Victoria Secret Collaborates with Google to introduce AI chatbots for Online Shopping

• Victoria’s Secret is partnering with Alphabet’s Google Cloud Vertex AI unit for a multi-year deal.

• The collaboration aims to offer an online chatbot providing personalized advice to shoppers.

• The chatbot, termed a "conversational chatbot," will offer tailored product recommendations and advice based on individual preferences and experiences.

• The technology will cater to diverse customer needs, including sports enthusiasts, nursing mothers, breast cancer survivors, and those seeking new undergarments.

• Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

• Victoria’s Secret will utilize Google Cloud’s AI and generative-AI technologies to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency.

• The retailer plans to leverage the technology for its Adore Me lingerie company as well.

• The collaboration involves exploring strategic ways to integrate Google Cloud’s AI technologies for marketing, customer sentiment analysis, and other operations.

• Google’s AI capabilities could potentially optimize Victoria’s Secret's supply chain and enhance human resources functions.

• Victoria’s Secret stock rose by 0.8% in premarket trading following the announcement. Alphabet’s stock also experienced a slight increase.

Becoming a Data Scientist in 2024 just got easier.

Brief Overview :

Data Science is named as the sexiest career in the 21st century by a Harvard Survey. Data Science is a Subset of Artificial intelligence that is primarily used for Data analysis and interpretations in today’s Data centric world by making use of Machine learning algorithms. Machine Learning algorithms put simply in turn applies Mathematics to the Dataset provided and learns the patterns from it, which can be used for predictions. We have provided a brief outline for the same below.

Essential Skills required for becoming a Data Scientist in 2024

• Databases: Understanding of Oracle DB, MySQL DB, TeraData, MongoDB, and Postgres SQL.

• Mathematics: Strong grasp of statistical concepts, probability, linear algebra, and calculus.

• Programming Language: Proficiency in Python, R, and SAS.

• Machine Learning: Knowledge of various algorithms like regressions, random forest, decision trees, etc.

• Data Visualization: Ability to visualize results through charts, plots, and graphs.

• Exploratory Data Analysis: Cleaning, manipulating, and organizing data using tools like R, Python, and Flume.

2024 : The Year of Resurgence for Indian Startups ?

India's startup landscape has experienced a significant transformation this year, presenting a formidable set of challenges that triggered a phase of strategic evaluation and adjustment for startups and investors alike. Despite enduring an extended funding downturn marked by urgent pivots, governance issues, and layoffs, investors have amassed approximately $20 billion in available capital, poised for deployment in startups.

• Transformative Year: India’s startup ecosystem faced challenges but led to strategic reassessment for startups and investors.

• Funding Landscape: Despite a funding winter, about $20 billion is ready for deployment in startups.

• VC Recession: Venture capital receded dramatically from $35 billion in 2021 to $8 billion in 2023, reflecting a global trend of cautious retrenchment.

• Entrepreneur Resilience: Startups like Zepto and Perfios showed agility and vision, securing significant investments amid the funding chill.

• Investor Recalibration: Investors recalibrated their focus to sustainable business models over rapid growth, particularly in early-stage players.

• Venture Debt’s Role: Venture debt emerged as a strategic partner, providing critical support to startups, especially in innovative sectors.

• Sector Reckoning: Sectors like edtech and healthtech faced challenges, emphasizing the importance of high-quality revenue.

• Valuation Challenges: Startups navigated through a foggy valuation landscape using convertible notes and flat rounds.

• Optimism for 2024: Mega deals in companies like Perfios and PhonePe signal optimism. AI, fintech, and EVs are poised to lead the resurgence.

• Financial Services Surge: Financial services witnessed a surge in debt funding, preparing for a spate of IPOs in FY2024-25.

• Dry Powder Deployment: With $20 billion in dry powder, 2024 is anticipated to be a period of strategic growth and potential revival.

• Balancing Innovation and Prudence: Entrepreneurs need to balance innovation with financial prudence, while investors focus on long-term viability.

• Venture Debt’s Role Expands: Venture debt expected to play a more significant role in offering a lifeline to startups.

• Narrative of Adaptability: The Indian startup journey in 2024 is expected to be a narrative of adaptability, strategic foresight, and collaborative growth.