Digitory offers a full-stack restaurant operations system, including inventory intelligence, recipe management, kitchen display systems, QR-based ordering, workflow automation, and performance analytics. The platform has supported over 1.8 million end customers through its network prior to securing institutional capital.
{Funding Alert} Digitory Secures $500,000 Funding to Scale Restaurant Operations Platform
India-based restaurant technology startup Digitory has raised $500,000 in a Pre-Series A funding round after years of bootstrapped growth. The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand its market presence, strengthen enterprise onboarding, and enhance operational support for its existing clients.
Founded by Shivaprakash S Mogali, Digitory develops tech solutions designed and tested in live restaurant environments. The platform focuses on improving restaurant profitability by streamlining multi-location operations through data-backed systems and cloud-based intelligence.
Several leading restaurant and brewery chains, including Toit, Bier Library, Biergarten, Pumphouse, BlrBrewing, 1522, BygBrewski, Zero40, and Effingut Breweries, currently use Digitory’s platform to manage complex operations across outlets.
Tejas Paresh Lodaya, Angel Investor said, “Digitory is solving a real problem in the hospitality sector — optimising complex restaurant operations at scale using tech. The product has been at the forefront in handling complex, volume-filled situations while being bootstrapped, which is quite rare to find at this stage. Seeing it from an investing viewpoint, Digitory has been a firm which deserved the investment given their mindful approach in building a quality, tested platform first, and moving to scale up second.”
Shivaprakash S Mogali, Founder & CEO, Digitory shared, “We are elated for having raised the $500k funding in Series A funding round. While our product has already been operating across restaurant for years, the funding round will aid boost distribution and scale up our operations at an enterprise level.”
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{Funding Alert} SaffronStays Raises $3.5 Mn to Expand Holiday Home Portfolio Across India
Managed holiday-home platform SaffronStays has secured $3.5 million in a funding round led by Infinity Ventures, with participation from several family offices. The round comprised fresh primary capital and a partial secondary sale by existing investor Sixth Sense Ventures.
Founded in 2015 by Tejas Parulekar and Devendra Parulekar, the Mumbai-based company manages a portfolio of villas, heritage properties, and vacation homes across multiple leisure destinations in India.
The newly raised capital will be deployed to strengthen the company's presence in existing markets, enter new travel destinations, enhance its technology and product offerings, improve guest experiences, and expand its managed property portfolio.
SaffronStays currently oversees more than 450 properties spread across over 80 destinations nationwide. Its footprint includes regions such as Maharashtra, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Delhi NCR.
According to the company, its inventory in key markets has grown significantly over the last two financial years, with North India recording a 70 percent increase, South India witnessing 90 percent growth, and Goa registering a 200 percent rise.
The company stated that it has remained profitable for the past four years. Premium homes now account for more than half of its revenue, while direct bookings contribute nearly 70 percent of overall business.
Going forward, SaffronStays plans to deepen its focus on the premium and experiential hospitality segment. The company aims to cater to demand for curated stays, destination-based experiences, family holidays, celebrations, and corporate retreats.
In addition to serving travellers, SaffronStays works with homeowners to manage and generate revenue from second homes through its hospitality management platform.
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{Funding Alert} Bodycraft Secures Rs 120 Cr Series A Funding from Singularity AMC
Bodycraft Clinic and Salon has secured Rs 120 crore in a Series A funding round from Singularity AMC, a Mumbai-based private equity firm focused on growth-stage and pre-IPO investments in India. The investment is expected to support the company’s expansion plans and strengthen its position in the beauty, wellness, and medical aesthetics sector.
Quest Profin Advisors Pvt. Ltd. acted as the exclusive investment banker for the transaction, while ALMT Legal, Advocates & Solicitors served as legal advisors.
The fresh capital will be used to accelerate Bodycraft’s growth across India. The company currently operates 67 premium wellness and medical aesthetic clinics and salons and plans to open 30 additional locations. It also intends to invest in advanced clinical technology and equipment, strengthen management and operational capabilities, improve efficiency through artificial intelligence, and enhance customer experience across its network.
Sahil Gupta, CEO, Bodycraft Clinics and Salons said, “This fundraise marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bodycraft. The capital from Singularity will enable us to accelerate expansion, deepen our clinical and technological capabilities, and continue investing in the talent and infrastructure required to build a category-leading business. Our ambition is to create the most trusted destination for beauty, wellness and medical aesthetic services in India, while delivering exceptional outcomes for our customers.”
Dr Mikki Singh, Founder and Medical Director, Bodycraft Clinics and Salons added, “Our ambition has always been to build the finest outcome-first practice in the country, and this fundraise from Singularity brings us meaningfully closer to that. We will invest in the best technology, deepen our training programmes, and continue building clinical acumen that the industry has rarely seen. Whether it is emerging frontiers in longevity or regenerative therapies, we aspire to be the first to bring what is new and proven to our patrons, in a way that delivers transformative outcomes and genuine value for money.”
The funding comes at a time when India’s beauty, wellness, and aesthetic care industry is witnessing sustained growth. Industry estimates indicate that the country’s clinical aesthetics market could expand from approximately $2 billion in 2024 to over $7 billion by 2033. Meanwhile, the broader beauty and personal care market is projected to grow from about $27 billion in FY25 to nearly $39 billion by FY30.
Sandeep Bapat, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Singularity AMC stated, “We have been very impressed with how the Bodycraft team has thoughtfully built out both the Clinic and Salon businesses over the last few years. The hybrid model of clinics and salons under one roof is differentiated, and Bodycraft has successfully executed it at scale. Singularity’s investment will enable the Bodycraft team to expand their business in more cities across India.”
The investment underscores Singularity AMC’s confidence in Bodycraft’s integrated clinic-and-salon model, its established brand presence, and its ability to scale operations while maintaining customer trust.
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INALSA Launches Stainless Steel-Based SteelChef DW5.5 Air Fryer in India
Home appliances brand INALSA has introduced the SteelChef DW5.5 Air Fryer in India, expanding its air fryer portfolio following the launch of the Nutri Fry DuoSlim. The new appliance is priced at Rs 13,999 and is currently available exclusively on Amazon at an introductory price of Rs 5,999.
The SteelChef DW5.5 comes with a 5.5-litre cooking capacity and is powered by a 1600W heating system. It offers eight cooking functions, including frying, baking, grilling, and roasting. The appliance also features adjustable temperature settings ranging from 80°C to 200°C and a timer that can be set for up to 60 minutes.
A key feature of the product is its SS304 food-grade stainless steel cooking pan and stainless steel separators across all food-contact surfaces. The company said the design reflects growing consumer preference for stainless steel components in kitchen appliances due to their durability and long-term reliability.
The air fryer also includes a cook-viewing window that allows users to monitor food without opening the basket, along with a touch control panel for accessing cooking settings and functions.
Jitendra Chauhan, CEO, INALSA said, “The strong response to our DuoSlim Air Fryer reinforced a growing consumer focus on healthier lifestyles and smarter cooking solutions. As these expectations evolve, we felt there was an opportunity to create a product that combines modern technology with trusted materials. Air fryers have transformed everyday cooking, but the materials used inside them have largely remained unchanged. With the SteelChef DW5.5, we have brought SS304 stainless steel into the heart of the cooking experience, delivering a solution that is modern, convenient, and designed for everyday use.”
According to the company, the SteelChef DW5.5 has been developed to combine reduced-oil cooking with stainless steel food-contact surfaces, catering to consumers seeking both convenience and material reliability in their kitchen appliances.
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True Diamond Unveils Personalized Diamond Buying Experience at Flagship Store
Diamond jewellery brand True Diamond has unveiled a new technology-led retail experience at its revamped flagship store in Noida, aimed at simplifying the process of selecting diamond rings and jewellery.
The new offering features a proprietary AI-powered hand analysis engine that evaluates a customer's finger shape, proportions, and skin tone to generate personalised recommendations for solitaire shapes and gold colours. The company said the initiative is designed to help customers make more informed choices during the jewellery-buying process.
In addition to personalised recommendations, the store now includes an interactive diamond education experience that explains key aspects of diamond selection, including shapes, cuts, proportions, sparkle, and craftsmanship. The objective is to help customers better understand the product before making a purchase.
Darayus Mehta, Co-founder and Director, True Diamond said, "Jewellery is one of the most emotional purchases a person makes, yet the buying experience has remained largely unchanged for decades. We wanted to build an experience that empowers the customer, that first understands not just what a customer likes, but why they like it. Our goal is to remove decision fatigue and help every customer discover a piece that genuinely feels like their own."
The technology also enables the creation of a customer preference profile that evolves over time, allowing the brand to provide more relevant recommendations based on changing preferences and purchase occasions.
True Diamond said the initiative is part of its broader strategy to combine technology, education, and personalisation within the jewellery retail experience. The brand, which has built a strong digital presence through its content-led marketing approach, plans to expand the experience to additional store locations in the coming months.
The AI-powered jewellery discovery experience is currently available at the company's Noida flagship store.
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{Funding Alert} LiLLBUD Raises Rs 6 Cr in Seed Funding Round Led by Zeropearl VC
Early childhood learning startup LiLLBUD has raised Rs 6 crore in a seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC. The round also saw participation from angel investors, including Abhishek Bansal, CEO of Shadowfax, Kunal Shah, Founder of CRED, and a syndicate of consumer and supply-chain operators.
The startup plans to use the fresh capital to launch 100 new SKUs in the 18-36 months category by Q4 FY26, while also strengthening its quick-commerce presence, supply chain capabilities, and brand investments.
Founded by Abhishek Sharma and Ayush Bansal, LiLLBUD offers BIS-certified, Montessori-inspired toys and learning products for children aged 0-3 years. Since launching in May 2025, the company has built a portfolio of more than 200 SKUs and achieved an annualised revenue run rate of Rs 3.5 crore. Its products are available through its website, Amazon, Flipkart, and Blinkit.
Abhishek Sharma, Co-founder, LiLLBUD said, “The first three years of a child’s life are irreversible, and yet parents in India have very few trusted options to support that window. Parents in the West have long had access to world-class, thoughtfully designed early-learning products, and Indian parents deserve the same. This round gives us the fuel to build a brand families across India can rely on, milestone after milestone.”
Ayush Bansal, Co-founder, LiLLBUD added, “Becoming a father made me look at this market through a completely different lens. Too much of what’s available is either unsafe or untested. LiLLBUD exists to put safe, science-backed, thoughtfully designed products in parents’ hands and help them make the most of their child’s earliest years.”
Bipin Shah, Founder and Managing Partner, Zeropearl VC shared, “I am highly impressed by the founders' rich operational cum execution experience, their deep understanding of early childhood development, and vision to build a trusted, category-defining brand. Fortunate to seed-invest over the last decade in the broader space—with companies like Mamaearth, Superbottoms, and iMumz—I’ve had a front-row seat to this TAM. Looking forward to leveraging that experience to add strategic value to the LiLLBUD journey."
The company said it will continue expanding its product portfolio and distribution network across marketplaces and quick-commerce channels as it scales operations across India.
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{Funding Alert} Healthcare Startup Orange Health Labs Raises $30 Mn in Series C Round
Bengaluru-based diagnostics and healthcare platform Orange Health Labs has secured Rs 277 crore (approximately $30 million) in a Series C funding round led by Iron Pillar India, with participation from both existing and new investors. The fundraising comes around 18 months after the company's previous funding round.
Orange Health Labs' board has approved the issuance of 45,79,270 Series C compulsorily convertible preference shares at an issue price of Rs 604.72 per share, enabling the company to raise the fresh capital.
Iron Pillar India is contributing Rs 156 crore (around $16 million) as the lead investor. Other participants in the round include Crescent Enterprises with Rs 37.7 crore, while existing backers Bertelsmann, Accel India, and General Catalyst are investing Rs 21.8 crore, Rs 8 crore, and Rs 1.8 crore, respectively.
The funding round also includes participation from Good Capital and Paramark Frontier Fund, which are investing Rs 15.5 crore and Rs 37 crore, respectively.
The latest funding values Orange Health Labs at approximately Rs 1,950 crore ($205 million) on a post-money basis.
Following the completion of the allotment, Accel India will continue to be the startup's largest external shareholder, holding a 15.49 percent stake. Iron Pillar India will join the cap table with an 8 percent ownership stake.
Before this round, Orange Health Labs had raised close to $50 million. In 2024, the company secured $12 million in a funding round led by the Amazon Sambhav Venture Fund. Earlier, in 2022, it raised $25 million in its Series B round, which was led by General Catalyst and Bertelsmann India Investments.
Founded in 2020 by Dhruv Gupta and Tarun Bhambra, Orange Health Labs operates a full-stack diagnostics platform that provides on-demand health testing services, including at-home sample collection for routine diagnostic tests.
The company has not yet filed its financial results for FY26. In FY25, it reported revenue of Rs 84 crore while posting a loss of Rs 81 crore.
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KRAFTON India and BITKRAFT Ventures Target Next Generation of Gaming Startups
KRAFTON India has announced a strategic investment in BITKRAFT Ventures’ Global Fund, reinforcing its commitment to supporting India’s growing gaming and startup ecosystem. The move builds on KRAFTON’s existing relationship with BITKRAFT Ventures, a global investment platform focused on gaming, interactive media, and emerging technologies.
The investment comes as India continues to emerge as a key market for gaming, digital entertainment, and technology innovation. Through the partnership, KRAFTON aims to improve access to funding, industry expertise, and international networks for Indian startups, enabling them to scale their businesses and expand globally.
BITKRAFT Ventures’ Global Fund focuses on startups from the pre-seed to Series A stages, offering financial backing, operational guidance, and access to a global network of industry stakeholders. The partnership will support entrepreneurs developing gaming experiences, interactive media products, and emerging technology platforms.
For KRAFTON, the collaboration provides an opportunity to identify and support promising startups at an early stage alongside an investment partner with deep expertise in the gaming and technology sectors.
The fund has already made investments in Indian startups including Actioneer, an enterprise AI transformation platform, and AiroClip, an AI-powered gaming studio. These investments reflect the growing diversity of India's startup ecosystem across gaming, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven consumer solutions.
The latest investment aligns with KRAFTON’s broader strategy of strengthening India's gaming landscape through investments, incubation initiatives, and programs designed to support emerging entrepreneurs and developers.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India said, “What stands out about India today is not just the scale of the market, but the quality of entrepreneurs emerging from it. We are seeing founders build with a global mindset from the outset, creating products and technologies that have the potential to resonate far beyond India. Our partnership with BITKRAFT Ventures reflects a shared conviction in this new generation of builders and our commitment to supporting them as they create the future of gaming and interactive entertainment.”
Jens Hilgers, Founding GP, BITKRAFT added, “We are incredibly excited to deepen our relationship with KRAFTON in India through this strategic investment. India’s gaming and consumer AI ecosystem is at a thrilling inflection point, driven by exceptional talent and is now starting to see exits for global investors as well. The market is ripe for disruption for global investor with unique local opportunities in early stage and growth opportunities.”
Anuj Tandon, Partner (Emerging Markets), BITKRAFT shared, “Indian founders are building for a global consumer in gaming and consumer AI from day one. Our global expertise aligned with KRAFTON validates the talent pipeline we see on the ground in India. This partnership gives us the firepower to provide early-stage builders with the capital and cross border expertise and validation to win.”
Through this collaboration, KRAFTON India and BITKRAFT Ventures aim to expand opportunities for founders by providing access to capital, mentorship, industry knowledge, and global networks, helping Indian startups build products and businesses with international relevance.
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{Funding Alert} Recykal Raises $23 Mn Bridge Funding to Accelerate Circular Economy Growth
Hyderabad-based waste management and cleantech startup Recykal has secured $23 million (approximately Rs 217 crore) in a bridge funding round comprising a mix of primary and secondary transactions. The round was backed by existing investors along with several family offices.
Of the total capital raised, $17.6 million (more than Rs 166 crore) came through primary investments, while the remaining $5.4 million (around Rs 51 crore) was raised through secondary transactions. The company plans to use the fresh funding to enhance its technology platform, accelerate international expansion, and strengthen its position in the circular economy sector.
Recykal said a portion of the proceeds will also support strategic investments in the circular economy ecosystem, expand its deposit return system (DRS) network, and scale its waste management and recycling solutions.
Abhay Deshpande, Co-founder and CEO, Recykal said, “This bridge round gives us the flexibility to deepen our technology investments, scale DRS deployments, and expand into international markets where circularity infrastructure is rapidly becoming a priority. We remain committed to building the digital backbone for a globally connected circular economy.”
As part of the transaction, the startup allotted 35,971 Series D compulsory convertible preference shares at an issue price of Rs 46,275 each. The funding round was led by Ajay Parekh, Vice Chairman of Pidilite Industries, who invested Rs 30 crore. Other participants included Biological E Ltd. with Rs 25 crore, 360 ONE with Rs 20 crore, Trinity Combine with Rs 15 crore, and Strat Ventures with Rs 15 crore, among others.
The company also revealed that early investor Circulate Capital exited during the round, generating nearly five times returns on its initial investment.
Founded in 2016 by Abhay Deshpande, Abhishek Deshpande, Ekta Narain, Vikram Prabakar, and Anirudha Jalan, Recykal operates a digital platform focused on waste management and recycling. Its B2B marketplace connects buyers and sellers of recyclable materials, while its software solutions help brands monitor plastic and e-waste recycling activities to comply with sustainability regulations.
On the financial front, Recykal reported gross revenue of Rs 1,498 crore in FY26, reflecting a 53.2 percent increase from Rs 978 crore in the previous fiscal year.
The funding comes at a time when investor interest in cleantech and sustainability-focused startups continues to rise, driven by India's net-zero ambitions, evolving regulatory requirements, and growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. As industries increasingly focus on resource recovery and recycling, the waste management sector is expected to play a significant role in supporting future supply chains for electronics, electric vehicles, defence, and clean energy industries.
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D2C Brand Nestasia Strengthens Omnichannel Presence Across Tier I Cities
Home décor and lifestyle brand Nestasia is accelerating its growth strategy by expanding its offline presence across Tier I cities and preparing to enter new lifestyle categories.
Founded by Aditi Murarka Agrawal and Anurag Agrawal, the brand has grown from a passion-driven venture into a prominent player in India’s home and lifestyle segment. Inspired by the founders’ experiences across Southeast Asia, Nestasia focuses on offering products designed to enhance everyday living spaces.
