GOQii To Launch Health Metaverse, Announces Investment From Animoca Brands

GOQii Inc. announced today that it has raised $10 million in an extended Series C Equity round of funding from Animoca Brands.

GOQii is a smart tech-enabled healthcare platform that brings together the entire preventive healthcare ecosystem to its users. GOQii’s offerings include fitness tracker, app, coaching, healthstore, insurance and many others. GOQii has been a pioneer in bringing evolving technologies in the field of preventive healthcare.

Animoca Brands is a global leader in gamification and blockchain with an extensive  portfolio of over 170 investments in NFT-related companies and decentralized projects contributing to building the open metaverse.

GOQii will collaborate with Animoca Brands and its ecosystem companies and projects to develop various offerings that leverage blockchain tokens and gamification in preventive healthcare.

GOQii’s metaverse ecosystem will be powered by a unique virtual token program, the Token. Consumers will receive the virtual token, which powers the GOQii metaverse ecosystem that incentivizes healthy behaviors and gamified fitness actions. These tokens can then be used to unlock products ,services, purchase NFTs, participate in special events and game modes,  and access curated and discounted health-focused goods, medical services and insurance products.

GOQii launched ‘GOQii Cash’ in 2018, a virtual rewards program for completing steps taken targets and other health goals. GOQii Cash can be redeemed at the GOQii Health Store for discounts. The GOQii Health Store is a healthcare marketplace with over 200 brands and 6,000+ products including supplements, ayurveda products, healthy snacks, fitness equipment and many other offerings from brands such as Kapiva, Sri Sri Tatvaa, TGL, Yoga Bar, Sleepy Owl, Neemans and others.

GOQii’s metaverse is committed to driving innovation within the healthcare industry, as the company seeks to address the complex challenges of healthcare accessibility and affordability. With the launch of India’s National Digital Health Mission, India is set to bring healthcare into the digital sphere, and GOQii’s metaverse is well poised to benefit consumers across the spectrum of healthcare requirements.

Vishal Gondal, Founder and CEO of GOQii, commented: “We are excited to onboard Animoca Brands to the GOQii journey. Animoca Brands is one of the most prestigious names when it comes to gamification and blockchain. Web 3.0 is going to change the way companies interact  with consumers. This investment from Animoca Brands and the close partnership will help GOQii bring best-of-class products to consumers and further keep them motivated to #betheforce in their journey of fitness.”

Yat Siu, the executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands, commented: “Animoca Brands is delighted to invest in GOQii and support its mission to make people healthier. GOQii has built a platform that leverages the power of gamification to make the preventive healthcare journey enjoyable for the masses, and we look forward to leveraging its synergies with OliveX and other companies in our portfolio.”

GOQii recently announced a $50 million Series C round which included participation from investors including Sumeru Ventures, Modality (Digality), 9 Unicorns, Venture Catalysts and others. The funding from Animoca Brands comes in the form of an extended Series C fund raising.

GOQii’s existing investors include Mitsui, funds managed by MegaDelta, DSG Consumer Partners, Galaxy Digital, Denlow Investment Trust, Edelweiss, Cheetah Mobile, GWC, Mr. Ratan Tata, Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Mr. Pravin Gandhi, Mr. Amit Singhal and others.

About GOQii

Founded in 2014 by serial entrepreneur and gaming guru, Vishal Gondal, GOQii is empowering consumers globally to lead healthier and better lives. GOQii’s smart-tech-enabled healthcare platform brings together the entire preventive healthcare ecosystem. Its Smart Health Ecosystem integrates tools for real-time personalized coaching, an explosive high-growth health e-commerce store, scheduling health check-ups, a health locker, and a unique ‘GOQii Cash’ program where healthy behavior is rewarded with cash discounts and insurance discounts based on health management data. Given the state of ‘Sickcare’ delivery infrastructure in India, the company strongly believes that preventive healthcare is the only viable, long-term, mass-market solution. As one of the official partners of the ‘Fit India Movement’ GOQii is a strong supporter of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of making 130 crore Indians fit and healthy. GOQii counts marquee investors like Mitsui, Megadelta, DSG Consumer Partners, Galaxy Digital, Denlow Investment Trust, Edelweiss, Cheetah Mobile, GWC, Mr. Ratan Tata, and Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

Numeric UPS Wins “Most Trusted Brands Of India” Award In Mumbai

* This is the 2nd edition of Most Trusted Brands of India by Team Marksmen

India’s leading UPS manufacturer and supplier, Numeric UPS won the “Most Trusted Brands of India 2022 award” at an event in Mumbai. The award was announced by Team Marksmen.  

