Zomato Gold Loses Its Shine: Rain Surge Fee Returns for 3.8 Million Subscribers Starting May 16

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May 16, 2025

Image of zomato — Zomato Gold Loses Its Shine: Rain Surge Fee Returns for 3.8 Million Subscribers Starting May 16

Zomato is making yet another change to its Gold membership, and this time it’s not great news for subscribers. After recently pressing pause on its 50:50 refund policy with partner restaurants, the food delivery giant is now tweaking what Gold actually gets you.

Starting May 16, even Gold members will have to pay a rain surcharge. That’s right—one of the more appreciated perks of the membership, the rain fee waiver, is being scrapped. While the update wasn’t announced with much fanfare, users received a notification in the app informing them of the change.

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“Surge fee waiver during rains will not be part of your Gold benefits,” the message read. Zomato added that the fee will go toward better pay for delivery partners who work in poor weather conditions.

The company’s reasoning is understandable—rainy days can be rough for delivery workers, and extra compensation is fair. But for users who pay for Gold expecting a little extra convenience, the news might sting.

The Gold plan, which has undergone several iterations over the years, was initially rolled out to offer free deliveries, discounts, and various small comforts that made ordering in more affordable. With benefits now being slowly peeled back, some subscribers may begin to question the value they’re getting.

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Whether this is a one-off adjustment or the beginning of a broader shift in how Zomato structures its memberships remains to be seen. For now, though, Gold users should keep an umbrella handy—and a few extra rupees.

LUZO’s $550,000 Seed Funding Boost from Enrission India Capital and Swiggy Dineout Founders to Revolutionize India’s $20B Wellness Sector

INVESTMENTS

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May 16, 2025

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Image of luzo — LUZO’s $550,000 Seed Funding Boost from Enrission India Capital and Swiggy Dineout Founders to Revolutionize India’s $20B Wellness Sector

Bengaluru-based Salonsurf Ventures, the company behind LUZO—a growing platform for high-end salon and spa bookings—has secured $550,000 (around Rs 4.6 crore) in seed funding. The round was led by Enrission India Capital, with backing from a clutch of strategic angels, including the founders of Swiggy Dineout and Orra Jewellery.

The fresh capital will go toward scaling LUZO’s tech infrastructure, onboarding more verified partners in major Indian cities, and building stronger brand visibility among younger urban consumers who aren’t just spending more on grooming—but also want their experience to feel seamless and top-tier.

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Launched in 2021 by Anurav Dave, Nikhil Kalwani, and Maan Jetley, LUZO is trying to clean up the messy business of booking salon and wellness services online. The platform acts like a high-end concierge—listing only select, well-rated salons, spas, and clinics—so customers can book confidently without playing Russian roulette with their self-care routines.

“This is about bringing convenience and quality together in a segment that’s still largely disjointed,” said co-founder Anurav Dave. “We’re building LUZO to be the most trusted way to discover and book luxury grooming and wellness services—quickly, easily, and without surprises.”

The timing seems right. India’s beauty and wellness industry is worth more than $20 billion, and while demand is booming, much of the sector remains fragmented. LUZO wants to plug that gap with a digital-first approach that helps people find vetted providers, check reviews, and lock in appointments—without calling, waiting, or walking in blind.

More than a listing site, LUZO uses data to help users find what suits them best—whether it’s a skin clinic in Indiranagar or a massage therapist in Andheri. And by partnering only with trusted, quality-focused providers, the team believes LUZO can become the preferred option for India’s fast-growing tribe of self-care enthusiasts.

According to Harsh Deodhar, Principal at Enrission India Capital, that’s exactly what makes the startup interesting. “LUZO isn’t trying to serve everyone—it’s sharply focused on the quality-conscious user who values time, trust, and ease,” he said. “The team has shown strong execution, and we believe they’re building something that fills a very real need in the market.”

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With a young population, growing disposable income, and rising awareness around personal care, India is set for a wellness revolution. LUZO’s founders are betting that when it comes to grooming, the next big thing won’t just be who cuts your hair—but how you found them, booked them, and rated the whole experience.

