Latest news with #AnkurAgarwal
Fashion Value Chain
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Medkart Launches Women-First Franchise Drive to Empower Local Health Leaders
Across India, women have long been the backbone of community health – managing medicine, caregiving, and decision-making in families. Yet when it comes to formal entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector, their presence remains limited. According to government data, only 20% of Indian entrepreneurs are women, and fewer still operate in sectors like retail pharmacy where compliance, capital, and operational complexity often deter first-time business owners. Medkart is creating a platform where women lead with knowledge, empathy, and impact in retail healthcare This gender gap is especially visible in the pharmacy sector, despite the fact that women already form the majority of healthcare decision influencers in households. Most pharmacy store owners continue to be male, even though India produces over 150,000 pharmacy graduates annually, with many qualified women unable to transition into business due to lack of support or structure. In response, Medkart Pharmacy – one of India's fastest-growing pharmacy retail chains – has announced a women-first franchise campaign to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs to become local health leaders. The initiative is designed to offer women a low-risk, structured path to business ownership in the high-impact healthcare space. Founded in 2014, Medkart operates 100+ stores across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, and has helped over 10 lakh families save â¹650 crore on essential medicines. The company's model promotes WHO-GMP certified generic drugs and operates on a transparent, education-first approach to retail pharmacy. Visit for More Details. One of the biggest frustrations for customers seeking affordable treatment is that they often cannot get their full prescription filled at one store – especially when they ask for generic alternatives. Medkart solves this by offering both branded and generic medicines under one roof, eliminating the need to visit multiple chemists or compromise on affordability. Customers save time, money, and get trusted options in a single visit. The Medkart franchise system requires an all-inclusive investment of Rs. 8-9 lakhs. It includes everything from store setup, inventory, and branding, to staff recruitment, licensing, training, and a proprietary AI-powered inventory management dashboard. This software provides real-time analytics on stock levels, expiry tracking, billing, and demand forecasts – allowing franchisees to run lean, efficient, compliant and technology-enabled businesses. 'Inventory losses are one of the biggest reasons why small pharmacies fail,' said Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Medkart. 'We built our franchise model to eliminate that fear entirely. Partners receive the stock they need, when they need it – and anything that doesn't move is taken back.' 'Our goal is to simplify healthcare retail,' added Parasharan Chari, Co-founder and COO. 'We're making it easier for individuals – even without pharma experience – to own and operate clean, transparent medicine stores that actually help their communities. Women, in particular, bring empathy, discipline, and trust – qualities that are invaluable in healthcare entrepreneurship – and we're proud to be creating a platform where they can thrive.' Under this new campaign, women franchisees will receive additional mentorship, priority onboarding, and access to Medkart's Franchisee Academy – a structured training program covering medicine knowledge, customer interaction, business compliance, and use of Medkart's tech platform. The brand reports that most franchise partners reach breakeven within 3-6 months, with ROI typically achieved within the first year and a half. As India moves toward greater inclusion in healthcare entrepreneurship, Medkart's women-first initiative is a step toward ensuring that more women take on leadership roles in the health sector – not just as caregivers, but as business builders and community anchors. For franchise inquiries, visit or email bd@
Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
'Alternative Investments Technology: Bridging the Gap' - A Fund Manager's Guide to Overcoming Tech Dilemmas
PNN New Delhi [India], June 2: For fund managers navigating digital transformation, the real challenge isn't the lack of tools - it's the flood of questions. Where do we begin? What's worth automating? Should we build or buy? In his new book, Alternative Investments Technology: Bridging the Gap (Taylor & Francis | Routledge), seasoned technologist and enterprise architect Ankur Agarwal offers a practical, jargon-free roadmap to help private capital firms make smarter, business-aligned technology decisions. Drawing on decades of experience working closely with fund managers, Ankur identifies the recurring dilemmas investment leaders face - dilemmas that are more about change management and strategic clarity than tech specs. This book serves as a field guide for navigating those choices. "The idea for this book came from years of sitting across the table from fund managers who kept running into the same set of questions," says Agarwal. "Over time, I realized those questions weren't just technical - they reflected deeper decision-making dilemmas. Yet there wasn't a practical guide that looked at these issues from both the business and technology lens. That's what I set out to write." About the Book Alternative Investments Technology: Bridging the Gap helps private capital firms: * Identify the right starting point for automation and tech modernization. * Evaluate when to build vs. buy, and how much to customize. * Simplify investor reporting, compliance, and ESG tracking using technology. * Make