OYO Rakes In Rs 623 Crore Profit in FY25, Becomes India’s Most Profitable Startup Under Ritesh Agarwal

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May 10, 2025

Image of oyo — OYO Rakes In Rs 623 Crore Profit in FY25, Becomes India’s Most Profitable Startup Under Ritesh Agarwal

Ritesh Agarwal’s OYO has pulled off a major turnaround—closing FY25 with a net profit of Rs 623 crore, making it the most profitable startup in India this fiscal year. That’s nearly triple what the company made last year, clocking in at a 172% jump, as per financial data accessed by PTI.

The hospitality company’s revenue rose to Rs 6,463 crore—a 20% increase year-on-year—driven by a sharp uptick in bookings and a growing preference for OYO’s premium hotels. Its Gross Booking Value (GBV) shot up by 54%, reaching a hefty Rs 16,436 crore.

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Key to this growth were OYO’s newer properties like Townhouse and Sunday hotels, which are fully managed by the company, and have been expanding across India, Southeast Asia, the UK, and the Middle East. The US-based G6 Hospitality, which OYO acquired earlier, also contributed to the momentum.

On the profitability front, adjusted EBITDA stood at Rs 1,132 crore for FY25—up from Rs 889 crore the year before. The company has now logged ten straight quarters of EBITDA-level profit. The January–March quarter was particularly strong, pulling in Rs 1,872 crore in revenue (a 41% jump from last year) and Rs 442 crore in EBITDA, which marked a 61% spike—pointing to better operational performance.

Aggressive Expansion

OYO has been steadily pushing into the premium segment. In the last year alone, it added over 30 Sunday hotels across major markets like India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia. As of now, its global network covers 22,700 hotels, over 1.2 lakh homes, and more than 91,000 listings. The number of properties fully managed by OYO surged from just 7 in Q4 FY24 to 256 by the end of Q4 FY25.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Earnings per share (EPS) also saw a significant bump, moving from Rs 0.36 last year to Rs 0.93—registering a 158% rise.

IPO May Face Another Delay

While OYO had originally hoped to go public by October 2025, that timeline now looks uncertain. Sources indicate the listing could be pushed to early 2026—marking a third delay in its IPO journey.

Footprints Preschool Raises $7.5 Million from Tanglin Venture Partners to Expand AI-Powered Daycare Across India

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May 10, 2025

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Image of footprints. — Footprints Preschool Raises $7.5 Million from Tanglin Venture Partners to Expand AI-Powered Daycare Across India

Footprints Preschool & Daycare, a Gurugram-based chain focused on early childhood education, has secured $7.5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Tanglin Venture Partners and marks a significant step forward for the brand’s national expansion.

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With this funding, Footprints plans to open new centres across India, upgrade its classrooms with smart learning tools, and invest further in its AI-backed education and surveillance technology. The goal? To make high-quality, safe, and transparent childcare more widely accessible to Indian families.

Founded by Raj Singhal, Purvesh Sharma, and Ashish Aggarwal, Footprints has grown into a trusted name for thousands of parents. Today, it operates over 175 centres in 25 cities and supports more than 48,000 families. Its curriculum is based on the US-origin HighScope approach, which promotes holistic development through active learning. What sets the startup apart is its emphasis on safety and parent involvement—each centre offers live CCTV access and real-time updates via mobile app.

“Our mission has always been to create spaces where children feel secure, inspired, and seen,” said Raj Singhal, co-founder and CEO. “With Tanglin’s backing, we’re ready to scale that vision and bring our model to more families in more cities.”

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Footprints is doubling down on smart classroom tech, including personalised AI-driven learning pathways that adapt to each child’s needs. The company is also investing in parent-facing features—like live feeds and mobile updates—that help build trust in a market where safety and transparency are top priorities. From thorough staff background checks to child-proof infrastructure, the startup is betting that technology and trust are the future of childcare in India.

Lahori Zeera Bags Rs 200 Cr from Motilal Oswal, Eyes Rs 500 Cr Revenue in FY25 Amid National Expansion

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May 10, 2025

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Image of -lahori-zeera — Lahori Zeera Bags Rs 200 Cr from Motilal Oswal, Eyes Rs 500 Cr Revenue in FY25 Amid National Expansion

Lahori, the Punjab-based beverage company best known for its Zeera-flavored drink, has secured Rs 200 crore in fresh funding from Motilal Oswal as part of its Series B round. The deal gives the investment firm a 7.14% ownership stake in the brand.

According to Entrackr, this latest investment pegs Lahori’s valuation at a robust Rs 2,800 crore. To close the deal, Lahori issued 4,997 shares to Motilal Oswal, each priced at Rs 4,00,252.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

This capital infusion has slightly altered the company’s cap table. The founding team’s shareholding has come down from 76.21% to 70.76%, while Verlinvest, a Belgium-based investor, now holds 19.64%, down from 21.17%.

