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Raptee, Premium EV motorcycle Startup appoints former Ather and Ola Electric Veteran C Suresh as Head of Operations 

• At Raptee, Suresh will be heading Operations including manufacturing, quality, sourcing & supply chain. 

• Suresh will be in charge of setting up the new plant and set up processes to meet the projected demand of Raptee motorcycle.

• C Suresh has 25 years of experience, working with leading brands of which the last 7 years have been in the EV sector as part 

  of the founding team at Ather and Ola.

 Suresh had been part of more than 13 new two-wheeler launches including Ather 450 and Ola S1 in the recent years.

• He played an integral role in setting up the new plants, processes and complete team in Ather and Ola during the early days.

• Raptee recently announced raising $ Million in Pre-Series A round and launched its maiden factory unit in Chennai.

Chennai, October 17, 2023: Premium EV motorcycle Startup Raptee has announced the appointment of Mr. C Suresh as the Head of Operations

At Raptee, Suresh will construct a comprehensive portfolio of operations in manufacturing engineering, quality, sourcing & supply chain, and projects with a focus on setting up the processes and building a strong team. One of the pivotal roles will be to plan and roll out the products in the near future. Suresh will focus on constructing additional facilities to cater to the projected demand for Raptee Motorcycle. 

Suresh, comes with over 25 years of experience, has worked with major auto brands like TVS Motors, Royal Enfield, Mahindra, Ather, and Ola Electric.

Suresh played an integral role in rolling out the iconic products like RE Classic 500, Ather 450, Ola S1. These launches received exceptional response from the consumers. His customer-oriented approach along with customer interactions and feedback sessions helped incorporate them in new product development.

Commenting on Suresh’s appointment, Dinesh Arjun, Founder, CEO, Raptee, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Suresh to our team. His deep understanding of the EV market and expertise in quality, production, engineering, and supply chain management will be invaluable for our company as we prepare to launch our first motorcycle in the market. Suresh shares our vision of creating sustainable and affordable mobility solutions for the future, and we look forward to working with him to achieve our goals.” 

Suresh being a veteran in the industry, he has a wealth of knowledge about the auto industry. He comes with the experience of handling more than 13 new product launches in his career. His addition to Raptee further strengthens the Company’s growth strategy as the motorcycle launch draws near.

Suresh has managed supplier relationships across India and international markets, including Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and Europe, overseeing a vast network of over 200 suppliers. His role in establishing the new plants at Ather and Ola Future Factory underscores his commitment to innovation, quality and cutting-edge manufacturing. 

Commenting on his appointment, C Suresh, Head – Operations, Raptee, says, “I am excited to embark on a journey that aligns perfectly with my passion for sustainable transportation and cutting-edge technology. My primary focus will be to drive excellence in all aspects of our operations and to enhance the experience of our valued customers, partners, and stakeholders. Championing unwavering quality standards in every aspect of our operations geared towards delivering exceptional products and services to our customers. Our goal is not only to provide high-quality electric motorcycles but also to create a seamless and superior customer experience for all the ICE consumers.”

Raptee is gearing up to launch its first motorcycle by early next year. The company is building a premium range of 2W motorcycles that is tech driven and comes with an on-board charger that is compatible with CCS2 charging stations. The motorcycle is indigenously designed and developed in India and Raptee has registered 45+ patents so far. The premium motorcycles will be intuitive and intelligent, with features like Bluetooth connectivity, throttle mapping and blind-spot detection to ensure maximum safety for the riders. The Company recently raised $3 million in Pre-Series A round and has established a new factory in Chennai.

About Raptee

The concept of Raptee was born in 2019 with the sole intention to democratize electric mobility in India. Raptee is a full stack electric motorcycle manufacturer with a very strong technological

moat. The company was founded by four engineers from Chennai (Ex Tesla, Wipro) working on to bring a premium electric motorcycle to the consumers of ICE two wheelers. We at Raptee are driven by an innovative spirit to redefine electric mobility. Our motorcycles are intuitive and engineered to outperform the conventionally powered vehicles, proving that switching to an electric motorcycle is an upgrade. They are intelligent, powerful, energy-efficient and loaded with cutting-edge technology to augment every single ride you take.

by Sameera

Binance Responds to User Complaints Global crypto exchange Binance has announced that it will increase compensation for customers who were liquidated during the recent crypto market selloff. The move follows widespread criticism after thousands of traders suffered sudden losses due to extreme volatility earlier this month. According to internal reports, Binance will refund part of the unrealized losses to affected users through its User Protection Fund, which currently holds over $1.2 billion in reserves. The compensation applies mainly to futures traders whose positions were automatically liquidated during rapid price swings in Bitcoin and other major tokens. Bitcoin’s Price Plunge Sparks Liquidations The crypto market experienced one of its sharpest downturns in 2025, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $50,000 for the first time in eight months. This triggered billions in forced liquidations across major exchanges, including Binance, OKX, and Bybit. Analysts suggest that a combination of high leverage, macroeconomic uncertainty, and institutional selloffs contributed to the crash. Binance faced particular backlash for what users described as “slippage and server delays” during the event. Binance Enhances Transparency In response, Binance’s management pledged to improve system transparency and risk management mechanisms. The exchange stated it is reviewing its liquidation protocols to ensure fairer treatment of users during periods of extreme volatility. A spokesperson confirmed that Binance would also begin publishing weekly protection fund audits to reassure investors. Why It Matters for Investors Looking to Buy Bitcoin The compensation announcement comes at a crucial time for retail traders considering whether to buy Bitcoin on Binance amid renewed volatility. Analysts note that Binance’s proactive stance could restore confidence among users after months of regulatory scrutiny and market turbulence. Crypto strategist Michael Wu from Amber Group commented, “This move reinforces Binance’s commitment to customer protection. It may also attract new users who are hesitant to trade during volatile periods.” Still, experts warn that volatility remains high, and investors should exercise caution before re-entering the market. The Bigger Picture The event underscores the need for stronger investor safeguards as the crypto industry matures. Binance’s decision to compensate affected users sets a potential precedent for other exchanges facing similar backlash. Meanwhile, Bitcoin prices have started to stabilize around $52,300, with cautious optimism returning to the market. Stay ahead with the latest in crypto, startups, and financial technology on StartupNews.FYI — your source for real-time business insights and innovation updates.

