NapTapGo Secures $500,000 to Bring Capsule Hotels to India’s Budget Travel Market

Hospitality

By

-

March 7, 2025

Image of naptapgo — NapTapGo Secures $500,000 to Bring Capsule Hotels to India’s Budget Travel Market

Pod hotel startup NapTapGo has raised $500,000 in pre-seed funding, with venture studio T9L Qube leading the round. The company aims to revolutionize India’s budget hospitality scene by introducing Japan-inspired capsule hotels in high-traffic areas like IT hubs, city centers, and religious destinations.

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

Betting Big on India’s $20 Billion Budget Hotel Market

With India’s budget hotel industry valued at $20 billion and growing at 13-15% annually, NapTapGo sees an opportunity to cater to travelers looking for affordable yet high-quality accommodations. Unlike traditional budget hotels, which often struggle with space and hygiene issues, NapTapGo’s compact, tech-driven pod hotels promise a clean, comfortable, and secure stay.

Co-founders Nitin Malhotra and Himanshu Shukla say their target audience includes solo travelers, working professionals, and frequent flyers aged 25 to 60 who need short-term, convenient lodging without paying for unnecessary frills.

Why T9L Qube is Backing NapTapGo

Investors see NapTapGo as a game changer in India’s hospitality sector. T9L Qube’s co-founders, Fahad Moti Khan and Gaurav Gaggar, highlighted how pod hotels fit the evolving demands of modern travelers.

“We see pod hotels as an innovative solution in budget travel. Whether it’s a business traveler needing a few hours of rest or a pilgrim visiting a religious site, these capsules provide a hygienic, affordable, and high-quality alternative to conventional hotels,” they stated.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

The Rise of Capsule Hotels in India

While capsule hotels have been a hit in Japan for years, India is only beginning to embrace the trend. NapTapGo wants to lead this shift by offering a standardized, space-efficient lodging experience that guarantees cleanliness and comfort.

Even billionaire industrialist Anand Mahindra took notice, calling the concept “pretty cool” on social media.

With fresh capital, NapTapGo plans to scale rapidly and introduce more pod hotels across India. The company is betting that its minimalist yet premium model will appeal to cost-conscious travelers tired of the inconsistency in budget stays.

Nestlé’s Nespresso Enters India: CEO Philipp Navratil Plans Big with More Stores, Higher Coffee Sourcing, and a Premium Brew Experience

Business

By

Online Desk

-

March 7, 2025

0

Image of Nestlé’s Nespresso — Nestlé’s Nespresso Enters India: CEO Philipp Navratil Plans Big with More Stores, Higher Coffee Sourcing, and a Premium Brew Experience

Nespresso, the premium coffee brand under Swiss multinational Nestlé SA, has officially entered the Indian market with its first boutique store, launched on Thursday. The company sees India as a key market, both for its growing coffee culture and as a vital source of high-quality coffee beans.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

India’s Coffee Boom: A Big Opportunity for Nespresso

Philipp Navratil, Nespresso’s CEO, is bullish on India’s potential, stating that the country presents a “massive opportunity” for premium coffee. With coffee consumption and café culture on the rise, Nespresso plans to expand its presence with more boutique stores, where customers can experience its signature coffee blends and high-end machines firsthand.

“So we are here for the long term, we are now open, and we will stay here forever. India is a coffee shop country, and we live in India,” Navratil told PTI.

The company has partnered with Thakral Innovations as its official distributor in India, ensuring that Nespresso’s full range of coffee products reaches both retail consumers and business clients.

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

Expanding Sourcing from India

Nespresso has been sourcing premium green coffee from India since 2011, working directly with around 2,000 farmers in Karnataka. Currently, Indian coffee is used in nearly 20% of Nespresso’s global blends. However, Navratil confirmed that this number is set to increase as the brand deepens its commitment to Indian coffee growers.

“We had an Indian single-origin, master-origin capsule that we would sell everywhere, but not in India. Bringing that back to India now is closing the circle—from farm to cup—now also for Indian consumers,” Navratil said.

