iWorld
Sony LIV’s divyang special spotlights unique visionaries
MUMBAI : Sony LIV is pushing boundaries with Gateway to Shark Tank – divyang special, a unique edition of Shark Tank India that champions innovation and entrepreneurship among specially abled individuals and those striving to empower them. This special episode isn’t just about business—it’s about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and celebrating the bold ideas that drive inclusive progress.
This special initiative highlights groundbreaking ideas and inclusive solutions, with the backing of Adani Airports director Jeet Adani who also oversees the Adani group’s defence, petrochemicals, and copper businesses while spearheading the group’s digital transformation.
Entries for Gateway to Shark Tank – divyang special are open until 15 February 2025, after which shortlisted pitches will be featured in an exclusive episode. Through this initiative, Shark Tank India and Jeet Adani aim to mentor and support entrepreneurs driving disability-inclusive innovation, promoting accessibility and progress.
Commenting on the initiative, Sony LIV head of ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla, stated: “Shark Tank India has always been a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. We are committed to inclusivity, supporting specially abled entrepreneurs and businesses catering to their empowerment. It is heartening to see established leaders like Jeet Adani supporting this cause, amplifying its impact and reach.”
Adani Airports director Jeet Adani, added: “There is immense potential to create disruptive solutions in this space. We need more passionate innovators addressing the challenges faced by specially abled individuals. I am excited to partner with Shark Tank India to support entrepreneurs and drive meaningful change.”
e-commerce
American Express to acquire AI startup Hyper to boost automation
Deal targets expense management as AI reshapes corporate spending tools.
MUMBAI: From receipts to robots, the expense sheet is getting a brain upgrade as American Express moves to bring artificial intelligence into the heart of corporate spending. The company has announced plans to acquire Hyper, a relatively young but fast-rising startup founded in 2022 that builds AI-powered agents capable of organising expenses, generating reports, verifying compliance with budgets and policies, and nudging users with timely reminders. The deal, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, underscores a growing shift among financial institutions to automate traditionally manual, time-heavy workflows.
Hyper counts Sam Altman among its backers, adding a layer of Silicon Valley credibility to the acquisition. While financial details remain undisclosed, the strategic intent is clear: deepen automation capabilities and sharpen American Express’s position in the competitive corporate spending ecosystem.
The two companies are not strangers. They previously collaborated in 2024 on a co-branded credit card product, suggesting that the acquisition is less a cold buy and more an extension of an existing relationship. With this move, American Express is effectively bringing that capability in-house, aiming to embed AI directly into its commercial services stack.
Chief executive Stephen Squeri had already signalled the direction of travel in a recent shareholder letter, describing AI as a “structural shift” in how businesses operate. The Hyper acquisition appears to be a direct response to that shift, particularly in expense management, where processes such as approvals, compliance checks and reporting remain ripe for automation.
Alongside the acquisition, the company is also expanding its product suite. A recently launched business credit card offers cashback and benefits at an annual fee of $295, with another card expected later this year moves that complement its broader push into commercial services.
Taken together, the strategy points to a future where managing expenses may require fewer spreadsheets and more algorithms. For American Express, the bet is simple, if businesses are rethinking how work gets done, the tools that power that work need to evolve just as quickly.
