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GABIT Expands Health Platform with Acquisition of Näck Nutrition

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GABIT Expands Health Platform with Acquisition of Näck Nutrition
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
Sub Editor Dec 22, 2025 / IndianRetailer
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/ 3 MIN READ
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GABIT Expands Health Platform with Acquisition of Näck Nutrition

Longevity-focused health startup GABIT has acquired Swedish-origin clean nutrition brand Näck for an undisclosed amount, marking a strategic move to expand beyond health tracking and deepen its focus on supplements and measurable, nutrition-led outcomes.

With this acquisition, Näck’s supplement range will now integrate into GABIT’s comprehensive health ecosystem, which currently includes a titanium smart ring, AI-powered health coaching, advanced diagnostics, and longevity-centric skincare solutions. Following the integration, Näck’s products will be embedded directly into the GABIT platform, enabling users to monitor how supplement consumption influences key health parameters such as sleep quality, recovery, metabolic efficiency, and overall wellness.

Founded in 2022 by Gaurav Gupta and Arpana Shahi, GABIT functions as a full-stack health platform built around four pillars — fitness, sleep, stress, and nutrition. Its smart ring that continuously tracks critical biomarkers, while its software layer translates this data into personalised lifestyle, recovery, and dietary insights. The platform further integrates blood test results, CGM readings, and smart scale inputs, allowing users to evaluate more than 150 health metrics in one unified interface.

Näck, known for its clean, research-backed supplement portfolio, focuses on formulations aligned with recommended dietary allowances. The brand emphasises safety and authenticity, with products tested against banned substances and designed to cater to both professional athletes and everyday consumers.

By combining GABIT’s robust tracking and diagnostics capabilities with Näck’s targeted supplement solutions, the integrated ecosystem aims to help users not only identify nutritional deficiencies but also take corrective action and measure the real-time impact on their health and longevity journey.

 
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Archana Burman and Niharika Sehgal Launch Kids Activewear Brand ZONE
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Archana Burman and Niharika Sehgal Launch Kids Activewear Brand ZONE
 

Entrepreneurs Archana Khosla Burman and Niharika Khosla Sehgal have launched ZONE, a premium activewear brand focused exclusively on children. The new venture aims to tap into the growing demand for performance-oriented apparel in India’s kidswear market.

Targeted at children between the ages of 4 and 14 years, ZONE offers a range of activewear developed using lightweight, breathable, and stretch-performance fabrics. The collection is designed to support sports, fitness activities, and active play while prioritizing comfort and durability.

The founders identified an opportunity in a segment where children's clothing has traditionally been dominated by casual and occasion wear, with limited focus on apparel designed specifically for movement and physical activity. 

The brand has been created to cater to children participating in organized sports, outdoor activities, and fitness programs, while combining functionality with contemporary design.

Archana Khosla Burman, Co-Founder, ZONE said, “As parents, we found ourselves constantly searching for apparel that could truly support the way children move. There were plenty of fashion choices, but very little created specifically for active kids. ZONE was born from that gap."

Archana brings more than two decades of experience working with entrepreneurs, consumer businesses, and growth-stage ventures, with a focus on strategy, brand development, and business growth.

Niharika Khosla Sehgal, Co-Founder, ZONE added, “We wanted to create apparel that feels effortless to wear, performs through every activity, and gives children the freedom to move without distraction.”

Niharika has over 20 years of experience across apparel design, sourcing, manufacturing, and product development, and currently leads the brand’s product innovation and development initiatives.

With the launch of ZONE, the founders aim to establish a dedicated activewear category for children in India while encouraging greater participation in sports and active lifestyles from an early age. The brand’s introduction comes at a time when demand for specialized children's products is expanding alongside increasing interest in fitness and recreational activities among younger consumers.

 
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The Sweet Change Reports Rs 1.69 Cr Revenue in First Year
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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The Sweet Change Reports Rs 1.69 Cr Revenue in First Year
 

The Sweet Change, a startup focused on sugar alternatives, is expanding its presence in India's growing sweetener market as consumers increasingly seek healthier options amid rising awareness of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic health concerns.

The company, founded in 2024 by Manvi Agnihotri and Sheen Hitaishi, has introduced what it describes as India's first gut-friendly monk fruit sweetener, made using monk fruit, allulose, and prebiotic guar fibre. The startup aims to address demand for sugar substitutes that offer a taste and experience similar to sugar while avoiding ingredients commonly used in the category.

India's sugar substitutes market is estimated to be worth more than $650 million, with demand driven by consumers looking to reduce sugar consumption without significantly changing their dietary habits.

The Sweet Change was launched after Agnihotri's experience as a clinical nutritionist working with over 12,000 patients managing conditions such as diabetes, PCOS, obesity, and insulin resistance. According to the company, many consumers struggled to find sugar alternatives that met expectations around taste, ingredients, and product transparency.

The company said its sweetener has been developed without erythritol, artificial ingredients, or fillers and features a high-concentration monk fruit formulation. It is also building a wider portfolio of natural sweeteners aimed at consumers looking to reduce sugar intake.

Manvi Agnihotri, Co-founder and CEO, The Sweet Change said, "The Sweet Change is building for a future where reducing sugar becomes a default consumer choice rather than a medical recommendation. In just one year, we have generated over Rs1.69 crore in revenue, fulfilling over 15,000 orders. We have grown at an exceptional 84 percent month-on-month compounded growth rate over the last three months, scaling revenue from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per month following the launch of our sweetener drops in March 2026, with gross margins of 75 percent. We are currently ranked among the top sweetener brands on Amazon India. Our long-term ambition is to become the default sugar replacement brand across Indian households, cafés, foodservice, and packaged foods”.

The company plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen distribution, introduce new products, and expand its reach among consumers seeking alternatives to conventional sugar.

Aishwarya Malhi and Vikas Kumar, Co-founders of Rebalance shared, “Some of the most exciting consumer businesses of the next decade will emerge at the intersection of health and everyday behaviour. The Sweet Change is not simply selling a sweetener. It is helping consumers make one of the most important dietary shifts of their lives without asking them to sacrifice the experience they love. What impressed us about The Sweet Change was the combination of deep founder insight, product quality and strong consumer adoption.”

The company believes there is a significant opportunity in the category as many existing products remain targeted either at diabetic consumers, wellness-focused audiences, or users of artificial sweeteners. With preventive healthcare gaining greater attention, The Sweet Change is positioning itself to serve a broader consumer base looking for everyday sugar alternatives.

 
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{Funding Alert} FirstClub Raises $55 Mn in Series B Funding Led by Peak XV and Sofina
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} FirstClub Raises $55 Mn in Series B Funding Led by Peak XV and Sofina
 

Quick commerce startup FirstClub has secured $55 million (around Rs 512 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina. Existing investors Accel, RTP Global, and Paramark Ventures also participated in the round.

The newly raised capital will be used to support the company’s expansion into additional cities, strengthen its quality-focused grocery ecosystem, introduce new categories including beauty and personal care, home essentials, and pet care, and further develop its technology and supply chain infrastructure.

Founded by former Flipkart executive Ayyappan R, FirstClub operates a grocery platform centered on product quality. The company said it has surpassed 1 million orders within its first year of operations.

The latest funding comes eight months after FirstClub raised $23 million in a Series A round led by Accel and RTP Global, with participation from Blume Founders Fund, 2am VC, Paramark Ventures, and Aditya Birla Ventures. Before that, the Bengaluru-based startup had raised $8 million in a seed funding round from Accel and RTP Global in December 2024.

FirstClub follows a curated assortment strategy with a strong focus on quality assurance across fresh produce and everyday grocery items. The company reviews fruits and vegetables before they are listed on the platform and conducts laboratory testing on products such as milk, atta, paneer, and dals.

With this latest investment, FirstClub’s total funding raised stands at $86 million.

Ayyappan said that FirstClub is focused on product quality and consumer trust rather than competing solely on delivery speed. According to him, the company has barred more than 200 ingredients from products listed on its platform and conducts quality checks and lab tests across several grocery categories.

 
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{Funding Alert} Protein Snack Brand Phab Secures $4 Mn in Pre-Series A Round
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Protein Snack Brand Phab Secures $4 Mn in Pre-Series A Round
 

Nutrition-focused protein snack brand Phab has raised $4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by OTP Ventures and Chona Family Office. The company plans to use the capital to strengthen brand visibility, expand geographically, and build its leadership and operational teams.

Founded by nutritionist Gayatri Chona, Phab positions itself as a protein snack brand focused on calorie-efficient and nutrition-led products aimed at everyday Indian consumers. The company said the funding will support its mission of making high-protein snacking more accessible and integrated into regular eating habits.

Phab was established following insights drawn from Gayatri Chona’s clinical nutrition practice, where she observed recurring challenges among consumers attempting to adopt healthier eating habits.

“People don’t fail diets. Diets fail people. The gap was never motivation, it was the absence of calorie-efficient solutions that balance taste and macros. Every snack in the market was either high calorie or low on taste. Nobody was solving for the glaring gap at the intersection," shared Gayatri Chona, Founder, Phab.

The company’s product strategy is centred on balancing nutrition and calorie efficiency while aligning with familiar Indian snacking preferences rather than targeting only fitness-focused consumers or supplement users.

Unlike many digital-first nutrition brands, Phab has built an omnichannel presence, with nearly 50 percent of its business coming from offline distribution through modern trade and general trade networks. The company has also expanded its presence across quick commerce platforms and said it continues to grow its reach in Tier II and Tier III cities through dark store partnerships.

According to the company, the newly raised funding will be deployed across three key areas: brand building, geographic expansion, and team strengthening.

Suhail Sameer, Founder and Managing Partner at OTP Ventures, said the investment reflects confidence in the brand’s growth potential and operating model.

“This round is not about proving the concept that’s done. It’s about deploying capital where we know it works: brand, reach, and team. The goal is to make Phab the default choice when an Indian consumer reaches for a snack and wants something that is actually good for them & their health goals," stated Suhail Sameer, Founder & Managing Partner, OTP Ventures.

The company said it aims to further scale its retail and distribution footprint as demand for nutrition-led and functional snacking products continues to grow in India.

 
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{Funding Alert} Fraganote Raises $3 Mn Series A Funding Led by V3 Ventures
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Fraganote Raises $3 Mn Series A Funding Led by V3 Ventures
 

D2C fragrance brand Fraganote has raised $3 million, or about Rs 28.7 crore, in a Series A funding round led by V3 Ventures (V Cube Ventures SA), with participation from existing investor Rukam Capital. V3 Ventures invested $2.6 million, while Rukam Capital infused $0.6 million. The latest investment comes after Fraganote raised $1 million from Rukam Capital in its pre-Series A round last year.

Founded in 2023 by husband-and-wife duo Garima Kakkar and Arjun Anand, Fraganote manufactures perfumes and fragrances and currently offers around 42 SKUs. The startup plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen brand identity, improve omnichannel distribution, and expand beyond perfumes into fragranced body care products.

Speaking about the company’s expansion plans, cofounder Garima Kakkar said the brand intends to introduce products such as body wash, mist, lotion, and other personal care offerings.

Fraganote currently generates around 60 percent of its revenue through its website, while quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto contribute 20 percent. Ecommerce marketplaces including Nykaa, Myntra, and Amazon account for 10 percent of sales.

Offline retail contributes another 10 percent through kiosks and multi-brand outlets. The company currently operates kiosks across 14 tier I and II cities and plans to expand this network to 100 kiosks by the end of the year.

“The vision is a fully omnichannel brand with meaningful offline scale, a broad portfolio spanning multiple fragrance and personal care categories, and a global outlook that eventually takes India’s fragrance identity to international markets,” said Garima Kakkar, Founder, Fraganote. 

Fraganote claims to have a customer base of 3 lakh and a repeat purchase rate of 35 percent. Its average order value stands at Rs 1,500.

The company positions itself as a mid-premium homegrown fragrance brand and uses storytelling as a key part of its marketing strategy.

Garima Kakkar said, “Every fragrance is launched with a narrative, whether that’s emotional, nostalgic, or even sensory. The visuals, the music, the packaging, all the content, we create a whole world around the fragrance and use storytelling as a core product mechanic.”

Alongside body care products such as hand creams, shower gels, body lotions, mists, and lip serums, Fraganote is also exploring expansion into home and car fragrances.

The startup handles product design and formulation internally, while assembly is managed through contract manufacturing partners. Borosilicate glass bottles and atomisers are sourced from China, while perfumes are procured from Europe, the Middle East, and India.

“We are on track now to do about Rs 60 Cr revenue by FY27, and it’s our target to complete Rs 100 Cr in 18 months,” she added.

Fraganote operates in India’s growing D2C fragrance market, which is expected to reach $3.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12 percent. The company competes with brands such as Secret Alchemist, Pilgrim, Plum, and Skinn by Titan.

 
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{Funding Alert} Gifting Platform Zuvees Secures Rs 15 Cr Investment from IvyCap Ventures
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Gifting Platform Zuvees Secures Rs 15 Cr Investment from IvyCap Ventures
 

Gifting platform Zuvees has secured Rs 15 crore, or nearly $1.6 million, from IvyCap Ventures as part of its ongoing Series A funding round, taking the company’s total funding to Rs 30 crore, or approximately $3.3 million.

The company said the newly raised capital will support expansion of its operational network, strengthen supply chain capabilities, and enhance its AI-driven personalisation and recommendation systems. The funding will also be used to improve customer intelligence and CRM functions.

Founded by Vijaykumar Ghadge and Abhishek Daiya, Zuvees operates a premium gifting platform that combines curated products, artificial intelligence, and fulfilment services to deliver personalised gifting solutions.

The company focuses on addressing challenges commonly associated with gifting, including product quality, delivery consistency, and cross-border logistics. To support this, the platform offers AI-based product recommendations, video approval before dispatch, and a customer satisfaction commitment policy.

As part of its international expansion strategy, Zuvees launched commercial operations in the UAE in early 2025. The company claims this expansion has contributed to business growth, with its annualised revenue run rate crossing $3 million.

The latest funding comes at a time when gifting platforms are increasingly investing in technology-led personalisation and fulfilment infrastructure to meet growing consumer demand for customised and reliable gifting experiences across domestic and international markets.

 
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MagicDecor Elevates Ajaya Kumar Nayak as VP of Design and Consulting
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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MagicDecor Elevates Ajaya Kumar Nayak as VP of Design and Consulting
 

D2C home décor startup MagicDecor has promoted Ajaya Kumar Nayak to the role of Vice President of Design and Consulting as the company strengthens its consulting capabilities and advances its design-led growth strategy across residential and commercial projects.

MagicDecor, which specialises in made-to-order wallpapers and interior design solutions, said the appointment reflects its focus on expanding design and consulting services while integrating technology into project execution.

Ajaya Kumar Nayak brings more than a decade of experience across UI/UX design, interior design consulting, and digital product strategy. Over the years, he has led multidisciplinary teams working on home décor and commercial design projects.

In his new role, Nayak will lead MagicDecor’s strategic design direction and consulting division, with a focus on incorporating AI-assisted and technology-enabled workflows into the company’s operations.

Ajaya Kumar Nayak said, "Design today sits at the intersection of technology and lived experience. At MagicDecor, the opportunity is to build systems that translate design thinking into spaces that feel intuitive and deeply personal. I look forward to strengthening our consulting approach and creating solutions that are both functional and contextually rich."

Sidd Panda, Co-founder and CEO, MagicDecor shared, "Ajaya has been instrumental in shaping our design foundation over the years. His ability to bridge digital thinking with physical space design brings a unique and valuable perspective to the brand. As we scale our consulting-led approach, he will be central to delivering more thoughtful and design-driven experiences for our clients."

MagicDecor has been expanding its presence across residential, commercial, and hospitality segments. The company said the leadership appointment aligns with its broader strategy of building a technology-enabled design practice by integrating tools such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI-driven workflows into its projects.

 
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{Funding Alert} Zouk Set to Raise Rs 60 Cr in Pre-Series C Round Led by Existing Investors
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Zouk Set to Raise Rs 60 Cr in Pre-Series C Round Led by Existing Investors
 

Mumbai-based lifestyle and fashion accessories brand Zouk is preparing to raise Rs 60 crore, or approximately $6.3 million, through a pre-Series C funding round led by its existing investors Aavishkaar Capital and Stellaris Venture Partners, with participation from Sharrp Ventures and Mihir Gadani. Zouk’s board has approved a special resolution to issue 2,468 compulsory convertible cumulative preference shares (CCCPS) at an issue price of Rs 2,44,950 per share, enabling the company to raise Rs 60.45 crore.

Stellaris Venture Partners and Aavishkaar Capital are set to lead the round with investments of Rs 25 crore each. Sharrp Ventures will invest Rs 10 crore, while existing shareholder Mihir Gadani will contribute the remaining amount.

The fresh capital will be directed towards business expansion, working capital needs, and general corporate purposes.

Stellaris Venture Partners continues to be the largest external shareholder in Zouk with a 27.96 percent stake, followed by Aavishkaar Capital at 15.97 percent. Sharrp Ventures currently holds 3.64 percent of the company.

Founded in 2016 by Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar, Zouk operates as a D2C lifestyle brand specialising in fashion accessories. Its product range includes handbags, tote bags, sling bags, wallets, and laptop bags.

Prior to this funding round, Zouk had raised $14.5 million across multiple rounds. This included a $10 million Series B funding led by Aavishkaar Capital in October 2024 and a $3 million Series A round completed in March 2023.

The company has not yet filed its FY26 financial results. For the fiscal year ended March 2025, Zouk reported a 60.7 percent year-on-year rise in revenue to Rs 125 crore, while losses for the same period stood at Rs 19 crore.

 
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{Funding Alert} Agilitas Sports Targets Growth After Rs 225 Cr Funding Round
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Agilitas Sports Targets Growth After Rs 225 Cr Funding Round
 

Sportswear and athleisure company Agilitas Sports has secured Rs 225 crore in fresh funding from Nexus Venture Partners and Rainmatter, as the company accelerates investments across manufacturing, retail, and product development.

The funding round includes a Rs 200 crore follow-on investment from Nexus Venture Partners and Rs 25 crore from Rainmatter.

Founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, former Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia, Agilitas Sports operates across sports footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company is building a vertically integrated platform spanning research and development, design, manufacturing, and retail to address growing demand in the athleisure segment across India and international markets.

The newly raised capital will support product research and development, design capabilities, manufacturing expansion, retail growth, technology upgrades, talent acquisition, and brand-building initiatives.

Agilitas has been expanding its manufacturing and brand portfolio since its inception. In 2023, the company acquired sports footwear manufacturer Mochiko Shoes, which produces footwear for global brands including Adidas and Puma.

The same year, cricketer Virat Kohli transferred his sports and lifestyle brand One8 to Agilitas and invested Rs 40 crore in the company. Prior to this latest round, Agilitas had raised Rs 100 crore, or nearly $12 million, from Nexus Venture Partners in December 2023.

The company is also scaling Sportsyard, its large-format multi-brand retail format featuring brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Puma, and Skechers. Agilitas stated that its first Sportsyard outlet in Bengaluru turned profitable within two months of launch. It now plans to open 10 additional Sportsyard stores during the current financial year.

