Category: Business

Harbinger Raises $160M to Build Electric Trucks for FedEx

The news hit late on a Tuesday, or maybe it was Wednesday — the days blur when you’re chasing a story. Harbinger, a Los Angeles-based startup, had just landed a hefty $160 million in funding.

The plan? To build electric truck chassis. And not just any chassis, but ones specifically for FedEx.

By the end of this year, they’re aiming to deliver more than 50 of these electric workhorses. It’s an ambitious goal, especially given the timelines in this industry.

The announcement, picked up by TechCrunch on November 13, 2025, sent a ripple through the industry. Electric vehicles, and the companies that build them, are always a hot topic.

The air in the room, when I first heard it, felt charged. There’s a lot of pressure, of course, on these companies. Building trucks, especially electric ones, is not easy. It’s expensive, and the technology is still developing rapidly.

But the funding signals something. It’s a bet, a vote of confidence in Harbinger’s vision. And in the future of transportation, too.

“This funding allows us to scale our production,” an official reportedly said, “and meet the growing demand for sustainable delivery solutions.”

Sustainable delivery solutions — that’s the phrase everyone’s using now. It’s more than just buzzwords, though; it’s about adapting. About being ready for what’s coming.

Fifty trucks is a start. A small one, in a way, when you consider the scale of FedEx’s operations. Still, it’s a step. A real one.

November 13, 2025
Mirova Invests $30.5M in Regenerative Farming in India

The air in Delhi felt thick with the usual November haze, but the news coming out of the Indian agricultural sector offered a breath of something fresher, you know?

Mirova, a fund with backing from the luxury group Kering, just announced a $30.5 million investment in Varaha. The goal? To boost regenerative farming across northern India. It’s an ambitious project, aiming to support around 337,000 farmers, covering some 675,000 hectares, as reported on November 12th, 2025.

The tricky part is, what does that actually mean on the ground? Regenerative farming, in essence, is about working with nature, not against it. It’s about soil health, biodiversity, and trying to create a more sustainable model, something really needed in the face of climate change.

I spoke with an official from Mirova, and they emphasized the long-term vision. “This isn’t just about immediate yields,” she said, “it’s about building resilient systems for the future.” It sounded good, honestly, but the proof will be in the planting, as they say.

The investment is meant to provide Varaha with the resources to expand its work with farmers, helping them transition to these new practices. This includes training, access to better inputs, and, crucially, financial support. It’s a complex undertaking. Or maybe I’m misreading it.

It’s still early days, of course. But the scale of the project is what’s striking. Hundreds of thousands of farmers. Hundreds of thousands of hectares. The potential impact is significant, but it all hinges on the execution.

And, well, we’ll see.

November 13, 2025
Mirova Invests $30.5M in Varaha’s Regenerative Farming in India

The air in Delhi, November 12, 2025, felt thick with the usual haze, but today, there was a different kind of buzz. News had broken earlier about a significant investment in India’s agricultural future.

Mirova, the investment fund backed by Kering, is putting $30.5 million into Varaha. The goal? Supporting regenerative farming practices across a vast swath of northern India. You know, it’s the kind of project that feels huge, even before you dig into the details.

The plan, as per reports, is to reach around 337,000 farmers, spanning 675,000 hectares. That’s a lot of land. It’s also a lot of lives, potentially changed. The tricky part is always the execution, of course.

I spoke with an official from Mirova earlier today, and they said this investment aligns with their broader sustainability goals. They see Varaha’s work as critical to promoting climate-resilient agriculture. Or, at least, that’s what I understood.

The specifics are still emerging, but the core idea is clear: supporting farmers in adopting practices that improve soil health, conserve water, and boost biodiversity. The hope is that this will lead to more sustainable and productive farming, which, honestly, is something everyone can get behind.

The move is interesting, especially given the ongoing conversations around climate change and food security. India, with its massive agricultural sector, is, you know, a key player in this. This investment, in a way, is a bet on a more sustainable future for the country’s farmers.

It’s a step, anyway. A significant one, maybe. The details will matter, as always. But the initial impression is positive. And that, in itself, is something.

November 13, 2025
Groww IPO: India’s Retail Investing Surge

The air in the trading room felt charged, you know? It was November 12, 2025, and all eyes were on Groww. The company, a prominent player in India’s retail investment space, had just launched its IPO. The numbers, honestly, were pretty striking.

Groww managed to raise nearly $750 million. Shares opened at ₹112, which was already 12% above the initial issue price. By the close of trading, they’d climbed further, settling at ₹128.85. That gave the company a market capitalization of around ₹795 billion, roughly $9 billion.

