Tide Now Supports Over 1 Million Small Businesses in India
Gen Zs and millennials make up over 85% of Tides MSME community a powerful reminder that young India is steering the country's entrepreneurial momentum Tier 2, 3, 4 and beyond cities driving growth with over 96% members (MSMEs) on the platform, from towns like Bareilly, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Lucknow and North 24 Parganas Tide , the UKs leading business management platform, today announced that it has surpassed 1 million members (MSMEs) in India. This rapid growth reflects the deep trust that Indian small businesses from nano to micro and emerging SMEs have placed in Tide to simplify how they register, run and grow their businesses. The platform has doubled adoption since its launch in December 2022. India has emerged as Tides largest and fastest-growing market globally in member acquisition, showcasing the success of its India-first strategy and strong product-market fit. Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide in India, said, This milestone is more than a number its a story of trust. In just under three years, one million Indian entrepreneurs have chosen Tide to be their partner in growth. This reflects our commitment to helping small businesses who have been gravely underserved save time and money by giving them business critical tools across finance, admin and related commercial services that they need, to grow. India is where some of Tide's most innovative products are being developed, creating strong use-cases to be implemented globally . A trusted business partner for Indias entrepreneurs Tides success has always been rooted in scaling responsibly and delivering real-world impact. The company is doing so by building a unified, highly-connected digital platform that reduces the burden of business finance and admin. Over the past year, Tide has delivered product innovation at pace across India with products including: Bill Payments: SMEs in India can pay their utility bills with no extra costs and earn rewards. The product is backed by enhanced security. Udyam Registration: Enabling MSME registration and access to priority government benefits including low-interest loans, subsidies on electricity certifications, protection against delayed payments, etc. GST Registration: help obtain a Goods & Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), enabling compliance, marketplace selling, input tax credit claims, and vendor trust. Scheme Discovery: Smart matching of government benefits and subsidies to business eligibility. Fixed Deposits Intermediation: Helping SMEs to earn competitive returns on their balances in a seamless and paperless experience. NCMC Card Integration: A single smart Tide card that doubles up as a national mobility card, accepted across multiple transport modes. Structured partners: Provides disbursement of funds to freelancers and vendors via a secure partner portal. Analytics on spending deliver real-time data so SMEs can make faster decisions about cashflow, a key pain point for SMEs. Tides member make-up Tides growth in India is being driven by a new generation of business owners, with over 85% (865,000) of its members under the age of 40, including 58% Gen Z and 42% millennialsreflecting the strong entrepreneurial momentum among Indias youth. And, with our oldest member at 95, simply proves that its never too late to do what you love. The platform is scaling rapidly across emerging business hubs, with 63% of its members from states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, and a majority comprising small and micro entrepreneurs like local retailers, freelancers and service-led solopreneurs. With strong adoption in Tier 2, 3, 4 and beyond towns namely Bareilly, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Lucknow, North 24 Paraganas, Jaipur, Firozabad, Ghaziabad, Shahjahanpur and Kota with not a single Tier 1 city in the top 10 Tide is playing a significant role in enabling the digital transformation of Indias most underserved business communities. Championing entrepreneurs beyond business tools Tide believes progress happens when entrepreneurs are supported not only with products but with recognition, access and ecosystem change. Women in Business mission: On track to bring 500,000 women entrepreneurs onto the platform by 2027. Tides Bharat Women Aspiration Index brings forth voices from beyond metros to shape better policies for women entrepreneurs across Tier 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 towns in India. Udaan Chronicles: Tides flagship mentoring roadshow, created to help small business owners in semi-urban and rural India, brings expert-led mentoring directly to entrepreneurs who lack access to formal networks and financial resources. UK-India collaboration: Enabling SME expansion across borders through industry delegation. Contributing to critical dialogue shaping future trade for small businesses under the provisions of the UK-India FTA. Tides progress in India is rooted in accountability and global investor backing. The company recently secured a $120 million strategic investment, in a funding round led by TPG. Tide is also deepening its long-term commitment to India with a 500 million investment over the next five years, starting 2026. This investment underscores Indias role as a cornerstone of Tides global growth strategy, which will be used to fuel product innovation tailored for Indian SMEs, technology and AI-led development and expansion of Tides financial ecosystem including payments, credit, and investment solutions. Tides strategy in India emphasises digital inclusion to bring formal financial and business services to underserved entrepreneurs outside major metros, in smaller towns and rural clusters. This approach aligns with the Government of Indias efforts to formalise and digitise MSMEs and increase their access to credit, markets and exports. Among some of the exciting new features to be launched next year, include investments, acquiring, insurance, easy access to formal credit, banking services and advanced payment acceptance solutions. Tide is here to make managing business smoother and more successful. About Tide Launched in 2017, Tide is the leading business management platform in the UK. Tide helps SMEs save time (and money) in the running of their businesses by not only offering business accounts and related admin services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions from invoicing to accounting. Tide has nearly 800,000 SME members in the UK (14% market share) and 1,000,000 SMEs in India. Tide launched in Germany in May 2024 and in France in September 2025. Tide has also been recognised with the Great Place to Work certification three years in a row. Tide has been funded by Anthemis, Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, amongst others. It employs more than 2,500 Tideans worldwide. Tides long-term ambition is to be the leading business management platform globally. www.linkedin.com/company/tide-banking twitter.com/TideBusinessIND www.instagram.com/tidebusinessindia/ www.facebook.com/TideBusinessIndia