In addition, Agilitas holds exclusive long-term licensing rights to manufacture and distribute the Lotto sportswear brand across India, Australia, and South Africa.

 
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D2C Kids' Brand Rosada Adds Shilpa Shetty Kundra as Investor, Plans 6-8 Stores Across India
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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D2C Kids' Brand Rosada Adds Shilpa Shetty Kundra as Investor, Plans 6-8 Stores Across India
 

D2C kids’ lifestyle brand Rosada has onboarded actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra as a strategic investor as the company prepares to scale its presence across India. Founded in 2014 by husband-wife duo Shalu and Bhupesh Agarwal, Rosada is a Kolkata-based brand focused on personalised children’s accessories, baby products, and everyday essentials. Its portfolio spans bags, bedding, décor, travel accessories, and utility products designed for infants and young children.

The company follows a digital-first business model, with nearly 90 percent of its revenue generated through its official website. Rosada also sells through ecommerce marketplaces including FirstCry, Amazon, and Myntra, and is planning to strengthen its presence across additional online platforms.

Rosada states that its in-house design and manufacturing operations help maintain tighter quality control and differentiated product aesthetics within the category.

Alongside ecommerce growth, the company is also expanding its offline network. Rosada currently operates through Hamleys stores across 12 locations in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata. It is now preparing to launch exclusive brand outlets, with a new showroom in Kolkata expected to open within the next 1-1.5 months.

Over the next year, the company plans to open 6-8 EBOs across India as part of its retail expansion strategy.

Rosada also gained visibility through Shark Tank India Season 5, where boAt co-founder Aman Gupta, Emcure Pharmaceuticals executive director Namita Thapar, and OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal committed Rs 1.25 Cr at a valuation of Rs 25 Cr.

Rosada’s latest investment comes amid a wider shift in India’s startup ecosystem, where celebrities are increasingly moving beyond endorsement deals to take on investor and strategic partnership roles.

 
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Japanese Skincare Brand Bioré Taps India Market via kindlife Partnership
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Japanese Skincare Brand Bioré Taps India Market via kindlife Partnership
 

Beauty and wellness platform kindlife has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Japan-based Kao Group to strengthen the presence of Japanese beauty products in the Indian market.

As part of the collaboration, Kao Group’s skincare brand Bioré will be distributed across India through Kindbox, the distribution arm of kindlife. The partnership is aimed at expanding Bioré’s reach through both online and offline retail channels.

The agreement marks Kao Group’s latest move to increase its presence in India’s beauty and skincare segment, while also helping kindlife broaden its portfolio of international beauty brands.

The companies said the partnership is designed to tap into growing consumer demand for Japanese skincare products in India, supported by increasing awareness of international beauty trends and rising interest in performance-focused skincare solutions.

Radhika Ghai, Founder and CEO, kindlife said, "This partnership is about building category infrastructure, not just moving products. J-Beauty is anchored by cutting-edge technology and cult classics, and Bioré is undeniably the most loved Japanese brand globally with their sunscreens already having a massive following in India. We are committed to building Bioré into a category-defining brand here, investing in its visibility, relevance, and long-term consumer equity across every touchpoint. What makes this partnership powerful is the synergy at its core - Kao brings decades of world-class R&D and formulation excellence, and we bring a deep understanding of how India discovers and adopts global beauty, and how to scale it."

Under the partnership, kindlife and Kao Group plan to focus on expanding brand awareness, improving product accessibility, and driving consumer adoption through a multi-channel distribution strategy.

Jun Shukunobe, Brand Director of Asia Skin Care Business, Kao Group said, "India is one of the most exciting growth frontiers for global beauty today. The Indian consumer is deeply informed and ready for the next wave of high-performance skincare and that is precisely where Kao's science-led formulations excel. Backed by patented technology and a robust pipeline of new product innovation, Kao is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Indian consumer. kindlife's understanding of this market makes them the ideal partner to bring Kao's innovation to Indian consumers at scale."

The partnership reflects the increasing focus of international beauty companies on India as a growth market, particularly within premium skincare and wellness categories.

 
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{Funding Alert} MediElaj Raises $100K as It Expands Smart Healthcare Kiosk Network
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} MediElaj Raises $100K as It Expands Smart Healthcare Kiosk Network
 

Healthcare app and smart diagnostic kiosk platform MediElaj has secured nearly $100K through a friends-and-family funding round as it works to expand its AI-driven healthcare infrastructure.

Alongside the external funding, the company’s founders have invested close to $500K through bootstrapping to develop the firm’s technology ecosystem, diagnostic kiosk network, AI healthcare platform, and operational capabilities.

The newly raised funds will be used for product development, kiosk prototyping, healthcare device and sensor integration, cloud infrastructure, and software development. The capital will also support preparations for pilot deployments and help establish a research and operational framework aimed at supporting long-term growth.

Founded in June 2023 by Debjit Patra and Umesh Khatri, MedPredict is the healthtech company behind MediElaj, an AI-powered diagnostic platform designed to improve access to preventive and early-stage healthcare services.

Based in Gurugram, the startup is developing an integrated model that combines a healthcare application with smart diagnostic kiosks. The solution is intended to support communities with limited access to medical infrastructure across India and selected international markets.

MediElaj’s kiosks are designed to provide AI-assisted health screening, non-invasive diagnostic services, conversational healthcare support, and digital health records. Through this approach, the company aims to bring healthcare services closer to populations in smaller towns and rural regions, reducing dependence on travel to larger urban healthcare centres.

The company is also preparing for the next phase of growth by building manufacturing capabilities for large-scale kiosk production and creating deployment infrastructure to support wider market expansion. In parallel, MediElaj plans to further develop its AI technologies and cybersecurity systems while establishing partnerships to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem.

The startup said its long-term strategy is focused on expanding access to healthcare services across Tier II, Tier III, rural, and underserved markets.

 
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KAFF Appliances Expands Kitchen Portfolio with Matt Finish Hobtops
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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KAFF Appliances Expands Kitchen Portfolio with Matt Finish Hobtops
 

KAFF Appliances has expanded its kitchen appliance portfolio with the launch of a new Hobtops with Matt Finish range, targeting consumers seeking premium design and functional cooking solutions for modern kitchens.

The new range introduces hobtops with a matt black glass finish designed to integrate with contemporary kitchen interiors. The products combine the convenience of cooktops with the aesthetics associated with built-in hobs.

The hobtops feature heavy pan supports integrated with flame protectors aimed at improving durability and cooking stability. Additional features include anti-slip easy grip knobs for improved handling, black-coated brass burners designed for consistent flame performance and heat distribution, and double drip trays to support easier cleaning and maintenance. The models also include auto ignition functionality for quicker operation.

KAFF has launched three models under the range to cater to different kitchen layouts and cooking requirements.

The CTZ 84B AI is an 80 cm model featuring four burners, including one jumbo, two big, and one small burner, designed for larger cooking spaces. The CTZ 58 4B AI offers a similar four-burner configuration in a compact 60 cm format. Meanwhile, the CTZ 71 3B AI comes with a three-burner setup comprising one jumbo, one big, and one small burner in a 71 cm size.

Nalin Kumar, CEO, KAFF Appliances said, “Over the years, kitchens have evolved into spaces where people spend meaningful time beyond cooking- entertaining guests, connecting with family, and expressing personal style. Consumers today are far more conscious about how their kitchens look and feel, and appliances have become an important part of that experience. With this range, we wanted to introduce products that feel contemporary yet timeless, bold yet effortless. The response to premium darker finishes globally has been very strong, and we saw an opportunity to bring that design direction into Indian kitchens through a collection that feels sophisticated, modern, and naturally premium.”

The company said the Hobtops with Matt Finish range is available through KAFF’s website, retail outlets, and authorised dealers across India.

 
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Clean-Label Condiment Startup Jhatak Raises Seed Funding for Market Expansion
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Clean-Label Condiment Startup Jhatak Raises Seed Funding for Market Expansion
 

Jhatak, an Indonesian sambal brand tailored for Indian consumers, has announced the closure of its seed funding round. The investment was led by Atul Rajani and Deeksha Rajani, Co-founders of The Be. Life, along with Sidhant Keshwani, Founder and CEO of Libas. The round also saw participation from Sifat Khurana, Founder and CBO of Innovist, Dhruv Bhasin, Co-founder of Arata, and other investors.

The company said the fresh capital will be deployed to strengthen its team, scale distribution, and support expansion across key markets in India.

Founded by four international students from India, Mexico, Argentina, and Indonesia during their Bachelor’s programme at Tetr College of Business, Jhatak is focused on bringing Indonesian sambal, a traditional chilli condiment, to Indian households through a clean-label product range designed for everyday meals.

The startup currently sells through its direct-to-consumer platform and plans to expand its presence across online marketplaces, offline retail, and B2B channels, including restaurant partnerships. Its handcrafted sambals are prepared using fresh ingredients and do not contain preservatives or chemicals. The products are positioned as condiments that can be used both as dips and cooking accompaniments.

Jhatak enters the market as Indian consumers, particularly in urban centres, continue to explore international cuisines and premium pantry products. The company sees demand emerging within the premium global condiments category, supported by rising interest in international flavours and convenient meal accompaniments.

At present, Jhatak offers two variants, garlic sambal and tomato sambal. Inspired by Indonesian recipes and adapted for Indian taste preferences, the products use locally sourced ingredients and are designed to pair with snacks, rice dishes, noodles, and home-cooked meals.

Nadime, Co-founder, Jhatak, said, “We saw a clear shift in how urban Indian consumers were approaching food, with growing openness towards global flavours and experimentation in everyday meals. At the same time, we saw an opportunity to introduce consumers to a relatively underexplored flavour category through authentic Indonesian sambal. With Jhatak, we wanted to bring this experience to the Indian market in a way that stays true to its origins while also fitting naturally into local food habits and preferences.”

Deeksha Rajani, Founder and CEO of The Be. Life, and Atul Rajani, Founder and Chief Formulation Officer, The Be. Life, said, “What impressed us about Jhatak was the team’s ability to identify a whitespace in India’s growing international cuisine market and build an authentic product around it in a very short span of time. Their early traction through offline sales, repeat customer interest, and ongoing conversations with specialty retailers demonstrated strong consumer curiosity for the category.”

Going forward, Jhatak plans to increase brand visibility, strengthen distribution, and introduce new product variants. The company is also working on expanding operations across Indian metros as well as Tier I and Tier II cities while exploring partnerships across food service and retail channels to build awareness around Indonesian sambal in India.

 
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{Funding Alert} Aquapulse Targets Aquaculture Growth with Rs 45 Cr Funding Round
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{Funding Alert} Aquapulse Targets Aquaculture Growth with Rs 45 Cr Funding Round
 

Bhubaneswar-based shrimp aquaculture and seafood export startup Aquapulse has secured Rs 45 crore in a funding round led by NABVENTURES through its AgriSURE Fund, with participation from IAN Alpha Fund.

The company said the newly raised capital will be deployed to strengthen farm-level technology and disease management systems, widen its farmer procurement network across eastern India, expand processing and export capabilities, and enhance working capital infrastructure.

Established in 2023 by Abhishek and Abhilash Dwivedy, Aquapulse runs a technology-driven procurement platform that links small shrimp farmers with domestic and global markets. The startup currently operates across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal through an aquapreneur-led hub-and-spoke model.

Aquapulse offers farmers services including water quality monitoring, feed management, early disease detection systems, harvesting coordination, and market access. Its platform combines pre-harvest assistance, harvesting, processing, and export logistics into a traceable supply chain system.

The startup exports shrimp mainly to China, Vietnam, and Japan while also catering to domestic institutional buyers and modern trade channels.

India’s seafood exports touched $8.28 billion in 2025, with shrimp contributing a substantial share. Aquapulse seeks to address persistent issues faced by small shrimp farmers, including fragmented market access, low technology adoption, price fluctuations, and increasing traceability demands from international buyers.

Commenting on the investment, Sarika Saxena, Managing Partner at IAN Alpha Fund, said that Aquapulse's farm-to-port platform offers transparency, traceability, and market access while addressing inefficiencies in the aquaculture value chain.

 
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{Funding Alert} Simple Energy Secures Fresh Capital to Scale EV Production and Distribution
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{Funding Alert} Simple Energy Secures Fresh Capital to Scale EV Production and Distribution
 

Electric vehicle and clean energy startup Simple Energy has secured Rs 250 crore through a combination of debt and equity funding. The round was led by the family office of Thyrocare Technologies founder Arokiaswamy Velumani, with participation from the company’s founders. Debt financing of Rs 123 crore came from HDFC Bank, Capitar Ventures, and other non-banking financial companies.

The Bengaluru-based startup had earlier raised $20 million in a Series A funding round in July 2024, over $20 million through a bridge round in February 2023, and $21 million in a pre-Series A round led by investors Manish Bharti and Raghunath Subram in November 2021.

The newly raised capital will be used to increase production capacity, strengthen its distribution network, and support product development initiatives.

Founded in August 2019 by Suhas Rajkumar and Shreshth Mishra, Simple Energy develops and manufactures electric two-wheelers. Its flagship scooter offers a claimed range of up to 248 km on a single charge, a top speed of 105 kmph, and sizeable boot storage.

Simple Energy is also preparing for an initial public offering in the second half of FY28. The company plans to raise nearly Rs 3,000 crore ($350 million) to fund expansion efforts, research and development, and the construction of a new manufacturing facility.

As part of its growth plans, the startup aims to increase production capacity from 3,000 scooters per month to 10,000 by January and further to 15,000 by March next year. It currently sells around 2,000 scooters monthly and plans to expand its retail footprint from nearly 80 stores to between 200 and 250 outlets by next March.

The company reported operating revenue of around Rs 150–160 crore in FY26, up from approximately Rs 40 crore in the previous financial year, reflecting nearly fourfold growth. At present, a significant share of its sales comes from southern India.

 
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{Funding Alert} Instafix Raises Pre-Seed Funding to Expand 30-Minute Repair Service
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{Funding Alert} Instafix Raises Pre-Seed Funding to Expand 30-Minute Repair Service
 

Instafix, a doorstep smartphone repair startup offering 30-minute service, has secured Rs 7.55 crore in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Titan Capital and 8i Ventures. The round also saw participation from Anish Srivastava and Bharat Kalia.

The Gurugram-based company said the fresh capital will be used to strengthen operations in Gurugram, expand services beyond iPhones to premium Android smartphones, and enhance the technology infrastructure supporting its on-site repair model.

Founded in 2025 by Aniket Kale and Chetan Chauhan, Instafix provides smartphone repairs at customers’ doorsteps with technicians completing repairs within 30 minutes. The service includes a warranty of up to 12 months and is positioned as a convenient alternative to conventional repair centres.

Customers can book repairs through the platform, following which certified technicians visit the location and complete the service in front of the customer. According to the company, repairs are priced up to 50 percent lower than OEM service centres.

Instafix said it aims to make professional repair services more accessible to Indian households, beginning with smartphones and gradually expanding into the wider consumer electronics category.

The company noted that India’s consumer electronics market, valued at nearly $73 billion, continues to grow at close to 20 percent annually, creating opportunities for organised repair services.

Since launching in Gurugram in October 2025, Instafix claims to have recorded 100 percent month-on-month growth. Looking ahead, the startup plans to build an on-demand repair platform spanning multiple consumer electronics categories.

 
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Royal Grove Introduces Coconut Milk in Two Variants for the Indian Market
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Royal Grove Introduces Coconut Milk in Two Variants for the Indian Market
 

Royal Grove has launched its new plant-based Coconut Milk range in India, expanding its presence in the growing dairy alternative segment. The product is designed to cater to changing consumer preferences and the increasing demand for versatile, plant-based ingredients suitable for home and professional kitchens.

Made using a specialised process, Royal Grove Coconut Milk is developed to retain the natural sweetness, aroma, and smooth texture of fresh coconuts. The company said the product is intended to blend easily across a variety of food and beverage preparations, offering flexibility for multiple culinary uses.

The Coconut Milk range is positioned for use in both traditional and international recipes. It can be incorporated into dishes such as Thai Green Curry and Tom Kha soup, while also supporting dessert and beverage applications including coconut puddings, smoothies, baked products, coconut coffee, cocktails, mocktails, and piña coladas. Its creamy consistency is designed to deliver a rich finish across different preparations.

To meet varied cooking requirements, Royal Grove has introduced the range in two variants. The 12–14 percent coconut extract option is suited for lighter recipes and everyday use, while the 17–19 percent coconut extract variant is designed to provide a thicker and creamier texture for richer dishes and professional culinary applications.

The company highlighted that Royal Grove Coconut Milk is naturally lactose-friendly and cholesterol-free. It is also free from added colours, artificial flavourings, and preservatives, positioning it as a dairy alternative for consumers seeking ingredient transparency and flexibility in food choices.

Packed in a 400 ml can to support convenience and freshness, Royal Grove Coconut Milk is now available through Amazon, Blinkit, and selected retail stores across India.

 
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Humuss Beauty Expands Skincare Availability Across Major Online Platforms
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Humuss Beauty Expands Skincare Availability Across Major Online Platforms
 

Clean skincare brand Humuss Beauty has expanded its retail availability across e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Smytten, and Blinkit as it looks to strengthen its digital presence in India’s skincare market.

Launched in March 2026, the brand has positioned itself around vegan, barrier-focused skincare formulations designed for Indian skin concerns and simplified skincare routines.

The expansion comes amid growing online demand for beauty and skincare products, with convenience and faster delivery increasingly shaping consumer purchase decisions. Through a wider digital presence, Humuss Beauty aims to improve accessibility and reach consumers through platforms already integrated into their shopping habits.

Humuss Beauty’s product portfolio includes skincare solutions focused on hydration, barrier repair, sun protection, and overall skin health. Its range features Berry Breeze Face Wash, Glow’O Clock Niacinamide Serum, Hello Hydration Moisturiser, Sun-Sational SPF 50 Sunscreen, Saffron Rush Night Cream, and Moon Kissed Retinol Serum.

Prabal Bhatia, Founder, Humuss Beauty said, “Accessibility plays an important role in skincare consistency. By expanding across platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Smytten, and Blinkit, we want consumers to discover and access skincare essentials more conveniently as part of their everyday routines.”

The move also supports the brand’s positioning within India’s growing clean beauty category, where consumers are increasingly prioritising ingredient transparency, skin barrier care, and simplified skincare routines.

Humuss Beauty said it plans to further strengthen its market presence through consumer-focused product development, skincare education, and expanded retail availability. The company’s skincare range is currently available through its official website and partner platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Smytten, and Blinkit.

 
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Renee Cosmetics Reports Rs 440 Cr Revenue in FY26, Narrows Losses
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Renee Cosmetics Reports Rs 440 Cr Revenue in FY26, Narrows Losses
 

Beauty and personal care brand Renee Cosmetics recorded operating revenue of Rs 440 crore in FY26, marking a 37 percent year-on-year increase from Rs 321 crore in FY25. The company has grown its operating revenue 4.4 times over the last three fiscal years, rising from nearly Rs 100 crore in FY23 to Rs 440 crore in FY26. The growth was supported by expansion across offline retail and quick commerce channels, along with new launches in colour cosmetics and skincare categories.

Renee reduced its EBITDA loss to Rs 36 crore in FY26 from Rs 66 crore in FY25. Net loss before tax also declined 45 percent to Rs 36.4 crore, compared to Rs 66.1 crore in the previous fiscal.

