Tuesday, June 30, 2026
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ALTBalaji partners YuppTV, provides easy access to shows and movies

YuppTV has partnered with ALTBalaji, the fully owned subsidiary and VOD platform by Balaji Telefilms Ltd. The partnership will allow users across the globe to enjoy easy access to ALTBalaji’ s premium content on YuppTV platform.

The association marks YuppTV’s commitment towards providing its global user-base with the best of South-Asian entertainment solutions.

Speaking on the association, Uday Reddy, Founder & CEO of YuppTV, said, “At YuppTV, it has been our constant endeavour to provide our users with the most entertaining and high-quality content. We are hopeful that our global audience will appreciate the latest addition of ALTBalaji’s content in our bouquet of entertainment services.”

Established in 2017, ALTBalaji is available in over 90 countries.

Sunil Nair, COO, ALTBalaji, said, “ALTBalaji’s original shows have been getting a steady stream of subscribers from the international markets.”

According to the collaboration, YuppTV users will also have at their disposal, popular movies such as Lootera, Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Shor in the City, Shootout at Wadala, Ek Thi Daayan, and more.

The alliance will allow ALTBalaji to tap into the existing subscriber base of YuppTV and provides easy access to award-winning shows.

#MotivationalMonday: What’s Airbnb’s secret sauce to success? Find out here

What if I tell you that the biggest accommodation provider in the world ‘Airbnb’ does not own a single room? Yes! You read that right. Then, how do they make money? What is their secret sauce to success? With so many questions erupting onto your minds, we will give a through breakdown of how things work at this online marketplace.

How it started: A look back…

Airbnb is an online marketplace connecting travelers with local hosts. Their business model builds on the share economy.

The Airbnb story started back in 2008, with the two founders, Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky and 3 air mattresses in San Francisco, California. Without employment, they were having trouble paying their rent and were looking for a way to earn some extra cash.

The youngsters started “Air Bed and Breakfast,” to offer visitors a place to sleep and breakfast in the morning. They charged $80 each a night and it was a success!

Soon after, Harvard graduate and technical architect Nathan Blecharczyk joined the team as the third co-founder.

And the rest is history. Airbnb founder story is one of the most inspiring stories of the 21st century.

According to the recent statistics, Airbnb now has over 2 million listings in over 190 countries and 34,000 cities. Airbnb hosts have hosted over 40 million guests. The company is worth an estimated 25.5 billion, based on the latest round of funding of 1.5 billion.

The Indian Scenario…

During Brian Chesky’s visit to India early in 2017, he highlighted how India is on the rise to become one of the Airbnb’s key revenue generators. He foresees that in about 10 years’ time, India will be one of the world’s biggest markets for Airbnb.

“We see a huge potential in meeting the demand of the 230 million urban millennials in India who want new and more exciting ways to travel,” Brian told ET in an exclusive interview.

India follows the ideology of the popular Sanskrit phrase – Athithi Deva Bhava, which means ‘Guests are like God,” and that’s truly reflected in the growth numbers.

With over 30,000 listings in the country, Airbnb listings in India have grown by 115% over the past year. There has been almost 2x growth in the number of nights booked on Airbnb in India since 2016. We have witnessed over 100% YoY growth in inbound guests from around the world during 2017-2018, as per the ET report.

Also, Indian guests have travelled to nearly 160 different countries on Airbnb including France, Italy, the UK and the US. An increase of 2.1x growth in domestic travel have been witnessed on Airbnb within India.

Understanding the business model….

Airbnb uses an Aggregator Business Model, as Uber or the Indian organization Oyo Rooms. It doesn’t have a straight plan of action like the conventional lodging networks. Airbnb does not rent the accommodation from the host but conveys only between supply and demand.

The platform allows individuals to list their accessible space and gain additional income as rent. Whereas, on the other side, it also allows travelers to book one of a kind home remains from local host, sparing them cash and allowing them to collaborate with local people.

How does it make money?

The company gets its income from these exchanges through two sources:

  • Commission from hosts 3–5% per rented place.
  • Commission from guests 6–12% per rented place.
  • Commission from experiences from both the host and the guest.
  • Airbnb also charges hosts a 3% host service fee
  • Charges for photographs.
  • Commission for table booking in restaurant from the guests.
  • Commission for per table booked in restaurant from the restaurateurs.
  • Cancellation fees from the stakeholder who cancels the booking made.