The company is pursuing an omnichannel growth strategy, combining its digital presence with a growing network of physical stores to reach a wider consumer base. Alongside retail expansion, Nestasia is also exploring new lifestyle categories as part of its next phase of growth.
Nestasia’s growth journey highlights the increasing importance of omnichannel retailing within India’s D2C sector. By combining digital-first operations with physical retail expansion, the company is seeking to strengthen brand visibility and improve accessibility for consumers across key urban markets.
The brand’s focus on category expansion, customer acquisition, and retail presence has contributed to its growing position within the competitive home and lifestyle segment. With a widening customer base and plans to broaden its product offerings, Nestasia is positioning itself for its next phase of growth.
As India's D2C landscape continues to evolve, the company’s approach reflects how home and lifestyle brands are leveraging both online and offline channels to build scale and deepen consumer relationships. With continued investments in retail expansion and new product categories, Nestasia is aiming to increase its presence in households across the country and strengthen its standing within the broader lifestyle market.
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{Funding Alert} Tringbox Secures Rs 5 Cr to Scale AI-Powered Music Intelligence Platform
Mumbai-based music-tech startup Tringbox has secured Rs 5 crore in a seed funding round led by Nikhil Gandhi through GIPL. The funding round also attracted participation from MGB Family Office, Paytm Chief Business Officer Narendra Singh Yadav, and several angel investors through One Love Technologies, the company’s parent entity.
Founded by former Paytm executive Amandeep Singh Chawla, Tringbox is developing an AI-driven music intelligence platform tailored for commercial establishments, including cafés, gyms, salons, restaurants, retail outlets, clinics, and hotels. The platform is designed to help businesses create customized music experiences based on their operating environment and customer profiles.
The newly raised capital will be used to strengthen product development efforts, expand the company’s intelligent speaker network, and accelerate deployments across premium commercial venues in India.
Over the past year, Tringbox has operated largely in stealth mode while building and testing its technology. The startup says its platform has already been deployed across more than 30 commercial locations. In addition to investor backing, the company has received support from NVIDIA Inception and AWS startup credits worth Rs 1 crore, providing access to artificial intelligence resources, cloud infrastructure, and technical guidance.
At the heart of the platform is Tringbox’s proprietary Hybrid Neuro-Symbolic Music Engine. The technology is designed to automatically adapt music playlists based on multiple contextual factors, including venue type, weather conditions, temperature, time of day, and the surrounding customer environment.
The platform evaluates a range of audio attributes such as tempo, rhythm, energy levels, loudness, and harmonic stability to deliver music experiences that align with the specific setting and audience.
Beyond its enterprise-focused offering, Tringbox also operates a QR code-based song request system for restaurants, bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. The feature enables customers to request songs directly while allowing venue operators to retain control over music selection through AI-powered moderation tools.
With fresh funding in place, the startup aims to scale its presence across India's hospitality, retail, and commercial sectors while continuing to enhance its AI-led music intelligence capabilities.
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{Funding Alert} Aquapulse Raises Rs 45 Cr Led by NABVENTURES to Expand Shrimp Procurement and Export Operations
Bhubaneswar-based aquaculture and seafood export startup Aquapulse has raised Rs 45 crore in a funding round led by NABVENTURES through its AgriSURE Fund, with participation from IAN Alpha Fund.
The fresh capital will be used to strengthen the company's farm-level technology capabilities and disease management systems, expand its farmer procurement network across eastern India, scale processing and export operations, and enhance working capital infrastructure.
Founded in 2023 by Abhishek Dwivedy and Abhilash Dwivedy, Aquapulse operates a technology-enabled procurement platform that connects small shrimp farmers directly with domestic and international buyers. The startup currently works with farmers across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal through an aquapreneur-led hub-and-spoke model.
The company provides farmers with a range of services including water quality monitoring, feed management, disease early-warning systems, harvesting coordination, and market access. Aquapulse has also built an integrated supply chain platform that combines pre-harvest support, harvesting, processing, and export logistics, enabling greater traceability across the value chain.
Aquapulse primarily exports shrimp to China, Vietnam, and Japan while also supplying domestic institutional customers and modern trade channels. The startup aims to address key challenges faced by small-scale shrimp farmers, including fragmented market access, limited adoption of technology, pricing fluctuations, and increasing traceability requirements from international buyers.
India's seafood exports reached $8.28 billion in 2025, according to company estimates, with shrimp continuing to account for a significant share of the country's export earnings. Against this backdrop, Aquapulse is focused on building technology-driven solutions that improve productivity and market access for aquaculture farmers.
Commenting on the investment, Sarika Saxena, Managing Partner at IAN Alpha Fund, said that Aquapulse's farm-to-port platform offers transparency, traceability, and market access while addressing inefficiencies across the aquaculture value chain.
The funding comes at a time when investors are showing increased interest in agritech and aquaculture businesses that leverage technology to improve supply chain efficiency and support farmer incomes. As global demand for traceable and sustainably sourced seafood continues to grow, companies such as Aquapulse are looking to strengthen their infrastructure and expand their reach across both domestic and international markets.
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Traya Health Promotes Ultimate Hair Supplements as Father's Day Wellness Gift
As consumers increasingly shift towards wellness-focused gifting, Traya Health is positioning its Ultimate Hair Supplements as a Father's Day gifting option aimed at supporting long-term hair health and overall well-being.
The company said the supplements are designed to promote hair nourishment and address growing consumer interest in science-backed and holistic self-care solutions. The offering reflects a broader trend in the personal care and wellness industry, where products linked to preventive health and self-care are gaining traction as gifting categories.
With rising awareness around men's health and grooming, hair care has become an important area of focus for many consumers. Concerns related to hair thinning and hair fall continue to influence purchasing decisions, as individuals seek solutions that support confidence and everyday wellness.
According to the brand, wellness-oriented gifts are increasingly being viewed as practical and meaningful alternatives to traditional gifting options. Products that encourage self-care and long-term health management are seeing growing demand, particularly among consumers looking for purpose-driven gifts for occasions such as Father's Day.
Traya Health's Ultimate Hair Supplements are positioned as a wellness-focused product intended to support healthy hair through a holistic approach. The brand noted that beyond being a gifting option, the product serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising personal well-being and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
The development comes amid continued growth in India's health, wellness, and personal care sectors, where consumers are showing greater interest in preventive care, nutrition-based solutions, and products designed to support overall quality of life.
The Traya Health Ultimate Hair Supplements are priced at Rs 951.
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FITTR Secures Investment from Indian Cricket Captain Rohit Sharma
Health and fitness platform FITTR has strengthened its association with Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma by onboarding him as an investor and equity partner. Sharma had previously joined the company as its first brand ambassador.
According to FITTR, Sharma spent several months interacting with founder and CEO Jitendra Chouksey and the company's leadership team before making the investment. The discussions focused on understanding FITTR's business model, long-term vision, and growth strategy.
Founded in 2016, FITTR operates as a preventive health and fitness platform, offering personalized fitness coaching, nutrition guidance, habit-building programs, and community-driven wellness initiatives. The company aims to help users improve their overall health through sustainable lifestyle changes rather than short-term fitness goals.
Commenting on the development, Chouksey said the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues has increased the need for greater awareness around physical activity, nutrition, consistency, and long-term wellness practices. He added that Sharma's approach to fitness and discipline aligns closely with FITTR's mission and values.
Sharma said he was impressed by FITTR's business fundamentals, vision, and its potential to make preventive healthcare and fitness more accessible, which ultimately influenced his decision to invest in the company.
Over the years, FITTR has built a community-led health and fitness ecosystem supported by coaching programs, nutrition assistance, and digital tools designed to help users achieve long-term wellness goals. The platform has attracted a large user base by combining expert guidance with peer-driven support.
The startup is backed by investors including Rainmatter, Dream11, Surge, and Suniel Shetty. To date, FITTR has raised nearly $17 million in funding.
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{Funding Alert} HyperLight Attracts Global Investors in $80 Mn Series C Round
HyperLight Corporation, a developer of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics technology, has secured $80 million in a Series C funding round led by MediaTek. The investment round also saw participation from UMC Capital, Jabil, Foxconn, EDBI, CDIB-TEN Capital, and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), along with strategic investors from the silicon integrated circuit and networking sectors.
Existing investors, including Summit Partners, The Engine, Foothill Ventures, and Xora Innovation, also participated in the round, continuing their support for the company.
The funding brings together stakeholders from across the AI infrastructure ecosystem, including semiconductor manufacturers, foundries, electronics manufacturing service providers, networking companies, and infrastructure investors. The company said the participation reflects growing industry support for scaling TFLN photonics technology into large-scale production.
Mian Zhang, CEO, HyperLight shared, "This financing is about more than capital — it is about ecosystem alignment. AI infrastructure requires optical interconnects that can deliver higher bandwidth, lower power, and manufacturing scale across pluggable optics and co-packaged optics. HyperLight has spent years building the TFLN technology, manufacturing foundation, and ecosystem relationships required to support that transition. This round accelerates our ability to scale with customers and partners globally.”
The company currently offers products supporting 200G-per-lane operation, while 400G-per-lane solutions are already being sampled to customers.
Brian Hsu, Managing Director, MediaTek Innovation Fund shared, “Next-generation AI infrastructure requires optical connectivity that enables 3.2T and beyond. TFLN’s combination of bandwidth and efficiency makes it a compelling technology for high-speed interconnects, and HyperLight is well positioned to support this transition.”
HyperLight said it plans to use the newly raised capital to expand manufacturing capacity, accelerate customer qualification programs, scale its TFLN Chiplet Platform, and strengthen partnerships across semiconductor, foundry, networking, and systems integration segments.
The funding follows the company’s recently announced manufacturing partnership with UMC and Wavetek, which is focused on enabling high-volume foundry production of the TFLN Chiplet Platform on both 6-inch and 8-inch wafers.
HyperLight said its platform-based approach is intended to simplify production requirements, reduce manufacturing complexity, and support broader adoption of TFLN photonics technology across global markets.
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Pahadi Story Brings Single-Season Premium Honey to Indian Consumers
Pahadi Story, a Himalayan produce venture focused on traceable and origin-led food products, has launched Truth Batch 01, its first premium honey offering sourced from the forests of Champawat in Uttarakhand.
The launch comes as consumers increasingly seek greater transparency and information about the origin and quality of the food products they purchase. Alongside the product introduction, the company has unveiled #TheTruthCampaign, an initiative aimed at providing consumers with access to product testing data, sourcing details, and quality benchmarks before making a purchase.
Founded by entrepreneur and brand strategist Pravin Shah, Pahadi Story said the new honey release is built around the principles of provenance, traceability, and transparency. The company spent nearly a year developing beekeeping infrastructure in Uttarakhand, working with local beekeeping communities, and conducting independent product testing through laboratories in India and Germany.
Pravin Shah, Founder, Pahadi Story, said, "Food categories across the world are moving towards greater transparency, but honey remains one of the least understood products on the shelf. Consumers are often asked to trust labels without access to meaningful information. With Truth Batch 01, we wanted to reverse that equation. Instead of beginning with claims, we chose to begin with evidence. We believe the future of premium food lies in provenance, traceability and transparency."
Truth Batch 01 is being released as a limited-edition batch of 500 individually numbered jars harvested from a single forest ecosystem in the Kumaon Himalayas during the Spring 2026 season.
Unlike commercially blended honey sourced from multiple regions and harvest periods, the product is positioned as a single-origin, single-season honey, enabling consumers to trace it back to a specific location, harvest cycle, and production period.
According to the company, independent laboratory testing conducted through Intertek and Bruker found no foreign sugars or syrups through NMR profiling. The tests also reported HMF levels below detection limits, indicating no measurable heat damage, while invertase activity was found to be significantly above international beekeeping benchmarks. Screening across 276 pesticides, antibiotics, and related parameters did not detect contaminants. The honey was also classified as honeydew honey, a forest-derived variety that remains relatively uncommon in the Indian market.
To support its transparency-focused approach, Pahadi Story has made the complete laboratory reports available through a dedicated online portal, allowing consumers to review the findings independently.
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Healthy Master Expands Healthy Snacks Portfolio with Daily Power Booster
Healthy Master has expanded its healthy snacking portfolio with the launch of Daily Power Booster, a high-protein nut and seed trail mix with berries. Introduced ahead of the International Day of Yoga, the product is designed to cater to consumers looking for convenient and nutrient-rich snacking options.
The Daily Power Booster combines more than 20 nuts, seeds, and berries in a single blend and delivers 12g of protein per 100g. The formulation also contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, making it suitable for consumers seeking balanced nutrition as part of their daily routine.
The product features a mix of almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, pecans, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, raisins, cranberries, blackberries, goji berries, figs, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. According to the company, the combination offers protein, fibre, healthy fats, and key micronutrients that support overall wellness.
Tarun Agarwal, Co-founder, Healthy Master shared, "At Healthy Master, we believe healthy snacking should do more than satisfy hunger—it should support everyday wellness. With the launch of the Daily Power Booster ahead of International Day of Yoga, we wanted to introduce a product that brings together premium nuts, seeds, and berries in a convenient format that consumers can enjoy every day. Along with our digital campaign featuring Milind Soman, we hope to inspire people to make healthier choices through simple, mindful habits."
To support the launch, Healthy Master has rolled out a digital campaign featuring brand ambassador Milind Soman. The campaign focuses on incorporating nutritious food choices into everyday lifestyles and encourages consumers to ‘Make The Switch’ to healthier snacking alternatives.
Milind Soman stated, "Whether I'm training, travelling or managing a busy day, nutrition remains an essential part of my routine. The Daily Power Booster offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats and fibre made from real ingredients, making it an easy addition to an active lifestyle. Wellness isn't about perfection—it's about making better choices consistently."
Healthy Master said the Daily Power Booster has been developed as an everyday snacking solution for consumers seeking nutrition, convenience, and sustained energy in a single product. The trail mix is now available through the company’s website and leading quick commerce platforms across India.
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{Funding Alert} HealthQuad Secures Rs 550 Cr in First Close of Third Healthcare-Focused Fund
HealthQuad, backed by Quadria Group, has announced the first close of its third investment vehicle, HealthQuad Fund III, with commitments worth Rs 550 crore. The amount represents more than one-third of the fund’s target corpus of Rs 1,700 crore.
The latest commitments have come from a mix of existing limited partners (LPs) from HealthQuad’s earlier funds as well as new investors, including domestic and international fund of funds, institutions, and family offices.
The fund has already made its first investment in Lifesigns, an AI-powered remote patient monitoring platform. HealthQuad said it is also reviewing several other potential investment opportunities.
HealthQuad Fund III follows the firm’s earlier funds and is managed by HealthQuad Advisors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quadria Group. The investment team includes Amit Varma, Abrar Mir, and Sunil Thakur.
After separating from KOIS in 2025, Quadria Group retained most of the team responsible for managing Funds I and II. The firm also strengthened its leadership team with the addition of Rahul Agarwal and Namit Chugh.
Established in 2016, HealthQuad invests in technology-driven healthcare businesses. Through its first two funds, the firm has backed more than 18 companies, including GoApptiv, Qure.ai, Redcliffe Labs, CureSkin, Strand Life Sciences, Medikabazaar, THB, Wysa, and ekincare.
Fund III will primarily target early-growth-stage businesses operating in healthtech, medtech, biopharma technology, and healthcare delivery. According to HealthQuad, these sectors are expected to contribute more than 40 percent of India’s projected $600 billion healthcare market by 2030.
The firm said the new fund will continue supporting startups working to improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality through technology, innovative business models, and product-led solutions.
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{Funding Alert} Rusk Media Raises Rs 100 Cr in Pre-Series C Funding Led by Nazara Technologies
Digital entertainment startup Rusk Media has secured Rs 100 crore (approximately $10.6 million) in a Pre-Series C funding round led by Nazara Technologies. The round also attracted participation from existing and new investors, including Info Edge Ventures, IvyCap Ventures, and a consortium led by Audacity VC.
The latest investment comes less than a year after the company raised Rs 103 crore (around $12 million) in its Series B funding round in October 2025, which was led by IvyCap Ventures and other investors. With the new capital infusion, Rusk Media's total funding raised to date has reached nearly $32 million.
The company plans to deploy the fresh funds toward expanding its content offerings, strengthening its proprietary platform Alright! TV, and developing new sports-focused and audio-first content formats aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences.
Founded in 2019 by Mayank Yadav, Rusk Media operates in the digital entertainment space, producing and distributing mobile-first content across social media platforms, OTT services, and its owned platform, Alright! TV.
As part of its next phase of growth, the company is also looking to invest in artificial intelligence-driven production technologies. These investments will focus on building proprietary tools that can help lower production costs, improve content creation efficiency, and support monetization efforts.
Following the funding round, representatives from Nazara Technologies and Audacity VC will join the company's board, further strengthening investor participation in its strategic direction.
The company currently produces content across a range of formats, including fiction series, unscripted programming, animation, vertical dramas, and live entertainment shows. Its content is distributed through platforms such as Amazon MX Player, JioHotstar, social media channels, and Alright! TV.
On the financial front, Rusk Media reported strong growth in FY25. Revenue increased 43.1 percent to Rs 81.38 crore, compared to Rs 56.85 crore in FY24. At the same time, the company reduced its losses by 11.7 percent, reporting a loss of Rs 25.33 crore in FY25 versus Rs 28.70 crore in the previous financial year.
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XElectron Expands Portfolio with 180Hz Portable Gaming Monitor
XElectron has expanded its smart home and consumer electronics portfolio with the launch of the ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch Portable Gaming Monitor in India. The new monitor is aimed at gamers, content creators, and professionals seeking a portable display solution that combines high-performance visuals with mobility.
The ARZOPA Z3FC features a 16.1-inch 2.5K QHD display and a 180Hz refresh rate, making it one of the few portable gaming monitors currently available in the Indian market to offer such a high refresh rate.
The monitor is designed to deliver desktop-like visual performance in a compact form factor, allowing users to extend their screens while traveling or working remotely. Its lightweight and slim profile makes it suitable for use alongside laptops, gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
Gagan Sharma, Managing Director, XElectron shared, "We are seeing growing demand for products that combine performance with portability, as consumers adopt more flexible ways of working, gaming and consuming content. Portable monitors are increasingly becoming an important part of this shift, offering users the flexibility to extend their screen experience wherever they are. With the ARZOPA Z3FC, we have focused on delivering a balance of high-performance visuals, smooth gameplay and portability in a form factor that fits seamlessly into today's lifestyle."