The company maintained a gross margin of 75 percent during FY26, broadly in line with the previous year. Employee benefit expenses remained stable at Rs 44.8 crore, while spending on sales and promotions rose 38 percent to Rs 220 crore from Rs 159 crore in FY25.

Renee’s profit before tax margin improved to negative 8 percent in FY26 from negative 21 percent a year earlier, indicating progress in operational efficiency despite continued investment in growth.

The documents show that the company continued to spend heavily on marketing and customer acquisition, with sales and promotional expenses accounting for nearly half of total revenue during the year.

Founded by Ashutosh Valani, Priyank Shah, and Aashka Goradia, Renee Cosmetics offers products across beauty and personal care categories including eye makeup, lip colours, skin serums, and highlighters. The company has raised more than $46 million from investors including Evolvence India, Edelweiss Group, Equanimity, and 100 Unicorns.

Renee competes with brands such as Sugar Cosmetics, MyGlamm, Mamaearth, and Pilgrim in India’s beauty and personal care market. According to the documents, the company has been strengthening its offline presence, expanding distribution in Tier II and Tier III cities, and increasing focus on strategic product categories.

 
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NEWME Opens 25th Store in Vadodara, Expands Retail Footprint Across India
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NEWME Opens 25th Store in Vadodara, Expands Retail Footprint Across India
 

Gen Z fashion-tech brand NEWME has opened its 25th retail store in Vadodara, marking a milestone in its offline expansion strategy. With the latest launch, the brand now operates 25 stores across 14 cities in India, including four outlets in Gujarat, with stores in Surat, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara.

Located at Kanha Capital in Alkapuri, the Vadodara outlet follows NEWME’s company-owned, company-operated retail model and forms part of the brand’s broader omnichannel growth strategy.

Founded as a digital-first fashion startup, NEWME has expanded its presence across metro and emerging markets including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, Dehradun, Ahmedabad, and Surat. The company said it has served over 22 lakh customers across India in less than four years of operations.

Known for its trend-focused fashion model and rapid product turnaround, NEWME has also expanded into quick commerce through NEWME Zip, currently operational in Delhi and Bengaluru.

Sumit Jasoria, Co-founder & CEO, NEWME said, “Opening our 25th store is more than just a retail milestone. It’s a proof that Gen Z in India is ready for a new-age fashion brand that moves at their speed, speaks their language, and builds experiences beyond shopping. What started as a digital-first idea has now grown into a truly omnichannel fashion movement powered by community, culture, and constant innovation. This milestone gives us even more confidence to accelerate our offline expansion aggressively across India.” 

Sumit further added, "As we continue to scale, our focus remains on building deeper access across Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, strengthening our quick-commerce ecosystem through NEWME Zip, and continuing to innovate across both retail and technology. We believe the next phase of fashion retail in India will be driven by speed, community, and experience — and that is exactly what we’re building NEWME around.”

The Vadodara store has been designed to offer an experience-led retail environment with interactive spaces and creator-focused elements targeted at young shoppers.

As part of its 2026 growth plans, NEWME intends to add more than 25 additional stores across markets including Vizag, Ludhiana, Bhopal, Agartala, Kolkata and cities across the North-East, while continuing to scale its quick commerce operations through NEWME Zip.

 
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IRIS Home Fragrances Plans Expansion to 14,000 Stores by 2027
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IRIS Home Fragrances Plans Expansion to 14,000 Stores by 2027
 

IRIS Home Fragrances, backed by N. Ranga Rao & Sons Group, is expanding its presence in India’s home fragrance and wellness market through product innovation, retail expansion, and omnichannel growth.

The company, known for its home fragrance portfolio under the legacy of Cycle Pure Agarbathies, offers products including aroma candles, reed diffusers, fragrance vaporizers, oil diffusers, ultrasonic misters, and air diffusion systems.

Aroma candles remain its highest-selling category, followed by reed diffusers, fragrance vaporizers, and oil diffusers. Fragrance gift sets and seasonal gifting collections have also recorded strong demand.

As part of its innovation strategy, IRIS recently introduced app-controlled air diffusion systems in wall-mounted, tabletop, and floor-standing formats. The systems use air pressure technology instead of heat or solvents.

The company is also expanding its wellness portfolio through IRIS Aromatherapy and plans to launch bath, body, and aromatherapy products.

IRIS currently operates across nearly 8,500 retail outlets in India and aims to expand this network to around 14,000 stores by 2027. Its distribution spans home décor chains, hypermarkets, gifting stores, wellness retailers, modern trade, and general trade channels.

The company follows an omnichannel model, with offline channels contributing around 60 percent of revenue and online platforms accounting for 40 percent. Quick commerce has emerged as a growing channel, particularly for gifting and impulse purchases.

International markets contribute nearly 35 percent of the company’s revenue, while domestic operations account for 65 percent. IRIS currently serves markets across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, with expansion focus on the US, UK, France, and Germany.

On the sustainability front, the company said it is IFRA-compliant, operates an NABL-accredited laboratory, and holds carbon-neutral certification. IRIS is also investing in ERP systems, AI integration, and plastic-free initiatives as part of its long-term strategy.

The company said it aims to maintain annual growth of 30–35 percent alongside its domestic and international expansion plans.

 
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{Funding Alert} Anveshan Raises Rs 121 Cr in Series B Round Led by Vertex Ventures
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{Funding Alert} Anveshan Raises Rs 121 Cr in Series B Round Led by Vertex Ventures
 

D2C food brand Anveshan has secured Rs 121 crore (around $12.7 million) in a Series B funding round led by Vertex Ventures, with participation from International Finance Corporation (IFC), Titan Capital, Wipro Enterprises, and several angel investors.

The funding round also saw participation from boAt co-founders Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, along with Swiggy co-founder Sri Harsha Majety.

The latest investment comes nearly a year after Anveshan raised Rs 48 crore in its Series A round led by Wipro Consumer Care Ventures in April last year through a mix of primary and secondary transactions.

The company’s board approved the issuance of 2,853 compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 4,23,952 per share to raise the capital.

Vertex Ventures emerged as the lead investor with Rs 75 crore, followed by International Finance Corporation (IFC), which invested Rs 31 crore. Existing investors Titan Capital Winners Fund and Wipro Enterprises contributed Rs 6 crore and Rs 5.9 crore, respectively.

Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta reinvested in the company with contributions of Rs 38 lakh each. Additional funding came from ALTrust, Force Ventures, and Sri Harsha Majety.

The latest funding round has nearly doubled Anveshan’s valuation to Rs 846 crore, or around $89 million, compared to Rs 430 crore, or approximately $51 million, during its previous Series A round. Regulatory filings indicate that the newly raised capital will be used to strengthen the company’s long-term financial resources.

Earlier reports had indicated that Anveshan was exploring a fundraising round in the range of Rs 150 crore to Rs 200 crore.

Founded in 2020 by Aayushi Khandelwal, Akhil Kansal, and Kuldeep Parewa, Anveshan focuses on minimally processed food products manufactured in rural India. The company works with village-based food micro-entrepreneurs using traditional preparation methods while focusing on product quality and farmer livelihood support.

Its product portfolio includes A2 cow ghee, wood-pressed edible oils, raw honey, healthy sweets, beverage mixes, and other natural food products.

Following the latest allotment, Vertex Ventures holds an 8.87 percent stake in the company, while IFC owns 3.66 percent. Wipro Enterprises and Titan Capital Winners Fund have increased their holdings to 3.69 percent and 3.25 percent, respectively. The company’s founders collectively continue to hold a 47.63 percent stake.

 
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Zeeba Strengthens Rice Business with New Product Expansion
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Zeeba Strengthens Rice Business with New Product Expansion
 

Zeeba Basmati Rice, from the house of Supple Tek, has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of two new rice varieties, Sona Masoori and HMT, marking its entry into the non-basmati rice segment.

The move forms part of the brand’s strategy to widen its presence across rice categories and cater to varied culinary preferences in India and international markets. Supple Tek, the parent company behind Zeeba, is among the world’s largest exporters of basmati rice, with the brand currently present in over 93 countries.

With the addition of Sona Masoori and HMT, Zeeba aims to extend its presence beyond premium basmati rice and strengthen its position in everyday consumption categories.

The newly introduced Sona Masoori rice is commonly used in South Indian cuisine and is known for its light grains suited for dishes such as Bisi Bele Bath, Pongal, Puliyogare, and Sambar rice.

HMT rice, which is popular across Maharashtra and Telangana, features soft short-to-medium grains and is typically used in preparations such as Varan Bhaat, lemon rice, and lightly spiced curries.

Mohit Mathur, Chief Growth Officer - Supple Tek shared, "As a globally trusted brand, our goal has always been to deliver excellence across every grain we offer. With the introduction of Sona Masoori and HMT, we are expanding beyond basmati to meet the everyday needs of Indian consumers. This is a significant step towards strengthening our presence in India while continuing to serve our global audience with the same commitment to quality and purity. The response has been phenomenal and we look forward to making these variants widely available to the consumers."

According to the company, both rice variants undergo quality checks and are packaged using advanced processing technology to help maintain grain quality and nutritional value.

The expansion reflects Zeeba’s broader strategy to diversify its offerings and increase its consumer base by combining its experience in rice exports with regional consumption preferences.

The newly launched Sona Masoori and HMT rice variants are now available through leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms across India.

 
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Dermatologists Gurveen and Siddharth Garekar Launch Skincare Brand COMPOUND
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Dermatologists Gurveen and Siddharth Garekar Launch Skincare Brand COMPOUND
 

Dermatologists Dr Gurveen Waraich Garekar and Dr Siddharth Garekar, popularly known as the Garekars, have launched COMPOUND, a skincare brand developed from their clinical dermatology practice.

Positioned as a dermatologist-founded brand, COMPOUND focuses on addressing skin concerns such as pigmentation, dullness, and barrier sensitivity through what the founders describe as a systems-based skincare approach.

The launch comes amid growing demand for skincare solutions designed around specific concerns rather than individual ingredients. According to the brand, COMPOUND’s formulations are designed to work together as part of a coordinated skincare routine, particularly for complex skin conditions linked to melanin production and skin barrier health.

Explaining the need behind the brand, the founders pointed to recurring concerns seen in clinical practice.

"In our practice, we saw a recurring pattern: patients struggling with pigmentation and sensitised barriers caused by inconsistent routines and the overuse of incompatible actives. We realised that Indian skin doesn't need more trends; it needs a steady accumulation of benefits from products designed to work together. COMPOUND is our response as a brand stripped of anything that compromises performance and rooted in long-term skin stability," stated Gurveen and Siddharth Garekar.

COMPOUND has entered the market with three products aimed at addressing pigmentation and dullness.

The portfolio includes the Pigment Defender Sunscreen, developed with six photostable UV filters and designed to provide PA++++ UVA protection. The sunscreen is lightweight, fragrance-free, and formulated without oxybenzone or older-generation UV filters.

The second product, Polyactiv10 Serum, combines antioxidant, barrier-support, and hydration-focused ingredients. According to the company, the serum is intended for both morning and evening use and is designed to support skin glow, hydration, and barrier repair.

The brand has also introduced the Pigment Corrector Kit, a two-step correction system comprising a daily emulsifier and a resurfacing booster used twice a week. The formulation is designed to address multiple stages of pigmentation formation, including pigment synthesis, transfer, and skin turnover.

According to COMPOUND, all products are packaged in airless containers to help maintain ingredient stability and minimise oxidation.

 
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{Funding Alert} Eazzy Raises Over $440K in Angel Funding to Expand NCR Operations
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{Funding Alert} Eazzy Raises Over $440K in Angel Funding to Expand NCR Operations
 

Home services startup Eazzy has raised over $440K in an angel funding round from industry founders and corporate leaders as it looks to strengthen its position in the home services and appliance management segment.

The company said the fresh funding will be deployed to enhance its technology platform, expand operations across the NCR region, and develop AI-powered service solutions aimed at improving customer experience and operational efficiency.

Founded by former Reliance and Flipkart executive Saurabh Luthra, along with former Cashify COO Aksh Chauhan, Eazzy currently operates in Gurugram, offering AC and appliance repair and maintenance services.

The startup is also preparing to widen its service portfolio over the coming months. Planned additions include mobile and laptop repair, home maintenance solutions, and electronics buyback and recommerce services.

Eazzy functions as a home services and appliance lifecycle management platform, connecting households with trained service professionals for installation, maintenance, repair, resale, and buyback requirements.

The expansion plans reflect growing demand for organised and technology-enabled home service platforms, particularly in urban markets where consumers increasingly seek faster, reliable, and integrated after-sales support for appliances and electronics.

 
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Sirona Foundation Promotes Menstrual Hygiene and Sustainable Period Care in India
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Sirona Foundation Promotes Menstrual Hygiene and Sustainable Period Care in India
 

Sirona Foundation, the social impact arm of feminine hygiene brand Sirona Hygiene, has announced its goal to positively impact 1 million women and girls across India by 2030 through menstrual hygiene awareness, sustainable period care education, and grassroots outreach programmes.

The announcement, made around Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, highlights the organisation’s continued focus on menstrual health awareness and accessibility.

According to the foundation, it has already educated more than 1 lakh menstruators on menstrual hygiene management and sustainable period practices across India. It has also distributed over 12,000 menstrual cups through workshops, awareness drives, schools, NGOs, and community outreach programmes.

The foundation’s initiatives have reached diverse groups, including schoolgirls, domestic workers, orphaned girls, women police personnel, waste pickers, sportswomen, and women living in urban slums. Its programmes are aimed at improving access to menstrual health education and hygiene solutions while encouraging conversations around menstrual health.

As part of these efforts, Sirona Foundation has conducted 152 menstrual health awareness sessions across schools, colleges, institutions, and community groups in regions including Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand. The organisation continues to expand its outreach through partnerships with NGOs, educational institutions, corporates, and community organisations.

The foundation also highlighted the environmental impact of menstrual waste, stating that India generates nearly 1.23 billion sanitary pads’ worth of menstrual waste annually. In response, it continues to promote reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups and sustainable hygiene alternatives.

As part of its awareness campaigns, Sirona partnered with AWAAZ – The Nukkad Natak Group for a street play at Sarojini Nagar in New Delhi. Built around the message, “Periods are normal, but no two periods are the same,” the performance used storytelling, music, and satire to address myths and stigma surrounding menstruation.

Deep Bajaj, Co-founder and CEO of Sirona Hygiene, said the foundation aims to encourage long-term behavioural change by making conversations around periods more open and accessible while increasing awareness about sustainable menstrual practices. He added that the organisation plans to expand grassroots partnerships, strengthen awareness campaigns, and improve access to safer period care solutions in underserved communities.

 
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Zappfresh Eyes Expansion After Strong FY26 Financial Performance
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Zappfresh Eyes Expansion After Strong FY26 Financial Performance
 

India’s food and grocery retail market continues to see strong growth, with online meat delivery platform Zappfresh reporting a 59 percent year-on-year rise in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 14.3 crore in FY26.

The company’s operating revenue increased 69 percent to Rs 220.8 crore in FY26, compared to Rs 130.7 crore in FY25. Zappfresh also recorded sequential growth, with operating revenue rising 30.4 percent to Rs 125 crore in H2 FY26 from Rs 95.9 crore in H1 FY26. Including other income of Rs 14.9 crore, total income stood at Rs 222.3 crore for the fiscal year.

Zappfresh reported a 91 percent rise in EBITDA to Rs 31.1 crore during FY26, while EBITDA margin improved by 160 basis points to 14.1 percent.

According to the company, chicken contributed 50 percent of total revenue during FY26, followed by seafood at 27 percent and mutton at 23 percent.

The B2B segment remained a key contributor, accounting for nearly 68 percent of total revenue. While the company noted that B2B operates at relatively lower margins, it believes the segment supports supply chain utilisation and long-term scale.

Beyond online meat delivery, Zappfresh is also expanding through offline partnerships. The company said its local meat shop partnership pilot currently works with around 15 to 20 stores, where Zappfresh supports sourcing, supply chain, and technology operations. It plans to expand this network to 100 partner stores.

The company has also strengthened its portfolio through acquisitions and new launches. Zappfresh recently acquired the ready-to-eat business of Ambrozia and launched frozen foods brand Meevaa Foods to expand its presence in the convenience food segment.

The company expects FY27 and FY28 to be important growth years as it scales these investments and expands across categories and channels.

 
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Nasher Miles Expands Travel and Lifestyle Portfolio in India
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Nasher Miles Expands Travel and Lifestyle Portfolio in India
 

Nasher Miles is expanding its presence in India’s travel and lifestyle market through a stronger omnichannel strategy and retail network growth.

Founded in 2017 by Abhishek Daga, Lokesh Daga, and Shruti Kedia Daga, the direct-to-consumer luggage brand has expanded its portfolio beyond suitcases to include backpacks, messenger bags, duffel bags, laptop sleeves, pouches, and travel accessories.

The company currently operates around six exclusive brand outlets, including stores at Phoenix Palladium Mumbai, Capital Mall Vasai, and Palladium Ahmedabad. It is also present across nearly 600 multi-brand retail stores and modern trade channels.

According to the company, around 70 percent of revenue comes from online marketplaces and D2C channels, while offline retail contributes 20 percent and quick commerce accounts for 10 percent.

Nasher Miles plans to scale its retail footprint through the franchise route, focusing on suburban malls and high-footfall locations across metro cities while exploring select Tier-II markets.

The company recently launched a Harry Potter collection in collaboration with Warner Bros., aimed at millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Nasher Miles follows an affordable premium pricing strategy, with cabin luggage priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,400, larger suitcases going up to Rs 3,500, and backpacks starting at around Rs 1,500.

The company also stated that its portfolio is now 100 percent Made in India, marking a shift from its earlier manufacturing model.

 
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{Funding Alert} Damroo Secures Rs 5 Cr Investment from Hindustan Times
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{Funding Alert} Damroo Secures Rs 5 Cr Investment from Hindustan Times
 

Artist-focused music platform Damroo has secured a strategic investment of Rs 5 crore from Hindustan Times as it looks to strengthen its technology capabilities and expand support for independent and regional music creators across India.

The Mumbai-based startup said the fresh capital will be used to upgrade its technology infrastructure, scale artist networks, improve regional music discovery, and expand its content catalogue. The company also plans to develop additional monetization tools and fan engagement opportunities aimed at supporting creators and helping them build sustainable careers.

Founded in 2021 by Ram Mishra, Damroo operates as a music streaming, distribution, and artist growth platform focused on serving independent musicians and regional talent. The company positions itself as an artist-first ecosystem offering services designed to address challenges often faced by emerging creators.

The company said independent artists continue to face significant hurdles related to visibility, monetization, and career sustainability, particularly within regional and non-mainstream music segments. Through its integrated support system, Damroo seeks to bridge these gaps and create more structured growth pathways for creators.

Currently, the platform offers digital music distribution, publishing administration, YouTube growth management, artist collaborations, A&R guidance, marketing support, royalty collection services, and financial assistance for content creation.

Damroo also assists creators in becoming members of publishing societies such as the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), enabling artists to access publishing royalties and build recurring revenue streams through rights management.

