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Chocolate X Co-Founders Karthik Pittala & Rafi Shaik Aim for Rs 100 Crore Revenue by FY27 with Aphrodisiac Chocolates and Bold Retail Play

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Chocolate X Co-Founders Karthik Pittala & Rafi Shaik Aim for Rs 100 Crore Revenue by FY27 with Aphrodisiac Chocolates and Bold Retail Play

New Delhi — Intimacy wellness brand Chocolate X has set its sights on reaching Rs 100 crore in revenue by FY27, banking on a wider product portfolio, deeper D2C engagement, and an entry into quick commerce and offline retail, according to Co-Founder and COO Karthik Pittala, in conversation with IndiaRetailing.

The brand was started by Pittala and his long-time collaborator Rafi Shaik, who serves as CEO. Their goal? To make conversations around intimacy more mainstream in India — and they’re doing it with a modern spin: aphrodisiac chocolates made with Ayurvedic elements.

“We closed FY24 with Rs 4.5 crore in net revenue,” Pittala shared. “For FY26, we’re aiming for somewhere between Rs 40 to 53 crore, and with our new launches and growing consumer demand, we believe hitting the Rs 100 crore mark in FY27 is within reach.”

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Riding the Quick Commerce Wave

Chocolate X is betting big on instant delivery platforms to capture unplanned, in-the-moment purchases. “Our product is impulse-driven. People often don’t plan ahead when it comes to intimacy, so quick commerce makes perfect sense,” said Pittala. Talks are already underway with major platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, and Flipkart to bring this idea to life.

At the moment, 85% of the brand’s sales come directly from its own website. Amazon contributes the remaining 15%. Interestingly, unlike most startups that begin with online marketplaces, Chocolate X took a different route—building traction on its own site first. “Sometimes investors are surprised by our metrics, but everything we present is verified,” Pittala noted.

Looking ahead, the company wants to even out its revenue streams, with marketplaces and quick commerce expected to account for nearly half of total sales in the near future.

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Offline Retail is Next

So far, Chocolate X has kept its focus squarely on digital channels. But change is coming. The brand is now eyeing a move into physical retail — starting with pharmacies and carefully selected stores. “It has to feel right,” said Pittala. “We’re looking at spaces where the product won’t feel out of place, and where perception aligns with our vision.”

The team is also weighing partnerships with medical professionals — including doctors and sexologists — to enhance credibility and connect with a wider audience.

The offline rollout is planned for after FY25, once the company has tightened its backend operations and solidified its position in the marketplace landscape.

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Urban Company Edges Closer to IPO, to Raise Rs 528 Crore as It Rebrands and Restructures

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Urban Company Edges Closer to IPO, to Raise Rs 528 Crore as It Rebrands and Restructures

Urban Company is almost ready to hit the public markets. The home services startup has reportedly secured shareholder approval to raise Rs 528 crore in fresh capital through an initial public offering, according to filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

This is a significant shift from the company’s earlier plans to raise close to Rs 3,000 crore. But with global markets wobbling and investor sentiment staying cautious, Urban Company has opted for a leaner raise—one that keeps momentum going without biting off more than the current climate can chew.

The IPO process is being handled by a heavyweight trio: Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. If all goes as planned, a draft red herring prospectus will soon make its way to SEBI for review.

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In the lead-up to the public listing, the Gurugram-based firm recently changed its name—dropping the “Pvt. Ltd.” tag to become Urbanclap Technologies India Ltd., a legal move that brings it in line with listing norms.

From Homes to Headlines: Urban Company’s Journey So Far

Urban Company’s reach now spans over 60 cities across India and international markets like Singapore, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The platform helps users book everything from deep cleaning and appliance repair to beauty treatments and grooming, working with a network of around 55,000 trained professionals.

In FY24, the company posted operating revenue of Rs 827 crore, marking a 30% jump from the previous year. More importantly, it slashed its net losses by 70%, bringing the figure down to Rs 93 crore. The platform currently handles roughly 2.2 million orders a month, with an average service cost of around Rs 1,290.

Since its launch in 2014, Urban Company has pulled in over $450 million in funding, with a valuation hovering near $2.5 billion. Its biggest round came in 2021, when it raised $255 million from Prosus, Dragoneer, and others.

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More recently, the company has begun experimenting with a new vertical—Insta Maids, a quick-commerce-inspired service that lets users book help within 15 minutes, paid by the hour. It’s a move that signals Urban Company’s willingness to play on the edge of innovation while scaling its core business.

