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Venture Catalysts, an early stage investment platform, on Tuesday said it has taken a full exit from hygiene and wellness brand Pee Safe, recording a 9.6X return on invested capital.
The VC firm saw an extended internal rate of return (XIRR) of 30.53% for the fund. This means that the investment grew investors’ money at about 30.53% per year, on average. Venture Catalysts first backed Pee Safe in August 2017.
ICYMI: Two edtech platforms, upGrad and Unacademy, that began their journeys targeting different categories of learners are joining forces. YourStory looks at what the merger would mean for the companies and the larger sector.
Elsewhere, a crewless Russian fuel tanker is reportedly drifting between Italy and Malta for four days after an alleged drone attack, prompting authorities to issue warning to mariners to steer clear of the tanker, CNN reports. The fuel, if it leaks, could lead to environmental damage and even cause wildfires.
Lastly, from implementing a four-day workweek to urging people to wear short sleeve shirts to reduce air-conditioner use, here’s how governments across Asia are dealing with fuel shortage.
In today’s newsletter, we will talk about
Here’s your trivia for today: What is the smallest country in South America?
At SheSparks 2026, Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director of ITDC, said she believes tourism is a democratic force with extraordinary leverage. Globally, the sector employs 40% women, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Within her own organisation, ITDC, 34% of senior leadership positions are held by women. The Ashok Hotel, the 70-year-old jewel in ITDC's portfolio, has 52% of its hospitality workforce made up of women. Its General Manager is a woman.
Key takeaways:
<Funding alert>
Startup: Ultrahuman
Amount: Rs 400 Cr
Round: Series C
Startup: Ecofy
Amount: Rs 380 Cr
Round: Undisclosed
Startup: BambooBox
Amount: $6.6M
Round: Undisclosed
In the global race to build military AI, data has become the most valuable weapon. For superiority in modern warfare is increasingly measured in algorithms, not just in missiles or manpower.
“Whoever owns the data has an edge in AI right now,” says Neeta Trivedi, Co-founder and CEO of defencetech startup Inferigence Quotient and a former scientist at Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), where she spent 28 years.
Tech savvy:
GCCs (global capability centres) in India have become integral to the strategy of global enterprises. And partnerships play a key role in their successful establishment and evolution. This is where leading IT services company Cognizant comes in.
In an email interview with EnterpriseStory, Sailaja Josyula - SVP, Global Head – GCC Service Line, Cognizant, said, “Cognizant partners with enterprises across the entire GCC lifecycle from strategy and initial setup to scaling and long-term transformation.”
Forging ahead:
News & updates
What is the smallest country in South America?
Answer: Suriname
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