(Citations: Several media reports)

Marketing Strategy:

Airbnb has practically become the market leader for travel accommodation, and when it comes to marketing strategies, no one can beat this leader! Be it Shahrukh Khan seeking a royal mansion, or a commoner asking for a vintage cottage, Airbnb has all solutions!

These are the primary strategies adopted by the company to strengthen its brand:  

  • Brand partnerships
  • Promo Codes/ Referrals
  • Discounts/ Deals
  • Word of Mouth Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • SMS and email Marketing

Besides, the company had recently turned towards a traditional marketing strategy with the launch of its new print magazine, Airbnbmag. The publication is up for sale for $3.99 at newsstands around the United States. However, Airbnb will offer complimentary copies to hosts and some of its most loyal guests.

Things to learn for this business canvas……

Be transparent:

With the onset of the hastag era, the expectations of the consumers have been skyrocketing these days. So, m sure your customers know exactly what they’re getting to avoid negative feedback and disappointment.

Innovation is the key to success:

Disruptive innovations drastically change the market. Businesses that have traditionally dominated the market need to adapt new aggressive technique to strengthen its brand value among the consumer market.

Airbnb is one of those rare startup gems that makes money in a pretty direct way. From a tree house to exotic villas or even castles; Airbnb hosts have very unique properties to offer.

With the ‘Sharing is Caring’ mantra, Airbnb is one of those rare startup gems that makes money in a pretty direct way.

PrettyLittleThing debuts first brand collaboration with Karl Kani

British fast fashion online retailer PrettyLittleThing.com has announced its first ever brand collaboration with 90s streetwear designer and innovator Karl Kani.

Taking inspiration from Karl’s archives of vintage streetwear, the collection includes swimwear, outerwear, loungewear and accessories. The 45-piece collection has stayed true to Karl’s vision and uses his signature multi stripes and logo across the collection.

Though the online retailer is known for its celebrity partnerships and influencer ambassadors including Justine Skye and Christina Milian, this new release marks its first-ever collaboration with another brand.

Spotted on some of the biggest names including Missy Elliot, Teyana Taylor, Karruche Tran and Ariana Grande, the collection also includes branded oversized t-shirt dresses, cropped denim jackets and branded co-ordinations.

A promotional video, shared on Instagram, showcases Aaliyah, Biggie, Tupac and more wearing the brand, contrasted with the collaboration’s campaign imagery starring Teyana Taylor.

The Karl Kani collection launched on May 23 on the retailer’s online website.

King Features hires new people to strengthen its core team

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King Features – the licensor for Popeye and Betty Boop has been on hiring spree to strengthen the firm’s aggressive expansion plans into entertainment and new artist and IP acquisition.

This move came ahead of the Licensing Expo 2018, which took place at the Las Vegas from May 22-24.

Here’s a list of the new joinees:

  • Ricky Li and Christina Nix Lynch have been appointed as directors of licensing
  • Bridgette Bek appointed as the senior director of digital marketing
  • Erinn Smart has joined in as director of business development
  • Sam Scholl joins as licensing coordinator
  • Kristine Conte has joined as marketing project manager
  • Stephen Zelin appointed as brand assurance associate
  • Cartoonist Ricardo ‘Liniers’ has been appointed as Siri spanning syndication for print and digital, entertainment and consumer product licensing for ‘Macanudo’.
  • Saydee Villarruel roped in as office manager and assistant to president, CJ Kettler.

Kettler took the controls at the firm in December and has since been focused on adapting King Features’ for a variety of entertainment platforms.

NITI Aayog signs Sushant Singh Rajput to promote Women Entrepreneurship Platform

The think-tank of India – NITI Aayog has announced the appointment of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput to collaborate and support NITI’s flagship initiative, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).

The agreement was signed in the presence of Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog; Anna Roy, Adviser (Industry), NITI Aayog and Rajput

Commenting on the association with Rajput, Amitabh Kant said, “NITI Aayog has always emphasized the importance of reaching out to the youth and inviting them to engage with the various policies of the government. Sushant Singh Rajput, through his work and as a youth icon, embodies the energetic and spirited masses shaping the country’s growth narrative today.”

As a brand ambassador of WEP, which already includes over 1,000 women entrepreneurs, Rajput will drive the mission to establish a vibrant, enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem for the women of the country.