by Sameera

Leadership Change at Indonesia’s Flag Carrier Indonesia’s state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia has appointed Glenny Kairupan as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to a government official cited by Reuters. The decision marks another major leadership shift for the national carrier as it continues efforts to stabilize finances and restore operational efficiency after years of restructuring. While the official announcement did not specify the reason for Kairupan’s appointment, it comes at a critical time for Garuda Indonesia, which has been navigating challenges including post-pandemic recovery, debt management, and fleet modernization. A Strategic Appointment Glenny Kairupan, an experienced aviation executive, steps into the role previously held by Irfan Setiaputra, who led the company through one of its most turbulent periods. Under Setiaputra’s leadership, Garuda Indonesia completed a complex court-led debt restructuring worth more than $9 billion, reducing the airline’s liabilities and securing new lease terms for its fleet. Kairupan is expected to continue implementing efficiency strategies while expanding Garuda’s international partnerships and improving profitability. His appointment aligns with the government’s long-term plan to enhance state enterprise governance and ensure transparency across Indonesia’s aviation sector. Challenges Ahead Despite a return to profitability earlier in 2025, Garuda Indonesia still faces significant operational hurdles. Rising fuel prices, global aviation competition, and the need for sustainable modernization remain key issues for the new CEO. The airline is also working on expanding domestic connectivity to boost tourism and regional economic development, a strategic priority under Indonesia’s national infrastructure plan. Industry analysts believe Kairupan’s leadership will be instrumental in balancing financial discipline with growth ambitions. His experience in corporate restructuring and aviation management is seen as critical to guiding Garuda through the next phase of transformation. Government Support and Public Expectations Garuda Indonesia holds symbolic importance as the nation’s flag carrier. The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises has reiterated its commitment to supporting the airline’s stability while ensuring it remains competitive in the Southeast Asian aviation market. Kairupan’s appointment is viewed as part of a broader strategy to professionalize state-owned enterprise leadership and rebuild public confidence. Outlook With Glenny Kairupan now at the helm, the airline’s immediate focus will likely be on improving operational reliability, expanding profitable routes, and investing in digital transformation to enhance customer experience. As Indonesia’s aviation industry continues to recover, Garuda Indonesia’s success under new leadership will serve as a key indicator of how effectively the country can balance government oversight with corporate agility in a post-pandemic world. For the latest updates on aviation, business, and global leadership trends, visit StartupNews.fyi for comprehensive coverage and analysis.

by Sameera

Company to Cut Jobs Amid Strategic Consolidation Under “Servus Media” Red Bull, the Austrian beverage giant known globally for its energy drinks and sports ventures, has announced a significant restructuring of its media division, including job cuts at Servus TV and other Red Bull Media House operations. The decision, first reported by ORF Salzburg and Der Standard, marks a pivotal shift in Red Bull’s media strategy as the company aims to streamline operations under a unified brand. Red Bull Media Division Undergoes Major Reorganization According to official sources, Red Bull employs roughly 600 people across its various media activities — including Servus TV in Wals-Siezenheim (Flachgau) and the Red Bull Media House headquarters in Vienna. The company now plans to consolidate its media businesses under a new umbrella brand called “Servus Media”, leading to the elimination of about 60 positions. The restructuring aims to bring together the company’s television, digital, and publishing arms to improve efficiency and focus resources on the most profitable channels. “The goal is to create a more integrated and agile media organization,” a company spokesperson told local outlets. Leadership Overhaul and Strategic Refocus The reorganized Red Bull media unit will be managed by Dietmar Otti, alongside executives Matthias Bruegelmann, Marlene Beran, and Stefan Ebner. The new leadership team is expected to oversee the realignment of editorial direction, digital transformation efforts, and international partnerships. Servus TV, long known for its regional programming and documentaries, will continue broadcasting under the new structure. However, insiders suggest that the channel’s content strategy may shift toward more cost-effective formats, including digital-first productions. Layoffs Signal a Broader Trend in European Media The job cuts at Servus TV and Red Bull Media House come amid a wave of media industry restructurings across Europe, as companies grapple with declining ad revenues, rising production costs, and the growing dominance of streaming platforms. For Red Bull, the restructuring represents a broader shift from traditional broadcasting to digital storytelling, leveraging the brand’s massive global reach in sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. “This isn’t just about cost-cutting — it’s about repositioning for the future,” said media analyst Thomas Heigl. “Red Bull is refocusing on content that aligns more closely with its global sports and brand marketing ecosystem.” Servus TV’s Future Servus TV has been a cornerstone of Red Bull’s Austrian media presence since its launch in 2009, known for its cultural programs, documentaries, and coverage of Red Bull-sponsored events. However, as the company consolidates under Servus Media, it is expected to scale back certain local productions to reduce overlap and operational costs. While the network’s editorial independence and regional focus will likely remain, Red Bull’s new direction suggests a leaner, more digitally integrated future for the brand. Industry and Employee Reaction Reports indicate that notifications of the planned layoffs have already reached Austria’s public employment service (AMS). However, the company has not yet disclosed the exact distribution of job cuts across departments. Employee representatives have expressed concern over the reduction, urging management to ensure fair severance terms and internal …