From LegalDesk’s eSign services to ShopClues’ one-stop platform for imported products — the product launches of the week
Earlier, new businesses had to focus a lot of their attention on multiple taxations around starting up, sales and services, and logistics costs. Now, with the passing of the GST Constitution Amendment Bill, small businesses can concentrate on innovation.
Startups last week created headlines by introducing innovative products. Housing.com launched personalised search for home buyers, LegalDesk.com inaugurated the eSign service, ShopClues launched a one-stop platform for imported goods, and GoodVice introduced an interactive tool for fitness enthusiasts.
Housing.com’s personalised search for home buyers
Real estate firm Housing.com has launched ‘My Search’ and ‘My Locality’ features to enhance the consumer experience. My Search helps users with trends and distribution of properties across different budget categories in that locality. On visiting Housing.com, the user will be directed towards a new screen and have the flexibility to search based on locality, landmark, featured developer, and project. ‘My Locality’ feature will enable buyers to search and compare listings across multiple locations at the same time in a particular city.
LegalDesk.com launches eSign service
Online legal documentation platform LegalDesk.com launched eSignDesk in the presence of Nandan Nilekani, former UIDAI chairman. Built on the Aadhaar platform, eSignDesk allows citizens (who possess a registered mobile number associated with the Aadhaar card) to remotely sign any document without being physically present. The service is considered legally valid as it conforms to the Information Technology Act, 2000.
eSign also prevents forging of signatures as documents need to be digitally signed and uploaded on the website. Post that, the user needs to enter the Aadhaar numbers of parties and then a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number registered with the Aadhaar card. On submission of the correct OTP, a digital signature will be generated by UIDAI and placed on the document.
The service will be available through the website www.eSignDesk.com, which facilitates the eSign process using UIDAI eSign and eKYC services. At present, there are one billion Aadhaar card holders and 25 million transactions per quarter. Moreover, one can create rental agreements or leases, opt for stamp paper printing, delivery services and make payments.
ShopClues launches one-stop platform for imported goods
With an aim to bring exclusive products from across the world on one platform, online marketplace ShopClues has launched Worldwide Market to feature imported goods. The store will have products from international markets across categories such as premium watches, beauty products, home furnishing, mobiles and electronic accessories, as well as sports products and smart devices. The prices of products range from Rs 110 to 13, 00,000 inclusive of customs, foreign currency conversion, and logistics costs.
GoodVice’s interactive tool for fitness enthusiasts
The GoodVice app lets users book fitness sessions with any of the 150 fitness facilities it has tied up with across Mumbai. Available on both Android and iOS, the GoodVice model has been designed to provide customers multiple fitness options across the city. Initially the focus will be on Mumbai, but will eventually expand to Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru, and globally to the UAE. Moreover, with the GoodVice app, users can explore gyms, fitness studios and other fitness facilities.
In terms of funds flow, the year 2016 has not been as attractive as compared to last year. According to a YourStory Research report, the startup fraternity attracted a total funding of $1.42 billion in Q1 2016 and $870 million in Q2 2016, while Q1 2015 had seen a total infusion of funds worth $1.7 billion and Q2 2015, $3.8 billion.
However the low growth curve in funding has not affected startups’ intention towards fuelling innovation. If the pace of innovation goes on this way, the next week will bring some exciting products. Watch this space for more updates.