The strategic investment from Hindustan Times comes at a time when India’s independent music ecosystem is witnessing increasing investor and industry interest, driven by growing digital consumption, regional content demand, and the expansion of creator-led entertainment platforms.

With the latest funding, Damroo plans to deepen its presence within India’s music creator economy while expanding tools and infrastructure aimed at strengthening artist growth and monetization opportunities nationwide.

 
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Stylox Fashion Launches D2C Website and Expands Omnichannel Presence
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Stylox Fashion Launches D2C Website and Expands Omnichannel Presence
 

Menswear and denim brand Stylox Fashion has launched its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, Stylox.in, as part of efforts to strengthen its omnichannel retail strategy and expand digital access for consumers across India.

Alongside the launch of its dedicated online storefront, the brand has also expanded its presence across major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart. The move is aimed at making Stylox Fashion’s products available through multiple shopping channels while strengthening its direct engagement with consumers.

The newly introduced Stylox.in platform has been designed to provide customers with faster browsing, simplified navigation, and access to the brand’s latest product collections. According to the company, the website will play a central role in advancing its D2C strategy and expanding its digital footprint in India’s growing online fashion market.

The expansion follows recent strategic discussions held during a board meeting attended by the company’s leadership, investors, and industry stakeholders including Sanjay Nigam, Founder of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, Amit Singhal, Advisor, Ritesh Verma, Vice President at Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, and Stylox Fashion brand ambassador Sukhbir Singh. Discussions focused on scaling the brand’s presence across both marketplace and direct-to-consumer channels with emphasis on accessibility, visibility, and growth.

The brand ambassador of Stylox Fashion, Sukhbir Singh said, “I've been associated with Stylox fashion for Two years, and I am proud of this partnership. Vishal and Ritika have built something real here. Stylox Fashion understands the Indian man, their style, their budget, and what they actually want to wear. Now that the brand is available on every major platform people shop on, along with a completely refreshed website and new collections, I genuinely feel this is just the beginning of a very big story.”

 

Ritika Mehra and Vishal Mehra, Co-Founders, Stylox Fashion shared, “This launch is an important milestone for Stylox Fashion. While denim continues to remain our core strength, the brand today represents a much wider menswear vision. Launching our ecommerce website and expanding across Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart allows us to reach consumers across the country and build a stronger and more direct relationship with our customers. The website is not just a sales platform for us, it is becoming the centre of our D2C journey, helping us understand consumer preferences better while strengthening our omnichannel retail strategy. The new collections reflect the direction in which the brand is evolving - modern, accessible, and fashion-forward.”

 

Over the years, Stylox Fashion has expanded its footprint in India’s menswear market through affordable and denim-focused offerings. The brand currently operates through a network of more than 60 stores nationwide and is continuing to invest in both physical retail and digital commerce as it prepares for the next phase of expansion.

The launch of Stylox.in and broader marketplace integration reflects the growing importance of omnichannel strategies among fashion brands seeking to build stronger consumer relationships and improve nationwide accessibility through a combination of retail and digital channels.

 
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Boba Bhai Targets FY27 Growth After Strong FY26 Performance
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Boba Bhai Targets FY27 Growth After Strong FY26 Performance
 

Gen Z-focused quick service restaurant brand Boba Bhai reported strong growth in FY26, driven by rising consumer demand for bubble tea and Korean-inspired food offerings across urban India.

The direct-to-consumer food and beverage startup recorded a 145 percent year-on-year increase in net revenue, reaching nearly Rs 70 crore in FY26 compared to Rs 28 crore in the previous fiscal year. The growth highlights the increasing traction of specialised food formats and digitally driven brands within India’s evolving food and beverage market.

Founded by Dhruv Kohli, Boba Bhai initially built its consumer base around bubble tea before expanding into Korean-inspired food categories in 2025. The company said its food and beverage businesses now contribute equally to overall revenue, reflecting the success of its diversified menu strategy.

Beverages currently account for nearly 50 percent of revenue, while food contributes the remaining share. Boba Bhai’s recently introduced Korean burger portfolio has emerged as a key growth driver, helping strengthen customer engagement and broaden the brand’s presence across metropolitan markets.

The startup currently claims a 60-70 percent share of India’s bubble tea and Korean food category, positioning itself among the leading players in the youth-focused quick service restaurant segment.

Boba Bhai also reported same-store sales growth of nearly 30-40 percent year-on-year during FY26, indicating increasing repeat consumption and stronger customer retention.

While revenue expanded significantly, the company continued to invest aggressively in scale and market development. Losses widened 32 percent to Rs 12.5 crore in FY26 from Rs 9.5 crore in FY25 as the startup prioritised expansion, brand visibility, and market penetration.

The company recently strengthened its capital base through a Rs 40 crore funding round co-led by existing investors 8i Ventures, Titan Capital Winners Fund, and Global Growth Capital. To date, Boba Bhai has raised more than $9 million from investors, including Titan Capital, DeVC, Warmup Ventures, and Honasa Consumer Co-founder Varun Alagh.

The startup is also expanding its quick commerce and digital distribution strategy. Rather than relying primarily on traditional FMCG channels, Boba Bhai plans to scale through quick commerce platforms and digital-first distribution models aligned with Gen Z purchasing behaviour and convenience-led consumption.

As part of its product expansion strategy, the company is preparing new launches, including coconut jelly-based beverages and a Korean chips range. These products will be distributed through both physical retail and quick commerce channels to deepen consumer reach.

For FY27, Boba Bhai is targeting revenue growth of 200-250 percent while working toward improved profitability at the company level. Instead of immediately entering multiple new markets, the startup plans to strengthen its presence across its existing eight-city network before expanding into cities such as Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

 
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Ziptrrip Acquires HelloTravel to Expand Travel Services Portfolio
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Ziptrrip Acquires HelloTravel to Expand Travel Services Portfolio
 

Corporate travel and expense management platform Ziptrrip has acquired online travel marketplace HelloTravel Online as part of its strategy to strengthen capabilities across business leisure, MICE, and experiential travel segments.

The acquisition is expected to help Ziptrrip expand its supply network and execution capabilities in travel categories that require customised planning and destination-led services.

Founded in 2019 by Shan Prabhakaran and Rishabh Agarwal, Ziptrrip provides travel and expense management solutions for corporates, enabling businesses to automate travel bookings, manage approval workflows, and implement travel policies using algorithm-driven systems. The platform analyses travel behaviour and policy compliance to offer cost-efficient travel options through its supply network.

With the acquisition, Ziptrrip plans to leverage HelloTravel’s network of travel agents, destination management companies (DMCs), and its established travel community. According to the company, Ziptrrip has facilitated more than 2 lakh trips across over 650 corporate clients.

As part of the transaction, HelloTravel will continue operations as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wayfarers Technologies Private Limited. While the company’s founders will exit the business, the existing operational team will remain in place to manage partner relationships and day-to-day operations.

HelloTravel, co-founded by Pankaj Agarwal and Mohit Shrivastava, operates an online travel marketplace that connects travellers with specialised travel agents and verified tour operators for customised holiday packages and travel planning.

The platform claims to have built a network of more than 7,000 verified travel partners across destinations and offers over 2 lakh experience-led travel packages. It has also developed an organic digital community of more than 1.5 million followers.

The acquisition reflects Ziptrrip’s efforts to broaden its presence beyond traditional corporate travel management and strengthen its footprint in fast-growing travel segments such as meetings and events, leisure travel, and customised experiences.

 
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Slovic Crosses Rs 200 Cr ARR and Turns EBITDA Positive
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Slovic Crosses Rs 200 Cr ARR and Turns EBITDA Positive
 

Sports and fitness gear brand Slovic has crossed Rs 200 crore in annualised recurring revenue (ARR) and turned EBITDA positive in April 2026, according to Shashwat Diesh, founder of Powerhouse91, the company behind the brand.

Founded by Aqib Mohammed and Shashwat Diesh, Slovic has reported nearly 250 percent CAGR growth over the last two years, driven largely by rising demand for fitness and home-gym equipment.

“Slovic has built the business with strong capital efficiency and disciplined growth. The company’s revenue scale relative to the capital raised reflects the strength of the model,” said Diesh.

The brand, incubated by Titan Capital, has raised around Rs 28 crore in equity funding to date. Its investors include Haresh Chawla, FJ Labs, Crossbeam Venture Partners, and Mamaearth co-founder Varun Alagh.

According to Diesh, Slovic’s revenue increased from Rs 30 crore in FY25 to Rs 92 crore in FY26, while its current ARR has reached Rs 225 crore.

The company’s home fitness range continues to be its primary growth driver, with products such as dumbbells, pull-up bars, and resistance bands contributing the largest share of revenue. Swimming and cricket equipment categories also form a significant part of the business.

Slovic currently generates around 45 percent of its sales through marketplaces and another 45 percent through quick commerce platforms, while the remaining revenue comes from its direct-to-consumer website.

Aqib Mohammed, Co-founder, Slovic said, “Branded searches for Slovic have grown 8X over the last six months, which has significantly improved customer acquisition efficiency.”

The company employs approximately 80 to 90 people and says profitability has reduced the immediate need for fresh fundraising, despite continued investor interest.

Alongside its financial milestones, Slovic recently appointed actor Tiger Shroff as brand ambassador under its “Gym Ghar Lao” campaign, aimed at strengthening its positioning in the home fitness category.

The brand’s growth comes amid increasing consumer demand for affordable home workout equipment across India. However, the segment remains highly competitive, with brands such as Decathlon, Cultsport, Boldfit, and marketplace-led sellers competing across pricing and distribution channels. Slovic said improving brand recall and repeat demand continues to support customer acquisition and long-term growth.

 
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Kapiva Expands Across Tier II and III Markets with Growth Push
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Kapiva Expands Across Tier II and III Markets with Growth Push
 

Kapiva is strengthening its omnichannel expansion strategy with plans to cross Rs 1,000 crore in revenue over the next few years while expanding deeper into Tier II and Tier III markets. The Ayurveda and wellness brand is scaling its retail footprint and product portfolio as demand for preventive healthcare and science-backed wellness products continues to grow in India.

Founded in 2016 by Ameve Sharma, Kapiva began its journey through Ayurvedic clinics focused on personalised wellness and treatment. The company later shifted its strategy after identifying the limitations of the clinic-led model and recognising the potential to scale Ayurveda through consumer products and wider distribution.

Today, Kapiva operates as an omnichannel wellness company with presence across its own direct-to-consumer platform, online marketplaces including Amazon and Flipkart, quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart, alongside an offline retail network spread across more than 50,000 touchpoints in India. The company expects this network to cross 60,000 retail touchpoints in the near term as it expands into emerging markets and underserved wellness segments.

Kapiva has also expanded internationally, with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. According to the company, increasing interest in holistic wellness and herbal healthcare is creating new opportunities for Ayurveda-led Indian brands among both diaspora and global consumers.

The company currently offers over 50 SKUs across categories, including sports nutrition, diabetes management, women’s health, digestion, skin and hair care, daily wellness, and heart and liver health. Recent launches include Ashwagandha Sleep and Energise Capsules, Digesti Care+ Juice, Arthosure Juice, Sea Buckthorn Juice, and Shatavari Lacta Naturals.

Kapiva sees significant growth opportunities in Tier II and Tier III cities, where organised wellness and preventive healthcare categories continue to remain underpenetrated. Rising health awareness, increased digital adoption, and changing consumer preferences are supporting the company’s expansion beyond metro markets.

Looking ahead, Kapiva plans to strengthen its presence across categories such as pain management, digestion, kids’ health, women’s wellness, and sports nutrition while continuing to build its omnichannel network across India.

 
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{Funding ALERT} ANSCER Robotics Raises Rs 45 Cr Led by IAN Group
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding ALERT} ANSCER Robotics Raises Rs 45 Cr Led by IAN Group
 

ANSCER Robotics has raised Rs 45 crore in a funding round led by IAN Group through IAN Alpha Fund, with participation from Info Edge and other angel investors. The company said the investment will be used to accelerate product innovation, expand its presence in the US, build strategic partnerships, and scale partner-led deployments across factories and warehouses.

Founded in 2020 by Ribin Mathew, Ebin Sunny, Raghu V, and Raj Mohan, ANSCER Robotics develops AI-native automation solutions for industrial and warehouse environments. The company builds autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), fleet management software, and AI-driven automation systems aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing workplace safety.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, ANSCER Robotics has developed a modular hardware and software platform engineered to global safety standards. The company operates a manufacturing facility with the capacity to produce more than 1,000 robots annually and a dedicated 20,000 sq. ft. testing facility where robots undergo performance and endurance testing before deployment.

Ribin Mathew, Founder & CEO, ANSCER Robotics said, “The first era of automation was about machines following instructions. The next era will be about machines understanding context, learning from operations, and working alongside enterprise intelligence. ANSCER is building that future through a robotics platform developed in India, designed for global standards, and ready for the AI-native factory.”

The company said the latest funding comes as industries globally increase investments in automation and smart manufacturing to address labour costs, operational inefficiencies, safety concerns, and supply chain demands.

Rajnish Kapur, Managing Partner, IAN Alpha Fund shared, “We believe that industrial automation technology has reached a critical point globally. Today, companies view automation as a key resource for resilience, intelligence, and competitive advantage, not just efficiency. It was the team's vision for the development not only of robotic hardware but also of an intelligent, interoperable automation solution that could evolve with the adoption of enterprise artificial intelligence that impressed us the most. Their approach of integrating robots, orchestration software, fleet intelligence, and AI-native infrastructure places them well in an industry expected to experience rapid growth globally in the coming years.”

ANSCER Robotics currently operates from Bengaluru with sales and support presence in the United States, serving customers and partners across the US, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

 
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{Funding Alert} Wearable Healthtech Startup Gabit Secures Rs 36.2 Cr Funding
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Wearable Healthtech Startup Gabit Secures Rs 36.2 Cr Funding
 

Wellness startup Gabit has secured nearly Rs 36.2 crore, or approximately USD 3.7 million, in fresh funding, reflecting growing investor interest in India’s wearable healthtech and preventive wellness sector.

Founded in 2022 by former Zomato cofounder Gaurav Gupta and entrepreneur Arpana Shahi, the company raised capital from a group of angel investors, including Deepak Gupta, Arnab Basu, Manav Gupta, Vilas Dhar, and other strategic investors. The funding was completed through multiple tranches of pre-Series A5 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS). Following this round, Gabit’s cumulative funding has surpassed USD 12.7 million, excluding an undisclosed celebrity-backed investment round involving Ranbir Kapoor and Badshah conducted last year.

Gabit operates across multiple wellness categories, combining wearable technology, AI-enabled healthcare, nutrition, recovery solutions, skincare, and preventive health services within a single ecosystem.

According to Gabit, its flagship wearable tracks more than 150 health metrics spanning sleep quality, physical activity, stress levels, recovery patterns, and nutrition-related indicators. These insights are integrated with the company’s mobile application, which provides AI-driven recommendations and customised wellness guidance.

The latest investment comes amid rising consumer preference for preventive healthcare, personalised wellness management, and health-tracking technologies across India. Gabit has positioned itself in the premium wellness segment by integrating devices, software, and subscription-led wellness services.

Beyond wearables, the company has expanded into adjacent categories to strengthen its ecosystem approach. Its skincare range now includes sunscreens, face washes, moisturisers, and serums tailored to varying skin concerns and user profiles.

Prior to this round, Gabit had raised USD 9.5 million in seed funding led by Norwest Venture Partners, with participation from investors including Deepinder Goyal and Kunal Shah.

The company has also pursued inorganic growth to broaden its offerings. Last year, Gabit acquired Sweden-based nutrition brand Näck, adding supplements and nutrition products to its growing wellness portfolio.

The funding comes at a time when India’s wearable and digital health sector is seeing increased investor activity, particularly in startups focused on AI-driven healthcare, sleep technology, recovery solutions, and preventive wellness.

Industry projections estimate that India’s smart wearables market could reach nearly USD 10.26 billion by 2031, creating larger growth opportunities for companies building connected healthcare and personalised wellness platforms.

Gabit’s latest capital raise reflects a wider trend in the healthtech sector, where startups are increasingly combining hardware, AI, digital subscriptions, and wellness commerce to create scalable and long-term consumer ecosystems.

 
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{Funding Alert} Yes Madam Raises Rs 50 Cr in Series A Funding Led by Info Edge
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Yes Madam Raises Rs 50 Cr in Series A Funding Led by Info Edge
 

Home salon and wellness services platform Yes Madam has secured its first institutional funding round, raising Rs 50 crore in Series A capital led by Sanjeev Bikhchandani-backed Info Edge. Yes Madam’s board approved the allotment of 2,64,987 Series A preference shares at an issue price of Rs 1,885 per share to raise the capital.

Info Edge, through its B8 Fund, was the sole investor in the round. The investment values the company at nearly Rs 750 crore, or around USD 79 million.

The newly raised capital will be deployed to support the company’s expansion into additional cities, strengthen its service partner ecosystem, invest in technology capabilities, and enhance customer experience while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and profitability.

Founded in 2016, Yes Madam operates an at-home beauty and wellness services marketplace, enabling consumers to book salon and personal care services, including haircuts, facials, waxing, and massages, through its mobile application and website. The platform connects customers with trained professionals who provide these services at home, generating revenue through commissions on bookings.

The Noida-based company claims to process more than 3 lakh bookings every month and currently operates across more than 55 cities in India. It has onboarded over 12,000 service professionals since its inception.

Following the latest allotment, Info Edge has acquired a 6.67 percent stake in the company. Meanwhile, co-founders Mayank Arya, Aditya Arya, and Akanksha Vishno together continue to hold a 68.61 percent stake.

The company has also created an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) pool representing 10 percent equity, valued at Rs 75 crore.

While Yes Madam has not yet filed its FY26 financial results, the company said it generated Rs 195 crore in revenue during the fiscal year ended March 2026 while remaining profitable.

In FY25, the platform had doubled its operating revenue to Rs 93 crore and reported a profit of Rs 1.8 crore, indicating continued growth in the home services category.

Yes Madam competes with players including Urban Company and Bengaluru-based GetLook, alongside emerging entrants such as Snabbit, which recently entered the instant salon-at-home services segment.

 
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{Funding Alert} abcoffee Raises Rs 61 Cr to Accelerate Expansion Across India
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} abcoffee Raises Rs 61 Cr to Accelerate Expansion Across India
 

India’s grab-and-go coffee chain abcoffee has secured Rs 61 crore in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Kliff Ventures, the newly launched consumer retail fund backed by K Hospitality Corp. The funding round also saw participation from Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures, Merisis Venture Fund, and Stride Ventures.

The fresh capital will be used to support abcoffee’s cluster-based retail expansion strategy across existing and new markets. The company plans to strengthen its footprint in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru while entering high-density office districts, residential neighbourhoods, and transit-led micro-markets where access to premium coffee offerings remains limited.

A substantial share of the funding will also be allocated toward technology development, customer engagement initiatives, subscription models, supply chain enhancement, backend infrastructure, operational efficiency, and product innovation.

Founded in 2022 by Abhijeet Anand, Abcoffee currently operates more than 90 outlets across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru. The chain follows a compact and high-efficiency retail format designed around frequent coffee consumption and quick service.

The company reported strong business growth during FY26, with revenue doubling year-on-year and store EBITDA rising 193.2 percent compared to the previous year. The company also reported a 60 percent high-frequency repeat customer rate, highlighting strong consumer retention.

Technology continues to play a central role in abcoffee’s operating model. According to the company, 54 percent of takeaway orders are now placed through its app, supported by growing adoption of digital ordering, pre-orders, and subscription-based purchases.

The brand said its subscription ecosystem contributes to 50 percent of total app-based orders and pre-sells over 40,000 cups of coffee and beverages every month for consumption over the subsequent 30 days.

Abhijeet Anand, Founder and CEO, abcoffee said, “Coffee in India is moving from an occasional café experience to an everyday habit. abcoffee was built for that shift. Our model is simple: great coffee, served fast, priced accessibly, available wherever the customer needs it. This fundraise is a strong validation of our belief that India needs a new kind of coffee company, one that is smartly designed in format, technology-led in experience, and built for repeat consumption. With this capital and the operating depth of Kliff Ventures and K Hospitality, we are focused on scaling abcoffee into India’s default habit coffee brand.” 

Karan Kapur, Executive Director, K Hospitality Corp and Kliff Ventures added, “We believe abcoffee has the potential to emerge as the leading brand in India’s rapidly growing coffee category. We are excited to back Abhijeet, who over the past 4 years has scaled and built a differentiated business with strong customer love, disciplined execution, and a compelling right to win. Through Kliff Ventures, we look to partner with ambitious founders building scalable and enduring consumer retail brands, and we are excited to join abcoffee in the journey ahead.” 

Product innovation remains a key part of abcoffee’s growth strategy. Recent launches include Matcha-based offerings and Procaff, the company’s protein coffee range, aimed at consumers seeking functional and wellness-focused beverages.

The company has also introduced abcircle, its rewards and engagement platform designed to encourage repeat purchases and strengthen customer loyalty.

Over the past four years, abcoffee has built its business around high-frequency consumption rather than traditional café models centred on longer dwell times. Its retail approach combines compact store formats, faster service, digital ordering capabilities, and customer retention strategies as competition in India’s coffee retail segment continues to intensify.

 
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Culture Circle Launches in UAE to Expand Luxury Sneaker Marketplace
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Culture Circle Launches in UAE to Expand Luxury Sneaker Marketplace
 

Culture Circle has officially entered the UAE market, marking a significant step in the company’s international expansion strategy as it looks to take Indian sneaker and streetwear culture to global consumers.

The company said the UAE launch is aimed at building an authentication-focused, digitally driven marketplace for luxury fashion, sneakers, and streetwear across the GCC region. Culture Circle currently offers more than 8 lakh SKUs across categories, including premium sneakers, luxury handbags, watches, collectibles, streetwear, and global fashion labels.

The platform enables consumers to compare prices from sellers across the UAE, allowing greater pricing transparency and wider access to premium and limited-edition products. As part of the expansion, Culture Circle is also introducing Indian sneaker culture and homegrown streetwear labels to the GCC market, creating international visibility for Indian-origin brands and curated collections.

The company plans to open its first physical store in the UAE within the current financial year as part of its broader omnichannel strategy in the region.

The marketplace places a strong focus on product authentication through its proprietary “Check Check” verification process, under which products undergo multiple levels of authenticity checks before being listed on the platform.

Culture Circle’s marketplace combines luxury fashion and sneaker culture within a unified shopping experience, allowing customers to purchase products ranging from Jordans and Yeezys to Birkin bags and Rolex watches through a single checkout platform. The UAE launch will also include GCC-exclusive drops and region-specific colourways from global brands, catering to demand for limited-edition products.

Further strengthening its marketplace ecosystem, the company is launching a resale and consignment vertical through its “Sell With Us” programme, enabling collectors, resellers, and luxury product owners across the GCC to participate in the secondary luxury market. The platform will also introduce a WhatsApp-based VIP concierge service for premium customers, offering personalised sourcing and curated shopping support.

The launch comes as the UAE continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing global markets for luxury fashion, sneakers, and hype culture, supported by digitally connected and aspirational consumers seeking authenticated and exclusive products.

Ackshay Jain said, “The UAE sits at the intersection of luxury, fashion, and global culture today. Consumers here are highly evolved and deeply value authenticity, exclusivity, and convenience. With Culture Circle, we are introducing a platform that not only offers the region’s widest authenticated assortment across hype and luxury, but also delivers a seamless and transparent shopping experience tailored specifically for GCC consumers.”

Devansh Jain Nawal added, “Our ambition has always been to build the world’s most trusted marketplace for hype and luxury commerce. Following our strong growth trajectory in India, the UAE represented a natural next chapter for the brand, given its influence on global luxury retail and sneaker culture. We are also proud to take Indian sneaker culture and homegrown brands to a global audience through this expansion. Over the next six months, we are targeting ₹15 crore GMV in the UAE market as we continue building a deeply engaged community-led ecosystem for the next generation of luxury consumers.”

The UAE expansion marks a key milestone in Culture Circle’s broader international growth plans as the company continues to scale its presence across global luxury and fashion markets through technology-led and authentication-driven commerce.

 
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{Funding Alert} Kalpi Raises Rs 3.75 Cr Seed Funding from Rainmatter
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Kalpi Raises Rs 3.75 Cr Seed Funding from Rainmatter
 

Kalpi has raised Rs 3.75 crore in a seed funding round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha, the investment and incubation arm of Zerodha.

The startup said the newly raised capital will be used to expand its team, enhance platform capabilities, acquire advanced datasets, and strengthen distribution across both retail and institutional investor segments.

Founded in 2025 by Ashwar Gupta, Kalpi is developing a rule-based quantitative investing platform that allows users to create, test, automate, and execute systematic investment strategies across equities, ETFs, and mutual funds.

The company currently operates through two separate platforms tailored for different investor categories. Its retail platform, Kalpi.ai, is focused on individual investors, while KalpiQuant.com caters to institutional participants such as PMS firms, AIFs, RIAs, brokers, and family offices.

Kalpi’s retail offering enables users to create customised stock baskets, evaluate investment strategies, analyse portfolios, and execute trades through integrated brokerage partnerships. Meanwhile, the institutional platform provides tools including portfolio optimisation, backtesting engines, factor analysis, statistical modelling, and risk attribution systems.

Gupta, a CFA charterholder and BITS Pilani graduate, has previously worked in quantitative finance and investment research. Through Kalpi, the company aims to make institutional-grade quantitative investing tools more accessible to a wider range of investors and wealth managers.

According to the startup, its platform helps reduce the cost and operational complexity usually associated with developing quantitative investment systems, which have traditionally been limited to hedge funds and large institutional firms.

The funding comes at a time when investor interest in AI-led investing, automated wealth management, and data-driven portfolio strategies continues to grow within India’s fintech ecosystem.

 
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Snabbit Launches Salon-at-Home Beauty Services in Bengaluru
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Snabbit Launches Salon-at-Home Beauty Services in Bengaluru
 

Snabbit has entered the beauty services segment with the launch of a salon-at-home offering aimed at providing customers with quick access to trained beauty professionals. The expansion marks the company’s move into a category that complements its existing home services business.

The company said it has been testing the service over the past six weeks in Bengaluru’s Sarjapur area. During the pilot phase, Snabbit completed more than 2,000 bookings while maintaining an average fulfilment time of under 15 minutes.

At present, the pilot operates with a network of 25 beauty professionals and manages nearly 50 bookings every day. The company believes the category aligns with its hyperlocal delivery model and growing consumer demand for convenience-led services.

“Beauty services is a high-frequency category with a large addressable market that overlaps well with the core category we have built. Consumers today increasingly value convenience, while beauty services largely continue to remain appointment-led. We see an opportunity to simplify the experience through speed, reliability, and hyperlocal fulfilment," shared Aayush Agarwal, founder and CEO, Snabbit. 

The service currently works with women beauty professionals who already have industry experience and are also receiving additional training through Snabbit’s training centres. According to the company, the offering has been designed keeping convenience and comfort for women consumers in mind.

Pricing for services on the platform starts at Rs 49, and the company has introduced the category without a minimum order requirement.

Dev Priyam, who leads the category expansion efforts, said demand during the pilot phase has been largely driven through local customer referrals and repeat usage.

“We are seeing a very strong surge in demand, driven almost entirely by organic word-of-mouth in the dense neighbourhoods we have launched in. Consumers should not have to plan around basic beauty needs anymore. Whether it’s before office, after work or ahead of stepping out, beauty is increasingly becoming an instant, convenience-led use case. Our focus right now is on perfecting the experience before folding the service into the Snabbit app and scaling it across our existing micromarkets,” stated Dev Priyam, vice president, business at Snabbit.

 
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The Glendronach Enters India’s Luxury Whisky Market
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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The Glendronach Enters India’s Luxury Whisky Market
 

Brown-Forman has announced the launch of The Glendronach in India, expanding its presence in the country’s premium and super-premium whisky segment. The company is introducing the Highland distillery’s core single malt portfolio, including The Glendronach Aged 12 Years, 15 Years, and 18 Years.

Founded in 1826 in Scotland’s “Valley of Brambles,” The Glendronach is known for its focus on sherry cask maturation. Produced in the north-east Highlands of Scotland, the whiskies are matured primarily in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks sourced from Andalucía, Spain. The distillery said the process helps develop layered flavour profiles with notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak complexity over extended maturation periods.

The India portfolio includes three expressions designed to showcase different aspects of the distillery’s style. The Glendronach Aged 12 Years carries notes of sherried autumn fruit, gingerbread, chocolate praline and orange peel, while the Aged 15 Years offers flavours including maraschino cherry, walnut liqueur and dark chocolate mint. The Aged 18 Years, matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, features notes of stewed fruits, tobacco, and toasted walnut bread with a prolonged finish. All three variants are bottled using natural cask-imparted colour.

The whiskies are crafted under the direction of Dr. Rachel Barrie, who visited India as part of the launch activities.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender, who was in India to introduce The Glendronach to consumers, collectors, and members of the media, said, “The Glendronach is a surprise, a revelation. It begins with an aroma that is inviting, enticing, and mellow, before opening into an amplification and crescendo of flavour across the palate - becoming far richer than you first expect. The whisky builds beautifully with every sip, and what is particularly exciting about India is the growing appreciation for that kind of depth, detail, and complexity within single malt whisky.”

Gaurav Sabharwal, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Brown-Forman, added, “The launch of The Glendronach marks another important step in Brown-Forman’s premiumisation journey in India and further strengthens our presence within the luxury and super-premium whisky segment. Indian consumers today are demonstrating a far deeper appreciation for provenance, craftsmanship, and distinctive flavour profiles, and The Glendronach’s richly sherried Highland character makes it a compelling addition to our portfolio at a particularly opportune moment for the category.”

Vinay Joshi, Director - Marketing, Indian Sub-Continent & Maldives, Brown-Forman added, “The Glendronach represents a significant milestone for us as we enter the Single Malt Scotch category in India with a brand that possesses both exceptional heritage and a truly distinctive whisky style. The objective is not simply to participate in the category’s growth, but to bring a more differentiated and flavour-led proposition to India’s increasingly knowledgeable community of single malt scotch collectors and connoisseurs. As consumer palates evolve, we are seeing far greater appreciation for provenance, cask influence and layered flavour complexity - qualities that sit at the very heart of The Glendronach.”

To mark its India debut, The Glendronach hosted launch experiences in Mumbai and New Delhi featuring guided tastings and storytelling sessions focused on cask maturation, provenance, and flavour profiles. The brand is currently available in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Chandigarh, with plans to expand into additional markets through 2026.

 
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boAt Enters Singapore Market Amid SEA Expansion Push
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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boAt Enters Singapore Market Amid SEA Expansion Push
 

Indian audio and wearables brand boAt has announced its entry into Singapore as part of its broader Southeast Asia expansion strategy. The move comes after the company’s launch in Malaysia and marks another step in its international growth plans across digitally advanced markets in the region.

The company, which claims to be the world’s No. 3 audio brand according to IDC CY Dec 2025 rankings and India’s top audio brand, said the Singapore expansion aligns with its focus on strengthening its presence in high-potential global markets.

As part of the expansion, boAt will continue its partnership with Opptra, a venture founded by Binny Bansal. The partnership is aimed at helping consumer brands expand internationally through digital-first retail ecosystems. Through Opptra, boAt plans to leverage local market expertise, supply chain support, and commerce capabilities to establish its retail and e-commerce operations in Singapore.

The company said Singapore’s digitally connected consumer base and premium lifestyle market present an opportunity to expand its reach among younger consumers looking for design-focused audio products.

boAt will introduce a curated portfolio of products in Singapore, including True Wireless Stereo earbuds, headphones, and charging solutions. The products will be available through e-commerce platforms.

The company said its Singapore portfolio, launched under its ‘Create Waves’ philosophy, will focus on features such as balanced sound quality, battery performance, and Active Noise Cancellation technology at accessible price points.

Gaurav Nayyar, CEO, boAt said, “Southeast Asia continues to be a key growth market in boAt’s international expansion journey, and Singapore marks an important milestone in strengthening our regional presence. With its young, digitally savvy consumer base, evolved retail ecosystem, and strong appetite for lifestyle technology products, Singapore aligns perfectly with our vision of building boAt into a global brand. Following the strong momentum in Malaysia, we are excited to deepen our footprint in the region. Together with Opptra as our trusted partner, we are confident of delivering a seamless, high-quality experience to consumers while scaling rapidly in the market.”

boAt said its Singapore launch adds to its growing international footprint across Southeast Asia, the GCC, and South Asia, as the company continues to focus on expanding in digital-first consumer markets.

 
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{Funding Alert} Giva Plans Fresh Fundraise as Revenue Crosses Rs 500 Cr
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Giva Plans Fresh Fundraise as Revenue Crosses Rs 500 Cr
 

Giva is set to raise Rs 270 crore, approximately $28 million, through a multi-tranche debt funding round led by BlackSoil Capital, with participation from InCred Credit Fund, Stride Ventures, and Nuvama Crossover Yield Opportunities Fund.

The company plans to raise the capital through multiple debenture issuances. The proposed structure includes Rs 90 crore from BlackSoil Capital, Rs 70 crore from InCred Credit Fund, Rs 40 crore from Nuvama Crossover Yield Opportunities Fund, and Rs 70 crore from Stride Ventures.

The debt facility carries a fixed interest rate of 13.4 percent per annum, payable on a monthly basis.

The proceeds from the debt round will be used to meet working capital requirements, fund capital expenditure for new store expansion, and support general corporate purposes.

Founded in 2019, Giva started as an affordable jewellery brand and later expanded into gold jewellery and lab-grown diamonds. Led by Ishendra Agarwal, the company currently operates around 210 stores across 25 cities in India, in addition to its website and mobile application.

The company has adopted a franchise-led retail expansion strategy and had earlier indicated plans to close FY26 with more than 300 outlets nationwide.

To date, Giva has raised over $158 million in funding, including a Rs 110 crore, nearly $12 million, Series C extension round led by HPV CC1 Ltd in February this year. Industry observers indicate that the latest debt raise could form part of a larger equity and debt financing plan.

While the company is yet to file its FY26 financial results, Giva reported an 89 percent rise in operating revenue to Rs 518 crore for the financial year ending March 2025. During the same period, its losses increased 22 percent year-on-year to Rs 72 crore.

Giva operates in India’s organised jewellery market alongside players such as BlueStone, CaratLane, Melorra, Candere, and Tanishq, while also competing with newer brands including Palmonas, Jewelbox, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, Fiona Diamonds, and Firefly Diamonds.

 
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MediBuddy Reports First Profitable Quarter in Q4 FY26
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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MediBuddy Reports First Profitable Quarter in Q4 FY26
 

MediBuddy has reported its first profitable quarter in Q4 FY26, marking a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-based health-tech company as India’s digital healthcare sector continues to scale with a sharper focus on operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

The company reported annual revenue of over Rs 1,500 crore during the fiscal year while improving margins and reducing overall cash burn. MediBuddy said the latest performance reflects stronger operational discipline alongside rising adoption of digital healthcare services across India.

The company achieved positive EBITDA in Q4 FY26, making it the first profitable quarter since its inception. Alongside profitability, MediBuddy recorded nearly 20 percent year-on-year business growth and improved its margin profile by 15 percent.

MediBuddy also reduced its full-year cash burn by nearly 60 percent, supported by higher operational efficiency, improved customer retention, and stronger monetisation across its healthcare services platform. Over the last five years, the company has expanded its revenue nearly sixfold, positioning itself among India’s fast-growing digital healthcare businesses.

A major contributor to the company’s scale has been its enterprise-led business model. According to MediBuddy, more than 75 percent of its revenue currently comes from B2B partnerships with enterprises and insurance companies. The company operates through a hybrid structure that combines enterprise healthcare services, consumer healthcare offerings, and technology infrastructure.

During the year, MediBuddy crossed an operational milestone by serving over 100,000 unique consumers in a single day, surpassing the daily consumer coverage of any individual hospital chain in India, the company stated.

The platform has built a healthcare network comprising more than 140,000 doctors across over 22 specialties, 7,500 hospitals and clinics, more than 7,700 diagnostic centres, and over 10,000 pharmacies across India. Its services include online and offline doctor consultations, medicine delivery, at-home diagnostics, mental health support, and surgery care.

The company’s expansion comes amid rising demand for accessible and technology-enabled healthcare services in India. Increasing smartphone penetration, growing insurance adoption, improved digital infrastructure, and higher awareness around preventive healthcare are contributing to the growth of the country’s digital healthcare ecosystem.

Industry observers note that MediBuddy’s profitable quarter reflects growing maturity within India’s health-tech sector, where investors are increasingly prioritising businesses with stronger unit economics and operational efficiency alongside rapid scale.

 
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Garmin Collaborates with MyKrida to Support Grassroots Athletic Talent
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Garmin Collaborates with MyKrida to Support Grassroots Athletic Talent
 

Garmin has partnered with MyKrida to support emerging athletes from tribal regions across India through access to performance-focused wearable technology.

As part of the initiative, seven athletes identified through MyKrida’s grassroots talent development program have been provided with Garmin’s Forerunner smartwatches to help them monitor and improve training performance using real-time data and analytics.

The selected athletes, who compete in athletics and endurance sports, come from underrepresented regions where access to structured sports training infrastructure and performance tools remains limited. MyKrida said the athletes were identified through its grassroots scouting and development network focused on nurturing high-potential talent across India.

Garmin’s Forerunner smartwatch series offers performance metrics related to heart rate, pace, distance, recovery, training load, and sleep tracking. The company said the devices are aimed at helping athletes train more efficiently, manage recovery, and maintain consistency in performance.

The initiative is being implemented on-ground by MyKrida, which works with athletes across grassroots, professional, and elite sporting levels to bridge the gap between raw talent and structured high-performance training systems.

Deepak Raina, Director, AMIT GPS & Navigation LLP said, “India has immense untapped athletic potential, particularly in regions where access to structured training tools remains limited. At Garmin, our focus is on enabling athletes with reliable, performance-led technology that brings clarity to how they train, recover, and improve. Through this initiative, we aim to support long-term athletic development and help these athletes compete with greater confidence and consistency.”

Shubham Sharma, Founder, MyKrida shared, “At MyKrida, we are committed to identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level, especially in regions where access to resources is limited. Collaborating with Garmin allows us to bring world-class performance technology directly to these athletes, enabling them to train smarter and accelerate their development.”

Through the partnership, Garmin aims to expand access to high-performance training technology in India while strengthening support systems for emerging athletes from underserved communities.

 
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Rare Rabbit Expands D2C Portfolio with Entry into Travel Gear Segment
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Rare Rabbit Expands D2C Portfolio with Entry into Travel Gear Segment
 

Rare Rabbit has expanded its direct-to-consumer portfolio by entering the travel gear segment through a partnership with Escape Plan. The move marks the brand’s diversification beyond apparel and lifestyle products into premium travel accessories.

With the launch, Rare Rabbit is looking to strengthen its presence in India’s growing premium D2C market, where consumers are increasingly seeking travel products that combine design, functionality, and fashion-led appeal. The company said the partnership is intended to build a long-term travel gear vertical rather than serve as a short-term category extension.

The new range will bring Rare Rabbit’s design language into luggage and travel accessories, focusing on minimal silhouettes, refined finishes, material quality, and functional detailing aligned with the brand’s premium positioning.

Manish Poddar, Founder & Creative Director, The House of Rare, said, “Rare has always had a distinct point of view on design, craftsmanship, and what premium should truly feel like. Our consumer has evolved with us, and their sense of style extends far beyond the wardrobe — it travels with them. Through our partnership with Escape Plan, we are bringing the Rare design philosophy into a new category, with the same creative rigor, attention to detail, and long-term vision that have shaped our brand. This is a natural extension of our lifestyle universe, where every touchpoint reflects the individuality and aspirations of our consumer.”

Abhinav Pathak, Co-Founder and CEO, Escape Plan shared, “Travel is becoming more frequent, more aspirational, and more lifestyle driven. Yet the travel gear category has remained functional. We see a clear opportunity to build a premium segment where design, durability, and identity come together. Partnering with Rare Rabbit allows us to accelerate that vision with a brand that understands premium consumers deeply. Together, we are positioning Indian luxury travel as a category that can stand independently, both commercially and culturally.”

The collaboration reflects a wider trend of Indian D2C and lifestyle brands expanding into adjacent categories to build stronger consumer engagement and increase share of wallet among premium shoppers.

Backed by The House of Rare, Rare Rabbit has built its presence in India’s premium fashion market through apparel and lifestyle offerings aimed at urban consumers. The brand’s entry into travel gear further broadens its lifestyle positioning as it explores newer consumer categories beyond fashion.

In 2025, The House of Rare also launched RareFore, a cultural platform centred on music, art, food, storytelling, and Indian craftsmanship to support creative communities and cultural experiences across India.

 
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{Funding Alert} New-Age Digital Fashion Platform Meta Fashion Raises Fresh Capital
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} New-Age Digital Fashion Platform Meta Fashion Raises Fresh Capital
 

Meta Fashion has raised approximately $400K in a pre-seed funding round led by Lumikai, with participation from angel investors including Big Bets, Akshat Rathee, and Pratham Mittal.

The company said the fresh capital will be used to scale its virtual fashion operations, expand its original intellectual property game GlamGirls, and strengthen its presence across multiple user-generated content platforms.

Founded in 2022 by Arjun Goel, Meta Fashion develops digital fashion products for platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and ZEPETO. The company also operates a phygital direct-to-consumer line that converts popular virtual fashion products into physical merchandise.

Its business is built around an AI-native digital fashion engine designed to identify marketplace trends and demand patterns in real time. The platform uses AI-driven styling and asset creation tools to improve product discovery, speed up content production, and increase conversion across virtual marketplaces.

Meta Fashion said it has sold more than 2.5 million virtual fashion units on the Roblox marketplace, generating nearly $300K in gross merchandise value while maintaining a 92 percent gross margin. The company added that global brands, including Walmart, have collaborated with the platform to bring physical products into digital environments.

The startup’s fashion-focused dress-up game, GlamGirls, entered beta on Roblox in late 2025. According to the company, the game has attracted over 100K paying users, with women accounting for 75 percent of its user base and nearly half of users aged above 18 years.

Meta Fashion operates in the growing digital fashion and virtual commerce segment, where it competes directly or indirectly with companies such as Twin Atlas, TOPCAT, Reverse Polarity, and PhygitalTwin.

 
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{Funding Alert} Wealthtech Firm Scripbox Plans Rs 170 Cr Fundraise for Expansion Strategy
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Wealthtech Firm Scripbox Plans Rs 170 Cr Fundraise for Expansion Strategy
 

Scripbox is planning to raise up to Rs 170 crore through a combination of equity and debt as part of its expansion strategy, which includes the acquisition of the mutual fund distribution business of a Delhi-based Independent Financial Advisor (IFA). 

The Bengaluru-based wealthtech company’s board has approved a proposal to raise up to Rs 60 crore from a selected group of friends and family investors. The fundraising may take place through equity shares, preference shares, convertible instruments, or other securities.

The filing stated that the proceeds from the equity raise will be utilised to support Scripbox’s growth plans, strengthen its balance sheet, and prepare for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the future.

Separately, the company has also secured approval to raise debt facilities of up to Rs 110 crore from banks, financial institutions, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and other lenders.

The debt financing will primarily be used to fund the acquisition of the mutual fund distribution business of a Delhi-based Independent Financial Advisor. However, the company has not disclosed the name of the IFA involved in the transaction.

As part of the acquisition process, Scripbox has approved a draft business transfer agreement for the purchase and transfer of the IFA’s AMFI Registration Number (ARN), along with related client relationships and associated obligations.

Founded in 2012, Scripbox operates as a digital wealth management platform offering investment products and financial planning services across mutual funds, fixed deposits, ETFs, US stocks, and the National Pension System (NPS).

The company has raised more than $55 million in funding to date and is currently valued at approximately Rs 1,150 crore, or around $137 million. Its investors include Accel, LetsVenture, and DMI, among others.

While the company has not yet filed its FY26 financial results, Scripbox reported profitability in FY25 with a profit of Rs 12.7 crore. Its operating revenue also grew 27 percent year-on-year to Rs 107.2 crore during the fiscal year.

The development comes amid continued investor interest in India’s growing wealthtech sector. 

 
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{Funding Alert} Wearable Startup Sychedelic Raises $3.5 Mn in Seed Funding
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Wearable Startup Sychedelic Raises $3.5 Mn in Seed Funding
 

Sychedelic has raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round backed by investors including Cultadvisors LLP, TurboStart, Ideabaaz, and Praveek Ventures, along with participation from multiple angel investors.

The Delhi NCR-based startup said the newly raised capital will be deployed towards scaling manufacturing operations, strengthening research and development capabilities, expanding marketing initiatives, and supporting its planned global Kickstarter launch in 2026.

Founded in 2020 by Ria Rustagi and Bhavya Madan, the company initially operated under the name Neuphony. During its early phase, the startup focused on developing EEG-based neurofeedback headbands aimed at monitoring brain activity and mental wellness indicators.

The company later transitioned to launch Sychedelic, a wearable technology platform focused on headphones designed to help reduce stress, improve focus, and support sleep using biofeedback and neuromodulation technologies.

The product has been developed as a “closed-loop neuromodulation wearable” integrated into headphones for everyday consumer use. The device combines biometric tracking, adaptive artificial intelligence, and neurostimulation technologies, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), binaural beats, and heart rate variability biofeedback.

The startup said its wearable system uses photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, a non-invasive optical sensing technology that measures changes in blood flow, to monitor stress levels and cognitive states in real time and adapt stimulation accordingly.

Over the past six months, the product has reportedly been tested by more than 100 early users, whose feedback helped the company refine its hardware systems, adaptive algorithms, and stimulation technologies.

Sychedelic also stated that it has secured approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and has filed global patent applications related to its technology platform.

The company claims its technology is among the first wearable systems capable of adapting stimulation in real time through live biometric feedback mechanisms.

Currently, Sychedelic operates across India and the United States, supported by a Delaware-based entity, a science adviser based in New York, and international freelance marketing teams focused on expansion efforts.

The broader Indian smart wearables market is expected to witness continued growth, with the segment projected to reach $10.26 billion by 2031 as startups and established companies increasingly invest in specialised health, wellness, and biometric wearable technologies.

 
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{Funding Alert} BazaarNow Set to Raise Rs 72.3 Cr in Series A Round
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} BazaarNow Set to Raise Rs 72.3 Cr in Series A Round
 

BazaarNow is set to raise Rs 72.3 crore, approximately $7.8 million, in its Series A funding round led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from existing investors Whiteboard Capital and Antler. 

The company’s board has approved the issuance of 8,123 compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 88,851.94 per share to raise the proposed amount.

Peak XV Partners is expected to invest Rs 53.92 crore in the round, while Whiteboard Capital and Antler are set to contribute Rs 7.2 crore and Rs 7 crore, respectively. The remaining investment will reportedly come from Nirman Ventures and a group of angel investors, including Vidit Aatrey.

BazaarNow’s valuation is expected to rise to nearly Rs 270 crore post-money, compared to around Rs 40 crore during its seed funding round.

The company plans to use the fresh capital towards working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes as it expands operations in the highly competitive quick commerce market.

BazaarNow had earlier raised Rs 7.82 crore in its seed funding round in December 2025, led by Antler and Whiteboard Capital. 

Founded in January 2026, the Bengaluru-based startup was launched by former Zepto executives Priyanshu Jain, Arjun Harish, and Tarithnay Mandal.

The company operates a sub-10-minute delivery model for groceries, daily essentials, and higher-margin categories through a network of dark stores. BazaarNow is currently operational in select areas of Bengaluru.

 
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Wealthtech Startup Centricity in Talks to Raise $30 Mn
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Wealthtech Startup Centricity in Talks to Raise $30 Mn
 

Centricity is reportedly in discussions to raise around $30 million in a fresh funding round. The proposed fundraising comes less than two years after the Gurugram-based company raised its previous round. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Susquehanna International Group (SIG) are among the investors in talks to lead the financing round.

One source familiar with the discussions said the company is likely to be valued at around $250 million in the proposed round.

If the deal is completed at the expected valuation, it would mark a significant jump from Centricity’s previous valuation. In September 2024, the startup had raised $20 million in a seed funding round led by Lightspeed at a valuation of $125 million.

The earlier round also saw participation from Paramark VC, Burman Family Office, Shantanu Agarwal, and angel investors, including Ritesh Agarwal, Vishal Dhupar, and the MS Dhoni Family Office.

Founded in 2022 by Manu Awasthy, Centricity operates in the wealthtech segment through platforms including Invictus and One Digital. The company provides plug-and-play solutions designed to support transitions from employee to entrepreneur (E2E), while also enabling financial advisors to access and distribute financial products and manage portfolios more efficiently.

Fresh capital is expected to be utilised for technology development, expansion of private banking services, and strengthening the company’s advisory and distribution ecosystem.

The company reported strong business growth in FY25, with operating revenue increasing more than threefold to Rs 61.26 crore from Rs 19.02 crore in FY24. However, losses also widened to Rs 31.72 crore during FY25 compared to Rs 9.31 crore in the previous fiscal year.

Indian wealthtech startups collectively raised more than $634 million across 51 deals involving 39 startups during 2024 and 2025.

Several companies in the sector have continued to attract investor interest in the ongoing calendar year. AssetPlus secured $19.3 million, Wint Wealth raised $28 million, Sahi secured $33 million, and Bachatt closed a $12 million funding round. Jiraaf is also reportedly in the process of raising additional capital through an extended Series B round.

 
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Devdham Shuts Down Nearly Two Years After Seed Funding
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Devdham Shuts Down Nearly Two Years After Seed Funding
 

Devdham, formerly known as DevDarshan, has reportedly shut down operations nearly two years after raising its seed funding round in January 2024. The platform’s website is currently inaccessible, while users are also unable to log into its mobile application, indicating a suspension of services.

Co-founder Suyash Taneja exited the company in March 2026. His LinkedIn profile also reflects his departure during the same period. Another co-founder, Sagnika Chowdhary, had reportedly left the startup earlier in April 2025.

Devdham had also explored acquisition discussions with several larger companies operating in the devotional and spiritual-tech segment over the past year. 

Founded in 2020 by Pranav Kapoor, Suyash Taneja, and Sagnika Chowdhary, the platform enabled users to access online darshan, book pujas, and make digital donations to temples across India.

The company had claimed to have partnered with over 500 temples and 2,000 pandits across 18 states through its platform.

In January 2024, Devdham had announced a Rs 6 crore seed funding round co-led by Titan Capital, All In Capital, Veda VC, and TDV Partners. Overall, the startup had raised close to $1 million in funding till date.

Devdham operated in India’s growing spiritual-tech market and competed with platforms including Sri Mandir by AppsForBharat, Vama, Utsav App, Sutradhar, Ghar Mandir, and 27 Mantra.

While companies such as Sri Mandir and Vama have continued to scale operations and attract funding in the segment, another player, My Tirth India, had also ceased operations in 2024, citing funding-related challenges.

At the time of reporting, neither Devdham nor Suyash Taneja had officially commented on the shutdown or the company’s future plans.

 
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DS Group Strengthens Catch Brand with New Seasoning Launches
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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DS Group Strengthens Catch Brand with New Seasoning Launches
 

Catch Salt and Spices, part of the DS Group, has expanded its Catch Sprinkler portfolio with the launch of new-age seasonings and regional flavour variants aimed at consumers seeking convenient and versatile cooking solutions.

The expanded range includes contemporary seasoning options such as pizza pasta seasoning, chilli flakes, oregano, magic masala, and mixed herbs, alongside regional flavours including Jeeravan (Poha Masala) and Podi Masala. With the launch, the company is extending the sprinkler format beyond traditional salt and pepper offerings into a broader seasoning category.

The products are now available across general trade, modern retail, ecommerce, and quick commerce platforms across India.

The sprinkler range is packaged in HIPS containers designed to keep the seasonings moisture-free while ensuring smooth dispensing. The bottles are also designed for easy storage and tabletop usage.

Sandeep Ghosh, Business Head, Catch Salt & Spices, DS Group said, “At DS Group, we continuously track the evolving consumer behaviour to deliver products that combine convenience, quality and flavour innovation across major cities extending upto tier 3 markets. The expansion of the Catch Sprinkler range is a step towards building a more contemporary and versatile seasoning portfolio that blends national trends with strong regional relevance. As demand grows, DS Group is focused on scaling accessible formats that enhance everyday cooking experiences, strengthening Catch Salt & Spices’ market leadership across India and reinforcing DS Group’s focus on premium, value-added offerings.” 

 

Introduced in 1987 with its table-top salt sprinkler, Catch has expanded its portfolio over the years to include spices, blends, pastes, and whole spices across nine categories. The brand currently offers more than 140 variants and 330 SKUs and is available across over 7 lakh retail touchpoints through a network of more than 1,500 distributors nationwide.

Catch Salt and Spices has also strengthened its presence across modern trade, ecommerce, and quick commerce channels as consumer buying patterns continue shifting towards digital and convenience-driven platforms.

 
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INALSA Expands Kitchen Appliances Portfolio with Nutri Fry DuoSlim
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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INALSA Expands Kitchen Appliances Portfolio with Nutri Fry DuoSlim
 

INALSA has launched the Nutri Fry DuoSlim, a dual-stack 14L professional air fryer designed for multi-dish cooking in compact kitchen spaces. The product is priced at Rs 13,999 and is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and general trade retail outlets across India.

The new appliance has been developed to address changing cooking habits among modern households, where consumers increasingly look for appliances capable of preparing multiple dishes simultaneously while managing different cooking preferences and schedules.

The Nutri Fry DuoSlim features dual-zone cooking technology with a vertical dual-stack design that allows users to cook separate dishes at the same time using dedicated temperature and timer controls for each basket. According to the company, the vertical design also helps optimise countertop space in urban kitchens.

The appliance offers a total cooking capacity of 14 litres through two 7L baskets powered by independent 1400W heating systems, delivering a combined output of 2800W. The temperature range varies from 80 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, enabling different dishes to be cooked independently without flavour transfer or temperature overlap.

INALSA has also integrated a roasting rack system that supports cooking up to four food items in a single cycle. The appliance additionally includes Sync Finish Technology, which aligns cooking completion across both baskets even when dishes require different cooking durations or temperatures.

Other features include reinforced viewing windows, internal basket lighting, 10 preset cooking menus, an adjustable smart display with three screen positions, and a cabinet-friendly vertical design aimed at compact Indian kitchens.

 
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Kühl Targets Home Cooling Market with New Energy-Efficient Air Coolers
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Kühl Targets Home Cooling Market with New Energy-Efficient Air Coolers
 

Kühl, manufactured and marketed by KENT RO Systems Ltd., has entered the air cooler segment with the launch of its Brizo Next-Gen Air Coolers under the energy-efficient BLDC technology category.

The expansion marks Kühl’s move beyond energy-efficient fans as the company strengthens its presence in the home cooling appliances market.

The Brizo air cooler range has been designed for different room sizes and includes compact personal coolers as well as larger desert cooler models. The products feature honeycomb cooling pads aimed at improving cooling performance and water retention while supporting controlled water usage.

The coolers are also equipped with motor systems designed to support steady airflow and water circulation while maintaining energy efficiency.

The range has been developed to provide strong air throw and wider cooling coverage for both residential and light commercial use. The products also include features such as low-noise operation and mobility for everyday convenience.

The Brizo lineup includes models such as Brizo DC-60-16, DC-105-16, DC-100-16, RC-48-12, and CI-145-20.

Kühl has built its presence in the market through BLDC fan technology focused on reducing electricity consumption while maintaining performance. With the latest launch, the company is expanding its portfolio to cater to the growing demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions across Indian households and small businesses.

 
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Dogsee Chew Plans IPO as Pet Wellness Business Expands Globally
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Dogsee Chew Plans IPO as Pet Wellness Business Expands Globally
 

Bengaluru-based Dogsee Chew is expanding its premium pet wellness business with plans to cross Rs 1,000 crore in revenue by 2028, while also preparing for an Indian IPO and a possible US listing in the future.

Founded in 2015 by Bhupendra Khanal and Sneh Sharma, the company began with Churpi, a natural yak cheese dog chew made entirely from milk. Since then, Dogsee Chew has expanded into pet treats, dental products, and wellness supplements.

The company currently operates in more than 30 countries and claims to hold nearly 80 percent market share in the yak cheese chew category across Japan and Europe. The United States remains its largest market.

Dogsee Chew generates close to half a million dollars in monthly revenue through Amazon in the US and has also expanded its presence on platforms including Chewy.com and Walmart.

Over the past year, the company has widened its product portfolio with launches across food toppers, supplements, digestion-focused products, calmness supplements, and hip-and-joint wellness categories. It also recently introduced “Denties,” a sub-brand focused on affordable dental treats for pets.

To support expansion, the company has received two acres of land from the Karnataka government under the KIADB scheme to build a processing facility near Bengaluru. It has also received tentative approval for 20 acres in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district.

The upcoming unit could become the world’s largest cheese factory for dogs and among India’s largest dairy-processing facilities.

Currently, around 60 percent of the company’s revenue comes from online channels, while offline sales contribute 40 percent.

Despite its expansion, Dogsee Chew continues to operate with a focused portfolio of around 20–30 SKUs, prioritising product quality, sourcing standards, and certifications.

The company also plans to enter the cat treats and supplements category later this year as it continues expanding its premium pet wellness portfolio.

 
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{Funding Alert} Nothing But Raises Seed Funding to Expand Healthy Snacks Business
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Nothing But Raises Seed Funding to Expand Healthy Snacks Business
 

Healthy snacking startup Nothing But has raised seed funding to scale its manufacturing, distribution, and product development operations in India’s growing D2C food and beverage market.

The startup was founded by five international student entrepreneurs from India, Mexico, Bolivia, and Ecuador, and focuses on fruit-based healthy snacks.

The funding round was led by Atul Rajani and Deeksha Rajani, along with Sifat Khurana and Dhruv Bhasin. Investors in the round also included Gaurav Khatri and Saurav Adlakha.

The company plans to use the capital to strengthen its supply chain, increase distribution across quick commerce and ecommerce platforms, and introduce new products.

Nothing But operates in the healthy snacking category, which continues to see rising demand from consumers seeking products with natural ingredients and clean-label positioning.

The startup is also looking to expand its presence across digital and modern retail channels as competition in India’s health-focused food segment increases.

The participation of founders from brands such as Noise, DailyObjects, Innovist, and Arata highlights growing investor interest in early-stage consumer brands within India’s D2C ecosystem.

 
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{Funding Alert} Country Delight Raises Fresh Capital Through Non-Convertible Debentures
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Country Delight Raises Fresh Capital Through Non-Convertible Debentures
 

Gurugram-based dairy and daily essentials brand Country Delight has raised Rs 65 crore through the issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) from Alteria Capital. The company’s board approved the issuance of 6,500 NCDs with a face value of Rs 1 lakh each to raise the amount. 

The funds raised through the debt issue will be utilised for the company’s general corporate purposes.

Earlier in March 2025, Country Delight had secured Rs 212.5 crore, approximately $25 million, in its Series E funding round led by Temasek. Founded by Chakradhar Gade and Nitin Kaushal, Country Delight offers dairy products, bakery items, poultry, and farm produce. The company sources products directly from dairy farms and currently serves around 1.5 million customers across more than 25 cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh.

The company has reportedly raised around $220 million so far through a mix of debt and equity funding. Following the latest allotment, Temasek continues to remain the company’s largest external shareholder with a 13.63 percent stake.

Country Delight has also expanded into quick commerce by launching a pilot for its 10-15 minute delivery service in Gurugram. Through this initiative, the company will compete with players such as Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes, and Amazon Now, previously known as Amazon Tez.

The company has not officially disclosed its FY24 financial results yet. However, according to a report by The Arc, Country Delight’s revenue rose 50 percent to Rs 1,380 crore in FY24 from Rs 917 crore in FY23, while the company recorded a loss of Rs 260 crore during FY23.

 
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Clovia Introduces Seamless Shapewear Designed for Comfort and Support
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Clovia Introduces Seamless Shapewear Designed for Comfort and Support
 

Clovia has introduced a new shapewear collection focused on comfort, support, and seamless styling for everyday wear.

The collection features breathable fabrics, seamless construction, and body-sculpting designs aimed at providing shaping support under fitted outfits while maintaining ease of movement and all-day comfort.

Among the new launches is the Clovia Seamless Sculpting Brief Bodysuit, priced at Rs 999. Made from an 84 percent nylon and 16 percent spandex blend, the bodysuit includes 360-degree sculpting technology, waist compression, gentle bust support, and a butt-lifting effect. The product also features a scoop neckline, adjustable satin-finish shoulder straps, seamless construction, flatlock detailing, and a snap-button closure for convenience.

Clovia has also launched the Clovia Seamless Sculpting Mid-Thigh Bodysuit at Rs 999. Designed with extended thigh coverage, the bodysuit offers targeted compression, seamless shaping, and support from bust to thigh. The product includes adjustable shoulder straps, flatlock detailing, an open crotch design, and shape-retention technology aimed at maintaining structure after repeated use.

According to the company, the collection has been designed to provide consumers with shaping solutions that combine functionality, comfort, and versatility for everyday dressing.

 
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MOVA Expands Smart Home Portfolio with E-Series Robot Vacuums in India
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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MOVA Expands Smart Home Portfolio with E-Series Robot Vacuums in India
 

MOVA has launched its new E-Series robot vacuum cleaner range in India, expanding its smart home cleaning portfolio with products across entry-level, mainstream, and premium segments.

The new lineup includes the MOVA E10, MOVA E20s Pro, and MOVA E40, designed to address home cleaning requirements such as dust management, mixed flooring, compact spaces, and automated cleaning.

The E10 is priced at Rs 14,999, while the E20s Pro and E40 are priced at Rs 24,999 and Rs 49,999, respectively.

The entry-level E10 comes with 4,500Pa suction power, vacuum-and-mop functionality, app control, and inertial navigation technology. It is targeted at first-time robot vacuum users and compact homes.

The E20s Pro is positioned for urban households and features 13,000Pa suction power, Smart Pathfinder technology, laser obstacle avoidance, anti-hair tangle support, and auto-empty functionality aimed at reducing manual maintenance.

For larger homes and premium users, the E40 offers 19,000Pa suction power, intelligent navigation, voice and app controls, mopping support, obstacle handling, and up to 260 minutes of vacuuming.

Jacey Zheng, General Manager, MOVA APAC said, “India is entering a new phase of smart home adoption, where consumers are looking for products that are not only advanced, but also practical, reliable, and relevant to their daily routines. With the E-Series, we are offering a complete robot vacuum lineup that addresses different household needs, from first-time users to consumers seeking stronger automation and convenience."

Anuj Bhatia, Founder, eTrade shared, “The smart home appliances segment in India is evolving rapidly, especially among urban and upper-middle-class consumers looking to integrate convenience-driven technology into everyday living. The MOVA E-Series addresses this shift well by offering a clear range of smart cleaning solutions across price segments, while balancing automation, performance, and accessibility.” 

 

The launch is part of its strategy to strengthen the adoption of automation-led home cleaning products in India through a wider product portfolio across different price points.

 
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Nestasia Records Strong Growth in Non-Toxic and Premium Cookware Categories
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Nestasia Records Strong Growth in Non-Toxic and Premium Cookware Categories
 

Nestasia has reported a 9x growth in its cookware business over the last two years, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium, non-toxic, and health-focused kitchen products in India.

The company said categories including tri-ply cookware, cast iron cookware, honeycomb cookware, and borosilicate glass cookware are witnessing strong traction as urban consumers increasingly move away from conventional aluminium and coated non-stick cookware.

“Health is the single most important motivator for consumers in this category. The non-toxic nature of cookware, along with naturally non-stick options like cast iron and stainless steel, is seeing significant traction," shared Aditi Murarka Agarwal, Co-founder, Nestasia.

Cookware audiences across its social media ecosystem are showing a 59 percent affinity towards “non-toxic” and “chemical-free” positioning, reflecting the growing preference for wellness-led products.

Nestasia said tri-ply cookware is among its fastest-growing categories due to its durability and heat conductivity, while honeycomb cookware is gaining popularity for reducing food sticking with minimal coated surfaces. Borosilicate glass cookware is also seeing rising demand for its cook-and-serve functionality and premium design appeal.

The company added that cookware buying behaviour is increasingly being influenced by lifestyle trends such as aesthetic dining, one-pot meals, cook-and-serve formats, and home hosting experiences.

“Consumers today are increasingly willing to pay more for healthier cookware options, with health emerging as the primary driver for switching or upgrading. When functionality is paired with thoughtful design, consumers are willing to pay a premium for that added value,” Agarwal added. 

The growth reflects rising demand for premium home and kitchen products in India, supported by increasing wellness awareness, evolving urban lifestyles, and higher spending on design-led everyday products.

 
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Bla Bli Blu Targets Rs 300 Cr ARR with India and Global Expansion
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Bla Bli Blu Targets Rs 300 Cr ARR with India and Global Expansion
 

Bla Bli Blu is expanding its offline retail presence and international operations as demand for premium fragrances grows in India’s beauty and personal care market.

Founded by Rajat Khullar, the Gen Z-focused D2C brand offers fragrances in the Rs 600–Rs 800 price range, positioned between mass and luxury categories.

“We saw a clear gap in the Indian fragrance market. Most brands operate around Rs 500, while premium players are above Rs 1,000. We wanted to build a premium yet accessible fragrance brand in the Rs 600–Rs 800 range that focuses on quality, packaging, and gifting experience,” shared Rajat Khullar, Founder, Bla Bli Blu. 

The company currently sells fragrances, trial packs, gift kits, body washes, and perfume collections, while also exploring categories such as lotions, roll-ons, scented candles, and car fragrances.

Bla Bli Blu generates nearly 70 percent of its sales through marketplaces and 30 percent through its own website. Offline sales currently contribute around 2–3 percent of revenue.

The brand is already available at Health & Glow and WHSmith, with a launch on Nykaa expected soon. It is also in discussions with Reliance Retail and DMart for further retail expansion.

The company currently operates 22 kiosks across Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, and Bhopal, and plans to scale this to 42 stores. It also plans to open 7–8 company-owned kiosks by October–November before entering Mumbai and Bengaluru.

According to the company, its perfumes contain nearly 25 percent oil concentration, offering 10–12 hours of lasting power on skin and over 15 hours on clothes.

“Our communication is bold, loud, and disruptive by design. Our team has an average age of around 23, which helps us deeply understand the Gen Z audience we are building for,” added Khullar.

The company has also launched in the US and plans to expand into the UK, UAE, Germany, Italy, and other European markets. Bla Bli Blu is targeting an ARR of nearly Rs 150 crore by July 2026 and Rs 300 crore by July 2027.

 
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{Funding Alert} D2C Brand Moi Soi Raises Funds Amid Growing Demand for Asian Foods
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} D2C Brand Moi Soi Raises Funds Amid Growing Demand for Asian Foods
 

Moi Soi has raised its first institutional funding round from GVFL and Wipro Consumer Ventures as the premium Asian food brand looks to expand across quick commerce and retail channels in India. GVFL and Wipro Consumer Ventures have together acquired nearly 17 percent stake in the company, while founder Deb Mukherjee continues to retain majority ownership.

Founded in October 2021 under Ceres Foods, Moi Soi offers products including sauces, chilli oils, noodles, ready-to-eat curries, and Asian beverages inspired by Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines.

The company plans to utilise the fresh capital to strengthen its omnichannel distribution strategy, expand its presence on quick commerce platforms, and deepen its reach across modern retail channels.

Moi Soi currently services over 2,000 pin codes across more than 250 cities in India. The bootstrapped startup is generating more than Rs 6 crore in monthly net sales.

The funding reflects growing investor interest in premium packaged food brands catering to rising demand for convenient and globally inspired food products among urban consumers in India.

Ahmedabad-based GVFL has backed multiple early-stage and growth-stage startups, while Wipro Consumer Ventures has invested in consumer-focused brands across food, wellness, beauty, and personal care categories.

The latest investment comes amid continued growth in India’s D2C food and beverage segment, driven by premiumisation, digital commerce adoption, and the expansion of quick commerce platforms.

 
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{Funding Alert} Lavella Raises Fresh Capital to Expand Sustainable Home Care Business
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Lavella Raises Fresh Capital to Expand Sustainable Home Care Business
 

Sustainable detergent startup Lavella has raised seed funding in a round led by Sifat Khurana, Founder and Chief Business Officer of Innovist. The round also saw participation from investors including Atul Rajani, Deeksha Rajani, and Sidhant Keshwani.

The startup plans to use the fresh capital for research and development, certifications, lab testing, logistics, product innovation, and market expansion as it strengthens its presence in India’s sustainable home care and direct-to-consumer market.

Founded by six international students pursuing undergraduate studies at Tetr College of Business, Lavella is focused on detergent sheets designed for urban consumers seeking lightweight, convenient, and environmentally conscious household products.

The company’s core product combines detergent, softener, and fragrance into a single dissolvable sheet format for machine wash cycles, offering an alternative to traditional liquid and powder detergents. Lavella said it plans to strengthen its e-commerce presence through platforms such as Amazon India while also exploring B2B partnerships, subscription-based models, and offline retail channels as part of its expansion strategy.

The funding reflects increasing investor interest in sustainable and convenience-led consumer brands within India’s evolving D2C ecosystem. Investors are increasingly backing startups focused on product simplification, environmentally conscious formats, and digitally driven consumer engagement strategies.

 
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{Funding Alert} Rapido Secures Fresh Funding to Expand Ride-Hailing Business in India
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Rapido Secures Fresh Funding to Expand Ride-Hailing Business in India
 

Rapido has raised $240 million in a fresh primary funding round led by Prosus, with participation from WestBridge Capital, Accel, and other investors. The investment forms part of a larger $730 million primary and secondary transaction that values the Bengaluru-based ride-hailing platform at $3 billion on a post-money basis.

Founded in 2015, Rapido currently operates across more than 400 cities and provides bike taxi, auto, and cab services. The company said the newly raised capital will be used to expand demand across both existing and new markets, strengthen technology infrastructure, grow its captain network, and hire talent.

The company also plans to increase its presence across tier II and smaller cities, where affordable mobility demand has been rising rapidly. Rapido said it aims to improve first and last-mile connectivity while building new demand corridors in high-growth markets.

The latest fundraise comes at a time when India’s mobility sector is witnessing heightened competition and expansion beyond metro cities. Rapido has increasingly emerged as a key competitor in the ride-hailing market alongside Uber and Ola.

Financially, Rapido reported strong growth during FY25. Revenue from operations increased to Rs 934 crore in FY25 from Rs 648 crore in FY24. The company also reduced its net loss by 30.5 percent to Rs 258 crore from Rs 371 crore in the previous fiscal year.

As part of its next phase of growth, Rapido is also expected to focus on increasing the participation of women captains while strengthening rider safety and accessibility initiatives across its platform.

 
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Jacquemus Launches The Valérie Handbag in India at Galeries Lafayette Mumbai
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Jacquemus Launches The Valérie Handbag in India at Galeries Lafayette Mumbai
 

French luxury fashion label Jacquemus has introduced its limited-edition “The Valérie” handbag in India through an exclusive launch at Galeries Lafayette Mumbai. The launch marks the first time the handbag will be available outside Jacquemus flagship maisons globally.

Only 50 pieces of the handbag have been released in India across 12 colour variants inspired by Provençal tones. The Mumbai store will remain the sole retail destination in the country to host the collection.

The handbag is part of Jacquemus’ “Le Paysage” collection and reflects the geometric design language associated with the brand. Named after founder Simon Porte Jacquemus’ late mother, Valérie, the design combines sculptural elements with personal storytelling.

The India launch is being presented through a trunk show format, designed to create a more immersive and appointment-led retail experience rather than a traditional in-store display. According to the company, the format is intended to position the launch as a curated luxury experience focused on exclusivity and storytelling.

Galeries Lafayette Mumbai, developed in partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, houses a curated portfolio of international luxury brands across fashion and beauty categories. The retailer has been expanding its positioning as a destination for global luxury labels in India’s premium retail market.

The launch of “The Valérie” reflects the growing importance of India in the global luxury retail landscape, with international brands increasingly introducing exclusive drops, limited-edition collections, and appointment-led experiences targeted at high-value consumers.

 
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{Funding Alert} Legend of Toys Bags Rs 21 Cr Funding to Scale Premium Toy Business
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Legend of Toys Bags Rs 21 Cr Funding to Scale Premium Toy Business
 

Premium Indian toy brand Legend of Toys has raised Rs 21 crore in its Pre-Series A funding round with participation from Singularity Early Opportunities Fund, Veltis Capital, Enzia Ventures, DeVC, Atrium Angels, and Stride.

The company said the funds will be used to expand into new play categories, strengthen manufacturing and sourcing capabilities, and increase investments in consumer marketing and digital expansion across India and international markets.

Founded by Afshaan Siddiqui and Vinay Jaisingh, the brand offers RC Drift Cars, Off-Road RC Trucks, and High-Speed RC Cars priced between Rs 1,599 and Rs 8,799. The company said it has achieved Rs 30 crore ARR within 18 months and is currently growing at 20 percent month-on-month. 

Vinay Jaisingh, Co-Founder, Legend of Toys said, “We started Legend of Toys with a simple but stubborn belief — that India can build a toy brand the world actually wants to play with. The early response from consumers has been genuinely encouraging, and it tells us the category was ready for something new. Now we get to do the fun part: expand into new categories, strengthen manufacturing, and build the kind of company that can go the distance.”

Afshaan Siddiqui, Co-Founder, Legend of Toys added, “For us, a toy is never just a product. It is a character, a story, and an experience. We are building Legend of Toys as a world built on adventure, thrill, and excitement — one that kids, enthusiasts, and collectors keep coming back to. Our focus remains on great products, real storytelling, strong community, and long-term trust as we expand the brand in India and beyond.”

Gokul Gopal, Managing Partner, Veltis Capital stated, “It’s been a privilege to watch the partnership between Legend of Toys and Veltis Capital over the last year. Afshaan and Vinay embody true founder-market fit — deeply passionate about toys and cars, obsessive about quality and building with real depth across product, manufacturing, and brand. We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead and believe Legend of Toys has the potential to become a large global toy brand built from India, creating world-class products for children and collectors.”

Karuna Jain, Managing Partner and Founder, Enzia Ventures commented, “India is on the cusp of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse, and Legend of Toys is going after one of its most overlooked opportunities: building a homegrown toy brand for the Indian kidult. Vinay and Afshaan aren’t just making toys; they’re building trust through a repair-not-replace model that is almost unheard of in this category. That kind of conviction, paired with real operating chops, is rare. We backed them because we believe this is how a category-defining, globally relevant brand gets built out of India.” 

 

The company said the funding will also support expansion into DIY and adjacent play categories while continuing to strengthen its collector-focused community. It also plans to continue investing in after-sales services through its free Lifetime Service offering aimed at improving durability and long-term customer engagement. 

 
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{Funding Alert} Kathy’s Beverages Raises Fresh Capital to Scale Bubble Tea Chain Bobakat
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Kathy’s Beverages Raises Fresh Capital to Scale Bubble Tea Chain Bobakat
 

Kathy’s Beverages has raised Rs 6 crore in a pre-Series A funding round to scale its bubble tea and specialty beverage brand Bobakat.

The company said the fresh capital will be used for product innovation, team expansion, marketing activities, and offline retail growth across India.

Founded in 2024 by Dr. Rupali Ambegaonkar and Sannjeev Rao, Bobakat operates compact-format beverage outlets across food courts and high-street retail locations, targeting urban consumers through bubble tea and specialty beverage offerings. The startup has already served more than 10 lakh customers since launch and is targeting Rs 100 crore in net sales value over the next 36 months.

The brand’s expansion strategy focuses on scalable retail formats, curated in-store experiences, and audience-led branding as it looks to strengthen its presence in India’s growing beverage and café market.

Dr. Rupali Ambegaonkar previously founded Tea Culture of the World, which expanded to more than 200 stores across India. Co-founder Sannjeev Rao brings experience from companies including Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail, Landmark Group, Raymond, and Being Human.