Numeric was shortlisted on the following parameters: Corporate Citizenship, Trust Quotient, Business Resilience, Innovative Thinking, Digital Transformation, Stakeholder Capitalism and Sustainability Measures.  

On receiving the award, Mr Satpal Singh, CEO of Numeric said, “We are extremely delighted to be recognised as the ‘Most Trusted Brand of India.’ This is a real testimony to the smart solutions; our wide range of product offers for customers across scale and segments and the uninterrupted service that we have been providing over 3 decades to always ensure business continuity for our customers. We thank our customers and partners for the trust and confidence reposed in us.  This recognition is the result of passion and dedication of Numericans to consistently deliver the best service and solutions to our customers.” 

Currently, Numeric holds the market leader position in the single-phase UPS category with a client base spread across different domains like BFSI, government, telecom, healthcare, IT/ITES, data centres, process industries and others.  

Most Trusted Brands of India-2022 is an exclusive gathering of brands to celebrate their achievements over the past year and beyond, in addition to shining a light on what they mean for consumers at large, while highlighting insights and takeaways from their journey. These are the brands that have lived their values and brought to life the vision of a post-pandemic world in which the greater good is pursued. 

Photo caption: Mr Satpal Singh, CEO of Numeric (third from right) receiving the Most Trusted Brands of India-2022 from  Team Marksmen. 

About Numeric: 

Since 1984, Numeric has been enabling its clients to optimize their business with top notch power solutions that promise seamless and clean power with controlled environmental footprints. Defining Numeric’s vast support ecosystem are 2 world-class manufacturing units, 250+ accessible service locations and 900+ trained field technicians. Being ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and SA 8000:2008 OHSAS 18001:2007 certified fuels our credibility further. Being part of Legrand Group since 2012, Numeric is now truly a GLOCAL company – ‘global’ expertise with deep ‘local’ market knowledge. With this knowledge, Numeric has succeeded in building a credible clientele base spread across different domains like BFSI, Government, Telecom, Healthcare, IT/ITES, Datacentres, Process Industries and SOHO. Numeric has consistently been in the leadership position in the Single Phase UPS category for 29 consecutive years. (Source: Softdisk) 

Hero Vired And LaLiga Introduce eLaLiga Trophy Powered By Hero Vired’ In India

* Starting today, all gamers and eSports enthusiasts who wish to participate in the eLaLiga Trophy can register via the Hero Vired website

* The winner will be awarded an all-expense-paid 'money can't buy experience' trip to Spain

*  This is the first time, eLaLiga is being powered by a partner worldwide

Hero Vired, India’s premium EdTech company by the Hero Group, today announced the launch of the first-ever eLaLiga challenge in India titled ‘eLaLiga Trophy powered by Hero Vired’. Inaugurated by Spanish Legend, Luis Garcia at a grand event in Delhi, registrations for the eSports championship have been opened starting today. The tournament will be held between 9th and 26th April 2022, with the national finale hosted LIVE on 8th May 2022.

The tournament is brought to India, for the first time, by Hero Vired as an extension of the partnership between Hero Vired and LaLiga. Headquartered in Madrid, LaLiga is Spain’s top division football league and one of the world’s most popular professional sports leagues. As its Official Knowledge Partner, Hero Vired will help LaLiga connect with its premium audience base ensuring a wider reach through this high-impact association in India.

Commenting on the launch, Akshay Munjal, Founder and CEO, Hero Vired, said, “eSports is rapidly gaining popularity, and as per a report, India will have over 1.5 million active eSports players by FY25. We are delighted to contribute to this fast-growing ecosystem by bringing this challenge to India. From K-12 through higher education, eSports provides an inclusive environment where students can thrive and expand their talent. Our exclusive collaboration with the League and the eLaLiga Trophy provides Indians and Hero Vired learners with an incredible opportunity to access global experience and opens up pathways to new possibilities.”

