Brands
Collective Artists Network launches Not Funny brand solutions agency
MUMBAI: Being funny can be big business. At least that’s the hope that Collective Artists Network founders Sudeep Subhash and Dhruv Chitgopekar are nurturing. The new age agency has got into bed with comedy duo Funcho—comprising Dhruv Shah and Shyam Sharma— to launch a new creative brand solutions company, strangely called, Not Funny. Dhruv and Shyam have built a fanbase of 39.7 lakh YouTube subscribers and over 2.8 million Instagram followers.
The company will specialise in content-first solutions, focusing on scripting, talent representation, and consultation for brands. Led by CEO Mihir Surana, Not Funny aims to tell brand stories through the lens of comedy, with a strong focus on both fictional and non-fictional content.
“We have been razor sharp focused on blending technology, entertainment, and strategy seamlessly across all our various ventures, including recent acquisitions like Galleri5, Under 25, and Terribly Tiny Tales. Funcho’s relatable humour and genuine connection with their audience make them the perfect partners to lead this venture. Not Funny represents our collective ambition to blend creativity, humour, and strategic brand solutions that speak directly to modern consumers,” said Subhash. “
Big Bang Social, Collective Artists Network’s creator marketplace, played a pivotal role in facilitating this new venture. Through its platform, Not Funny will leverage the vast ecosystem of creators, brands, and storytellers that the former has curated over the years.
“We have always strived to be at the forefront of connecting creators and brands in innovative ways. With Not Funny, we’re pushing the envelope even further, creating a space where humour becomes a powerful tool for brand storytelling and audience engagement,” added Dhruv.
Not Funny will cater to brands looking for innovative content strategies by leveraging Funcho’s expertise in real-life inspired comedy and applying it to brand storytelling. The company’s mission is to infuse humour into brand communications, creating highly engaging and relatable campaigns. From scripting to creative consultation and talent suggestions, Not Funny aims to redefine how comedy can be integrated into both digital and traditional media strategies.
Added Funcho co-founders Dhruv Shah and Shyam Sharma: “Not Funny is dedicated to closing the gap between brands and their audiences. By creating captivating, humorous content, we make branded messaging enjoyable and relatable, ensuring meaningful connections.”
Simply put, they are not joking!
Brands
Magellanic Cloud names Syed Ameeruddin CEO of e-surveillance arm
Keeping a sharper eye on the future, Magellanic Cloud is putting a seasoned watcher in charge.
MUMBAI – Magellanic Cloud Ltd. has elevated Syed Ameeruddin as Chief Executive Officer of its e-surveillance business, bringing its iVIS and Provigil operations under a unified leadership to accelerate growth in intelligent monitoring and infrastructure solutions.
Ameeruddin, a nearly two-decade veteran of the company, steps into the role after leading the e-surveillance vertical. His career trajectory—from Business Development Manager to the top of the vertical—reflects a steady climb built on operational depth, client engagement, and strategic execution across multiple subsidiaries.
Over the years, he has played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint, strengthening client relationships, and streamlining operations. He has also been instrumental in integrating acquisitions, helping align new businesses with Magellanic Cloud’s long-term strategy while stabilising performance across diverse domains.
More recently, Ameeruddin has contributed to securing key mandates spanning railways, the National Highways Authority of India, and the BFSI sector—wins that have bolstered the company’s order book and deepened its presence in critical infrastructure.
Commenting on the move, Joseph Sudheer Thumma said Ameeruddin’s leadership has been “pivotal in shaping the e-surveillance business,” citing his ability to drive growth, build teams, and deliver strategic wins as key to the company’s journey. His elevation, Thumma added, is expected to further accelerate expansion in AI-driven surveillance and infrastructure solutions.
The transition comes as demand surges for AI-enabled monitoring, centralised command systems, and large-scale deployments across mission-critical environments. Magellanic Cloud’s e-surveillance segment—anchored by iVIS and Provigil—has emerged as a significant growth engine, delivering projects across banking, transport, highways, and public infrastructure.
In his new role, Ameeruddin will focus on scaling platform capabilities, expanding deployments in complex environments, and developing integrated solutions that enhance real-time intelligence and operational resilience. He will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the company alongside his new responsibilities.
With this leadership shift, Magellanic Cloud is doubling down on its ambition to stay ahead in India’s rapidly evolving surveillance ecosystem—where seeing, increasingly, is not just believing, but predicting.
