Month: November 2022

We Founder Circle (WFC), an early-stage start-up investment platform led by a global community of successful founders and strategic angels, has announced leading the seed round in ParkMate, a start-up that delivers smart parking solutions. ParkMate has secured an undisclosed funding facilitated through EvolveX, Global accelerator programme by We Founder Circle. WFC has partnered with several strategic angels to help the start-up rise to market challenges while also gaining a competitive advantage over other players. ParkMate parking solution eliminates the need to find or even visit a parking lot. The end user only needs to enter the destination credentials they want to visit and at the parking arrival, ParkMate’s dedicated parking attendant waits for assistance. The ParkMate attendant not only drives the car to the nearest available parking lot but also parks it for the client. On the investment in ParkMate Bhawna Bhatnagar, Co-founder of We Founder Circle affirmed, “We are delighted to have invested in ParkMate, which has demonstrated the ability to solve the saturation problem of parking spaces due to disproportionate demand and supply. Most Indian cities have unmanaged and haphazard parking, forcing citizens to park any type of vehicle in any location and in any direction. With ParkMate’s solutions, the parking system can be altered in a significant way, providing considerable benefits to society. At WFC, we promise to assist the start-up in all phases of development including business strategy, community building and connecting with skilled business mentors.” “The ParkMate team and subscribers are thrilled to have WFC as a strategic investing partner. Our technology and innovation are what we believe in, and now with WFCs guidance, we are sure to grow in the right direction. We are confident that this investment will pay off and contribute to our mission and help us scale quickly,” said Dhananjaya Bharadwaj, Co-founder and CEO, ParkMate. “While some surface parking remains overcrowded while most Multi-level car parking remains under-utilised. Also, most car parkings are at owners’ risk. Theft from cars including theft of valuables left in the car has remained a significant concern of vehicle owners. With ParkMate, the attendants are OTP verified and the cars are GPS-tagged so that users can track the car’s live movement. When the customer needs his car, he/ she simply has to click on ‘Get my car’ and we have it delivered wherever they want. The great thing is when the users park their car with ParkMate, it is parked at ParkMate’s risk, not at the responsibility of the owner,” he added. The brand plans to exhaust funds in expanding its team and acquiring talent under different profiles. It also intends to use a part of the fresh investment in strengthening the technology backbone of the solution. Established in 2020 in Mumbai, We Founder Circle is a global community of successful founders & strategic angels that have come together to push the start-up industry and steer it towards aggressive growth. WFC invests USD50K-2Mn amount in early-stage start-ups that are fuelled with ambition, sustainability, and a strategic approach. WFC provides seed funding, business development, and global networking opportunities to start-ups as it believes early-stage start-ups need a lot beyond just financial support to become scalable and stable. It has already enabled USD 12mn worth of investments across 33 start-up deals in the year 2021 alone and invested in 56 startups since incorporation.  

Azena has announced upgrades to its open platform for smart cameras that offer new integration capabilities for smart cameras into existing video surveillance systems and tools for more efficient device management for systems integrators. With this deeper functionality, integrators using the Azena platform and the AI-enabled video analytics from the Azena Application Store, have wider control over large groups of devices, apps, and configurations running on their customers’ smart cameras with the Azena Operating System. The new integration capabilities make it simpler for the integrator to configure and deploy smart cameras using specialized analytics – which produce unique events – into a customer’s existing video surveillance system. Metadata from these specialized analytics, such as weapons detection, tank level monitoring, or flood detection, are automatically converted into events for some of the most popular video management software platforms from Milestone, Genetec, and Network Optics. This supports integrators in creating vertical and customer-specific end-to-end solutions that leverage video analytics data across systems and departments. “Systems integrators are tasked with providing highly customized solutions to their unique client base and, with our platform, apps from our store, and integration tools they can build these specialized solutions – everything from oil flare monitoring in the energy sector to patient fall detection in healthcare facilities,” said Madhav Varma, Vice President, Product for Azena, “These improvements to our platform will streamline the deployment and management of these solutions for integrators, saving time, labor costs, and costly truck rolls.” Systems integrators are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence-enabled video analytic apps to solve complex customer pain points, as well as for providing traditional safety and security solutions. New tools enable no-code integration into major VMS platforms for streamlined event management. Other enhancements improve the usability and efficiency of the platform for systems integrators when managing large numbers of devices and apps. With more than 100 unique apps available in the growing Azena Application Store, integrators can select one or more of those apps or develop and upload their own apps that can be visible and sold only to their customers. This enables highly specialized integrators to further protect their unique approaches to certain vertical markets or other specific customer needs while still leveraging the Azena platform as part of their tailored solution. The enhancements to the platform now offer a variety of options for deployment and maintenance, from fully remote connections to new support for installations that run on a completely closed network, such as critical infrastructure installations or remote sites with little to no internet connectivity. With new project management features, integrators can assign app licenses to specific customers or projects. Camera installations can be more easily segmented by customer, project, and location, and access rights for specific users can be assigned and managed based on projects. This provides integrators with better oversight and control over their projects and digital twin data from their installations can also be used in other systems such as project management or building management software. Enhanced device management on the Azena platform enables integrators to more easily perform batch updates to many devices with the same settings as well as backup and restore or replicate those settings to multiple devices. Integrators can now also negotiate directly with app developers on the platform for volume pricing or other discounts and additional app support. App licensing for customer demos or pilot projects can also be easily extended within the Azena platform.  

