MAM
DS Group launches first NFT on 93rd Founders’ Day with Grapes
Mumbai: On its 93rd Founders’ Day, Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group) launched its first NFT in collaboration with the marketing firm Grapes.
The group, which was founded in 1929, is celebrating its 93rd Founders’ Day to commemorate an era of setting new standards and conquering new territories.
The DS Group launched its first NFT, honouring its founders, Lala Dharampal and Satyapal ‘Sugandhi’, for their visionary zeal and persevering ethos.
The masterpiece, titled “A Dream in a Million Metaphors,” was created collaboratively by the Grapes and DS group teams by leveraging web 3.0 to bring to life the historical moments in its expanse via an experiential microsite that portrays the group’s non-fungible story.
This unique mosaic pays homage to the founders with 93 images that each represent a tiny portion of their journey. The idea has been conceptualised by the Grapes .
DS group marketing vice president Rajeev Jain said, “NFTs have become synonymous with digital collectables. On our 93rd Founders’ Day, we wanted to create a memento of our founders in honour of what they have built. A truly non-fungible tribute to their legacy, and that is how we conceptualised this idea.”
Grapes CEO and co-founder Shradha Agarwal said, “The team at DS Group wanted to create memorabilia as a tribute to the Founders in a distinctive manner. After a lot of deliberation, we finally discovered an innovative idea that represents their values and beliefs. The mosaic is conceived using curated 93 images, each of them marking a distinct moment in the DS Group’s journey.”
Brands
NODWIN Gaming brings back Sidharth Kedia as chief strategy and investments officer ahead of IPO
Former CEO returns to drive fundraising, M&A and global expansion plans
GURUGRAM: NODWIN Gaming has appointed Sidharth Kedia as chief strategy and investments officer, marking a high-profile return as the company gears up for its next growth phase and a potential public listing.
Kedia, who previously served as CEO between 2019 and 2023, steps back in at a pivotal time with a mandate spanning strategy, fundraising and mergers and acquisitions. His appointment comes amid ongoing pre-IPO fundraising efforts and a broader push to strengthen shareholder value.
During his earlier stint, Kedia helped transform NODWIN’s trajectory, driving a tenfold jump in revenue and raising over $50 million in capital. He also played a key role in expanding the company beyond esports into a diversified youth media and entertainment platform. Under his leadership, the company’s valuation grew sharply, from around Rs 140 crore following Nazara Technologies’ investment in 2018 to $350 million pre-money after a funding round led by Sony Group Corporation in 2023.
With over two decades of experience, Kedia brings a cross-sector perspective spanning fintech, private equity and media. His career includes stints at Reliance Industries, where he worked on strategic initiatives across the Network18 portfolio, and at Viacom18, where he led corporate strategy and M&A efforts.
In his new role, Kedia will focus on sharpening NODWIN’s long-term strategy, identifying inorganic growth opportunities and strengthening its global investment narrative as the company builds a scalable, IP-led business across gaming, content and live experiences.
NODWIN Gaming chief strategy and investments officer Sidharth Kedia said, “It feels great to be back at NODWIN at such an important point in its journey. Having seen the company grow over the years, it’s clear how strong the foundation is today and how much opportunity lies ahead. NODWIN is entering a phase where focused strategy, thoughtful capital allocation, and strong execution will unlock its true value potential.”
Welcoming him back, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee said, “Sidharth has played a pivotal role in shaping NODWIN’s journey, and his return comes at an important stage as we continue to scale the business globally and look at a potential listing. His leadership will be instrumental in driving long-term value creation.”
The appointment follows recent board strengthening, including the induction of Arnd Benninghoff, as the company builds institutional depth ahead of a possible IPO.
Backed by strong financial momentum, with revenues already surpassing last year’s full-year figures within the first nine months of FY26, NODWIN is doubling down on scale and strategy. With Kedia back in the mix, the company appears to be lining up its next big level up.
