In a world driven by speed, efficiency, and constant deadlines, the idea of slowing down to focus on beginnings can feel counterintuitive. Yet more than two thousand years ago, the philosopher Plato captured a truth that remains just as relevant today: “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” This simple statement reflects a profound understanding of human behaviour, creativity, productivity—and continues to guide thinkers, leaders, and creators across industries.Plato’s insight speaks to a universal principle: the foundation you set at the start of any endeavor largely determines its direction and outcome. Whether building a business, writing a book, launching a project, or making a personal change, the opening steps are where intentions are clarified, structures are formed, and momentum is created. Without a strong beginning, even the most ambitious ideas can falter.In practical terms, beginnings shape our mindset. Research consistently shows that early decisions influence long-term success. For example, setting clear goals at the outset increases the likelihood of achieving them, while establishing organized systems from the start helps prevent chaos later on. When we rush into action without reflection, we often find ourselves backtracking, correcting avoidable mistakes, or losing motivation altogether. Plato’s wisdom reminds us that…  ​Read More​YourStory RSS Feed

Converse, a sneaker brand owned by Nike, is gearing up for massive layoffs following yet another precipitous decline in quarterly revenue. A worsening of its long-running downturn has put Converse in a difficult position. Reportedly based on an internal memo from CEO Aaron Cain, Converse is preparing to lay off a large portion of its personnel.Cain added in the message that the organisation was facing tough decisions, such as saying goodbye to comrades and friends, and that senior executives were also likely to leave. Converse continues to report substantial declines, which coincides with the layoffs. The division’s revenue dropped 30% to $300 million in Nike’s most recent quarter, continuing a long streak of negative growth as sales decreased across all markets.Converse Poor Market Run ContinuesEven while Nike as a whole is trying to turn things around under the leadership of CEO Elliott Hill, Converse has been a constant blemish in the portfolio. Following a time of inconsistent demand, Nike has been attempting to re-establish wholesale alliances, refine its innovation pipeline, and regain momentum. The magnitude of the anticipated layoffs is still unknown. But this is only the latest round of layoffs at Nike, which has been cutting expenses and protecting…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

In an effort to streamline operations and re-establish sales momentum, newly installed chief executive Michael Fiddelke has decided to lay off around 500 people at Target. The layoffs are a component of a larger reorganisation that will provide store managers more power and streamline the retailer’s store field structure.In an effort to give store directors more authority, Target has announced that it is reducing the number of districts in its organization. Approximately one hundred positions will be cut from district offices. But the company’s supply-chain locations will lose about 400. No jobs at the store level will be impacted, according to Target.Why Target Opted for Layoffs?Target is under increasing pressure to improve execution, and this restructure is a reflection of that. As competition heats up and consumer demand stays unequal, the company must reinvest in customer experience. Without providing a specific amount, Target stated that the adjustments would enable it to enhance its investment in guest-experience training and more in-store staff. Layoffs are part of a larger leadership transition. Fiddelke was officially appointed in August and took over as CEO this month.Fiddelke wants to improve the in-store shopping experience, polish merchandising, and strengthen digital capabilities. He announced Rick Gomez’s resignation…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

The crypto and Web3 risk infrastructure sector is becoming a core part of the digital finance ecosystem. As blockchain adoption grows, the need for asset protection, smart contract security, decentralized insurance, and stablecoin-based financial systems is increasing. These solutions help reduce risk, improve trust, and support large-scale adoption of digital assets.This ecosystem includes crypto insurance providers, decentralized cover platforms, smart contract security protocols, and stablecoin payment infrastructure companies. Each plays a different role in building safer and more reliable blockchain systems. This overview brings together key companies from this space and explains how they support security, scalability, compliance, and long-term growth in the digital economy.Crypto Insurance Providers in the US Comparison Platform Founded Headquarters Regulation (USA) Coverage Type Assets Insured Security Measures KYC Requirement Best For App Availability OpenCover 2013 San Francisco (United States) Decentralized, on-chain underwriting partners Smart contract hacks, stablecoin depegs, oracle manipulation, governance attacks 100+ protocols and protocol combinations Vetted on-chain underwriters, ERC-721 Proof of Cover Not explicitly stated, but implied through on-chain nature Retail, institutional, DeFi users seeking on-chain risk protection Web-based platform Evertas 2017 Chicago (United States) Backed by Lloyd’s of London, A+ Rated coverage Crime/Theft/Loss (digital assets, private keys), Mining Property, Platform Failure, Insider…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

From AI-led GCC expansion to manufacturing tech, sustainable waste startups, and fresh funding across fintech, robotics, homeware, and apparel, YourStory brings you the latest from India’s tech and enterprise world.Featured newsIndia’s startup wave in manufacturing is reshaping demand for digital design tools: DassaultIndia’s push toward becoming a manufacturing-driven economy is increasing demand for digital product design and simulation tools, according to executives at Dassault Systèmes. The company said Indian manufacturers are accelerating technology adoption post-pandemic, investing more in research and shortening product development timelines.Alongside this trend, India is witnessing a rise in deeptech hardware startups focused on sectors such as electric vehicles, medical devices, drones, and automation. Many of these ventures are emerging from smaller cities and solving industry-specific problems. Dassault said it supports startups through software access, mentorship, and ecosystem partnerships rather than direct investments, with artificial intelligence expected to further accelerate design innovation. Read more.GCCs in India embrace AI to drive innovation: StudyA report by NTT Data and The Mainstream says over 70% of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are investing in AI and GenAI, with 35% ranking GenAI as their top technology priority. Cloud and cybersecurity follow at 15%. India hosts around 1,900 GCCs employing two…  ​Read More​YourStory RSS Feed