Japanese Lingerie Giant Wacoal Strengthens Grip on Mumbai with New Store in Borivali’s Sky City Mall

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May 16, 2025

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Image of wacoal — Japanese Lingerie Giant Wacoal Strengthens Grip on Mumbai with New Store in Borivali’s Sky City Mall

Japanese intimate wear brand Wacoal is adding another pin to its Mumbai map. The company has opened its newest store at Sky City Mall in Borivali, marking its sixth exclusive outlet in the city.

The 550-square-foot space brings Wacoal’s well-known blend of comfort and elegance to one of the city’s fastest-growing suburban neighborhoods. From lingerie and loungewear to sleepwear, the store houses a mix of daily essentials and more indulgent pieces aimed at modern Indian women who care about fit, fabric, and finish.

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Pooja Merani, Chief Operating Officer at Wacoal India, says the Borivali launch reflects the brand’s growing focus on regional expansion within metro cities. “We’ve always believed in helping women discover lingerie that truly fits, both in size and lifestyle,” she said. “Borivali is full of working professionals and young families, and we see a growing demand here for quality intimate wear that’s both stylish and functional.”

This latest store joins Wacoal’s existing Mumbai locations in Lower Parel (Phoenix Palladium and Grand Galleria), Bandra, Kurla (Phoenix Market City), and Malad (Infinity Mall). Nationwide, the brand now operates 18 standalone stores and has its eyes set on more. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Wacoal plans to continue expanding into major metros and Tier-1 cities, while also investing in its digital presence and expanding its reach through multi-brand outlets.

Though Wacoal officially entered India in 2015, the company’s roots go back to post-war Japan, where it was founded in 1946. Over the decades, it has grown into a global lingerie powerhouse, with key milestones including its entry into Asia in the 1970s, the U.S. in 1985, and Europe in 1990.

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Today in India, Wacoal’s retail footprint extends beyond its exclusive stores—its products are also available in over 80 multi-brand outlets across 20 cities, in addition to a growing online presence. With each new location, Wacoal aims to bring its signature blend of comfort, design, and craftsmanship to women across the country.

Yuvraj Singh’s Twiddles Partners with Barista to Launch Clean-Label Snacks Across 470+ Cafés Nationwide

A&M

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May 16, 2025

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– Image of twiddles. — Yuvraj Singh’s Twiddles Partners with Barista to Launch Clean-Label Snacks Across 470+ Cafés Nationwide

In a major move that blends star power with mindful snacking, Yuvraj Singh-backed Twiddles has teamed up with Barista Coffee to launch a new lineup of co-branded snacks across the café chain’s 470+ locations throughout India.

This isn’t just another product on the shelf — it’s a carefully curated menu of multigrain bars, bite-sized energy boosters, and crunchy nut mixes, designed specifically to pair with Barista’s coffee menu. The partnership signals a big shift in what café snacking can look like — less processed, more purposeful, and still indulgent.

Cricketer and co-founder Yuvraj Singh shared his excitement: “Snacks are part of our everyday life, but they don’t have to be boring or bad for you. With Twiddles, we wanted to flip that idea. Now, teaming up with Barista, we’re bringing that philosophy to the table—literally—with options that taste great and feel good.”

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The new snack range is the result of several months of joint research between Twiddles and Barista’s product teams. The goal was to create snacks that are clean-label—free from artificial additives—and satisfying enough to become part of a daily coffee ritual.

Barista Coffee’s CEO, Rajat Agrawal, sees this as more than a menu upgrade: “Barista has always aimed to deliver more than just coffee. This collaboration with Twiddles reflects our commitment to offering experiences that align with the changing lifestyle of our customers. With someone like Yuvraj Singh behind the brand, we knew this was a great fit.”

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Twiddles, which launched with a mission to make clean snacking more mainstream, is now expanding quickly. And Barista, with its widespread footprint and loyal customer base, offers the perfect launchpad. Whether it’s a morning espresso or an evening meeting, the next time you walk into a Barista, there’s a good chance a Twiddles snack will be waiting by your cappuccino.

