5226: Skyroot's orbital launch countdown, Flipkart's LLMs, Sparrow Capital's new fund & Meta's WhatsApp pricing shake-up | MC Tech3

Europe's struggling auto industry is emerging as an unexpected headwind for Indian IT, with engineering giants like KPIT, LTTS and Tata Elxsi feeling the impact of delayed projects and cautious client spending. We explain why this matters for the broader tech services sector. Plus, MeitY launches a series of high-profile actions involving Meta, Tata Electronics and Chinese-linked e-rickshaw apps, signalling tougher regulatory oversight across cybersecurity, online safety and national security. We also look at CRED's leadership transition as interim CEO Miten Sampat says the fintech is profitable, well-capitalised and focused on growth after Kunal Shah's move to WhatsApp. And finally, HCLTech lands a massive $1.14 billion AI transformation deal, highlighting the next phase of enterprise AI adoption.

In today's episode of MC Tech3, we bring you four big stories shaping India's technology and startup ecosystem. Skyroot Aerospace announces the launch window for Vikram-1, India's first private orbital mission. Flipkart reveals that AI now generates nearly 40 percent of its code as it builds e-commerce-focused large language models. Sparrow Capital closes a Rs 475 crore third fund to back early-stage startups with bigger bets. And Meta introduces token-based pricing for AI-powered business services on WhatsApp from August 1.

WhatsApp is rolling out usernames globally, marking one of the biggest changes to the messaging app in years. But the feature has also raised questions around privacy, impersonation and scams, with the Indian government reportedly reviewing the rollout. We explain what the new system means for users. Also in this episode, PhysicsWallah's latest incentive programme is encouraging newly hired teachers to do more than just teach—they could earn up to ₹15 lakh by referring top-performing JEE and NEET students. We look at why the policy is attracting attention across India's coaching industry. Also, Virat Kohli-backed Agilitas is in talks to acquire Yuvraj Singh-backed Sports365, a move that could strengthen its ambitions in India's fast-growing sports retail market. Finally, KPIT Technologies saw its shares tumble nearly 16 percent after the company lowered its revenue growth guidance for the financial year, setting off concerns for other ER and D firms such as Tata Technologies and Tata E

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Amazon steps up its quick commerce play with one of its biggest customer acquisition campaigns yet, while Oyo returns to the IPO market with a revamped strategy and a cleaner balance sheet. We also look at the growing pains behind India’s booming influencer economy, Swish’s fresh fundraising talks, and hear directly from Persistent Systems CEO Sandeep Kalra and CFO Vinit Teredesai on the Nagarro acquisition, investor concerns and the company’s global growth plans.

As the investment landscape rapidly transforms, understanding new opportunities is more critical than ever. In this episode of Wealth Architects, Mr. Saurabh Rungta, Deputy CEO & CIO - Centrum Wealth Limited, discusses how the investment universe has dramatically expanded beyond traditional assets like equities, fixed income, gold, and real estate. The conversation explores around: • The dramatic growth and diversification of investment options including private equity, private credit, global markets • Why wealthy families are moving from opportunistic investing toward structured, institutional-like wealth management via family offices • The burgeoning rise of family offices in India and how they help families consolidate assets and manage wealth with a behavioural and tax-efficient approach • The significant role of next-generation investors in transforming family wealth dynamics and expectations

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, platform companies including Swiggy, Zepto and Urban Company challenge Karnataka’s Gig Workers Act in the High Court. We also unpack Persistent Systems’ EUR 1.27 billion acquisition of Nagarro, Zerodha’s move into investment banking, the government’s warning on the use of AI tools in official work, and how Prosus’ India business grew in FY26 with PayU turning EBITDA positive.

This World MSME Day, Moneycontrol, in association with Federal Bank, brought together two entrepreneurs whose journeys span different industries but share a common thread: resilience. Subhash Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Kaushalesh Group, has spent more than four decades in the steel business, while Vasu Anamalai, Managing Partner of SKS Industries, represents the second generation of a furniture manufacturing business that serves both corporate and government clients. Tune in to watch the full episode.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announces a fresh $13 billion investment in India, taking the company's planned investments between 2026 and 2030 to $48 billion as it doubles down on AI, cloud and quick commerce. We also unpack the AI-led acquisition spree reshaping India's IT industry, revisit Kunal Shah's prolific journey as one of the country's most active angel investors before taking charge of WhatsApp, and explain how SEBI's proposed advertising code could change the rules for finance influencers with large social media followings.

In today’s Tech3 from Moneycontrol, Meta’s decision to put Kunal Shah at the helm of WhatsApp highlights just how important India has become to the messaging giant’s future. We also look at why Amazon and Flipkart are taking their quick commerce battle beyond metros and into smaller cities, SEBI’s proposal to classify influencers with over five lakh followers as celebrities, and the latest leadership shake-up at Swiggy Instamart as competition in quick commerce intensifies.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we discuss why Kunal Shah's move to WhatsApp feels like a full-circle moment and what Meta expects from the Cred founder. We also look at India's AI hiring boom despite fears of disruption, why crypto exchanges are betting on tokenised US stocks, and why Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani believes AI will amplify, not replace, IT services companies. Tune in for all this and more from the world of startups and technology.