Three cutting-edge startups just secured major funding, signaling big trends in AI-powered tech. German company 1KOMMA5° raised €150 million pre-IPO to scale its AI-driven home energy platform—aiming to make sustainable, CO₂-neutral power management affordable and widespread across Europe and Australia. In cybersecurity, BlinkOps brought in $50 million to expand its “security micro-agents,” which automate repetitive security duties for enterprises without code, improving focus on real threats. Meanwhile, Dropzone AI landed $37 million to grow its AI-driven autonomous SOC analysts, which leverage large language models to investigate and triage security incidents at scale. Collectively, these investments highlight the rapid integration of AI into energy and cybersecurity, boosting efficiency and automation across critical industries.
After the UK’s new Online Safety Act kicked in, requiring adult and sensitive content sites to verify users’ age, VPN downloads in the country spiked—some by over 1,000%. Platforms like Proton VPN and NordVPN reported massive surges in sign-ups. Critics say this trend mirrors what’s happened in heavily censored nations and warns it could lead to overreach. While officials hail progress, digital rights advocates argue that these “quick tech fixes” risk normalizing surveillance and pushing users into a privacy-cat-and-mouse game. The move sparks fresh debate on balancing child safety with online freedom and anonymity.
LG Innotek has teamed up with Aeva Technologies to manufacture its cutting-edge 4D LiDAR sensors—starting with cars and eventually moving into gadgets, robots, and automation. As part of the deal, LG is investing $50 million for a 6% stake in the U.S. startup. Aeva’s LiDAR-on-a-chip tech doesn’t just measure distance—it also captures velocity for each pixel in real time, making it way smarter than traditional sensors. With customers like top carmakers, Nikon, and airports like JFK onboard, Aeva’s on a mission to shrink everything down to a single chip—and this LG deal might just accelerate that vision.
Microsoft just rolled out Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, and honestly, it feels like we’re entering a new era of browsing. This AI feature doesn’t just chat—it actually helps. From tweaking recipes to booking flights, it’s like having a digital sidekick built into your tab. It even checks all open tabs to understand what you’re researching. Sure, privacy concerns are real, but the convenience could be game-changing—especially for people who hate juggling sites. It’s still experimental, but if Microsoft nails it, this could seriously change how we use the web every day.
Shailesh Jejurikar’s story is one that really inspires me. Coming from India and rising all the way to become the CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), a hugely respected global company, is no small feat. It shows how determination, education, and a willingness to learn from every experience can truly pay off.
The Early Days: Humble Beginnings and Ambitious Dreams
Shailesh Jejurikar grew up in Mumbai, a bustling city known for its opportunities and challenges. Like many talented youngsters in India, he had big dreams but knew that hard work and education would be his stepping stones. After completing his schooling with strong academic results, Jejurikar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mumbai University.
He then took a crucial step for his career — entering the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow). Back then, IIM Lucknow was already gaining a reputation for nurturing some of the sharpest minds in management. For Shailesh, it was a transformative experience, honing his business acumen and leadership potential. This foundation would prove invaluable in the years ahead.
Joining P&G: A Journey of Steady Growth
After graduating from IIM Lucknow in 1989, Jejurikar joined P&G’s India operations as an Assistant Brand Manager. At the time, P&G was expanding rapidly in emerging markets like India, and Shailesh was right in the thick of building iconic brands that families would trust for decades.
What sets Shailesh apart is not just his business skills but his willingness to embrace new challenges and cultures. Over the next decades, he took on diverse roles across continents — from East Africa and Southeast Asia to Australia, South Korea, and the United States. Each move brought fresh lessons, adapting to different markets and customer needs.
Leading with People and Purpose
As Jejurikar climbed the ranks, culminating in leadership roles for P&G’s Fabric and Home Care division (which includes household names like Tide and Ariel), he never lost sight of the people behind the brands — the consumers.
His leadership style is often described by colleagues as empathetic, grounded, and focused on nurturing talent. He believes success comes from balancing strong operational discipline with innovation and sustainability.
Thanks to his leadership, P&G’s Fabric & Home Care division continued to grow steadily, holding strong even in highly competitive global markets. He championed efforts to make products more environmentally friendly, reflecting his understanding that a company’s impact goes beyond profits alone.
Making History as P&G’s CEO
In January 2026, Shailesh Jejurikar is set to become P&G’s President and CEO — a historic moment as he will be the first CEO from India and only the second non-US-born leader at the company’s helm in more than 180 years.
His appointment marks more than an individual milestone — it reflects the growing influence of Indian professionals and the global recognition of India’s top-tier management education. As CEO, Jejurikar will be steering P&G through a rapidly changing consumer and digital landscape, armed with decades of cross-cultural experience and deep business insight.
Procter & Gamble is a brand-building powerhouse that has defined consumer behavior for generations.
Shailesh Jejurikar’s appointment as CEO proves yet again that Indian-American leaders can navigate not just tech, but the hearts and minds of U.S. consumers.
What We Can Learn from Shailesh Jejurikar’s Journey
Education Is Just the Beginning: His time at IIM Lucknow gave him vital skills, but continuous learning and adaptability made all the difference.
Global Exposure Matters: Moving beyond comfort zones and learning from diverse markets broadened his vision.
People-First Leadership: Success isn’t just numbers; it’s about inspiring teams and making a positive impact on customers.
Sustainability is Key: Modern business leadership means caring for the planet, not just profits.
Final Thoughts
Shailesh Jejurikar’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right combination of education, perseverance, and openness to new experiences, it’s possible to rise to the highest levels of global business — regardless of where you start.
His journey from IIM Lucknow classrooms to leading a Fortune 500 giant stands as motivation for young professionals everywhere who aspire to make their mark on the world stage.