The ARZOPA Z3FC is equipped with a 16.1-inch QHD Wide 1440p display designed to deliver sharper visuals, enhanced detail, and greater workspace for multitasking. Whether used for gaming, streaming, content creation, or office work, the display aims to provide an immersive viewing experience.
For gaming enthusiasts, the monitor supports a refresh rate of up to 180Hz, helping deliver smoother motion and improved responsiveness during fast-paced gameplay. The feature is particularly suited for competitive gaming scenarios where fluid visuals can enhance the overall experience.
Designed with portability in mind, the ARZOPA Z3FC features an ultra-slim construction and comes with a protective sleeve for easier transportation. The compact design allows users to carry the monitor in backpacks or travel bags, making it suitable for work trips, gaming events, and remote working environments.
In addition, the monitor includes built-in speakers and eye-care features intended to improve viewing comfort during extended usage sessions. These additions make the display suitable for a variety of applications ranging from business presentations and remote work to gaming and multimedia consumption.
The ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K Portable Gaming Monitor is available through Amazon India and authorized retail channels across the country.
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Dreame Technology Launches L50 Series Robot Vacuums in India
Dreame Technology has expanded its smart home portfolio in India with the launch of two new robotic vacuum cleaners, the Dreame L50s Pro Ultra and Dreame L50 Ultra CE. The new products are aimed at consumers seeking automated home cleaning solutions and come equipped with AI-powered navigation, intelligent mapping, obstacle avoidance, and app-based controls.
The launch marks the company's continued focus on strengthening its presence in India's growing smart home appliance market. Both models are designed to address different household cleaning requirements, including homes with pets, carpets, multiple floor types, and varying room layouts.
Manu Sharma, Managing Director, Dreame Technology India said, "Indian consumers are increasingly seeking advanced and efficient all-in-one solutions to manage their homes, while looking for technologies that integrate seamlessly into their daily routines. With the launch of the L50s Pro Ultra and L50 Ultra CE, we are further advancing our vision of enabling smarter living by delivering intelligent solutions that seamlessly integrate into consumers’ everyday lives. Be it homes with pets, carpets, with different kinds of floors, elevation within homes, or multi-story houses, the new entrants are built to handle it all. These are exciting times for us at Dreame as we see growing acceptance of robot vacuums in India. As we continue to expand our portfolio in India, our focus remains on delivering innovations that simplify household management, save time, and elevate everyday living."
The flagship Dreame L50s Pro Ultra features the company's Vormax technology, delivering up to 30,000Pa suction power for cleaning dust, pet hair, and debris across hard floors and carpets. It also incorporates the EasyLeap obstacle-crossing system, enabling it to move over thresholds and obstacles up to 40 mm in height.
The L50s Pro Ultra also leverages Smart Pathfinder technology and AI-based object recognition capable of identifying more than 220 object types, helping the device navigate efficiently around household obstacles. It automatically detects carpets, adjusts suction power accordingly, and lifts mops when necessary to prevent moisture transfer.
Meanwhile, the Dreame L50 Ultra CE is powered by the company's sixth-generation TurboForce motor and offers up to 25,000Pa suction power. The model includes an all-in-one PowerDock that supports automatic dust collection, water refilling, hot-air drying, and mop washing with 80°C hot water.
Both robotic vacuum cleaners support intelligent mapping, voice assistant compatibility, and mobile app controls, allowing users to customize cleaning schedules and settings remotely.
The launch reflects increasing demand for smart cleaning appliances in India, particularly among consumers looking for automated solutions that reduce household maintenance while offering greater convenience and efficiency.
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{Funding Alert} Vetic Raises $40 Mn to Scale Pet Healthcare Services Across India
Pet healthcare startup Vetic has secured $40 million in a new funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors Greenoaks Capital, Lachy Groom, and JSW Family Office. Bessemer had also participated in the company's previous funding rounds.
The funding comes shortly after reports emerged in May 2025 that Vetic was in the process of raising fresh capital, with Bessemer Venture Partners expected to lead the round. The newly raised capital will be used to strengthen its clinic footprint, expand its veterinary workforce, and enhance services across physical clinics, at-home care, and virtual consultations. Vetic also plans to broaden its insurance and wellness offerings while increasing investments in technology and artificial intelligence. The company intends to introduce its Vet at Home services nationwide over the next two quarters.
Founded in 2022 by Gaurav Ajmera, Vetic operates a pet healthcare platform offering veterinary consultations, emergency care, diagnostics, surgeries, home-based veterinary services, insurance, pharmacy solutions, and pet supplies.
Headquartered in Gurugram, the company currently runs more than 65 clinics across 11 cities along with 15 emergency care facilities. Its healthcare platform serves over 60,000 subscribed members.
Vetic states that it has developed a healthcare operating system designed to maintain long-term health records for pets and standardize treatment protocols across its network. The platform also incorporates AI-powered tools for pet parent triaging, diagnostic support for veterinarians, and personalized care recommendations.
The company reported strong revenue growth in FY25. Operating revenue increased 2.5 times to Rs 62.9 crore from Rs 25.5 crore in FY24. However, continued expansion also led to higher spending, with losses rising 63 percent to Rs 65.6 crore in FY25 compared to Rs 40.2 crore in the previous financial year.
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XECH Technologies’ Timalfi Expands Lighting Portfolio with Eddy and Mushka
Timalfi, the premium lifestyle sub-brand of XECH Technologies, has expanded its home décor and lighting portfolio with the introduction of two new products, Eddy and Mushka. The launch reflects the brand’s continued focus on offering design-oriented lighting solutions that combine aesthetics with everyday functionality.
The newly launched Eddy is inspired by the classic Edison bulb design and features a glowing star-shaped filament intended to serve as both a lighting element and a decorative accessory. Designed as a rechargeable and portable lighting solution, the product aims to provide ambient illumination while complementing contemporary interior spaces.
Eddy includes a base-mounted control button that allows users to switch the lamp on and off and adjust between three brightness levels. The product is designed for use in a variety of settings, including bedrooms, living spaces, workstations, cafés, and decorative corners within the home.
Alongside Eddy, the company has also launched Mushka, a decorative lamp inspired by the silhouette of a mushroom. Featuring a ceramic finish, the lamp is designed to create a soft and warm lighting effect suited for indoor environments.
Mushka comes equipped with touch-sensitive controls, dimmable brightness settings, and three lighting modes, including warm, cool, and neutral tones. The lamp also features USB-C rechargeable functionality, offering portability and reducing the need for fixed power connections.
Minaz Punjabi, Founder of Timalfi and Director at XECH Technologies said, “Our ambition with Timalfi was always to add design and emotion to everyday products. Eddy and Mushka are not just lighting solutions; they are expressive decor pieces that enable users to personalise their spaces. Indian consumers are increasingly valuing aesthetics along with functionality and we are excited to expand our portfolio with products that reflect this shift.”
The products are available through the company’s website and major e-commerce platforms. Eddy is priced at Rs 599, while Mushka is available at Rs 899.
With the addition of these products, Timalfi continues to broaden its offerings in the decorative lighting category, focusing on solutions that blend design, utility, and portability for modern consumers.
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Sportswear Brand Ten x You Crosses Rs 50 Cr ARR, Eyes Rapid Expansion
Sportswear brand Ten x You has reported achieving an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of Rs 50 crore within eight months of operations, marking an early growth milestone for the company. The brand is now aiming to grow its business by 2.5 times by December 2026 as it expands across product categories, sales channels, and international markets.
Backed by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar along with investment firms Whiteboard Capital and Peak XV, Ten x You has been scaling its presence in the sportswear segment through a combination of product expansion and customer acquisition initiatives.
According to the company, it has served more than 50,000 customers since launch, reflecting growing demand for its offerings in the activewear and sportswear market.
As part of its growth strategy, the brand is broadening its portfolio across multiple categories while strengthening its retail presence through additional distribution channels. The company is also exploring opportunities beyond India as it seeks to establish an international footprint.
The latest milestone comes as competition in India's sportswear and athleisure market continues to intensify, with brands focusing on product innovation, omnichannel expansion, and consumer engagement to drive growth.
With plans to accelerate expansion over the next 18 months, Ten x You is positioning itself for its next phase of growth by leveraging its investor backing, growing customer base, and category diversification efforts.
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{Funding Alert} Haircare Brand Xtovia Raises Pre-Seed Funding to Expand Market Presence
Haircare startup Xtovia has secured Rs 6.9 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by V3 Ventures, with participation from Consumer Collective by Atrium and several angel investors.
The newly raised capital will be deployed towards strengthening the company’s intellectual property portfolio, expanding its team, supporting market entry initiatives, and accelerating business growth.
Founded in 2025 by Navneet Misra and Dr. Madhu, Xtovia focuses on developing premium haircare solutions aimed at addressing structural hair damage through science-led formulations. The company is building its product range around proprietary technology created through in-house research and development efforts in India.
At the centre of Xtovia’s product strategy is its TriLayerX Hair Tech, a technology designed to reinforce the hair core, repair damaged cuticles, and restore the lipid layer that protects hair from external stressors. The platform has been developed through more than 1,500 product iterations and is supported by over 35 in-vitro and clinical studies, 500 consumer validation exercises, and four global patent applications.
The startup claims that clinical testing has shown its formulations to be up to 20 percent more effective than several leading international bond-repair haircare brands.
Xtovia currently sells its products through its direct-to-consumer channel and plans to broaden its reach by expanding into additional online marketplaces and other distribution avenues in the coming months.
Looking ahead, the company intends to diversify its product portfolio, strengthen internal capabilities, and increase investments in brand development and consumer awareness initiatives. Xtovia also aims to establish itself as a global beauty brand from India, with a focus on exporting innovation-driven haircare products to international markets.
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{Funding Alert} Speedioo Raises Rs 10 Cr in Seed Funding Led by Atomic Capital
Pune-based used two-wheeler marketplace Speedioo has secured Rs 10 crore in a seed funding round led by Atomic Capital. The company plans to utilize the fresh capital to strengthen its technology capabilities, expand market reach, deepen partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and grow its dealer and retail footprint.
Founded by former CredR and Rentomojo executives Sagar Potphode and Ajit Deshmukh, Speedioo operates a full-stack platform that facilitates the purchase and sale of pre-owned two-wheelers. The startup focuses on bringing greater transparency and efficiency to the used vehicle market through improved pricing, procurement, and customer experience.
The newly raised funds will support the development of an AI-driven technology platform designed to enhance various aspects of the business, including vehicle sourcing, inspections, pricing mechanisms, and sales operations.
As part of its growth plans, the company intends to expand into three to four additional cities while strengthening its offline presence through a franchise-led retail model.
According to Speedioo, the business has recorded more than fivefold growth in topline over the past year while maintaining EBITDA-positive and cash-flow-positive operations. During the same period, the company surpassed Rs 30 crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) and facilitated the sale of over 4,000 vehicles.
Currently, Speedioo works with more than 200 dealer partners across Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The startup plans to significantly increase this network over the coming year as it scales operations across new markets.
The company has also entered partnerships with electric two-wheeler manufacturers to support exchange programmes, positioning itself to benefit from the growing demand for pre-owned electric vehicles.
Looking ahead, Speedioo is targeting annual recurring revenue (ARR) of more than Rs 100 crore over the next 12 to 18 months. The company’s expansion roadmap includes entry into additional tier I, II, III, and IV cities, alongside the introduction of financing and warranty solutions aimed at enhancing the ownership experience for customers in the used two-wheeler segment.
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{Funding Alert} SolarSquare Raises $53 Mn in Series C Funding Led by B Capital
Residential solar solutions provider SolarSquare has secured $53 million in a Series C funding round led by B Capital, with participation from existing investors Lightspeed, Elevation Capital, Lowercarbon Capital, Rainmatter, and Good Capital.
With the latest investment, the company’s cumulative funding has surpassed $100 million.
Founded in 2015 by Shreya Mishra, Neeraj Jain, and Nikhil Nahar, SolarSquare offers rooftop solar solutions for homeowners, providing services that include consultation, system design, installation, financing assistance, and after-sales maintenance.
The company said it will use the newly raised capital to expand into additional markets, enhance its technology infrastructure, strengthen its workforce, and broaden its home energy portfolio. This includes solar installations, financing products, battery storage systems, and energy management solutions.
Shreya Mishra, Co-founder and CEO, SolarSquare said, “Five years ago, we made a conviction-led bet that every Indian home will be powered by rooftop solar. At the time, residential solar was still very nascent, with barely 1 lakh homes going solar per year. Today, the category has inflected, with 1 lakh homes adopting solar every 10 days in India.”
The company claims to oversee the country's largest portfolio of residential solar assets and noted that it was the first in India to introduce performance guarantees for rooftop solar installations.
The funding round comes as residential solar adoption continues to gain momentum, driven by rising electricity costs and government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar scheme. According to SolarSquare, India has nearly 70 million residential rooftops suitable for solar installations, while penetration levels remain below 5 percent.
The latest funding follows the company’s $40 million Series B round raised in December 2024, which was led by Lightspeed and backed by Lightrock, Elevation Capital, Lowercarbon Capital, Rainmatter, and Gruhas Proptech.
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{Funding Alert} Korean Food Startup Gimi Michi Raises $1 Mn in Seed Funding
Korean food-focused startup Gimi Michi has raised $1 million in a seed funding round led by IndiaQuotient, with participation from DeVC, Titan Capital, and IIMA Ventures. The funding will support the company’s efforts to expand its product portfolio, strengthen distribution, and scale its presence in India’s fast-growing Korean food segment.
Founded by Nishank Goyal, Akhil Kumar, and Bodhi Rathor, the Gurugram-based startup is building a Korean FMCG brand tailored for Indian consumers. The founding team brings experience from organizations including Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Mondelez, and AB InBev, combining expertise across consulting, consumer goods, and brand building.
According to the company, the fresh capital will be deployed towards product innovation, hiring, marketing initiatives, and expanding distribution through quick commerce platforms and other retail channels.
Launched just six months ago, Gimi Michi currently operates in the Korean ramen category and claims to have emerged as the top-selling noodles brand on Flipkart. The startup says it has crossed Rs 1 crore in monthly net sales and is recording month-on-month growth of around 60 percent despite offering a single product line.
The company also highlighted strong traction beyond major metropolitan markets, noting that nearly half of its sales are generated from Tier II and Tier III cities. It further reported repeat purchase rates significantly above category averages across both e-commerce and quick commerce platforms.
Gimi Michi’s growth strategy is closely tied to the increasing popularity of Korean culture in India, driven by the widespread appeal of K-dramas, K-pop, and social media content. The founders believe this cultural influence is creating a favorable environment for Korean food products to gain mainstream acceptance among Indian consumers.
According to the company, it was launched with the belief that Korean cuisine could follow a growth trajectory similar to Korean entertainment, as consumers are becoming increasingly familiar with Korean food and are seeking authentic yet affordable options.
The startup also sees long-term potential among younger consumers. It believes Korean cuisine could evolve into a mainstream food category for Gen Alpha, much like Chinese and Italian cuisine became widely adopted in India over previous decades.
The opportunity has also attracted the attention of larger food companies. Industry estimates suggest the Indian ramen market could surpass $1 billion over the next decade, while Korean noodles already account for a sizable share of noodle sales on quick commerce platforms. Major FMCG players including ITC, Nestlé, and Hindustan Unilever have also introduced Korean-inspired products in recent months, reflecting growing consumer demand.
Looking ahead, Gimi Michi plans to diversify beyond ramen by introducing products across adjacent categories such as sauces, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. The company aims to build a comprehensive Korean food brand for Indian consumers and capitalize on the growing appetite for global cuisines in the country.
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{Funding Alert} TruNativ Raises $30 Mn in Funding Round Led by OrbiMed Advisors
Clean-label nutrition startup TruNativ has secured $30 million in a new funding round led by healthcare-focused investment firm OrbiMed Advisors LLC, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth journey. The transaction comprised a mix of primary capital infusion and secondary share sales by some of the startup’s early investors.
The fresh funding will be deployed to expand TruNativ’s offline retail presence, strengthen its distribution capabilities, and support the development of new products. The company also plans to use the capital to accelerate growth in both domestic and international markets.
Founded in 2019 by Pranav Malhotra and Mamta Malhotra, Mumbai-based TruNativ operates in the clean-label nutrition space, offering a range of food and nutrition products designed around transparency, balanced nutrition, and health-conscious consumption. The brand currently sells its products through its own website as well as various e-commerce marketplaces.
With the latest investment, TruNativ aims to broaden its reach beyond its digital-first business model and establish a stronger foothold in physical retail channels. The company is also expected to invest in brand-building initiatives to increase consumer awareness and improve accessibility to its product portfolio across geographies.
The funding comes as demand for health-focused and clean-label food products continues to gain momentum among consumers seeking more natural and transparent nutritional choices. TruNativ has positioned itself within this growing segment by focusing on products that prioritize ingredient clarity and nutritional value.
The startup has attracted investor interest in recent years. In November 2024, it raised Rs 10 crore in an equity funding round from Rainmatter, the early-stage venture capital firm backed by Zerodha. Prior to that, the company secured an undisclosed amount in seed funding in April 2021.
The latest capital infusion is expected to help TruNativ scale operations, expand distribution, and strengthen its position in India's rapidly evolving nutrition and wellness market while pursuing growth opportunities overseas.
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Frido Expands Offline Presence with 15 New Experiential Stores Across India
Direct-to-consumer ergonomics and comfort solutions brand Frido has expanded its physical retail network with the opening of 15 experiential stores across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, strengthening its omnichannel presence in India's growing preventive wellness market.
The expansion marks a strategic shift for the company as it builds on its digital-first foundation to create a more integrated consumer experience. The newly launched outlets operate under a company-owned, company-operated (COCO) model and are spread across both malls and high-street locations, with malls accounting for nearly 70 percent of the network. Store sizes range between 250 sq. ft. and 1,900 sq. ft., allowing Frido to tailor the retail experience according to local consumer demand and catchment areas.
The company’s retail footprint now spans major shopping destinations across key urban markets. In Mumbai, Frido has established a presence at Oberio Sky City Mall, while Bengaluru houses stores at Bhartiya Mall, Phoenix Mall of Asia, and Lulu Mall. Hyderabad features outlets at Kompally High Street, Banjara Hills High Street, Gachibowli High Street, and Lake Shore Mall. Pune accounts for the largest share of the expansion, with stores located at Phoenix Marketcity, Amanora Mall, Nexus Westend Mall, KOPA Mall, Amar Tech Park, and Elpro City Square Mall. In Delhi NCR, the brand operates from Vegas Mall in Dwarka.
