GECs
Nokia ventures, BlueRun pact to invest in India
BANGALORE: Global venture capitalist firms (VC’s) – London-based Nokia Ventures and the California-headquartered BlueRun have decided to focus on India by forming a joint initiative to single out and invest in Indian companies.
As an early stage fund, BlueRun Ventures will invest mostly in Series A and B, with initial investment ranging from $2 to $8 million. Nokia is BlueRun Venture’s largest limited partner.
BlueRun Ventures is a global venture capital fund focused on early stage companies in the IT, mobile, and consumer electronics markets and Nokia Growth Partners’ mid-to-late stage focus complements BlueRun Ventures investments, Nokia being the prime mover of both funds.
BlueRun Ventures established its office in New Delhi in 2004 and have invested in Pune based Nevis Networks in May of 2004. Nokia Growth Partners recently announced an investment in Bangalore based Sasken in April
Nokia Growth Partners , a $100M global mid- to late-stage venture capital fund, focuses on investments in mobile technology companies from around the world that are already experiencing industry adoption by large companies such as Nokia. BlueRun is targeting to close a $350 million fund shortly to increase the total amount it manages to $1 billion.
Founding Partner of BlueRun Ventures John Gardner said, “We have long viewed India as one of the most exciting and advanced technology markets in the world. The value proposition for investing in Indian companies creates some of the most significant, emerging opportunities for venture capitalists. We are pleased to have been an early investor in the region and are looking forward to furthering our efforts in working with entrepreneurs to bring technology innovations that touch the global economy to market.”
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