“This launch and partnership were always meant to be, football blends seamlessly with data science and finance markets, and gaming with developers. In addition, this is our first step to launch the one-of-a kind gaming program in India soon”, Munjal further added.

This new gaming challenge will feature amateur players and influencers from across all geographies of India. Players will compete in online tournaments, with the best participants getting the chance to win official merchandise, and a ‘Money Can’t Buy Experience’ to Spain.

Speaking about eLaLiga Trophy, Jose Antonio Cachaza, Managing Director, LaLiga India, said, “At LaLiga, we always look at partnering with leading brands, and that’s why we chose Hero Vired as our official Knowledge partner to bring this internationally acclaimed challenge to India. Our shared vision and a mutually rewarding relationship bring the best of education and sports worlds together and complement one another. Creating a meaningful connection with the target audience that has shown a craving for football, Hero Vired will help LaLiga reach new audiences through this challenge and association.”

All interested fans can find more details about the eLaLiga Trophy powered by Hero Vired and register via www.herovired.com/elaliga

Luis Garcia, LaLiga Ambassador, and ex-FC Barcelona player said, “Esports has always been a big part of football. It's a terrific opportunity for fans to get involved with their favorite sport and compete with their friends and other players from all around the world. I've observed my younger relatives and friends' love for esports, and I feel it helps gamers get more familiar with different sports, teams, and athletes from a young age. The emergence of esports has helped to improve sporting fandom, and the eLaLiga Trophy will give the sports and gaming enthusiasts in India a much-needed boost.”

Hero Vired and eLaLiga will continue to establish similar events and opportunities in India to bolster eSports and gaming-related learning in the country. eLaLiga Beat the Best, is the new international competition by LaLiga and EA, is currently held in thirteen countries with two challenges in the United States and China. The competition further elevates the excitement of eLaLiga EA SPORTS FIFA 22 and FIFA Online tournaments across the world. This format follows the lead of the 20/21 eLaLiga Fan Cup, which attracted 21,000 registered players and generated 3 million impressions on social media, the first step in the internationalization strategy developed by eLaLiga.

Through this collaboration, Hero Vired and LaLiga aim to increase awareness of the need for upskilling and continuous learning, and also bring to light their much-awaited program in gaming. eLaLiga is Hero Vired’s flagship gaming tournament through which the company aims to help users develop the requisite skills for emerging opportunities in eSports and gaming in the jobs for the future.

To register visit www.herovired.com/elaliga

About Hero Vired:

Hero Vired is India’s premium EdTech company for professionals and higher education aspirants. The company is a startup venture of the Hero Group that offers career-relevant programs, in partnership with world-class universities to make learners more competent and industry-ready for emerging jobs and skills of the future. With best-in-class short and long-term learning programs, Hero Vired offers overall professional development via skill-based programs and courses that are imperative to a learner’s growth in India’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Nestle Munch Launches New Campaign ‘Thaalam’ Featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu Showing How To Crunch Your Doubts With Confidence

* A campaign capturing local essence and encouraging young consumers to ‘Crunch with Confidence’

* Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu stars in the new Munch campaign bringing to life the beautiful sport of boat racing

Munch recently rolled out its latest advertisement campaign encouraging their young consumers to overcome self-doubt and lead the way to victory. The new campaign featuring actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, is shot in the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, the TVC opens with traditional boat race announcement with the commentator announcing the captains’ names of each boat who each sing their ‘thaalam’. As Samantha’s team is announced, being a first-time captain, she becomes a little hesitant and doubts herself. But, as soon as she bites into MUNCH, she drops all her doubts and decides to crunch it with confidence. What follows is a beautiful visual spectacle of the boat race combined with amazing music. The TVC is being launched across all Southern markets as well as select digital platforms in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

Talking about this campaign and her association with the brand, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu said, “I am delighted to be a part of this campaign with Munch and resonate very well with the core idea of the campaign. I truly believe it’s our confidence that helps us get through the many hurdles we face every day. I hope through this campaign we are able to inspire the youngsters to overcome any self-doubt with confidence and self-belief.”

