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Delhivery Grabs Control of Rival Ecom Express for Rs 1,400 Crore: Sahil Barua Bets Big on Logistics Shake-Up

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Delhivery Grabs Control of Rival Ecom Express for Rs 1,400 Crore: Sahil Barua Bets Big on Logistics Shake-Up

In a bold move that could reshape India’s logistics landscape, Gurugram-headquartered Delhivery has announced its plans to acquire a majority stake in Ecom Express, a company it has competed with for over a decade. The deal, valued at Rs 1,400 crore in cash, will hand Delhivery a controlling interest in one of the country’s key last-mile delivery players.

The timing is notable—it comes just two months after Delhivery brought in Vani Venkatesh as its new Chief Business Officer, signaling a strategic shift in its growth approach.

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A Veteran in E-Commerce Logistics

Launched in 2012 by logistics veterans Manju Dhawan, K. Satyanarayana, the late T.A. Krishnan, and the late Sanjeev Saxena, Ecom Express carved out its niche by offering comprehensive logistics services tailored to the needs of India’s booming e-commerce sector. Its offerings span everything from first-mile pickup and order processing to last-mile delivery, returns handling, and reverse logistics.

Under its Ecom Fulfillment Services division, the company has also been actively building warehousing and supply chain solutions. Ecom claims it has reached 97% of Indian households and handled close to 2 billion shipments since inception.

The Bigger Picture at Delhivery

Delhivery, founded just a year before Ecom Express, has rapidly evolved into a logistics juggernaut. Its services cover the full spectrum—express parcel delivery, part-truckload and full-truckload freight, cross-border shipping, warehousing, and logistics tech solutions. With a client base of over 39,000 businesses, from e-commerce giants to small and mid-sized enterprises, the company says it has delivered more than 3.4 billion shipments across India.

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CEO’s Vision

Delhivery CEO and MD Sahil Barua described the acquisition as a strategic leap. “India’s logistics ecosystem still has significant room to improve in terms of speed, affordability, and coverage,” he said. “Bringing Ecom Express into the Delhivery fold allows us to push further on all fronts—whether it’s technology, infrastructure, or talent. The team at Ecom Express has built something strong and credible, and we’re excited to build on that foundation.”

As consolidation picks up pace in India’s logistics sector, this acquisition could mark the beginning of a new phase—one driven not just by scale, but by integration and smarter, faster delivery systems.

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Flipkart Minutes Races Ahead: 200 Dark Stores in 14 Cities and a 10-Minute Delivery Promise to Challenge Zepto & Blinkit

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Flipkart Minutes Races Ahead: 200 Dark Stores in 14 Cities and a 10-Minute Delivery Promise to Challenge Zepto & Blinkit

Flipkart’s latest venture into the fast-paced world of instant delivery—Flipkart Minutes—is quietly but confidently picking up steam. Since rolling out a pilot version in a few Bengaluru neighborhoods back in August 2024, the service has now set up over 200 dark stores across 14 cities, according to a senior executive quoted by Business Standard.

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At the recent Startup Mahakumbh event, Flipkart’s VP, Kanchan Mishra, shared that while Flipkart itself is practically a household name, this newer offering is still in its early days—but catching on quickly.

Deliveries on the clock

Flipkart Minutes is designed for those who don’t have time to wait. Whether it’s groceries, everyday essentials, electronics, or personal care products, the promise is simple: get it at your doorstep in 10 to 15 minutes.

Mishra pointed out that convenience now matters just as much as price and product variety. The demand for faster delivery is no longer just a Gen Z or millennial trend—more homemakers and older shoppers are starting to rely on quick commerce, and that’s opening doors for more brands to connect with new customers in fresh ways.

Gearing up for growth

Looking ahead, Flipkart Minutes has big plans. The company hopes to double its dark store footprint to about 500 or more by the time the next Big Billion Days shopping festival kicks off later this year—likely around September or October.

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Even with 200 locations already up and running, the service still lags behind a few seasoned players. Zepto, for example, runs more than 900 dark stores. Blinkit is currently sitting at 1,007, and Swiggy Instamart isn’t far behind with 705.

