Archive: November 23, 2022

Sennheiser brings Neumann TLM 102 diaphragm microphone available in white color variant

Indial,  November 2022: German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin today made the Neumann TLM 102 diaphragm microphone available in a white color variant in the Indian market. The White Edition comes as a studio set including an EA 4 shock mount that matches the microphone’s glossy white finish. The TLM 102 White Edition is a limited run of 1000 – with its timeless elegance, it is the ideal microphone for all those who love a clean, purist look.

The TLM 102 White edition brings Neumann quality to even the smallest studio. The TLM 102 white combines technical excellence with a beautifully balanced sound for silky vocals, crisp guitars, and powerful drums. With its cardioid pattern and an integrated pop screen, the TLM 102 is a joy to use, even for novices

THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO THE NEUMANN SOUND

The TLM 102 White is Neumann’s most affordable large diaphragm condenser microphone. And, of course, it is a true Neumann, designed and manufactured in Germany with great attention to every detail. Compared to more expensive Neumann microphones, the TLM 102 is reduced in size and features, but Neumann would never compromise on sound quality. Despite its affordable price, the TLM 102 has a very attractive look with a gleaming chrome ring between a classic tapered head grille and the famous Neumann diamond.

SMART LOOKS – SMART ENGINEERING

The TLM 102 sounds as smart as it looks! Its newly developed large diaphragm condenser capsule has all the qualities that made Neumann microphones the first choice in recording studios all over the world: a clear and focused sound with superb definition. Due to its remarkably linear response across the entire midrange, the TLM 102 is able to capture the authentic character of any voice or instrument, enhanced by a slight lift around 10 kHz for silky highs. The TLM 102 has a gorgeous bottom end, too, enriched by the well-controlled proximity effect of a large diaphragm cardioid capsule. A joy for every singer!

The TLM 102’s technical performance is impressive, too. Its self-noise of only 12 dB-A is much lower than the ambient noise in even a very quiet room. At the same time, the TLM 102 is capable of handling extreme sound pressure levels of up to 144 dB free from distortion. As a member of the TLM range, the TLM 102 is equipped with a transformerless output stage, which means: powerful bass, even at the highest signal levels, and a very direct sound without transmission losses.

BIG SOUND FOR SMALL STUDIOS

Due to its enormous dynamic range of 132 dB and a remarkably uniform cardioid pickup pattern, the TLM 102 is a very easy-to-use microphone for home and project studios, and also for demanding live applications. Its uncolored sound and fast transient response make the TLM 102 an excellent choice for male and female vocals as well as a wide range of instruments, such as acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar and double bass, drums, percussion, brass, and saxophone. The TLM 102 is a true workhorse for any small studio.

FEATURES:

• High-precision drivers, Mathematically Modelled Dispersion™ (MMD™) waveguide
• Linear frequency response 39 Hz … 21 kHz (±3 dB)
• Linear phase response 105 Hz … 16 kHz (± 45°) with latency < 2,6 ms
• DSP engine allows for room adaptive calibration via Neumann’s MA 1
• Razor-sharp imaging due to extremely low tolerances (± 0.8 dB)
• May be combined with other KH line speakers in immersive/surround setups.
  AVAILABILITY
• The TLM 102 White edition is available at INR 64,900 across all authorized Neumann partners

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited bags the award for ‘Best Technical Paper’ at the Metering India Conference 2022

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power utility supplying electricity to a populace of 7 million in North Delhi, bagged the Best Technical Paper Award for presenting its technical paper on ‘Smart Meter Data for Innovative Usage’ at the 9th International Seminar – Metering India 2022. The theme-based conference on ‘Resilient Utilities & Empowered Consumer’ organised by IEEMA highlighted the fact that Indian utilities are witnessing a shift in their business process & use cases, like large-scale RE integration, distributed generation, ancillary services and e-mobility.

