eIndia.com Eyes India
eindia.com
By Hari Menon
India Correspondent, asia.internet.com
[March 22, 2000--MUMBAI] eindia.com, an India-specific portal operating from the US and catering to non-resident Indians, is planning to invest around US$7 million in advertising to increase the portal's visibility in India.
eindia.com, which had set up a wholly owned subsidiary in the country in January 2000, will commence advertising in eight cities using billboards and print media.
"We know we will have to take on established players like Rediff.com," admitted Vikram Chopra, director of operations and business development, eindia.com.
"However, we have the advantage of alliances and technology," said Chopra. "We already have tie-ups with Inktomi, MSNBC, Yahoo, Critical Path, and are planning more alliances."
The portal has been backed by US-based venture capitalists Alta Partners, who concluded the first round of VC funding in August 1999 -- which, at the time, was valued at US$12 million.
"Other Indian portals are now trying to move out of India to other countries, but we are already established in the US and trying to make a dent in the home market," said Chopra, adding that this should work in the company's favor.
eindia also has a tie-up with Indiainfoline for financial news and analysis, and will soon announce a partnership that will facilitate online vending of books and music.
The site offers content on entertainment, food, travel, careers, matrimonials, classifieds, and a chat and email facility, and an e-commerce platform will give vendors and users the opportunity to buy and sell Indian goods.
City links provide information on Indian cities, and a B2B section enables companies to search for trained IT professionals in India. |