The company plans to launch 35 new stores during FY27, followed by an additional 50 stores annually over the next two financial years across metro cities and emerging urban markets.

 
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{Funding Alert} Dil Foods Secures Rs 72 Cr Funding Led by Bikaji Foods Family Office
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} Dil Foods Secures Rs 72 Cr Funding Led by Bikaji Foods Family Office
 

Dil Foods has raised $7.5 million, approximately Rs 72 crore, in a funding round led by the family office of Bikaji Foods, with participation from Alteria Capital and existing investors V3 Ventures and MJV Ventures. The fresh capital will be used to expand its presence across new cities, particularly tier-II and tier-III markets, strengthen supply chain operations, and diversify its cuisine portfolio.

Founded in 2022 by Arpita Aditi, the Bengaluru-based startup operates a restaurant enablement platform that partners with local food businesses to run delivery-first brands through food delivery aggregators.

Dil Foods currently manages 10 regional food brands across six cities and serves more than 340 pincodes. The platform enables restaurant partners to launch and scale food brands through standardised operations, technology-led insights, and menu strategies designed around changing consumer preferences.

It currently works with more than 300 restaurant partners across its operational markets.

Dil Foods now plans to expand to 600 locations by FY28 while targeting an annualised revenue run rate of Rs 500 crore.

Arjun Vaidya said the firm initially invested in Dil Foods when the company operated around 30 locations. He added that the startup has since scaled nearly 30 times while maintaining capital efficiency and building a differentiated business model within the cloud kitchen and quick service restaurant ecosystem."

The funding comes at a time when India’s food delivery and cloud kitchen sector continues to see increased competition and expansion activity. Industry players such as Rebel Foods and EatClub are also expanding their delivery-first formats across multiple markets in India.

 
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Culture Circle Launches Same-Day Delivery Service CCNow in Delhi NCR
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Culture Circle Launches Same-Day Delivery Service CCNow in Delhi NCR
 

Culture Circle has launched CCNow, a same-day delivery service for premium sneakers, luxury fashion, streetwear, watches, bags, perfumes, accessories, and collectibles across more than 165 pin codes in Delhi NCR.

The service will expand to Hyderabad and Pune in May 2026 as part of its broader expansion plans in India’s premium and luxury retail segment.

CCNow will cover the company’s entire product catalogue, including brands such as Nike, Jordan, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Rolex, and Hermès. Eligible orders placed through the platform will be delivered on the same day through a logistics network supported by its warehouse infrastructure in Delhi and its flagship mall store. Last-mile fulfilment for the service is being handled by Zippee.

The launch comes amid growing demand for faster delivery timelines across India’s consumer commerce market, where categories such as groceries, electronics, and food delivery have seen rapid adoption of quick-commerce models.

Ackshay Jain, Founder, Culture Circle shared, "Indian consumers don't want some things faster. They want everything faster. That shift is permanent, and premium has been the last category to catch up. Over the last few months, we've put the operational backbone in place: our own fulfilment infrastructure, CheckCheck verified authentication, and the right last-mile partner, so that speed and trust travel together. CCNow is the start of a much larger thesis: that luxury in India should be as immediate as it is aspirational."

The same-day delivery service is not limited to select products and will extend across its full catalogue, including sneakers, streetwear, watches, bags, fragrances, lifestyle accessories, and collectibles.

The platform benchmarks product pricing against global markets in real time and currently offers a catalogue of more than 60,000 SKUs across categories.

The company added that all products are authenticated through CheckCheck before shipping.

Looking ahead, Culture Circle plans to expand CCNow to additional metropolitan markets through the rest of 2026 as it aims to make same-day delivery a standard offering within India’s premium and luxury retail categories.

 
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{Funding Alert} The Sweet Change Raises Rs 70 Lakh Funding Led by IAN Angel Fund
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} The Sweet Change Raises Rs 70 Lakh Funding Led by IAN Angel Fund
 

IAN Angel Fund, the evergreen fund of the IAN Group, has led a Rs 70 lakh early-stage funding round in The Sweet Change, with participation from Udaan Angel Partners.

The startup said it plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen product development, expand its presence across e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, increase brand awareness, and build its team as it scales operations across India.

Founded in 2024 by Manvi Agnihotri and Sheen Hitashi, the company focuses on natural sweetener products designed as alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners. The idea for the business emerged from Agnihotri’s experience as a clinical nutritionist, where she worked with more than 11,000 patients dealing with diabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance, obesity, and other lifestyle-related health conditions over the past 12 years.

The company said one of the recurring challenges among consumers was reducing sugar intake without compromising on taste, which led to the development of cleaner and better-tasting sweetener alternatives.

IAN Angel Fund stated that the investment was driven by growing consumer awareness around healthier food choices and metabolic health in India. The fund also cited the company’s clean-label positioning, differentiated product approach, and early customer adoption as key factors behind the investment.

Today, The Sweet Change offers products made using natural ingredients without artificial sweeteners. The company positions its portfolio as zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and zero-glycemic alternatives targeted at health-conscious consumers and people managing medical or lifestyle-related conditions.

Manvi Agnihotri, Co-founder & CEO, The Sweet Change said, “India deserves a sweetener it can trust. For 12 years, I watched people fail to quit sugar, not because they lacked discipline, but because the market failed them. This investment let us fix that - and put a clean, honest sweetener in every Indian kitchen that struggled to avoid sugar.”

The company said it has crossed Rs 1.5 crore in revenue within a year of launch and fulfilled more than 12,000 orders across India through its direct-to-consumer website.

It has built its business using a capital-efficient D2C model and now plans to scale further through online marketplaces and quick-commerce expansion.

Co-founder Sheen Hitashi said the company remains focused on making healthier food choices simpler and more accessible for consumers.

The startup also noted that many sugar substitute products currently available in the market contain artificial ingredients or leave a bitter aftertaste, creating an opportunity for cleaner and more transparent alternatives.

Going forward, the company plans to expand its omnichannel presence across D2C platforms, marketplaces, and quick-commerce channels, while also exploring partnerships within cafés, hospitality, and institutional segments.

 
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Fixderma Strengthens Suncare Portfolio with SPF 50+ Shadow Range
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Fixderma Strengthens Suncare Portfolio with SPF 50+ Shadow Range
 

Fixderma has expanded its Shadow sunscreen portfolio with the launch of two new SPF 50+ products, Shadow Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ and Shadow Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, as the brand strengthens its presence in the dermatologist-led skincare segment. The new sunscreen range has been developed using next-generation UV filters and is designed to address growing consumer demand for lightweight, broad-spectrum sun protection suitable for Indian skin and climate conditions.

The launch comes at a time when awareness around daily sun protection and ingredient-focused skincare products is increasing among consumers. Industry trends indicate rising demand for sunscreens offering enhanced photostability, minimal white cast, lightweight textures, and formulations suitable for everyday wear.

Fixderma said the new Shadow Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ is formulated with advanced UV filters, including Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S-Lite, and Uvinul T-150 to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection without leaving a greasy finish or visible residue.

The company’s second launch, Shadow Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide and is positioned for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. The formulation also includes Bisabolol, which the company said helps soothe irritation and redness, making it suitable for post-procedure skincare and daily use.

Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder, Fixderma & FCL said, “Sunscreen as a category has evolved significantly over the years. Earlier, consumers largely associated it with occasional or seasonal use, but today it has become a far more informed and everyday skincare decision. At Fixderma, we have always believed in building products that balance dermatological efficacy with consumer experience. While developing this range, the focus was very clear: create formulations that deliver high-performance protection, advanced UV filter technology, while still feeling lightweight, wearable, and relevant for Indian skin and climate conditions.”

 

Anurag Mehrotra, Chairman, Fixderma shared, “Over the years, we have seen skincare consumers become far more aware and ingredient-conscious, especially in categories like sun protection. For us, the expansion of the Shadow range was not about adding more products to the shelf, but about responding to a genuine shift in consumer behaviour and long-term skin health awareness. The intention was to create solutions that combine efficacy, comfort, advanced formulation science, and practicality in a way that fits naturally into modern routines and everyday lifestyles.” 

Fixderma’s Shadow sunscreen portfolio has established a presence among dermatologists and skincare consumers across multiple skin categories, including oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin types.

The newly launched SPF 50+ range is now available through the company’s official website, e-commerce platforms, and retail stores across India.

 
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Phool.co Turns Profitable in FY25 with Strong Revenue Growth
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Phool.co Turns Profitable in FY25 with Strong Revenue Growth
 

Phool.co, the sustainable home fragrance and biomaterials startup backed by Alia Bhatt, reported a 54 percent increase in revenue to Rs 77 crore in FY25 while turning profitable during the fiscal year. Phool.co’s revenue rose from Rs 50 crore in FY24 to Rs 77 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 76.5 crore compared to Rs 48.7 crore in the previous financial year, registering a 57 percent increase.

The growth reflects rising demand for sustainable and wellness-focused consumer products within India’s direct-to-consumer market, where eco-friendly and purpose-led brands are seeing increased traction among urban consumers.

Founded in 2017 by Ankit Agarwal under Kanpur Flowercycling Private Limited, the company is known for its “flowercycling” technology that converts floral waste collected from temples into charcoal-free incense and lifestyle products.

Its product portfolio currently includes incense sticks, incense cones, bambooless incense sticks, hawan cups, mosquito repellents, and car fresheners. These categories have witnessed growing demand within India’s premium home fragrance and wellness segments.

Phool.co also reported a profit of Rs 2.5 crore in FY25, compared to a loss of Rs 5 crore in FY24, reflecting an improvement in operating performance and financial efficiency.

The company’s total expenditure increased 36 percent to Rs 75 crore during FY25 from Rs 55 crore in FY24 as it continued investing in growth initiatives, product innovation, and brand-building activities.

Advertising and marketing expenses rose 54 percent to Rs 16.2 crore, highlighting the company’s increased focus on digital-first customer acquisition and brand visibility in India’s competitive D2C landscape.

Phool.co’s latest financial performance reflects the broader trend within India’s D2C ecosystem, where purpose-led startups are combining sustainability, innovation, and scalable digital business models to drive long-term growth.

 
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Prismara by KGK Strengthens D2C Expansion with New Delhi Store
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Prismara by KGK Strengthens D2C Expansion with New Delhi Store
 

Prismara by KGK has launched its first physical retail store in New Delhi, marking the brand’s entry into offline retail as part of its broader omnichannel expansion strategy in India.

Located at Lajpat Nagar Central Market, the new store represents a key milestone for the premium direct-to-consumer jewellery brand, which has so far operated primarily through digital channels. Prismara was also part of the D2C Insider Elevate Cohort.

Backed by the 120-year legacy of the KGK Group, Prismara focuses on jewellery crafted using lab-grown diamonds along with naturally sourced gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds sourced through KGK’s international mining and supply network spanning over 20 countries.

The company said the launch aligns with its strategy to strengthen direct consumer engagement through both online and offline retail formats. Industry trends across India’s premium D2C market have seen digitally native brands increasingly adopt hybrid retail models to improve customer experience and brand visibility.

Prismara’s new retail outlet has been designed as a lifestyle jewellery destination, allowing customers to explore collections across rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and charms in an experience-led format.

The brand is led by Saransh Kothari and is positioning itself within the premium jewellery segment by combining heritage craftsmanship, sustainability, and contemporary design aesthetics.

Its collections, including Ombre, Kaleido, Flora & Fauna, Forever Love, and Timeless Classic, are aimed at younger consumers seeking jewellery that combines ethical sourcing, personal expression, and versatile styling.

The company said its expansion plans include upcoming retail growth in Gurugram and Jaipur as it strengthens its offline footprint through an experience-focused retail strategy.

The launch also reflects broader developments within India’s luxury jewellery and D2C ecosystem, where categories such as lab-grown diamonds, sustainable luxury, and premium lifestyle jewellery are witnessing increased urban demand driven by premiumisation and growing digital discovery.

 
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Tasty Nibbles Eyes Pan-India Presence Through Health-Focused Tuna Range
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Tasty Nibbles Eyes Pan-India Presence Through Health-Focused Tuna Range
 

Tasty Nibbles, the consumer brand of HIC-ABF Special Foods, has outlined plans to accelerate its pan-India expansion strategy with a focus on the health-focused convenience food segment, particularly canned tuna. As part of the expansion drive, the company has appointed Milind Soman as its brand ambassador.

The announcement was made during the company’s brand ambassador event held in New Delhi. The event was attended by Sunil P Krishnan, vice-president (sales), Manoj TP, senior manager - key accounts, along with distributors, industry stakeholders, and representatives from e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

The company said the latest move marks a significant milestone in its growth journey as it aims to strengthen its nationwide presence and expand awareness around tuna consumption in India.

“At Tasty Nibbles, we have always believed that the future of food lies at the intersection of health, convenience, and trust. With Milind Soman coming on board, we are taking a significant step towards making tuna a part of everyday Indian diets. India is still at a very early stage in tuna consumption, and this presents a massive opportunity for us to introduce a clean, high-quality protein option to millions of households,” said Cherian Kurian,  Managing Director, Tasty Nibbles. 

The company highlighted that while tuna is widely consumed globally, per capita consumption in India remains low, creating a large opportunity for category expansion.

“Despite being a globally popular protein source, the per capita consumption of tuna in India remains significantly low. With a population of over 1.4 billion, the category presents a substantial opportunity for growth if effectively introduced and adopted”, said Cherian. 

“I have always believed that good health starts with what we eat every day. Tuna is one of the simplest and most effective sources of lean protein, and what I like about Tasty Nibbles is how they make it accessible, convenient, and easy to include in daily meals. I’m excited to be part of a journey that encourages people to make smarter, healthier food choices,” said Milind  Soman. 

The campaign is aimed at positioning tuna as an accessible and convenient protein option for modern consumers. The brand also showcased its canned tuna range, highlighting it as a cleaned, cooked, and ready-to-eat product with soft, thornless white meat suitable for salads, sandwiches, rolls, and other meal formats.

With the latest campaign and expansion strategy, Tasty Nibbles said it aims to make tuna a more mainstream food choice in India while strengthening its footprint across markets nationwide.

 
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Phool.co Reports Rs 77 Cr Revenue in FY25, Turns Profitable
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Phool.co Reports Rs 77 Cr Revenue in FY25, Turns Profitable
 

Phool.co reported strong financial growth in FY25, with its revenue rising to Rs 77 crore while also recording profitability after posting losses in the previous fiscal year.

The Kanpur-based startup, backed by Alia Bhatt, registered a 54 percent year-on-year increase in operating revenue compared to Rs 50 crore reported in FY24.

The company generated the majority of its income through product sales, which contributed Rs 76.5 crore during the fiscal year. A smaller portion of revenue came from non-operating income sources.

Founded in 2017 by Ankit Agarwal, Phool.co operates in the sustainable consumer products segment and has built its business around its “flowercycling” technology. The process converts temple floral waste into lifestyle and home fragrance products.

Its product portfolio includes incense sticks, incense cones, bambooless incense variants, havan products, mosquito repellents, and car fragrance products targeted at the home and wellness market.

The company’s total expenditure rose to Rs 75 crore in FY25 from Rs 55 crore in the previous year as it expanded operations and increased investments in branding and market visibility.

The growth comes at a time when consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally focused products is increasing across India’s home care and lifestyle categories. Phool.co has positioned itself within this segment by combining waste management with consumer product manufacturing.

The company continues to expand its product offerings and distribution presence as competition in the eco-conscious consumer goods market intensifies.

 
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Bombay Banta Raises Rs 8 Cr in Pre-Series A Funding Round
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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Bombay Banta Raises Rs 8 Cr in Pre-Series A Funding Round
 

Bombay Banta has raised Rs 8 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by DSG Consumer Partners as the beverage startup looks to accelerate expansion across India’s quick commerce, hospitality, and retail sectors.

The latest funding round also saw participation from hospitality entrepreneur Kapil Chopra. The company said the fresh capital will be used to strengthen distribution, expand quick commerce presence, and broaden its product portfolio over the coming months.

Founded in 2021 by husband-wife duo Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra, Bombay Banta focuses on modernising traditional Indian beverage flavours through premium branding and packaging.

The startup currently offers eight beverage variants across carbonated and non-carbonated categories. Its carbonated portfolio includes Masala Cola, Masala Soda, Kala Khatta, Jeera Soda, and Lemon Soda, while the non-carbonated range features low-sugar lemonades such as Masala Shikanji, Nimbu Shikanji, and Jamun Shikanji.

Bombay Banta gained early visibility after becoming a featured beverage onboard Vistara flights and has since expanded into restaurants, cafés, delivery-first food brands, airlines, and hospitality chains across India. The company said its products are currently available across major quick commerce and e-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes, and BigBasket.

Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra, Co-founders, Bombay Banta shared, "This fundraiser marks a significant inflection point for Bombay Banta. It reaffirms our conviction to disrupt the Indian beverage market as a brand that uniquely interprets flavour memories that generations have grown up with. Reimagined for today’s modern consumer with better ingredients, a distinctive range, premium branding, and world-class packaging – this capital, with the backing of our investors, will enable us to accelerate our vision across India and on a global stage over time.”


“Bombay Banta is building a highly differentiated Indian beverage brand at the intersection of nostalgia, flavour, and modern consumer relevance. Meet and Akkshita have demonstrated exceptional product instinct and brand-building capability in a highly competitive market, while creating strong resonance with consumers across channels. We are excited to deepen our partnership with them as they continue scaling Bombay Banta into a large and enduring consumer brand,” added Hari Premkumar, Partner, DSG Consumer Partners.

The company said it plans to launch Diet Vanilla Cola later this month, marking its entry into the zero-sugar and zero-calorie carbonated drinks segment.

According to the startup, sales grew nearly 50 percent during the funding discussions, and the founders are now targeting a doubling of revenues over the next six months, supported by summer demand and new product launches. The Pre-Series A round values Bombay Banta at Rs 80 crore.

 
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{Funding Alert} The EleFant Raises $1 Mn in Pre-Series Funding Round
BY - Indian Retailer Bureau
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{Funding Alert} The EleFant Raises $1 Mn in Pre-Series Funding Round
 

The EleFant has raised $1 million in a pre-Series funding round led by Growth Sense Venture Fund, with participation from JIIF, Arian Capital, Asit Oberoi, Vimal Saboo, and other angel investors.

The startup said the fresh capital will be used to strengthen its technology infrastructure and support expansion into additional markets across India.

Founded by Sourabh Jain and Srishti Jain, The EleFant operates a toy subscription and circular play platform catering to children between the ages of 0 and 12 years.

The platform allows families to access toys and books through subscription plans starting at Rs 599 per month. Customers can subscribe to products from more than 90 brands, return toys after use, and select new products through the platform’s rotation-based model.

According to the company, the platform currently offers more than 1,000 toys and books across categories designed for different age groups and learning requirements.

The startup operates on a Franchise-Invested, Company-Operated (FICO) model and currently has a network of over 125 franchise partners across 18 cities in India.

With the latest funding, The EleFant plans to expand its reach further and scale subscriber growth over the next year. The company said it aims to cross 50,000 subscribers and expand operations to more than 20 cities within the next 12 months.

The funding comes at a time when subscription-based and circular consumption models are gaining traction in India’s children’s products and toy market, driven by increasing consumer interest in cost-efficient and sustainable usage models.

 
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