Baskin Robbins Expands Snacking Line in India with 1,000+ Parlours and Bold Entry into Quick Commerce Boom

Retail & Ecommerce

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May 16, 2025

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Image of Baskin Robbins. — Baskin Robbins Expands Snacking Line in India with 1,000+ Parlours and Bold Entry into Quick Commerce Boom

Baskin Robbins is shaking up how Indians enjoy their favourite frozen treats. The globally loved ice cream brand has rolled out an all-new snacking range in major Indian cities, aiming to tap into the fast-growing quick commerce space and meet the rising demand for indulgent, ready-to-enjoy products.

This fresh lineup isn’t just about variety — it’s about reimagining how ice cream fits into everyday life. The new products, now available in general trade outlets, supermarkets, and through fast delivery platforms, are designed for everything from a mid-day pick-me-up to a late-night craving. Think rich chocolate creations, refreshing fruity flavours perfect for summer, nostalgic desi tastes tailored to Indian preferences, and even ready-to-drink Belgian Chocolate milkshakes.

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“Our relationship with ice cream is evolving,” said Mohit Khattar, CEO of Graviss Foods Ltd. “People don’t just wait for the weekend to treat themselves anymore. With quick commerce becoming a big part of how we shop, we wanted to make it easier to grab premium ice cream – wherever you are, whenever you want.”

He added, “This new range brings the Baskin Robbins experience into people’s homes and routines in a more flexible, accessible way.”

After seeing robust growth across retail and delivery channels in FY25, the brand is doubling down on its distribution network ahead of what it expects to be another strong year in FY26. The focus? Getting closer to customers – whether that’s through kirana shops, hypermarkets, or lightning-fast delivery apps.

Baskin Robbins has been a familiar name in India since 1993, when it partnered with the Graviss Group and set up its first manufacturing facility outside North America, near Pune. Today, it boasts over 1,000 parlours across 290 cities – making it not only the country’s biggest ice cream brand but also a leading name in the quick service restaurant space.

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Beyond India, Graviss also brings Baskin Robbins flavours to neighbouring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, continuing to spread the joy of ice cream across the region.

Tata 1mg Eyes Massive $300M Fundraise to Fuel Offline Expansion After ₹2,500 Cr FY25 Revenue Surge

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May 15, 2025

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Image of 1mg — Tata 1mg Eyes Massive $300M Fundraise to Fuel Offline Expansion After ₹2,500 Cr FY25 Revenue Surge

Tata 1mg, the digital pharmacy backed by Tata Digital, is preparing for a fresh $300 million funding round as it pivots from a low-investment period into an aggressive growth phase—this time with a focus on expanding its presence beyond screens and into the streets.

After a relatively quiet couple of years on the fundraising front—raising only $40 million via a rights issue from Tata Digital in 2022—the company is now looking to rope in external investors to fuel its next chapter. Sources familiar with the developments say the shift signals a broader change in strategy within the Tata Group, which had earlier nudged its consumer-facing bets like 1mg and BigBasket to lean more on debt rather than equity for growth.

This new infusion, if it materializes, would mark one of the largest capital raises in India’s healthtech sector in recent years.

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The funding push comes on the back of solid top-line momentum. In FY25, 1mg is believed to have clocked revenue in the ballpark of ₹2,500–2,600 crore—a healthy 30–35% jump from the previous year. But that growth hasn’t come cheap. The company is burning roughly ₹180–200 crore annually, insiders say, with a sizable chunk going into building out its offline footprint.

While 1mg started as a digital-first platform offering diagnostics, medicines, and consultations, it’s now rolling out physical stores and health hubs to capture a wider slice of India’s fragmented pharmacy market. The logic: not all healthcare transactions happen online, and for a country where trust often builds face-to-face, brick-and-mortar still matters.

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If the fundraising round closes as expected, it could arm 1mg with enough capital to aggressively scale its offline operations, strengthen supply chains, and possibly fend off intensifying competition from the likes of PharmEasy and Apollo HealthCo.

The Tatas appear ready to double down on healthcare, and this time, they’re stepping out of the app and into the neighborhood.

From Havmor to Hocco: Chona Family’s Ice Cream Comeback Bags $10M, Eyes Pan-India Growth and $20M Raise

Business

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May 15, 2025

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Image of hocco — From Havmor to Hocco: Chona Family’s Ice Cream Comeback Bags $10M, Eyes Pan-India Growth and $20M Raise

Ahmedabad-based ice cream startup Hocco has raised $10 million in the first leg of its Series B round, co-led by the Chona Family Office and Sauce VC. The funding comes less than a year after Hocco began operations and signals the company’s intent to go big, fast.