India’s packaged food industry has long been dominated by sweet protein bars, cereal snacks, and imported health supplements. But as awareness around nutrition grows, a new wave of entrepreneurs is experimenting with formats that are both functional and rooted in local tastes. In Assam, where meat consumption is culturally embedded, the idea of a savory protein bar, one that carries the umami of chicken rather than the sugar of oats, is starting to find its place.IndiMeat, founded by Sayanika Deka, is one of those ventures. What began as a personal search for protein‑rich diets has grown into ready‑to‑eat chicken bars and nutraceutical powders, supported by Assam’s startup ecosystem and driven by a vision to make protein convenient, affordable, and culturally resonant.Watch nowA personal triggerSayanika’s journey into entrepreneurship began at home. When her father was diagnosed with dementia, doctors prescribed a protein‑rich diet. That moment made her realize how little was available in the market that was both protein‑dense and culturally familiar. “That is where I realised the importance of protein,” she recalls. From that point, she committed herself to developing products that could meet nutritional needs without compromising on taste.She sought specialized training and worked closely with institutions such as…  ​Read More​YourStory RSS Feed

In Sultanpur, moonj craft transforms seasonal grass into everyday utility products. Baskets, dalias, storage containers, and decorative items made from moonj are widely used in homes, while also serving as gifting and lifestyle products.Behind these woven forms lies a structured livelihood chain. The process begins with the seasonal cutting of moonj grass, which is carefully dried and stored for year-round use. Proper handling is essential—poorly dried grass can fray during weaving and weaken the final product.Before weaving begins, the grass is processed into thin strips known locally as balla. These strips are dried again and then boiled in dye with salt to ensure even colour setting. Once prepared, artisans weave over a base, building the structure row by row and tightening the weave for strength and durability.Quality is reflected in even colour tones, firm weaving, clean edges, and a shape that holds with daily use.A women-led cluster modelRinka Singh, based in Rahil Para village, coordinates a women-led production network across the district. She oversees design planning, group-based production, quality checks, packaging, and dispatch. Today, nearly 525 women are connected to the craft, many working from home or in shared community spaces.Strengthened through ODOP supportWith recognition under the One District One…  ​Read More​YourStory RSS Feed

Nester, a premium design-first, tech-driven homeware brand, has raised INR 19 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures and OTP Ventures. The round saw participation from Sadev Ventures and Titan Capital as well. The cap table portfolio continues to include early stage angel investors Shezan Bhojani, Co-founder & CEO of Design Café, and Himanshu Chandra, Co-founder of Progcap.Founded with a vision to create thoughtfully designed homeware that elevates everyday living, Nester focuses on building appliances that fit seamlessly into modern Indian homes. The brand is defined by minimalistic design, high-quality construction, and intuitive functionality, and tech-engineered products that simplify routines, work efficiently, and integrate naturally into daily life without demanding attention. The product innovation is driven by tech-engineered, multi-functional products in order to declutter homes and drive higher value with design and feature upgrades.The home appliances and homeware market in India is at an inflection point, driven by rising disposable income and exposure to global quality and design standards. While the demand for premium products is high, the current market continues to be dominated by legacy players focused on price-led communication. Also, most products have minimal to none design changes with incremental feature upgrades. This has created a clear opportunity for new-age brands to…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

Shares of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) fell sharply on Wednesday after the Government of India announced a stake sale through an Offer for Sale (OFS), triggering heavy selling across the counter. The stock dropped over 6% in early trade, hitting intraday lows and wiping out recent gains, despite the company reporting strong Q3 FY26 financial results only weeks ago.The decline reflects investor caution around large government divestments, especially when offered at a discount, and fears of increased supply pressure in the market.Government OFS Triggers BHEL Share Price FallThe government formally launched the OFS on 11 February 2026, aiming to divest up to 5% stake in BHEL as part of its broader PSU disinvestment plan.Key details of the OFS:Base offer: 3% stake (around 10.44 crore shares)Green-shoe option: Additional 2% stake (around 6.96 crore shares)Total potential divestment: 5%Floor price: INR 254 per shareEstimated base deal size: ~INR 4,422 croreTotal potential value (if 5% sold): Over INR 7,000 crore, based on pre-dip market capitalisation near INR 1.4 lakh croreTrading for anchor investors took place on 10 February, while the OFS opened for institutional and retail investors on 11 February from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST, with settlement expected on a T+1…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

Eicher Motors, the parent company of Royal Enfield, saw its shares jump over 6.5% to a record high following the release of impressive third-quarter results for the period ending December 2025. This rally marked the stock’s best day in more than five years, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s robust financial performance.Q3 Financial Results Beat Expectations with Profit and Revenue GrowthEicher Motors reported a consolidated net profit after tax of INR 1,421 crore for Q3 FY26, up 21% from the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations climbed 23% to around INR 6,114 crore, driven by higher sales volumes across its key segments.Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also hit a high, rising 30% year-on-year to INR 1,557 crore with margins at 26%. Standalone net profit stood at INR 1,290 crore, showing sequential growth from the previous quarter despite a one-off charge related to new labour codes. Basic earnings per share came in at INR 51.79 on a consolidated basis, beating analyst estimates.Royal Enfield, the flagship motorcycle brand, sold 325,773 units in the quarter, a 21% increase from 269,039 units a year earlier. This strong demand for mid-size bikes helped push volumes higher. Meanwhile, VE Commercial Vehicles, another…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories