The fresh capital will be used to scale IPF’s technology infrastructure, enhance logistics and quality-control processes, and accelerate user acquisition across key markets. The company also plans to invest in advanced verification systems, product intelligence, and operational capabilities to support long-term growth.
{Funding Alert} IPF Raises Rs 3.2 Cr to Strengthen C2C Marketplace for Kids’ Products
Bengaluru-based IPF, a peer-to-peer marketplace focused on preloved children’s products, has raised Rs 3.2 crore (around $375,000) in a seed funding round led by Titan Capital. The round also included participation from Better Capital and a group of angel investors such as Ranjit Pratap Singh, co-founder and CEO of Pratilipi, Aashish Jindal and Vivek Gulati, co-founders of Grip Invest, and Abhishek Bhayana, co-founder of NearPe Technologies.
Founded in 2024 by IIT Roorkee 2015 alumni and close friends Priyadershita Singh (Priya) and Abhas Mittal, IPF was created with the goal of building technology-led solutions that address everyday challenges faced by Indian families. The founders, originally from Madhya Pradesh—Priya from Jabalpur and Abhas from Dewas—share a common vision of promoting affordability and sustainability in parenting.
The platform originated from WhatsApp parenting communities managed by Priya since 2023, where repeated discussions highlighted the lack of a trusted, organised space for parents to buy and sell lightly used but high-value children’s products. While demand existed, traditional resale and classifieds platforms failed to meet parental expectations around safety, verification, and logistics. IPF was launched to bridge this gap with a purpose-built solution.
IPF now operates as a secure, end-to-end marketplace offering in-app payments, doorstep pickup and delivery, and buyer protection.
Abhas Mittal and Priyadershita Singh, Co-founders, IPF stated, "IPF today offers a secure, fully integrated marketplace featuring in-app payments, doorstep logistics, and buyer protection. “Every barely-used stroller, cri,b or toy is an opportunity to save a family money and prevent waste. What began as a trusted parenting community of engaged parents has now grown into a movement for smarter and more sustainable parenting in India, with 80,000+ parents already on board. With Titan Capital’s support, our focus is to strengthen technology, deepen trust and safety, and ensure every transaction is simple, secure, and seamless for parents across the country."
Since the rollout of its in-app payments feature in March 2025, the platform has gained strong traction and currently serves parents across both metro and non-metro regions in India.
A spokesperson from Titan Capital added, “We believe C2C commerce is set to take off in India. IPF addresses a real and widespread need for Indian families. The team has built a marketplace that brings trust, transparency, and convenience to a category that has long lacked a dependable peer-to-peer solution. We are excited to partner with Priya and Abhas as they scale.”
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{Funding Alert} Fitness Startup OBSESS Secures Rs 3 Cr Angel Investment to Expand Platform
Fitness startup OBSESS has raised approximately Rs 3 crore in an angel funding round from Centricity co-founder Pushpendra Singh, Amit Goel, and Harshit Vij. The company plans to deploy the fresh capital towards expanding its partnerships, strengthening its fitness ecosystem, and investing in technology to create an integrated fitness experience.
The funding will support OBSESS in building stronger industry partnerships and expanding its network of fitness-related services. The startup is also looking to leverage technology to bring different stakeholders in the fitness and wellness industry onto a common platform.
Founded in March 2026 by Tushar Sharma and Yash Kumar, OBSESS is developing an integrated digital platform that connects consumers with gyms, sports facilities, professional trainers, nutrition services, and fitness products.
The startup aims to address the fragmented nature of India's fitness and wellness industry, where gyms, sports venues, coaches, nutrition experts, and fitness brands largely operate through separate platforms and networks. Through its technology-driven marketplace, OBSESS seeks to bring these services together and simplify access for consumers while offering digital solutions to businesses and service providers.
The company's platform operates through multiple offerings catering to different segments of the fitness ecosystem. Its Obsess Play Partner platform allows users to discover and book sports facilities, while also providing reward-based benefits through features such as Obsess Coins.
For gym operators, the company offers the Obsess Gym Partner platform, which provides digital and operational tools to support their business activities. The platform is designed to help fitness centres streamline their operations through technology-based solutions.
Additionally, OBSESS operates the Obsess Event Partner platform, which provides ticketing, registration, and participant management services for sporting events. Its solutions cater to organisers of activities such as marathons and cycling competitions, helping manage event-related processes through a digital interface.
With the latest angel investment, OBSESS plans to expand its partnerships and strengthen its presence across different segments of the fitness industry. The company is looking to build a connected ecosystem that brings consumers, fitness service providers, sports facilities, and businesses onto a single platform.
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{Funding Alert} Beauty Startup Hyeglo Raises Rs 7 Cr to Strengthen Makeup and Skincare Portfolio
Hyeglo Beauty, an Indian beauty brand operating at the intersection of makeup and skincare, has raised Rs 7 crore in a seed funding round led by Sauce. The round also attracted investments from Giga Capital, backed by Aarti Gill of OZiva Nutrition, Consumer Collective, Arjun Purkayastha, SVP and MD, Greater China and North Asia at Reckitt, and The Patient Capital.
The brand is building its portfolio around skinified beauty, a category that combines the functional benefits of skincare with makeup. Its products incorporate active ingredients at efficacious concentrations, with formulations designed to deliver skincare benefits alongside their cosmetic applications.
Founded in April 2026, Hyeglo is now preparing to expand its operations and product portfolio across colour cosmetics and skincare. The latest capital infusion will support its next phase of growth, with a focus on research and development, product innovation, and strengthening its market presence.
Hyeglo was founded by Kanupriya Ahluwalia, who brings nine years of experience in the beauty industry across India and the Middle East. She has previously worked with brands and businesses including Nykaa, Kay Beauty, Noon and Namshi. Her experience across beauty businesses and retail markets has shaped the company's approach to changing consumer preferences and the increasing overlap between makeup and skincare.
Kanupriya Ahluwalia, Founder and CEO, Hyeglo Beauty shared, "Indian women have been asked to choose between makeup that performs and products that are actually good for their skin. We don’t think that trade-off should exist. We started with makeup because that’s where the gap was widest, but our ambition is to define skinified beauty in India, from colour to care. This round lets us double down on R&D and take the category mainstream.”
Yash Dholakia, Partner, Sauce stated, "The most valuable consumer brands create the category they go on to lead. Indian consumers have become remarkably sophisticated about skincare, and that expectation is now moving into everything they put on their face. Hyeglo is building for that shift with genuine formulation depth, and Kanupriya’s experience scaling beauty brands across two markets makes her the right founder to shape this space. We’re delighted to back her early.”
The company plans to utilise the fresh funds for research and development, new product development, and brand-building initiatives. It will also invest in strategic hiring to strengthen its team as it expands its presence in India's beauty and personal care market.
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{Funding Alert} Childcare Startup Maasi Secures Rs 6 Cr from Better Capital and Antler India
Bengaluru-based childcare startup Maasi has raised Rs 6 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Better Capital, with participation from Antler India. The round also saw investments from angel investors, including Rapido founder Rishikesh SR, Shadowfax founder Vaibhav Khandelwal, Sumit Khandelwal, Siddhant Goyal, and Sanjay Ramakrishnan of Multiply Ventures.
The company plans to deploy the fresh capital towards expanding its caregiver recruitment and training network, developing technology platforms and strengthening its workforce in Bengaluru.
Founded last year by Aashu Manchali, Gargi Pandey and Reshov Roy, Maasi operates a home-based childcare service that connects families with trained caregivers. The startup focuses on recruiting, training, and supporting childcare professionals while establishing a structured service model centred on accountability and reliability.
Following its public launch on October 20, Maasi reported receiving more than 4,000 parent registrations on its waitlist within five days. The company has served over 1,200 parents through a network of more than 500 caregivers and is recording week-on-week growth of 20 percent.
Maasi offers on-demand nanny services starting at Rs 199 per hour, while its monthly subscription plans begin at Rs 5,999. The company follows a verification and training process for all caregivers before they are introduced to families.
Its training programme is offered free of cost and is conducted by professionals, including preschool directors, nurses and former airline cabin crew trainers. The programme is designed to prepare caregivers for household childcare responsibilities and interactions with children and parents.
The startup has also introduced Maasi Governess, a specialised English-speaking nanny service that focuses on screen-free activities and structured childcare. The offering aims to provide families with caregivers who can engage children through activities beyond screen-based entertainment.
With the latest funding, Maasi plans to strengthen its operational capabilities and expand its caregiver network as it looks to build its presence in Bengaluru's organised home childcare market.
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{Funding Alert} Travel Startup Onto Raises $1 Mn in Pre-Seed Funding Led by Stargazer Fund
Travel technology startup Onto has launched its services after raising $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Stargazer Fund, with participation from Singapore-based White Venture Capital. The company plans to utilise the fresh capital to expand its operations, strengthen its technology infrastructure and develop additional products.
Founded in June 2026 by Jagdeep Singh and Shubham Goyal, Onto is a customer-focused travel platform that helps users discover and book hotels while offering a price-tracking feature that allows them to benefit from subsequent price reductions on eligible reservations.
The Bengaluru-based startup has introduced Price Drop Refund as its first offering. The feature enables travellers to receive a refund of the price difference if the cost of an eligible hotel room decreases after a booking has been confirmed. It applies to reservations made directly through Onto as well as qualifying bookings made through other travel platforms.
Through the service, Onto continuously tracks hotel prices following a reservation. If the same room at the same hotel becomes available at a lower price for identical travel dates, the platform processes a refund of the difference to the customer's original payment method.
Travellers are notified about price movements and applicable refunds through WhatsApp messages and in-app notifications. The feature is designed to help customers avoid missing out on lower hotel rates after completing their reservations.
Onto has established integrations with multiple hotel suppliers, enabling it to provide accommodation options across domestic and international destinations. The company intends to expand its services beyond hotel reservations and develop solutions that address other aspects of the travel planning and booking process.
Alongside its price-tracking capabilities, Onto is working on artificial intelligence (AI)-based features to understand users' preferences and previous travel patterns. These tools are being developed to provide personalised recommendations, identify relevant travel options and explain how suggested choices align with individual requirements.
With its initial funding and service launch, Onto is looking to build a broader travel technology platform focused on simplifying hotel discovery, booking, and price management for travellers.
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{Funding Alert} dubdub Raises $1.3 Mn to Expand Swipe-Based Trivia and Gaming Platform
dubdub, a swipe-based trivia and puzzle application, has raised $1.3 million in a seed funding round co-led by 3one4 Capital, Antler and Stellaris Venture Partners. The company plans to utilise the fresh capital to strengthen its product and engineering teams, introduce additional interactive formats and improve personalisation across its content feed.
Founded by Kaustubh Priye and Supan Shah in March 2026, dubdub operates a short-form interactive entertainment platform that combines trivia questions, mini games and brain puzzles. The application uses a swipe-based interface to encourage users to participate in quizzes and challenges rather than passively consume digital content.
The platform currently offers interactive content across more than 20 categories, including cricket, Bollywood, general knowledge, pop culture, mythology, and logical reasoning. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and user activity to personalise challenges according to individual interests and engagement patterns.
In addition to individual challenges, the application allows users to compete with friends, take part in interactive activities and compare their scores. Its format is designed around short interactions, with users prompted to answer questions, make guesses, solve puzzles, identify subjects and predict outcomes through each swipe.
By combining elements of gaming, trivia, and short-form content, dubdub aims to create an alternative to conventional content consumption formats. The platform focuses on making digital engagement more participative through quizzes and games that encourage users to interact with the content.
The company claims to have crossed 20,000 downloads since its launch and reported early user retention rates above the top percentile of casual gaming applications.
With the latest funding, dubdub plans to expand its product development and engineering capabilities while introducing new interactive formats. The company is also looking to strengthen its AI-led personalisation features to deliver content based on user preferences and engagement behaviour.
The funding will support its broader ambition of developing an interactive short-form entertainment platform that brings together trivia, puzzles, gaming and personalised digital experiences.
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New Zealand's Only Good Enters India's Beauty and Personal Care Market
Only Good, a New Zealand-based beauty and personal care brand owned by Apex Brands, has entered the Indian market through Kiwiyāna, the authorised distributor of Apex Brands in India. The brand's initial India portfolio comprises seven hand and body washes certified natural by Biorius.
The India entry marks the brand's expansion into the country's personal care market, where it aims to introduce New Zealand-made beauty and personal care products to Indian consumers. In its home market, Only Good also offers refills and baby care products as part of its broader portfolio.
The entry comes against the backdrop of increasing trade relations between India and New Zealand, with personal care emerging as another category for cross-border business opportunities.
“With the India-New Zealand free trade agreement now in force, I am glad to see New Zealand brands reaching Indian homes across more categories, including personal care. Trade between our two countries has already doubled since 2023, and expanding into consumer goods is a natural next step as commercial momentum builds,” said Graham Rouse, Trade Commissioner / Consul General - India & South Asia, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
Only Good's hand and body wash collection is available in four variants: Coconut Milk, Sage & Lime Zest, Peach & Honeysuckle, and Cedarwood & Juniper. The formulations incorporate ingredients such as prickly pear, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, sage, pomegranate, lime pearl, and Vinanza Kiwi, an extract obtained from kiwifruit skins grown in New Zealand.
Akash Sood, Co-founder & Director, Kiwiyāna said, "People put real thought into their bathrooms, but the bottle beside the shower or sink is often an afterthought. Only Good's bottle is designed to be kept out on the counter, and kept for years."
The products are packaged in bottles made from recycled and sugarcane-based HDPE. Instead of conventional plastic labels, the brand uses artwork screen-printed directly onto the bottles. The packaging has received the WorldStar 2025 and PIDA Gold 2024 awards.
Only Good also carries the FernMark, the New Zealand Government's official mark of origin, which is granted to products that meet the country's origin-related eligibility criteria. Apex Brands holds FernMark licence 100709.
In India, Only Good products are available through Kiwiyāna's Amazon India store and the brand's website, onlygood.in, with delivery services covering customers across the country.
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{Funding Alert} Pet Food Startup Smylo Looks to Raise $3.2 Mn for Business Expansion
Smylo, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) cat food startup, is reportedly in advanced discussions to raise around Rs 30 crore (approximately $3.2 million) through a combination of equity and debt.
The proposed funding round is expected to bring a new venture capital investor into the company's ownership structure, while existing investor DSG Consumer Partners is also considering additional participation. Although the exact allocation between equity and debt remains unclear, sources indicated that equity would constitute the larger portion of the fundraise.
Smylo plans to utilise the proposed investment to introduce new products, strengthen its research and development (R&D) capabilities and establish its own manufacturing facility.
Founded in 2024 by former Titan Capital executives Abhishek Agrawal and Kartikeya Gupta, Smylo manufactures cat food products that it claims are preservative-free, protein-rich and prepared using fresh meat. Its product portfolio includes wet food, dry food and broths catering to both kittens and adult cats.
The startup distributes its products through its direct-to-consumer website, e-commerce marketplaces and quick commerce platforms, including Blinkit and Zepto.
The founders disclosed that Smylo was generating average monthly sales of Rs 50-55 lakh. At the time, approximately 80 percent of its revenue came from its website and e-commerce channels, while the remaining contribution came from quick commerce platforms.
Before its appearance on Shark Tank India in early 2026, the startup had secured smaller funding rounds. However, it did not reveal the cumulative amount raised through these investments.
Smylo's proposed fundraise comes amid increasing investor interest in India's pet care industry, where startups operating across pet food, supplies and healthcare are attracting capital to support product development and business expansion.
In September, D2C pet food company Lickicious raised Rs 19 crore through an equity and debt funding round led by Prath Ventures. The company planned to invest the proceeds in expanding its manufacturing operations, strengthening R&D and broadening its product portfolio and distribution channels.
Earlier, in February, pet care marketplace Supertails secured $30 million in a Series C funding round. The company intended to use the capital to expand its veterinary clinic network and strengthen its quick commerce infrastructure.
The growing investment activity reflects the expansion of India's pet care market, supported by increasing pet ownership and higher consumer spending on animal nutrition, food, and healthcare.
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{Funding Alert} Fashion Accessories Startup Qiroko Secures Rs 1.5 Cr from ISV Capital
Bengaluru-based fashion accessories startup Qiroko has raised Rs 1.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by ISV Capital, with additional participation from angel investors. The company plans to deploy the funds towards product development, portfolio expansion, and strengthening its distribution network.
The fresh capital will support Qiroko's entry into new product categories, including watches and bags, while enabling it to expand its presence across its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website, online marketplaces and quick commerce platforms. The startup also intends to invest in team expansion and develop in-house capabilities for brand building and content creation.
Founded in 2025 by Shivam Vasisht and Ashwin Krithik, Qiroko focuses on everyday fashion accessories, offering products that combine wearable designs with affordable pricing.
The startup operated on a bootstrapped model before securing its first external funding. Within its first year of operations, Qiroko claims to have achieved an annualised revenue run rate of Rs 6 crore, supported by what it describes as strong unit economics.
Currently, the brand distributes its products through its own website and major e-commerce marketplaces, including Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra. It has also expanded its reach through the quick commerce platform Blinkit.
With the latest funding, Qiroko plans to broaden its product range across jewellery, watches and bags while strengthening its presence across multiple online sales channels. The investment is expected to support the company's next phase of growth in India's fashion accessories market.
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{Funding Alert} Docterz Raises Rs 5 Cr to Expand Its Digital Healthcare Platform
Healthcare technology startup Docterz, founded by paediatrician Dr Atish Laddad, has raised Rs 5 crore from approximately 35 investors, including doctors who use its platform. The funding will support the company's expansion plans, potential acquisitions, and the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for healthcare professionals.
Around 20 doctors who use Docterz contributed nearly Rs 3 crore, accounting for approximately 60 percent of the total funding. The investor group also includes Vineeta Singh, co-founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, and Avnish Anand, co-founder and former CEO of CaratLane.
Docterz plans to use the capital to grow its business organically, evaluate acquisition opportunities and develop AI-based solutions for doctors. The company also intends to expand its presence among independent practitioners, smaller clinics and healthcare organisations across India.
Founded more than a decade ago, Docterz provides an integrated technology platform that enables doctors to manage electronic medical records, appointments, billing, vaccination schedules and patient engagement. The platform currently supports more than 5,000 doctors across India, with a significant presence in paediatrics.
The startup is also developing AI-enabled tools to assist healthcare professionals with clinical documentation, administrative tasks, practice data analysis and patient follow-ups. These solutions are aimed at helping doctors manage routine operations and improve practice efficiency.
Dr Dhananjay Sangle, a paediatrician and investor in Docterz, said his decision to invest was influenced by his experience using the platform over several years and his confidence in the company's founder.
Vineeta Singh said customer participation in a funding round was a strong indicator for a business, adding that doctors investing in Docterz demonstrated their confidence in the platform and its founder.
Dr Suhas Warad, another paediatrician and investor in the company, said technology developed around doctors' requirements could help them manage their practices more efficiently and dedicate more time to patient care.
The latest funding highlights Docterz's focus on expanding its digital healthcare solutions and developing AI tools for medical professionals.
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Skincare Startup CureSkin Cuts FY26 Loss to Rs 35 Cr
Skincare and dermatology startup CureSkin reduced its net losses in FY26 as revenue growth and lower advertising and promotional expenditure improved its financial performance. The Bengaluru-based company recorded a rise in income from product sales and services, alongside tighter control over several operating costs.
CureSkin's revenue from operations increased 27.9 percent to Rs 133 crore in FY26. The company provides personalised skincare and haircare solutions through digital consultations and products recommended for individual skin and hair concerns. Its business model combines product sales with dermatology-led services.
Product sales continued to account for the majority of CureSkin's operating revenue, contributing approximately 91 percent of the total. Revenue from products grew 17.1 percent to Rs 120.6 crore in FY26, compared with Rs 103 crore in FY25.
Revenue from services increased nearly ninefold to Rs 12.4 crore during the year, indicating a growing contribution from the segment, although product sales remained the company's primary source of income. CureSkin also reported Rs 1 crore in other income, taking its total revenue to Rs 134 crore in FY26, against Rs 108 crore in the previous fiscal year.
On the expenditure front, advertising and promotional costs declined 17.6 percent to Rs 61 crore in FY26 from Rs 74 crore in FY25. The reduction in marketing expenditure helped lower the company's overall costs despite increases in certain operating expenses.
The cost of materials consumed rose 15.4 percent to Rs 42 crore, broadly in line with the growth in product sales. Employee benefit expenses declined 5.3 percent to Rs 23.6 crore from Rs 24.9 crore in the previous year.
Transportation expenses increased 30 percent to Rs 13 crore, while legal and professional charges fell 36.5 percent to Rs 7.2 crore. Miscellaneous expenses rose 14.8 percent to Rs 22.2 crore from Rs 19 crore in FY25.
These changes in revenue and expenditure helped CureSkin narrow its net loss by 48.5 percent to Rs 35 crore in FY26, compared with Rs 68 crore in FY25.
The company's EBITDA margin improved to -21.81 percent from -60.94 percent a year earlier. Its expenditure per rupee of operating revenue also declined to Rs 1.27 from Rs 1.69 in FY25, reflecting improved cost efficiency, although the business continued to operate at a loss.
As of March 2026, CureSkin reported cash and bank balances of Rs 8 crore and current assets of Rs 40 crore, compared with Rs 72 crore in current assets a year earlier.
The company has raised $26 million in funding to date, including a $20 million round led by HealthQuad. Its other investors include JSW, Khosla Ventures and Sharrp Ventures.
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{Funding Alert} D2C Nutrition Brand Ace Blend Raises $9.9 Mn in Series A2 Round
Ace Blend, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) nutrition and dietary supplements brand, has raised $9.9 million (approximately Rs 95 crore) in a Series A2 funding round led by 3one4 Capital, with participation from existing investor Fireside Ventures.
The company plans to deploy the fresh capital towards clinical trials, research and development (R&D), supply chain improvements, and the development of new nutrition formats.
Shivam Hingorani, Founder and CEO, Ace Blend said, “The first is clinical trials, which are going to be run by credible CROs (contract research organisations) and are intended to be published in peer-reviewed international journals. The second is cementing our moat as a business, which is our supply chain proficiency. The third is a robust testing mechanism that allows nutritional accuracy, pesticides, and heavy metals to be tested batch on batch without any human intervention.”
The company also intends to conduct shelf-stability studies when products are introduced and again after six months. According to Hingorani, these studies will help establish long-term safety data for its product portfolio.
Emphasising the importance of scientific validation in the nutritional supplements industry, Hingorani said, “Trust is not enough”.
Founded in 2018 by Hingorani, Ace Blend was joined by Saif Mehkri as co-founder in 2022. The company offers dietary supplements across categories such as heart health, brain health, sleep, recovery, gut health, strength and immunity. Its portfolio comprises approximately 14 stock-keeping units (SKUs), including plant-based protein powders, superfood mixes and functional health supplements.
Ace Blend sells its products through its website and online commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto and Blinkit. Hingorani said the company's website contributes around 50 percent of its revenue, while the remaining share comes from marketplaces and other e-commerce channels.
According to Hingorani, the startup recorded 300 percent growth in FY26 and has a repeat purchase rate of nearly 48 percent. It is targeting annual recurring revenue (ARR) of Rs 250-300 crore over the next 12-18 months, with profitability also within its plans.
The company is looking to strengthen its supply chain by procuring raw materials from multiple countries. Its vertically integrated operating model covers ingredient sourcing, formulation, and manufacturing. Ace Blend is also working towards implementing automated testing to assess nutritional accuracy, pesticide residues, and heavy metals in every batch.
The startup is developing several new products, including a formulation designed with a gut-health specialist to address leaky gut, a blend of natural nutrients intended to reduce inflammation, an eye-health supplement and a fibre-based product for gut health, Hingorani said.
The funding comes amid growing consumer interest in preventive healthcare and dietary supplements in India. Increasing awareness of nutrition and the role of supplements in managing chronic conditions has also attracted investor attention to the sector. Earlier this month, D2C supplement brand The Stack raised Rs 21.5 crore to expand its product portfolio and invest in research and development.
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{Funding Alert} Indian Skincare Brand ISLAND Beauty Raises Rs 2.58 Cr from AJ VC
ISLAND Beauty Raises Rs 2.58 Crore from AJ VC for Product Development and Customer Acquisition
ISLAND Beauty, a skincare brand combining Korean ingredients with formulations developed for Indian skin needs, has raised Rs 2.58 crore in funding from AJ VC to support its next phase of growth.
The funds will be allocated towards product development, brand awareness and customer acquisition.
Founded in 2023 by Shirley Setia, Jinsoon Lee, Mayank Jain and Sakshi Jain, ISLAND Beauty focuses on skincare products designed to support the skin barrier and suit everyday skincare routines. The brand sources ingredients from South Korea while developing its formulations in India, taking into account local climatic conditions and consumer requirements.
The company has developed its proprietary Core Barrier Matrix, which comprises CBM-A Repair and CBM-B Defence. The formulation system is designed to address skin barrier repair and provide daily protection as part of a regular skincare routine.
ISLAND Beauty's product portfolio includes cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers and lip care products. Among its offerings is the Dew Drop Barrier Repair Glow Serum, formulated with 50 percent Korean rice water and 5 percent niacinamide. The brand also provides a seven-day return policy, subject to its terms and conditions.
Over the next three years, ISLAND Beauty plans to broaden its product range and strengthen its presence in the skincare market. The company also aims to increase consumer awareness of barrier-focused skincare as it works to expand its customer base.
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{Funding Alert} Gaming Platform Let’s Game Now Raises Rs 30 Cr in Funding Round
Indian gaming and esports company Let’s Game Now has raised Rs 30 crore in a funding round involving Anand Mahindra and a UAE-based family office. Bestvantage Investments acted as an advisor to the round. The investment will support the development of the Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL), the company's franchise-based gaming league combining competitive gaming, sports, entertainment and technology.
The funding marks a new phase for Let’s Game Now as it looks to build ISGL into a larger gaming and entertainment property. The participation of an overseas family office also adds an international investor to the company's funding network, reflecting interest in India's gaming and esports sector.
Ramman Sharma, Founder and CEO, Bestvantage Investments said, “The successful closing of this round validates the opportunity we see in India’s gaming and esports ecosystem. We are now focused on accelerating the growth of ISGL and building a scalable platform connecting players, fans, teams, brands and entertainment.”
Santanu Basu, CEO of Let’s Game Now shared, “This round marks an important new chapter for Let’s Game Now. The backing of strategic investors and leaders from business and entertainment strengthens our vision to build the Indian Super Gaming League into a major gaming and entertainment property.”
Anand Mahindra brings experience across business and sports-related ventures, including associations with leagues such as the Pro Kabaddi League and Chess League. ISGL has also received backing from entertainment personalities Ranveer Singh and Abhishek Bachchan.
Founded in 2018, Let’s Game Now has developed a presence across India's gaming and esports ecosystem. The company reports a total reach of more than 50 million, over 2,000 events organised, more than 30 clients served, and operations across 18 countries.
Its digital community includes over 1.4 million members, approximately 387,900 YouTube subscribers, 193,300 Discord members and 40,000 Instagram followers. The company also maintains a database of more than 100,000 gamers.
At the grassroots level, Let’s Game Now reaches more than 700,000 students through a network spanning over 400 colleges across 80 cities. Its campus engagement activities include more than 20 events and partnerships with over 30 clubs.
The investment comes as India's gaming market continues to expand. The country has approximately 591 million gamers, while its gaming industry is valued at around $3.8 billion and is projected to reach $9.2 billion by FY29.
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Disha Patani Enters Fashion Business with Clothing Brand DZ
Actor Disha Patani has entered the fashion business with the launch of her clothing brand, DZ, featuring oversized silhouettes, baggy outfits, and space-inspired designs. The brand brings together casual streetwear styles with visual elements drawn from outer space and alien-inspired aesthetics.
DZ focuses on relaxed fits and distinctive design details, with a collection built around oversized ensembles and unconventional patterns. The brand reflects Patani's preference for loose-fitting clothing and experimental fashion, incorporating space-themed graphics and elements into everyday apparel.
To introduce the brand, Patani has also released a music track associated with DZ. The accompanying presentation features the actor in a different look, including bleached eyebrows, as she explores a bolder visual style. The styling combines statement details with the oversized outfits that have become a recurring part of her personal wardrobe.
The brand's visual identity centres on casual streetwear with an experimental approach to design. Its use of alien-inspired graphics and outer-space motifs adds a distinctive element to relaxed clothing styles, offering an alternative to conventional everyday fashion.
Patani's entry into the clothing segment marks an expansion of her professional activities beyond acting. Through DZ, she is bringing her interest in unconventional aesthetics into a fashion business, with oversized silhouettes and graphic-led designs forming the core of the brand's identity.
The launch also reflects the growing intersection of celebrity-led businesses and fashion, with public figures using their personal style and audience reach to introduce apparel brands. DZ enters this segment with a focus on relaxed streetwear, distinctive graphics and designs inspired by space and futuristic themes.
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{Funding Alert} Orthopaedic Startup Lumov in Talks to Raise Rs 32 Cr
Bengaluru-based orthopaedic products startup Lumov is in discussions to raise Rs 32 crore in a funding round led by Peak XV Partners. The proposed round is expected to include participation from the founders of personal care brand Minimalist and luggage brand Mokobara, along with early-stage venture capital firm Panthera Peak Ventures.
Founded in 2024 by Saumaric Dangwal and Ankit Gupta, Lumov designs and manufactures orthopaedic products and orthoses for post-surgical recovery, rehabilitation, and pain management. The company operates in the healthcare products segment, addressing requirements related to physical recovery and musculoskeletal support.
The startup plans to use the proposed funding to support its operations. Further details about the funding round, including the final investment amount, valuation, and the individual contributions of participating investors, have not been disclosed.
Lumov's product portfolio focuses on orthopaedic support solutions used during recovery and rehabilitation. Orthoses are external devices designed to support, align or protect parts of the body and can be used to assist movement or manage specific musculoskeletal conditions. Such products are commonly used in rehabilitation programmes and post-operative care, depending on patients' clinical requirements.
The company's focus on orthopaedic products places it within a healthcare segment that serves patients requiring support during recovery from surgery, injuries and other conditions affecting movement. Its business model combines product design and manufacturing to address these needs.
The proposed investment would provide Lumov with additional capital to support its ongoing business activities as it develops its presence in the orthopaedic healthcare products market. However, the company has not shared specific details regarding plans for product expansion, manufacturing capacity, or geographical reach as part of the proposed funding.
The participation of Peak XV Partners, the founders of Minimalist and Mokobara, and Panthera Peak Ventures would bring together institutional venture capital and entrepreneurs associated with consumer-focused businesses. The outcome of the funding discussions and the company's subsequent operational plans will depend on the completion and terms of the proposed transaction.
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{Funding Alert} Indian Skincare Brand CHOSEN Raises Series A Funding Extension
Skincare brand CHOSEN has raised an extension to its Series A funding round from Avnish Chhabria and Saurabh Kapoor, founders of Wellbeing Nutrition, as it looks to strengthen its research and development (R&D) capabilities and expand its product portfolio.
The Chennai-based startup previously raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures in May 2026. The round also included participation from BOLD, L’Oréal’s corporate venture capital fund, Alkemi Growth Capital, and other angel investors. In 2024, CHOSEN secured $1.2 million in an angel funding round.
The latest funding will support the development of its R&D capabilities and expand its formulation pipeline across topical skincare and nutraceuticals. The company will focus on clinical validation and dermatological research as part of its product development strategy.
Founded in 2020 by Renita Rajan, CHOSEN develops skincare products for melanin-rich Indian skin. Its product development approach is based on the science of the exposome, which studies how environmental factors influence skin health. The brand focuses on four aspects of ageing: pigmentation, skin texture, facial contour and hair ageing.
As part of its expansion plans, CHOSEN intends to establish a Centre of Excellence to bring dermatologists into its product development and research processes. The company also plans to strengthen its R&D, brand and growth teams to support its next phase of business expansion.
CHOSEN offers more than 50 products across skincare, haircare, body care and nutraceuticals. Its products are prescribed by over 2,000 doctors. In 2026, the company introduced CHOSEN Sculpt, which it identifies as India's first topical lower face contouring serum. The product is supported by a 12-week clinical study involving Indian women, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
The brand sells through its official website and online platforms, including Amazon, Myntra, Swiggy, FirstClub and Distacart. Its distribution network covers most serviceable pin codes across India. Key markets include Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa.
Beyond India, CHOSEN serves customers in international markets, including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, the UAE, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong and Thailand.
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{Funding Alert} Preventive Healthcare Startup Cent Raises $15 Mn in Series A Round
Preventive healthcare startup Cent has raised $15 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Blume Ventures and South Park Commons. The company has also acquired Medsee, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered radiology platform, to strengthen its technology capabilities.
The funding round also saw participation from individual investors Arun Sarin, Srinivas Narayanan, Sharath Narayana, Aprameya Radhakrishna and Krishan Sridhar.
Founded by Shashank ND, who previously established healthcare platform Practo, Cent focuses on detecting diseases at an early stage using medical imaging, biomarkers and AI. The company aims to identify potential health risks before they progress into more serious conditions.
Over the past year, approximately 10,000 people have undergone screening through Cent's protocol. The company reported that one in four individuals had findings requiring medical attention, while one in 40 needed an immediate consultation with a doctor.
Cent's screening protocol combines full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms (ECHO) and more than 100 biomarkers. The tests are conducted in a single session lasting approximately two hours.
The startup operates its own screening centres in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, in addition to its existing network of partner diagnostic laboratories.
The newly raised capital will be allocated towards investments in medical hardware, AI capabilities and clinical research. The acquisition of Medsee is also expected to strengthen Cent's AI capabilities, according to Shashank.
The company has set a target of conducting 10 million scans by 2035 and aims to help save one million lives through early disease detection.
Cent is targeting gaps in India's healthcare system, particularly the late diagnosis of noncommunicable diseases. India has approximately 101 million people living with diabetes and 136 million with prediabetes. An estimated 315 million people in the country also have hypertension.
The funding and acquisition come as Cent seeks to expand its preventive healthcare services and develop technology-led screening solutions.
In September 2026, Practo elevated Shashank ND to the positions of managing director and executive chairman, while Jagnoor Singh was appointed chief executive officer (CEO).
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{Funding Alert} Snack Brand Troovy Secures Rs 100 Cr in Series B Funding
Snack brand Troovy has raised Rs 100 crore in a Series B funding round led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from Sharrp Ventures and other investors. The company plans to use the capital to strengthen its product development capabilities, increase manufacturing capacity, and expand its distribution network.
Troovy was reportedly looking to raise up to Rs 200 crore in a Series B round.
Founded in 2023 by Aditya Mukherjee and Mansi Baranwal, Troovy offers a range of food products, including snacks, sauces, spreads and millet pasta. The brand focuses on developing convenient food options for children and families using selected ingredients.
The fresh funding will support research and development (R&D), manufacturing expansion, and distribution growth across quick-commerce platforms and offline retail channels. According to the company, the proceeds will also help accelerate its Build Together model.
Troovy develops products using feedback from parents and insights into children's food preferences. Its approach focuses on product innovation to make alternative food choices more accessible to families. The company said its vacuum-cooked potato chips contain 10 percent to 12 percent oil, compared with 35 percent to 40 percent in mainstream chips. Its portfolio also includes ketchup and seasonings for children that are made without synthetic additives or preservatives.
The latest round follows Troovy's earlier fundraising activities. In January 2026, the company raised $5 million in a Series A round led by Fireside Ventures and Sharrp Ventures, with participation from existing investors Spring Marketing Capital and Veltis Capital. Before that, it secured Rs 20 crore, equivalent to approximately $2.3 million, in a pre-Series A round led by Fireside Ventures in May 2025.
Troovy operates in the children's health food segment, competing with brands such as Slurrp Farm, Timios and The Mumum Co. The broader better-for-you food category has attracted brands including Open Secret and Beyond Snack, which are expanding through direct-to-consumer (D2C), e-commerce, quick-commerce and offline retail channels.
The latest investment positions Troovy to expand its operations and strengthen its presence in India's growing better-for-you snacking market.
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{Funding Alert} Luxury Watch Brand Rotoris Raises Rs 70 Cr in Series A Round
Luxury watch brand Rotoris has secured Rs 70 crore (approximately $8.5 million) in a Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures. The round also included investments from 9Unicorns, Centricity and several family offices, including those of Diwakar Goel, Atul Singh and Adhiraj Burman. Actor and television host Rannvijay Singha also participated in the funding round.
The company plans to deploy the capital towards research and development, expanding production capacity and strengthening its physical retail presence in India and international markets.
Founded by Prerna Gupta and Aakash Anand, Rotoris follows an invitation-only business model through its Registry, which provides access to its watches. The company reported that its first collection of 2,100 numbered watches sold out within days of its launch in February 2026.
Since then, nearly 100,000 people have registered for access to the brand's watches. According to the company, approximately 40 percent of demand originates from international markets, including the United States, Dubai and Australia.
Rotoris previously raised $3 million in a seed funding round in December 2025. The round was led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, actor-investor Vivek Anand Oberoi, Venture Catalysts, 100 Unicorns and Tanmay Bhat. More than 30 founders also participated, including Mamaearth's Varun Alagh, Noise's Gaurav Khatri and Snitch's Siddharth Dungarwal.
The brand's product portfolio includes the Manifesta collection, featuring natural stone dials, and Astonia, a chronograph watch built around a Swiss movement. Rotoris watches are assembled and tested at the company's Rotoris Atelier in Gurugram, with movements sourced from Switzerland and Japan.
As part of its retail expansion strategy, Rotoris plans to develop its physical retail network under the Rotoris House format. The company intends to expand beyond Delhi, with Mumbai and New York among its planned locations.
Co-founder Aakash Anand previously built and scaled beauty and personal care brand Bella Vita before exiting the business. Co-founder Prerna Gupta leads Rotoris, overseeing premium brand development and customer experience as the company expands its presence in the luxury watch segment.
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{Funding Alert} Gaming Startup Matiks Raises $10 Mn From General Catalyst and Investors
Bengaluru-based social gaming startup Matiks has secured $10 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by General Catalyst. The round also saw participation from Ronnie Screwvala and existing investors Info Edge Ventures, Tanglin Venture Partners, and Untitled Ventures.
The company plans to use the fresh funds to strengthen its international presence, develop new games and social features, and introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered game creation platform. The proposed platform will enable users to create and publish games without requiring coding skills.
Founded in 2024 by Sudhanshu Bhatia, Sushant and Mohan, Matiks initially started as a mental mathematics game before expanding into a social gaming platform. It now offers games spanning mathematics, memory, logic and puzzles, allowing users to compete with friends, take part in daily challenges and monitor their performance.
The platform recorded 2.2 million players who played 48 million games in September 2026. Its daily active user base has more than doubled since June, crossing 300,000. Matiks has also reported early adoption in international markets, including Japan, the United States, and South Korea.
The startup recently introduced SNAC, an endless feed of single-player puzzles designed to expand its gaming offerings. According to the company, the feature has helped increase the time users spend on the platform.
Matiks plans to prioritise the US market as it expands internationally, followed by entry into other major markets. The company will direct investments towards engineering, AI, product development, game design and user growth to support its next phase of expansion.
Alongside its existing games, Matiks is building an AI-powered game creation engine. The platform is expected to allow users to develop, publish and share their own brain games in multiple formats, broadening opportunities for user-generated gaming content.
In August 2025, Matiks raised $3.1 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Tanglin Venture Partners, with participation from Info Edge Ventures and several angel investors. The investors included boAt co-founder Aman Gupta and Unacademy co-founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini, among others.
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{Funding Alert} BioStack Secures $9.5 Mn Seed Funding for Healthcare Data Platform
Healthcare technology startup BioStack has raised $9.5 million in a seed funding round led by Peak XV, Afore Capital, DCVC, Emerson Collective, SV Angel, Verdict Capital, Streamlined Ventures, and Y Combinator. The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand internationally, develop its technology and strengthen its engineering and research teams.
BioStack is building a healthcare data infrastructure network across the United States, India, Brazil and Argentina, with access to more than 100 million de-identified patient records. The platform aims to connect fragmented clinical information from hospitals and healthcare systems to create longitudinal patient records that bring together medical histories, laboratory results, imaging reports, medications, treatment records, and patient outcomes.
Founded by Sanat Mishra, BioStack develops proprietary datasets from de-identified clinical information to support medical research, drug development and the training and evaluation of healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) models.
Its technology is designed for applications including disease modelling, biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and treatment response analysis. By consolidating information from multiple healthcare sources, the company aims to make clinical data more accessible for research and the development of healthcare technologies.
BioStack said it has aggregated several hundred thousand X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and computed tomography (CT) scans, alongside millions of telehealth audio transcripts and other clinical records.
The company's operations also extend to patient support initiatives in India, where it is helping connect cancer patients with an investigational cancer vaccine programme.
BioStack's platform incorporates workflows tailored to individual healthcare providers and their data privacy protocols. This approach is intended to accommodate differences in how healthcare organisations manage clinical information while enabling the use of de-identified data for research and technology development.
With the latest funding, BioStack plans to advance its data infrastructure, expand its international presence and increase investment in research and engineering. Its focus remains on connecting fragmented healthcare information and developing datasets that can support clinical research, pharmaceutical development, and AI applications across healthcare systems.
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{Funding Alert} Performance Wear Brand ReplyAll Raises Rs 9.7 Cr in Funding Round
ReplyAll, an everyday performance wear brand founded by Rushabh Sanghavi in 2025, has raised Rs 9.7 crore in a funding round led by Sadev Ventures and Atom XVII. Other participants included ISV, represented by Jivraj Singh Sachar, Long View Ventures, existing investors Sparrow and Antler, and angel investors.
The company will use the funds for fabric research and development, product design, category expansion, and strengthening its retail and community presence.
ReplyAll develops clothing for consumers balancing work, travel, sports, and everyday activities. Its product strategy combines versatile designs, functional details, and material innovation to create garments that transition across different settings.
Harmind Singh has joined the company as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He will oversee brand, marketing, creative, and product design. Singh brings two decades of experience across design, branding, and consumer technology, having held senior leadership roles at PhonePe, BookMyShow, and Uber.
Rushabh Sanghavi, Founder and CEO, ReplyAll shared, "Almost everyone in urban India is living several lives at once. A day can move from a hot commute to an air-conditioned office, an evening game, and dinner with friends. Yet we still tend to dress for each of those moments separately. We believe everyday clothing should work harder for the life people actually lead. That means getting the design right, understanding how materials feel and perform, and building functionality into clothes people want to wear every day. This funding allows us to deepen that work and bring the same thinking into more categories."
The brand's material platforms include Temperform, used in its Coolest Tee to help manage heat, and Flexknit, which provides stretch and wrinkle resistance in trousers. Its first three products, the Coolest Tee, All-In Pants and Stepwise Tee, have each sold out. ReplyAll also reported monthly revenue growth over the past seven months, with repeat customers contributing 40 percent of revenue.
Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl, Founder and Managing Partner of Sadev Ventures shared, "In consumer, the moats that last aren't visible on the rack - they're woven into the fabric. ReplyAll understood that from day one. Their materials-first approach is hard to copy compounds over time, and the early traction shows consumers can feel the difference. That's why we backed them."
Harsh Kapadia, Founder and Managing Partner of Atom XVII stated, "We look for categories before they become obvious. The Indian Consumer now has several more occasions, outings, and experiences to spend on! And we want to dress for any and all occasions but still don’t have the time, so we need our outfits to do more. ReplyAll has the product foundation to become the everyday wardrobe for that shift."
"Every product we make has to answer two questions: does it look good enough to want, and does it work well enough to need? If it only does one, it isn't enough. We want ReplyAll to be known for that point of view, and to build a brand and community people want to be part of," said Harmind Singh, CMO and Founder, ReplyAll.
With the fresh funding, ReplyAll plans to expand its product categories and strengthen its materials-led approach to everyday performance wear.
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Wellbeing Nutrition Revenue Doubles in FY26, Expenses Rise to Rs 338 Cr
Clean-label nutraceutical brand Wellbeing Nutrition more than doubled its operating revenue to Rs 244 crore in FY26, compared with Rs 118 crore in FY25, while its net loss increased 2.4 times to Rs 92 crore. The financial performance follows pharmaceutical major USV’s acquisition of a 79 percent stake in the company.
Wellbeing Nutrition’s revenue growth was driven by sales across its nutraceutical and wellness product portfolio. Founded in 2019, the company offers vitamins, minerals, protein, collagen, omega supplements and other wellness products. It sells through its website, online marketplaces and offline retail channels, with operations extending to markets such as the US, UK and UAE.
Product sales accounted for the company’s entire operating revenue in FY26. Its portfolio includes collagen supplements, oral strips, marine collagen, slow-release capsules and effervescent tablets.
However, rising marketing and operating costs contributed to the increase in expenditure. Advertising and promotional spending rose 78.7 percent to Rs 109 crore in FY26 from Rs 61 crore in the previous fiscal year, accounting for around 32 percent of total expenditure. The cost of materials consumed also more than doubled to Rs 106 crore during the year.
Other expenses, including freight, commissions, legal fees and overheads, further increased the company’s cost base. Consequently, total expenditure climbed 115.3 percent to Rs 338 crore in FY26 from Rs 157 crore in FY25.
Wellbeing Nutrition’s net loss widened to Rs 92 crore from Rs 38 crore a year earlier. The loss included an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) expense of approximately Rs 51 crore. Excluding this expense, the company’s loss would have been around Rs 40 crore.
Despite the higher reported loss, its operating EBITDA loss, excluding ESOP expenses, improved to 13.4 percent of revenue in FY26 from 22.5 percent in FY25. At the unit economics level, Wellbeing Nutrition spent Rs 1.39 for every rupee earned in operating revenue during the fiscal year.
In February 2026, pharmaceutical company USV agreed to acquire a 79 percent stake in Wellbeing Nutrition at a valuation of Rs 1,583 crore. The transaction also offers existing investors an opportunity to exit partially or fully.
The acquisition is among the notable transactions in India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) sector in 2026. In February, Mumbai-based consumer goods company Marico acquired a 60 percent stake in plant-based protein startup Cosmix at an equity valuation of Rs 375 crore.
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Ultraviolette Introduces X-47 Venom With 12 kW DC Fast Charging
Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup Ultraviolette Automotive has introduced the X-47 Venom electric motorcycle in India at an introductory price of Rs 2.65 lakh. Built on the company’s new 100V VX-100 platform, the motorcycle is scheduled for deliveries from November 2026. Bookings open on October 22, with the introductory price available to the first 5,000 customers. The model will be available across India through Ultraviolette’s UV Space Stations.
The X-47 Venom offers an IDC-certified range of 343 km, peak power of 30 kW (40 hp), and a top speed of 155 kmph. It accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 2.7 seconds and from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds. According to the company, the motorcycle delivers 550 Nm of wheel torque and has a kerb weight of 180 kg, up to 20 kg lower than the previous-generation platform.
The electric motorcycle supports 12 kW DC fast charging and comes with a 1.6 kW onboard charger. Ultraviolette claims it is the only electric two-wheeler in India to support 12 kW DC fast charging.
“The X-47 Venom brings these advances to life, combining distinctive design with deeper engineering capabilities and technology that enhances the riding experience,” said Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and co-founder, Ultraviolette.
The VX-100 architecture integrates the company’s SRB-11 battery technology, UV LIGHTFURY motor, and next-generation motor control unit. Ultraviolette said the battery offers up to 20 percent higher energy density and twice the cooling performance, while its thermal management system is designed to dissipate heat up to 50 percent faster.
Safety features include a pyro-fuse that isolates the electrical circuit within microseconds when a critical fault is detected, alongside a battery management system that monitors cell-level voltage, temperature and current. The motorcycle also features a 77 GHz rear radar system under UV Hypersense technology, supporting blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance, overtake alerts and rear-collision warnings.
Other features include a seven-inch TFT touchscreen, cruise control, park assist with a rear-camera feed, Mappls-integrated navigation and VIOLETTE A.I. connectivity. The company has also introduced B-MAX, a reusable rider safety vest that it claims provides 86 percent force attenuation and can be reused up to five times.
Founded in 2016 by Narayan Subramaniam and CTO and co-founder Niraj Rajmohan, Ultraviolette develops electric vehicle platforms and battery technologies. The company said it has expanded its presence to 20 countries across Europe and plans to showcase the X-47 Venom at EICMA 2026 in Milan, Italy, on November 3.
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Innovist Revenue Rises to Rs 685.7 Cr Amid Higher Marketing Costs
Beauty and personal care company Innovist nearly tripled its operating revenue in FY26, supported by higher product sales across its distribution channels. The company also recorded an 87 percent increase in net profit during the financial year, although rising expenditure on advertising, promotions and sales commissions added to its operating costs.
Innovist, operated by Onesto Labs, reported revenue from operations of Rs 685.7 crore in FY26, compared with Rs 246.7 crore in FY25.
The company operates in the cosmetics and beauty products segment, manufacturing products in India and selling primarily through online marketplaces, its own website and third-party offline retail outlets.
Product sales remained the principal contributor to its operating revenue, generating Rs 676.3 crore in FY26 against Rs 239.1 crore in the previous financial year. Other operating revenue, which includes income from shipping and scrap sales, stood at Rs 9.4 crore during FY26.
The company's revenue growth was accompanied by a substantial increase in spending on customer acquisition and distribution. Advertising and promotional expenses rose more than threefold to Rs 262 crore in FY26 from Rs 84.2 crore in FY25. These expenses accounted for approximately 40 percent of the company's total costs.
Commissions paid to sole selling agents also increased significantly, reaching Rs 92 crore during FY26 compared with Rs 15 crore a year earlier. Meanwhile, the cost of materials consumed rose to Rs 162 crore from Rs 79 crore, reflecting the expansion in business activity. Employee benefit expenses more than doubled to Rs 39 crore from Rs 19 crore.
As a result, Innovist's total expenses increased to Rs 662 crore in FY26 from Rs 250 crore in FY25. Despite the higher expenditure, the company reported a profit before tax of Rs 30.5 crore, compared with a loss before tax of Rs 55 lakh in the previous fiscal year.
The company's tax expense reached Rs 8.9 crore in FY26, including a deferred tax expense of Rs 7.8 crore. After accounting for taxes, Innovist reported a net profit of Rs 21.5 crore for the year, representing an 87 percent increase over FY25.
Its balance sheet also reflected a current asset base of Rs 303 crore at the end of FY26, including cash and bank balances of Rs 81 crore.
Innovist's financial performance indicates that the company has expanded its sales while maintaining profitability. However, the increase in advertising and promotional expenditure highlights the importance of improving returns on marketing investments as the business grows.
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Deconstruct Revenue Rises 30 Percent to Rs 165 Cr in FY26
Bengaluru-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare brand Deconstruct reported revenue of Rs 165 crore in FY26, marking a 30 percent year-on-year increase from Rs 127 crore in FY25. The company's operating revenue has grown 25-fold over three years, although higher expenditure on marketing and business operations pushed it into a net loss of Rs 5.4 crore during the financial year ended March 2026.
Deconstruct continued to expand its business while maintaining a relatively limited loss compared with its revenue. However, the company's total expenses increased faster than its revenue, affecting its overall profitability.
Founded by Malini Adapureddy, Deconstruct develops skincare products for different skin types, including sensitive skin. Its portfolio includes face care, body care, lip care, and hair care products for men and women. The brand operates in India's competitive D2C beauty and personal care market.
The company's expansion was accompanied by higher spending on advertising and promotional activities. These expenses increased 72.5 percent to Rs 69 crore in FY26, accounting for approximately 40 percent of its total expenditure. The increase reflects the cost of marketing and customer acquisition as the brand expands its market presence.
Procurement expenses also rose 39.3 percent to Rs 39 crore during FY26, in line with the company's growing business. Additional costs associated with transportation, freight, legal services and other operational overheads further contributed to expenditure.
Deconstruct's total expenses increased 48.7 percent to Rs 174 crore in FY26, compared with Rs 117 crore in the previous financial year. With expenditure rising faster than operating revenue, the company recorded a net loss of Rs 5.4 crore, reversing the net profit of Rs 10 crore reported in FY25.
The company's EBITDA margin stood at -5.61 percent, while its return on capital employed (ROCE) was -13.81 percent. At the operating level, Deconstruct spent approximately Rs 1.05 for every rupee of operating revenue generated during FY26.
Deconstruct has received investments from Kalaari Capital, DSG Consumer Partners, V3 Ventures, and BOLD, the venture capital fund associated with L'Oréal. The funding has supported the company's business growth and expansion.
The brand competes with established players in India's D2C skincare segment, including Minimalist, The Derma Co, Foxtale and Dot & Key. As competition intensifies, managing customer acquisition costs and encouraging repeat purchases will remain important to sustaining growth.
Deconstruct's financial performance highlights its ability to expand revenue while facing pressure on profitability. Advertising and promotional spending represents a substantial share of its costs, making the conversion of marketing investments into repeat purchases and sustained sales a key factor in its future performance.
The next phase of growth will depend on the company's ability to improve cost efficiency while expanding its customer base. The brand's progress towards profitability, alongside its ability to sustain revenue growth beyond the Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore range, will be important indicators of its financial trajectory.
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{Funding Alert} Strokes by Namrata Mehta Secures Rs 3.3 Cr for India Expansion
Strokes by Namrata Mehta, an Indian lifestyle brand specialising in bags and accessories, has raised Rs 3.3 crore from actor and investor Shriyam Bhagnani. The funding will be used to strengthen business operations, expand distribution channels and increase the brand's presence across India.
Founded in 2020 by Namrata Mehta, Strokes operates in the consumer lifestyle segment, offering products such as handbags, totes, work bags and sling bags. The brand follows a direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model, selling through its official website, online marketplaces and offline retail outlets.
Its multi-channel distribution strategy allows the company to reach consumers through digital platforms while building its presence in physical retail. With the latest investment, Strokes plans to strengthen its existing operations and expand its reach in India's competitive bags and accessories market.
The funding comes as the brand looks to scale its business and improve its distribution network. The investment is also associated with the Deepak Bhagnani Family Office, with Deepak Bhagnani highlighting the brand's product portfolio and its potential to expand its market presence.
For emerging D2C lifestyle brands, operational efficiency and distribution expansion are important factors in reaching a wider consumer base. Strokes intends to build on its current business model by strengthening its operational capabilities and expanding access to its products across online and offline channels.
Alongside its product portfolio and distribution strategy, the brand follows a cruelty-free approach. It also contributes a portion of the sales generated through its website towards feeding stray animals and providing them with medical care. The initiative incorporates animal welfare into its direct sales operations.
Strokes has not disclosed its valuation following the funding round or outlined specific financial targets linked to the investment. The company has also not provided a detailed breakdown of how the capital will be allocated across operations, distribution and product development.
The latest fundraise marks a step in the company's growth plans as it looks to expand its consumer base and strengthen its position in India's lifestyle accessories segment. Its next phase will focus on improving operational capacity, widening distribution and building on its existing presence across digital marketplaces and physical retail outlets.
The investment from Shriyam Bhagnani provides Strokes by Namrata Mehta with additional capital to support its expansion plans as it continues to develop its D2C business in India.
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{Funding Alert} Even Healthcare Raises $50 Mn in Series B Funding Led by Khosla Ventures
Bengaluru-based managed care startup Even Healthcare has raised $50 million (approximately Rs 475 crore) in a Series B funding round led by existing investor Khosla Ventures, with participation from Alpha Wave. The all-equity primary funding round takes the company's total capital raised to more than $120 million.
Even Healthcare plans to use the fresh capital primarily to expand its hospital network in Bengaluru. The company aims to open another hospital by the end of 2026, followed by three additional facilities by the end of FY27. It currently operates two multispeciality hospitals, located on Race Course Road and in HBR Layout.
The startup intends to expand into other cities after establishing a stronger presence in Bengaluru. “We want to make sure that Bengaluru patients and members are pretty well served,” stated Mayank Banerjee, co-founder, Even Healthcare.
Even Healthcare said its valuation has tripled since its previous fundraise 18 months ago, although it has not disclosed its current valuation. Earlier this year, the company raised $20 million to expand its hospital network and develop new facilities.
Founded in 2020 by Mayank Banerjee, Matilde Giglio and Alessandro Ialongo, Even Healthcare operates an integrated managed care model that combines preventive healthcare, outpatient consultations, diagnostic services, insurance access, hospitalisation and post-discharge recovery. The company aims to manage patients' health across different stages of care rather than focusing solely on individual hospital visits.
Its services include telemedicine consultations, at-home blood tests, medical guidance and cashless hospitalisation through insurance partners. The startup also employs salaried doctors whose compensation is not tied to the number of procedures performed or the revenue generated. Instead, it evaluates doctors based on patient outcomes, recovery periods and hospital readmissions.
Banerjee said approximately 85 to 90 percent of Even members living near one of its Bengaluru hospitals choose the startup for their healthcare needs.
The company also uses an artificial intelligence-based quality monitoring system to assess medical cases against clinical protocols in real time. It recently introduced Even Spotlight, a dashboard designed to track clinical outcomes and patient-reported metrics.
Unplanned readmissions under programmes operated with insurance partners remain below 1 percent, compared with an industry range of 8 to 15 percent. Even also reported that average hospital stays were 40 percent shorter. Additionally, the company said its proactive healthcare programmes helped more than 200 members avoid hospitalisation, resulting in estimated savings of Rs 15 crore to Rs 16 crore.
Even Healthcare claims to serve more than 2.5 lakh members across 10 cities, with its membership base tripling over the past year.
The latest funding comes as the startup continues to shift towards a hospital-led healthcare model. The new investment is expected to support the company's hospital expansion strategy, strengthen its integrated care delivery model, and help establish its presence in Bengaluru before entering additional markets.
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{Funding Alert} CureBay Raises Rs 100 Cr in Pre-Series C Round Led by IvyCap Ventures
CureBay, a rural healthcare startup, has raised approximately Rs 100 crore in a Pre-Series C funding round led by IvyCap Ventures. The funding combines equity investments from new and existing investors with debt financing, providing the company with additional capital to expand its healthcare network and strengthen its technology infrastructure.
The round includes Rs 69 crore in equity funding from IvyCap Ventures and existing investors, alongside more than Rs 30 crore in debt secured from Trifecta Capital, Alteria Capital and VentureSoul Partners.
CureBay plans to use the fresh capital to expand its operations across India, including entering Andhra Pradesh. The company will also invest in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance health screening, generate patient insights, and support clinical decision-making.
Founded in 2021 by Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Shobhan Mahapatra and Sanjay Swain, CureBay focuses on improving access to healthcare in underserved and rural communities through a network of technology-enabled clinics. Its services cover doctor consultations, medicines, diagnostic testing, surgery facilitation and annual health memberships.
The company currently operates more than 250 clinics across seven states. Its network is supported by over 1,800 Swasthya Mitras, 530 trained clinical staff, 230 doctor partners and more than 210 partner hospitals and laboratories. CureBay has served over 17 lakh patients and organises more than 400 health camps every month.
The startup follows a six-layer rural healthcare model that integrates physical clinics, community health workers, a digital platform, AI-powered screening, a 24/7 command centre and CureBay Kavach. The model combines in-person healthcare delivery with digital tools and community-level support to improve access to medical services in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Alongside its private healthcare operations, CureBay collaborates with government bodies on healthcare delivery initiatives. The company has also been named the healthcare partner for Samriddhi Kendra, a Government of India initiative.
The latest funding follows CureBay's previous capital raise of $21 million in a Series B round in May 2025. The round was led by Bertelsmann India Investments, with participation from existing investor Elevar Equity and British International Investment.
With the new funding, CureBay plans to widen its geographical reach while strengthening its technology-led healthcare delivery model. Its expansion strategy centres on increasing access to medical consultations, diagnostics and other healthcare services in underserved regions, while using AI and digital infrastructure to support patient screening and clinical processes.
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{Funding Alert} Chapter Home Raises Rs 63 Cr to Expand Home and Kitchen Brands
Chapter Home, a consumer brand company focused on home and kitchen products, has raised Rs 63 crore in a funding round backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Stride Ventures, influencer Tanmay Bhat, and a group of family offices. The investment comprises a combination of equity and debt and values the company at nearly Rs 1,000 crore.