Feeling elated about the association, the actor took to the Twitter and wrote, “I’m deeply honoured and extremely delighted to associate with the incredible think tank of Indian Government NITIAayog and I hope to contribute in the transformational and incredible India.”


Rajput will also promote NITI Aayog’s digital payments campaign which looks towards transforming India into a cashless economy. The actor will endorse the WEP and encourage use of Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) application by appearing in various videos, print and social media campaigns of NITI Aayog.

Besides, the actor will support NITI Aayog in promoting the Women Transforming India Awards 2018, the theme for which is ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’ and whose nominations are currently on.

A per the association, NITI Aayog and Rajput will work together to emphasize the government’s commitment towards building an inclusive, digitally-empowered, entrepreneurial India.

Besides, Rajput and Varun Mathur, through their recently launched company Innsaei Ventures, will set aside an amount of Rs 20 crore to be invested in start-ups established by women entrepreneurs. The new venture aims to bring significant socio-economic and developmental transformations through creation and massification of intellectual property powered by emerging technologies.

Its official! Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium renamed as Marvel Stadium

In what could be termed as a great news for superhero fans, Etihad Stadium in Melbourne (Australia) has officially rebranded as ‘Marvel Stadium’ following an eight-year deal between Melbourne Stadiums Limited and Disney.

The official rebrand will come September 1, along with a Marvel retail store and other activations at the AFL home.

The deal comes after last month’s announcement that the Victorian government will invest $225m into the stadium and Docklands precinct around it.

“Marvel is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and one of the most recognised brand names in the world,” said MSL CEO Michael Green in a statement.

“It is a brand dedicated to audience experiences, which firmly aligns with our vision to create incredible experiences for fans,” Michael further added.

Sharing a video, Mat whitehead also took to the Twitter and wrote, “Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium has apparently been renamed Marvel Stadium in a new deal with Disney that will ultimately result in gladiator battles of Earth’s mightiest heroes.

 

Walt Disney Company said the sponsorship deal provided a new way for the Marvel brand to interact with a broad audience.

The Docklands Stadium which saw its first AFL match in 2000 between Essendon and Port Adelaide has been known as Etihad Stadium since 2009. It’s previously been known as Telstra Dome and Colonial Stadium.

Marvel’s latest cinematic offering ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, is fast on its way to reaching US $1 billion at the global box office.

The Weeknd announces ‘Starboy’ Marvel comic, unveils merchandises

The Weeknd unveiled his first ever comic book, ‘The Weeknd Presents: Starboy’, in partnership with Marvel. Ahead of the comic book’s release in June, The Weeknd also unleashed a full range of Starboy-themed merchandise for fans, that was also made in partnership with Marvel.

The “Vol. I Issue 1” seven-piece collection features an assortment of hats, T-shirts, jackets, long sleeves, and hoodies inspired by the forthcoming comic.

Check out the collection here:

Exclusively for US and Canada, the merchandise was available for purchase from only May 18 through May 21 over on the official online shop. The designs feature handwritten graphics in addition to the XO and Marvel logos side-by-side.

“Marvel is the pinnacle of success in their field and I’ve been a lifelong fan of their work. To be able to partner with them is a dream come true,” he said in a March press release statement.

The Weeknd Presents: Starboy is scheduled to release worldwide on June 13.

30th anniversary of Shark Week: Discovery unveils robust licensing programmes

To celebrate Shark Week’s 30th anniversary, Discovery has unveiled its ‘most ambitious merchandising programme with a robust product line-up, including new apparel, accessories, books, toys, packaged goods among others.

“Over the last 30 years Shark Week has transformed into a pop culture phenomenon,” said Leigh Anne Brodsky, executive vice president, Discovery Global Enterprises.

“We are excited to have such incredible partnerships on board to give Shark Week fans the opportunity to see and experience this week of amazing, family-friendly content as we celebrate these fearsome and captivating ocean creatures.”

Here is the list:

  • Discovery has appointed a band of co-brands including Swedish Fish candy by Mondelez International, Build-a-Bear and vineyard vines for the character.
  • Discovery, in association with vineyard vines, will be offering a line of more than 40 exclusive Shark Week products including apparel, neckties, headwear, swimwear, towels, beach totes and drink ware.
  • Walmart is also on board as a premier Shark Week retailer
  • Princess Cruises will be transforming Shark Week into a full season with its first Summer of Shark campaign.
  • Build-a-Bear will offer two exclusive Shark Week products: a Make-Your-Own Great White plush and a Make-Your-Own Hammerhead plush.
  • Cruisers will be greeted with myriad of Shark Week themed experiences, featuring designed public spaces including elevators, restaurants and casino tables.