Founder and Managing Director Ankit Chona confirmed that the total Series B raise is expected to touch $18–20 million, with the second tranche likely to close by January next year. “We’re already in talks with existing backers and a few global funds. Sauce VC is on board for the next phase, though our family office won’t be participating further,” said Chona.

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The Chona family isn’t new to the ice cream business. They were behind the iconic Havmor brand, which they sold to Korean giant Lotte for ₹1,020 crore in 2017. Hocco, launched in October 2023, marks their return to the frozen dessert space—with a modern playbook.

In just its first full year of operations (FY25), Hocco clocked ₹220 crore in revenue. The aim now? Nearly double it, with a target of ₹420–₹450 crore in FY26. The new funds will be channelled toward doubling manufacturing capacity, upgrading cold chain logistics, and expanding into new geographies.

Right now, Gujarat remains Hocco’s home turf and biggest market, but the brand is steadily gaining ground in Delhi-NCR, Western UP, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Chona hinted at a deeper push into Uttar Pradesh, with Punjab and Chhattisgarh next in line.

The company is also betting big on direct customer engagement. It’s begun launching company-owned “experience zones,” with two new parlours already scooped out in Delhi. Meanwhile, a growing network of 200 distributors and a 250-strong sales team continues to power retail distribution.

Quick commerce—think delivery apps—has also become a big part of Hocco’s story, now contributing 20% of its total sales. The rest still comes from traditional retail, but the digital shift is clearly gaining momentum.

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Hocco’s next chapter is shaping up to be a high-stakes sprint into India’s increasingly competitive ice cream aisle. And it’s doing it with speed, flavour, and a cool ₹30 million in total backing so far.

Domino’s India Operator Jubilant FoodWorks Reports ₹48 Cr Profit in Q4 FY25—Revenue Up 34%, But Margin Pressures Cut Deep

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May 15, 2025

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Image of domino's pizza. — Domino’s India Operator Jubilant FoodWorks Reports ₹48 Cr Profit in Q4 FY25—Revenue Up 34%, But Margin Pressures Cut Deep

Jubilant FoodWorks, the master franchisee for Domino’s Pizza in India, ended the January–March quarter of FY25 with profits down nearly 77%, even as customers continued flocking to its outlets and ordering online in droves.

The company reported a net profit of just ₹48 crore for the quarter, a steep fall from ₹207.5 crore in the same period last year. The sharp dip came as a surprise, especially since revenue from operations actually jumped by 33.6%, reaching ₹2,103 crore—up from ₹1,574 crore in Q4 of FY24.

The numbers paint a mixed picture. On one hand, Domino’s saw healthy demand, with more people ordering than ever before. Order volumes climbed 24.6%, and revenue from the Domino’s business alone rose by 18.8%. Jubilant also expanded its footprint with new stores and experimented with menu innovations to keep up the momentum in the quick-service restaurant space.

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But that growth came at a cost. Total expenses shot up by over 32%, touching ₹2,044.9 crore for the quarter. Whether it was higher raw material prices, delivery logistics, or promotional spends, the cost pressures clearly outweighed the topline gains.

Operationally, the company did manage to boost its EBITDA to ₹389 crore—a 24.7% improvement over last year’s ₹312 crore. But that wasn’t enough to protect margins, which slipped from 19.8% to 18.5%.

In short: people are ordering more pizzas than ever, but it’s costing the company more to get them made and delivered. For Jubilant FoodWorks, the challenge going forward will be clear—how to keep riding the QSR wave without letting margins melt like mozzarella.

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With rising inflation, stiffer competition, and a consumer that’s spoilt for choice, the road ahead isn’t without hurdles. But one thing’s for sure—India’s appetite for quick, cheesy comfort food is still going strong.