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Eloelo Raises Rs 114.3 Crore in Series B to Supercharge AI Tools, Go Global with Desi Creators

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Eloelo Raises Rs 114.3 Crore in Series B to Supercharge AI Tools, Go Global with Desi Creators

Bengaluru-based Eloelo, a rising star in India’s live social entertainment space, has just pocketed Rs 114.3 crore (roughly $13.5 million) in its latest Series B round, led by Singapore’s Play Ventures. This fresh injection of capital brings Eloelo’s total funding to over $50 million.

Also joining the round were familiar names—Kalaari Capital, MIXI Investments, Gameskraft Technologies, Griffin Gaming Partners, Waterbridge Ventures, Courtside Ventures, and Rocket Capital—doubling down on their bet that Eloelo is building something special.

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The platform, co-founded by Saurabh Pandey and Akshay Kumar Dubey in mid-2020, is shaking up the livestreaming space with a vibrant mix of games, interactive shows, live audio/video rooms, and a digital economy powered by virtual gifting. It’s a playground where creators, not algorithms, take center stage—and more than 20,000 of them have already found ways to earn money without relying on ads or subscriptions.

What sets Eloelo apart? It’s totally ad-free, subscription-free, and proudly India-first. All revenue flows in from digital gifts and micropayments made during live shows—a model that’s taken off, especially among Gen Z and Tier 2+ audiences hungry for more engaging and culturally relevant social platforms.

Pandey, the company’s CEO, summed up the mission in a statement:

“Most social platforms today are built for scrolling, not connecting. Eloelo flips that on its head. We’re here to build real-time communities—not just content feeds. Whether it’s chatting, playing games, or sending virtual love, we’re giving people a sense of belonging in their own language.”

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With eyes set on the Indian diaspora, a growing suite of AI-driven tools for creators, and an ambitious ARR target of $60 million by the end of next year, Eloelo is now playing in the big leagues—and doing it on its own terms.

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Bigbasket Ties Up with RCB as Quick Commerce Partner for IPL 2025, Launches Hyperlocal Campaign with Virat Kohli

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Bigbasket Ties Up with RCB as Quick Commerce Partner for IPL 2025, Launches Hyperlocal Campaign with Virat Kohli

Bigbasket, part of the Tata Group, has announced its official partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League season, stepping in as the team’s quick commerce ally.

But this isn’t just a logo-on-a-jersey deal.

The partnership is rooted in a shared pulse with the city—speed, dependability, and a fierce love for all things Bengaluru. In a statement, Bigbasket said the collaboration celebrates more than cricket—it’s about embracing a city and its quirks.

To bring that spirit alive, Bigbasket rolled out a Bengaluru-flavored digital campaign that leans into the city’s lingo and humor. The campaign features none other than RCB skipper Virat Kohli, joined by teammates, in a playful take on everyday life in the city, all centered around the Kannada word “andre” (“means”). The quirky exchanges and insider references have clicked with locals, racking up over 9.5 million organic views on Instagram alone.

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And the buzz isn’t stopping there. With cricketing legends like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Dinesh Karthik giving the campaign a push online, total viewership is expected to cross the 10 million mark this week.

Bigbasket’s CEO and Co-Founder, Hari Menon, weighed in on the partnership:

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“RCB isn’t just a cricket team—it’s woven into the fabric of Bengaluru. At Bigbasket, we connect with that same energy. We’re proud to serve this city with the same intensity, speed, and trust that RCB brings to the game. This partnership felt like the most natural next step for us.”

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Expert Dojo Unleashes $45 Million India Bet: Accelerator to Fund 25 Startups Across SaaS, Fintech, AI, and More

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Expert Dojo Unleashes $45 Million India Bet: Accelerator to Fund 25 Startups Across SaaS, Fintech, AI, and More

At the 2025 Expert Dojo Investors Conclave in Bengaluru, a big announcement dropped—Expert Dojo is doubling down on its India play.

The Southern California-based accelerator, launched in 2018, revealed plans to invest in 20 to 25 emerging Indian startups across areas like SaaS, fintech, B2B services, and artificial intelligence. Although the firm keeps its doors open to any promising idea, it’s particularly drawn to startups with the potential to scale globally.

Expert Dojo isn’t new to this game. With over 300 U.S. startups and more than 30 Indian ventures like Bhive, Cloudworx, and Doqfy already in its portfolio, the accelerator is now betting even bigger on India.

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“We’ve built a solid foundation across the globe, and now, with this India-specific fund, we’re going all in,” said Brian Mac Mahon, Expert Dojo’s Founder and Managing Partner. “What we bring to the table is more than just funding—we’re offering hands-on experience and a powerful international network. It’s about building meaningful relationships and helping founders push boundaries.”

Startups can expect cheques anywhere between $50,000 and $1 million, plus guidance and access to a go-to-market strategy that’s been fine-tuned over years of global investments.