Glass Bangles Make a Wrist-Oric Comeback
From Firozabad bazaars to fashion runways in France and Milan, the Indian glass bangle (aka churi, bangdi) has clinked its way to become chic couture
Dalit man's body with stab wounds found in UP village
MUZAFFARNAGAR: The body of a Dalit man with stab wounds was found in a field in a village here, police said on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Sonu (29). According to police, Sonu left home on Saturday after receiving a phone call but did not return. His body was found in a sugarcane field in Ghari Firozabad village under the Kakroli police station area. There were multiple stab wounds on the body, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal told reporters. A blood-stained knife and the youth's motorcycle were recovered from the spot. The body has been sent for post-mortem, he said. An investigation has been launched and efforts are on to trace the assailants. Those involved in the crime will be arrested soon, Bansal said.
Firozabad: Railway over-bridge collapses; rescue operations under way
Rs 2-Crore Robbery Accused Killed In Firozabad Encounter; ASP Anuj Chaudhary Survives Close Call
During the exchange of fire, Ramgarh SHO Sanjeev Dubey was injured, while ASP (Rural) Anuj Chaudhary narrowly escaped after a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket
UP on an unstoppable path of growth under CM Yogi Adityanath: Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
LUCKNOW: The third edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2025) concluded on Monday with a grand closing ceremony in the presence of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, as the chief guest on the final day. While congratulating the Uttar Pradesh government on the event's resounding success, the Union Minister said that UPITS reflected the economic, industrial, and cultural potential not only of the state but of India as a whole. He urged a collective commitment to promote indigenous products, encourage entrepreneurship, and realize the vision of a Viksit India by 2047. Highlighting transformation in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years, the Union Minister attributed it to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the decisive governance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying the state was now on an unstoppable growth trajectory. He emphasised that a secure business environment and robust infrastructure had made Uttar Pradesh emerge as the preferred destination for investors. The Minister highlighted UPITS 2025 as unique in its inclusivity, bringing together ministers, government officials, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and startup founders. When all stakeholders come together, it creates the perfect synergy, which is the true secret behind Uttar Pradeshs development journey, remarked the union minister. Referring to GST Savings Festival which commenced from September 22, the minister noted that the reduction in taxes on everyday items was a significant gift for consumers during Navratri. He described September 22nd as a historic milestonethe largest reform since independence, the impact of which would be felt for decades. He said that India now stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world and would soon become the third-largest, with substantial foreign exchange reserves. Goyal added that Indian passports are now symbols of respect and trust, and that developed nations worldwide are eager to establish free-trade agreements with India. Referring to the situation in Uttar Pradesh prior to 2017, Goyal stated that the state was in the grip of an atmosphere of fear and crime. Traders felt unsafe, half of Noida's projects remained incomplete, and many factories had shut down. However, the scenario transformed after Yogi government came to power. Law and order were strengthened, investor confidence returned, and a new era of inclusive development began when the people of Uttar Pradesh voted the BJP to power in 2017 with a two-thirds majority. Goyal highlighted that Uttar Pradesh was the first state to establish a separate Ministry for Export Promotion. The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has expanded to over 750 districts nationwide, with more than 1,200 products gaining global recognition. Today, whether visited by the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Union Minister, or foreign Ambassador, ODOP products are proudly presented as gifts, boosting the morale of entrepreneurs, he stated. Referring to Unity Malls, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, Goyal said these malls were being developed in every state. In Uttar Pradesh, three malls would be established in Lucknow, Agra, and Varanasi, showcasing ODOP products from all 75 districts of the state and across India. Those malls would serve as platforms for women entrepreneurs and young people, opening up new avenues of opportunity. Emphasising Prime Minister Modi's definition of Swadeshi, Goyal urged citizens to pledge to purchase indigenous products wherever possible. He explained that Swadeshi represents goods made with the blood and sweat of Indian people, produced on Indian soil. While companies, investments, and technology can come from abroad, production and employment should remain in India. Goyal said that UPITS had provided a vast platform, giving Uttar Pradeshs products global recognition. From glassware from Firozabad, brass work from Moradabad, Banarasi sarees, Lucknow chikankari, to Agras leather products, the event has showcased the states craftsmanship to the world. He emphasised that UPITS is not just an exhibition but a living example of Uttar Pradeshs new industrial policy, and that the recent reduction in GST rates will further boost local consumption, benefiting all participants.