strategic tech decisions without falling into vendor hype or abstraction. The book is designed for fund managers, operational heads, and decision-makers at private equity, private debt, venture capital, and fund-of-funds firms - especially those at early to mid-stages of digital maturity. "If you are an alternative investment firm in an early stage of your automation journey, there is not a lot of literature for you to get smarter about the path ahead. Ankur's book fills this important gap," says Rajdeep Endow, Private Equity Advisor & Transformation Leader. "Written in a simple and lucid style, Ankur uses real-world examples to illustrate his points and provide actionable advice." Media Coverage The book has been reviewed by CIO Africa, which called it "a must-read for firms in emerging markets looking to scale responsibly through technology." Read the full review: CIO Africa Book Review About the Author Ankur Agarwal is Co-Founder and CTO of PE Front Office, a leading SaaS platform for alternative investment firms. A TOGAF-certified architect, poet, and musician, Ankur has also authored Enterprise Technology in Private Equity (PEI Media, 2013) and the poetry collection Adyakshar (2020). Book Details Title: Alternative Investments Technology: Bridging the Gap Author: Ankur Agarwal Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge) ISBN: 9781032771786 Available at: Routledge, Amazon and other global retailers Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook
Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Dhansafal and Vastu Finserve Forge Strategic Co-Lending Partnership to Drive Inclusive Credit Access
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 28: Dhansafal Finserve Limited is pleased to announce a strategic co-lending partnership for INR 75 Crs with Vastu Finserve India Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited, to offer secured MSME and business loans for customers from the emerging markets in India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Dhansafal's mission to deepen financial inclusion and expand access to credit across underserved regions in India. Dhansafal, a BSE-listed NBFC registered with the RBI (B-13.01559), provides transparent and inclusive credit solutions tailored to India's evolving financial landscape. Its product offerings include working capital loans, MSME loans, and loans against property, empowering entrepreneurs and individuals to strengthen their financial resilience and achieve their goals. Dhansafal currently operates across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, serving diverse customer needs through its growing regional footprint. Vastu Finserve brings to the partnership its extensive pan-India reach, robust technology infrastructure, and a proven track record in credit delivery. With its scalable operating model, digital-first approach, and deep analytics capabilities, Vastu Finserve complements Dhansafal's commitment to delivering customer-centric and agile financial solutions. Together, the two institutions will co-lend through an integrated, tech-enabled framework leveraging each other's strengths in underwriting, market intelligence, and operations. The partnership aims to deliver timely and affordable credit to underserved customers, particularly across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a focus on responsible lending. Dhansafal will leverage Vastu's credit know-how and source customers who will be assessed based on Vastu's underwriting policy and onboarded accordingly. "This collaboration reinforces our long-term vision of being a trusted and impactful financial partner, supporting sustainable growth across India," said Ankur Agarwal, Managing Director, Dhansafal Finserve Limited. "In the vehicle and mortgage finance segments, Vastu Finserve's differentiated, tech-driven approach powered by digital channels and data analytics enables us to deliver seamless and affordable credit solutions. We look forward to partnering with Dhansafal, under the co-origination (CLM 1 model) framework prescribed by RBI, to extend this capability to a broader customer base in the mortgage segment by providing simple, faster and affordable credit solutions to small business owners and MSMEs," said Kshitij Grover, Chief Financial Officer, Vastu Finserve India Private Limited. This partnership underscores Dhansafal's continued commitment to innovation, transparency, and building impactful collaborations that drive financial empowerment. A wholly owned subsidiary of Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited, Vastu Finserve India Private Limited is a technology-led Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) founded in 2018 with its headquarters in Mumbai. Vastu Finserve is dedicated to bridging the credit gap for underserved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual borrowers across India. It offers a range of lending solutions, including business loans, vehicle loans, construction equipment loans, and loan against property. With presence in 13 states with 70+ branches, Vastu Finserve is committed to financial inclusion, customer-centric innovation, and responsible lending. Website: Email: DhanSafal Finserve Limited is a digitally driven, well-diversified financial services company focused on simplifying credit access across India's heartland. With a strong presence in the retail loan sector, we offer flexible and competitive lending solutions tailored to individual needs from personal and business loans to income-generating credit. Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional banking and underserved communities through ethical practices, innovative digital platforms, and a relentless customer-first approach. At DhanSafal, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to all because with the right support, success is possible for everyone.
