Uniform framework for ESOPs

What's the news?

Angel investing platform LetsVenture is looking to build a standardised framework for startups to issue Esops, in a bid to attract and retain top-talent from global technology companies.

Why is it needed?

Indian startups currently do not follow any standard metrics while offering Esops to employees. A standardised framework for Esops will help them attract top talent from global technology firms, by giving their employees better transparency into stock options and the ability to liquidate their shares during certain events. Read more.


TikTok's hashtag content strategy

What's the news?

TikTok hashtag challenges have turned regular Indians into viral content creators. They are willing to dance, spin on a spot, twist like a pretzel, play pranks, or do quick funny makeovers to become popular and go viral on the short-video platform.

What's the plan?

TikTok’s content strategy thrives on these hashtag challenges, since they keep users hooked and drive engagement. Most of these challenges are user-generated, while some get started by advertisers. Brands are hoping that challenges or themes that result in repetitive content may help them in spreading their key brand message or promoting new launches. Read more.


Digital disruption of sports organisations

What's the news?

Sports organisations are using digital technology to become efficient & engage more with fans. It is opening up a whole new opportunity for Indian IT services firms

What's the significance?

There are now 15 domestic sports leagues in the country, with IPL being the biggest one. This is opening up avenues for tech firms — from production technology to social media management to in-stadia solutions. Fan engagement is another area where technology firms are starting to see opportunities, since they not only competing with fellow sporting events for eyeballs but also video platforms like Facebook, Amazon, and Netflix. Read more.


Facebook backs Meesho

What's the news?

Facebook has made its first bet on a domestic startup by backing social commerce startup Meesho. Sources in the know said the investment is in the $20-25 million range. The startup has been in talks to raise a $100 million financing round for the past few months, sources said.

US tech giants' India startup bets

American tech giants are getting more active in backing Indian Internet companies. Twitter is learnt to be pumping in more than $50 million in Indian language social networking app ShareChat, ET reported last week.

Google has also previously backed hyperlocal delivery startup Dunzo and online-to-offline fashion e-commerce platform Fynd. Read more.


Airbnb Adventures

What's the news?

Airbnb is looking to aggressively invest in new initiatives like Experiences and Adventures as it aims to diversify beyond just being an accommodation marketplace.

These offerings could play a key role in bringing India consumers to its platform, said Joe Zadeh, VP, Experiences, Airbnb.

Why does it matter?

Airbnb, which is going in for an initial public offering soon, is estimated to have over 50,000 listings on its platform in India, however, the company has found it difficult to bulk up supply.

Hence, it has been layering its business with additional sources of revenue. The company claims to have registered a seven-fold increase in bookings for Experiences globally since its launch three years ago. As of now, Airbnb offers around 250 different Experiences in India. Read more.