'We Don't Approve But...': SC Allows Ramleela Festivities On School Ground In UP's Firozabad
The top court also pulled up the petitioner Pradeep Singh Rana for not moving with his complaint earlier and filing the case only after the festivities began on September 14
SC stays Allahabad HC order barring Ramleela festivities in school ground in Firozabad
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Allahabad High Court order which barred holding of Ramleela festivities in a school ground in Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh. A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh allowed the festivities to continue subject to the condition that no inconvenience is caused to students. Although we don't approve of holding religious festivities in school grounds but this Ramleela has been going on for past 100 years and festivities for this year began on September 14, the bench noted while staying the paragraph in the high court order which barred holding of the festivities. It issued notice on the plea filed by Shree Nagar Ram Lila Mahtosav to the Uttar Pradesh government and asked the high court to direct the district administration to submit a proposal for another site in the future. The bench asked the high court to hear the Shree Nagar Ram Lila Mahtosav on the next date of hearing along with other stakeholders and submit a proposal for another site. The top court also pulled up the petitioner Pradeep Singh Rana for not moving with his complaint earlier and filing the case only after the festivities began on September 14. This Ramleela has been going on for 100 years and you also accept this fact. Then what prevented you from moving the courts in advance and stopping the festivities. Neither you are a student nor you are parents of the students, what interest you have in stopping the festivities, the bench told the PIL petitioner. The PIL petitioner submitted that it was only after they started constructing a concrete wall that he had approached the high court for stay of the festivities.
UPITS 2025 set to showcase confluence of investment, innovation, and culture of Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW: The third edition of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) is set to take off at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida on Thursday. Scheduled from September 25 to 29, the mega event will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and will present Uttar Pradeshs industrial, agricultural, cultural, and innovation strengths on a global stage. More than just a platform for trade and investment, UPITS 2025 aims at creating a future-ready ecosystem for youth, entrepreneurs, and international delegates, while celebrating the states diverse identity through the confluence of craft, culture, and cuisine. The inaugural edition of the trade show in 2023 featured 1,914 exhibitors and 400 foreign buyers. The second edition expanded to 2,122 exhibitors, 350 foreign buyers, and five lakh visitors, generating export orders worth over Rs 2,200 crore and direct sales of Rs 40 crore. With more than double the growth in just two editions, the upcoming third edition is expected to attract over 2,500 exhibitors, 500 foreign buyers, and more than half a million visitors, reinforcing its status as a global platform for business and investment. A major highlight will be the One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion in Hall No. 9, featuring 343 stalls dedicated to the signature products of each district. From Bhadohi carpets and Firozabad glasswork to Moradabad metalware and Saharanpur woodcraft, these displays will showcase the journey of Uttar Pradeshs craftsmanship from local to global. The pavilion will also create opportunities for networking, business collaborations, and partnerships involving startups, designers, and international buyers. Russia will participate in the tradeshow as the partner country. On September 26, the RussiaIndia Business Dialogue will bring together policymakers, industrialists, financial institutions, insurance firms, and academia from both nations. This dialogue will not only strengthen economic cooperation but also pave the way for technological partnerships, joint ventures, and new business opportunities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The IT and Electronics Department will present a live demonstration of an AI model in a sprawling 200-square-meter pavilion. Designed with modern amenities, including a curved LED wall, smart video displays, a VIP lounge, and a dedicated startup zone, the pavilion will highlight cutting-edge technological innovations and reflect how the Yogi government has positioned Uttar Pradesh as a rising hub of enterprise, innovation, and digital excellence. Under the master exhibition layout, Halls 1 to 8 and 15 will serve as centres for B2B activities, while Halls 9, 10, and 12 will focus on B2C interactions, and Halls 11 and 14 will host both B2B and B2C activities. The ground floor will feature exhibits from UPSIDA, Invest UP, GNIDA, YEIDA, Civil Aviation, the Russia Pavilion, IT/ITES, Electrical-Electronics, Tourism, Clean