Palak Agarwal

palak.agarwal@aajtak.com

Palak brings over a decade of rich, multifaceted experience in journalism, spanning radio, digital platforms, and currently working across print and digital with Business Today. While she holds experience in education, health, and lifestyle reporting, her expertise shines in business journalism, particularly covering startups, tech, and MSMEs. Her storytelling extends beyond the written realm, with voice-over work for All India Radio, satellite channels, e-commerce platforms, and the creation of video series on Ind...

Over the past year, Shiprocket has rewired its platform with AI-led decision engines that touch nearly every stage of the delivery cycle.

Inside Shiprocket’s AI awakening: How the ecommerce shipping unicorn is rewiring itself for an AI-first future

by Palak Agarwal |Nov 20, 2025

The IPO-bound Shiprocket is entering what CEO Saahil Goel describes as its “AI awakening,” a decisive shift that will redefine the company from a logistics enabler into a full-stack intelligence layer...

A key enabler of these bids is India’s insolvency framework.

Byju's dissection: Inside the edtech scramble for best assets

by Palak Agarwal |Nov 17, 2025

This insight cuts to the core of why these established players are bidding. They are not acquiring Byju's; they are acquiring what Byju's could never properly integrate.

As the company continues to scale its operations, it aims to solidify its position as a leader in the nation’s electric future.

Bolt.Earth charges ahead with ambitious plans for India’s EV revolution

by Palak Agarwal |Nov 14, 2025

While international models have struggled due to fluctuating subsidies and market challenges, Bolt.Earth is pursuing an aggressive growth trajectory, with plans to install 1 million charging points by...

Traditionally driven by the need for outsized returns, VCs now see defence as a sector with clear, strategic incentives.

New gold rush: Indian VCs set their sights on defence innovation and deep-tech

by Palak Agarwal |Nov 13, 2025

Indian investors are rewriting the rules of risk by backing startups in defence and surveillance. With AI, space-tech, and cybersecurity at the core, and the government as a reliable anchor, the high-...

Quest Global is shifting its strategy toward building advanced engineering solutions “for India, in India,” driven by AI adoption and multidisciplinary “polymath” talent.

Quest Global bets on India’s engineering upswing, makes the case for ‘Polymath’ Engineers

by Palak Agarwal |Nov 7, 2025

With a massive global engineering talent gap, Quest Global sees India’s demographic and economic boom as the solution. The firm is leveraging AI and a new “polymath” hiring model to win in the high-gr...

Looking ahead, Willy sees the increasing role of artificial intelligence as a major catalyst for the expansion of observability.

India is chaotically benign and a top growth market, says New Relic CEO

by Palak Agarwal |Nov 6, 2025

For New Relic CEO Ashan Willy, India is where the digital future is being built — fast, bold and “chaotically benign.” As AI accelerates system complexity, the company sees India as both a growth engi...

₹70,000 cr valuation: Lenskart’s promoter-led listing to test public appetite for new-age retail

by Palak Agarwal |Oct 27, 2025

Investor faith has been steady and significant — ranging from DMart’s Radhakishan Damani investing ₹90 crore to Co-founder Peyush Bansal recently buying back shares worth ₹200 crore. The IPO also stan...

As of September 2025, Yulu operates over 45,000 EVs, has enabled 315 million green deliveries, and empowered 3.8 lakh delivery partners.

Inside Yulu’s role in fuelling India’s festive quick-commerce frenzy

by Palak Agarwal |Oct 17, 2025

Powering India’s 10-minute delivery promise, Yulu’s electric fleet has enabled over 315 million green deliveries, supporting brands and delivery partners while keeping sustainability at the heart of t...

The rapid surge in capital contrasts sharply with the still-uncertain ability of many AI companies to scale revenues and prove sustainable commercial models.

Big bets on AI, but the exit doors look small

by Palak Agarwal |Oct 24, 2025

Funding in AI is hitting historic highs with mega deals and early-stage bets dominating. But investors warn that without clear commercialisation and exit paths, the frenzy could expose startups to glo...

With revenues dropping and losses persisting, the company reported a loss of Rs 428 crore in Q1 FY25, while its Q2 results are awaited.

Can Ola Shakti deliver? Ola Electric’s risky pivot as core business stutters

by Palak Agarwal |Oct 16, 2025

Ola Electric has unveiled its Ola Shakti home battery system, opening a potential new revenue stream at a time when the company is grappling with delayed EV launches, shrinking market share, and mount...