Still, Flipkart Minutes is betting on its strengths. By building strong partnerships with brands and tapping into Flipkart’s already massive customer base, the company believes it can scale quickly and offer an experience that’s both fast and familiar. According to Mishra, this mix of reach, reliability, and collaboration could be the key to turning quick commerce into a long-term habit for millions across India.

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Startup Debate Heats Up: Ashneer Grover Suggests Politicians Focus on Growth Before Criticizing Entrepreneurs

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Startup Debate Heats Up: Ashneer Grover Suggests Politicians Focus on Growth Before Criticizing Entrepreneurs

Ashneer Grover, ex-co-founder and former MD of BharatPe, didn’t hold back in his response to Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent remarks about India’s startup scene. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Grover fired back, saying it’s not the entrepreneurs but the politicians who truly need a dose of reality.

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“In India, the only folks needing a ‘reality check’ wear khadi,” he wrote, clearly aiming his criticism at the political class. Grover defended the startup ecosystem, particularly consumer-tech businesses, highlighting how even China began its digital journey with food delivery platforms before stepping into more advanced tech sectors.

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“Let’s not forget, China’s tech wave started with food delivery too—deep tech came later. Maybe instead of preaching, our leaders should shoot for two decades of 10%+ GDP growth and then talk about vision,” he quipped.

Not stopping there, Grover took a pointed jab at the prevailing tone of political discussions in the country. “Might be a good time to shift the national conversation from history lessons to science and innovation. Appreciate you starting this conversation, Minister,” he added with a note of sarcasm.

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McCain India’s FY24 Report: ₹1,245 Cr Revenue, Rising Costs, and a 29% Profit Drop – Can It Stay on Top?

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McCain India’s FY24 Report: ₹1,245 Cr Revenue, Rising Costs, and a 29% Profit Drop – Can It Stay on Top?

India’s love for crispy, deep-fried snacks has fueled a thriving market, with McCain carving out a dominant position in the frozen food segment. Having entered the Indian market in 1998, the brand has steadily expanded its presence, raking in over ₹1,200 crore in revenue for FY24, making it the largest player in its category. Once known primarily for french fries, McCain has since broadened its offerings to cater to a wider audience.

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According to filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), McCain India’s revenue grew by a modest 3% year-on-year, reaching ₹1,214 crore in FY24, up from ₹1,172 crore in FY23. Its primary income source remains the sale of its fried snack products, distributed through a mix of traditional retail, foodservice partnerships, and quick-commerce platforms like BlinkIt, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Additionally, the company earned ₹31 crore from interest on deposits, bringing total revenue to ₹1,245 crore in FY24, compared to ₹1,189 crore the previous year.

Raw materials remained the biggest cost factor for McCain, accounting for nearly 44% of its total expenses, rising to ₹493 crore in FY24. Employee costs also saw a sharp increase, climbing 19% to ₹100 crore. Meanwhile, McCain ramped up its advertising spend by 63%, reaching ₹88 crore as it sought to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market. Other operational costs—covering power, logistics, contract labor, storage, and management fees—pushed total expenditure up to ₹1,125 crore from ₹1,020 crore in FY23.

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The aggressive spending, particularly on advertising and management expenses, took a toll on McCain’s bottom line. Its net profit dropped 29.4%, falling from ₹126 crore in FY23 to ₹89 crore in FY24. The company’s return on capital employed (ROCE) and EBITDA margin stood at 15.28% and 4.58%, respectively. On a per-unit basis, McCain spent ₹0.93 to generate every rupee in FY24.

Despite its strong position, McCain faces growing challenges. With health-conscious consumers shifting away from fried foods and major conglomerates like ITC and Godrej entering the segment, competition is fiercer than ever. The brand often finds itself on the defensive when compared to “better-for-you” alternatives. However, India’s deep-rooted love for crispy snacks ensures that demand won’t vanish overnight. Strengthening its cold chain logistics network could be a game-changer, enabling McCain to penetrate deeper into smaller towns and rural markets. If the company can navigate these headwinds effectively, it should be able to regain its growth momentum—unless internal hurdles prove to be a bigger obstacle.