Rather than functioning as conventional retail outlets, the stores have been designed as experience centres showcasing the brand’s key product categories, including Home, Walk, Work, Orthotics, and Mobility. Select locations also offer access to in-house podiatrists, enabling customers to receive expert guidance and personalized recommendations related to foot health and mobility.
Ganesh Sonawane, Co-Founder & CEO, Frido said, “We have been observing a clear behaviour shift. Consumers now research everything online, from ergonomics to mobility, but still rely on physical validation before buying. They want to sit, stand, walk and feel the product before they trust a brand. This research-to-retail behaviour is strongest in our top metros, and that’s exactly where we have focused our offline expansion. These aren’t showrooms; they are experience hubs where people understand their body mechanics, compare solutions and make informed choices. With this rollout, we’re putting Frido at the centre of India’s comfort revolution and laying the foundation for a strong network that will define how the country shops for preventive wellness.”
Building on its current retail network, Frido plans to significantly scale its offline presence over the next few years. The company aims to operate between 70 and 100 stores nationwide by FY28 and expects the expansion to generate 350–400 new jobs. Future store launches will support the brand’s entry into Tier-II cities while strengthening omnichannel integration and expanding into adjacent categories such as advanced recovery solutions and ergonomic technologies.
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Neeman’s Strengthens Leadership Team with Anjali Sachdeva Appointment
Sustainable footwear brand Neeman’s has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Anjali Sachdeva as Director of Buying & Merchandising, as the company looks to enhance its merchandising capabilities amid ongoing business expansion.
Prior to joining Neeman’s, Sachdeva was serving as Senior Manager, Buying & Merchandising at adidas India, where she oversaw buying and merchandising functions across the company’s owned retail stores, franchise network, and e-commerce operations.
With extensive experience in India's footwear and retail sectors, Sachdeva brings expertise in merchandising strategy, category management, assortment planning, sourcing, inventory control, and market execution. During her career, she has held key roles at adidas India, Bata India, and Koutons Retail India, contributing to various aspects of product and retail management.
In her new role at Neeman’s, Sachdeva will be responsible for leading buying and merchandising across the brand’s retail, online, and B2B channels. Her mandate will include merchandise planning, assortment development, sourcing strategies, inventory optimization, and fostering greater collaboration across supply chain functions.
Taranjeet Singh Chhabra, Founder & CEO, Neeman’s said, “As we continue to scale our retail presence and expand categories, strengthening our buying and merchandising capability is critical. Anjali brings extensive experience in assortment planning, category management, and consumer-centric merchandising. Her appointment reflects our commitment to building world-class capabilities that drive better product decisions, customer experience, and long-term growth.”
Anjali Sachdeva said, “I am excited to join Neeman’s at such an important stage of its growth journey. My early days at Neeman’s have been both energizing and inspiring. The openness of the culture and the willingness of teams to collaborate across functions create an environment where ideas can quickly translate into impact. The opportunity to shape merchandise strategy across Retail, Online & B2B channels while strengthening sourcing and supply chain capabilities makes this an incredibly exciting chapter, and I look forward to contributing to the brand’s continued growth at this pivotal stage.”
The appointment comes as Neeman’s continues to expand its product portfolio and retail footprint, with a focus on strengthening operational efficiencies and building a more robust merchandising framework to support future growth.
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{Funding Alert} Children’s Nutrition Brand Troovy Close to Securing Rs 200 Cr in Series B Funding
Healthy food startup Troovy is reportedly in the final stages of raising a Series B round worth Rs 150-200 crore. Troovy is in advanced discussions to raise Rs 150-200 crore in a new round led by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Existing investors, including Fireside Ventures, are also expected to join.
The potential investment would mark a relatively early entry into a consumer startup for ADIA, which has traditionally invested in companies that have already established significant market presence. Its previous consumer portfolio includes Purplle, FirstCry, Nykaa, and Lenskart, all of which had achieved considerable scale before receiving backing from the sovereign wealth fund.
Founded by Mansi Baranwal and Aditya Mukherjee, Troovy develops clean-label snacks and nutrition products aimed at children. Its product lineup includes chips, puffs, cookies, milk mixes, and other better-for-you food offerings.
The proceeds from the round will be used to broaden the company’s clean-label product portfolio, accelerate product development, and deepen its reach across quick commerce platforms and omnichannel retail channels.
The transaction is in its final stages of completion, and the parties involved are finalising the paperwork.
The upcoming fundraise follows Troovy’s $5 million Series A round secured in January this year. The financing was led by Fireside Ventures and Sharrp Ventures, with participation from existing investors Spring Marketing Capital and Veltis Capital. Before that, the startup raised $2.3 million (approximately Rs 20 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures in May 2025.
For the financial year ended March 2025, Troovy recorded revenue of Rs 6.05 crore, while its losses stood at Rs 10 crore.
The startup operates in a competitive market alongside brands such as Slurrp Farm, Timios, and a growing number of companies focused on healthier food choices for children and families.
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Dogsee Chew Plans Rs 300 Cr Fundraise to Accelerate Global Expansion
Dogsee Chew is preparing to raise Rs 300 crore as it looks to scale manufacturing operations, expand its product portfolio, and strengthen its international presence. The planned fundraising marks a significant step in the company’s growth strategy as it aims to build on its position in the global pet care market.
The company intends to deploy the fresh capital toward increasing production capacity, developing new product categories, and accelerating expansion across key international markets. The investment is also expected to support the brand’s efforts to meet rising demand for premium pet wellness products.
Operating in more than 30 countries, Dogsee Chew has established a sizeable international footprint, with the United States emerging as its largest market. The company generates nearly 70 percent of its revenue from the US, reflecting the growing acceptance of its products among global pet owners and retailers.
The planned expansion comes at a time when the global pet care industry continues to witness strong growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising spending on pet wellness, and growing demand for natural and functional products. Dogsee Chew has positioned itself within this segment by offering pet products focused on nutrition and wellness.
As part of its growth roadmap, the company is targeting revenue of Rs 250 crore, supported by deeper market penetration, product innovation, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities. The planned fundraise is expected to provide the resources needed to scale operations while supporting long-term growth initiatives.
The fresh capital will also help the company diversify its product offerings, enabling it to address evolving consumer preferences within the pet care and wellness category. New product launches are likely to complement its existing portfolio and support customer acquisition across domestic and international markets.
The pet care sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing consumer segments globally, creating opportunities for brands that combine product innovation with strong distribution capabilities. Against this backdrop, Dogsee Chew’s planned investment in manufacturing and product development underscores its ambition to expand its market share and strengthen its competitive position.
With operations spanning more than 30 countries, a strong contribution from the US market, and an ambitious revenue target of Rs 250 crore, Dogsee Chew is entering its next phase of growth with a focus on scale, innovation, and international expansion.
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Nutty Gritties Bets on Growth with Rs 20 Cr Manufacturing Investment
Nutty Gritties is investing Rs 20 crore in a new manufacturing facility as the healthy snacking brand looks to significantly scale its production capabilities and strengthen its position in India's growing better-for-you food segment. The investment comes as the company targets Rs 100 crore in revenue during the current fiscal year.
The upcoming facility is expected to increase Nutty Gritties’ manufacturing capacity by six times, enabling the company to meet rising demand across online, offline, and quick commerce channels. The expansion reflects the brand’s focus on building a stronger supply chain while supporting future product innovation and market growth.
Founded with a focus on nutritious and convenient snacking options, Nutty Gritties has built a portfolio of more than 45 products spanning nuts, seeds, trail mixes, dried fruits, and other health-focused snack categories. The company has benefited from changing consumer preferences, with a growing number of Indian shoppers seeking healthier alternatives to traditional packaged snacks.
The new manufacturing facility is expected to play a crucial role in supporting both domestic and international ambitions. In India, the brand is looking to deepen its reach across key urban markets while expanding distribution into additional cities and regions. At the same time, the company is exploring opportunities in global markets, where demand for healthy and functional food products continues to grow.
The healthy snacking segment has emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories within India's food and beverage industry, driven by increasing health awareness, changing lifestyles, and demand for convenient nutrition. Industry observers note that consumers are becoming more conscious about ingredient quality, portion control, and functional benefits, creating opportunities for brands that offer differentiated products.
Against this backdrop, Nutty Gritties’ latest investment signals confidence in the long-term potential of the category. By increasing production capacity, expanding product availability, and strengthening its market presence, the company is positioning itself for its next phase of growth.
With a diversified portfolio, growing traction in quick commerce, and plans to expand both in India and overseas, Nutty Gritties is aiming to build on its momentum as it works toward its Rs 100 crore revenue milestone during the fiscal year.
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{Funding Alert] GPS Renewables Raises Rs 635 Cr in Series C Funding Round
![{Funding Alert] GPS Renewables Raises Rs 635 Cr in Series C Funding Round](https://indian-retailer.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2026-06/Untitled%20design%20-%202026-06-15T160101.163.jpg)
GPS Renewables has secured Rs 635 crore in a Series C funding round from a group of investors to support its expansion plans in the bioenergy sector.
The funding includes a Rs 125 crore equity investment led by PixelSky Capital, with participation from Spectrum Impact Family Office and other investors. Separately, the company has arranged Rs 200 crore in equity funding for its asset-holding platform, Arya, from a leading Korean conglomerate. This follows an earlier Rs 310 crore investment by Sojitz Corporation into the company’s asset platform business.
The fresh capital will be used to drive the next phase of growth, expand its bioenergy infrastructure portfolio, and support ongoing as well as future projects through its asset platform, GPSR Arya.
Over the past decade, GPS Renewables has built capabilities across technology development, engineering, EPC services, operations and maintenance, and project execution. The company employs more than 800 people and reports annual revenue of around Rs 1,000 crore. Its completed projects include compressed biogas (CBG) plants based on solid waste in Indore and Barabanki.
The company said the latest investment underlines increasing investor interest in the renewable natural gas sector and is expected to strengthen its ability to execute a growing project pipeline.
GPS Renewables stated that it currently has more than 30 operational or near-completion projects and visibility on over 200 CBG projects being developed in collaboration with oil marketing companies. The company recently secured an EPC contract from NTPC to develop India’s first Ethanol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant, expanding its presence in the country’s clean energy sector.
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Fabelle Expands Luxury Chocolate Portfolio with Ghana Cocoa-Based Range
Fabelle Chocolates, the premium chocolate brand from ITC Limited, has introduced a new 64 percent Dark Chocolate range as it looks to cater to growing consumer interest in richer cocoa flavours, ingredient transparency, and more conscious indulgence choices.
The new range is made using Ghana Origin Cocoa, a variety known for its aroma and flavour profile. According to the company, the chocolates are crafted using specific cocoa sourcing methods, ultra-fine particle size technology, and extended conching processes aimed at enhancing flavour, texture, and mouthfeel.
With dark chocolate gaining popularity among consumers, Fabelle’s latest offering includes a mix of dark chocolate bars and pralines designed to provide different flavour experiences. The range features Cranberry Noir, which combines dark chocolate with cranberry notes, and Orange Eclipse, which blends cocoa with subtle citrus flavours. It also includes a No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate Bar for consumers looking for a product focused on the natural taste of cocoa.
The portfolio has been further expanded with Dark Symphony, a box of 10 handcrafted pralines made without added sugar. The assortment includes ingredients such as almond, macadamia, pecan, hazelnut, and pistachio, offering a variety of flavour combinations built around dark chocolate.
Subash Balar, Business Head – Confectionery, Chocolates & Coffee, ITC Ltd. said, “The modern Indian consumer is rethinking indulgence, seeking greater transparency, balance, and choice without giving up on experience. This is evident in the rapid growth of dark chocolate in India, which industry reports indicate has more than doubled over the past five years, outpacing traditional milk chocolate. Alongside this, demand for no added sugar options continues to rise. Through Fabelle, we are shaping a more refined chocolate culture that reflects how consumers want to indulge today.”
The company said the launch aligns with its strategy of expanding premium chocolate offerings for evolving consumer preferences. The new Fabelle 64 percent Dark Chocolate range will be available through Fabelle boutiques in select cities and on the brand’s official website.
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[Funding Alert} Biodimension Raises Rs 8 Cr in Funding Led by IAN Angel Fund
Biodimension has secured Rs 8 crore in a funding round led by IAN Angel Fund. Existing investor Campus Angels Network, along with Dr. Sampath Srisailam and Aaryan Baid, also participated in the round.
The Bengaluru-based startup plans to use the fresh capital to accelerate product development, expand its laboratory infrastructure, strengthen its scientific and commercial teams, and support the commercialization of its offerings in India and international markets.
Founded by Manojkumar S., Ranjith Kumar Velusamy, and Pradeep Arunachalam, Biodimension develops biofabricated human tissue and organoid models that serve as alternatives to animal testing for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and cosmetics companies.
The company’s portfolio includes products such as BioDEpi, BioDFT, BioDPigma, a Pan-Cancer Tumour Microenvironment (TME) Biobank, and Bioassay-as-a-Service (BaaS). These solutions are designed to support research, safety assessments, and drug discovery through human-relevant testing models.
Biodimension said it has established partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, research institutions, and contract research organisations across India and Singapore. As part of its growth strategy, the startup plans to expand its oncology research capabilities, scale its Bioassay-as-a-Service platform, and enter additional international markets, including Southeast Asia.
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{Funding Alert} Bucketlistt Raises Rs 1.07 Cr in Pre-Seed Round at Rs 10.07 Cr Valuation
Bucketlistt has raised Rs 1.07 crore in a pre-seed funding round at a post-money valuation of Rs 10.07 crore. The investment round attracted participation from angel investors including Arvind Choudhar, Aenik Shah, Kartik Khatri, and Yash Mehta.
The newly raised funds will be deployed to enhance the company’s technology capabilities, grow its network of experience providers, strengthen customer acquisition initiatives, and expand its team to support future growth plans.
Founded in 2025 by chartered accountants Shubham Makhecha, Nitant Desai, and Divyam Shah, Bucketlistt operates a curated marketplace that connects travellers with verified adventure, cultural, and spiritual experiences across India.
In addition to its consumer-focused platform, the startup has developed OkGhumo, an ERP and CRM solution for experience operators. The platform is designed to help vendors manage bookings, operational processes, and financial workflows more effectively.
Since its launch in December 2025, Bucketlistt says it has facilitated bookings worth more than Rs 10 crore and served over 31,000 customers. The company currently has a strong presence in Rishikesh, offering access to activities such as rafting, skydiving, camping, hot-air balloon rides, and other curated local experiences.
The company is also building a technology-driven ecosystem for tourism operators through OkGhumo. According to the startup, the platform has already onboarded three vendors that together account for more than Rs 40 crore in annual business volume.
As part of its growth roadmap, Bucketlistt plans to expand into destinations including Manali, Jaipur, Goa, and Ujjain, while increasing its focus on cultural and spiritual tourism offerings.
Going forward, the startup intends to launch a dedicated consumer mobile application, roll out loyalty and dynamic pricing features, and further develop OkGhumo with advanced integrations and AI-powered booking tools aimed at improving efficiency across the travel experience ecosystem.
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GIVA Brings Back Jewellery Exchange Program Across 350+ Stores
Jewellery brand GIVA has reintroduced its jewellery exchange initiative, ‘Artificial Do. Silver Lo’, across more than 350 exclusive brand outlets across India.
The month-long programme will run from June 12 to July 12, 2026, allowing customers to exchange old jewellery items and receive a flat Rs 500 voucher for each piece. The vouchers can be redeemed against purchases from GIVA’s silver and gold jewellery collections. Under the offer, customers can avail discounts of up to 35 percent on silver jewellery and 5 percent on gold jewellery.
To support the campaign, GIVA has launched a digital advertisement featuring its brand ambassador, Kriti Sanon. The campaign film highlights the exchange process and encourages consumers to trade in unused jewellery in return for shopping vouchers.
The initiative follows the response to its previous edition, during which the company said it collected more than five lakh pieces of old jewellery within 20 days. According to GIVA, over 40,000 customers participated in the programme across 300 stores last year. The company has also increased the exchange value from Rs 200 per piece to Rs 500 per piece for this year's campaign.
Anirudh Kudva, Chief Revenue Officer, GIVA said, "Last year's Exchange Fest far exceeded our expectations, with customers across metros, tier 1 and tier 2 cities responding to a simple value proposition: bring in jewellery you no longer use, and get meaningful value toward something new. This year, we're doubling down on that response with our highest-ever exchange value of ₹500 per piece, now available across 350+ stores nationwide."
According to the company, the programme is also intended to promote the reuse and responsible disposal of unused jewellery while providing customers with an opportunity to update their collections.
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{Funding Alert} Sports-Tech Startup Dartle Raises $100,000 Seed Funding Led by IPV
Kerala-based sports-tech startup Dartle has secured $100,000 in a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV).
The company said it will use the fresh capital to strengthen its go-to-market initiatives, expand its footprint in the United States, enhance artificial intelligence capabilities within its platform, and build stronger relationships with partners.
Founded by Nihal Pradeep, Swathi Krishnan, and Nagaraj R Potti, Dartle operates a vertical B2B SaaS platform designed for youth sports organizations and football academies. The platform enables academies to manage operations, scheduling, player performance analytics, and parent communication through a unified system.
The startup currently works with 14 academies across India, the Middle East, Nepal, and the United States. It is also conducting eight paid pilot projects in the US market as part of its expansion efforts.
According to the company, it recently secured a $60,000 MLS Next sponsorship and increased its average contract value from $15,000 to $33,000.
Dartle claims that its platform can reduce administrative workloads by up to 75 percent while helping academies improve athlete retention through performance tracking and data-driven engagement tools.
Looking ahead, the startup plans to onboard more than 100 sports academies globally over the next 12 months and aims to achieve nearly $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).
Dartle is backed by startup accelerator Upekkha and has also received recognition from NSRCEL at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
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{Funding Alert} EV Mobility Startup Trevel Secures $1 Mn in Fresh Funding Round
EV mobility startup Trevel has secured $1 million in a funding round co-led by India Accelerator, Finvolve, the Haldiram Family Office, and Rohit Qamra. The round also saw participation from RMRN Ventures, BP Jain Holdings, Bipin Preet Singh, Aakash Goyal, Aakash Anand, Aditya Singh, and several other investors.