Tata Power-DDL’s ‘Smart Meter Data for Innovative Usage’ technical paper included details about technologies used in AMI and business cases related to Operations, Commercial, and Customer Engagement using smart meter data, that were created and implemented in a unique manner. The event witnessed participation from over 500 participants across different industries.

Technical papers pertaining to topics like AMI and Cyber Security, AMI – empowering stakeholders, Smart Metering journey towards Net Zero, Making utilities sustainable, Data Analytics & management etc. were discussed during the conference. These technical papers were evaluated by industry stalwarts from across different sectors.

Tata Power-DDL was one of the first power distribution companies in the country to install smart meters.

Amber announces its first ESOP buy-back plan, on the back of 4x growth

23 November 2022: Pune-based student rental platform announces the launch of its first ESOP buy-back to appreciate and reward its existing and past employees for their support and contribution to its growth.

The leading student rental platform, amber, announced the launch of its first ESOP buy-back in January 2023. With this ESOP buy back programme, the company aims to reward current and past employees for their support and contributions towards its exponential growth. Employees with a combined ESOP value of 16 crore INR will be eligible for ESOP buyback.

“Today, we are proud to be the partner of choice for over 1 million students worldwide. Our teammates have been integral to this success. It’s incredible how the team at amber stuck together and enabled the company’s growth during unprecedented times,” Saurabh Goel,   founder and CEO of amber, told us. “With the desire to honor their efforts, we are very excited to announce our first ESOP buy-back.”

The stock options(ESOP) are allotted to an employee when they join or based on certain milestones. To recognize the hard work of their employees, companies offer Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buybacks which allow employees to sell the stock options back to the company at a higher ROI, generating a cash component for the employees. Amber’s launch of its first ESOP buy-back in the new year is a testament to their belief in appreciating good work.

Madhur Gujar, co-founder and Chief Business Officer, added, “The last two years were exceptionally challenging for the market. Despite the hurdles, the team steered the company towards achieving 12x growth in revenue. It’s been a pleasure working with this team, and we are truly grateful.”

The company was founded in 2016 with a team of 10 members. But over the years, they doubled up on talent and grew into a team of over 400 employees. The company plans to double its employee strength, and continue its global expansion while eyeing $1 billion in gross booking value by 2023.

HyperloopTT to Become First Public Company Focused on the Next Generation of High-Speed Mobility

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK – November 2022 – Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (“HyperloopTT” or “the Company”), a leading transportation and technology licensing company focused on realizing the hyperloop, and Forest Road Acquisition Corp. II (“Forest Road”) (NYSE: FRXB, FRXB.WS, and FRXB.U), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (“Merger Agreement”) that is expected to result in HyperloopTT becoming a publicly listed company.

Upon the closing of the transaction, the newly combined company will be named “Hyperloop Transportation Technologies” and will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer Andrés de León and the HyperloopTT management team.

A Leading Developer of Hyperloop IP

Led by an experienced team of hyperloop business and technology professionals, HyperloopTT relies on a global network of technologists, scientists, engineers, and expert contributors, resulting in an asset-light technology development business model. Through this partner network, the Company is driving a suite of next generation technologies to power transportation in the future.

Since its inception in 2013, HyperloopTT has made significant progress towards the adoption of hyperloop systems. The Company developed a full scale hyperloop test track in Toulouse, France, a hyperloop insurance framework model, and model safety and certification guidelines.

With the deployment of the Company’s test track, HyperloopTT has built a robust technology portfolio relating to patents across levitation and propulsion, low pressure tube transportation, and passenger experience. These patents are the basis of a technology that combines sustainability with the ability to reach destinations faster, which can redefine the urban landscape, create new economic opportunities, and disrupt the $2+ trillion transportation industry.

What is Hyperloop?

Hyperloop is a vacuum tube-based system that moves people and goods in levitating capsules at airplane speeds on the ground. These speeds are achieved by using passive magnetic levitation technology and a linear electric motor in a tube with minimal pressure, reducing resistance. As a mobility solution with transformative power, hyperloop is potentially cleaner, safer, healthier, and more efficient than existing forms of transportation.