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Karnataka High Court Bans Bike Taxi Services, Orders Ola, Uber, and Rapido to Halt Operations

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Karnataka High Court Bans Bike Taxi Services, Orders Ola, Uber, and Rapido to Halt Operations

In a significant setback for ride-hailing giants Ola, Uber, and Rapido, the Karnataka High Court has ordered them to shut down their bike taxi services in the state. The court has given them six weeks to comply, stating that operations cannot resume until the government establishes clear regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Legal Roadblock: No Clear Rules, No Bike Taxis

Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad, who issued the ruling, made it clear that transport authorities cannot register motorcycles as commercial transport vehicles or issue permits for bike taxis unless a proper legal framework is in place.

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“The transport department cannot be directed to register motorcycles as transport vehicles or issue contract carriage permits for such services until appropriate government regulations are in place,” Justice Prasad stated.

The Karnataka government now has three months to draft these regulations. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government will use this time to create a framework that ensures safety and operational clarity for bike taxi services.

Rapido Pushes Back, Raises Concerns Over Livelihoods

The ruling has sparked concerns, particularly for Rapido, which was founded in Karnataka and has a massive user base in the state. A Rapido spokesperson voiced worries about the thousands of drivers who depend on the platform for their income.

“The Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has directed aggregators to cease bike taxi operations after six weeks. While we will comply with the order, we are deeply concerned about the impact on the livelihoods of our captains. Once the detailed order is available, we will explore all legal options to protect their interests,” the spokesperson said.

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A Long-Standing Legal Battle

Bike taxis have existed in a legal gray area in Karnataka for years. In 2021, the state introduced the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme, which only allowed electric two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis. However, most services continued using petrol-powered bikes, leading to ongoing disputes with regulators.

With the latest court order, the future of bike taxis in Karnataka remains uncertain. While companies like Rapido and Uber are expected to challenge the decision, the government’s next move—whether to regulate or permanently ban bike taxis—will determine how the industry evolves in the state.

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DriverShaab Secures ₹2.82 Crore to Scale On-Demand Driver Services, Strengthen Tech Infrastructure

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DriverShaab Secures ₹2.82 Crore to Scale On-Demand Driver Services, Strengthen Tech Infrastructure

Kolkata-based DriverShaab, a B2B mobility solutions provider, has raised ₹2.82 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Firstport Capital and Gurugram-based Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The investment will help the company scale its driver aggregation platform, optimize operations, and enhance its technology backbone.

Bringing Structure to India’s Fragmented Driver Service Industry

Founded by Avijit Das, DriverShaab is tackling a long-standing problem in India’s transportation sector—reliable and efficient driver management. The startup provides on-demand drivers for businesses, logistics support, and employee transportation solutions, using technology to bridge supply gaps and improve service quality.

“The driver services industry has been largely unorganized, leading to inefficiencies and service inconsistencies. Our goal is to build a tech-driven ecosystem that makes driver deployment seamless, reliable, and scalable,” said Avijit Das, CEO of DriverShaab.

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Since its inception, DriverShaab has facilitated transactions worth ₹26 crore, reflecting the growing demand for structured driver aggregation solutions in India.

Aiming for a Piece of India’s $900M Mobility Market

India’s mobility sector is currently valued at $900 million and is projected to grow rapidly as businesses increasingly seek efficient transportation solutions. DriverShaab is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape by addressing challenges like driver availability, fleet management, and operational inefficiencies through its platform.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder of Inflection Point Ventures, highlighted the startup’s potential: “Driver shortages and inefficiencies can severely impact businesses relying on fleet operations and employee transport. DriverShaab’s tech-first approach ensures optimal driver deployment, reduces downtime, and enhances service reliability. With its scalable model and strong execution, the company is well-positioned for growth in the mobility sector.”

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With fresh funding and a clear market opportunity, DriverShaab is gearing up to expand its reach and refine its technology, aiming to become a go-to solution for businesses looking to streamline driver management.

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Piyush Goyal Slams India’s Startup Priorities: ‘Are We Just Building Delivery Workers While China Dominates EVs & AI?

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Piyush Goyal Slams India’s Startup Priorities: ‘Are We Just Building Delivery Workers While China Dominates EVs & AI?

At Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal raised serious questions about the direction of India’s startup ecosystem, urging entrepreneurs to prioritize deep tech and innovation over convenience-driven services. Comparing India’s startup landscape with China’s, he pointed out how Indian ventures are largely focused on food and grocery delivery, while Chinese companies are investing in electric mobility and advanced battery technologies.