Lahori has been on a steep growth curve. For FY24, it clocked Rs 312 crore in revenue—a 47% jump from the previous year. Even more impressive was the profit spike: a 300% increase, bringing it to Rs 22.5 crore.

The company’s CEO, Saurav Munjal, is optimistic about FY25, projecting revenue to touch Rs 500 crore, as per the Entrackr report.

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Lahori’s product lineup currently includes six unique flavors—besides the signature Zeera, there’s Nimbu, Imli Banta, Shikanji, Kaccha Aam, and Gimboo. Already a familiar name across North India, the brand is now setting its sights on expanding into the East and West. To support this next phase of growth, Lahori aims to raise a total of Rs 450 crore through its Series B round.

Craft Liquor Brand Feline Spirits Raises Rs 5.2 Crore, Plans to Take Its Handcrafted Bottles Nationwide

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May 9, 2025

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Image of feline spirits — Craft Liquor Brand Feline Spirits Raises Rs 5.2 Crore, Plans to Take Its Handcrafted Bottles Nationwide

Feline Spirits, a rising name in India’s craft alcohol scene, has landed Rs 5.2 crore in fresh funding. The round was led by Gurugram-based Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), and the funds are set to power the startup’s next big moves—broadening its product range and stepping into new markets across India.

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Founded by Prabhat Sharma and Rohit Saxena, the duo behind the brand are trying to shake up a space that’s long been dominated by either bland, budget booze or imported bottles priced out of reach. Their pitch? Smooth, small-batch liquor with premium presentation—without the high-end markup.

Feline Spirits has already developed a solid lineup that includes vodka, whisky, and brandy, tailored for both premium and mass-premium consumers. And they’re not cutting corners: the company says it’s focused on honest distillation methods and real ingredients, all wrapped in sleek packaging that wouldn’t look out of place on a top-shelf bar.

“We started Feline Spirits with the idea that great alcohol shouldn’t be reserved for the elite,” said CEO Prabhat Sharma. “With IPV’s support, we’re stepping on the gas—building new products, growing our reach, and creating a brand that stands for quality, not compromise.”

The company isn’t just dreaming big—it’s already made a dent. Feline Spirits is available in eight states and union territories and says it’s served more than two million customers so far. Now, it’s eyeing deeper distribution across both private retail and state-controlled liquor boards.

According to IPV co-founder Ankur Mittal, there’s a clear gap in the market: “You’re either stuck with cheap local stuff or paying a premium for foreign brands. Feline is changing that—they’re putting beautifully crafted, great-tasting spirits within reach of the average Indian drinker.”

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With a growing consumer base, a bold vision, and new funding in the bank, Feline Spirits is clearly aiming to make its mark as the country’s next big craft liquor name.

Aakash Shah & Damian Felchlin’s High Time Foods Secures $1.2M to Disrupt $10B Protein Market Without Cold Chain

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May 9, 2025

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Image of high time foods — Aakash Shah & Damian Felchlin’s High Time Foods Secures $1.2M to Disrupt $10B Protein Market Without Cold Chain

High Time Foods, a foodtech startup now based in Bengaluru, just secured $1.2 million in funding to push forward its mission: making affordable, high-protein meals that don’t need a refrigerator. The funding round was led by Avaana Capital, with support from angel investors already backing the startup.

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Started in 2022 by Aakash Shah and Damian Felchlin, the company is trying to solve a serious but often overlooked problem—millions of people, especially in India, don’t get enough protein. And the solutions out there? Either too costly or heavily reliant on cold-chain logistics, which simply don’t work in large parts of the country.

Their answer? A dry, plant-based protein mix that stays shelf-stable and mimics the price and texture of everyday meats like chicken. It’s made from peas, wheat, and mung beans, and it doesn’t need a fridge to store or a fancy kitchen to cook. That opens up entirely new possibilities, especially in regions where electricity is unreliable or missing altogether.

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“India has a massive protein gap—about 70% of the population isn’t getting enough,” Shah said. “We wanted to create something people can actually afford and use easily, without needing a freezer or microwave.”

While High Time Foods originally launched in the U.S., the company has now shifted its operations to India, aiming to make the country a central hub for product development and manufacturing. They expect about a quarter of their revenue to come from India, while the rest will be driven by exports to the U.S., Africa, and other emerging markets.

In fact, the company is already testing the waters in West Africa, partnering with one of the region’s major food distributors. According to Felchlin, they’ve just wrapped up initial customer trials and plan to roll out pilot sales in the next few months.

The new funds will be used to beef up their R&D team, refine the product further, and accelerate go-to-market strategies across India and beyond.