HyperloopTT Investment Highlights

Through its combination of experience, capabilities, and partners, HyperloopTT has an opportunity to transform the multi-trillion-dollar transportation market.

Technology with world-changing impact in a $2+ trillion transportation market, of which HyperloopTT is well positioned to capture early market share for hyperloop technology

Nearly a decade of proprietary critical IP development, including 66 global patents for hyperloop technologies, with 40 granted and 26 in process, across the spectrum of technologies including levitation and propulsion, low pressure tube system, and passenger experience

Asset-light technology licensing business model with three potential major revenue streams: one-time license fee during system construction, annual license fees throughout the life of a system, and annual take-rate of sales

Working relationships with regulators in the U.S. and Europe has resulted in legislative advancements with opportunities for transportation industry grant access

Innovative expert contributors model, with more than 800 technology contributors worldwide since inception in 2013

Several hyperloop projects in various stages globally, including potential projects in Italy and the U.S.

Experienced leadership team, with decades of executive experience across leading global corporations

Contemplated transaction structure provides attractive value opportunity for shareholders

Management Commentary

Andrés de León, Chief Executive Officer of HyperloopTT said, “This transaction is a major milestone for HyperloopTT and the hyperloop industry as a whole. The transaction is a moment that could not have been possible without our countless supporters around the world, who have built HyperloopTT into a company that is perfect for this moment. Our innovative business model has allowed HyperloopTT to succeed, while facing enormous challenges. The team has worked tirelessly these past nine years to gain the support of the private and public sector in countries around the world. We thank Forest Road for working with us through this process and embrace this next step with humility, gratitude, and determination.”

Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer, Co-CEOs and Co-Chairpersons of the Board of Directors of Forest Road, commented, “When we were introduced to HyperloopTT we quickly saw its potential to address some of the most profound transportation challenges of our time. The Company has a deep base of intellectual property that gives it a robust competitive advantage in this space. The Company’s asset-light ‘Hyperloop-as-a-Service’ business model is built to develop and support projects efficiently, presenting a possible solution that is environmentally and economically-minded. We believe their technology has the opportunity to create meaningful shareholder value and positively impact our world.”

Robust Near-Term Project Pipeline

HyperloopTT is actively engaged in providing the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) with a critical technical understanding of hyperloop systems. The following are project opportunities HyperloopTT is currently pursuing:

Commercial prototype in Italy: Hyper Transfer Demonstrator project. Final proposal for tender submitted in Q4 2022 as part of a Consortium. Expect tender to choose the contract winner by Q1 2023.

Multi-state commercial line project: Great Lakes Hyperloop Feasibility study complete and HyperloopTT expected to facilitate Environmental Impact Statement in 2023.

Cargo hyperloop technology: HyperPort Cargo Solution, Germany. Joint venture with Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA).

Testing & certification MOU with ENSCO: Federal Rail Administration’s Transportation Technology Center, Colorado, United States.

Commercial prototype site exploration: 3-mile passenger system, R&D, and experience center, Canada.

Transaction Overview

The transaction ascribes to HyperloopTT a pre-money equity value of approximately $600 million, including outstanding options and warrants. Existing HyperloopTT shareholders and convertible note holders will roll 100% of their interests in the transaction and the combined company will assume the outstanding HyperloopTT options and warrants, which will remain outstanding to the extent not otherwise exercised prior to closing. Approximately $289 million of common stock will be issued at closing to the HyperloopTT shareholders and convertible note holders. Assuming no redemptions, the transaction is expected to deliver up to $330 million in net proceeds to the combined company at close. For more information, please see the investor deck here.

The Boards of Directors of HyperloopTT and Forest Road have each unanimously approved this transaction. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the stockholders of Forest Road. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023.

Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the merger agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Forest Road with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and will be available on the Forest Road website, the HyperloopTT investor page and at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov/.

Soptle raises 300k Dollar angel investment from Kube VC, Dunzo Founder & others

New Delhi, November 23, 2022: Soptle, a technology platform for manufacturers to grow their businesses, has raised $300k in an angel round led by global early-stage venture firm Kube VC and Soonicorn LLP.

A clutch of industry veterans such as Vaishnav Shetty (Executive Director of All-Cargo Group), Pirojshaw Sarkari (CEO of Gati Ltd), Ankur Agarwal (Co-founder of Dunzo), Saurabh Aggarwal (Co-founder of Fitso), Himanshu Periwal (Co-founder of Unlu), and others also participated in the round.

Soptle was started earlier this year by a 19-year-old high school graduate Pravas Chandragiri as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform to democratize how manufacturers, distributors, and retailers continued their business in the $3 trillion Indian manufacturer-to-retailer ecosystem.

The startup enables FMCG manufacturers to increase their income by up to 10x by providing access to country-wide distributions at zero fixed cost. Similarly, it allows retailers to access products with 3-4 times higher margins than average, as well as easy one-tap finance to grow their business.

“This is just day one for us. We have empowered 45,000+ retailers and manufacturers in just six months of launch and have seen a consistent 3x month-on-month growth for the last six months. Being backed by top industry veterans gives us a sense that we are heading in the right direction,” said Chandragiri, now 20 years old.

He added that the funds would be utilized for growing 100x from here in the next two years, expanding its team and further enhancing its product and technology. In August, the startup had raised an undisclosed amount in an angel round led by Soonicorn LLP and a clutch of marquee logistics leaders.

On the recent funding, Faiz Mayalakkara, Designated Partner, Kube VC, said, “Soptle is truly revolutionizing the manufacturer and retailer ecosystem. Its tech-enabled sales and distributions channel-cum-market linkage helps manufacturers expand their business geographically at no fixed cost, improve their capacity utilization and improve their net margins by three-four times. We feel Soptle has immense first mover advantage to be a category leader in this space.”

Since the age of 12, Chandragiri had been managing a family-owned retail store in a tier III city. In 2019, as soon as he graduated from school, he was pressured into starting preparation for admission to the IITs. However, an entrepreneur by nature, Chandragiri dropped out and started a venture connecting regional manufacturers to retailers.

At 17 years, Chandragiri became the youngest CEO of a networking platform – RFT (Rural Future Technology)– that connected 1,200 mom-and-pop stores across nine districts of Eastern India. Two years later, he launched Soptle with a greater ambition to democratize the USD 500 billion FMCG industry.

Soptle has built a stellar leadership team of industry leaders from Tata, Oyo, Flipkart, Swiggy, IIT-Delhi, etc., in the last six months. The startup’s annual recurring revenue has grown to cross USD 2 million, and it boasts a network of 45,000+ retailers and manufacturers.

India’s premium gourmet D2C brand, Happilo, onboards Amit Tiwary as CFO

Bangalore, 23.11.2022: Happilo, India’s premium D2C gourmet dry fruit snack brand, has onboarded Amit Tiwary as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Tiwary, a Chartered Accountant by qualification, has over 14 years of experience in the field and will spearhead the strategic reorientation of the organization by developing and evaluating new business models.

At Happilo, Tiwary’s vision will be to support the bullish growth plans of the brand with a focus on profitability by strengthening the fundamental systems, processes, and governance. He will also be leading the growth of the brand toward its ultimate goal of an IPO in the near future.

Speaking of joining the team, Amit Tiwary, CFO, of Happilo, says, “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of the team currently working on building the brand. I look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders to accelerate the company’s aggressive growth plan while keeping an eye on profitability.”

Speaking of the joining, Vikas D Nahar, CEO, of Happilo, says, “We are delighted to welcome Amit at Happilo. He brings to the table a wealth of experience from managing FMCG brands, where he has been instrumental in driving growth. This empowers Happilo to identify new growth opportunities. With his expertise, we are confident in achieving our goals on a rapid scale.”