Fashion Value Chain
28-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Dhansafal and Vastu Finserve Forge Strategic Co-Lending Partnership to Drive Inclusive Credit Access
Dhansafal Finserve Limited is pleased to announce a strategic co-lending partnership for INR 75 Crs with Vastu Finserve India Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited, to offer secured MSME and business loans for customers from the emerging markets in India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Dhansafal's mission to deepen financial inclusion and expand access to credit across underserved regions in India. Mr. Ankur Agarwal, the Managing Director of Dhansafal Finserve Limited Dhansafal, a BSE-listed NBFC registered with the RBI (B-13.01559), provides transparent and inclusive credit solutions tailored to India's evolving financial landscape. Its product offerings include working capital loans, MSME loans, and loans against property, empowering entrepreneurs and individuals to strengthen their financial resilience and achieve their goals. Dhansafal currently operates across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, serving diverse customer needs through its growing regional footprint. Vastu Finserve brings to the partnership its extensive pan-India reach, robust technology infrastructure, and a proven track record in credit delivery. With its scalable operating model, digital-first approach, and deep analytics capabilities, Vastu Finserve complements Dhansafal's commitment to delivering customer-centric and agile financial solutions. Together, the two institutions will co-lend through an integrated, tech-enabled framework leveraging each other's strengths in underwriting, market intelligence, and operations. The partnership aims to deliver timely and affordable credit to underserved customers, particularly across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a focus on responsible lending. Dhansafal will leverage Vastu's credit know-how and source customers who will be assessed based on Vastu's underwriting policy and onboarded accordingly. 'This collaboration reinforces our long-term vision of being a trusted and impactful financial partner, supporting sustainable growth across India,' said Ankur Agarwal, Managing Director, Dhansafal Finserve Limited. 'In the vehicle and mortgage finance segments, Vastu Finserve's differentiated, tech-driven approach powered by digital channels and data analytics enables us to deliver seamless and affordable credit solutions. We look forward to partnering with Dhansafal, under the co-origination (CLM 1 model) framework prescribed by RBI, to extend this capability to a broader customer base in the mortgage segment by providing simple, faster and affordable credit solutions to small business owners and MSMEs,' said Kshitij Grover, Chief Financial Officer, Vastu Finserve India Private Limited. This partnership underscores Dhansafal's continued commitment to innovation, transparency, and building impactful collaborations that drive financial empowerment. About Vastu Finserve India Private Limited A wholly owned subsidiary of Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited, Vastu Finserve India Private Limited is a technology-led Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) founded in 2018 with its headquarters in Mumbai. Vastu Finserve is dedicated to bridging the credit gap for underserved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual borrowers across India. It offers a range of lending solutions, including business loans, vehicle loans, construction equipment loans, and loan against property. With presence in 13 states with 70+ branches, Vastu Finserve is committed to financial inclusion, customer-centric innovation, and responsible lending. Website: Email: About DhanSafal Finserve Limited DhanSafal Finserve Limited is a digitally driven, well-diversified financial services company focused on simplifying credit access across India's heartland. With a strong presence in the retail loan sector, we offer flexible and competitive lending solutions tailored to individual needs from personal and business loans to income-generating credit. Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional banking and underserved communities through ethical practices, innovative digital platforms, and a relentless customer-first approach. At DhanSafal, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to all because with the right support, success is possible for everyone.