The Gurugram-based company said the newly raised capital will be deployed toward expanding its electric vehicle fleet, enhancing its technology platform, increasing marketing efforts, and strengthening operational capabilities.
Founded in 2025 by Mishu Ahluwalia, Rishi Raj Kochhar, and Sahil Jindal, Trevel operates an EV-focused mobility platform offering airport transfers, city rides, and hourly rental services across the Delhi NCR region.
The startup currently runs a fleet comprising the MG Windsor EV, MG ZS EV, Kia Carens Clavis EV, and BYD e6. To support future growth, the company has entered into memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with MG Motor India and Kia India for fleet expansion.
As part of its growth strategy, Trevel plans to add approximately 25 vehicles every month and scale its fleet size to 500 vehicles by March 2027. The company has also recently introduced Trevel 2.0, an upgraded version of its technology platform aimed at improving user experience and operational efficiency.
According to the startup, it has completed more than 5,000 rides since launch, with over 70 percent of customers returning for repeat bookings.
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{Funding Alert} Healthtech Startup 4baseCare Raises Additional Rs 38 Cr in Series B Funding
Healthtech startup 4baseCare has secured an additional Rs 38 crore (nearly $4 million), taking the total size of its Series B funding round to Rs 128 crore ($13 million). The latest investment was led by growX Ventures, with participation from existing investors whose identities were not disclosed.
The company said it will use the newly raised capital to expand its genomics laboratory network across India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Central Asia. The funds will also support the growth of OncoTwin, its artificial intelligence-powered precision oncology platform.
The additional capital will help us expand our genomics lab network globally and further scale OncoTwin, our AI-based precision oncology platform, to support clinicians with deeper, real-world, clinically actionable insights,” said Hitesh Goswami, Co-founder and CEO, 4baseCare.
Founded in 2018 by Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi, 4baseCare develops personalised cancer care solutions using genomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence. The company also builds integrated databases that combine genomic, clinical, environmental, and lifestyle data to support precision medicine initiatives.
The latest funding comes six months after the Bengaluru-based startup raised Rs 90 crore in a Series B round co-led by investors Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi. Earlier in 2024, the company secured Rs 50 crore in a Series A funding round led by Yali Capital.
Recent funding activity in the sector highlights the growing momentum. Last month, StrainX Bioworks raised $13 million in a funding round led by Prime Venture Partners and Leo Capital. In March, Cent, the new healthtech venture founded by Practo co-founder and CEO Shashank ND, secured $5 million in a seed funding round from OneFlow Holdings and South Park Commons.
Earlier this year, longevity-focused healthtech startup Biopeak raised $2.7 million in a funding round led by Nikhil Kamath’s investment firm NKSquared.
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{Funding Alert} Exponent Energy Raises Rs 200 Cr to Expand EV Charging Network
EV rapid charging startup Exponent Energy has secured Rs 200 crore (approximately $21.1 million) in its Series B2 funding round. The investment was co-led by 360 ONE Asset and TDK Ventures, with participation from Hitachi Ventures and existing investors including Eight Roads Ventures, Lightspeed, 3one4 Capital, and AdvantEdge VC. YourNest, the company's first institutional investor, also contributed $4 million through its Continuum Fund.
The Bengaluru-based company had previously raised $26.4 million in a Series B round led by Eight Roads Ventures, along with a strategic investment from TDK Ventures in December 2023. With the latest round, Exponent Energy's total funding has reached $65.7 million.
The newly raised capital will be deployed to support expansion into additional cities, enter new vehicle segments, and strengthen investments in research and development.
Founded in 2020 by Arun Vinayak and Sanjay Byalal, Exponent Energy develops rapid-charging technology for electric vehicles, enabling a full charge in 15 minutes. The company collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate its battery pack technology and operates a network of charging stations designed to support commercial fleet and logistics operators.
Exponent Energy said it is working towards creating an integrated ecosystem for electric mobility through its proprietary energy stack comprising batteries and chargers, the Exponent OTO mobility platform, and Exponent ONE, its financing and asset management division. The company aims to address key challenges in commercial EV adoption, including charging infrastructure, vehicle access, and financing availability.
The company operates in a competitive EV battery and charging solutions market alongside players such as Lohum, which is reportedly in discussions to raise a Rs 1,000 crore pre-IPO funding round, and Battery Smart, which recently launched its pre-Series C fundraising with Rs 66 crore in fresh capital. Other companies in the segment include Nexus Battery, Chargeup, and Statiq.
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Abhi Eggs Strengthens Premium Nutrition Segment with New Egg Variants
Abhi Eggs, the nutri-enriched egg brand from Abhi Foods, has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of Cage-Free and Free-Range egg variants, strengthening its presence in the premium nutrition segment.
The company said the move is aimed at addressing growing consumer demand for ethically sourced and nutrition-focused food products while offering greater choice within its premium egg range.
The concept behind Abhi Eggs was first developed in 2018 by G. Satyanarayana Reddy, Founder of Abhi Eggs, with the objective of providing nutritious eggs for his grandson. Since its commercial launch in November 2020, the brand has grown steadily and recently crossed Rs 100 crore in revenue during FY 2025-26.
Abhi Eggs follows a fully controlled, antibiotic-free farming model, overseeing feed quality, bird health, and production processes across its operations. Building on this integrated approach, the company has introduced Cage-Free and Free-Range variants as part of its expanding premium portfolio.
Cage-free eggs are produced in structured indoor environments that allow hens greater freedom of movement, while free-range eggs are sourced from farms where hens have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. The products are sourced from certified humane farms that adhere to defined standards for farming and packaging.
S. V. V. Dora Reddy, Co-founder, Abhi Eggs said, “As consumer awareness around food sourcing continues to grow, transparency, ethical farming practices, and quality are now key factors influencing purchase decisions. At Abhi Eggs, our foundation has always been a fully controlled, antibiotic-free farming system with strict quality standards. The introduction of Cage-Free and Free-Range variants is a natural progression of this approach, allowing us to broaden our premium range while reinforcing our focus on trust, consistency, and responsible production practices.”
The brand currently operates at a daily production capacity of 18–20 lakh eggs and offers a portfolio that includes India's first D.O.S.E egg, alongside Vitamin D3, Nutri+, Gold+, and the newly launched Cage-Free and Free-Range variants.
Abhi Eggs has established a presence across 50 cities in 17 states and 3 union territories. Its products are available through modern trade outlets, quick commerce platforms, e-commerce channels, and regional retail chains.
The company is also exploring export opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, supported by rising demand for premium and nutrient-enriched egg products in international markets.
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{Funding Alert} Impulse Lifestyle Brand Uni Seoul Secures Rs 35 Cr Funding for Growth
Pune-based impulse lifestyle retail brand Uni Seoul has secured Rs 35 crore (around $3.7 million) in a Series A funding round led by Riverwalk Holdings and Sauce. The round also attracted participation from Panthera Peak Ventures and a group of existing angel investors.
Founded by Gaurav Karmani and Mohit Khurana, Uni Seoul operates in the impulse lifestyle retail segment, offering products across categories including plush toys, home and living, stationery, bags, travel accessories, beauty and personal care, and gifting.
The company will use the fresh capital to expand its offline retail footprint, strengthen supply chain operations, grow its private-label portfolio, and enter quick commerce platforms.
As part of its expansion strategy, Uni Seoul plans to increase its store count from 15 outlets to more than 50 in the near term. Over the next five years, the company aims to build a network of 500 retail touchpoints across India.
Currently, the brand operates 15 stores across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kochi, and Nashik. Its portfolio includes more than 1,000 SKUs, with products priced between Rs 99 and Rs 2,999.
India’s gifting market was valued at approximately $75 billion in 2024. It also noted that the rapid growth of quick commerce is creating new opportunities for impulse-led lifestyle and gifting products.
Commenting on the investment, co-founder Mohit Khurana said the company plans to scale its retail presence and expand into quick commerce as it works towards building a category-defining impulse lifestyle retail brand in India.
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Wildflower Naturals Enters Quick Commerce with Blinkit Partnership
Wildflower Naturals, a beauty and wellness brand focused on natural ingredient-based skincare products, has announced its launch on quick commerce platform Blinkit, marking its entry into the rapidly growing on-demand delivery segment.
The move is part of the company’s omnichannel expansion strategy and aims to make its skincare and wellness products more accessible to consumers across India.
The brand, backed by Good Karma Wellness for research, development, and manufacturing, said it maintains control over product formulation, quality, and innovation across its portfolio. Through this integration, Wildflower Naturals combines natural ingredients with skincare science and technology in its product development process.
Currently, the company offers 16 SKUs on Blinkit, including products from its Kumkumadi & Donkey Milk range as well as personal care offerings. According to the brand, these products have contributed to growing consumption on the platform amid rising demand for skincare and wellness products.
Radhika Dang Gambhir, Founder & CEO, Wildflower Naturals stated, "At Wildflower Naturals, our mission has always been to make conscious, high-performance skincare and wellness solutions more accessible without compromising on quality, efficacy, or experience. Our launch on Blinkit is a natural extension of that vision. Today's consumers expect both efficacy and convenience, and this partnership allows us to bring trusted Wildflower products closer to them than ever before. As we continue to innovate and expand, our focus remains on delivering meaningful self-care experiences that seamlessly blend nature, science, and accessibility."
The company said its product philosophy focuses on combining botanical ingredients and wellness traditions with clinically relevant actives and emerging skincare technologies. This approach has helped the brand build a consumer base seeking efficacy-led products within the conscious beauty segment.
Since launching on Blinkit, Wildflower Naturals reported positive consumer response, with several products witnessing repeat purchases and wider availability across multiple cities. The company stated that the response highlights increasing consumer demand for premium skincare products that combine convenience and performance.
Looking ahead, the brand plans to strengthen its presence across quick commerce platforms, beauty marketplaces, premium retail partnerships, and experiential consumer channels.
Wildflower Naturals is also expanding its product pipeline with formulations featuring ingredients and technologies such as PDRN, peptides, skin barrier-support systems, and other performance-focused skincare actives as part of its future growth strategy.
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{Funding Alert} Paediatric Care Startup Hoola Health Raises $5 Million to Scale Operations
Paediatric healthcare startup Hoola Health, formerly known as BabyMD, has raised $5 million in a funding round led by Peak XV’s Surge, with participation from existing investor W Health Ventures and angel investors including Ashish Gupta, Abhishek Goyal, and Bijou Kurien.
The company said the fresh capital will be used to expand into new markets, strengthen its technology capabilities, and scale its integrated paediatric care model.
Founded in 2024 by Deeksha Senguttuvan, Hoola Health operates child-focused clinics that provide paediatric consultations, vaccinations, diagnostics, developmental therapies, and specialist care.
The startup combines physical healthcare centres with digital tools that enable vaccination record management, growth tracking, prescriptions, and developmental monitoring.
Based in Bengaluru, the company currently operates five clinics and has served more than 20,000 families within 18 months of launch. According to Hoola Health, over 60 percent of new patients come through word-of-mouth referrals, while more than 60 percent of monthly visits are generated by returning families.
The startup also stated that nearly 35 percent of its revenue comes from developmental therapies, highlighting increasing demand for integrated child healthcare services.
As part of its growth strategy, Hoola Health plans to open 30 additional clinics across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR over the next two years. The company also intends to expand its service portfolio by introducing paediatric dental care.
Alongside the funding announcement, the startup has rebranded from BabyMD to Hoola Health as it seeks to strengthen its presence across multiple stages of child healthcare and development.
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{Funding Alert} Manam Chocolate Raises US$ 9 Mn in Series A Funding Led by Omnivore
Manam Chocolate, a premium craft chocolate brand owned by Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd, has raised US$ 9 million in a Series A funding round led by Omnivore, with participation from the Turner Morrison consortium.
Founded in 2021 by Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Chaitanya Muppala, the company has built its presence in India's craft chocolate segment and has received multiple international awards for its products. Muppala is India's first Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster accredited by the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (IICCT), USA.
The company currently operates experiential retail locations at Eldeco Center in Saket, New Delhi; the Manam Chocolate Karkhana in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; and the Manam Chocolate Beverage Bar in Knowledge City, Hyderabad. It also serves customers across India through its direct-to-consumer channels.
The newly raised capital will be used to support its expansion plans, including the launch of new retail spaces across the Delhi NCR region over the next 12 months.
Manam Chocolate manages its operations across the chocolate value chain, covering cacao farming, fermentation, chocolate production, and confectionery development. Through its parent company, Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd, it works with more than 250 member farmers cultivating over 3,000 acres of cacao farms in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district, one of India's largest cacao-growing regions.
The company also operates the Distinct Origins Cacao Fermentery in Tadikalapudi, West Godavari. The facility uses technology-driven processes and scientific interventions to improve cacao fermentation and develop Indian cacao profiles for chocolate production.
Chaitanya Muppala, Founder, Manam Chocolate & CEO Distinct Origins Pvt Ltd. commented, “This investment marks an important milestone in our journey to build a globally respected Indian craft chocolate company rooted deeply in origin. Over the last few years, we have focused on strengthening every part of the value chain- from cacao cultivation and fermentation to chocolate making and have developed multiple retail models. We are now excited to partner with Omnivore and our existing investors from the Turner Morrison consortium, whose early belief in our long-term vision and commitment to building a differentiated Indian brand and strong enterprise with global aspirations creates significant confidence for us. Their support will help us scale with intent, strengthen our presence in key markets, and continue showcasing the extraordinary potential of Indian cacao to audiences in India and globally.”
Reihem Roy, Partner, Omnivore noted, “Premium consumer brands like Manam Chocolate, anchored with a strong farmer-partnered supply chain, demonstrate how origin-led value addition can improve livelihoods at the farm level while reducing the commodity-price volatility. As climate pressures reshape global cacao supply, investment in alternative, high-quality origins such as India represents both a commercial opportunity and a contribution to a more resilient global food system.”
The company also operates the Distinct Origins Cacao Fermentery in Tadikalapudi, West Godavari. The facility uses technology-driven processes and scientific interventions to improve cacao fermentation and develop Indian cacao profiles for chocolate production.
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BRND.ME Expands Villain Brand into the US Market
Men’s fragrance and grooming brand Villain, part of the BRND.ME portfolio, has entered the US market, with its products set to be available through Amazon. The launch marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion strategy as BRND.ME continues to scale its digital-first consumer brands across global markets.
The move follows Villain’s expansion into the UAE during FY25, where the brand established its presence across leading e-commerce platforms including Noon, Namshi, and Amazon. Villain recorded 150 percent year-on-year growth in the UAE, supported by increasing demand for value-premium fragrances in the region.
In India, Villain continues to see growth in the perfume segment, with sales of approximately one lakh units per month. The company said quick commerce channels currently contribute around 50 percent of overall demand, reflecting the growing importance of convenience-led purchasing behaviour among consumers.
The Indian fragrance market was valued at approximately Rs 45.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach Rs 69.6 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of around 8.7 percent. Factors such as premiumisation, digital discovery, and increasing experimentation among younger consumers are supporting category growth.
Villain’s fragrance portfolio includes 15 fragrances across 50 SKUs, available in 100 ml and 50 ml formats, as well as curated gift sets. The company said its 100 ml packs account for the largest share of sales, while the 50 ml range is emerging as its fastest-growing segment. Its flagship fragrances, Classic and Hydra, together contribute around 60 percent of total sales.
Ananth Narayanan, Founder and CEO, BRND.ME, said, “Fragrance is a large and growing category in the US, and consumer behaviour is increasingly shifting towards premium, personalised, and differentiated fragrance formats. With Villain, our focus has been on building strong product fundamentals and disciplined distribution across digital channels. The brand is gaining meaningful scale and strengthening its position within the value-premium segment. This reflects our broader approach at BRND.ME to build globally relevant consumer brands from India and scale them across key international markets in a disciplined and profitable manner.”
The US launch adds to Villain’s growing international presence, including its operations in the Middle East, and aligns with BRND.ME’s broader strategy of building consumer brands across health, wellness, and lifestyle categories.
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D2C Green Décor Brand Kyari Crosses 10 Lakh Customers in India
Direct-to-consumer green décor brand Kyari has achieved profitability at the profit-after-tax (PAT) level and surpassed 10 lakh customers across India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company, which reported revenue of over Rs 20 crore in FY26, is now aiming to reach Rs 100 crore in annual revenue by FY28 through expansion across quick commerce platforms, marketplaces, and its direct-to-consumer channels.
Founded in April 2022 in Indore, Kyari was established with the objective of simplifying plant care for Indian consumers through design-led products, technology integration, and curated offerings. Since its launch, the company has expanded into a green décor brand catering to urban households across the country.
Kyari currently operates in the indoor plants and plant-care segment, offering a portfolio of more than 200 SKUs. Its product range includes self-watering planters, indoor plants, and plant-care accessories. Bengaluru remains the company’s largest market and contributes significantly to overall sales.
The brand has also reported strong customer retention, with nearly 25 percent of its revenue generated from repeat customers, indicating continued product adoption and consumer trust.
Quick commerce has played an important role in driving growth by improving product discovery and enabling faster delivery of live plants and plant-care products to customers in urban markets.
Agam Choudhary, Co-Founder & CEO, Kyari said, “When we started Kyari, many people believed live plants could never become a scalable online business. We focused on solving a real problem by making plant care effortless. What we are building is still at a very early stage, but the demand clearly shows we are moving in the right direction.”
Sustainability remains a key focus area for the company. Kyari uses eco-friendly packaging and promotes water conservation through its self-watering planter systems.
The company also recently gained recognition after its founders were included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list.
Saksham Jain, Co-Founder, Kyari shared, “For us, the real achievement is building something customers genuinely connect with. The trust we’ve earned motivates us to keep expanding access to green living across India.”
Looking ahead, Kyari plans to further strengthen its omnichannel presence across the country while exploring new opportunities within the home and lifestyle category as part of its next phase of growth.
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{Funding Alert} The Wedding Company Raises Rs 25 Cr in Seed Funding Led by Wellingdon Advisors
Wedding planning platform The Wedding Company has secured $2.75 million (approximately Rs 25 crore) in a seed funding round led by Wellingdon Advisors LLP. The round also saw participation from LVX, Tremis Capital, and angel investors including Vivek Mathur, Rahul Garg, Apurva Patel, and Synergy Capital Partners.