Rajesh Janey, a well-known industry expert and seasoned technologist, has been named to the advisory board of iValue InfoSolutions. In this capacity, he will engage with the iValue leadership team and provide guidance on both company’s organic and inorganic growth strategy. iValue is a premium technology enabler driving ‘Go to Market’ for niche, compelling, and complementary offerings with a consultative approach for enterprise digital transformation around application life cycle management, to address emerging business needs, in the hybrid multi-cloud model, covering Capex and Opex needs. Sunil Pillai Founder & Managing Director, iValue InfoSolutions “I am incredibly proud and excited to announce the creation of our advisory board. The experience this group brings to the company is invaluable and today marks yet another critical inflection point for iValue. Rajesh impressed me with his business acumen and his technology expertise. He has been the torch bearer for the growth of big corporates in India including Dell EMC, NetApp, and HP to name a few. His experience and guidance will be invaluable, as we accelerate our next phase of growth thru both geographical expansion and inorganic growth across security and cloud services. We are excited to have Rajesh on our Advisory Board and look forward to working closely with him “ Rajesh has close to four decades of experience in the technology industry across hardware, software, and services with expertise in leading cross-cultural, multi-geo teams; managing P&L in complex matrix organisations and leading transformation during three of the largest tech mergers. Rajesh has held leadership positions across some of the biggest companies. He brings. leadership, management, technical and alliances expertise to iValue. Rajesh Janey Advisory Board, iValue InfoSolutions “With the ever-evolving Cloud and security landscape, Enterprises are looking at a consultative approach to help in their journey of Digital Transformation, Application Lifecycle Management and Security. iValue’s focus and expertise in enabling this integrated approach, explains the company’s extraordinary growth since inception. I look forward to advising the leadership team as they take the company to its next phase of growth and geographical expansion by adding critical capabilities to its portfolio, including cloud security, software and application lifecycle management” In his prior roles, Rajesh was the Sr. Vice President – Global Alliances for Dell Technologies and was the first ever senior executive based in India for Global Alliances in Dell. He spent over fifteen years with Dell Technologies and EMC in various roles as President and Managing Director of the Enterprise business in India and President – EMC India and SAARC. He also served as NetApp (President – India and SAARC). Besides, Rajesh has also served as Chairman of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) Subcommittee on Cloud Computing. He has also been on the board of SNIA (Storage Networking Industry Association) India and on the Executive Board of the American Chambers of Commerce in India (AMCHAM).  

Redington Limited, a leading IT technology provider, recently announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud India. As a part of this collaboration, it will drive the distribution and adoption of Google Workspace and Google Cloud with SMBs, education and public sector, mid-market, and enterprise segments. The company will also be hosting distribution and adoption of Google Chrome Enterprise. Through this association, Redington aims to address the strong demand for Google Cloud-based services in India, a public cloud services market that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% (for 2021-2026) and reach $13.5 billion (by 2026). Redington, along with Google Cloud, will empower its existing and potential partners with access to business and technical expertise while helping them develop resources that support and manage their customers. It will also help fuel the adoption of Google Cloud through the partner network. “We’re proud to work in partnership with Redington and help connect more customers with the technologies and experts they need to digitally transform their business and innovate in the cloud,” said Eric Buck, Director, Global Distribution, Google Cloud. Ramesh Natarajan CEO, Redington Limited “A recent IDC survey revealed a strong market demand for cloud services; however, we still see a significant gap between the pace of cloud innovations and adoption of these technologies by businesses. This is the technology friction, which we will be addressing through our collaboration with Google Cloud India. This collaboration will help us to enhance the procurement and delivery of relevant cloud services and solutions to enterprises, SMBs and the public sector, through our vast network of trusted and committed partners” Redington’s partner programs, which offer end-to-end engagement models to enable systems integrators and independent software vendors also cover a wide range of partner advancement and support initiatives to aid partners in establishing Google Cloud, Google Workspace, and Chrome businesses and provide end-to-end engagement models to enable systems integrators (SIs) and independent software vendors (ISVs). “Redington Limited is a leading IT technology solutions provider across Information Technology, Mobility, Telecom, Cloud, Lifestyle and Solar verticals. It has footprint across 38 markets including 60 subsidiary offices. With over 290+ brand associations and 39,500+ channel partners, it is transforming the distribution and supply chain ecosystem through synergy between innovation and technology adoption.”  