The buzz was palpable. Everyone seemed to be talking about it — from seasoned brokers to first-time investors. The mood was optimistic, reflecting the general sentiment surrounding the Indian market, particularly the retail sector. The tricky part is, a lot of this growth is relatively recent.

A source at the Bombay Stock Exchange, who preferred to remain anonymous, mentioned that the IPO’s success was a clear indication of the confidence in India’s retail investing boom. “It’s a sign of a maturing market,” they said, “and a testament to the growing financial literacy among the younger generation.”

The scene at the trading floor was a mix of tension and excitement. Screens flickered with real-time data, and the murmur of conversations filled the room. The success of Groww’s IPO, you could see, was more than just a financial event; it was a cultural one. It spoke volumes about the changing financial landscape in India.

The company, it seems, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Their platform has gained popularity among younger investors, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide range of investment options. The IPO, in a way, is just the next step.

And the future? It’s hard to say, of course. But the initial success of the IPO certainly paints a positive picture — or maybe I’m misreading it. The market, after all, is a fickle beast.

November 12, 2025
Groww IPO: India’s Retail Investing Market Surges

The air in the trading room felt charged on November 12, 2025. You could almost feel the anticipation as Groww, the Indian investment platform, launched its Initial Public Offering. The numbers were impressive, as per reports.

Groww, you see, managed to raise nearly $750 million. The shares opened at ₹112, a significant 12% above the issue price. By the close of trading, they were at ₹128.85. The market cap? Roughly $9 billion, a figure that seemed to hang in the air, a testament to the retail investing boom that’s been sweeping across India.

It’s hard to ignore the broader context. India’s retail investing scene has been on fire. A witness mentioned, “It’s like everyone is looking for a piece of the pie.” Groww has been a major player in this, and this IPO seems to be a clear sign of confidence.

The company’s success isn’t just about numbers, though. It’s also about timing, of course. The market is favorable, and Groww has positioned itself well. The platform has made investing more accessible, which is crucial, you know.

The tricky part is what comes next. How will Groww use these funds? How will they maintain this momentum? The answers, like the market itself, are still unfolding. But the opening day performance gives them a strong starting point.

And then there’s the ripple effect. Other companies are watching, no doubt. This IPO could well encourage more Indian startups to go public, further fueling the market. Or maybe I’m misreading it.

The room cleared out slowly as the day ended. The screens, once filled with numbers, began to fade. The feeling, though, the buzz of a successful IPO, lingered.

November 12, 2025
Planning Ahead: How Founders Can Prep for Late-Stage Funding

It’s funny, isn’t it? How much of the startup game is about looking ahead. The article I read today, from TechCrunch, really drove that home. It’s all about late-stage fundraises, and how founders can, and really should, start preparing from day one. Seems obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds, you know?

The core idea? Start building those relationships *now*. I mean, if you’re a startup, you probably have a million things on your plate. But the piece really emphasizes that forging connections with late-stage investors early on is crucial. It’s like planting seeds in a garden. You don’t wait until the harvest to start, right?

Notably, the piece doesn’t just say ‘network.’ It’s more nuanced. It’s about understanding what late-stage investors look for. They’re not just throwing money around; they want to see a clear path to returns. So, it’s not just about knowing names; it’s about understanding their investment theses, their portfolios, what they value. That takes time, it takes research, and it takes… well, it takes the kind of foresight that separates the good founders from the great.

And it makes sense when you think about it. Late-stage investors are, by definition, looking at more mature companies. They want to see traction, revenue, a solid business model. They’re not taking big risks, so your groundwork has to be rock solid. This means having a clear narrative, a compelling story that resonates with *their* priorities.

Earlier this week, I was talking to a friend who is a founder. He’s in the thick of it – early stage, trying to get off the ground. He was so focused on the immediate, on getting that initial seed round. And, you know, that’s understandable. But the TechCrunch article kind of nudged me to think: what if he also started, in a small way, to build those relationships for the future? Not in a pushy, desperate way, but in a smart, strategic way.

It’s not just about the money, either. The article kind of implies that the right investors bring more than just capital. They bring experience, connections of their own, and a deeper understanding of the market. They can help you navigate the tricky waters of scaling up. You get that, and you’re set.

Still. It’s a balancing act, right? You’re building a company, dealing with the daily grind, and then you have to think about the *future* future. But, in a way, it’s also about changing your mindset. It’s about seeing the whole field, not just the immediate patch in front of you.

The article also touched on the idea of transparency. Late-stage investors want to see the whole picture. They want to understand the risks, the challenges, the potential roadblocks. So, it’s about being upfront, honest, and building trust. You’re not just selling a dream; you’re building a partnership.