The latest investment follows the company’s $1 million pre-seed funding round raised in July last year. That round was co-led by LVX and Tremis Capital, with participation from investors including Wakefit co-founder Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, Ajith Pai, and Arash Ferdowsi.
The fresh capital will be used to expand its wedding services portfolio, strengthen category management capabilities, and grow its vendor partner network to improve service standardisation across markets.
Founded in 2023 by Pawan Gupta and Rahul Namdev, The Wedding Company operates a technology-enabled wedding planning and fulfilment platform. The company offers end-to-end wedding services, including venue selection, décor, catering, photography, and logistics. It currently works with more than 2,000 verified vendors across multiple cities and serves customers in India as well as international markets.
The startup is focused on addressing challenges within India’s fragmented wedding industry, which it estimates to be worth $130 billion. Through its platform, it brings together multiple wedding-related services under a single ecosystem with the aim of simplifying the planning process for consumers.
The Wedding Company reported a rise in its service order value from Rs 51 crore in FY25 to Rs 115 crore in FY26, representing a growth of 125 percent. The company is now targeting Rs 350 crore in service orders in FY27, supported by an expected addition of 1,500 new wedding bookings.
In the mid-average order value wedding segment, the company competes with organised players such as Weddingz.in, VenueMonk, WedMeGood, and Meragi.
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{Funding Alert} BazaarNow Raises Rs 72 Cr Led by Peak XV Partners
Quick commerce startup BazaarNow has secured Rs 72 crore ($7.8 million) in a funding round led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Whiteboard Capital and Antler. The round also saw investments from several angel investors, including Vidit Aatrey, Karthik Gurumurthy, Prashant Sachan, Arjun Purkayastha, Nitin Saluja, Siddharth Gadia, Ayyappan R, and Aravind Charanyan.
With the latest funding, the company has raised a total of Rs 80 crore, including capital secured during its pre-seed round.
Founded in January this year by Priyanshu Jain, Arjun Harish, and Tarithnay Mandal, BazaarNow operates a quick commerce platform focused on serving middle-class consumers in tier II and tier III markets across India. The platform offers groceries, fruits and vegetables, household essentials, local brands, and region-specific assortments.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, the startup combines a vernacular-first application interface with AI-enabled local-language search, assisted shopping capabilities, and an in-house logistics network tailored to the requirements of smaller cities and towns. Its offering is centred on regional product assortments, local brands, fresh produce, simplified ordering, and transparent pricing.
The company is simultaneously strengthening its supply chain operations with a focus on faster inventory turnover, particularly in fruits and vegetables, to enhance freshness and improve product availability in regional markets.
In its first pilot city, BazaarNow says it has surpassed 1,800 orders per day per store. The company believes this performance highlights demand for localised assortments, recurring grocery purchases, and efficient fulfilment models in smaller urban clusters.
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TechnoSport Expands Offline Retail Presence with New Express Store Model
Activewear brand TechnoSport has unveiled a new retail format, TechnoSport Express, as part of its strategy to strengthen its offline retail presence across India. The company plans to open 25 TechnoSport Express stores by the end of FY27, in addition to its existing target of approximately 130 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) by the end of the current fiscal year.
The new format is designed to support faster expansion through a smaller store footprint and a quicker go-to-market approach. With this initiative, TechnoSport aims to increase its presence beyond metropolitan areas and large cities, targeting smaller towns, districts, and neighbourhoods where demand for branded activewear and organized retail experiences is growing.
The expansion will be supported by the company's Super Stockist network, which serves as the backbone of its supply chain operations. TechnoSport said the format will also benefit from brand-led marketing initiatives intended to help drive consumer demand and support store growth from the outset.
Despite operating with a compact footprint, TechnoSport Express stores will offer several features typically found in larger Exclusive Brand Outlets. These include air-conditioned shopping environments, trained sales staff, trial rooms, and curated product displays aimed at improving customer convenience and engagement.
Puspen Maity, CEO, TechnoSport shared, “TechnoSport Express is an important step in accelerating our retail growth journey. This format allows us to scale faster, strengthen our presence across high-potential markets, and create new opportunities for partners to grow alongside the brand. At the same time, it helps us bring the TechnoSport experience closer to consumers in a more accessible way.”
Sunil JhunJhunWala, Co-founder & Managing Director, TechnoSport added, “While EBOs continue to play a key role in delivering immersive brand experiences, TechnoSport Express is designed for agility, accessibility, and convenience. It allows us to serve newer catchments with an efficient retail model while ensuring consumers enjoy a well-curated and easy shopping experience.”
Ravish Vats, Head of General Trade & LFR, said, “With TechnoSport Express, we are bringing together operational efficiency, strong product demand, and brand-backed support. The format is designed to help partners grow while also offering consumers easier access to performance-driven products and a smoother in-store shopping journey.”
The company believes the new retail model will help address growing consumer demand in developing markets by combining accessibility with a modern in-store shopping experience. Through TechnoSport Express, the brand aims to make its activewear offerings more readily available to consumers across a wider range of locations in India.
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Medical Cannabis Wellness Startup Awshad Launches Calmagummies Gold in India
Medical cannabis wellness startup Awshad has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of Calmagummies Gold, a premium CBD+THC-infused gummy range aimed at consumers seeking stress relief, relaxation, and sleep support. The launch comes as demand for convenient and lifestyle-oriented wellness products continues to grow across urban markets in India.
Targeted at consumers aged 25 and above, the new offering is designed for individuals managing high-stress lifestyles, irregular sleep patterns, and an increasing interest in plant-based wellness solutions. The launch also reflects broader consumer trends around preventive healthcare, mental well-being, and alternative recovery products.
Building on the response to its existing Calmagummies range, Awshad has introduced Calmagummies Gold as part of its efforts to cater to rising consumer demand for accessible wellness formats.
The new product combines CBD and THC extracts with citrus botanicals and antioxidant-rich ingredients, including orange rind, lemon rind, and goji berries. Available in a chewable gummy format, the product has been developed to support relaxation, mood enhancement, and sleep recovery. Each pack contains 10 gummies and has been positioned as a premium wellness offering rather than a traditional supplement.
Richa Jaggi, Co-founder and CMO at Awshad, said, “Over the last few years, we have seen a visible shift in how consumers approach wellness. People today are looking for solutions that fit naturally into their lifestyle while also addressing concerns like stress, burnout, and sleep issues. In 2026, we have witnessed a notable increase in demand for sleep and relaxation-related wellness products, particularly in lifestyle-friendly formats such as gummies that are easy to incorporate into daily routines."
With Calmagummies Gold, we wanted to create a product that moves beyond functionality and offers a more refined, calming, and approachable experience for our modern consumers. We have also worked on making the product more palatable”.
Shivam Singhee, CEO, Awshad shared, “The cannabis wellness category in India is steadily moving beyond early adoption and entering a phase of greater consumer acceptance. We are seeing growing interest from consumers who are actively seeking science-backed, plant-based solutions that support everyday concerns such as stress management, sleep recovery and overall well-being. As awareness around medical cannabis continues to improve, consumers are becoming more informed about the role cannabinoids can play within a broader wellness routine”.
According to the company, repeat customers account for 44 percent of its overall customer base, indicating sustained consumer interest in cannabis-based wellness products.
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{Funding Alert} Wholeleaf in Talks to Raise Rs 7.5 Cr from IPV and Benzai 10 Capital
Gurugram-based pain therapeutics startup Wholeleaf is in advanced discussions to raise Rs 7.5 crore in a new funding round from institutional investors IPV and Benzai 10 Capital. The proposed investment comes as the company looks to strengthen its market presence and scale operations across India.
The fundraising follows a series of capital infusions secured by the startup over the past year. Earlier this year, Wholeleaf raised Rs 1.5 crore in a seed funding round from investors on Shark Tank India, including Aman Gupta, Kanika Tekriwal, and Namita Thapar. Prior to that, the company secured Rs 3.5 crore from ah! Ventures and a group of angel investors, taking its total capital raised to Rs 5 crore so far.
The fresh funding will be used to expand its offline retail network, support product development initiatives, strengthen distribution capabilities, and increase brand visibility across both digital and physical channels.
Founded in 2021 by Shivraj Sharma, Wholeleaf operates in the natural pain therapeutics segment and focuses on developing long-term solutions for chronic and neuropathic pain management. The company currently offers a portfolio of oral tinctures and topical products designed to address conditions such as migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia, menstrual pain, anxiety, and sleep-related concerns.
The startup is also investing in the development of new solutions targeted at chronic neuropathic pain, an area it sees as a significant growth opportunity within the broader pain management market.
Wholeleaf claims to have established a retail presence across nearly 2,000 outlets, primarily concentrated in the Delhi-NCR region. As part of its expansion strategy, the company aims to increase its reach to between 5,000 and 7,000 retail outlets during the current year. The rollout will focus on strengthening its footprint across Tier I and Tier II markets, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Chennai.
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boAt Enters Personal Grooming Market with New Slazer Series
Consumer electronics brand boAt has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Slazer Series, marking its entry into the personal grooming category. The move signals the company's continued push beyond its established audio and wearables business as it broadens its presence across lifestyle technology segments.
The newly introduced range includes trimmers and grooming kits designed for daily grooming needs. The products feature ceramic blades, aluminium body construction, interchangeable attachments, and a compact form factor intended to support ease of use and portability.
The launch aligns with boAt's strategy of diversifying into adjacent consumer technology categories. Over the past few months, the company has expanded its offerings with products such as dashcams and projectors, reflecting its focus on building a wider ecosystem of technology-driven consumer products.
The Slazer lineup includes the Slazer S100 trimmer, priced at Rs 799, and the Slazer K100+, a 6-in-1 grooming kit available at Rs 1,799. In addition to these products, boAt has also introduced premium variants within the Slazer portfolio to cater to different consumer preferences and grooming requirements.
With its entry into personal grooming, boAt joins a growing list of consumer electronics brands targeting opportunities in India's grooming market. The category has witnessed rising demand in recent years, driven by increasing consumer interest in technology-enabled grooming solutions and multifunctional personal care devices.
The launch further strengthens boAt's efforts to diversify its revenue streams and expand into high-growth consumer segments beyond its traditional product categories.
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Powerlook Eyes Rs 1,000 Cr Revenue as Store Count Set to Cross 50 by FY28
Homegrown men's fast-fashion brand Powerlook has outlined plans to achieve revenue of Rs 800-1,000 crore by FY30 as it scales up its retail presence and strengthens its business operations in preparation for a potential public listing.
The company, which currently operates 13 stores across India, reported net revenue of Rs 175 crore in FY26. As part of its next growth phase, Powerlook is aiming to significantly expand its brick-and-mortar footprint over the next four years. Under its expansion roadmap, the retailer plans to grow its network to more than 50 stores by FY28. The rollout will be supported by an investment of Rs 40-50 crore, which will be funded through a mix of debt and equity. The company is currently assessing the most suitable financing structure to support its growth plans.
Powerlook intends to adopt a hybrid retail model comprising Company-Owned Company-Operated (COCO) stores alongside franchise-led outlets. The strategy is expected to help the brand accelerate expansion while maintaining operational efficiency and capital discipline.
The first phase of store additions will focus on major metropolitan markets, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. Beyond these cities, the company is also targeting expansion in Tier-II markets such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, Nagpur, Chandigarh, and Surat.
The planned capital expenditure will be allocated toward store development, retail infrastructure, inventory management, workforce expansion, and marketing initiatives linked to new store openings.
In parallel with its retail expansion, Powerlook is investing in backend capabilities to improve operational efficiency. The company is enhancing its warehouse automation systems, omnichannel fulfilment network, and technology-driven inventory management processes to support future growth.
Raghav Pawar, Co-founder and Director of Powerlook, stated that the business is investing in data analytics, personalisation capabilities, category expansion, and institutional processes to improve scalability and strengthen readiness for a future initial public offering.
Beyond its core apparel business, the brand is also exploring growth opportunities in adjacent lifestyle segments. The company plans to expand into categories such as footwear, accessories, innerwear, and athleisure as it seeks to build a broader fashion portfolio for young consumers.
Powerlook is also evaluating strategic fundraising opportunities to support its retail expansion, technology investments, brand-building efforts, and long-term business objectives.
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BeastLife Closes FY26 at Rs 105 Cr, Targets Rs 250 Cr Revenue in FY27
Gurgaon-based direct-to-consumer nutrition and sports supplement brand BeastLife has reported a turnover of Rs 105 crore for FY26 and has set a revenue target of Rs 250 crore for FY27 as it expands its retail footprint and strengthens its omnichannel presence.
The company also announced that it has become EBITDA positive within two years of launch, reflecting improvements in operational efficiency and business performance.
BeastLife recently recorded net sales of Rs 20 crore in a single month, exceeding its internal target of Rs 15 crore. The company stated that the figure reflects net sales after adjusting for GST and returns rather than gross merchandise value (GMV). Following this milestone, BeastLife's annual revenue run rate (ARR) has reached approximately Rs 240 crore.
Founded in 2024 by fitness influencer Gaurav Taneja and former Mamaearth executive Raj Vikram Gupta, BeastLife operates in the nutrition and wellness segment with a portfolio that includes protein supplements, creatine, mass gainers, multivitamins, and other wellness products.
The development comes shortly after the company secured Rs 20 crore in funding, which it plans to utilise for product innovation, research and development, and expansion across domestic and international markets.
As part of its growth strategy for FY27, BeastLife plans to expand beyond its digital-first model through offline retail partnerships, branded Beast Cafés, and smart vending machine networks. The company intends to deploy these vending solutions at gyms, educational institutions, offices, and other high-footfall locations across India.
Gaurav Taneja, Co-Founder, BeastLife said, “We set ourselves a target of Rs 15 crore in monthly sales and were delighted to surpass it by achieving Rs 20 crore in net sales in a single month. More importantly, we have achieved this while building a sustainable and profitable business. Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality products, maintaining transparency, and creating genuine value for our customers. As we move into FY27, we are confident of reaching our Rs 250 crore revenue target through product innovation, deeper market penetration, and expansion into new consumer touchpoints.”
Raj Vikram Gupta, Co-Founder, BeastLife added, “The next chapter of BeastLife's growth will be driven by building a stronger omnichannel presence. While our digital business continues to perform exceptionally well, we see significant opportunities in offline retail, Beast Cafés, and vending solutions that can bring our products closer to consumers. We are investing in building a robust distribution ecosystem and creating unique brand experiences that go beyond traditional supplement retail. With strong fundamentals, a growing community, and a profitable business model, we believe BeastLife is well-positioned to become one of India's leading nutrition and wellness brands.”
The company expects offline channels to account for a larger share of revenue in the coming years as demand for nutrition and wellness products continues to increase across metropolitan cities and emerging markets.
BeastLife said it remains focused on expanding its customer base, strengthening its product portfolio, and pursuing sustainable growth as it works towards its FY27 targets.
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Innocent Fresh Plans Expansion to 50 Cities as Traditional Foods Gain Popularity
Pune-based Innocent Fresh Foods Pvt. Ltd. is expanding its footprint across India as demand for traditional food products continues to rise. The company, which offers more than 25 products across categories such as Sattu, Makhana, Thekua, Nimki, traditional pickles, and regional seasonings, currently has a presence in around 1,000 retail outlets and plans to enter 40-50 cities over the next few years.
The expansion will focus on strengthening its presence in existing markets while targeting Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where traditional food categories already enjoy strong consumer demand. Growth will be driven through general trade, e-commerce, quick-commerce, institutional channels, and exports.
Saroj Rai, Co-founder, Innocent Fresh Foods Pvt. Ltd., said, “For decades, traditional foods such as Sattu, Thekua, Nimki, Makhana and regional pickles have been consumed by millions of Indians, yet most of these categories remain fragmented and under-branded. We see a significant opportunity to build trusted national brands around products consumers already know, love and trust. At Innocent Fresh, our mission is simple: make traditional foods as accessible, convenient and desirable as modern packaged foods without compromising on authenticity, nutrition or taste.”
Founded to make traditional foods more accessible to modern consumers, Innocent Fresh's portfolio includes Chana Sattu, Makhana, Nimki, Thekua, Shakkar Para, traditional pickles, dry fruits, and pantry staples. Its products are available through retail and kirana outlets across cities including Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Gurugram, Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur, alongside online channels.
The company is also working with women from rural communities who possess traditional food preparation skills, integrating their expertise into its production model while creating livelihood opportunities.
Among its key focus categories is Chana Sattu, a protein-rich staple widely consumed across eastern and northern India. With nutrition and protein consumption becoming a larger part of consumer purchasing decisions, the company sees significant growth potential in the category.
As traditional and regional food products gain greater visibility in organized retail, Innocent Fresh is focusing on scaling distribution, modern packaging, and brand-building efforts around categories that already have established consumer demand.
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{Funding Alert} Delhi-Based Yoho Bags Rs 23 Cr to Strengthen Distribution Network
Delhi-based footwear brand Yoho has raised Rs 23 crore (around $2.4 million) in a fresh funding round as it aims to strengthen its offline retail footprint and expand its presence in India’s performance footwear segment.
The funding comprises Rs 15 crore in equity and Rs 8 crore in debt. The round was led by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) and Rajeev Misra, former co-CEO of SoftBank Vision Fund. Existing investors, including Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, also participated in the round.
According to the company, the capital will be used to widen its offline distribution network, accelerate the growth of its performance running category, and increase the number of exclusive brand outlets.
Established in 2021 by Ahmad Hushsham and Prateek Singhal, Yoho offers a range of casual, formal, and performance footwear for men and women. The company said it has sold more than three million pairs of shoes through its direct-to-consumer platform and online marketplaces such as Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Ajio, and Nykaa.
In addition to traditional e-commerce channels, the brand has expanded its reach through quick-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart.
As part of its retail growth strategy, Yoho plans to collaborate with over 2,500 multi-brand outlets across tier-I and tier-II cities in India. The company is also investing in exclusive brand stores that will feature AI-powered systems designed to improve fit accuracy, lower product returns, and streamline inventory management.
The startup is placing greater emphasis on the performance footwear category, driven by consumer interest in its Catapult with Carbonburst running range, which is targeted at marathon runners.
The latest funding follows Yoho’s Series A round in October 2022, when it raised Rs 20 crore from investors including Rajeev Misra, Rukam Capital, and Vijay Shekhar Sharma. In October 2024, the company secured an additional Rs 27 crore in a pre-Series B funding round led by Gulf Islamic Investments.