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Rupali Rattan, Head - Confectionery Business, Nestlé India said, “Munch has always encouraged our consumers to overcome any doubts and inspired them to put forth their best self. This film uses the setting of the beautiful local boat races to bring this truth to life in a grand yet enjoyable, relatable way”

The youngsters of today have so many aspirations, talent and ambition. But many a times when faced with a high-pressure situation self-doubt can creep in. Munch encourages one to overcome these self-doubts and perform to their potential. The new film showcases this in the context of a celebrated sport of boat racing. It highlights that once you overcome self-doubt and perform to your true talent, victory awaits you on the other side.

Creative Agency: Wunderman Thompson

VAHDAM India Becomes The First Indian Wellness Brand To Be A Part Of The Oscars Goodie Bag

Global wellness brand, VAHDAM® India has become the first Indian Teas & Superfoods brand to be a part of the highly coveted 2022 Oscars goodie bag!

As they are known, the legendary “Everyone Wins” Nominee Gift Bags, have become the most buzzed-about swag in history and celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night. They have been independently produced by Distinctive Assets for twenty years.

The Oscar goodie bag will feature VAHDAM® India’s stylish and sustainable drinkware, Rover Bottle, an everyday on-the-go functional drinkware that keeps your beverage hot & cold for hours.

They will be delivered exclusively to the A-listers who are nominated in the Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director categories.

This year’s top acting and directing nominees include Will Smith, Andrew Garfield, Denzel Washington, Jessica Chastain, Olivia Colman, Kristen Stewart, J.K. Simmons, Jesse, Plemons, Ariana DeBose, Kirsten Dunst, Jane Campion and Steven Spielberg.

“We are humbled to be commemorating two decades of curating a specialty gift bag that has become a global pop culture phenomenon. The companies we feature have amazing products and services while also embracing diversity, inclusion, health, and philanthropy. This year's nominee package is particularly meaningful as we pay tribute to a milestone anniversary and also celebrate the resilience of all involved after the challenges of the past two years.” ?  Lash Fary, Founder, Distinctive Assets.

“We’re thrilled and humbled to have VAHDAM® India as a part of the prestigious 2022 Oscar goodie bag.We have always strived to take the best of India to the world under a home-grown brand. It is a matter of honor to have gotten this spot in the bag with a host of exclusive brands from around the world.” says Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO, VAHDAM® India

While these goodie bags are not directly associated with the Oscars, they have been part of the tradition for more than 2 decades. In the era of being Vocal for Local, having an Indian product find a global platform is a big achievement in itself.

This Year’s Luxe Oscars Gift Bag includes treats worth more than $100,000 - from a plot of land in Scotland with a title, to gold-infused olive oil, crystal-topped bath bombs, Art Lipo body enhancements and Celebrity Arms Sculpting, and a stay at Turin Castle.

Hollywood’s biggest weekend, the Academy Awards 2022 will take place on March 28th, Sunday.

About VAHDAM® India

VAHDAM® India is a digitally native, global wellness brand taking India’s finest teas and superfoods to consumers across 130 countries, under a home-grown label. It has raised over 290 crores in Venture Funding from India's Top Consumer Investors. Founded in 2015 by the then 23-year old Bala Sarda, VAHDAM® has been endorsed by global icons like Oprah Winfrey,

Ellen DeGeneres, Mariah Carey, and Martha Stewart amongst others. It is also a certified Climate Neutral & Plastic Neutral Brand and directs 1% of their revenue towards the education of the tea growers’ children under their social initiative,‘TEAch Me

www.vahdamteas.in

Happiest Minds Is Among India’s Top 15 Best Workplaces In Health And Wellness For 2021

Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a ‘Born Digital . Born Agile’ digital transformation and IT solutions company, today announced being recognized among the Top 15 of India’s Best Workplaces in Health and Wellness for 2021 by Great Place to Work® Institute (GPTW), the global authority on high-trust workplace culture.