Fashion Value Chain
23-05-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Medkart Introduces India's First Room-Temperature Stable Nicorandil Tablets, Enhancing Accessibility to Cardiac Care
In a country where cardiac care costs continue to burden millions, Medkart introduces a game-changing innovation: India's first room-temperature stable generic Nicorandil tablets-making heart medication more accessible, affordable, and logistically convenient. Medkart, a leading generic medicine platform in India, proudly announces the launch of the nations most in-demand Nicorandil tablets which remain stable at room temperature. This innovation eliminates the need for cold-chain storage, reducing logistical challenges and making the medication more accessible and affordable for patients across diverse regions. The product is now available at all Medkart outlets. Refrigeration Not Required-India's First Room-Temperature Nicorandil is here Addressing Storage Challenges in Cardiac Medications Nicorandil is widely prescribed for the treatment of chronic stable angina. Due to its sensitivity to temperature and humidity, its storage has traditionally required stringent cold-chain logistics. This requirement often poses significant challenges, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where maintaining cold-chain infrastructure is difficult. Enhancing Affordability and Accessibility Medkarts room-temperature stable Nicorandil tablets are manufactured under WHO-GMP-certified facilities, ensuring high-quality standards. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, the company significantly reduces distribution costs, allowing the medication to be priced up to 80% lower than its branded counterparts. 'Our room-stable Nicorandil is more than a product-it's an answer to India's cold chain problem in heart care,' said Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder of Medkart. 'Were proving that innovation doesnt have to be expensive-it has to be relevant.' Dr Ramesh Mehta, a senior cardiologist based in Ahmedabad, added, 'Ensuring that a cardiac drug like Nicorandil remains effective without refrigeration is a major step forward, particularly for patients in remote regions. We've long seen efficacy compromised due to storage issues. This advancement will save lives and improve treatment consistency.' Tackling the Cardiovascular Disease Burden Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality in India. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in India, accounting for almost 18% of all female deaths. Medkart's launch addresses both cost and accessibility in one formulation. Product Availability Medkart's room-stable Nicorandil tablets are now available at over 35000+ pincodes and online at To illustrate the cost difference between branded and Medkarts generic versions of Nicorandil tablets, here's a comparative snapshot based on real-time Medkart data: Product Type Strength Branded Price Per Tab (Rs.) Medkart Price Per Tab (Rs.) Savings (Rs.) Savings (%) Nicorandil 10 MG Tablet 10 mg Rs. 26.95 Rs. 5.2 Rs. 21.75 80.72% Nicorandil 5 MG Tablet 5 mg Rs. 16.5 Rs. 3.1 Rs. 13.4 81.21% *Prices are based on current Medkart data. Actual savings may vary. About Medkart Founded in 2014, Medkart is committed to making affordable healthcare accessible to all-especially for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension where long-term medication is critical. With a growing network of over 100+ retail outlets across India and a seamless online platform, Medkart empowers people to compare medicine prices, access WHO-GMP-certified generics, and receive reliable guidance from trained pharmacists. Having served over 11 lakh families and facilitated savings of more than Rs. 600 crore to date, Medkart leverages a tech-first approach through tools like dosage comparison, molecule-based search, store locator, and in-app ordering. Grounded in transparency and trust, Medkart continues to redefine India's pharmaceutical ecosystem by making quality treatment affordable for all.