The company plans to deploy the fresh capital towards product development, category expansion, technology investments, brand building, and strengthening its distribution network. It is also preparing to establish its first physical retail touchpoints as it looks to expand its presence beyond online sales.
Founded in 2025 by Nitin Chugh, Akarsh Bharadwaj, Shrey Mittal, Dhiraj Jain and Dheeraj Goyal, Chapter Home is building consumer brands across the home and kitchen segment. Its portfolio spans categories such as bed and table linen, cookware, home décor, and small kitchen appliances.
Before establishing Chapter Home, the founders were part of the founding and leadership team at PharmEasy. Their experience in building and managing a consumer-facing business forms part of the team's background as it develops its presence in the home and kitchen market.
Chapter Home follows a shared-platform model across its brands, bringing together sourcing, supply chain management, content, technology and distribution. This structure is intended to support operations across multiple product categories while enabling the company to build and scale individual brands using common resources.
Technology is another component of the company's operating model. Chapter Home uses artificial intelligence (AI) for several functions, including product cataloguing, content creation, demand forecasting, product assortment planning, customer targeting and retention. These applications can support inventory planning, improve product discovery, and help the company understand customer preferences as its portfolio expands.
The company entered the market with home furnishings through HOKIPO, its online home furnishing brand. The brand serves as the starting point for Chapter Home's broader plans to establish a presence across the home and kitchen products market.
Going forward, Chapter Home intends to expand into additional categories while building a multi-channel distribution network. Its sales strategy includes online marketplaces, quick commerce platforms, its direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel, and offline retail stores.
The planned entry into physical retail is expected to add another sales channel to the company's existing online operations. By combining digital platforms with offline distribution, Chapter Home aims to broaden consumer access to its products as it expands into new segments.
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{Funding Alert} Battery Smart Secures Nearly Rs 100 Cr to Expand EV Battery-Swapping Network
Battery-swapping startup Battery Smart has secured nearly Rs 100 crore from existing investor Ecosystem Integrity Fund as it prepares to expand its battery-swapping infrastructure for electric two- and three-wheelers. The latest investment will support the company's expansion strategy and the scaling of its operations.
Battery Smart allotted 18,000 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 54,407 per share, raising approximately Rs 98 crore from the investor.
The funding round appears to be ongoing, with the Gurugram-based startup expected to raise additional capital in multiple tranches.
In August 2026, Battery Smart raised Rs 185.5 crore ($19.5 million) in a Series C funding round led by existing investor Rising Tide Ventures. Ecosystem Integrity Fund and Blume Ventures also participated in the round.
The latest transaction values the company at approximately Rs 4,170 crore ($440 million) on a post-money basis. The fresh capital is expected to be directed towards business expansion, capital expenditure, working capital requirements, and general corporate purposes,
Founded in 2020, Battery Smart operates a battery-swapping network catering to electric two- and three-wheelers. Through its battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, the company enables users to exchange discharged batteries for charged ones instead of purchasing batteries upfront. The model is particularly relevant for gig economy drivers and other commercial users who depend on electric vehicles for their livelihoods.
With this latest investment, Battery Smart has raised nearly $52 million through debt and equity transactions in 2026. Its fundraising activity this year includes $7.2 million in a pre-Series C round, $15 million in debt financing from Mirova, and the $19.5 million Series C round completed in August.
The company has raised more than $221 million to date, with investors including Tiger Global, Blume Ventures, and Ecosystem Integrity Fund.
Battery Smart has also reported improved financial performance. Revenue increased 43.8 percent to Rs 358 crore in FY26 from Rs 249 crore in FY25. Meanwhile, its losses declined 12.8 percent year-on-year to Rs 23.55 crore, indicating an improvement in its financial performance as the business continues to expand.
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{Funding Alert} Healthcare Startup Vitonnix Raises Seed Funding from Inflection Point Ventures
Vitonnix, a preventive healthcare startup developed in the UK, has secured its first institutional funding in a seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures.
The round also attracted investments from practising doctors and celebrities, including Bollywood actors Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani, singer Jaspinder Narula, and film producer Madhu Mantena.
The startup will utilise the proceeds to strengthen its senior management team, establish a consumer growth engine, broaden its distribution network and expand into new international markets.
Vitonnix was founded by Dr Prashant Jindal, a UK-based refractive eye surgeon, dermatologist Dr Deepti Jindal, and oral surgeon Dr Rajesh Handa. The company develops nutritional sprays designed for sublingual delivery.
The startup aims to offer an alternative to conventional supplement delivery methods by focusing on nutrient absorption through the oral mucosa. Its SubliSpray range comprises nutritional formulations designed with an emphasis on ingredient compatibility, dosage accuracy, taste, and stability.
According to the company, the platform is the outcome of more than a decade of research and development, supported by three completed clinical studies involving key formulations.
While Vitonnix was initially developed in the UK, India serves as its research, formulation, and manufacturing base. Its global operations are managed from London and Birmingham.
The company states that its precision spray systems are engineered in Germany. It has also filed patent applications covering its bottle designs and formulations.
Vitonnix has undertaken product registration, regulatory filing, and market-entry initiatives across India, the UK, the US, and the UAE. In the Indian market, the startup received early support from the Tata Group and later introduced a co-branded product range within the Tata ecosystem.
The company is preparing to roll out its first 10 products, with a UK launch planned for 2026. The proposed market entry includes a potential launch through British retailer Boots.
In addition to human nutrition, Vitonnix has ventured into the pet nutrition segment with Vetonnix, a range of oral nutritional sprays developed for companion animals. The initial lineup covers several needs, including skin and coat health, calming support, multivitamins, growth and development, and bone and joint care.
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{Funding Alert} Kitchen Secret Secures Fresh Capital to Expand Ready-to-Cook Sauce Business
Kitchen Secret, a preservative-free brand offering ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook sauces, has secured Rs 1.14 crore in its first external funding round. The investment was led by BeyondSeed, with participation from angel investors. The brand was founded by mother-son duo Renuka Kedia and Manav Kedia.
The company plans to deploy the fresh capital towards marketing, inventory expansion, wider distribution across quick-commerce platforms and the growth of its business-to-business (B2B) operations.
Established in 2016 as a food venture, Kitchen Secret was initially discontinued due to challenges related to marketing and distribution. Manav Kedia revived the business in 2023, driven by rising consumer interest in international flavours and the growing adoption of quick commerce in India. The relaunch involved a brand refresh, an expanded product portfolio and the development of recipes in-house.
Kitchen Secret's range includes sauces inspired by Italian, Mexican and Korean cuisines. The company operates its own manufacturing facility, with a production capacity of approximately 500 kg per day. It has sold more than one lakh jars and has a presence across over 500 Blinkit dark stores.
Manav Kedia, Co-Founder of Kitchen Secret, said, “We didn't come into this with industry experience, just a love for good food and a belief that India was ready for it. Over the past three years, every day has taught us something new, and we've used each lesson to improve. Our goal is simple: to keep getting better until Kitchen Secret is the name people trust most for sauces.”
Radhika Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, BeyondSeed Middle East shared, “India’s evolving consumer landscape presents an opportunity for brands that combine differentiated products with convenience and accessibility. Kitchen Secret has demonstrated the ability to build a distinct product portfolio and establish distribution across quick-commerce, retail and B2B channels while remaining bootstrapped. We are pleased to support the team as it strengthens its market presence and scales its operations. We believe the brand is well-positioned to build on its early traction and tap into the growing demand for convenient, globally inspired food products.”
The brand sells through its official website and online platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Amazon. Beyond direct-to-consumer sales, Kitchen Secret serves the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) segment. It also offers white-label and private-label manufacturing services to other brands, extending its presence across consumer and institutional markets.
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{Funding Alert} Banarasi Food Brand Banaraswala Secures $2 Mn in Seed Funding
Banaraswala, a food brand specialising in traditional Banarasi cuisine, has raised $2 million in seed funding from Prax Impex Private Limited. The company plans to use the capital to establish more outlets, introduce additional menu options, and expand its franchise network across the country.
Founded by Vibhanshu Mishra, Banaraswala focuses on regional Banarasi food, including traditional sweets, chaats, and meals. The brand operates under the tagline “Ghat Se Ghar Tak” and incorporates elements of local food culture into its dining format through the use of kulhads, pattal, and clay-based serving accessories.
Banaraswala currently operates three outlets across Delhi and is preparing to enter new markets. Its expansion plans include Banswara in Rajasthan, Sarangpur in Gujarat, and Farrukhabad and Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh. Customers can also order its offerings through major online food delivery platforms.
The company has set a target of establishing 50 outlets by March 2027 across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and other Tier II markets. The proposed network will comprise both company-operated stores and franchise outlets, enabling the brand to expand through different business formats.
The newly raised funding will support the establishment of additional locations and the development of new menu offerings. Expanding its franchise network is another priority as Banaraswala looks to enter more cities and reach a wider customer base.
Alongside its outlet expansion, the company plans to strengthen its internal operations, build its team and improve business processes. These measures are expected to support the management of a larger retail network as the brand moves into new markets.
Banaraswala's expansion comes amid growing opportunities for regional food brands to establish a presence beyond their original markets. Restaurant operators are increasingly using franchising and organised outlet formats to bring regional cuisines to consumers in different cities.
For Banaraswala, the focus remains on expanding its physical footprint while retaining its emphasis on traditional Banarasi food. The planned expansion to 50 outlets by March 2027 will mark a significant step in the brand's efforts to establish a wider presence across North and West India.
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{Funding Alert} Confido Health Raises $12.5 Mn With Backing From Z47, Together Fund and Blume Ventures
Healthtech startup Confido Health has raised $12.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Z47, with participation from existing investors Together Fund and Blume Ventures. The development follows the announcement of a $10 million Series A round in September. In December 2024, the company secured $3 million in seed funding led by Together Fund.
The company plans to deploy the latest funding to scale its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, which automates administrative processes and supports healthcare operations.
Established in 2022 by Chetan Reddy and Vichar Shroff, Confido Health builds AI agents to manage routine healthcare tasks, including appointment bookings, insurance verification, and care coordination. Its technology connects with existing healthcare systems through a no-code deployment process, which the company claims takes less than five minutes to complete.
Confido Health's platform integrates with over 50 systems, covering electronic health records, practice management software, telephone systems, billing platforms and fax systems. The company said healthcare providers can adopt its solutions without replacing their existing technology infrastructure.
The startup currently serves around 3,200 healthcare providers across more than 1,500 care sites in 27 states, with independent practice groups forming a significant part of its network. According to the company, one in every 50 patients can now reach their healthcare providers through its AI agents.
The platform collects patient information, referral details, and payer requirements during the intake process. It then uses these details to coordinate follow-up activities, including patient outreach and scheduling. Confido Health said a single interaction can initiate several workflows, such as referral management, appointment booking, prescription refills, and payment processing.
The company reported 15-fold growth since its previous funding round. It also stated that its AI agents have achieved handle rates of more than 95 percent across key end-to-end administrative workflows. Additionally, Confido Health claims that its platform can provide operational capacity equivalent to three to five full-time employees on average within three months of implementation.
Confido Health is targeting multiple medical specialties, including ophthalmology and optometry, physical therapy, dental care, primary care, and community care. Its focus is on automating administrative responsibilities and helping healthcare providers manage routine operations through AI-based systems.
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{Funding Alert} Children's Nutrition Startup As You Asked Raises Rs 45 Lakh in Pre-Seed Round
As You Asked (AYA), a nutrition brand focused on the everyday nutritional needs of children, has raised Rs 45 lakh in a pre-seed funding round from ISB D-Labs and angel investors. The funding was raised entirely through equity and will support the brand's market entry, product development, and initial expansion.
The company plans to introduce a range of children's nutrition products, including daily nutrition support powders, hydration powders, and micronutrient gummies without added sugars. Designed for children aged 2 to 12 years, the products will feature age-specific formulations intended for regular consumption alongside daily meals.
Nehal Sharma, Founder, As You Asked said, “This didn’t start as a business idea; it started with two very different health journeys that eventually led to the same question: what does ‘normal’ nutrition actually mean over time? What became clear is that nutrition isn’t failing because people don’t care. We’ve seen extremes of anorexia, bulimia, obesity, and then a moment where, despite doing everything ‘right’ as adults, a serious health event still happened. That changes how you think about prevention. It’s failing because the system around it is built on excess, not adequacy.”
To understand the nutritional needs and preferences of children, AYA has conducted discussions with more than 100 parents, over 200 child taste tests and an initial pilot involving more than 200 customers. These exercises helped the company assess children's eating habits, flavour preferences, and the role of nutrition products in family routines.
Sharma added, “Today, you see high awareness around protein and performance, but very little confidence when it comes to everyday nutrition for children. Parents are still unsure what is safe to use daily, long-term, without unintended effects. That’s the gap we’re addressing. We avoid ingredients that are unnecessary or poorly justified. And we design everything for consistency, not intensity, because in nutrition, what holds up over years matters more than what looks impressive in a moment.”
The newly raised capital will be allocated towards product development, formulation, manufacturing, distribution, and consumer communication. AYA also plans to expand into additional nutrition categories while retaining its focus on products intended for everyday use.
The brand's initial product portfolio includes an age-specific milk mix with measured protein support, a hydration formulation containing sodium, potassium, magnesium, and glucose for active days, and micronutrient gummies developed without added sugar or sugar alcohols.
According to the company, its products are manufactured in facilities that are GMP-certified and FDA-approved. Through its initial range, AYA aims to address everyday nutritional requirements with formulations tailored to different age groups.
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{Funding Alert} Ankit Jain's Foundry Secures Rs 12 Cr Funding for Consumer Appliances Venture
Foundry, a consumer appliances startup founded by former Dyson India managing director Ankit Jain, has raised Rs 12 crore in a funding round led by BEENEXT and Kettleborough VC. The round also saw participation from Rishubh Satiya of Plix, Anindita Sampath of Yogabar, and Anita Pramoda of Owned Outcomes.
The fresh capital will be used to develop technology and strengthen product engineering as the startup prepares to introduce its first range of kitchen appliances in the second half of 2027
The startup is focused on developing premium consumer appliances and has been operating in stealth mode.
Jain is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and has previously worked with companies including Nestle India, Walmart and 21st Century Fox. He joined UK-based technology company Dyson in 2017 and was appointed managing director of Dyson India in 2021, where he oversaw the company's expansion in the country.
In 2025, Jain took charge of Dyson's Middle East and Africa operations. He stepped down from the company in February 2026 to pursue his entrepreneurial plans.
Jain said, “Over these years, I built Hong Kong and Taiwan into a top 10 market, returned to India and turned around the business, and strengthened the Dyson into a brand that every customer aspired to own, and every business desired to build. Time to build something new. More soon.”
With its planned entry into the kitchen appliances segment, Foundry will compete in a market that has attracted several emerging consumer brands. These include Nester, Nuuk, Atomberg, Geek Technology and Wonderchef, which are focusing on product innovation and contemporary designs to compete with established players such as Havells and Usha.
Foundry's planned launch comes as India's household appliances market continues to expand, supported by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, growing demand for smart appliances and the development of e-commerce and retail distribution networks.
The Indian household appliances market was valued at $22.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $33.63 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 percent between 2025 and 2030.
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{Funding Alert} Ankit Jain's Foundry Secures Rs 12 Cr Funding for Consumer Appliances Venture
Foundry, a consumer appliances startup founded by former Dyson India managing director Ankit Jain, has raised Rs 12 crore in a funding round led by BEENEXT and Kettleborough VC. The round also saw participation from Rishubh Satiya of Plix, Anindita Sampath of Yogabar, and Anita Pramoda of Owned Outcomes.
The fresh capital will be used to develop technology and strengthen product engineering as the startup prepares to introduce its first range of kitchen appliances in the second half of 2027. The startup is focused on developing premium consumer appliances and has been operating in stealth mode.
Jain is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and has previously worked with companies including Nestle India, Walmart and 21st Century Fox. He joined UK-based technology company Dyson in 2017 and was appointed managing director of Dyson India in 2021, where he oversaw the company's expansion in the country.
In 2025, Jain took charge of Dyson's Middle East and Africa operations. He stepped down from the company in February 2026 to pursue his entrepreneurial plans.
Jain said, “Over these years, I built Hong Kong and Taiwan into a top 10 market, returned to India and turned around the business, and strengthened the Dyson into a brand that every customer aspired to own, and every business desired to build. Time to build something new. More soon.”
With its planned entry into the kitchen appliances segment, Foundry will compete in a market that has attracted several emerging consumer brands. These include Nester, Nuuk, Atomberg, Geek Technology and Wonderchef, which are focusing on product innovation and contemporary designs to compete with established players such as Havells and Usha.
Foundry's planned launch comes as India's household appliances market continues to expand, supported by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, growing demand for smart appliances and the development of e-commerce and retail distribution networks.
The Indian household appliances market was valued at $22.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $33.63 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 percent between 2025 and 2030.
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{Funding Alert} Traya Eyes Rs 300 Cr Funding from Belgium-Based Investor Verlinvest
Mumbai-based personalised haircare startup Traya is in discussions to raise around Rs 300 crore (approximately $31 million) from Belgium-based investment firm Verlinvest. The proposed funding round could value the company between Rs 2,500 crore (around $262 million) and Rs 3,000 crore (approximately $315 million). The transaction is expected to include both primary capital infusion and secondary share sales.
However, the deal has not been finalised, and the proposed funding amount could increase. The fundraising discussions come amid strong business growth in recent months. According to the sources, Traya is currently operating at an annualised revenue run rate of Rs 900 crore to Rs 1,000 crore.
The proposed investment follows Traya's earlier funding round in April 2024, when it secured Rs 75 crore from Xponentia Capital. At the time, the startup said it had served more than 10 lakh customers through its app, website and e-commerce marketplaces, including Amazon and Flipkart.
Alongside its online operations, Traya has been expanding its offline retail network. The company currently operates more than 20 centres across Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur and Hyderabad, extending its reach beyond digital sales channels.
Founded in 2019 by Saloni Anand and Altaf Saiyed, Traya provides personalised haircare solutions designed to address individual hair loss concerns. The company uses technology to identify potential triggers of hair loss and develop treatment plans tailored to customers' needs.
Its approach combines hair assessments, a recommendation algorithm, and doctor approvals to determine suitable treatment options. The startup aims to offer customised solutions based on individual hair and scalp concerns rather than relying on a standardised product range.
Apart from Xponentia Capital, Traya's investors include Kae Capital, Fireside Ventures and Whiteboard Capital.
The company has yet to file its financial statements for the financial year 2025-26 (FY26) with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Its operating revenue increased 43 percent year-on-year to Rs 338.4 crore in FY25, compared with Rs 236 crore in FY24.
Despite the revenue growth, Traya reported a net loss of Rs 22.5 crore in FY25, against a profit of Rs 8.8 crore in the previous financial year. Its total expenses rose 60 percent year-on-year to Rs 365.5 crore during the period.
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{Funding Alert} Supplements Brand The Stack Raises Rs 21.5 Cr in Seed Funding Round
The Stack, a supplements brand specialising in clinically studied ingredients and transparent formulations, has raised Rs 21.5 crore in a seed funding round co-led by Sauce, OTP Ventures and Huddle Ventures.
The Goa-based startup will use the newly raised capital to expand its team, strengthen research and development (R&D), and broaden its product portfolio. The latest funding follows a pre-seed round of Rs 5.5 crore raised in January 2026. The earlier round was co-led by OTP Ventures and Huddle Ventures, with participation from several angel investors.
Founded in 2024 by Shreya Jain and Kshitij Rihal, The Stack develops supplements using globally sourced ingredients backed by clinical research. The company focuses on formulation transparency and products designed to support long-term consumer health outcomes.
The brand follows a quality-focused approach, maintaining a limited product range across categories such as sleep, gut health, and functional health. Through this strategy, the company aims to build an Indian supplements brand that aligns with global quality standards.
The Stack currently offers five products and reports repeat purchases among its customers. According to the company, one in three customers places a second order within six months of their initial purchase. It also reports that several customers opt for subscriptions covering six to 12 months, paying upfront for their purchases.
Customer loyalty contributes to the company's revenue, with its top 10 percent of customers accounting for 30 percent of total revenue. The startup also attributes a significant share of new customer acquisition to referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.
The company said it has recorded fivefold growth over the past six months and is targeting growth of 6 to 7 times in the financial year 2026-27 (FY27), compared with FY26.
The latest funding is expected to support The Stack's next phase of expansion as it invests in product development, research capabilities, and team building while seeking to grow its presence in India's supplements market.
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Chennai-Based ThinkMetal Raises Rs 27 Cr to Strengthen Manufacturing R&D
Chennai-based manufacturing startup ThinkMetal has raised Rs 27 crore (approximately $2.8 million) in a funding round led by India Angel Network's venture capital fund, IAN Alpha Fund. Deeptech-focused venture capital firm 3i Partners and other investors also participated in the round.
The company plans to deploy the fresh capital towards product development, expanding its range of materials and strengthening its research and development (R&D) capabilities. The funding will also support hiring as ThinkMetal prepares to scale its operations and expand the commercial adoption of its technology.
“This investment is an important step in ThinkMetal’s journey from technology development towards commercialisation. We’ll use this capital to strengthen our product development, expand our team and materials capabilities and accelerate adoption across industrial applications,” said Sabyasachi Ghosh, Co-founder and CEO, ThinkMetal.
Founded in 2021 by Ghosh and chief technology officer (CTO) Arushi Sharma, ThinkMetal develops metal additive manufacturing systems for industrial applications. Its technology is designed to manufacture tools and components such as moulds, dies, jigs and fixtures, which are used across various manufacturing processes.
The startup's SistemT1 machine uses metal fused additive manufacturing technology to produce components by building them layer by layer from wound metal feedstock. The printed components then undergo debinding and sintering processes to achieve the required strength and properties.
ThinkMetal's hardware is integrated with its proprietary FuseX materials and Thinkware software. The startup counts Ants Ceramics, ZeQube Technologies and Hosur CNC among its customers. Its components cater to applications in the automotive, aerospace and defence industries, where manufacturers require specialised tools and precision-engineered parts.
Before the latest funding round, ThinkMetal raised approximately $1.1 million from YourNest Venture Capital to scale the production of its first-generation manufacturing system.
The funding comes amid the projected expansion of India's additive manufacturing industry. The country's market is expected to grow from $677.4 million in 2023 to $3.75 billion by 2030, creating opportunities for companies developing industrial 3D printing technologies and advanced manufacturing solutions.
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{Funding Alert} Circle Raises Rs 25 Cr in Seed Funding Led by Nexus Venture Partners
Circle, a managed marketplace for pre-owned goods, has raised Rs 25 crore (around $2.6 million) in a seed funding round led by Nexus Venture Partners. Existing investors Titan Capital and Myntra co-founder Raveen Sastry also participated in the round, while Delhivery COO Ajith Pai joined as an angel investor.
The Bengaluru-based startup plans to use the funds to expand its operations beyond the city and improve its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered pricing, product discovery, and verification capabilities. The company will also invest in expanding its logistics network and Trust Hubs, which facilitate product verification and order fulfilment.
Founded in 2025 by Chirag Kataruka and Ankit Misra, Circle operates a managed marketplace that facilitates transactions between individual buyers and sellers without holding inventory. The platform manages key aspects of the process, including product verification, payments, and logistics.
Circle uses a combination of AI-based tools and human verification to support transactions across multiple product categories. Its offerings include smartphones, gaming consoles, cameras, furniture, watches, handbags, and sneakers. The company manages product listings, pickups, and seller payouts, while buyers receive product verification and a three-day guarantee.
Circle claims to have facilitated approximately Rs 25 crore in sales of pre-owned goods within a year of its launch. During this period, the platform attracted more than 1 million visitors and generated 1 lakh listings in Bengaluru. According to the startup, sellers typically find buyers within three days, compared with the longer selling periods often associated with classified platforms.
The latest funding follows a pre-seed round of Rs 3.4 crore raised in November 2025. The earlier round was led by Titan Capital, with participation from Raveen Sastry.
Circle operates in India's competitive pre-owned goods market, where it faces competition from platforms such as OLX India and Quikr in classified listings, Cashify in refurbished electronics, and FreeUp in community-based resale. While these platforms serve overlapping product categories, their business models and levels of transaction management differ.
Unlike conventional classifieds platforms, Circle focuses on managing the transaction process to address common challenges in the used-goods market, including product authenticity, payment security, and logistics. Its model combines digital discovery with verification and fulfilment services to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers.
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{Funding Alert} GreenCell Mobility Raises $34.6 Mn to Strengthen Electric Bus Network in India
GreenCell Mobility, an electric mobility startup backed by Everstone Capital, has secured Rs 330 crore ($34.6 million) in an equity funding round led by Impact Fund Denmark. The investment will help the company deploy approximately 4,500 electric buses that are currently in the pipeline.
The Mumbai-based company aims to increase its fleet to more than 5,000 electric buses, expanding its operations across 105 cities in India.
“Our focus is on executing our order book with rigour, strengthening service delivery and ensuring that the organisation keeps pace with the size and complexity of our operations. This equity investment gives us greater headroom to accelerate our plans while maintaining the standards of reliability, efficiency and customer experience that are fundamental to our business,” shared Devndra Chawla, Managing Director and Chief Executive, GreenCell Mobility.
Established in 2019, GreenCell Mobility focuses on providing electric bus services for public transportation. The company sources vehicles through contract manufacturing agreements with vendors and deploys them for intercity and intracity passenger transport.
The company is backed by Eversource Capital, a joint venture between Everstone Capital and Lightsource. Its operations are primarily conducted under the NueGo brand, which caters to intercity electric bus travel.
GreenCell Mobility claims to operate more than 1,200 electric buses across India. Of these, 900 serve intracity routes, while 300 operate under the NueGo brand on intercity routes. The company also operates 50 buses for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). Its network includes more than 270 charging stations to support its fleet.
The startup has previously raised $37 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group. Other investors include Eversource Capital, British International Investment and Tata Capital.
The latest funding comes amid growing investor interest in India's electric bus industry, where development finance institutions and lenders have supported vehicle deployment through long-term public transportation contracts. GreenCell's equity raise also points to an increasing focus on financing the businesses responsible for operating electric bus networks, beyond funding vehicle procurement alone.
Scaling electric bus services requires investments in vehicles, charging infrastructure and the operational systems needed to maintain reliable transportation services. GreenCell Mobility plans to use the latest capital to support its ongoing deployment programme and expand its presence across Indian cities.
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{Funding Alert} Toothsi Parent MakeO Raises Rs 90 Cr in Funding Led by Singularity AMC
MakeO, the parent company of clear aligner brand Toothsi, has raised Rs 90 crore (approximately $9.4 million) in a funding round led by Singularity AMC. DSP family office, Genesis and Unispace Ventures also participated in the round.
The Mumbai-based dental and personal care startup plans to use the fresh capital to expand its offline footprint across India and Southeast Asia, strengthen manufacturing operations and invest in consumer experience, clinical centres and backend technology. The company is also evaluating acquisitions of dental clinic chains and aligner businesses across the two regions to accelerate its offline expansion.
The fundraise follows MakeO's acquisition of Singapore-headquartered Zenyum, for which it announced an agreement in February. The deal expanded the company's presence in Southeast Asia and strengthened its regional operations.
In 2025, MakeO acquired Apple Dental for Rs 10.9 crore through a cash-and-stock transaction. The dental chain operates 20 clinics across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, extending MakeO's physical presence beyond major Indian cities.
Following the Zenyum acquisition, the combined business has a network of around 1,100 partner dentists across 10 countries. According to the company, it also operates more than 60 offline clinical centres and has served over 4 lakh consumers.
Founded in 2018 by Arpi Mehta, Pravin Shetty, Manjul Jain and Anirudh Kal, MakeO initially entered the market with Toothsi, its clear aligner brand. In 2022, the company brought Toothsi and Skinnsi under the MakeO umbrella to offer dental, skin and hair treatments through a single platform.
Before the latest funding round, MakeO had raised more than $100 million from investors including Eight Roads Ventures, 360 ONE Asset and Paramark Ventures. Its previous fundraises included Rs 100 crore in June 2025 and a $16 million round led by 360 ONE Asset and the investment office of Ashish Kacholia in January 2024.
The company said its combined business has crossed Rs 500 crore in revenue and achieved EBITDA profitability earlier in 2026. MakeO aims to double its revenue over the next two to three years as it expands its operations and strengthens its presence in existing and new markets.
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{Funding Alert} Bengaluru Home-Furnishing Startup wudhomes Raises Rs 2.5 Cr
wudhomes, a Bengaluru-based home-furnishing startup founded by Vasu Arneja and Aditya Singh, has raised Rs 2.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by AJVC, founded by Aviral Bhatnagar. Seekho co-founders Rohit Choudhary, Keertay Agarwal and Yash Banwani, along with other angel investors, also participated in the round.
The company will use the funds to develop a vertically integrated supply chain, build in-house technology, strengthen its retail experience, and expand its operational capabilities. The investment will support its efforts to connect different stages of the home-furnishing journey, from product discovery and design selection to delivery and fulfilment.
wudhomes aims to address the challenges consumers face when turning home-design inspiration into functional living spaces. Customers often rely on social media, design platforms and showrooms for ideas, but selecting furniture, coordinating products, managing budgets and arranging deliveries across multiple vendors can make the process complex.
To address this gap, the startup is developing an integrated model combining digital inspiration, personalised product curation, spatial visualisation, physical retail, home visits and supply-chain management.
In recent months, wudhomes has furnished over 200 homes. It has also opened a retail outlet on Sarjapur Road in Bengaluru and introduced a home-visit service, through which consultants assess customers' spaces and recommend suitable furnishing options. These initiatives are designed to connect online product discovery with in-person assistance and fulfilment.
“We believe there is an opportunity to build a much larger business around home furnishing than traditional retail has allowed for. Today, customers have to navigate multiple platforms, stores and vendors to bring their homes together. At wudhomes, we're building a model that brings together inspiration, design, technology, physical retail and an integrated supply chain into one connected journey, with the potential to change how the category works and how it scales,” said Vasu Arneja, Co-founder, wudhomes.
Aviral Bhatnagar of AJVC shared, “wudhomes is approaching home furnishing as an end-to-end customer experience rather than just a product category. By bringing together digital discovery, curation and visualisation with physical retail and home visits, the team is addressing the gap between finding inspiration and actually creating a home. We believe this integrated model has the potential to build a differentiated business in a large, underserved market.”
Aditya Singh, Co-founder, wudhomes added, “There's a significant gap between knowing how you want your home to look and actually making it happen. We want wudhomes to bridge that gap, helping customers move from inspiration and design choices to products that fit their spaces and are delivered to their homes. Building the technology and operational capabilities behind this journey is central to how we see the business evolving.”
The company plans to expand beyond furniture over time. It has not disclosed its valuation, revenue or expansion timeline.
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{Funding Alert} Boldfit Raises $41.8 Mn from Bharat Value Fund for Growth Plans
D2C fitness and sportswear brand Boldfit has raised around Rs 400 crore (approximately $41.8 million) from Bharat Value Fund as part of its Series B funding round. The fund is a Category II Alternative Investment Fund managed by The Wealth Company Alternates, which is part of Pantomath Group.
The Bengaluru-based company plans to use the fresh capital to expand its retail presence across India, invest in product innovation and strengthen its manufacturing capabilities. Boldfit also intends to explore selective acquisitions to expand its presence and capabilities across product categories.
Founded in 2018 by Pallav Bihani, Boldfit offers performance sportswear, athletic footwear, sports equipment, and fitness essentials. The company claims to serve more than 2 crore customers annually across India.
Pallav Bihani, Founder, Boldfit shared, "We’re building a deeply integrated sports business, investing in product innovation, manufacturing excellence and nationwide retail to create the scale and capabilities required to serve India’s sporting ambitions,”
The latest investment builds on Boldfit's earlier plans to expand its offline retail network. In November 2024, the company raised Rs 110 crore from Bessemer Venture Partners and outlined plans to open physical stores over the following 12 to 18 months.
With the latest funding round, Boldfit's total funding has crossed Rs 510 crore. The company's investors also include cricketer KL Rahul and former tennis player Sania Mirza.
The funding comes amid growth in India's fitness and sports goods market, estimated to be worth $16 billion and projected to reach $35 billion by FY31. Rising disposable incomes, increasing health awareness, and improved access through e-commerce, organised retail, and quick commerce are among the factors supporting market expansion.
Investor interest in India's sportswear and athleisure segment has also continued. In June, sportswear startup Agilitas raised Rs 225 crore from Nexus Venture Partners and Rainmatter, with contributions of Rs 200 crore and Rs 25 crore, respectively.
In January, D2C athleisure brand CAVA announced a Rs 40 crore Series A funding round led by Sharrp Ventures, with participation from V3 Ventures and existing investor Spring Marketing Capital.
Boldfit's latest funding is expected to support its next phase of growth, with retail expansion, manufacturing and product development forming key parts of its strategy.
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Hygiene Brand Niine Targets Rs 1,000 Cr Revenue With Five-Year Growth Plan
Niine, an Indian hygiene brand, has set a target of achieving more than Rs 1,000 crore in revenue by FY30 as part of a five-year growth strategy focused on manufacturing expansion, wider distribution, and portfolio diversification. Founded in 2018 with sanitary napkins, the company has expanded into baby care and plans to address hygiene needs across different stages of life.
As part of its roadmap, Niine has invested more than Rs 100 crore in expanding its Gorakhpur manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh, with further investments planned to support future growth. The company aims to extend its general trade coverage to all states, up from its current presence in more than 18 states, while strengthening distribution across modern trade, general trade, and e-commerce. It also plans to increase its reach in metropolitan areas and Tier 2 markets through strategic partnerships and a broader hygiene portfolio.
Niine recorded revenue of Rs 32.46 crore in FY19, its first full year of sales after launching in May 2018. Revenue increased to Rs 325 crore by FY26, representing 10-fold growth. The company also became EBITDA-positive in FY26 and is targeting an EBITDA margin of 15 percent by FY30. Its Gorakhpur facility, classified under Uttar Pradesh's super mega industrial category, has created more than 1,000 direct jobs.
Product innovation and menstrual hygiene awareness remain part of the company's strategy. Niine introduced resealable sanitary napkin packs and biodegradable disposal bags, while its vending machine initiatives across educational institutions and public facilities aim to improve access to menstrual hygiene products.
The brand has also undertaken awareness campaigns, including #LetsTalkPeriods and a partnership with Rajasthan Royals, to encourage conversations about menstruation and involve men in menstrual hygiene awareness. Its Niine Movement and Run4Niine initiatives have further supported these efforts. In May 2026, the company marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with a digital film series highlighting the different experiences and needs of consumers during menstruation.
Amar Tulsiyan, Founder, Niine, said, "We learnt that the categories people find hardest to discuss are often the ones most in need of a better product. That’s why we started a conversation nobody wanted to have with our ‘Let’s Talk Periods’ campaign. Niine will continue to step into hygiene spaces that are not explored enough. Our Rs 1,000 crore ambition reflects the scale of the opportunity ahead, and we intend to achieve it by reaching many more Indian homes with a portfolio that caters to every stage of life."
The company plans to build on its manufacturing investments and distribution network to expand its presence in India's hygiene market and reach more households through its growing product portfolio.
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Medical Cannabis Wellness Startup Awshad Sees Growing Wellness Demand Among Indians Aged 30–40
Medical cannabis wellness startup Awshad has reported that consumers aged 30–40 account for approximately 44 percent of its customers with known age data, making them its largest consumer segment. As the company completes five years of operations, its data indicates growing interest in wellness products among working-age Indians, with consumers aged 20–30 emerging as its second-largest customer group.
Anxiety and sleep-related products are among the largest categories in Awshad's portfolio, reflecting consumer interest in stress management, mental wellbeing and sleep support.
The trend comes amid growth in India's health and wellness market. The market was valued at approximately $164.35 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $257.94 billion by 2034. Rising health awareness, preventive healthcare, and changing consumer preferences are contributing to the sector's expansion.
Awshad's five-year data show that anxiety-related products account for approximately 40 percent of its orders, while insomnia and sleep-related products contribute around 20 percent. Together, these categories represent approximately 60 percent of the company's total order volume.
The startup has recorded more than 12,000 orders across over 1,400 cities, covering all 36 states and Union Territories. Its data also indicates differences in purchasing patterns across age groups, with older consumers contributing a more significant share of demand in categories such as chronic pain management.
Richa Jaggi, Co-founder, Awshad shared, "What stands out from our five-year data is how strongly wellness is becoming part of the everyday consumer conversation nowadays, particularly among working-age consumers. The consumer today is more aware, more willing to explore different wellness options, and increasingly looking at wellbeing as part of a regular lifestyle rather than an occasional consideration.”
Shivam Singhee, CEO, Awshad, said, “For the industry, this shift represents a larger opportunity but also a responsibility to build consumer trust as the category grows. Consumers are looking beyond simply discovering new products. They want transparency, consistency, and credible information before making wellness part of their regular choices.”
With its customer base spread across more than 1,400 cities, Awshad sees an opportunity to expand its reach as wellness products gain traction through digital commerce and mainstream retail. The company believes that understanding consumer demographics, product preferences, and repeat purchasing behaviour will become increasingly important for brands operating in India's growing wellness market.
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{Funding Alert} KISAH Expands Men's Occasionwear Business With Fireside Ventures Funding
Omnichannel menswear brand KISAH has raised Rs 35.9 crore (approximately $3.7 million) in a Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures, valuing the company at around Rs 211 crore (approximately $22 million) post-money. The Kolkata-based startup will primarily use the funds to expand its retail footprint while strengthening its supply chain, warehousing, technology and backend infrastructure.
The company plans to use its current retail operations to develop a scalable expansion model, with franchisees expected to fund much of its future store growth.
“We are learning retail right now. We’ve had very good positive early signs for us. The idea is that we are using this money to create our playbooks, and then the retail expansion is something which should be funded by franchisees,” shared Yash Sarawagi, cofounder, KISAH.
Before this round, KISAH had raised approximately Rs 10 crore from angel investors, including Sagar Daryani, founder of Wow! Momo, and Apoor Salarpuria of the Salarpuria Group.
Founded in 2018 by Sarawagi, KISAH initially operated as a marketplace-led business before expanding through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform and physical stores. His sister, Yashwi Ladsaria, later joined as co-founder, followed by Saurav Kothari. The brand sells through online platforms such as Myntra, Amazon, AJIO, and Nykaa.
KISAH offers contemporary ethnicwear and occasionwear for men and children, targeting wedding guests and consumers beyond the traditional groom segment. Its portfolio includes kurtas and sherwanis alongside modern styles such as bomber jackets, flared trousers and sneakers. According to Sarawagi, its products sell at an average price of around Rs 4,000 on Myntra, compared with approximately Rs 1,000 for the platform's overall ethnicwear category.
The brand began its offline expansion with a store in Kolkata's Gariahat in 2025, generating Rs 45-50 lakh during its first partial year before reaching annual sales of around Rs 70 lakh. It subsequently opened a flagship store in Bengaluru's Indiranagar in September 2025 and another at Hyderabad's Sarath City in November 2025.
KISAH currently operates 12 stores across markets including Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. It plans to expand further in Bengaluru and explore markets such as Jaipur and Visakhapatnam.
The company aims to reach approximately 100 stores and Rs 500 crore in revenue before entering broader categories. Over the next 12-18 months, it also plans to integrate its online and offline operations to strengthen its omnichannel shopping experience.
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{Funding Alert} EV Charging Startup Ionage Raises $1.3 Mn in Funding
Electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management platform Ionage has raised $1.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round from strategic investors and a consortium of senior executives from global energy and infrastructure companies. The startup will use the funds to expand its coverage across India's active EV charging networks, improve charger discovery and payment services, and help small and medium-sized charge point operators (CPOs) establish and manage charging stations.
Ionage currently supports more than 25,000 four-wheeler charging points, 63 fleets and 75 charging partners across 33 states and Union Territories, covering nearly 3,000 cities. The company also claims its platform operates on more than 70 percent of India's charging hardware, connecting with major EV charger manufacturers during installation.
The funding comes amid challenges in India's expanding EV charging ecosystem, including unreliable public chargers and limited integration between different networks. Ionage estimates that nearly two in five public chargers are non-functional at any given time. It also cited a ratio of one charger for every 235 EVs in 2025.
To address these gaps, the company provides a software and interoperability platform connecting charging operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), property owners, and EV drivers. Its solutions enable users to discover charging stations, access services, and make payments across networks without relying on separate applications for individual operators.
“We’re building the layer that fixes that: the operating system every charger can run on, whoever owns it, so that discoverability and reliability stop being the exception and start being the default,” said Vimal Kumar V, co-founder and CEO, Ionage.
The company's product portfolio includes Nexus, a charging network management platform for operators, and the IONAGE App, which helps drivers locate chargers, plan routes and make payments. It also operates Flo, a marketplace connecting charging operators with fleet operators, and CASA, a home charging and energy management solution currently in beta. Its Discovery API provides real-time charging information to vehicle systems and maps, while its business software development kit is in closed beta.
Ionage has also begun using artificial intelligence and machine learning for intelligent load balancing and energy trading. Over the next 18 months, it plans to support charging operator clusters in Tier II cities and help smaller businesses develop charging infrastructure. The startup is targeting monthly energy throughput of at least 20 million units within 12 months, following reported month-on-month growth of 25 percent or more.
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{Funding Alert} Nat Habit Raises Rs 142.6 Cr in Series C Funding Led by Trident Growth Partners
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) personal care brand Nat Habit is raising Rs 142.6 crore ($15 million) in a Series C funding round led by Trident Growth Partners, with participation from existing investors Bertelsmann, Firstport, Linklight Ventures and others.
Nat Habit's board is issuing 22.5 lakh Series C preference shares at Rs 633.5 apiece to raise the capital.
Trident Growth Partners is leading the investment with Rs 91 crore, followed by Bertelsmann with Rs 37 crore and Linklight Ventures with Rs 6.8 crore. Mirabilis, Firstport and Dharmayug Investments will contribute the remaining amount.
The company will use the fresh capital for business expansion, brand building, general corporate purposes, and other requirements. Of the total proceeds, Rs 2.6 crore will be allocated towards reducing the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) pool.
Nat Habit's post-money valuation stands at approximately Rs 800 crore.
Following the fresh share allotment, Trident Growth Partners will hold an 11.44 percent stake in the company, while Bertelsmann's shareholding will stand at 17.54 percent. Before the latest issue, co-founders Swagatika Das and Gaurav Agarwal each held a 16 percent stake in the business, as per the regulatory filing.
Nat Habit has also rebranded itself as Breathe Life, signalling a broader positioning beyond its origins as an Ayurvedic personal care brand. The company offers Ayurvedic personal care products, including shampoos, face washes and moisturisers, and is expanding its positioning towards a wider lifestyle proposition.
The company has yet to file its annual financial statements for FY26. In FY25, revenue from operations increased 47.2 percent year-on-year to Rs 106 crore. However, its losses rose to Rs 29 crore during the same financial year.
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{Funding Alert} D2C Silver Jewellery Brand Unniyarcha Secures Rs 10 Cr From Sauce VC
D2C silver jewellery brand Unniyarcha has raised Rs 10 crore in an early-stage funding round led by Sauce VC, with participation from Consumer Collective Atrium. The company will use the funds to strengthen its branding and marketing efforts, expand manufacturing and supply chain operations, and introduce new product categories.
Founded in 2021 by Divya Nambiar and Pulkit Bhat, Gurugram-based Unniyarcha designs and manufactures traditional and contemporary silver jewellery in-house. The brand currently works with 70 artisans and follows an in-house manufacturing model to manage its product development and production.
Unniyarcha's product range includes necklaces, earrings, bangles, pendants, and men's jewellery. The company primarily sells through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website and online marketplaces, while also using quick-commerce platforms to reach customers.
Its own website contributes around 50 percent of total sales, while quick-commerce platforms account for 45 percent. The remaining sales come from e-commerce marketplaces, highlighting the role of its owned digital channel and quick-commerce distribution in its business.
The latest funding round is expected to support the brand's growth across product categories and operational capabilities. Unniyarcha has identified manufacturing capacity and supply chain expansion as key priorities as it prepares to scale its business.
The investment comes amid growing interest in silver jewellery for everyday wear. According to Sauce VC partner Yash Dholakia, India's silver jewellery market is estimated to be worth $3-4 billion and remains largely unbranded.
Unniyarcha operates in a competitive market that includes established brands such as Shaya by CaratLane, Giva and Palmonas. The company, which began as an online-first silver jewellery business, continues to sell through its official website and major e-commerce marketplaces as it looks to expand its presence in the category.
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{Funding Alert} D2C Oil Brand Gramiyaa Raises Rs 18.65 Cr, Valuation Reaches Rs 110 Cr
Bengaluru-based cold-pressed oil brand Gramiyaa has secured Rs 18.65 crore in a Series A funding round led by new investor Optiscape Network Holdings. Existing investors Homegrown Ventures, Campus Fund, and others also participated in the round.
The funding follows Gramiyaa's pre-Series A round in March 2025, when the company raised Rs 7.2 crore from Homegrown Ventures, with participation from Campus Fund and Mumbai Angels.
Gramiyaa's board has allotted 32,968 Series A compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at Rs 5,657 per share to raise the capital. Optiscape Network Holdings invested Rs 9 crore, making it the largest contributor to the round. Homegrown Ventures invested Rs 4.5 crore, while Campus Fund contributed Rs 4 crore. Sarya Global Holdings invested Rs 90 lakh, and Rasagna Pulapaka participated with an investment of Rs 25 lakh.
Gramiyaa's valuation increased by 49 percent to Rs 110 crore in the Series A round, compared with Rs 74 crore during its pre-Series A funding. The company plans to use the proceeds for growth capital and other general corporate requirements.
Founded in 2016 by Sibi Manivannan, Gramiyaa manufactures cold-pressed oils in-house using traditional oil-making methods. Its product portfolio includes groundnut, coconut, sesame, and mustard oils, along with virgin coconut and olive oils.
The direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand sells through its official website and multiple online retail and quick-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, BigBasket, DMart Ready and FirstClub.
Following the latest share allotment, Homegrown Ventures remains Gramiyaa's largest external shareholder, holding a 17.34 percent stake. Campus Fund holds 9.86 percent, while Optiscape Network Holdings owns an 8.28 percent stake.
The company's co-founders, Sibi Manivannan, Mohamed Yaseen and Naveenrajaman RL, retain stakes of 26.04 percent, 13.02 percent and 13.02 percent, respectively.
Gramiyaa has yet to file its financial results for FY26. In FY25, the company's revenue grew 72.7 percent year-on-year to Rs 19 crore. However, its losses increased nearly 12.7 times to Rs 4 crore during the same period.
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{Funding Alert} DailyObjects Raises Rs 332 Cr in Series C Funding Round Led by Xponentia Capital
Design-focused lifestyle and technology accessories brand DailyObjects has secured Rs 332 crore (approximately $35 million) in a Series C funding round led by Xponentia Capital Partners, Anicut Capital, and Axiom Asia Private Capital.
The funding round, which included both primary and secondary transactions, values the company at around Rs 1,050 crore. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen the brand’s retail presence, expand product development and research capabilities, enhance brand-building initiatives, and explore opportunities in international markets.
As part of the transaction, early investor Roots Ventures partially exited its stake in the company, generating an 18X return on its investment. The firm will continue to remain a shareholder alongside existing investors, including 360 One Asset and Trifecta Capital.
DailyObjects plans to significantly expand its offline footprint by opening 150 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) across India over the next five years. At present, the company operates through nearly 350 retail touchpoints, including its own stores and Apple Premium Reseller locations.
The company also intends to invest heavily in product innovation, focusing on design, materials, quality enhancement, and research and development across its existing categories. While DailyObjects initially started as a phone case brand, it has since diversified into technology accessories, workspace essentials, carry products, and lifestyle merchandise.
Founded in 2012 by Pankaj Garg and Saurav Adlakha, DailyObjects has built a portfolio spanning multiple consumer lifestyle categories. The company said it remains committed to maintaining capital efficiency while pursuing profitable growth through retail and product expansion.
With the latest investment, DailyObjects’ total funding raised to date has reached nearly $50 million. Its investor base includes firms such as Seedfund and 360 One Ventures, with the company’s previous funding round raising $10 million in May 2024.
Prior to the current round, the company had raised approximately Rs 100 crore in equity capital over the past decade to support business growth and scale operations.
Operating revenue increased 31 percent to Rs 110 crore in FY25, compared to Rs 84 crore in FY24. However, total expenditure also rose by 29.7 percent, reaching Rs 124.5 crore from Rs 96 crore in the previous fiscal year. As a result, losses widened to Rs 16 crore in FY25, up from Rs 10 crore in FY24.
Looking ahead, DailyObjects has projected revenue between Rs 230 crore and Rs 244 crore in FY26 and is targeting EBITDA profitability. The company plans to achieve this through growth across its direct-to-consumer channels, exclusive retail stores, airport retail locations, and distribution through more than 250 Apple Premium Reseller outlets.
In addition to strengthening its domestic presence, DailyObjects is assessing opportunities in overseas markets. The company is currently in the research and evaluation stage and expects to make more concrete decisions regarding international expansion from the next financial year onward.
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{Funding Alert} Pet Care Startup TailBlaze Secures Funding to Advance Canine Longevity Solutions
Pet nutrition startup TailBlaze Longevity has secured $300,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by US-based venture capital firm Comma Capital. The company was also recently featured on Bharat Ke Superfounders, further highlighting its presence in India’s growing pet care ecosystem.
The newly raised capital will be deployed to launch HeartPour, strengthen its team in Ahmedabad, and broaden its reach among pet parents across the country. Ahead of the product’s commercial rollout, TailBlaze plans to offer complimentary servings of HeartPour to the first 500 dogs.
Founded in August 2025 by Manaal Maniyar and Palak Devpura, TailBlaze Longevity focuses on canine nutrition and longevity. The company’s mission is to help dogs live three to five years longer through nutrition plans centered on higher protein and lower carbohydrate formulations.
The Ahmedabad-based startup said that HeartPour, its new wet dog food range, is the result of four years of research and development. The product combines high-protein ingredients and superfoods with an Ayurvedic PanchTatva blend consisting of curcumin, black pepper, parsley, amla, and tulsi.
In addition to HeartPour, TailBlaze has developed FreshTail, a proprietary technology designed to produce shelf-stable fresh meals. Its portfolio currently includes more than 200 products, spanning organic dog food, natural treats, grooming products, and pet accessories. The treats category features ingredients such as coconut, hemp, fish, and strawberry.
The startup operates through a WhatsApp-first commerce model while also selling via quick commerce platforms and online marketplaces, including Blinkit and BBNow.
The funding comes amid rising investor interest in India’s pet nutrition sector. Several startups are focusing on science-backed and functional nutrition products to address pet health and longevity.
Among them, Right4Paws is developing species-specific whole-food nutrition products and raised Rs 14 crore in Series A funding in December last year to expand manufacturing, research and development, talent acquisition, and functional product offerings.
Similarly, Benny’s Bowl secured $1.4 million in February this year to develop functional pet foods targeting areas such as gut health, allergies, renal health, skin and coat care, and weight management.
Meanwhile, Zoomies Pet Care raised Rs 5 crore in pre-seed funding in March to scale its clean-label, human-grade pet food business. Larger pet care platforms such as Supertails, which has raised $30 million in Series C funding, are also broadening their offerings across technology-enabled services, personalized pet care, and healthcare solutions.
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{Funding Alert} Gourmet Pizza Brand The Dough Therapy Secures Rs 5.25 Cr for Expansion
Gourmet pizza chain The Dough Therapy has secured Rs 5.25 crore in a seed funding round at a valuation of Rs 35 crore. The investment was led by Michigan Capital Advisors, formerly known as Melwani Finance, with participation from Equiglobe Investment.
The newly raised capital will be deployed to strengthen its footprint in Mumbai and support its broader multi-market growth plans. Around 60 percent of the funds will be directed towards business expansion, while 15 percent will be invested in marketing initiatives. The remaining 25 percent will be used to enhance supply chain capabilities, centralized operations, and kitchen technology infrastructure.
Established in 2020 by Abhishek Dedhia, Mohit Chheda, and Gaurav Majrekar, The Dough Therapy has expanded from a single outlet to a network of 10 stores across Mumbai. The brand specializes in gourmet pizzas and currently offers a menu featuring more than 30 vegetarian and vegan pizza varieties.
The company stated that it has developed a strong customer base comprising both first-time and repeat consumers, creating a foundation for its next stage of growth.
As part of its expansion roadmap, The Dough Therapy aims to increase its network to 20 outlets within the next 12 months. The brand is also preparing to enter additional cities across India as it seeks to bring its gourmet pizza offerings to a wider consumer base.
To support this growth, the company plans to adopt a multi-format strategy that will include company-owned stores, select dine-in formats, and franchise partnerships, enabling it to scale operations across new markets while maintaining brand consistency.
The funding marks a significant milestone for the Mumbai-based food service brand as it looks to strengthen its position in India’s growing gourmet pizza and quick-service restaurant segment.
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{Funding Alert} Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Brand Zinara Secures Rs 3.61 Cr from IPV
Delhi NCR-based lab-grown diamond jewellery brand Zinara has raised Rs 3.61 crore ($380K) in a pre-seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The round also saw participation from Nine Jewellery, Bollywood actress Nikita Dutta, and several angel investors.
The newly raised capital will be utilized to strengthen the company’s team, accelerate marketing efforts, and enhance its supply chain infrastructure. Zinara also plans to expand its product portfolio and increase its brand presence across India.
Founded by Harshit Abrol and Sumanyu Vyas, Zinara specializes in everyday diamond jewellery crafted using lab-grown diamonds and 18K gold vermeil. The brand currently offers a catalogue of over 400 designs and has surpassed Rs 1 crore in annual recurring revenue (ARR).
The founders bring experience from leading consumer and technology companies. Abrol previously worked with P&G and Apnaklub, while Vyas has held roles at Blinkit and Classplus. Leveraging a digital-first business model, Zinara serves customers across the country and provides additional customer benefits, including a lifetime warranty, buyback, and exchange options on its jewellery products.
The funding comes at a time when demand for sustainable and affordable luxury jewellery is witnessing growth in India, creating new opportunities for brands operating in the lab-grown diamond segment.
According to the company, IPV has invested more than Rs 900 crore across over 280 startups, strengthening its position as one of the active investors in India’s startup ecosystem.
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Jewellery Brand QWEEN Bets on Large-Format Stores and Digital Discovery to Drive Growth
Jewellery brand QWEEN is aiming to achieve Rs 100 crore in revenue during the current fiscal year as it accelerates its expansion across India through a combination of large-format retail stores, digital discovery, and technology-enabled shopping experiences.
The brand recently secured backing through a Rs 1,000 crore investment round led by global diamond company Rosy Blue and Japanese luxury jewellery firm Kashikey Co. Ltd. The funding is expected to support the company’s growth plans over the next two years.
Founded by Amit Kumar and Suyash Motarwar, QWEEN has opened its first retail outlet in Noida and is preparing to launch additional stores in Delhi and Bengaluru. The company plans to focus its expansion efforts on Tier I and Tier II cities as it builds a broader national presence.
QWEEN’s retail strategy centers on large-format jewellery stores exceeding 6,000 square feet, designed to offer consumers a more immersive shopping environment. The company expects each outlet to achieve operational breakeven within six to eight months of opening.
The brand currently offers a portfolio of more than 3,000 SKUs spanning plain gold jewellery, diamond jewellery and gemstone collections. Its assortment includes over 50 gemstone varieties, with products available through both physical stores and digital platforms.
As part of its omnichannel approach, QWEEN is integrating technology into the jewellery-buying journey by connecting online product discovery with in-store experiences. The company believes digital channels can play a larger role in helping consumers explore products before making purchases at physical locations.
After nearly two months of operations, the brand reports an average order value of approximately Rs 1.35 lakh at its offline stores, while online transactions average between Rs 45,000 and Rs 50,000. According to the company, this gap highlights the importance of experiential retail formats in influencing high-value jewellery purchases, while digital platforms continue to serve as an effective discovery channel.
QWEEN is positioning itself within the bridge-to-luxury jewellery segment by offering a wide product range alongside a modern retail experience. The company aims to provide consumers with greater flexibility and control in how they discover, evaluate, and purchase jewellery.
With strong financial backing, a growing store network and a technology-driven omnichannel strategy, QWEEN is looking to build a differentiated presence in India’s jewellery retail market. The brand’s focus on experiential shopping and digital engagement is expected to play a key role in its expansion across major urban and emerging cities.
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{Funding Alert} Kinetic Age Raises $250,000 to Expand Healthcare Services for Adults Over 40
Bengaluru-based healthtech startup Kinetic Age has secured approximately $250,000 in a funding round led by AJVC and Agrasar Ventures. The company plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen its healthcare offerings and expand its customer base across India.
Founded by Akshat Saxena and Amogh Saxena, Kinetic Age focuses on providing coordinated healthcare solutions for individuals aged 40 years and above. The startup is building a care model centered on personalized and preventive healthcare, helping users manage their long-term wellbeing through continuous engagement and structured support.
The platform brings together multiple healthcare services under a single subscription-based model, including doctor consultations, physiotherapy, fitness training, nutrition guidance, diagnostics, and emotional wellness support. Through integrated care plans, the company aims to improve adherence to health recommendations by offering ongoing monitoring and assistance.
According to Kinetic Age, the newly raised funds will be utilized to enhance its service portfolio and scale operations, enabling the company to reach a larger segment of middle-aged and older adults seeking proactive healthcare management.
Over the past year, the startup claims to have served more than 600 patients in Bengaluru, delivering over 12,000 healthcare sessions. The company currently conducts more than 150 sessions daily and reports a monthly retention rate exceeding 70 percent, along with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of more than 75.
Kinetic Age has also surpassed Rs 2.5 crore in annual revenue run rate (ARR) as demand for preventive and personalized healthcare services continues to grow. The company leverages AI-driven care protocols to support treatment planning and patient engagement while working with a network of 25 healthcare providers.
The startup further stated that referrals contribute significantly to its growth, with nearly one-third of its customers coming through existing user recommendations. As it expands its healthcare ecosystem, Kinetic Age aims to strengthen its position in India’s growing preventive healthcare and healthy ageing segment.
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{Funding Alert} Sober & Co Raises Rs 75 Lk to Expand Zero-Sugar Mixer Brand Across India
Sober & Co, a zero-sugar mixer brand known for beverages sweetened with monk fruit, has secured Rs 75 lakh in a funding round led by Sunaina Bhattacharya and Anuj Dhariwal on behalf of New Ground Collective, a syndicate comprising seven angel investors. The investment values the company at Rs 10 crore.
The fresh capital will be directed towards increasing inventory levels, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, scaling quick-commerce advertising efforts, and strengthening the team as the brand prepares for broader retail expansion across India.
As part of its growth strategy, Sober & Co plans to enter the Pune market by December 2026 and launch on Zepto, adding a second quick-commerce platform alongside its existing presence on Blinkit. The company also intends to increase marketing investments in Goa over the coming months.
Founded with a focus on healthier beverage alternatives, Sober & Co offers mixer products sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar. The brand currently operates across retail, HoReCa, quick-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels.
The funding round comes amid strong business growth. According to the company, its gross merchandise value (GMV) increased by 34.8 percent during the first four months of FY27. On Blinkit, where the brand is available through 400 dark stores, sales have recorded an average monthly growth rate of 37.8 percent. The company also reported an improvement in CM2 margins from negative 9.09 percent to positive 1.7 percent and achieved breakeven in July.
Offline, Sober & Co products are available across 400 HoReCa and retail touchpoints in Kolkata and Goa.
Sunaina Bhattacharya, New Ground Collective said, “India’s consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, while still looking for products that offer great taste and a sense of discovery. Sober & Co. fits naturally into this shift, with exciting, naturally sweetened beverages that don’t compromise on experience. What impressed me equally were Sharaan and Nishaun - their energy, commitment and overall approach to building the brand really stood out. Personally, I love the bold branding, and the products genuinely taste great, they’re almost always stocked at my home. There is genuine customer pull for Sober & Co’s product which is a great start for a brand, and I see strong potential for Sober & Co. to become a leading brand in India’s evolving beverage market."
Sharaan Kriplani, Co-founder and CEO, Sober & Co said, “We’re not chasing every city or every channel at once. We’re building where the category is actually won — HoReCa for credibility, Blinkit for reach, and now D2C to own the customer relationship — and this capital lets us go deeper in Kolkata and Goa before we go wide."
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its presence across HoReCa, quick-commerce and D2C channels while strengthening its retail footprint. Sober & Co intends to replicate its current city expansion model by first establishing distribution through HoReCa and quick-commerce networks before scaling retail operations.
The brand remains focused on the mixer segment and aims to strengthen its position in India’s growing better-for-you beverage market. According to industry estimates cited by the company, India’s cocktail mixer market is expected to grow from USD 222.4 million in 2023 to USD 471.53 million by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 8.69 percent.
The upcoming launch on Zepto is expected to further strengthen Sober & Co’s quick-commerce presence as it expands beyond Blinkit and accelerates its reach among consumers seeking healthier mixer alternatives.
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{Funding Alert} Refurbished Electronics Platform ReFit Global Secures $1 Mn in Seed Round
Delhi-based refurbished electronics platform ReFit Global has secured $1 million in a seed funding round from a UAE-based family office. The company, which also gained visibility through its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 3, plans to utilize the investment to accelerate growth across its retail, technology, and refurbishment operations.
The newly raised capital will support the expansion of its retail network, enhancement of refurbishment capabilities, development of technology infrastructure, and the creation of a fully integrated omnichannel platform.
Established in 2018 by Saket Saurav and Avneet Singh, ReFit Global operates across multiple segments of the refurbished electronics ecosystem, including refurbishment, distribution, retail and consumer-focused channels. The company is focused on building a technology-driven platform that brings together refurbishment expertise, distribution networks and omnichannel retail capabilities.
The company stated that it has developed a nationwide distribution network comprising more than 75 distributors, over 2,000 wholesalers and upwards of 50,000 retail outlets across India. This network enables the brand to serve customers across metro cities as well as Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III markets.
As part of its offline expansion strategy, ReFit Global has established 12 ReFit Xpress stores in addition to its B2B distribution operations. The company’s business model spans online marketplaces, offline retail channels, and strategic brand partnerships. Its sourcing and sales network includes collaborations with platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon, alongside several offline distribution channels.
Looking ahead, ReFit Global aims to strengthen both its B2B and direct-to-consumer initiatives across the refurbished electronics value chain. The company currently reports a refurbishment yield of 92 percent and offers repair capabilities up to L4, including advanced chip-level repairs.
The firm has also invested in technology-enabled processes covering device diagnostics, automated quality assessments, grading systems, post-quality-control workflows, and inventory management. These capabilities are intended to enhance product consistency, operational efficiency, and reliability across refurbished devices.
The funding comes at a time when India’s refurbished smartphone market continues to gain momentum. Industry data shows refurbished smartphone volumes increased 13 percent year-on-year during the first half of 2026, while the organised segment accounted for nearly 20 percent of the market, highlighting significant growth opportunities for structured re-commerce players.
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{Funding Alert} CureMeAbroad Raises $1.1 Mn to Expand Global Healthcare Platform
CureMeAbroad, a healthcare technology platform focused on helping patients access treatment options at accredited hospitals overseas, has raised $1.1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by healthcare-focused venture capital firm SteerX Ventures. Existing investor AIRA also participated in the funding round.
The latest investment comes a few months after the Pune-based startup secured $600,000 in April this year from a group of investors that included Roman Saini, Himanshu Ratnoo, Kunal Gupta, Devaiah Bopanna, Vikrant Potnis, and AIRA.
According to the company, the fresh capital will be utilized to expand its network of accredited hospitals, enter new international patient markets, strengthen its AI-powered platform, and scale its technology and operations teams. The company also plans to diversify beyond elective healthcare services by expanding into specialties such as orthopaedics and oncology. In addition, CureMeAbroad is exploring the establishment of physical experience centres in key global markets.
Founded in June 2025 by Aditya Oza and Mikhail Bohra, CureMeAbroad operates as a healthcare discovery and medical tourism platform that enables patients to compare hospitals, verify healthcare providers, obtain treatment cost estimates, and book medical procedures across multiple countries.
The platform combines healthcare discovery, treatment planning, transparent pricing, and patient support services into a single ecosystem aimed at simplifying cross-border healthcare decisions. The company currently records more than 22,500 monthly visitors and has established partnerships with hospitals across six countries.
CureMeAbroad said it is targeting $100 million in annual patient treatment bookings by FY2028, a significant increase from its current run rate of $4.8 million. The startup’s primary patient acquisition markets include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, where demand for international treatment options continues to grow.
The company operates in a competitive global medical tourism market alongside platforms such as Bookimed, PlacidWay, The Medical Tourism Company, and Medical Departures. In India, it also competes with medical tourism facilitator Vaidam Health.
According to the company, it has received Medical Travel Facilitator Certification from Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). Its network currently includes more than 400 accredited hospitals across six countries, enabling patients to access a broad range of treatment options through a verified healthcare ecosystem.
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{Funding Alert} Kitchen and Bathroom Brand Lorazzo Secures Rs 15 Cr to Fuel Expansion
Design-led kitchen and bathroom brand Lorazzo has secured Rs 15 crore in a funding round led by Sauce, with follow-on participation from Sprout Venture Partners. The round also saw investments from Panthera Peak and Alteria Capital, as the company looks to accelerate its growth in India’s home improvement and sanitaryware market.
According to the company, the newly raised capital will be deployed towards expanding its product portfolio, strengthening product development capabilities, hiring talent, and enhancing its presence across online and offline sales channels. The funding will also support Lorazzo’s plans to expand into additional markets across India.
Founded in 2024 by Jatin Luthra and Saurabh Gupta, Lorazzo operates in the kitchen and bathroom solutions segment, offering a range of products designed to combine functionality, technology, and contemporary design. The company’s portfolio spans faucets, sinks, shower systems, bidets, wash basins, smart toilets, and other home improvement products.
Lorazzo has adopted an omnichannel approach, selling through e-commerce platforms, quick commerce channels, and offline retail networks. The company aims to modernize traditionally functional home categories by focusing on product innovation, design aesthetics, and consumer convenience.
Among its flagship offerings is the Intelli Smart Commode, a technology-enabled cleansing WC that features a heated seat, electronically operated bidets, an integrated air dryer, ambient lighting, and digital temperature controls. The product is priced at Rs 58,999, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to similar international products, which typically range between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.
The company also differentiates itself through extended product warranties of up to 20 years across select categories, including kitchen sinks, sanitaryware, mirrors, cabinets, and faucets. In addition, Lorazzo provides installation and after-sales service support across India.
The funding comes at a time when demand for premium home improvement products and smart bathroom solutions is gaining momentum in India, driven by rising urbanization, increasing home ownership, and growing consumer interest in design-focused living spaces.
Lorazzo said it has recorded sixfold revenue growth over the last 12 months and is now targeting Rs 100 crore in revenue over the next two years. The company plans to leverage the fresh capital to deepen its market presence, introduce new products, and strengthen its omnichannel distribution strategy as it scales operations across the country.
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{Funding Alert} SuperMush Secures $3 Mn Funding from NDude Labs to Expand Wellness Portfolio
Healthcare and wellness-focused investment firm NDude Labs has announced a $3 million Series A investment in SuperMush, a functional wellness brand known for developing products formulated with research-backed ingredients such as nootropics, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms.
The funding round, led by NDude Labs, is expected to support SuperMush’s next phase of growth, including product portfolio expansion, investment in advanced formulations, and strengthening the operational infrastructure required to serve a wider customer base.
Founded in 2022 by Alli Schaper and Brian Friedman, SuperMush has established a growing presence in the functional wellness segment through an omnichannel retail strategy. The company currently has products available in more than 2,000 retail stores across the United States, including over 1,000 Target locations and Sprouts, while also maintaining a strong direct-to-consumer and marketplace business.
Over the past year, the brand expanded its presence to more than 1,000 Target stores and continued to record strong performance through its website and Amazon channels. It also broadened its product lineup with the introduction of Shilajit, Creatine, and Lion’s Mane gummies as part of its wellness-focused portfolio.
Vikram Sehgal, COO at NDude Labs shared, “NDude Labs invests in differentiated, science-backed products and founders with the vision and grit to build enduring brands. Our investment in SuperMush provides the capital to accelerate the company’s growth, along with the talent, systems and support needed to scale the business thoughtfully and sustainably.”
Alli Schaper, Co-founder and CEO, SuperMush said, “We are so excited to be partnering with NDude Labs for this next phase of our evolution. Over the last few years, we’ve built an incredible community, products and brand presence grounded in our mission to bring the power of functional mushrooms to the world. With their team and capital support, we are preparing to scale our efforts to reach more consumers and build a globally recognized brand.”
Brian Friedman, Co-founder, SuperMush stated, “We're extremely excited to partner with NDude Labs on this next chapter as we evolve SuperMush into the #1 premium functional supplement brand for active lifestyles. With their support, we're going to create the most effective, science-backed supplements using clinically studied ingredients at meaningful doses to help people think better, move better and feel their best.”
The company said it plans to continue building a portfolio centred on scientifically validated ingredients while expanding its presence across retail, direct-to-consumer channels, and online marketplaces. The strategy is aimed at strengthening its position in the growing functional wellness and dietary supplements market.
The investment also follows NDude Labs’ recent backing of Nutriventia, a nutraceutical ingredients company, highlighting the firm's continued focus on health and wellness businesses built around science-driven and ingredient-led innovation.
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{Funding Alert} Smart Kitchen Startup Beyond Appliances Secures Rs 110 Cr Funding for Expansion
Beyond Appliances, a smart kitchen technology company focused on developing intelligent appliances for Indian households, has raised Rs 110 crore (US$11.4 million) in a Series B funding round led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from Dharana Capital and other investors.
The Bengaluru-based startup had earlier raised US$4 million in a Series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures, alongside Dharana Capital, in August last year. Prior to that, it secured US$2 million in seed funding from Fireside Ventures in November 2024.
According to the company, the fresh capital will be used to accelerate research and development efforts and set up a new manufacturing facility. The investment is expected to strengthen Beyond Appliances’ capabilities in developing and scaling its next generation of kitchen appliances.
Founded in 2024 by Eshwar K Vikas and Rakesh Patil, Beyond Appliances develops smart kitchen products that combine technology with everyday functionality for modern homes.
The company said it has expanded its product portfolio to include Android chimneys, Plug-N-Play chimneys, smart hobs, and cooktops. It has also widened its footprint across India while deepening consumer engagement as it continues to grow its operations.
Beyond Appliances stated that referral-driven sales are contributing significantly to its business, with customer recommendations accounting for 15 percent of its revenue. Its flagship kitchen appliance range remains the brand’s largest revenue contributor. The company also reported a twofold increase in its marketplace share over the past year, indicating growing consumer demand through online sales channels.
In addition to its digital presence, the brand operates through offline retail outlets and experience centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Looking ahead, Beyond Appliances plans to enter 10 more cities over the next three years. During the same period, it is targeting an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of Rs 500 crore while maintaining a focused portfolio centred on kitchen appliances.
The funding comes at a time when smart kitchen technology is gaining traction within India’s consumer technology and home appliance market. Rising demand from urban consumers for connected, convenient, and energy-efficient cooking solutions is driving growth in the segment.
Several startups have attracted investor interest in this category. Upliance.ai, which develops AI-powered cooking appliances, previously raised Rs 34 crore from Khosla Ventures. More recently, EDT secured US$2.4 million in funding led by Sauce VC, while Curaa raised Rs 40 crore from 3one4 Capital in August this year to expand its kitchen appliances and tools portfolio.
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{Funding Alert} Bangalore Watch Company Plans Global Expansion After $1.4 Mn Seed Raise
Indian luxury watchmaker Bangalore Watch Company (BWC) has secured $1.4 million in a seed funding round backed by a group of its customers, including family office principals and high-net-worth individuals from India and international markets.
The newly raised capital will support the brand’s expansion plans in the global independent watch industry. BWC intends to strengthen its presence in select international markets known for active watch collector communities while also evaluating opportunities for expansion within India.
Established in 2018 by Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj, Bangalore Watch Company designs and manufactures mechanical watches in India and exports its products to more than 30 countries. The brand is known for creating collections inspired by themes such as aviation, space exploration, cricket, and outdoor adventures, drawing from contemporary Indian narratives.
At present, the company operates a flagship boutique in Bengaluru and offers watches priced between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh. With an annual production capacity of approximately 1,500 watches, BWC is planning a significant scale-up and aims to increase output fourfold over the next three to five years.
Over the years, the company has developed several watches using unconventional materials, including aluminium recovered from fighter aircraft and materials sourced from aircraft carriers. It has also introduced its proprietary Cerasteel material and created a watch that qualified for spaceflight.
BWC has continued to build visibility within the international watchmaking community through participation in major industry events such as Dubai Watch Week 2025 and Geneva Watch Days 2026. The brand’s watches have also been shortlisted for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Awards on three occasions.
The latest funding is expected to help Bangalore Watch Company strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, expand its international reach, and further establish itself in the growing global market for independent luxury watch brands.
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{Funding Alert} Healthtech Startup Aignosis Bags Rs 4 Cr to Scale Early Childhood Screening Platform
Jaipur-based healthtech startup Aignosis has secured Rs 4 crore in a seed funding round led by Antler, Nikhil Kamath, and a group of angel investors, including Varun Dua and IIMA Ventures.
The newly raised capital will be used to strengthen the company's AI-powered autism and developmental screening platform and expand its reach across India.
Founded by Raksheet Jain and Divyansh Mangal, Aignosis previously raised its first funding round in 2024 from investors such as Rajneesh Bhandari and Amit Jain. The startup has since completed the CDSCO regulatory process and obtained Class B certification. It was also selected as part of the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First 2025 cohort.
Aignosis has developed an AI-assisted screening solution designed for children between 16 months and nine years of age. Using a standard laptop and webcam, the platform records a short video session consisting of nine stimulus-based modules. The system then applies computer vision technology to evaluate behavioural indicators, including gaze patterns, response to name, and reactions to facial expressions.
Based on the analysis, the platform generates a risk assessment report that highlights whether a child may require further clinical evaluation. The company clarifies that the tool is intended for screening purposes and does not provide a medical diagnosis.
The startup currently follows a Clinic-in-Clinic deployment model and has rolled out its solution across more than 20 government Primary Health Centres in Rajasthan. It has also entered into a partnership with Mankind Pharma, where the pharmaceutical company's medical representatives support screening camps conducted alongside paediatricians in different parts of the country.
In addition, Aignosis has begun working with Apollo Shines and is set to introduce its screening services across approximately 125 schools.
According to the company, it has conducted over 8,000 screenings to date and is targeting at least 1 lakh screenings by the end of FY27.
Looking ahead, Aignosis plans to expand its presence into Punjab, NCR, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
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{Funding Alert} Home Interior Materials Startup Gravity Secures $15 Mn Funding
Bengaluru-based home interior materials startup Gravity has secured $15 million in a combination of equity and debt funding. The investment round was led by Info Edge Ventures and 3one4 Capital, with participation from Alteria Capital, Genesia Ventures, and several angel investors.
Founded by former Livspace executives Saurabh Jain and Lalit Mittal, Gravity is developing a technology-driven platform focused on India’s home interior materials sector. The company currently operates in the kitchen and wardrobe categories, bringing together specialist businesses through a shared ecosystem of technology, distribution, key account management, and operational infrastructure.
The businesses within its initial portfolio collectively generate revenues in the multi-hundred-crore range and are EBITDA positive.
With the fresh capital, Gravity plans to strengthen its technology capabilities, expand its distribution network, and enhance its key account management infrastructure. The startup also intends to invest in category expansion, brand development, and working capital requirements.
As part of its growth strategy, the company is looking to broaden its presence beyond kitchens and wardrobes by entering adjacent home interior categories, including doors and windows, lighting solutions, wall surfaces, home automation, and other interior systems.
Prior to launching Gravity, Saurabh Jain served as Chief Executive Officer of Livspace India, where he played a key role in scaling the company to an annualized revenue run rate of approximately Rs 1,500 crore. Co-founder Lalit Mittal previously held the position of Chief Business Officer for India and led Livspace’s expansion into more than 30 cities.
Gravity’s platform is designed to cater to architects, interior designers, modular showroom operators, and design-and-build firms that play a significant role in specifying and procuring materials for residential interior projects.
The company aims to streamline sourcing processes across a fragmented supplier ecosystem while improving product availability, fulfillment efficiency, and pricing transparency for industry stakeholders.
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{Funding Alert} EV Startup Simple Energy Secures Rs 1,750 Cr to Accelerate Growth
Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Simple Energy has secured Rs 1,750 crore (approximately $182 million) in a Series C funding round, marking the largest capital raise in the company’s history. The round also ranks among the biggest funding deals secured by an Indian electric two-wheeler original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
The investment round was led by the family office of Dr. Arokiaswamy Velumani, founder of Thyrocare Technologies. Existing stakeholders, including founder and Chief Executive Officer Suhas Rajkumar and co-founder and Chief Financial Officer Ankit Gupta, also participated in the round. Bengaluru-based high-net-worth individual (HNI) Amit Mishra and the Haran Family Office joined as investors.
The company stated that the entire amount was raised through equity financing. Following the latest round, Simple Energy’s cumulative capital raised has exceeded Rs 2,530 crore (around $263 million).
The fresh funding will be deployed to establish a new manufacturing facility, enhance production capacity, strengthen the company’s distribution and service network, recruit talent, and accelerate research and development efforts for upcoming products. A portion of the capital will also be allocated toward marketing initiatives and supply chain expansion.
At present, Simple Energy has a manufacturing capacity of 10,000 units per month and operates a network of more than 80 outlets across over 60 cities in India. Its product lineup includes the Simple One, Simple Wave, and Simple Ultra electric scooters.
On the financial front, Simple Energy reported operating revenue in the range of Rs 150–160 crore for FY26, compared to approximately Rs 40 crore in FY25. The growth represents a nearly fourfold increase in annual revenue. The company currently generates a significant share of its sales from southern India.
Prior to the Series C round, Simple Energy raised Rs 250 crore through a combination of debt and equity financing in June 2026. In September 2025, the company secured $10 million through an all-equity bridge round. Earlier fundraising efforts included a $20 million Series A round in July 2024, a bridge funding round exceeding $20 million in February 2023, and $21 million in pre-Series A funding in November 2021.
Founded in 2019 by Suhas Rajkumar and Shreshth Mishra, the company later added Ankit Gupta as a co-founder. Simple Energy designs and develops electric two-wheelers along with key components such as batteries, motors, chassis, and software platforms in-house.
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{Funding Alert}Healthcare Startup Vytalyou Raises Fresh Capital for Mumbai Expansion
Doctor-led longevity and preventive healthcare startup Vytalyou has secured Rs 9 crore in a pre-Series A funding round from investors Chetan Jain of Pharma Dose and Ratan Jain of Venus Industries. The investment values the company at approximately Rs 33 crore.
According to the company, the fresh capital will be used to scale its network of Incremental Lifestyle Clinics across Mumbai as it looks to strengthen its presence in the preventive healthcare and longevity segment.
Founded in 2025 by Chirantan Bose and Preetesh Bhandari, Vytalyou focuses on preventive healthcare solutions and longevity-driven medical services. The company combines diagnostic assessments with personalized health interventions and medically supervised treatment plans.
Headquartered in Mumbai, Vytalyou offers a range of services including pathology, radiology, cardio-respiratory evaluations, body composition analysis, genetic and cancer screening, gut microbiome assessments, personalized IV therapies, and regenerative healthcare interventions. The startup also provides non-invasive pain management solutions for chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
The company said it has served nearly 1,000 clients since launching its first centre. Around 50 percent of its customers have come through direct walk-ins, while the remainder have been acquired through referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Looking ahead, Vytalyou plans to expand its footprint to 10 locations across India over the coming years as demand for preventive healthcare and wellness-focused services continues to grow.
The startup operates in India’s emerging longevity and preventive healthcare market, a segment that has attracted increasing investor interest in recent years. Several companies in the space have secured funding to support expansion and product development.
Earlier this year, longevity-focused startup Biopeak raised $2.7 million in follow-on funding. Cent, co-founded by Practo’s Shashank ND, secured approximately $5 million for its AI-driven early detection platform focused on cancer, cardiac, neurological, and metabolic health risks.
Meanwhile, Elevate Now raised Rs 18 crore in a seed funding round, while Decode Age secured Rs 14.48 crore in a pre-Series A round to advance its work in longevity research, biomarker discovery, multi-omics, and microbiome science.
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{Funding Alert} Consumer Electronics Brand EDT Raises Funding Ahead of Festive Season
Mumbai-based consumer technology brand EDT has secured $2.4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by existing investor Sauce, with participation from its current angel investors.
The funding round also attracted investments from Alteria Capital, Raul Rai of Nicobar, Shibam Das and Arindam Paul of Atomberg, Ajith Pai of Delhivery, and Anushree Tainwala of Samsonite.
The company plans to deploy the fresh capital toward inventory creation ahead of the festive shopping season, introduction of new products, and strengthening its growth, supply chain, branding, and product development teams.
Launched in 2025 by Naiyya Saggi and Vyasateja Rao, EDT operates in the consumer technology space with a portfolio that includes kitchen appliances such as the LUMA air fryer oven and FLOW kettle. Its products are sold through multiple channels, including Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Croma, FoodStories, and the company’s direct-to-consumer platform.
According to the company, its Amazon business recorded significant growth, expanding nearly sevenfold between March and July 2026.
Expanding beyond kitchen appliances, EDT has recently entered the beauty technology category with the launch of SUKI, a hair dryer powered by its patent-pending CareDry Algorithm. The company stated that the device features dual sensors that assess hair and airflow conditions 100 times per second, automatically adjusting heat levels to enhance the user experience.
SUKI is currently available on EDT’s D2C platform at a limited-period pre-order price of Rs 8,499. The company intends to make the product available across ecommerce marketplaces and retail outlets later this year.
Looking ahead, EDT revealed that it has three additional products under development across the home, kitchen, and beauty technology segments. The startup plans to focus on research and development, portfolio expansion, omnichannel growth, community engagement, and team building as it scales its operations.
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{Funding Alert} Quick Commerce Fulfilment Startup Blitz Secures Rs 28.7 Cr Funding
Blitz, a startup focused on quick-commerce fulfilment solutions, has raised Rs 28.70 crore in a pre-Series B funding round led by existing investor IvyCap Ventures.
The company’s board has approved the issuance of 21,883 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at a price of Rs 13,118 per share to secure the funding. IvyCap Ventures emerged as the lead investor with a contribution of Rs 12.70 crore. ICMG Group invested Rs 4.75 crore, while Vishal Dhupar participated with Rs 2.50 crore. The remaining capital came from a group of angel investors.
The latest investment has pushed Blitz’s post-money valuation to approximately Rs 440 crore, up significantly from Rs 175 crore during its Series A round. The company is also expected to bring in additional funds as part of the same round, which could further increase its valuation.
Blitz intends to use the fresh proceeds to support business expansion, scale operations, and meet general corporate requirements. The company had previously raised Rs 51 crore in a Series A funding round in November 2024, with IvyCap Ventures leading the investment.
Established in 2020 by Gaurav Piyush, Mayank Varshney, and Yash Sharma, Blitz provides fulfilment infrastructure for ecommerce and D2C brands, enabling delivery timelines ranging from 10 minutes to 60 minutes, as well as same-day and next-day services. The startup leverages a network of dark stores and fulfilment centres to accelerate order processing and improve delivery efficiency.
IvyCap Ventures continues to be the company’s largest external shareholder, holding a 23.47 percent stake. India Quotient owns 15.31 percent, while AL Trust holds 3.29 percent. ESOPs and MSOPs collectively account for 12.88 percent of the company’s equity.
Among the founders, Yash Sharma and Mayank Varshney each own 11.53 percent of the company, while Gaurav Piyush holds a 6.72 percent stake.
The shareholder base also includes several well-known angel investors. Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal hold 0.59 percent each, while QED Innovation Labs and Farid Ahsan, Founder and CEO of General Autonomy, own 0.34 percent each.
Blitz is yet to submit its FY26 financial statements. In FY25, the company reported operating revenue of Rs 50.6 crore, compared to Rs 22.18 crore in FY24. During the same period, its losses increased to Rs 24.33 crore from Rs 11.17 crore a year earlier
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{Funding Alert} Pediatric Healthcare Startup Primerry Secures Rs 7.1 Cr in Pre-Seed Round
Primerry, a pediatric healthcare startup focused on children’s wellness products, has secured Rs 7.1 crore (approximately $760,000) in a pre-seed funding round. The investment will support the company’s efforts to develop child-friendly healthcare solutions and expand its presence across India.
Founded by Rushabh Nandu and Dr. Nihar Parekh, the round attracted participation from investors including Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi, along with angel investors Mohit Sadaani, Hitesh Dhingra, Ajay Mehra, and Samir Palod, as well as select family offices.
The newly raised capital will be used to strengthen the company’s research and development capabilities, expand its leadership team, and increase distribution across key markets.
Primerry plans to launch its offerings in phases, beginning with a portfolio of eight SKUs priced between Rs 499 and Rs 1,499. Products will initially be available through the company’s direct-to-consumer platform, while expansion into quick-commerce channels is planned within the first year of operations.
Alongside its healthcare products, the startup has introduced PocDoc, a customizable carry case designed to help children organize and carry their wellness essentials. The company aims to encourage regular healthcare habits by combining functionality with a more engaging user experience.
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Aman Gupta Invests in FIG Living as Brand Targets Expansion Beyond Lighting
Aman Gupta, entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of boAt, has invested in FIG Living, a design-focused home and living brand, through his investment firm SailThru Ventures.
The investment further strengthens Gupta’s long-standing association with Sushant Sharma, founder of FIG Living, who previously worked alongside him at boAt.
Established in 2025, FIG Living initially entered the market with a portfolio of lighting products, including table lamps, portable lamps, pendant lights, wall lights, and floor lamps. Since then, the company has diversified its offerings to include side tables, accent furniture, and tabletop décor products as part of its strategy to evolve into a broader home and lifestyle brand.
FIG Living currently operates at an annual revenue run rate of approximately Rs 12 crore and has served more than 40,000 customers. The brand reported growth of around 20 percent quarter-on-quarter and is aiming to achieve an annual revenue run rate of Rs 18 crore following the upcoming festive season.
The company follows an in-house product development model and has secured more than 36 design patents across its portfolio. A significant portion of its offerings, nearly 80 percent, is designed using knock-down and do-it-yourself (DIY) formats. This approach allows customers to assemble products independently while helping reduce logistics costs and improve operational efficiency.
With the fresh investment, FIG Living plans to broaden its distribution reach, enhance offline consumer experiences, and create additional customer engagement touchpoints. The company is also exploring opportunities for international design collaborations and partnerships as part of its next phase of growth.
Manufacturing operations are carried out in India through an affiliated facility located in Greater Noida. Going forward, the brand intends to expand its presence beyond lighting and strengthen its position across multiple home and lifestyle categories.
The investment comes at a time when India's home décor and lifestyle segment is witnessing increasing consumer demand for design-driven products, with brands focusing on innovation, local manufacturing, and omnichannel expansion strategies.
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{Funding Alert} Amaani Bags $5 Mn Series A Round Led by BECO Capital
Amaani, a consumer-focused beauty and wellness company from the Middle East and parent of beauty brand AÏZA, has secured $5 million in a Series A funding round led by BECO Capital, with participation from Homegrown Ventures and Peak XV’s Surge.
With the latest investment, Amaani’s total funding has reached $8 million. The company previously raised $3 million in seed funding from Peak XV’s Surge in 2025.
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{Funding Alert} Zelio E-Mobility Plans Rs 167.96 Cr Fundraise to Expand EV Manufacturing
Electric vehicle manufacturer Zelio E-Mobility has announced plans to raise up to Rs 167.96 crore through a preferential issue of equity shares and convertible warrants as it looks to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and expand its distribution footprint across India.
The proposal has been approved by the board of the BSE SME-listed company and remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The matter will be placed before shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for October 20.
As part of the fundraising exercise, Zelio plans to issue up to 9.73 lakh equity shares at Rs 853 per share to four non-promoter investors, aiming to raise approximately Rs 83 crore.
Under the proposed allotment, Motilal Oswal Financial Services will receive 4.70 lakh equity shares valued at around Rs 40.09 crore, while Calliope Capital Advisors LLP is set to receive 3.68 lakh shares worth nearly Rs 31.39 crore. Param Value Investments will be allotted one lakh shares amounting to Rs 8.53 crore, and Hem Growth Opportunities Fund will receive 35,000 shares valued at approximately Rs 2.99 crore.
In addition, the board has cleared the issuance of up to 9.96 lakh convertible warrants priced at Rs 853 each to promoters Niraj Arya, Deepak Arya, and Kunal Arya. The warrant issue is expected to generate up to Rs 84.96 crore.
According to the company, at least 25 percent of the warrant subscription amount will be paid at or before allotment, with the balance payable upon conversion into equity shares. The warrants can be converted within 18 months from the date of allotment.
Following the proposed share issuance and complete conversion of the warrants, promoter and promoter group shareholding is expected to reduce from 72.76 percent to 70.87 percent on a fully diluted basis. Public shareholding is projected to increase from 27.24 percent to 29.13 percent.
Zelio has appointed SEBI-registered Brickwork Ratings India as the monitoring agency to oversee the utilization of the proceeds raised through the issue.
The company stated that the capital infusion will support its nationwide expansion strategy, including the development of its upcoming electric three-wheeler manufacturing facility in Patan, Haryana.
“Our next phase is about building the capacity and market reach needed to serve a much larger customer base across India. The proposed fundraise will give us greater room to expand our manufacturing footprint, strengthen our distribution network and accelerate the development of our upcoming three-wheeler facility in Patan. We have built the business with a focus on profitable growth, and the priority now is to take that foundation into more markets while continuing to invest in the capabilities needed for scale,” said Kunal Arya, Managing Director of Zelio E-Mobility.
The EV maker currently operates manufacturing facilities in Haryana, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Earlier this year, the company inaugurated a new production facility in Coimbatore with an annual manufacturing and assembly capacity of 60,000 electric two-wheelers. With the addition of the new plant, Zelio’s total installed production capacity has reached 2.4 lakh units annually.
The company currently works with over 400 dealers across more than 25 states and aims to expand its dealership network to over 550 outlets by the end of FY27.
Alongside the fundraising proposal, shareholders will also vote on related-party transactions worth up to Rs 50 crore each with Torque Innovation EV Auto Private Limited, AVR Auto Industries Private Limited, Jai Bharat Engineering Tools, Jai Bharat Auto Components, and Rajdhani Machinery Store. Zelio stated that these transactions, involving the purchase and sale of goods, will be undertaken in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s-length basis.
Headquartered in Hisar, Haryana, Zelio manufactures electric two-wheelers under the Zelio brand and electric three-wheelers under the Tanga brand.
For FY26, the company reported standalone revenue from operations of Rs 303.54 crore, reflecting a 76.28 percent increase from Rs 172.19 crore in the previous financial year. Standalone profit after tax rose 75.41 percent to Rs 28.03 crore from Rs 15.98 crore a year earlier.
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{Funding Alert] Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Brand ONYA Secures Rs 12.5 Cr Funding
![{Funding Alert] Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Brand ONYA Secures Rs 12.5 Cr Funding](https://indian-retailer.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2026-09/Untitled%20design%20-%202026-09-24T164109.084.jpg)
Lab-grown diamond jewellery startup ONYA has secured Rs 12.5 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Divisa Family Office, with existing investor Zeropearl VC increasing its commitment by participating again after the company’s earlier Rs 5.5 crore seed funding round.
The round also builds on support from several angel investors who participated in the startup’s seed stage, including the founders of MyGate, the founder of UrbanVault, and other investors.
According to the company, the newly raised capital will be used to strengthen its retail presence, drive digital customer acquisition, enhance online personalization capabilities, and expand research and development efforts focused on product innovation, design, and manufacturing.
Founded in 2024 by Gaurav Choudhary and Himani Yadav, ONYA is a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand that combines technology-driven diamond creation with contemporary jewellery design.
Based in Bengaluru, the company offers IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds set in BIS Hallmarked gold, with a focus on personalized designs and craftsmanship. The brand states that its products provide consumers with an alternative to natural diamonds at approximately 20 percent of the cost, while also offering a lifetime exchange and buyback program.
ONYA has also developed its proprietary ONYA Setting, a patented ring-setting design, along with its flagship ONYA Signature Collection, which draws inspiration from Neoclassical architecture.
Since its launch, the company claims to have established a retail network of eight flagship stores across key locations in Bengaluru, Pune’s Amanora Gold Souk Mall, and Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills. The brand further stated that it has achieved monthly recurring revenue of Rs 3.5 crore.
Looking ahead, ONYA plans to enter additional markets through a mix of company-owned outlets and franchise-led expansion.
The startup operates in India’s growing lab-grown diamond jewellery segment, competing with brands such as Aukera, Limelight, Jewel Box, Fiona, and other players in the category.
Investor interest in the segment has increased significantly in recent years. According to industry data cited by the company, nine dedicated lab-grown diamond startups collectively raised $26.4 million in 2025, compared to $4.7 million in 2024.
The sector has witnessed several notable funding rounds, including Aukera’s Rs 90 crore debt raise in July following a $15 million equity round led by Peak XV Partners. Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds also secured Rs 275 crore in a strategic funding round to expand its manufacturing and retail operations, while GIVA, which operates the lab-grown diamond brand Heer, raised Rs 530 crore in a Series C funding round. Other funded companies in the space include Jewelbox, Lucira Jewellery, True Diamond, and Fiona Diamonds.
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{Funding Alert} Rio Health Raises Rs 43 Cr in Pre-Series A Round Led by Version One Ventures
Quick commerce healthcare platform Rio Health has secured Rs 43.08 crore (approximately $4.5 million) in a pre-Series A funding round led by new investor Version One Ventures, with participation from existing backers Xeed Ventures, Good Capital, and Amplify Partner.
Version One Ventures emerged as the largest investor in the round, contributing Rs 21.30 crore. Existing investor Xeed Ventures invested Rs 11.84 crore, while Good Capital Fund II infused Rs 9.47 crore. Amplify IV PCC also participated with an investment of Rs 47 lakh.
The funding round has valued the company at a post-money valuation of nearly Rs 170 crore. Following the transaction, Xeed Ventures holds a 21.11 percent stake in the company, while Good Capital owns 17.07 percent. Version One Ventures has acquired a 12.86 percent stake. Co-founders Ankur Agrawal and Amit Ahuja continue to hold 17.50 percent each in the business.
The newly raised capital will be deployed to strengthen Rio Health’s footprint across Delhi NCR, expand its network from three dark stores to more than 15 locations, and enhance the technology infrastructure supporting order management, inventory operations, and last-mile delivery. The company is also targeting an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over Rs 150 crore within the next nine to twelve months.
According to the company, it currently processes more than 30,000 orders every month, with an average order value ranging between Rs 600 and Rs 700. Repeat customers account for nearly 80 percent of total orders.
Founded by Ankur Agrawal and Amit Ahuja, Rio Health operates a quick-commerce model for medicines and healthcare essentials, offering deliveries across Delhi NCR within 20 to 30 minutes. The platform provides access to over 20,000 SKUs, while additional long-tail medicines are sourced through its distributor network.
The company stated that each of its dark stores caters to a delivery radius of around three kilometres. It also leverages neighbourhood-level demand insights to forecast medicine requirements and optimize inventory across locations, enabling faster fulfilment and improved product availability.
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DailyObjects Appoints Zeenah Vilcassim as Global Chief Marketing Officer
Design-led lifestyle tech brand DailyObjects has appointed Zeenah Vilcassim as its Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), as the company strengthens its leadership team to support its international growth plans.
With more than 17 years of experience across markets including the US, Europe, the Middle East, China, and India, Vilcassim brings expertise in brand building, consumer business growth, and market expansion.
In her new role, she will oversee DailyObjects’ global brand and marketing strategy, helping the company build on its presence in India while accelerating its ambitions in international markets.
Before joining DailyObjects, Vilcassim led marketing for Nothing in India. She also served as CEO of Zomato Live, now known as District by Zomato, where she was responsible for building the business from the ground up. Earlier, she held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Bacardi India, leading consumer and customer marketing initiatives across the company’s portfolio. She also worked as Global Brand Director for Whiskies at Bacardi, driving brand strategy across multiple international markets.
Pankaj Garg, Co-Founder and CEO, DailyObjects said, "DailyObjects is entering its next chapter. We want to build a brand that means something to people, wherever they are. Zeenah understands consumer behaviour well and has built brands at global companies, at fast-growing businesses and from scratch. She shares our ambition, and I'm excited to build the next phase of DailyObjects with her."
Zeenah Vilcassim, Global Chief Marketing Officer, DailyObjects shared, "DailyObjects has already built the foundations of a truly distinctive lifestyle brand: a strong understanding of contemporary consumers and a clear point of view on how design fits into their daily lives. Pankaj and Saurav's ambition to take this India-born brand to the world is something DailyObjects is strongly poised to achieve, with both its local relevance and international appeal. I look forward to joining them on the next stage of this journey, making DailyObjects a brand that is meaningful to consumers' daily lives wherever it goes."
The appointment comes at a time when DailyObjects is expanding its global footprint and strengthening its design-focused product portfolio. The company, which offers technology accessories, carry solutions, workspace essentials, and lifestyle products, recently showcased its offerings at IFA Berlin 2026, marking its first international exhibition and an important step toward building partnerships with global retailers and distributors.
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{Funding Alert} Health and Wellness Startup betterhood Secures Rs 11.5 Cr in Seed Round
Preventive pain care startup betterhood has secured Rs 11.5 crore in a seed funding round led by Sauce, with participation from existing investor Kairon Capital.
Earlier this year, the Bengaluru-based company had raised Rs 5 crore in the same funding round led by Kairon Capital. The round also saw participation from Yogesh Kabra, Rishubh Satiya, Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana, and Shayamal Vallabhjee.
The newly raised capital will be utilized to strengthen its product offerings, widen its presence across quick commerce and modern retail channels, and expand its content initiatives and physiotherapist network.
Established in October 2024 by Vikram Kadam and Neha Zade, betterhood focuses on preventive pain care solutions designed to address early symptoms of back, neck, and joint discomfort.
The brand offers a range of products including posture and ergonomic supports, orthotic soft goods such as back, knee, ankle, and wrist supports, as well as pain relief and recovery solutions.
The company said these product categories collectively account for an estimated Rs 20,000 crore market in India and continue to grow at a low- to mid-teen rate.
As part of its ecosystem approach, betterhood has developed Physio Circle, a nationwide community dedicated to creating awareness around posture, movement, pain prevention, and recovery. The network currently includes more than 7,000 physiotherapists.
The company has also introduced The Physio Edge, a certification program aimed at helping early-career physiotherapists bridge the gap between academic education and practical clinical experience.
Since launching operations, betterhood claims to have served more than 2 lakh customers and created over 1,500 educational content pieces across digital platforms focused on posture, movement, pain prevention, and recovery.
The preventive pain management segment has witnessed increased investor interest in recent years. Nivaan Care raised $7 million to expand its non-surgical chronic pain management clinics, while Litemed’s CURAPOD secured Rs 20 crore in a pre-Series A funding round to scale its photobiomodulation-based wearable pain management technology. Heatronics also raised Rs 1.8 crore to strengthen its preventive pain management and heat therapy device portfolio.
In 2025, Zanskar secured Rs 2.8 crore to broaden its pain care product range and invest in research and development for chronic pain and recovery solutions. Meanwhile, Stance Health raised $1 million to advance its technology-driven musculoskeletal care platform, which integrates diagnosis, physiotherapy, and recovery programs.
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