Following a rigorous and comprehensive assessment, Happiest Minds has emerged as one of the most desirable workplaces which takes extensive efforts to percolate and imbibe its core values and philosophy. The GPTW surveyed the organizations about its well-designed practices for holistic wellbeing and the team shares feedback of their experiencing a workplace culture that provides both physical and psychological safety. This recognition is based on data collected from a confidential survey, assessing people experiences of trust, innovation, company values and leadership. 

Happiest Minds has also received a special recognition for COVID Care, of being one of India’s Top 10 companies that supported their teams and their families during the pandemic. Addressing some of the best people practices and initiatives at Happiest Minds, GPTW applauded the open and transparent communication within the Company, the efforts in fostering Diversity, Equality & Inclusion and its Wellness and Wellbeing framework.

Joseph Anantharaju, Executive Vice Chairman, Happiest Minds Technologies said, “We are honored to be recognized as one of the Top 15 best workplaces in India for Health and Wellness. This is a testament to our philosophy of creating a workplace culture that prioritizes and nurtures wellbeing as part of our ethos and is consistent with our belief that a healthy body leads to a happy mind. Happiest Minds has also received special recognition for COVID Care – this is a tribute to our philosophies of Happiness Evangelism and Mindfulness. I am grateful to the Internal First Responder Team, the Mithra and HappiZest teams that continue to inspire and support our teams and their families.”

The GPTW research is based on a comprehensive and unique framework that provides a benchmark for both the organisation and the individual employee. Workplace Wellness IndexTM studies and understands experience of employees on six key levers that impact physical and psychological safety at the workplace. Wellbeing IndicatorTM is a short self-assessment that provides an understanding of the fitness, resilience and social indices of the employees and nudges them to take ownership of their own wellbeing.

About Happiest Minds Technologies:

Happiest Minds’ Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a Mindful IT Company, enables digital transformation for enterprises and technology providers by delivering seamless customer experiences, business efficiency and actionable insights. We do this by leveraging a spectrum of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud, digital process automation, internet of things, robotics/drones, security, virtual/augmented reality, and more. Positioned as ‘Born Digital. Born Agile’, our capabilities span digital solutions, infrastructure, product engineering and security. We deliver these services across industry sectors such as automotive, BFSI, consumer packaged goods, e-commerce, edutech, engineering R&D, hi-tech, manufacturing, retail, and travel/transportation/hospitality.

A Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, Happiest Minds is headquartered in Bangalore, India, with operations in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

Godrej Appliances Onboards Bollywood Star Ayushmann Khurrana As Brand Ambassador

Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej Appliances has onboarded the popular and versatile actor Ayushmann Khurrana as brand ambassador, across its range including Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Microwave Ovens, and Air Coolers amongst others.

The appliances sector is foreseeing a surge in demand in coming months. After two consecutive summers being affected by the pandemic, this is the first summer that is expected to mark a full return to pre-pandemic state. The actor, known for his diverse portrayals and recipient of several awards, including a National Film Award, will feature in a series of campaigns for the brand, starting this April.

Commenting on the decision to rope in a brand ambassador, Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President – Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce, said, “With rising demand, we wanted to ensure that we also strengthen our brand recall. A careful evaluation led us to Ayushmann Khurrana who shares a lot of synergy in values with the brand. Like Godrej, Ayushman enjoys a high level of credibility. He is also known for associating with progressive content. We believe this partnership will help us connect to consumers across the spectrum and reinforce our brand philosophy of Soch Ke Banaya Hai. This is also in alignment with the brands vision to become the most preferred Appliances brand in India by 2030 and delivering 100% growth over the next 3 years and 40%+ in FY 23.”

Swati Rathi, Marketing Head – Godrej Appliances, added, “Ayushmann has the unique ability to connect with both younger and older generations. He epitomizes versatility with the multiple hats he dons – singer, actor, poet and with his content, he projects a progressive and innovative spirit which resonates well with Godrej Appliances. Our first campaign featuring Ayushmann will be released shortly and has been crafted keeping in mind his fun personality. Together, we look forward to co – creating communication that will help the brand get even closer to its consumers.”

Speaking on the association, Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana shared, “I am delighted to partner with Godrej Appliances, an iconic Indian brand which has stood out for its product quality and customer service garnering love and respect from Indian consumers over the years. It’s a progressive brand, truly committed to the environment – a value I resonate with as well.”