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Looking ahead, Expert Dojo plans to pump an additional $30 million into Indian startups over the next couple of years—bringing its total commitment in the region to a strong $45 million.

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Titan Closes FY25 with Strong 25% Revenue Surge, Gold Price Rally Fuels Jewellery Sales

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Titan Closes FY25 with Strong 25% Revenue Surge, Gold Price Rally Fuels Jewellery Sales

Titan Company, the Tata-backed retail powerhouse known for its jewellery and watches, wrapped up the March quarter of FY25 with a solid 25% bump in standalone revenue—driven largely by the performance of its jewellery segment.

The jewellery division, which brings in the lion’s share of Titan’s earnings, grew 24% in the domestic market. The surge was largely fueled by rising gold prices, which pushed consumers toward gold jewellery and coins as both adornment and investment. Plain gold jewellery clocked a 27% year-on-year rise, while gold coin sales soared 65%.

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While big-ticket items held their ground, demand at the lower end of the pricing spectrum showed signs of strain due to soaring gold rates. The company noted that although the number of buyers grew modestly, those who did spend ended up shelling out significantly more, leading to a strong jump in average transaction values.

Titan described the quarter—and the year overall—as one of “strong momentum,” with revenue for FY25 up 21% from the previous year. Between January and March alone, the company added 72 new stores, expanding its retail footprint to 3,312 locations across India.

Its Watches & Wearables division also showed healthy gains, with domestic revenue up 20% in Q4. Legacy brands like Titan, Fastrack, and Sonata helped lift analog watch sales by 18% year-on-year. Among its retail channels, Helios led the growth charts, reflecting a growing consumer shift toward premium watches.

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In summary, despite a complex gold price environment, Titan has managed to maintain its upward trajectory by catering to both value-focused and premium-seeking customers across its portfolio.

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Amazon India Ramps Up ‘Ashray’ Rest Hubs to 100 Locations Amid Rising Heatwave Warnings

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Amazon India Ramps Up ‘Ashray’ Rest Hubs to 100 Locations Amid Rising Heatwave Warnings

As temperatures begin to spike across the country, Amazon India is stepping up efforts to support the people who keep the e-commerce engine running—its delivery partners. The company announced it will expand its network of ‘Ashray’ rest centres to 100 by the end of this year, offering much-needed relief for last-mile delivery workers navigating brutal heat and long hours.

Currently, around 30 Ashray centres are operational across various cities. With forecasts from the India Meteorological Department warning of a hotter-than-usual summer, including intense heatwaves in central and northwestern India, Amazon has just launched 10 new centres in the Delhi-NCR region alone.

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Ashray, meaning ‘shelter’ in Hindi, lives up to its name. These are fully equipped rest spots—air-conditioned seating, clean drinking water, rehydration supplies, mobile charging, washrooms, and basic medical kits—designed for short breaks between deliveries. Each hub can host up to 15 people at a time and is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

What makes the initiative more inclusive is that it’s not limited to Amazon’s own delivery partners. Anyone working in the delivery or logistics ecosystem—regardless of their employer—is welcome to stop by and recharge, for up to 30 minutes per visit. The centres are strategically located at petrol pumps and rented commercial spaces with easy access and parking.

“These are more than just pit-stops,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations for India and Australia at Amazon. “It’s about making sure that the thousands of people who power this industry have a safe space to cool off, hydrate, and regroup—especially as the heat becomes more punishing.”

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While Amazon currently funds and manages the entire operation, the company has hinted at a future model that invites collaboration from other players in the industry. “This isn’t just about Amazon,” the company noted, “it’s about setting a benchmark for worker welfare across the board.”

In a sector where delivery associates often go unnoticed despite their essential role, Ashray offers a small but important reminder: comfort and care shouldn’t be an afterthought.

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Univision Foods Breaks Into B2C With Two New Dry Fruit Brands—Tauffa for Everyday Snacking, Nut n Berry for Luxe Gifting

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Univision Foods Breaks Into B2C With Two New Dry Fruit Brands—Tauffa for Everyday Snacking, Nut n Berry for Luxe Gifting

After years of building a stronghold in the B2B space, Univision Foods is finally stepping into your kitchen shelf. The dry fruit-focused FMCG company has rolled out two homegrown brands—Tauffa and Nut n Berry—each aimed at a different slice of the Indian consumer base.

Tauffa, launched quietly as a test run in January, turned out to be more than just a soft experiment. It clocked over Rs 1 crore in sales within three months, prompting the company to scale it fast. With 15 different SKUs—ranging from almonds, raisins, and cashews to trail mixes and seeds—it’s meant for the daily shopper looking for high-quality staples without the boutique markup. Prices start at a wallet-friendly Rs 99.