Prior to joining Happilo, Amit was leading the finance team of Nissin as their CFO of India Business. He has also been associated with large multinational companies such as Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), AstraZeneca India, and Nissin India.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance and Sachin Tendulkar inspire parents to recognise their kids’ dreams

Hyderabad/ Mumbai, 23 November 2022: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, one of India’s most trusted private life insurance companies, has launched its latest campaign – ‘Dreams’ featuring its brand ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar. Portraying a fresh perspective to the brand philosophy of #FutureFearless, the campaign inspires parents to recognize their child’s unique dreams and encourages them to nurture these dreams at every stage of their life.

With the advent of the digital world, today’s children are more curious than ever before. They are not only more mindful and insightful but also well-informed about various career paths. They are not afraid of dreaming big and dreaming differently. They dream of becoming a chef one day, a cricketer the next, and an astronaut the day after that.

With the help of VFX and various animated storytelling tools, the campaign film helps to bring the young kid’s dreams to life. It highlights a child’s perspective while also giving out a message to parents.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Karthik Raman, Chief Marketing Officer, Ageas Federal Life Insurance said, “Our organizational purpose is to empower people to live the life and lifestyle of their choice. As an insurance brand, we want to break the cycle of fear that parents tend to have about their child’s future. We want to empower parents with the tools and information to make the right financial decisions that will benefit their kids. Our latest campaign is a unique approach to take as an insurance company because it tells a heartfelt story of a young hopeful child and his vivid yet evolving dream.”

“As kids grow up, their dreams keep changing. Even our legendary Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar had different dreams while growing up. Sometimes, he even dreamt of becoming a tennis player. The fact that a child’s dream keeps evolving is what makes financial planning even more crucial to navigate tough economic times and unforeseen circumstances,” Mr. Raman added.

The #FutureFearless campaign is a digital-led campaign that was conceptualized and created in partnership with VMLY&R India. It’s a completely digital-led campaign using social media platforms, influencer pages, and different digital media like OTT platforms and news sites.

FIRE-Proof battery system by EVI Technologies

People in India are presently quite concerned about the EV battery-related fire incidents that have occurred over the last few months. They are talking as to how some EVs are catching fire on account of the battery problem, albeit there may be other causes for these accidents. No doubt these safety concerns need to be addressed on utmost priority by all the stakeholders so as to boost the public confidence in safe operation of EVs and to support the government’s safety endeavour. The government of India has initiated various measures to encourage the production and use of safe electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have started to enter the Indian market with the government’s support. However, one of the basic requirements for speeding up adoption of electric vehicles in India is to ensure the safe operation of the EV battery system besides setting up of suitable and adequate charging infrastructure.

EVI Technologies (EVIT), an IIT Delhi alumina Start-Up, has floated the EV battery system using flame-resistant batteries. The flame-resistant battery has been accorded approval as per AIS156 STANDARD. The flame-resistant battery will go a long way in instilling trust in the users mind and they can now use these batteries without worrying about risking their lives or their property in any way, especially in light of the battery fires that occurred in recent months, even with some large OEMs. With this technique, EVIT hopes to encourage safe development of the nation’s infrastructure for battery exchange. As the infrastructure for battery swapping supports first and last mile connectivity, lighter electric vehicle segments, particularly two and three-wheelers, will be able to safety drive their vehicles on the road. Flame-resistant batteries also produce less pollutants. Electric mobility additionally will help maintain a good balance between the need for energy, energy storage, and environmental sustainability. Use of Electric vehicles will also make a significant contribution in keeping control on carbon emissions otherwise due to use of fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

EVIT is of the view that more and more Electric vehicles on the road will usher in a better environment and lead to a better quality of life. Whether it is powering the three-wheel electric vehicles for first and last-mile connectivity or a smartphone app i.e. Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and many more, runs on two wheels with the innovative technologies created by EVIT, we believe that people will have great faith in the E-mobility segment and that all the fears and concerns they currently have will be allayed. EVIT offer of flame resistance battery system will ensure safety concerns and provide ample opportunities for enhanced e-mobility use in our daily life.