Porter Rides Into Unicorn Club With $200 Million Boost, Backs Bold Bet on India’s Local Logistics Game

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May 9, 2025

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Image of porter — Porter Rides Into Unicorn Club With $200 Million Boost, Backs Bold Bet on India’s Local Logistics Game

Porter, the startup that’s made booking a mini-truck as easy as ordering dinner, has officially hit unicorn status. The Bengaluru-based company just snagged $200 million (roughly Rs 1,700 crore) in a Series F round, pushing its valuation somewhere between $1.1 and $1.2 billion — though they’re keeping mum on the exact number for now.

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The round was spearheaded by private equity firm Kedaara Capital and global investment powerhouse Wellington Management, with ongoing support from existing backer Vitruvian Partners. The fresh funds include both new capital and some share buyouts from early investors cashing in.

Started back in 2014 by IIT trio Pranav Goel, Uttam Digga, and Vikas Choudhary, Porter has carved out a serious niche in India’s chaotic, hyperlocal logistics space. Their app hooks up small businesses and everyday folks to a flexible fleet — trucks, movers, bikes, the whole deal — making same-city delivery less of a headache.

With India’s intra-city transport largely dominated by the unorganised sector, Porter’s tech-driven, asset-light model is hitting the right notes. Kedaara’s Anant Gupta and Ashutosh Sardesai called it a game-changer, praising the team’s sharp execution and deep understanding of the street-level logistics game. “They’re building more than a business — they’re creating a network economy that works for everyone from local kiranas to large enterprises,” they said.

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This isn’t just a win for the founders — it’s also a major signal that investors are still placing big bets on digital-first logistics, even in a cautious funding environment. Expect Porter to ramp up expansion, deepen its tech play, and bring even more driver-partners into the fold.

Out with Vedic Tea and Diapers, In with Chyawanprash and Real: Dabur Bets Big on 7 Brands Crossing Rs 500 Cr Each

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May 9, 2025

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Image of dabur — Out with Vedic Tea and Diapers, In with Chyawanprash and Real: Dabur Bets Big on 7 Brands Crossing Rs 500 Cr Each

Dabur India is shaking things up. The FMCG giant is stepping away from certain product categories that just haven’t delivered, including tea, baby and adult diapers, and hand sanitisers. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to sharpen its focus and free up resources for higher-growth opportunities.

“These categories barely move the needle for us — they contribute less than one per cent to our overall revenues,” said Mohit Malhotra, CEO of Dabur India, during a recent call with investors. For context, the company clocked in Rs 13,113 crore in revenue for FY25.

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Among the products on the chopping block are Vedic Tea, Dabur Vita, and diaper lines. “It’s about shifting energy and capital towards bigger, bolder bets,” Malhotra added, outlining a plan to drive sustainable double-digit growth in both revenue and profit by FY28.

Dabur’s recalibrated strategy is grounded in its strengths — household names that dominate their segments. The company plans to double down on seven powerhouse brands that each bring in over Rs 500 crore annually: Dabur Red, Real, Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, Hajmola, Dabur Amla, Odonil, and Vatika. Together, these account for more than 70% of the company’s business.

Expect deeper investments in these brands — not just more marketing, but product innovation too. Think new-age formats like hair serums and masks, benefit-driven toothpaste, and health supplements in the form of gummies and effervescent powders. The aim is to modernize and premiumize existing categories.

Digital and modern retail are key pillars in this new blueprint. Dabur is eyeing serious growth in e-commerce, quick commerce, and modern trade, while also pushing for smarter stockist consolidation and using digital tools to improve efficiency in urban retail.

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From cleaning house to chasing bold growth, Dabur’s next chapter is all about focus, agility, and future-ready execution.

D’manoj Pizza Sparks Online Frenzy: India’s Bold Answer to Domino’s with a Blue Signboard and a Twist

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May 9, 2025

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Image-of-Dmanoj-Pizza — D’manoj Pizza Sparks Online Frenzy: India’s Bold Answer to Domino’s with a Blue Signboard and a Twist

In the world of marketing and branding, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery—but sometimes, it’s just plain hilarious. A new pizza outlet in India has caught the attention of social media users for its uncanny resemblance to a certain global pizza chain. Meet D’manoj Pizza—a name that sounds oddly familiar to anyone who’s ever ordered from Domino’s.

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This tiny eatery, tucked along a roadside, is going viral not because of its gourmet offerings, but for boldly treading the fine line between homage and imitation. From the nearly identical blue signage to its all-too-familiar menu featuring pizzas, pastas, burgers, and shakes, D’manoj Pizza seems to be riding the coattails of Domino’s branding in full throttle.

An Instagram video uploaded by a popular content creator added fuel to the viral fire. In the clip, the creator humorously quips, “Pehle America kehta tha, kya hai tu, ab hum kehte hai, tu kya hai, ye dekho, D’manoj Pizza,” poking fun at the way such lookalikes are now a cultural norm. The video walks viewers through the modest storefront, proudly advertising itself as “pure veg” and claiming to serve “The Real Taste of Pizza.”

