MAM
ACME Group’s ‘Connect’ Fund Receives First Round of Funding, Propelling India’s AVGC Sector Forward
In a groundbreaking move, the ACME Group’s ‘Connect’ Fund has successfully secured its first round of funding, marking a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comic (AVGC) sector. This fund, established under the AFPL CAT II AIF Trust and registered with SEBI (Registration No.: IN/AIF2/23/24/1309), is the first of its kind in India dedicated to the AVGC industry.
Ramon Talwwar, the Managing Director and CEO of ACME Group, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support received. “We are incredibly grateful for the confidence shown by our investors. This funding is a testament to the potential of the AVGC sector and our commitment to nurturing its growth,” Talwwar said. With over two decades of experience in capital markets, investment banking, and corporate finance, Talwwar’s strategic vision is set to drive the fund’s success.
Abhinav Shukla, the co-founder of the ‘Connect’ Fund, emphasized the transformative impact this fund will have on the AVGC industry. “Our goal is to integrate cutting-edge technology and digital platforms into our investment strategy, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry,” Shukla stated. A veteran in the media and entertainment industry, Shukla’s expertise will be pivotal in attracting further investments and forging strategic partnerships.
The AVGC sector in India, recognized by the government as a critical area of focus, is currently valued at approximately $4 billion and is projected to triple to $12 billion by 2030. This rapid growth is fueled by the increasing demand for digital media, immersive gaming, and innovative entertainment content. The ‘Connect’ Fund’s project scope, nearly INR 300 Crores, is poised to capitalize on this growth, providing much-needed capital to high-potential AVGC companies.
The infusion of capital from the ‘Connect’ Fund is expected to act as a catalyst for the AVGC sector, driving technological innovation and creating new market opportunities. As the industry continues to evolve, the fund aims to support companies that are pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology, ultimately contributing to the sector’s long-term sustainability and growth.
MAM
Beacon Group appoints Dr Rajesh Patel as Group CEO
36-year healthcare veteran to lead Beacon Diagnostics, Vector Biotek, Biogeny.
MUMBAI: A new chief, a fresh diagnosis and a sharper prescription for growth. Beacon Group has appointed Dr Rajesh Patel as its Group Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026, signalling a decisive push to scale its presence in the diagnostics and IVD space. Patel steps into the role with 36 years of experience across the healthcare and diagnostics industry, bringing a career shaped by leadership roles spanning sales, marketing, business development and operational strategy. His mandate is both expansive and precise: to steer the group’s overall strategic direction while tightening coordination across its three core entities Beacon Diagnostics, Vector Biotek and Biogeny Diagnostics.
In practical terms, that means driving cross-company synergies, accelerating market expansion and strengthening organisational capability areas increasingly critical as diagnostic players compete for scale in a fragmented yet rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem. The group is positioning itself to capture unmet demand across chain laboratories, key accounts and standalone labs, segments that remain underserved despite growing diagnostic needs.
The appointment comes at a time when the In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) sector in India is entering a more competitive and innovation-led phase, with companies focusing not just on product pipelines but also on service delivery, integration and customer-centric models. Beacon’s leadership appears to be betting that Patel’s execution-focused approach can help translate ambition into operational momentum.
Welcoming the appointment, Chairman Dr D K Joshi described Patel’s induction as a strategic move aligned with the group’s long-term vision, emphasising the role of leadership depth in navigating the next phase of growth.
For Beacon Group, the message is clear, in a sector where precision matters, leadership is the new differentiator—and this appointment is intended to set the tone for what comes next.