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{Funding Alert} Bengaluru-Based TIEA Connectors Bags Rs 77 Cr in Series A Round
Bengaluru-based electrical components manufacturer TIEA Connectors has secured Rs 77 crore (approximately $8 million) in a Series A funding round led by IvyCap Ventures.
The funding round also attracted participation from existing investors Jamwant Ventures and 8X Ventures, along with several undisclosed high-net-worth individuals.
The company said it will use the fresh capital to expand its manufacturing capacity, enhance its research and product engineering functions, and accelerate the adoption of automation and advanced technologies across its operations.
A portion of the investment will also be directed towards strengthening the company's presence in emerging sectors such as electric mobility, aerospace, defence, avionics, and industrial applications across India and international markets.
Founded in 2020 by Ajith Sasidharan and Punit Shridhar Joshi, TIEA Connectors designs and manufactures electrical connectors and interconnect systems used across electric vehicles, energy storage systems, consumer electronics, aerospace, and defence applications.
Its portfolio includes high-performance connectors, precision contacts, stamping and bending terminals, and other connectivity products developed for critical and high-reliability applications.
Ajith Sasidharan, Founder, TIEA Connectors said, “As industries increasingly transition towards electrification, intelligent systems, and high-reliability applications, we believe TIEA is well-positioned to emerge as a globally competitive interconnection technology company from India.”
The latest investment follows the company's previous funding round in 2025, when it raised Rs 22 crore from Jamwant Ventures and Valour Capital, with participation from 8X Ventures and IvyCap.
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U&i Expands Wearables and Accessories Portfolio with Four New Product Launches
U&i has expanded its technology accessories portfolio with the launch of four new products across the wearables, audio, charging, and power categories. The latest lineup includes the Fitness Series Smart Band (UiSW 8163), Entry Star 176 Power Bank (UiPB 3807), Entry Star 179 TWS Earbuds (TWS 4419), and the Stand Series Type-C Adapter (UiGD 3528).
The new range has been introduced to cater to everyday consumer needs related to fitness tracking, entertainment, device charging, and connectivity. With these additions, the company aims to strengthen its presence across multiple consumer electronics segments while offering products designed for a variety of usage requirements.
Paresh Vij, Director, U&i, said, “Over the past few years, we have seen growing interest in devices that help users stay connected, manage their daily routines and keep track of their wellness goals. The launch of our new Fitness Series Smart Band reflects this shift while further strengthening our presence in the wearables segment. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, we remain focused on expanding our portfolio with products that combine functionality, accessibility and everyday relevance.”
The Fitness Series Smart Band is designed for users seeking health and activity monitoring features. It supports real-time tracking of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate variability. The device also includes sleep monitoring, multiple sports modes, step counting, calorie tracking, call alerts, smart notifications and sedentary reminders. Offering up to 45 days of standby time, the smart band is available in Blush Pink, Mist Grey and Jet Black colour options.
Alongside the wearable, U&i has launched the Entry Star 176 Power Bank, which comes with a 10,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. The device features MagSafe wireless charging, built-in Type-C and Lightning cables, multiple charging ports and a digital display for battery status monitoring. It is available in Black and White variants.
The company has also introduced the Entry Star 179 TWS earbuds, which are equipped with 13 mm drivers and offer up to 30 hours of playback. Additional features include low-latency gaming mode, fast charging support and calling functionality. The earbuds are available in Orange & Smoke Grey, Cream Beige & Smoke Grey, and White & Light Grey colour combinations.
Completing the lineup is the Stand Series Type-C Adapter, which supports charging speeds of up to 120W and includes a foldable stand for hands-free smartphone viewing. The adapter is compatible with smartphones, tablets and other supported devices, making it suitable for daily use, work and travel.
U&i has built its presence in India’s consumer electronics and mobile accessories market through a portfolio spanning wearables, charging products, audio devices and smart accessories. The company continues to expand its offerings in line with evolving consumer demand for connected and functional technology products.
The newly launched products are available through U&i’s retail and distribution network across India. The Fitness Series Smart Band is priced at Rs 1,899, while the Entry Star 176 Power Bank is available for Rs 1,599. The Entry Star 179 TWS earbuds are priced at Rs 599, and the Stand Series Type-C Adapter is available at Rs 149.
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Daily Punch Expands Portfolio with Launch of Premium Dry Fruits Range
Daily Punch, a health and wellness-focused food brand, has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of a premium dry fruits range that includes Cashews, Almonds, Dates, Pistachios, and Raisins. The move is aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in the healthy snacking segment and making nutritious food options more accessible to consumers across India.
The newly introduced range has been developed in response to the growing consumer demand for nutrient-rich and wholesome food products. Positioned as an alternative to conventional snack options, the dry fruits offer essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibre, and healthy fats that support balanced nutrition and everyday wellness.
According to the company, the products are sourced and packed with a focus on preserving freshness, quality, and taste. The dry fruits can be consumed as standalone snacks or used across a variety of meals and recipes as part of a daily diet.
Chandan Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, Daily Punch, said: “The healthy snacking segment is witnessing strong growth as consumers become increasingly conscious of their dietary choices. At Daily Punch, we are committed to offering products that combine nutrition, quality and convenience. Our newly launched dry fruits range has been curated to provide consumers with wholesome snacking options that fit seamlessly into their daily routines while supporting healthier lifestyles.”
He further added, “With the introduction of Cashews, Almonds, Dates, Pistachios and Raisins, we are further strengthening our product portfolio and reinforcing our commitment to delivering quality nutrition to consumers across the country.”
The dry fruits range is now available on major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart, allowing consumers across the country to purchase the products online.
Supported by its warehousing and fulfilment infrastructure in Delhi, Daily Punch said it is focused on maintaining product availability and ensuring timely deliveries nationwide. The company continues to expand its offerings in line with changing consumer preferences for healthier food choices and convenient nutrition products.
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Archana Burman and Niharika Sehgal Launch Kids Activewear Brand ZONE
Entrepreneurs Archana Khosla Burman and Niharika Khosla Sehgal have launched ZONE, a premium activewear brand focused exclusively on children. The new venture aims to tap into the growing demand for performance-oriented apparel in India’s kidswear market.
Targeted at children between the ages of 4 and 14 years, ZONE offers a range of activewear developed using lightweight, breathable, and stretch-performance fabrics. The collection is designed to support sports, fitness activities, and active play while prioritizing comfort and durability.
The founders identified an opportunity in a segment where children's clothing has traditionally been dominated by casual and occasion wear, with limited focus on apparel designed specifically for movement and physical activity.
The brand has been created to cater to children participating in organized sports, outdoor activities, and fitness programs, while combining functionality with contemporary design.
Archana Khosla Burman, Co-Founder, ZONE said, “As parents, we found ourselves constantly searching for apparel that could truly support the way children move. There were plenty of fashion choices, but very little created specifically for active kids. ZONE was born from that gap."
Archana brings more than two decades of experience working with entrepreneurs, consumer businesses, and growth-stage ventures, with a focus on strategy, brand development, and business growth.
Niharika Khosla Sehgal, Co-Founder, ZONE added, “We wanted to create apparel that feels effortless to wear, performs through every activity, and gives children the freedom to move without distraction.”
Niharika has over 20 years of experience across apparel design, sourcing, manufacturing, and product development, and currently leads the brand’s product innovation and development initiatives.
With the launch of ZONE, the founders aim to establish a dedicated activewear category for children in India while encouraging greater participation in sports and active lifestyles from an early age. The brand’s introduction comes at a time when demand for specialized children's products is expanding alongside increasing interest in fitness and recreational activities among younger consumers.
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The Sweet Change Reports Rs 1.69 Cr Revenue in First Year
The Sweet Change, a startup focused on sugar alternatives, is expanding its presence in India's growing sweetener market as consumers increasingly seek healthier options amid rising awareness of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic health concerns.
The company, founded in 2024 by Manvi Agnihotri and Sheen Hitaishi, has introduced what it describes as India's first gut-friendly monk fruit sweetener, made using monk fruit, allulose, and prebiotic guar fibre. The startup aims to address demand for sugar substitutes that offer a taste and experience similar to sugar while avoiding ingredients commonly used in the category.
India's sugar substitutes market is estimated to be worth more than $650 million, with demand driven by consumers looking to reduce sugar consumption without significantly changing their dietary habits.
The Sweet Change was launched after Agnihotri's experience as a clinical nutritionist working with over 12,000 patients managing conditions such as diabetes, PCOS, obesity, and insulin resistance. According to the company, many consumers struggled to find sugar alternatives that met expectations around taste, ingredients, and product transparency.
The company said its sweetener has been developed without erythritol, artificial ingredients, or fillers and features a high-concentration monk fruit formulation. It is also building a wider portfolio of natural sweeteners aimed at consumers looking to reduce sugar intake.
Manvi Agnihotri, Co-founder and CEO, The Sweet Change said, "The Sweet Change is building for a future where reducing sugar becomes a default consumer choice rather than a medical recommendation. In just one year, we have generated over Rs1.69 crore in revenue, fulfilling over 15,000 orders. We have grown at an exceptional 84 percent month-on-month compounded growth rate over the last three months, scaling revenue from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per month following the launch of our sweetener drops in March 2026, with gross margins of 75 percent. We are currently ranked among the top sweetener brands on Amazon India. Our long-term ambition is to become the default sugar replacement brand across Indian households, cafés, foodservice, and packaged foods”.
The company plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen distribution, introduce new products, and expand its reach among consumers seeking alternatives to conventional sugar.
Aishwarya Malhi and Vikas Kumar, Co-founders of Rebalance shared, “Some of the most exciting consumer businesses of the next decade will emerge at the intersection of health and everyday behaviour. The Sweet Change is not simply selling a sweetener. It is helping consumers make one of the most important dietary shifts of their lives without asking them to sacrifice the experience they love. What impressed us about The Sweet Change was the combination of deep founder insight, product quality and strong consumer adoption.”
The company believes there is a significant opportunity in the category as many existing products remain targeted either at diabetic consumers, wellness-focused audiences, or users of artificial sweeteners. With preventive healthcare gaining greater attention, The Sweet Change is positioning itself to serve a broader consumer base looking for everyday sugar alternatives.
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{Funding Alert} FirstClub Raises $55 Mn in Series B Funding Led by Peak XV and Sofina
Quick commerce startup FirstClub has secured $55 million (around Rs 512 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina. Existing investors Accel, RTP Global, and Paramark Ventures also participated in the round.
The newly raised capital will be used to support the company’s expansion into additional cities, strengthen its quality-focused grocery ecosystem, introduce new categories including beauty and personal care, home essentials, and pet care, and further develop its technology and supply chain infrastructure.
Founded by former Flipkart executive Ayyappan R, FirstClub operates a grocery platform centered on product quality. The company said it has surpassed 1 million orders within its first year of operations.
The latest funding comes eight months after FirstClub raised $23 million in a Series A round led by Accel and RTP Global, with participation from Blume Founders Fund, 2am VC, Paramark Ventures, and Aditya Birla Ventures. Before that, the Bengaluru-based startup had raised $8 million in a seed funding round from Accel and RTP Global in December 2024.
FirstClub follows a curated assortment strategy with a strong focus on quality assurance across fresh produce and everyday grocery items. The company reviews fruits and vegetables before they are listed on the platform and conducts laboratory testing on products such as milk, atta, paneer, and dals.
With this latest investment, FirstClub’s total funding raised stands at $86 million.
Ayyappan said that FirstClub is focused on product quality and consumer trust rather than competing solely on delivery speed. According to him, the company has barred more than 200 ingredients from products listed on its platform and conducts quality checks and lab tests across several grocery categories.
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{Funding Alert} Protein Snack Brand Phab Secures $4 Mn in Pre-Series A Round
Nutrition-focused protein snack brand Phab has raised $4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by OTP Ventures and Chona Family Office. The company plans to use the capital to strengthen brand visibility, expand geographically, and build its leadership and operational teams.
Founded by nutritionist Gayatri Chona, Phab positions itself as a protein snack brand focused on calorie-efficient and nutrition-led products aimed at everyday Indian consumers. The company said the funding will support its mission of making high-protein snacking more accessible and integrated into regular eating habits.
Phab was established following insights drawn from Gayatri Chona’s clinical nutrition practice, where she observed recurring challenges among consumers attempting to adopt healthier eating habits.
“People don’t fail diets. Diets fail people. The gap was never motivation, it was the absence of calorie-efficient solutions that balance taste and macros. Every snack in the market was either high calorie or low on taste. Nobody was solving for the glaring gap at the intersection," shared Gayatri Chona, Founder, Phab.
The company’s product strategy is centred on balancing nutrition and calorie efficiency while aligning with familiar Indian snacking preferences rather than targeting only fitness-focused consumers or supplement users.
Unlike many digital-first nutrition brands, Phab has built an omnichannel presence, with nearly 50 percent of its business coming from offline distribution through modern trade and general trade networks. The company has also expanded its presence across quick commerce platforms and said it continues to grow its reach in Tier II and Tier III cities through dark store partnerships.
According to the company, the newly raised funding will be deployed across three key areas: brand building, geographic expansion, and team strengthening.
Suhail Sameer, Founder and Managing Partner at OTP Ventures, said the investment reflects confidence in the brand’s growth potential and operating model.
“This round is not about proving the concept that’s done. It’s about deploying capital where we know it works: brand, reach, and team. The goal is to make Phab the default choice when an Indian consumer reaches for a snack and wants something that is actually good for them & their health goals," stated Suhail Sameer, Founder & Managing Partner, OTP Ventures.
The company said it aims to further scale its retail and distribution footprint as demand for nutrition-led and functional snacking products continues to grow in India.
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{Funding Alert} Fraganote Raises $3 Mn Series A Funding Led by V3 Ventures
D2C fragrance brand Fraganote has raised $3 million, or about Rs 28.7 crore, in a Series A funding round led by V3 Ventures (V Cube Ventures SA), with participation from existing investor Rukam Capital. V3 Ventures invested $2.6 million, while Rukam Capital infused $0.6 million. The latest investment comes after Fraganote raised $1 million from Rukam Capital in its pre-Series A round last year.
Founded in 2023 by husband-and-wife duo Garima Kakkar and Arjun Anand, Fraganote manufactures perfumes and fragrances and currently offers around 42 SKUs. The startup plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen brand identity, improve omnichannel distribution, and expand beyond perfumes into fragranced body care products.
Speaking about the company’s expansion plans, cofounder Garima Kakkar said the brand intends to introduce products such as body wash, mist, lotion, and other personal care offerings.
Fraganote currently generates around 60 percent of its revenue through its website, while quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto contribute 20 percent. Ecommerce marketplaces including Nykaa, Myntra, and Amazon account for 10 percent of sales.
Offline retail contributes another 10 percent through kiosks and multi-brand outlets. The company currently operates kiosks across 14 tier I and II cities and plans to expand this network to 100 kiosks by the end of the year.
“The vision is a fully omnichannel brand with meaningful offline scale, a broad portfolio spanning multiple fragrance and personal care categories, and a global outlook that eventually takes India’s fragrance identity to international markets,” said Garima Kakkar, Founder, Fraganote.
Fraganote claims to have a customer base of 3 lakh and a repeat purchase rate of 35 percent. Its average order value stands at Rs 1,500.
The company positions itself as a mid-premium homegrown fragrance brand and uses storytelling as a key part of its marketing strategy.
Garima Kakkar said, “Every fragrance is launched with a narrative, whether that’s emotional, nostalgic, or even sensory. The visuals, the music, the packaging, all the content, we create a whole world around the fragrance and use storytelling as a core product mechanic.”
Alongside body care products such as hand creams, shower gels, body lotions, mists, and lip serums, Fraganote is also exploring expansion into home and car fragrances.
The startup handles product design and formulation internally, while assembly is managed through contract manufacturing partners. Borosilicate glass bottles and atomisers are sourced from China, while perfumes are procured from Europe, the Middle East, and India.
“We are on track now to do about Rs 60 Cr revenue by FY27, and it’s our target to complete Rs 100 Cr in 18 months,” she added.
Fraganote operates in India’s growing D2C fragrance market, which is expected to reach $3.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12 percent. The company competes with brands such as Secret Alchemist, Pilgrim, Plum, and Skinn by Titan.
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{Funding Alert} Gifting Platform Zuvees Secures Rs 15 Cr Investment from IvyCap Ventures
Gifting platform Zuvees has secured Rs 15 crore, or nearly $1.6 million, from IvyCap Ventures as part of its ongoing Series A funding round, taking the company’s total funding to Rs 30 crore, or approximately $3.3 million.
The company said the newly raised capital will support expansion of its operational network, strengthen supply chain capabilities, and enhance its AI-driven personalisation and recommendation systems. The funding will also be used to improve customer intelligence and CRM functions.
Founded by Vijaykumar Ghadge and Abhishek Daiya, Zuvees operates a premium gifting platform that combines curated products, artificial intelligence, and fulfilment services to deliver personalised gifting solutions.
The company focuses on addressing challenges commonly associated with gifting, including product quality, delivery consistency, and cross-border logistics. To support this, the platform offers AI-based product recommendations, video approval before dispatch, and a customer satisfaction commitment policy.
As part of its international expansion strategy, Zuvees launched commercial operations in the UAE in early 2025. The company claims this expansion has contributed to business growth, with its annualised revenue run rate crossing $3 million.
The latest funding comes at a time when gifting platforms are increasingly investing in technology-led personalisation and fulfilment infrastructure to meet growing consumer demand for customised and reliable gifting experiences across domestic and international markets.
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MagicDecor Elevates Ajaya Kumar Nayak as VP of Design and Consulting
D2C home décor startup MagicDecor has promoted Ajaya Kumar Nayak to the role of Vice President of Design and Consulting as the company strengthens its consulting capabilities and advances its design-led growth strategy across residential and commercial projects.
MagicDecor, which specialises in made-to-order wallpapers and interior design solutions, said the appointment reflects its focus on expanding design and consulting services while integrating technology into project execution.
Ajaya Kumar Nayak brings more than a decade of experience across UI/UX design, interior design consulting, and digital product strategy. Over the years, he has led multidisciplinary teams working on home décor and commercial design projects.
In his new role, Nayak will lead MagicDecor’s strategic design direction and consulting division, with a focus on incorporating AI-assisted and technology-enabled workflows into the company’s operations.