It’s not just the name that mirrors Domino’s—the promotional posters, discount banners, and general aesthetic seem heavily inspired too. The video’s overlay text sums it up best: “India is not for beginners.”

What’s striking is how confidently D’manoj Pizza embraces the imitation. There’s no subtlety here; it’s as if the store is fully aware of the resemblance and is leaning into the joke. And the internet is loving it—because in a country where jugaad (creative workaround) is a way of life, this feels less like theft and more like local innovation with a wink.

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D’manoj Pizza might never go global, but it’s already earned its place as an internet sensation—one slice of viral fame at a time.

From a Goa Café to India’s First Vegan Ice Cream Brand: How Sonal Built White Cub for Her Twins and a Nation Eyeing a ₹6,000 Crore Plant-Based Foods Market

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May 8, 2025

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From a Goa Café to India’s First Vegan Ice Cream Brand: How Sonal Built White Cub for Her Twins and a Nation Eyeing a ₹6,000 Crore Plant-Based Foods Market

Born out of a mother’s love and necessity, White Cub has emerged as a pioneer in India’s vegan dessert market. The brand was founded by Sonal, a long-time advocate of plant-based food, when she realized the lack of vegan dessert options available for her twin children who had been vegan since the age of one. A humble vacation to Goa sparked the idea—after witnessing her son’s excitement over a rudimentary tofu-based frozen dessert, Sonal was struck with inspiration. “Why can’t we have this in Delhi?” her son asked—and White Cub was born.

Sonal’s advocacy background and deep understanding of plant-based nutrition laid the foundation for a brand that isn’t just vegan, but health-conscious. “Vegan is not always healthy,” she explained, “so our focus is on creating vegan products that are actually good for you—no cholesterol, no trans fats, no palm oil, no hormones, no antibiotics.” Unlike many commercial non-dairy products, White Cub prides itself on transparency and nutritional integrity.

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Customer feedback plays a vital role in the company’s product development. One of White Cub’s most popular offerings, the “Choco and Dates” ice cream, was born from a diabetic customer’s request for a dessert sweetened naturally. This proactive and community-driven approach defines White Cub’s R&D. During the COVID-19 pandemic, customer demand for broader dairy alternatives led to the development of White Cub’s plant-based butter.

Health remains central to White Cub’s mission. Beyond avoiding harmful ingredients, Sonal emphasized the phytonutrients and antioxidants found in their products. “For me, vegan has to be healthy. That’s how I hope to convince non-vegans to shift—by offering them a healthy alternative.”

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By aligning innovation with compassion and health, White Cub is not just selling desserts—they’re reshaping dietary habits and empowering conscious consumption in India. With every scoop, they’re making plant-based living a little sweeter.

Not Just a Fashion Brand Anymore: Prabhkiran Singh’s Bewakoof Takes First Step Toward Lifestyle Empire with Café Launch

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May 8, 2025

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Image of bewakoof — Not Just a Fashion Brand Anymore: Prabhkiran Singh’s Bewakoof Takes First Step Toward Lifestyle Empire with Café Launch

Bengaluru, May 8 – In a move that signals its ambitions beyond fashion, homegrown youth-centric brand Bewakoof has entered the food and beverage space with the launch of its first café. Located inside its Koramangala store in Bengaluru, the café is a collaboration with abCoffee, a fast-growing grab-and-go coffee chain founded by Abhijeet Anand.

Prabhkiran Singh, founder of Bewakoof, shared the milestone on LinkedIn, reminiscing about his early dreams when the brand was just an idea. “When you’re 20 and dreaming of starting a brand, you don’t think of just a business. You think of an empire. At least we did,” Singh wrote, reflecting on ambitions that stretched beyond fashion into amusement parks, cafes, and gaming arenas.

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The new Bewakoof Café might be modest in scale, but for Singh and his team, it represents a symbolic leap toward that broader vision. “It might seem like a small step to some,” Singh noted, “but for that 20-year-old kid who once dreamed of a whole world — it feels like a giant leap.”

The collaboration with abCoffee adds strength to the venture. Founded by Abhijeet Anand, abCoffee has carved out a niche in India’s grab-and-go coffee scene, focusing on convenience, affordability, and premium taste — a natural fit with Bewakoof’s youthful and aspirational customer base.

This expansion marks a new chapter for Bewakoof, which was founded in 2012 and has since built a loyal following through quirky, relatable designs and affordable fashion. By adding a café to its retail footprint, the brand is experimenting with experiential spaces that blur the lines between lifestyle, community, and commerce.

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Whether this is a one-off experiment or the beginning of a larger play into F&B remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bewakoof isn’t just selling t-shirts anymore. It’s chasing a world it once only imagined.

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