Mission, ODOP, Agriculture, Dairy, Textiles, and Logistics. The second floor will serve as the venue for inaugurations, B2B meetings, knowledge sessions, showcases of renewable energy, defence manufacturing, health, education, and culture. There will be 25 food stalls dedicated to the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh on the Swad Uttar Pradesh theme. Visitors will be able to savour traditional delicacies such as Moradabadi dal, Banarasi paan and lassi, Panchhi petha, Jain shikanji, Mathura peda, and Khurjas khurchan. Under CM Yuva scheme, Hall No. 18A will host 150 innovative stalls featuring franchise-based ventures, technology-driven business models, agritech, healthtech, and startup ideas. On September 27, MoUs will be signed with 27 premier educational institutions. Bankers and industry leaders will extend financial and strategic support. CM Yuva Fellows from all 75 districts will also showcase local brands, amplified by a digital campaign and the platform conclave.cmyuva.org.in to connect youth with opportunities. Beyond business, UPITS 2025 will celebrate the cultural ethos of Uttar Pradesh. Visitors will be treated with performances of Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Bundeli, and Tharu folk traditions, along with soulful Sufi music, graceful Kathak performances and light music sessions. Star artistes, including Dinesh Lal Nirahua, Padmashree Malini Awasthi, and Pratibha Singh Baghel will add grandeur to the evenings.
Indore group to burn 11-headed Surpanakha effigy with faces of accused women on Dussehra
BHOPAL: Come Dussehra and it would not just be the effigies of ten-headed demon king Ravan, which will be burnt in Indore to mark the victory of good over evil. In a development, which might generate controversy in the coming days, an 11-headed giant-size effigy of Surpanakha (sister of Ravan) will be burnt this year in Indore on Dussehra by Paurush a group working for the cause of men who are victims of wives abuse. Each head of the giant effigy will have representative faces of women who are either accused or have already been convicted by courts for killing their better halves or children in various parts of the country. In the centre of the 11 faces will be Indores Sonam Raghuvanshi, who along with alleged lover Raj Kushwah has recently been charge-sheeted by Meghalaya Police for plotting the May 23, 2025 honeymoon killing of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi. The other ten faces will include Harsha Padiyar, who is accused of abetting photographer husband Nitin Padiyars alleged suicide in Indore in January 2025, and Hansa Patel of MPs Dewas district who was allegedly involved in the murder of husband Pravin Patel. The effigy will further have faces of Muskan Rastogi, who is accused of murdering her husband with her lovers help in UPs Meerut in March 2025, and Ravita Kashyap, who with her lovers help allegedly strangled husband Amit Kashyap to death in the same western UP district in April 2025. The other faces include Shashi Devi (Firozabad, UP) who is accused of poisoning her husband to death with her lovers help in July 2025, Nikita Singhania (Jaunpur, UP) who is accused of abetting AI engineer husband Atul Subhashs suicide in Bengaluru in December 2024, Sushmita Dev (Delhi) who allegedly murdered husband Karan Dev with her lovers help in July 2025, and Gudiya Devi who allegedly murdered husband Vijay Chauhan in Mumbai in July 2025. Two women who are accused of killing their children too will have their representative faces on the heads of the Surpanakha effigy, including Suchna Seth who allegedly killed her four-year-old son in Goa and transported the body in her luggage, and Priyanka Savita, a widow convicted in July this year by a court in central UPs Auraiya district for mercilessly killing her three children in June 2024. Surpanakhas effigy will reportedly be paraded through the city in a procession before being burnt at Indores Mahalaxmi Nagar Mela Ground at 6.30 pm on Dussehra. Already banners and posters of this first-of-its-kind Surpanakha Dahan event have been put up in some parts of Indore, and announcements inviting commoners to attend are being made. All that matters is the destruction of evil, irrespective of whether its male or female. The event is being organized with this theme in mind. Ravan symbolizes evil during his time, but in the modern world, such Surpanakhas also symbolize evil and destruction, Paurush organizations head Ashok Dashora said.
India will not bow down to US tariffs: Baghel
FIROZABAD (UP), Aug 29: Union Minister SP Singh Baghel today said that India is not going to bow down to the tariffs of America and the country will move forward by becoming self-reliant with the use of startups, Make in India and indigenous goods. The union Minister, who came to express condolences to the victims family in the case of murder of a teenager in Rajawali area, directed the officials to work out the murder and arrest the accused soon. [] The post India will not bow down to US tariffs: Baghel appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