And, you know, I think that’s the real takeaway. It’s not just about getting the funding. It’s about building a solid foundation, a sustainable business, and a relationship built on mutual respect. It’s a long game, and the best players are always thinking a few steps ahead.

November 11, 2025
Carbon Credit Market: Consolidation & Uncertainty

So, the carbon credit market — it’s changing, isn’t it? Seems like just yesterday everyone was talking about the gold rush, and now? Well, now we’re seeing some serious consolidation. Carbon Direct is buying Pachama, and honestly, it feels like a turning point.

It’s not exactly a surprise, though. The voluntary carbon markets have been, you know, a bit of a wild west. Lots of players, lots of different standards, and a whole lot of questions about the actual impact of it all. This move by Carbon Direct, though… it’s different. It’s like a signal that the big players are starting to really dig in, ready to shape the future.

And what does that future look like? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The TechCrunch article, published November 10, 2025, points to a period of uncertainty. You can feel it, too. There’s a lot of scrutiny on carbon credits right now, with folks wondering if they’re actually doing what they claim to do. Are we really offsetting emissions? Or are we just, well, shuffling numbers around?

The Players and the Stakes

Carbon Direct, for those who don’t know, is a climate solutions company. Pachama? They’re all about using tech to verify and manage carbon offset projects. So, in a way, it makes sense. A company that provides the credits, merging with one that helps to validate them. It seems logical, you could say.

But it’s bigger than that, I think. This whole thing is about trust. The voluntary carbon markets need it. They need it badly. If companies can’t trust the credits, they won’t buy them. If investors aren’t confident, they’ll pull back. And that would be a problem, wouldn’t it? Because these markets, in theory, are supposed to be a key part of the fight against climate change.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

So, what happens next? Well, we’ll probably see more of this. More mergers, more acquisitions. The market is maturing, and that means some players will inevitably get squeezed out. The stronger, more established companies, like Carbon Direct, will likely swallow up the smaller ones, or at least partner up.

This consolidation could be a good thing, you know? It could lead to more standardization, more transparency. Maybe it’ll help to weed out some of the, let’s say, less credible projects. It could also mean that the cost of carbon credits goes up, as the market becomes more concentrated. That’s something to watch.

And then there’s the whole issue of demand. Will companies continue to buy carbon credits? Will they be willing to pay more? It all depends on the regulations, the public perception, and, of course, the actual effectiveness of these projects. It’s a complex web, for sure.

A Changing Landscape

The TechCrunch piece mentions this shift, and I think it’s spot on. The article really captures that feeling of a market in flux. It’s a bit like watching a storm gather. You can see the clouds rolling in, the wind picking up. You know something big is about to happen, but you can’t quite predict where the lightning will strike.

So, yeah, the carbon credit market. It’s a story that’s still being written. And right now, it feels like a chapter is closing, and a new one is just beginning. For now, we wait and see what the future holds.

November 10, 2025
Lenskart IPO: Stock Market Rollercoaster Ride

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about Lenskart, the online eyewear giant, and their recent IPO. Honestly, the whole thing felt a little… wild. It’s not every day you see a company valued at nearly $8 billion go public, right?

The first day on the stock market is always a nail-biter, and for Lenskart, it was no different. The opening wasn’t exactly a roaring success. The stock opened with a bit of a whimper, which definitely set some nerves on edge. You could feel the tension, I’m sure.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Against the odds, Lenskart managed to pull things together. By the end of the day, the stock had clawed its way back, closing slightly above the IPO price. It wasn’t a massive jump, mind you, but it was enough to suggest that investors still had some faith in the company. And that’s saying something.

Now, the whole situation got me thinking. The big question on everyone’s mind was whether that valuation was justified. $8 billion is a hefty price tag, and it definitely sparked a debate. Was it too high? Just right? Or maybe somewhere in between? The market, as it often does, seemed to be saying, “We’ll see.”

Lenskart, if you don’t know, has built a pretty impressive business. They’ve disrupted the optics industry, offering a wide selection of eyewear online and through physical stores. They’ve got a strong brand and a loyal customer base. But the stock market is a fickle beast. What works in the business world doesn’t always translate to immediate success when you’re publicly listed.

The first day performance is often a reflection of investor sentiment, the overall market conditions, and, let’s be honest, a bit of luck. Lenskart’s experience is a good reminder of how unpredictable the stock market can be. It’s a pretty wild ride.

The public listing is a big step for any company. It brings in capital, yes, but it also brings a whole new level of scrutiny. Investors are watching, analysts are analyzing, and the pressure is on to perform. So, what happens next for Lenskart? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

It’s easy to see why.