Hindustan Zinc Ranks among the Top 3 Sustainable Companies Globally in Metal and Mining Sector

23 Nov 2022: S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessmentranks Hindustan Zinc 3rd*Globally in the metal and mining sector. With the latest rankings, the company has also retained its top ranking in the Asia Pacific region for the 4th consecutive year. The ranking is a testimony to Hindustan Zinc’s continuous progress to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO, of Hindustan Zinc said, “We are proud of the fact that our commitment to a sustainable future has gained global recognition. Last year, we moved from 7th to 5th globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment in the metal & mining sector. This year we moved from 5th to 3rd globally through sustainability efforts adopted at Hindustan Zinc. These efforts go beyond the organizational framework and encompass the communities around our operations. We are determined that utilizing sustainable business methods is the basis of creating long-term value for our stakeholders, communities, and the environment. Our sustainability commitment continues to strengthen at Hindustan Zinc, as we invest in new innovative technologies and increase operating efficiency to lower emissions and this will help us in achieving Net Zero carbon ambition by 2050”.

Hindustan Zinc bagged a remarkable score of 80 during theCorporate Sustainability Assessment of November 18, 2022. The company’s CSA score improved from 77 last year. The CSA scores help companies to benchmark their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance against other companies and measure their progress in meeting sustainability objectives.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta group company and India’s largest & only integrated producer of Zinc, Lead & Silver, is committed to reduction in carbon footprint, safe operations, and optimal use of natural resources, as part of their Sustainability Goals for 2025. The company is committed to the principle of sustainable development and has pledged to invest $1bn in the next five years to go green.

Hindustan Zinc continues to invest and strengthen its sustainability focus by delivering on well-defined goals and progress on a sustainable value-accretive journey. The company’s strong focus on delivering excellence through its best practices has led them to be awarded CAP 2.0, S&P Global Platts Awards, GreenCo Certification, CII National 5S Excellence Award, Bhamashah Award, and many more.

*The ranking is subject to change as 27% of companies invited to S&P ESG Indices await their ESG scores

Ahead of launching its education product portfolio, MAXHUB announced CC and CE Series

New Delhi, November 23: MAXHUB, the world’s leading interactive and collaboration solution provider, announced a second new innovative series in the displays and video conferencing devices in India. The cutting-edge technology solutions will benefit all sizes of conference rooms and will create smarter classrooms thereby further increasing the effectiveness and productivity of meetings and learning sessions. The newly launched product series includes L65CC, L75CC, and L86CC available in sizes ranging from 65,75,86 inches.

MAXHUB introduced two series CC and CE for futuristic classes. This includes product series of L65CC, L75CC and L86CC available in sizes ranging from 65,75,86 inches which is an innovative accomplishment in large displays and collaboration. Non-touch displays are increasingly being used by the education sector to display news or important information to the students.

Every industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Video Conferencing cameras and display devices have made concepts like hybrid learning, and social distancing easier to implement. Therefore, the post-pandemic era has encouraged everyone to use innovative better solutions and make the environment professional for every individual.

Avinash Johri, Executive Director, CVTE India & SAARC Region, said, “Education will be hybrid in the future. We created these series to be very engaging because education is built on active collaboration in every class, but cooperation goes beyond the classroom. The teaching community is looking for improved methods of collaboration when it comes to creating engaging and successful lesson plans, in-class activities, and more. We hope to achieve great growth in India by providing our consumers with incredible value.”

MAXHUB’s out-of-box products coupled with efficient technology are rapidly becoming the first choice of customers. The products will promote rapid learning, foster teamwork, and facilitate productive partnerships. The products are designed to provide consumers with more convenient, intelligent, and productive communication experiences.