We’re nearing the weekend! So, today’s about pausing, reflecting, and sharpening your edge.
But before we start, here’s a dose of positivity for you:
‘When you stop to think, you start to grow.’
Now, let’s get started with the BUSINESS UPDATES…
📌 OnePlus launches 13 series
OnePlus, once celebrated for its “flagship killer” phones, has faced criticism in recent years due to software glitches, misleading marketing, and hardware issues. With the launch of the OnePlus 13 series, the company is striving to restore its reputation.
Key highlights include a 180-day phone replacement plan, covering everything from screen to motherboard damage, and a lifetime warranty for green line display issues. This initiative, part of the larger Project Starlight (a ₹6,000 crore investment in India), aims to improve customer experience through expanded service centers and India-focused features.
The OnePlus 13 series boasts top-tier hardware, including LTPO displays, Qualcomm chips, and 6000 mAh batteries, with prices starting at ₹69,999 for the 13 and ₹42,999 for the 13R.
📌 Beyond Snack raises $8.3 million
The banana chips maker has raised $8.3 million in a Series A funding round led by 12 Flags Group, founded by former Reckitt Benckiser CEO Rakesh Kapoor. Other participants included Japanese VC firm Enrission India Capital, along with existing investors NAB Ventures and Faad Network.
The funds will be used for territorial expansion, product innovation, and strengthening supply chain infrastructure. Founder Manas Madhu emphasized the goal of bringing Beyond Snack’s unique banana chips to more consumers nationwide.
Founded in 2020, the startup gained prominence after appearing on Shark Tank India Season 1, securing investments from Ashneer Grover and Aman Gupta.
📌 Swiggy's share price surges 6% despite a sluggish market
The stock opened at ₹505.65, peaked at ₹520.70, and traded 4.22% higher at ₹511.35 around 11:30 AM, even as the Sensex fell 0.50%.
The rise followed media reports of global financial firm Bernstein initiating coverage with an "outperform" rating and a target price of ₹635, suggesting a 25% upside.
📌 HSBC revises Bharat markets rating to 'neutral'
HSBC has downgraded Indian equities from 'Overweight' to 'Neutral,' citing high valuations and slowing growth momentum. The brokerage lowered its Sensex target for end-2025 to 85,990, representing a 10.03% upside from the current level of 78,148.
Key factors behind the downgrade include:
A 12% decline in the FTSE India Index since its September 2024 peak, driven by global and domestic cyclical challenges.
Stalled earnings growth due to high earnings multiples and market recalibration.
Sector-specific struggles:
Banking: Credit demand weakened, and margins were squeezed by competitive deposit rates.
Tech: Sluggish overseas demand.
Manufacturing: Awaiting government capital expenditure recovery.
Despite near-term challenges, HSBC highlights India’s long-term strengths, including a young population, growing consumer base, infrastructure investments, and resilience to global uncertainties.
Foreign fund outflows of $12 billion since September 2024 contrast with robust domestic investor demand, providing some market stability. Monetary easing, including expected repo rate cuts, may offer future support.
HSBC remains optimistic about other Asian markets, upgrading China, Hong Kong, and South Korea while maintaining a cautious outlook on Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore.
STARTUP NEWS
📌 Swiggy launches new app ‘Pyng’
Swiggy has launched two new standalone apps, marking a shift from its previous super-app strategy. Hours after debuting Snacc, a 10-minute food delivery app, Swiggy introduced Pyng, a professional services marketplace. Pyng connects users with experts in various fields, including career coaching, legal advice, finance, nutrition, yoga, and design.
Currently, only the business partner-side app, Pyng Professional, is available, allowing prospective service providers to register by submitting their details. This move contrasts Swiggy's earlier approach of integrating services like Instamart, Scenes, Dineout, and Bolt within its main app.
⚠️ HOLD ON
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So, that’s it from me today!
See ya 👋