MAM
Gruhas and Collective Artists Network collab to create Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund
Mumbai: Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai’s Gruhas joins hands with new age media leader Collective Artists Network, led by Vijay Subramaniam, to create the Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund, dedicated to fostering innovative consumer brands. The fund aims to spearhead a transformative era in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. This landmark alliance, where media, sports, entertainment, and venture capital converge, stands as a pivotal milestone in the country’s business ecosystem to power consumption.
In a resounding commitment to nurture innovation and catalyze economic growth, this partnership launches with an initial investment fund of 150 crore rupees, poised to be a game-changer for India’s consumer products segment.
“In an era propelled by the burgeoning consumer economy, this alliance holds profound significance in driving innovation and ushering transformative change across India’s business fabric,” expressed Collective Artists Network founder and group CEO Vijay Subramaniam. “Our collaboration with Gruhas marks an exciting journey, leveraging our collective expertise to provide a springboard for exceptional access within the media ecosystem, empowering them to redefine India’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
Backing this venture capital endeavour, Gruhas co-founder Nikhil Kamath emphasised, “The Indian consumer landscape is primed for transformation. The partnership between Collective and Gruhas represents an unprecedented opportunity as we unite to cultivate a new wave of brands poised to redefine and resonate with the dynamic Indian consumer. Our ultimate goal is to pave the way for the next chapter in India’s growth narrative.”
The alliance’s initial investments signal a resounding endorsement of groundbreaking ventures like a trailblazing sexual wellness brand and an innovative innerwear company among others. These strategic investments reinforce the dedication to supporting transformative ideas across various segments within the burgeoning creator economy.
“This transcends mere collaboration; it’s a paradigm shift for India’s startup ecosystem. Imagine Silicon Valley’s cutting-edge thought leadership merging with the star power of Hollywood- that’s the magic we’re unlocking with this partnership in India. With Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF) we are building the bridge to Bangalore and Entertainment to scale entrepreneurship like never before.” Gruhas co-founder and general partner Abhijeet Pai.
As this venture continues to expand its footprint, it serves as a catalyst for dynamic transformation within India’s business sphere, cultivating an environment where groundbreaking ideas thrive, shaping and redefining the nation’s economic landscape.
MAM
Paramount set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in $81 billion deal
Shareholders back merger, combined entity could reshape streaming and studios.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… consolidation, Hollywood’s latest blockbuster might be happening off-screen. Shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery have voted in favour of selling the company to Paramount in a deal valued at $81 billion rising to nearly $111 billion including debt setting the stage for one of the biggest shake-ups in modern media. The proposed merger, still subject to regulatory approvals, would bring together a vast portfolio spanning HBO Max, CNN, and franchises such as Harry Potter under the same umbrella as Paramount’s own heavyweights, including Top Gun and CBS.
At the heart of the deal is streaming scale. Executives have indicated plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single platform, potentially creating a stronger challenger to giants like Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Video. Current market data suggests HBO Max holds around 12 per cent of US on-demand subscriptions, compared to Paramount+’s 3 per cent, together still trailing Netflix’s 19 per cent and Disney’s combined 27 per cent via Disney+ and Hulu.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has signalled that while platforms may merge, HBO’s creative identity will remain intact, stating the brand should “stay HBO” even within a broader ecosystem.
Beyond streaming, the deal would redraw the map for film production. Combining two of Hollywood’s oldest studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., the new entity aims to scale output to over 30 films annually, while maintaining a 45-day theatrical window. Warner Bros. currently commands around 21 per cent of the US box office, compared to Paramount’s 6 per cent, underscoring the strategic weight of the acquisition.
But scale comes with scrutiny. Critics warn that fewer players could mean reduced consumer choice, rising subscription costs, and potential job cuts as the combined company looks to streamline overlapping operations while managing billions in debt.
The news business, too, faces a reset. CNN would join forces at least structurally with Paramount-owned CBS, raising questions about editorial independence and positioning. The merger has already drawn political attention in the United States, particularly given perceived ties between the Ellison family and Donald Trump, though the company maintains that newsroom autonomy will be preserved.
If approved, the deal would mark another milestone in Hollywood’s consolidation wave shrinking the industry’s traditional “big six” studios to a “big four”, with Paramount joining Disney, Universal, and Sony at the top table.
In an industry built on storytelling, this merger may well become its most consequential plot twist yet.