Aiming Higher: Beyond Delivery Apps and Quick Commerce

Goyal’s address was direct and thought-provoking. He challenged entrepreneurs to reconsider their ambitions, asking whether India’s startup boom should be defined by an army of “delivery boys and girls” or if the country should strive to lead in cutting-edge technology.

“We are proud of what India has achieved, but are we the best in the world yet? Not yet,” he stated. “Should we aspire to be, or are we content just running delivery fleets?”

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His comments come at a time when quick-commerce and food delivery startups have become some of India’s most valuable companies, achieving unicorn status and multi-billion-dollar valuations. However, the minister’s remarks highlighted a growing concern—are these businesses truly driving technological progress, or are they just refining last-mile logistics?

Luxury Startups vs. Tech-Driven Innovation

Goyal also took aim at the rise of luxury-focused startups, particularly those backed by the children of billionaires. He pointed out that many of these businesses revolve around premium products like “fancy ice creams and cookies,” which, while profitable, do little to establish India as a global technology leader.

“I have no issue with healthy, zero-gluten, vegan ice creams, but is that the destiny of Indian entrepreneurship?” he asked. In contrast, he cited nations that are heavily investing in semiconductors and artificial intelligence—industries that will shape the future of the global economy.

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A Call for Future-Focused Startups

Goyal’s message was clear: India needs to build, not just deliver. He emphasized that the world’s leading economies are pushing boundaries in AI, chip manufacturing, and next-gen mobility solutions. If India wants to be a true innovation powerhouse, its startup ecosystem must shift its focus from short-term consumer convenience to long-term technological leadership.

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Backed by Flipkart and Bain Execs, Alienkind Raises $1.2M to Shake Up India’s $4 Billion Juice Market”

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Backed by Flipkart and Bain Execs, Alienkind Raises $1.2M to Shake Up India’s $4 Billion Juice Market”

Juice Disruptor Alienkind Secures $1.2M in Seed Funding to Expand Across India

Alienkind, a next-gen juice bar brand, has raised $1.2 million in seed funding, attracting investments from high-profile industry leaders such as Prakash Sikaria (Founder, Super.money), Ravi Iyer (SVP, Flipkart), and Arpan Sheth (Head of Global Innovation, Bain & Company, Washington DC). The funding marks a significant milestone for the company as it sets its sights on reshaping India’s juice market.

Changing the Juice Game in India

Founded with the vision of making fresh fruit juices both aspirational and accessible, Alienkind is challenging the status quo in the Indian beverage space. Unlike conventional juice brands, which often rely on preservatives and artificial additives, Alienkind is committed to serving 100% fresh fruit juices that prioritize transparency, quality, and affordability.

“We want to make fresh fruit juice a lifestyle choice—something people reach for without a second thought, knowing they’re getting the best in purity and taste,” said Vikram Kakkireni, Co-Founder of Alienkind. “Our goal is simple: to become the trusted go-to for juice lovers across India, offering an experience that is as premium as it is affordable.”

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Scaling Up & Expansion Plans

The freshly secured funds will be used to fuel Alienkind’s expansion across major metropolitan cities in India, as part of the brand’s aggressive first phase of growth. The startup has already made waves in the Indian Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry with its bold positioning, competitive pricing, and commitment to a healthier, more transparent juice culture.

“We’re not just building another juice brand—we’re redefining the QSR model in India,” said Abhishek Kumar, Co-Founder of Alienkind. “A decade from now, we want to look back and see that we’ve set new industry benchmarks, creating a blueprint for what modern, fresh, and accessible food and beverage brands should be.”

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With consumer demand for fresh, chemical-free beverages on the rise, Alienkind is stepping in at the right time to capitalize on the shift. Backed by industry veterans and a rapidly growing customer base, the brand is well on its way to becoming a household name in the Indian beverage space.

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After 9 Years, Hitesh Dhingra Bids Farewell: The Man Company Co-Founders Reflect on Their Journey

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After 9 Years, Hitesh Dhingra Bids Farewell: The Man Company Co-Founders Reflect on Their Journey

March 31, 2025, marked the end of an era as Hitesh Dhingra stepped away from The Man Company, the premium men’s grooming brand he co-founded in 2015 alongside Bhisham Bhateja and Parvesh Bareja. Over nine years, the trio transformed a niche concept into a powerhouse in the Indian grooming industry, redefining how men approach self-care.