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You’ll find Tauffa on platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Amazon, and Flipkart, as well as in stores across Delhi/NCR, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Guwahati. It’s clearly designed to serve the growing appetite for clean, trustworthy pantry goods in the mid-range segment.

On the other end of the spectrum is Nut n Berry, Univision’s premium push. This line is tailored for the urban buyer who doesn’t mind paying more for beautifully packaged, carefully sourced nuts and dry fruits. With just five SKUs to start, Nut n Berry is already positioning itself as a go-to for upscale gifting and indulgent snacking, with price points ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000. It’s hitting high-end retail stores and fast-commerce shelves now.

“We’ve done well behind the scenes with B2B, but now it’s time to step into the spotlight,” said Chaudhary Dev Pratap Singh, founder of Univision Foods. “Tauffa and Nut n Berry are about giving Indian consumers reliable, premium-quality choices—whether they’re looking for value or luxury.”

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With India’s dry fruit market heating up, Univision’s timing—and dual-brand strategy—might just crack the code.

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From Diesel to D2C: Meet ENGYNE, the New Homegrown Menswear Brand Betting Big on Affordable Luxury

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From Diesel to D2C: Meet ENGYNE, the New Homegrown Menswear Brand Betting Big on Affordable Luxury

A new player is stepping into India’s fast-evolving menswear scene—and it’s not here to blend in. Say hello to ENGYNE, a Bengaluru-based label born out of a clear belief: Indian men deserve global-grade fashion without emptying their wallets.

Set to make its debut with the Spring-Summer 2025 line, ENGYNE is the brainchild of five founders—Gnanaprakash, Karthikeyan K., Karthikeyan P., Ramesh Kumar, and Dinesh D.—all of whom cut their teeth at heavyweights like Diesel and Guess. While working with global fashion giants, the team noticed a missing link back home: sharp design and quality construction, at prices that don’t feel like highway robbery.

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“We’re not trying to sell a dream wrapped in a label. We’re offering what should have always been available—refined, well-made clothing at fair prices,” said Karthikeyan K, Director at ENGYNE.

The brand’s launch will take place entirely online, with all products exclusively available through ENGYNE’s website. A mobile app is also on its way for Android and iOS users—signaling a clear commitment to its digital-first, direct-to-consumer playbook.

What sets ENGYNE apart, though, isn’t just its pitch—it’s its process. The company owns its own manufacturing unit, giving it full control from fabric sourcing to the last stitch.

“Nothing gets outsourced, which means we get to obsess over the little things—like fabric texture, collar shape, or seam strength—without inflating costs,” said Dinesh D, another co-founder. “The same quality checks that go into a shirt selling for ₹9,000 abroad go into ours too.”

With a focus on premium wardrobe essentials—think well-fitted shirts, versatile jackets, and modern silhouettes—ENGYNE is quietly building a brand that’s as much about principles as it is about looks.

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And if all goes to plan, it might just be the homegrown fashion label Indian men didn’t know they were waiting for.

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Fur Jaden Raises Rs 9.5 Cr in First-Ever Funding Round to Take on India’s Rs 16,000 Cr Travel Gear Market

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Fur Jaden Raises Rs 9.5 Cr in First-Ever Funding Round to Take on India’s Rs 16,000 Cr Travel Gear Market

India’s travel gear market is undergoing a quiet revolution. The once predictable world of luggage—dominated by a handful of legacy players—is being challenged by a new generation of brands that put design, utility, and identity front and center. For today’s buyers, a bag isn’t just a bag—it’s a reflection of lifestyle and purpose.

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Among the disruptors, Mumbai-based Fur Jaden has carved out a noticeable presence. Launched in 2015 by husband-wife duo Sahil and Karishma Bansal, the brand has built its reputation on innovation and consumer insight. Think backpacks with built-in USB charging ports and anti-theft features like RFID-blocking compartments—Fur Jaden wasn’t just following global trends, it was setting new ones for Indian consumers.

What’s striking is that the company has remained profitable since day one, a rarity in the D2C space. And now, nearly a decade in, Fur Jaden is stepping into a new chapter. It recently raised Rs 9.5 crore in a Pre-Series A round, led by Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund. This marks the first time the brand has taken outside capital.

The fresh funding will be channelled into multiple directions—strengthening core teams, launching new product verticals, expanding its manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative, and growing its offline footprint across key markets.

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In a detailed conversation with IndiaRetailing, Sahil Bansal shared the journey from bootstrapped beginnings to becoming a standout name in a fast-growing market expected to hit $16 billion by 2025. With a loyal online following and a clear expansion roadmap, Fur Jaden is gearing up to go from being a niche favourite to a household name in travel gear—one sleek backpack at a time.

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