MAM
imd1 (I Am The 1), on-boards VVS Laxman as a Legend for cricket coaching offerings; also joins hands with India’s biggest photography training community DCP Expeditions
MUMBAI: Aidia Technovations’ co-curricular market place for Music, Art, Dance and Sports (MADS), imd1 (I Am The 1) has on-boarded VVS Laxman as a Legend for cricket coaching offerings.
VS Laxman is one of the most recognized and respected cricketer globally. He is known for his techniques, natural elegance and flair. He has played some of the most remarkable innings in cricketing history. Post-retirement, he has been associated with Indian Premier League (IPL) and is currently mentoring Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is also serving on the panel of commentators and analysts. Last November, he launched his much-awaited autobiography ‘281 and Beyond’ which was an immediate hit in the cricket fraternity.
Talking about his association with imd1, VVS Laxman said, “I am excited to start my unique journey with imd1. They are working on a disruptive idea for co-curricular learning using digital technology. It can take cricket learning and coaching to a different level. I look forward to impart my knowledge and experience through this association and make a big difference at grass root levels in every nook & corner of India and beyond.”
Commenting on the developments, Jigish Sonagara, founder of Aidia Technovations said, “We welcome VVS Laxman to team imd1. Our cricket coaching related offerings will have VVS (Very Very Special) touch now! With VVS’s endorsement of cricket curriculum, we will bring unique cricket coaching experience which is digitally driven with brick & mortar model.”
Aidia Technovations also joins hands with India’s biggest and fastest growing Photography training community DCP Expeditions (www.dcpexpeditions.com). DCP has a strong panel of experts comprising of most respected mentors and experts comprising of wildlife, travel, food, astro, fashion, macro/micro photographers to photo journalists, digital artists, digital imaging specialists, travelers, writers, divers, explorers, naturalists, conservationists and others. Some of the renowned photographers associated with DCP are Dr. Caesar Sengupta, Amit Rane, YuwarajGurjar, Mohan Thomas, Ashutosh Shinde, Sanak Roy Choudhury, Kiran Poonacha and many others. DCP regularly conducts photography workshops in more than 100 cities in India apart from photo tours, exhibitions and other initiatives. DCP and imd1 shall work on all aspects of photography, from creating courses, competitions / exhibitions to DCP experts offering standardized courses using imd1 digital platform.
On this occasion, Dr. Caesar Sengupta, founder & director of DCP Expeditions said, “Joining hands with imd1 is the best click for DCP and Indian photography world! Using imd1 digital platform, we will take photography learning to millions of budding photographers, right from amateur to professionals and students to homemakers. This path breaking idea will help disseminating best of the curated photography curriculum and knowledge across India”.
Jigish Sonagara added, “We are elated after joining hands with DCP. They are undisputed leaders in photography community with full bouquet of services, best of the mentors & experts and pan India presence. We will combine it with imd1 initiatives and digital technology offering real complete learning and experience.”
imd1 has already on-boarded celebrity photographer Dabboo Ratnani as a Legend for its photography course offerings and India’s fastest skater, Nikhilesh Tabhane as a Legend for its skating and related offerings earlier.
Aidia Technovations is Mumbai and Pune based start-up working on technology enabled innovations. Aidia is working on co-curricular marketplace for MADS (Music, Art, Dance and Sports) under “imd1” with various offerings. It will be a unique combination of brick & mortar and digital to use best of the both to connect all stakeholders with one of its kind technology and providing quality services in this vertical. As part of its initial plan to widen its reach, company has already launched its website www.imd1.co and android app imd1, covering achievers’ stories who can proudly say “I Am The 1” including that of Padma shri, Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award winners and others, market for MADS service providers, MADS specific social media etc.
MAM
One Hand Clap acquires Agenseed to enter distribution space
Creative agency expands into full-stack services with strategic buyout.
MUMBAI: One Hand Clap has decided to stop just clapping for great ideas now it wants to make sure they actually travel. The leading new-age creative agency and production house has acquired Agenseed, a seeding and distribution firm, marking its formal entry into the distribution segment. The move is aimed at expanding its role across the entire marketing value chain and unlocking new growth opportunities.
One Hand Clap expects the new distribution vertical to contribute up to 15 per cent of its overall revenues over the next 12–18 months, signalling a clear strategic shift beyond pure creative services.
Agenseed, founded by Monish Hardasani and Akram Malik, will function as the agency’s dedicated distribution arm. This acquisition strengthens One Hand Clap’s position as it aims to become a full-stack creative and distribution company in India’s rapidly growing digital advertising market.
With over 90 million posts shared daily on Instagram and brands allocating 25–35 per cent of their digital budgets to distribution and creator-led reach, amplification has become critical to campaign success. By integrating distribution early into the creative process, the agency hopes to help campaigns gain stronger cultural traction and momentum.
One Hand Clap founder Aakash Shah said, “The future of advertising is not just about executing great ideas, but about placing them intelligently. By owning both storytelling and distribution, we can drive greater impact for brands while opening up new revenue streams.”
Agenseed co-founder Monish Hardasani added, “The future belongs to ideas designed to travel. This partnership allows us to integrate distribution thinking at the source.”
Founded in 2019 by former AIB leaders Aakash Shah and Naveed Manakkodan, One Hand Clap has worked with major brands including Swiggy, Google, Netflix India, Crocs, Duolingo, CRED, Bumble, BGMI and Chetak. The agency also secured investment from Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath last year.
In an increasingly fragmented attention economy, this acquisition reflects a broader industry shift where agencies are building end-to-end capabilities to stay competitive. One Hand Clap is clearly clapping louder and ensuring its ideas now reach much further.