Ajaya Kumar Nayak said, "Design today sits at the intersection of technology and lived experience. At MagicDecor, the opportunity is to build systems that translate design thinking into spaces that feel intuitive and deeply personal. I look forward to strengthening our consulting approach and creating solutions that are both functional and contextually rich."
Sidd Panda, Co-founder and CEO, MagicDecor shared, "Ajaya has been instrumental in shaping our design foundation over the years. His ability to bridge digital thinking with physical space design brings a unique and valuable perspective to the brand. As we scale our consulting-led approach, he will be central to delivering more thoughtful and design-driven experiences for our clients."
MagicDecor has been expanding its presence across residential, commercial, and hospitality segments. The company said the leadership appointment aligns with its broader strategy of building a technology-enabled design practice by integrating tools such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI-driven workflows into its projects.
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{Funding Alert} Zouk Set to Raise Rs 60 Cr in Pre-Series C Round Led by Existing Investors
Mumbai-based lifestyle and fashion accessories brand Zouk is preparing to raise Rs 60 crore, or approximately $6.3 million, through a pre-Series C funding round led by its existing investors Aavishkaar Capital and Stellaris Venture Partners, with participation from Sharrp Ventures and Mihir Gadani. Zouk’s board has approved a special resolution to issue 2,468 compulsory convertible cumulative preference shares (CCCPS) at an issue price of Rs 2,44,950 per share, enabling the company to raise Rs 60.45 crore.
Stellaris Venture Partners and Aavishkaar Capital are set to lead the round with investments of Rs 25 crore each. Sharrp Ventures will invest Rs 10 crore, while existing shareholder Mihir Gadani will contribute the remaining amount.
The fresh capital will be directed towards business expansion, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes.
Stellaris Venture Partners continues to be the largest external shareholder in Zouk with a 27.96 percent stake, followed by Aavishkaar Capital at 15.97 percent. Sharrp Ventures currently holds 3.64 percent of the company.
Founded in 2016 by Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar, Zouk operates as a D2C lifestyle brand specialising in fashion accessories. Its product range includes handbags, tote bags, sling bags, wallets, and laptop bags.
Prior to this funding round, Zouk had raised $14.5 million across multiple rounds. This included a $10 million Series B funding led by Aavishkaar Capital in October 2024 and a $3 million Series A round completed in March 2023.
The company has not yet filed its FY26 financial results. For the fiscal year ended March 2025, Zouk reported a 60.7 percent year-on-year rise in revenue to Rs 125 crore, while losses for the same period stood at Rs 19 crore.
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{Funding Alert} Agilitas Sports Targets Growth After Rs 225 Cr Funding Round
Sportswear and athleisure company Agilitas Sports has secured Rs 225 crore in fresh funding from Nexus Venture Partners and Rainmatter, as the company accelerates investments across manufacturing, retail, and product development.
The funding round includes a Rs 200 crore follow-on investment from Nexus Venture Partners and Rs 25 crore from Rainmatter.
Founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, former Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia, Agilitas Sports operates across sports footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company is building a vertically integrated platform spanning research and development, design, manufacturing, and retail to address growing demand in the athleisure segment across India and international markets.
The newly raised capital will support product research and development, design capabilities, manufacturing expansion, retail growth, technology upgrades, talent acquisition, and brand-building initiatives.
Agilitas has been expanding its manufacturing and brand portfolio since its inception. In 2023, the company acquired sports footwear manufacturer Mochiko Shoes, which produces footwear for global brands including Adidas and Puma.
The same year, cricketer Virat Kohli transferred his sports and lifestyle brand One8 to Agilitas and invested Rs 40 crore in the company. Prior to this latest round, Agilitas had raised Rs 100 crore, or nearly $12 million, from Nexus Venture Partners in December 2023.
The company is also scaling Sportsyard, its large-format multi-brand retail format featuring brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Puma, and Skechers. Agilitas stated that its first Sportsyard outlet in Bengaluru turned profitable within two months of launch. It now plans to open 10 additional Sportsyard stores during the current financial year.
In addition, Agilitas holds exclusive long-term licensing rights to manufacture and distribute the Lotto sportswear brand across India, Australia, and South Africa.
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D2C Kids' Brand Rosada Adds Shilpa Shetty Kundra as Investor, Plans 6-8 Stores Across India
D2C kids’ lifestyle brand Rosada has onboarded actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra as a strategic investor as the company prepares to scale its presence across India. Founded in 2014 by husband-wife duo Shalu and Bhupesh Agarwal, Rosada is a Kolkata-based brand focused on personalised children’s accessories, baby products, and everyday essentials. Its portfolio spans bags, bedding, décor, travel accessories, and utility products designed for infants and young children.
The company follows a digital-first business model, with nearly 90 percent of its revenue generated through its official website. Rosada also sells through ecommerce marketplaces including FirstCry, Amazon, and Myntra, and is planning to strengthen its presence across additional online platforms.
Rosada states that its in-house design and manufacturing operations help maintain tighter quality control and differentiated product aesthetics within the category.
Alongside ecommerce growth, the company is also expanding its offline network. Rosada currently operates through Hamleys stores across 12 locations in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata. It is now preparing to launch exclusive brand outlets, with a new showroom in Kolkata expected to open within the next 1-1.5 months.
Over the next year, the company plans to open 6-8 EBOs across India as part of its retail expansion strategy.
Rosada also gained visibility through Shark Tank India Season 5, where boAt co-founder Aman Gupta, Emcure Pharmaceuticals executive director Namita Thapar, and OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal committed Rs 1.25 Cr at a valuation of Rs 25 Cr.
Rosada’s latest investment comes amid a wider shift in India’s startup ecosystem, where celebrities are increasingly moving beyond endorsement deals to take on investor and strategic partnership roles.
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Japanese Skincare Brand Bioré Taps India Market via kindlife Partnership
Beauty and wellness platform kindlife has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Japan-based Kao Group to strengthen the presence of Japanese beauty products in the Indian market.
As part of the collaboration, Kao Group’s skincare brand Bioré will be distributed across India through Kindbox, the distribution arm of kindlife. The partnership is aimed at expanding Bioré’s reach through both online and offline retail channels.
The agreement marks Kao Group’s latest move to increase its presence in India’s beauty and skincare segment, while also helping kindlife broaden its portfolio of international beauty brands.
The companies said the partnership is designed to tap into growing consumer demand for Japanese skincare products in India, supported by increasing awareness of international beauty trends and rising interest in performance-focused skincare solutions.
Radhika Ghai, Founder and CEO, kindlife said, "This partnership is about building category infrastructure, not just moving products. J-Beauty is anchored by cutting-edge technology and cult classics, and Bioré is undeniably the most loved Japanese brand globally with their sunscreens already having a massive following in India. We are committed to building Bioré into a category-defining brand here, investing in its visibility, relevance, and long-term consumer equity across every touchpoint. What makes this partnership powerful is the synergy at its core - Kao brings decades of world-class R&D and formulation excellence, and we bring a deep understanding of how India discovers and adopts global beauty, and how to scale it."
Under the partnership, kindlife and Kao Group plan to focus on expanding brand awareness, improving product accessibility, and driving consumer adoption through a multi-channel distribution strategy.
Jun Shukunobe, Brand Director of Asia Skin Care Business, Kao Group said, "India is one of the most exciting growth frontiers for global beauty today. The Indian consumer is deeply informed and ready for the next wave of high-performance skincare and that is precisely where Kao's science-led formulations excel. Backed by patented technology and a robust pipeline of new product innovation, Kao is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Indian consumer. kindlife's understanding of this market makes them the ideal partner to bring Kao's innovation to Indian consumers at scale."
The partnership reflects the increasing focus of international beauty companies on India as a growth market, particularly within premium skincare and wellness categories.
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{Funding Alert} MediElaj Raises $100K as It Expands Smart Healthcare Kiosk Network
Healthcare app and smart diagnostic kiosk platform MediElaj has secured nearly $100K through a friends-and-family funding round as it works to expand its AI-driven healthcare infrastructure.
Alongside the external funding, the company’s founders have invested close to $500K through bootstrapping to develop the firm’s technology ecosystem, diagnostic kiosk network, AI healthcare platform, and operational capabilities.
The newly raised funds will be used for product development, kiosk prototyping, healthcare device and sensor integration, cloud infrastructure, and software development. The capital will also support preparations for pilot deployments and help establish a research and operational framework aimed at supporting long-term growth.
Founded in June 2023 by Debjit Patra and Umesh Khatri, MedPredict is the healthtech company behind MediElaj, an AI-powered diagnostic platform designed to improve access to preventive and early-stage healthcare services.
Based in Gurugram, the startup is developing an integrated model that combines a healthcare application with smart diagnostic kiosks. The solution is intended to support communities with limited access to medical infrastructure across India and selected international markets.
MediElaj’s kiosks are designed to provide AI-assisted health screening, non-invasive diagnostic services, conversational healthcare support, and digital health records. Through this approach, the company aims to bring healthcare services closer to populations in smaller towns and rural regions, reducing dependence on travel to larger urban healthcare centres.
The company is also preparing for the next phase of growth by building manufacturing capabilities for large-scale kiosk production and creating deployment infrastructure to support wider market expansion. In parallel, MediElaj plans to further develop its AI technologies and cybersecurity systems while establishing partnerships to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem.
The startup said its long-term strategy is focused on expanding access to healthcare services across Tier II, Tier III, rural, and underserved markets.
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KAFF Appliances Expands Kitchen Portfolio with Matt Finish Hobtops
KAFF Appliances has expanded its kitchen appliance portfolio with the launch of a new Hobtops with Matt Finish range, targeting consumers seeking premium design and functional cooking solutions for modern kitchens.
The new range introduces hobtops with a matt black glass finish designed to integrate with contemporary kitchen interiors. The products combine the convenience of cooktops with the aesthetics associated with built-in hobs.
The hobtops feature heavy pan supports integrated with flame protectors aimed at improving durability and cooking stability. Additional features include anti-slip easy grip knobs for improved handling, black-coated brass burners designed for consistent flame performance and heat distribution, and double drip trays to support easier cleaning and maintenance. The models also include auto ignition functionality for quicker operation.
KAFF has launched three models under the range to cater to different kitchen layouts and cooking requirements.
The CTZ 84B AI is an 80 cm model featuring four burners, including one jumbo, two big, and one small burner, designed for larger cooking spaces. The CTZ 58 4B AI offers a similar four-burner configuration in a compact 60 cm format. Meanwhile, the CTZ 71 3B AI comes with a three-burner setup comprising one jumbo, one big, and one small burner in a 71 cm size.
Nalin Kumar, CEO, KAFF Appliances said, “Over the years, kitchens have evolved into spaces where people spend meaningful time beyond cooking- entertaining guests, connecting with family, and expressing personal style. Consumers today are far more conscious about how their kitchens look and feel, and appliances have become an important part of that experience. With this range, we wanted to introduce products that feel contemporary yet timeless, bold yet effortless. The response to premium darker finishes globally has been very strong, and we saw an opportunity to bring that design direction into Indian kitchens through a collection that feels sophisticated, modern, and naturally premium.”
The company said the Hobtops with Matt Finish range is available through KAFF’s website, retail outlets, and authorised dealers across India.
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Clean-Label Condiment Startup Jhatak Raises Seed Funding for Market Expansion
Jhatak, an Indonesian sambal brand tailored for Indian consumers, has announced the closure of its seed funding round. The investment was led by Atul Rajani and Deeksha Rajani, Co-founders of The Be. Life, along with Sidhant Keshwani, Founder and CEO of Libas. The round also saw participation from Sifat Khurana, Founder and CBO of Innovist, Dhruv Bhasin, Co-founder of Arata, and other investors.
The company said the fresh capital will be deployed to strengthen its team, scale distribution, and support expansion across key markets in India.
Founded by four international students from India, Mexico, Argentina, and Indonesia during their Bachelor’s programme at Tetr College of Business, Jhatak is focused on bringing Indonesian sambal, a traditional chilli condiment, to Indian households through a clean-label product range designed for everyday meals.
The startup currently sells through its direct-to-consumer platform and plans to expand its presence across online marketplaces, offline retail, and B2B channels, including restaurant partnerships. Its handcrafted sambals are prepared using fresh ingredients and do not contain preservatives or chemicals. The products are positioned as condiments that can be used both as dips and cooking accompaniments.
Jhatak enters the market as Indian consumers, particularly in urban centres, continue to explore international cuisines and premium pantry products. The company sees demand emerging within the premium global condiments category, supported by rising interest in international flavours and convenient meal accompaniments.
At present, Jhatak offers two variants, garlic sambal and tomato sambal. Inspired by Indonesian recipes and adapted for Indian taste preferences, the products use locally sourced ingredients and are designed to pair with snacks, rice dishes, noodles, and home-cooked meals.
Nadime, Co-founder, Jhatak, said, “We saw a clear shift in how urban Indian consumers were approaching food, with growing openness towards global flavours and experimentation in everyday meals. At the same time, we saw an opportunity to introduce consumers to a relatively underexplored flavour category through authentic Indonesian sambal. With Jhatak, we wanted to bring this experience to the Indian market in a way that stays true to its origins while also fitting naturally into local food habits and preferences.”
Deeksha Rajani, Founder and CEO of The Be. Life, and Atul Rajani, Founder and Chief Formulation Officer, The Be. Life, said, “What impressed us about Jhatak was the team’s ability to identify a whitespace in India’s growing international cuisine market and build an authentic product around it in a very short span of time. Their early traction through offline sales, repeat customer interest, and ongoing conversations with specialty retailers demonstrated strong consumer curiosity for the category.”
Going forward, Jhatak plans to increase brand visibility, strengthen distribution, and introduce new product variants. The company is also working on expanding operations across Indian metros as well as Tier I and Tier II cities while exploring partnerships across food service and retail channels to build awareness around Indonesian sambal in India.
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{Funding Alert} Aquapulse Targets Aquaculture Growth with Rs 45 Cr Funding Round
Bhubaneswar-based shrimp aquaculture and seafood export startup Aquapulse has secured Rs 45 crore in a funding round led by NABVENTURES through its AgriSURE Fund, with participation from IAN Alpha Fund.
The company said the newly raised capital will be deployed to strengthen farm-level technology and disease management systems, widen its farmer procurement network across eastern India, expand processing and export capabilities, and enhance working capital infrastructure.
Established in 2023 by Abhishek and Abhilash Dwivedy, Aquapulse runs a technology-driven procurement platform that links small shrimp farmers with domestic and global markets. The startup currently operates across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal through an aquapreneur-led hub-and-spoke model.
Aquapulse offers farmers services including water quality monitoring, feed management, early disease detection systems, harvesting coordination, and market access. Its platform combines pre-harvest assistance, harvesting, processing, and export logistics into a traceable supply chain system.
The startup exports shrimp mainly to China, Vietnam, and Japan while also catering to domestic institutional buyers and modern trade channels.
India’s seafood exports touched $8.28 billion in 2025, with shrimp contributing a substantial share. Aquapulse seeks to address persistent issues faced by small shrimp farmers, including fragmented market access, low technology adoption, price fluctuations, and increasing traceability demands from international buyers.
Commenting on the investment, Sarika Saxena, Managing Partner at IAN Alpha Fund, said that Aquapulse's farm-to-port platform offers transparency, traceability, and market access while addressing inefficiencies in the aquaculture value chain.
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{Funding Alert} Simple Energy Secures Fresh Capital to Scale EV Production and Distribution
Electric vehicle and clean energy startup Simple Energy has secured Rs 250 crore through a combination of debt and equity funding. The round was led by the family office of Thyrocare Technologies founder Arokiaswamy Velumani, with participation from the company’s founders. Debt financing of Rs 123 crore came from HDFC Bank, Capitar Ventures, and other non-banking financial companies.
The Bengaluru-based startup had earlier raised $20 million in a Series A funding round in July 2024, over $20 million through a bridge round in February 2023, and $21 million in a pre-Series A round led by investors Manish Bharti and Raghunath Subram in November 2021.
The newly raised capital will be used to increase production capacity, strengthen its distribution network, and support product development initiatives.
Founded in August 2019 by Suhas Rajkumar and Shreshth Mishra, Simple Energy develops and manufactures electric two-wheelers. Its flagship scooter offers a claimed range of up to 248 km on a single charge, a top speed of 105 kmph, and sizeable boot storage.
Simple Energy is also preparing for an initial public offering in the second half of FY28. The company plans to raise nearly Rs 3,000 crore ($350 million) to fund expansion efforts, research and development, and the construction of a new manufacturing facility.
As part of its growth plans, the startup aims to increase production capacity from 3,000 scooters per month to 10,000 by January and further to 15,000 by March next year. It currently sells around 2,000 scooters monthly and plans to expand its retail footprint from nearly 80 stores to between 200 and 250 outlets by next March.
The company reported operating revenue of around Rs 150–160 crore in FY26, up from approximately Rs 40 crore in the previous financial year, reflecting nearly fourfold growth. At present, a significant share of its sales comes from southern India.
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{Funding Alert} Instafix Raises Pre-Seed Funding to Expand 30-Minute Repair Service
Instafix, a doorstep smartphone repair startup offering 30-minute service, has secured Rs 7.55 crore in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Titan Capital and 8i Ventures. The round also saw participation from Anish Srivastava and Bharat Kalia.
The Gurugram-based company said the fresh capital will be used to strengthen operations in Gurugram, expand services beyond iPhones to premium Android smartphones, and enhance the technology infrastructure supporting its on-site repair model.
Founded in 2025 by Aniket Kale and Chetan Chauhan, Instafix provides smartphone repairs at customers’ doorsteps with technicians completing repairs within 30 minutes. The service includes a warranty of up to 12 months and is positioned as a convenient alternative to conventional repair centres.
Customers can book repairs through the platform, following which certified technicians visit the location and complete the service in front of the customer. According to the company, repairs are priced up to 50 percent lower than OEM service centres.
Instafix said it aims to make professional repair services more accessible to Indian households, beginning with smartphones and gradually expanding into the wider consumer electronics category.
The company noted that India’s consumer electronics market, valued at nearly $73 billion, continues to grow at close to 20 percent annually, creating opportunities for organised repair services.
Since launching in Gurugram in October 2025, Instafix claims to have recorded 100 percent month-on-month growth. Looking ahead, the startup plans to build an on-demand repair platform spanning multiple consumer electronics categories.
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