Ranju Sarkar

Stories by Ranju Sarkar

Ratan Tata's start-up scorecard: 41 hits, 2 misses

Ratan Tata's start-up scorecard: 41 hits, 2 misses

Rediff.com   7 Jun 2019

These start-ups include high-growth companies such as Ola, Paytm, Lenskart, UrbanClap and Urban Ladder. Nearly half of these have gone on to raise follow-on funding, a key measure of success for start-ups. A few have become unicorns, the term for start-ups valued at $1 billion or more.

Why investors are putting their money on venture debt

Why investors are putting their money on venture debt

Rediff.com   27 May 2019

In 2018, venture debt providers cumulatively deployed Rs 1,300 crore. This year, the market is expected to absorb venture debt of Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore. So what makes this asset class so attractive?

With $150 mn funding, BigBasket is the latest unicorn

With $150 mn funding, BigBasket is the latest unicorn

Rediff.com   7 May 2019

Bigbasket's founder V S Sudhakar said his company was reengineering its supply chain to allow for faster delivery to its resellers and to reduce the time from farm to customer.

SoftBank on prowl to woo 'future stars'

SoftBank on prowl to woo 'future stars'

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2019

Keen to back start-ups while they are half-unicorns, SoftBank plans to invest $100 million in a firm with $500-million valuation.

Why angel investors have turned cautious

Why angel investors have turned cautious

Rediff.com   31 Jan 2019

The 'angel tax' and notices to start-ups and angel investors from the income tax department was certainly a dampener. However, a bigger factor is the lack of exits.

As big funds vanish, start-ups stare at M&A for survival

As big funds vanish, start-ups stare at M&A for survival

Rediff.com   9 Mar 2018

Experts argue that the top two players in each category will receive funding sooner or later, but for laggards, the market is still challenging

'For every house built, three to five jobs are created'

'For every house built, three to five jobs are created'

Rediff.com   3 Mar 2018

In an email interview with Ranju Sarkar, International Finance Corporation's South Asia director Mengistu Alemayehu explains why the firm is bullish on building affordable homes in India.

Why top angel investors are going slow on funding start-ups

Why top angel investors are going slow on funding start-ups

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2018

Few angels have seen exits; till that happens, they won't be rushing to invest again.

Analjit Singh to raise Rs 2,000 cr for boutique hotels & vineyards

Analjit Singh to raise Rs 2,000 cr for boutique hotels & vineyards

Rediff.com   24 Jan 2018

Four years after setting up a "home away from home" in the Franschhoek winelands of Cape Town, he is increasing his investments in the hospitality sector in South Africa.

How students can pick the right college course for their career

How students can pick the right college course for their career

Rediff.com   2 Jan 2018

Univariety offers career guidance that is rooted in the real world.

The march of the millennial food brands

The march of the millennial food brands

Rediff.com   26 Nov 2017

Start-ups line up food street with new-age menu.

Consumer firms catch the fancy of venture capitalists

Consumer firms catch the fancy of venture capitalists

Rediff.com   15 Nov 2017

As consumers in India seek variety and innovative products, there's a lot of interest among investors for healthier products.

6 million reasons why you should know this cancer scientist

6 million reasons why you should know this cancer scientist

Rediff.com   27 Sep 2017

Dr Manjiri Bakre's OncoStem is revolutionising breast cancer treatment. And has raised $6 million to do more!

This start-up can help the next 100 million loan seekers

This start-up can help the next 100 million loan seekers

Rediff.com   22 Sep 2017

Credit Vidya helps lenders assess credit and fraud risk for thin-file and new-to-credit customers.

Step aside, Siri & Alexa: Liv.Ai understands Indians

Step aside, Siri & Alexa: Liv.Ai understands Indians

Rediff.com   6 Sep 2017

Liv.Ai makes speech recognition software that allows people to transact in their native languages.

Sebi lens on angels could lead to crowdfunding rules

Sebi lens on angels could lead to crowdfunding rules

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2017

Sebi wants angel networks to follow public and private placement norms

Byju's, Ola, Flipkart: One Chinese company is investing millions in them!

Byju's, Ola, Flipkart: One Chinese company is investing millions in them!

Rediff.com   8 Aug 2017

Tencent reinforces India's consumer internet story. Ranju Sarkar reports.

Why India loves a one-stop beauty store

Why India loves a one-stop beauty store

Rediff.com   5 Jul 2017

Right marketing and product strategy have helped Falguni Nayar build a beauty retail business.

A time of curiosity for exciting brands

A time of curiosity for exciting brands

Rediff.com   23 Jun 2017

As the funnel of good-quality early-stage companies are built, mid-stage and growth capital always follows, says Fireside Ventures founder Kanwaljit Singh.

Worst over, funding crunch eases for start-ups

Worst over, funding crunch eases for start-ups

Rediff.com   22 Jun 2017

There were fewer Series-B deals this year versus last, but more money was raised