, providing Kyndryl customers the option to procure an end-to-end, pre-validated, full stack infrastructure,” said Kyle Dufresne, SVP, AI solutions sales, Dell Technologies. “With this collaboration, Kyndryl customers can get started on a wide range of AI and generative AI use cases that require security and performance, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), model training, and inferencing.”

“Enterprises need next-gen expertise and skills to drive innovation within their businesses and tackle today’s AI challenges,” said Bob Pette, Vice President of Enterprise Platforms, NVIDIA. “The combination of Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA and Kyndryl’s infrastructure services experience will provide the technical foundation and know-how that organizations require to develop and deploy AI at scale.”

Kyndryl will support a variety of customer use cases via its AI private cloud and plans to explore ways the environment can be optimized to enable efficient workload orchestration and workload placement, along with examining how it can enable fractional GPU capabilities to support more granular control over computing resources. 

To accelerate customer adoption and implementation of generative AI solutions Kyndryl also plans to leverage NVIDIA NeMo, NVIDIA NeMo Retriever and NVIDIA NIM microservices, all part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise platform for the development and deployment of production-grade generative AI applications. This will advance customers’ ability to transform the build, operation and scale-out of an AI factory, leveraging AI integrations across the NVIDIA stack for smooth performance of the AI private cloud.

Through Kyndryl’s new dedicated private AI cloud service, customers can tap into a wealth of expertise crucial to their adoption of AI at scale, with support for their data security, sovereignty, and residency requirements.

Learn more about Kyndryl’s collaborations with Dell and NVIDIA.

About Kyndryl
Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, serving thousands of enterprise customers in more than 60 countries. The company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex, mission-critical information systems that the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements often contain words such as “will,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “plan,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “outlook” and other similar words or expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereon. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements representing management’s beliefs about future events, transactions, strategies, operations and financial results, may be forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and speak only as of the date of this press release and the Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements. Actual outcomes or results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Kyndryl Press Contact
press@kyndryl.com 

 

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