Each year, Shark Week takes viewers on a week-long journey to the depths of the sea to uncover the secrets of the ocean’s most fascinating predator. Found in all 220 countries and territories around the globe, Shark Week has become a pop-culture highlight.

Toy Story x Irregular Choice collection launched: Check out these whimsical designs

Irregular Choice, which is known for their fun, fantastical, and whimsical designs, launches Toy-Story inspired collections. The collection comprises of various products such as bags, shoes and more.

The past collections of the Irregular Choice include Cinderella, The Muppets, Mickey and Friends.

(Image Courtesy: Disney Official Blogs)

The collection features Disney•Pixar characters you don’t always see in everyday fashion pieces such as Buzz, Woody, Rex, Bullseye, Hamm, and the Evil Emperor Zurg.

Toy Story has been in the news for quite some time now. After Smurfs and the Supers family, ‘Toy Story’ is all set to take over the skies with their own fully-themed aircraft. From the Toy Story check-in, to the themed headphones and even menus that revolve around your favourite Toy Story characters, this flight has it all!

FREAKY FRIDAY – Sports Licensing 101: Understanding legalities, scopes and more!

FREAKY FRIDAY – Sports Licensing 101: Understanding legalities, scopes and more! 

India has always been a fan market for sports and sportsmen, which often drives media attention. However, India’s penchant towards sports, can be witnessed in terms of sales of sports licensed merchandise.

To most of us, sports licensing is a difficult jargon, which is used often. Let’s break it down for you……

What is Sports Licensing:

Sports licensing is a contractual contract by which a sports team or organization gives a company a license to use its name, logo or trademark on the company’s products. The company leasing the rights is known as the licensee and the sports body is the licensor.

Licensing a sports product gives your business an opportunity to reach a market of sports fans that could be local, national or global, depending on the sports body.

Sports licensing covers licensing of logos, symbols, names of varied sports organizations and team players. These items are owned by sports institutions and can lease the rights to use their property to licensees in return of royalty.

Legal trivia…

A licensing agreement is an official legal document which directs the licensing and merchandising process. Here’s what you will find in a sports licensing contract —

Quality check: Maintenance and checking of quality standard is the utmost important thing. There are typically provisions made to ensure that the final product meets the team’s or athlete’s quality standards.

Deadlines: Strict time frames are often included, especially if the merchandise will correspond to sports seasons or a major event. As rightly said, “Deadlines are deadlines, even if you are dead.”

Profits: The agreement includes details about the expected profits to be made, including whether or not a contract will be renewed based on sales figures.

Royalties: Percentages are determined for how much of the profits will be paid out as royalties to the league, the team, or the athlete.

Legal action can be taken against the company if the terms laid out in the contract are not met properly.

Sports licensing could give a major boost to your small business.

Here’s how:

Sales and Revenues:

Licensing provides an important source of revenue for both sports bodies and licensees. An organization can use its licensing program to generate revenue to support and enhance its programs.

Brand Value

Licensors select licensees that enhance the brand image of the organization. Licensors aim to select reputable and reliable licensees that will use their brand in ways that are appropriate to the sport.

Relationships:

Organizations use sports licensing to build relationships with supporters. Thanks to sports licensing and merchandising, it’s easy to stop by a store or go online to get a shirt for just about any sports team. It enhances and strengthens customer-company relationship.

Brand Protection:

Protecting the quality and consistency of the brand is an important objective for both parties. The poor quality of counterfeit merchandise can have a damaging effect on the reputation of the sports team.

Beyond cricket….

Advent of sports leagues such as IPL and Pro-kabaddi League has restructured the industry scenario in the country.

WWE has launched its online shop with the Souled Store. The National Basketball Association (NBA) announcing the launch of NBA Basketball School in Mumbai, and its apparel are available at 600 plus retail points across the country.

Shoppers Stop has inked exclusive retail merchandise deal with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 34 Shoppers Stop stores across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur and Bangalore will be selling the official merchandise.

Not only the global licensed sports merchandise market is obsessed with innovation, the Indian market is gradually moving and expanding its territories in various categories such as apparel, home decor, etc.

However, for sports licensing, it is mandatory to select the right partner to maintain the brand image of the company.