November 10, 2025
Gameskraft Layoffs: Real Money Gaming Ban’s Impact

There’s been a bit of a shakeup in the gaming world, and honestly, it’s not looking great for everyone. Gameskraft, a gaming startup, is the latest to feel the pinch, and the story is, unfortunately, becoming all too familiar. The company is laying off a significant chunk of its workforce — a staggering 400 employees, to be exact. And the reason? Well, it all boils down to the ban on real money gaming (RMG) in the country.

Now, if you’ve been following the business scene, this probably isn’t a huge surprise. The ban on RMG has been looming, and its impact is starting to ripple through the industry. Gameskraft, like many others, is now grappling with the fallout. It’s a tough situation, and it really highlights the challenges that startups face when the regulatory landscape shifts so dramatically.

This whole thing is pretty wild, if you think about it. You have these companies, like Gameskraft, that are building something, creating jobs, and trying to innovate. Then, a ban comes down, and suddenly, everything changes. It’s not just about the financial hit, either. It’s about the people who lose their jobs, the projects that get put on hold, and the overall uncertainty that hangs over the industry.

And it’s not just Gameskraft, either. The tags associated with this story, like “Real Money Gaming,” “Layoffs,” and “Gaming Industry,” are becoming unfortunately common headlines. It’s a sign of the times, and it’s a clear indication that the RMG ban is having a real, tangible effect on the businesses involved.

Anyway, let’s talk about Gameskraft for a second. They’re a pretty big player in the gaming space, so this move is definitely going to send some shockwaves. I mean, 400 jobs is a lot. It means families affected, careers disrupted, and a lot of talented people suddenly looking for new opportunities. It’s a stark reminder that even in a booming industry, things can change in an instant.

And the “why” is pretty straightforward: the ban on real money gaming. The government is cracking down, and companies that rely on this model are now struggling to stay afloat. It’s a classic case of policy having a direct, and often painful, impact on the business world.

Now, what happens next? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Will more companies follow suit? Will the industry find a way to adapt? Or will this ban continue to reshape the gaming landscape? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing is clear: the situation is still evolving.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for the employees affected, and for the industry as a whole. It’s a reminder that the world of business is always shifting, and that even successful companies can face unexpected challenges. It is what it is.

November 10, 2025
Slow Ventures’ Finishing School: Etiquette for Founders

There’s been a quiet shift happening. It seems like the venture capital world is getting, well, fancy. Or, at the very least, they want their founders to be. This week, Slow Ventures hosted a three-hour “Etiquette Finishing School.” Yep, you read that right. A finishing school. For startup founders.

I know, right? Pretty wild. The whole thing was designed to help these founders learn to be… well, fancy. The curriculum? Everything from the perfect handshake to the nuances of public speaking and even office decorum. I’m picturing tiny forks and pinkies up, but I’m probably wrong.

It’s a fascinating move, honestly. You’ve got these companies, these scrappy startups, building the future, and suddenly, they need a lesson in how to shake hands properly? It’s a bit of a culture clash, but maybe that’s the point. The world of venture capital has always had its own set of unspoken rules, and perhaps Slow Ventures is trying to help their founders navigate that world a little smoother.

The goal, it seems, is to equip these founders with the tools they need to succeed not just in building a product or service, but also in the boardroom, at networking events, and, well, wherever else they might find themselves. Think about it: a polished founder is probably more likely to impress investors, land partnerships, and generally make a good impression. And in the world of startups, perception is often reality.

This “Etiquette Finishing School” covered a lot of ground. The perfect handshake, which, let’s be honest, is a skill many of us could probably brush up on. Public speaking – a huge factor in whether a startup gets funded or not. And then there’s office decorum. I’m curious what that entailed. Were there lessons on how to arrange the succulents? How to avoid passive-aggressive sticky notes?

Anyway, this whole thing got me thinking about the evolving definition of what it means to be a successful founder. For a long time, it was all about the hustle, the late nights, the ramen noodles, and the ability to code like a ninja. Now, it seems, there’s a new set of skills being valued. Soft skills, you might call them. The ability to network, to present yourself well, to navigate the social landscape of the business world.

And it makes sense, right? As startups grow, founders have to step into a different role. They go from being the doers to the leaders, the visionaries, the faces of the company. And that requires a whole new set of skills. This is the new normal, it seems.

Look, the “Finishing School” concept is unusual, but maybe it’s a sign of the times. It’s a signal that the venture capital world is becoming more sophisticated and that founders need to keep up. It’s an interesting concept, to say the least.

November 9, 2025