The Birth of a Category in India

When The Man Company was launched, men’s grooming in India was an untapped market. Most Indian men relied on generic, mass-market products with little focus on premium ingredients or specialized formulations. The founders saw an opportunity—not just to sell grooming products but to shift an entire mindset. They aimed to position self-care as an essential, not an afterthought, creating a brand that blended luxury with functionality.

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The early days were anything but easy. The first product launch was a gamble. Finding the right retail partners was a struggle. Yet, the brand quickly found its footing, with one of the first major breakthroughs being a retailer willing to take a chance on them. Then came validation in the form of customers—emails, reviews, and word-of-mouth praise that signaled they had tapped into something real.

Scaling to Success

What started as a small venture rapidly grew into a ₹200 crore brand. The Man Company became synonymous with high-quality, chemical-free grooming products for men, offering everything from beard oils and shampoos to fragrances and skincare. The brand’s marketing strategies, influencer collaborations, and digital-first approach helped it capture a loyal customer base.

The company’s growth attracted major investors, and in 2020, Emami Ltd acquired a significant stake, further fueling its expansion. With a combination of e-commerce dominance and an increasing retail presence, The Man Company became a leader in India’s premium men’s grooming segment.

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The Founder’s Exit & The Road Ahead

After nearly a decade of building the brand, Hitesh Dhingra announced his departure. In an emotional reflection, he likened the experience to raising a child—nurturing it from infancy to independence. With Emami Ltd now at the helm, the company is poised for its next phase of growth, backed by a strong team and an established market presence.

Dhingra credits The Man Company with shaping him as much as he shaped it. The journey was filled with lessons in resilience, patience, and adaptability—lessons that will undoubtedly influence his next entrepreneurial venture. While the specifics of his future plans remain undisclosed, his track record suggests that this exit is just the beginning of another groundbreaking chapter in India’s startup ecosystem.

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Sweet Karam Coffee Secures $8M Series A from Peak XV & Fireside Ventures, Targets 2.5x Growth

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Sweet Karam Coffee Secures $8M Series A from Peak XV & Fireside Ventures, Targets 2.5x Growth

In a significant boost to its growth trajectory, Chennai-based Sweet Karam Coffee has secured $8 million in a Series A funding round led by Peak XV Partners, with continued support from existing investor Fireside Ventures.

Founded in 2015 by Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban, Sweet Karam Coffee has carved a niche in delivering authentic South Indian sweets, snacks, and filter coffee. The brand prides itself on offering products free from palm oil and preservatives, catering to health-conscious consumers.

The infusion of capital is set to propel the company’s omnichannel expansion, accelerate new product development, and enhance its technology-driven supply chain capabilities. With a presence in over 2,500 quick commerce dark stores across India and deliveries spanning 32 countries, Sweet Karam Coffee has witnessed a remarkable fourfold increase in revenue over the past year and aims for a 2.5x growth in the coming year.

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Co-founder and CEO Nalini Parthiban expressed enthusiasm about the evolving distribution landscape: “Quick commerce is bridging distribution like never before, and we’re seeing a beautiful cross-pollination of cultures—our products are now loved not just in the South, but across the country.”

To bolster its operational capabilities, the company has appointed former Unilever executive Nandhitha Indermohan as Chief Operating Officer. Indermohan brings over 15 years of experience in supply chain and operations, positioning her to play a pivotal role in the company’s next growth phase.

The South Indian snacks and sweets market, valued at over ₹25,000 crore, is undergoing a significant transformation. Abhishek Mohan, Principal at Peak XV Partners, highlighted the sector’s potential: “The shift from unorganised to organised players, rising demand for ‘better-for-you’ products, and the rapid expansion of modern distribution channels present a powerful opportunity for brands like Sweet Karam Coffee.”

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This funding round underscores the growing investor confidence in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, particularly in brands that prioritize authenticity and health-conscious offerings. As Sweet Karam Coffee embarks on this new chapter, it remains dedicated to sharing the rich culinary heritage of South India with a global audience.

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