10 ways to create 10 lakh entrepreneurs

Dear reader, 

A new policy framework authored by Shradha Sharma, Founder and CEO of The Bharat Project, proposes a National Entrepreneurship Mission to create 10 lakh enterprises and 30-36 lakh jobs over five years. The blueprint seeks to connect India’s existing startup, MSME, skilling, research, and credit programmes, addressing gaps in funding, mentorship, and market access. Keep reading for more insights on the plan.

As India looks to build more businesses and create jobs back home, Microsoft’s massive AI infrastructure build-out may not be moving as fast as its public statements suggest. There appears to be a gap between the company’s reported datacentre capacity and the number of advanced AI chips it has installed. Power and construction delays could be slowing deployment, though Microsoft disputes the calculations.

Meanwhile, Meta could be forced to make major changes to Instagram and Facebook if it loses a US trial over the impact of its platforms on young users. Thirty US states are suing the company, alleging that Meta knowingly designed its apps to keep children and teenagers engaged despite concerns about potential harms. 

The battle for viewers is also reshaping the broader entertainment industry. The TV and streaming world is in for more shake-ups, with media insiders betting on live sports, strong franchises, and ad-supported streaming. YouTube’s growing pull on viewers is also blurring the lines between traditional TV, streaming, and digital entertainment.

In other news, India’s festive season is set to create 2.5-2.7 lakh temporary and gig jobs, with hiring expected to rise 15-20% year-on-year. Ecommerce, logistics, quick commerce, organised retail, and BFSI are likely to drive demand, with 45% of jobs coming from Tier II and III cities. 

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about

-         10 ways to create 10 lakh entrepreneurs

-         PharmEasy parent API Holdings turns debt-free

Here’s your trivia for today: Prior to digital streaming, what video format did Netflix originally send to customers in the mail? (Scroll down for the answer)

Policy

10 ways to create 10 lakh entrepreneurs

India has built schemes for almost every stage of an entrepreneur’s journey, but the links between them remain weak. A new policy framework proposes a National Entrepreneurship Mission to connect these interventions, with a goal of creating new enterprises and jobs over the next five years.

Key takeaways: 

• The proposal would bring existing startup, MSME, research, skilling and credit schemes onto a common framework through an Entrepreneurship Passport, district-level opportunity maps, and a national Idea Bank.
• Every publicly funded venture would get an assigned mentor, while the mission would create structured demand through government procurement and set targets for ministries and PSUs to help entrepreneurs secure their first customers.
• The framework proposes tracking enterprise survival, revenue, and job creation through GST and EPFO records, with a target of six lakh enterprises surviving and generating revenue by year three, including at least 60% from non-metro districts. 
• Download the report here. 

Corporate

PharmEasy parent API Holdings turns debt-free

API Holdings, the parent company of PharmEasy, Thyrocare, and Docon, has cleared Rs 1,050 crore of outstanding debt to become debt-free. The repayment, funded through the sale of part of its Thyrocare stake and internal accruals, comes as the group moves towards profitability. 

Moolah route: 

• API Holdings has repaid its entire term debt of Rs 1,050 crore, funded by Thyrocare stake sale proceeds and internal accruals.
• Docon sold a 9.9% stake in Thyrocare but retains a 51.02% holding, which is now fully unencumbered after the debt-linked pledge was released.
• With debt cleared and its businesses moving towards profitability, API Holdings is focusing on profitable growth and disciplined execution. 

News & updates

• Quantum foundry: Quantum computing startup QpiAI has inaugurated an eight-inch quantum processing unit manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The quantum foundry can fabricate flip-chip superconducting processors with up to 128 qubits.
• Gold prices: Gold prices rose on Monday as a ‌weaker dollar and fading expectations of the US Federal Reserve rate hike next month supported bullion.

Prior to digital streaming, what video format did Netflix originally send to customers in the mail?

Answer: DVDs

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