Smiths Detection, a global company in threat detection and security inspection technologies, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Navratna Defence PSU (public sector undertakings) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the manufacture of advanced X-ray screening technologies in India. The MoU between Smiths Detection and BEL will leverage the high-end advanced technological specialisms of both firms to meet India’s domestic security needs. The MoU has been signed in line with the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative that seeks to increase manufacturing activity in the Indian market. With an increasing movement of people and goods at critical infrastructure, land borders and urban sensitive points, there is a growing requirement for screening technologies in India. To facilitate ease of doing business and to enhance safety, the Indian Government is investing in port and land border security. Moreover, the requirement for industry leading X-ray scanning technology is being driven by defence facilities, which need to screen large volumes of vehicles entering sensitive areas. BEL will handle front end requirements in market and support the localisation of the projects. Smiths Detection will provide its industry leading screening technology and technological expertise. The MoU is for five years and can be extended further by mutual consent. Vikrant Trilokekar, Managing Director of Smiths Detection in India, said, “We are delighted to announce the MoU with BEL. Together, we have the expertise and experience to supply the Indian Government with the industry-leading screening technology it requires for its ever-evolving security needs. Smiths Detection is committed to the Indian market and we look forward to the opportunities our MoU with BEL will uncover.” Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, Director (Other Units), BEL, said, “Though Defence is its mainstay, BEL has been continuously exploring opportunities in allied non-defence areas like Homeland Security and Network & Cyber Security. Through this tie-up with Smiths Detection, BEL will look at catering to the emerging market for high-energy scanning systems, yet another step in the direction of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).” Smiths Detection has been operating in India for over 20 years. In October 2021, Smiths Detection opened its new Global Technology Development Centre in Bangalore, which is a global hub for the development and delivery of new digital technologies that will be used by customers across the aviation, defence, urban security, and ports and borders industries. This MoU marks Smiths Detection first manufacturing operation in India.  

Videonetics announces that its patented and state-of-the-art Unified Video Computing Platform (UVCP™) is now ONVIF S, G, T, M Compliant. Powered by AI and DL framework, Videonetics Unified Video Computing Platform encompasses Intelligent VMS, Video Analytics, Intelligent Traffic Management System, Facial Recognition, and Video Computing Platform as a Service (VCPaaS™). Today, Videonetics has secured more than 145 cities, 80+ airports, 18000+ traffic lanes and 100+ large enterprises across many geographies. Videonetics has always been at the forefront of innovation and developing strong relationships with their partners. Profile S allows the common functionalities shared by ONVIF conformant video management systems and devices such as IP cameras or encoders that sends, configures, requests or controls the streaming of media data over an IP network. The profile includes specific features such as pan, tilt, zoom control, audio streaming and relay outputs. “Receiving ONVIF ‘S, G, T, M’ conformance for our AI enabled Unified Video Computing Platform is a benchmark and achievement for us. Achieving ONVIF compliance empowers our partners and customers to integrate a wide range of IP based video surveillance devices that are best suited for their projects while ensuring flexibility and integrity. Videonetics is committed to continue adopting open standards for better interoperability and openness” Tuhin Bose VP & CTO, Videonetics Profile G specifications allow software and hardware products from different vendors to be compatible with one another, when it comes to the recording, search and replay of video on board a network video product. Profile T supports video streaming features such as the use of H.265 over and above H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG encoding formats, imaging settings, and alarm events such as motion and tampering detection. These encoding formats ensure high compression efficiency which results in less disk storage space and less bandwidth usage for streaming, reducing overall costs of system ownership. Conformance to Profile M enables easier integration of metadata and events with ONVIF Profile M conformant clients like video management software and services. It has interfaces for generic object classification, and specified metadata for geolocation, vehicle, license plate, human face and human body.