Be Clinical Raises ₹2 Crore from Titan Capital and P-Tal’s Aditya Agarwal to Bring Science-Backed Anti-Ageing Skincare to Gen Z India

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May 15, 2025

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Image of be clinical — Be Clinical Raises ₹2 Crore from Titan Capital and P-Tal’s Aditya Agarwal to Bring Science-Backed Anti-Ageing Skincare to Gen Z India

Be Clinical, a new-age skincare brand focused on early anti-ageing solutions, has secured ₹2 crore in seed funding. The round was led by Titan Capital, with backing from Aditya Agarwal, the founder of premium brassware label P-Tal.

At the heart of Be Clinical is founder Hemangi Dhir, whose own frustration with ineffective skincare products led her down the path of launching a brand that doesn’t play by the old rules. “Anti-ageing shouldn’t be a footnote—it should be the headline,” Dhir said, speaking about her mission to flip the narrative in India’s skincare industry.

Be Clinical is targeting India’s younger crowd—especially Gen Z and Millennials—who are now looking for more than just pretty packaging. They want skincare that actually does something. Dhir believes today’s consumers are smart, curious, and no longer buying into vague promises. “We’re seeing a clear shift—young Indians want to start their skincare journey early, and they want products that are backed by solid science,” she said.

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The brand’s formulations are positioned as medical-grade and are designed to treat the first signs of ageing—fine lines, dullness, and texture—before they fully set in. Be Clinical combines plant-based ingredients with dermatological research and runs on a direct-to-consumer model, allowing it to stay close to its users.

Looking ahead, Dhir is betting big on in-house manufacturing to bring more control over quality, innovation, and intellectual property. The move will also allow Be Clinical to scale up without compromising on what she calls the “lab-to-face” promise.

For Titan Capital, it wasn’t just the product but the precision of the brand’s strategy that made them invest. “We saw in Hemangi someone who understands today’s skincare user—their insecurities, their aspirations, and most importantly, their demand for transparency,” a spokesperson said.

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With fresh capital in the bank and a clear plan to take on traditional skincare players, Be Clinical is setting its sights on becoming the go-to brand for India’s rising generation of informed beauty buyers.

Zepto Launches ‘Atom’ for Brands: Aadit Palicha Unveils Real-Time Sales Maps, Zepto GPT & Minute-by-Minute Data for India’s FMCG Giants

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May 15, 2025

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Image of zepto atom — Zepto Launches ‘Atom’ for Brands: Aadit Palicha Unveils Real-Time Sales Maps, Zepto GPT & Minute-by-Minute Data for India’s FMCG Giants

In a bold move aimed at transforming how consumer brands understand and grow their presence in India’s online grocery space, Zepto has announced the launch of Zepto Atom—a premium data insights subscription that sits atop its existing Brand Portal.

Until now, brands listed on Zepto had access to basic performance metrics like sales numbers and impressions, all free of charge through the Zepto Brand Portal. But Zepto Atom takes things several notches higher. This paid upgrade offers brands a granular, real-time view into how their products perform—not just overall, but right down to individual PIN codes.

Imagine a beverage brand being able to pinpoint weak performance in the western suburbs of Hyderabad, and then adjusting pricing or ad campaigns in that exact cluster. That’s the kind of hyperlocal clarity Zepto Atom aims to offer. Using interactive maps, brands can now explore a dynamic visual layer of their sales and market share, street by street.

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Then there’s the real-time edge. Sales, impressions, and conversions update every minute, giving marketers a live dashboard to tweak campaigns and pricing on the fly. No more waiting for end-of-week reports to figure out what went wrong.

But perhaps the most futuristic touch is Zepto GPT, a built-in assistant powered by Zepto’s own natural language model. Trained on internal datasets, this tool allows brand teams to ask direct questions like “What’s limiting protein bar sales in Bengaluru?” and get back answers that combine data analysis with actionable advice. It can even auto-generate reports.

Zepto Atom also introduces advanced behavioural insights—metrics on repeat customers, retention patterns, how often a product shows up in search, and more. It’s not just about what’s selling anymore; it’s about why and how often people are coming back for more.

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Zepto is holding a detailed onboarding webinar this Friday at 3 PM to walk partner brands through all that Atom offers. With the kind of detailed visibility and strategic insight this new platform provides, Zepto is making it clear—it’s no longer just a delivery service. It’s becoming a serious data engine for India’s fastest-growing consumer brands.

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