With growing global demand for Indian coffee, Nespresso is looking to expand its sourcing operations, ensuring greater support for farmers while strengthening its supply chain.

How Mohit Gupta and Mukesh Bansal’s ₹216 Crore Bet on Coyu Is Reshaping India’s Premium Fashion Market

Retail & Ecommerce

By

Online Desk

-

March 7, 2025

0

Image of Mohit Gupta and Mukesh Bansal — How Mohit Gupta and Mukesh Bansal’s ₹216 Crore Bet on Coyu Is Reshaping India’s Premium Fashion Market

Coyu is the latest player in India’s ever-expanding fashion retail scene, but it’s not just another platform in the crowd. Positioned in the mid-premium segment, this multi-brand fashion and lifestyle venture is carving out its own space, focusing on curated, high-quality apparel for modern women.

Founded just four months ago, Coyu is the brainchild of two industry heavyweights—Mohit Gupta, co-founder of Zomato and former COO of MakeMyTrip, and Mukesh Bansal, the visionary behind Myntra and Cult.fit. The name Coyu is derived from “curated for you” and “collected for you,” reinforcing the brand’s promise of a thoughtfully selected range of premium fashion.

Since its October 2024 launch, Coyu has brought on board over 50 national and international brands. It made its retail debut in Delhi with two stores and a direct-to-consumer (D2C) website on the same day. Recently, the brand opened its 6,000 sq. ft. flagship store at the IREO complex in Gurugram, signaling its commitment to a strong offline presence.

Now, Coyu is gearing up for an aggressive expansion across India, with plans to scale both its store count and brand portfolio while cementing itself as a major omnichannel retail player.

Why Coyu? A Fresh Take on Premium Fashion

With countless fashion retailers already in the market, what makes Coyu stand out? According to founder and CEO Mohit Gupta, India’s online fashion boom over the past decade has primarily catered to mass-market and luxury consumers. However, the mid-premium segment—priced slightly above brands like Zara—remains an underserved space, particularly for women.

“Women’s fashion is fundamentally more complex than men’s. It involves more silhouettes, a greater variety of textiles, intricate detailing, and considerations around fit, modesty, and boldness,” Gupta explains. “Despite this, very few retailers have effectively addressed these nuances. There’s a gap between fast fashion and high-end luxury, and we’re here to bridge that.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Beyond the products themselves, Coyu is also tackling an industry-wide challenge: making premium fashion discovery seamless and cost-efficient for both shoppers and brands.

Funding and Growth Plans

Backed by strong investor confidence, Coyu raised approximately $26 million in mid-2024 from Prosus Ventures, Peak XV, and Sofina, along with several angel investors. This funding is fueling the brand’s expansion, allowing it to scale both its physical and digital presence.

Brand Lineup: Global Meets Local

Coyu’s portfolio currently includes a mix of established international labels and homegrown Indian brands. Some of the global names on offer include Karen Millen and Sister Jane (UK), DKNY (New York), Salsa Jeans (Portugal), and Sylvian Heach (Italy).

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

On the domestic front, Coyu features designers like Saaksha & Kinni, Karaj Jaipur, Silai Studio, Rainas, Sheetal Batra, Our Love, Dash and Dot, and Linen Bloom, among others.

With a strong foundation, a clear vision, and a rapidly growing presence, Coyu is set to redefine the premium fashion landscape in India.

Ekart & IKEA Team Up for High-Speed Deliveries: 24-Hour Fulfillment, 7,000+ Products, and Electric Fleet Rollout in North India

Investors & Capital

By

Online Desk

-

March 6, 2025

0

Image of ekart-ikea — Ekart & IKEA Team Up for High-Speed Deliveries: 24-Hour Fulfillment, 7,000+ Products, and Electric Fleet Rollout in North India

Ekart, a leading supply chain and logistics company, has teamed up with IKEA India to streamline last-mile deliveries for the home furnishing giant. Under this partnership, Ekart will handle the doorstep delivery of IKEA’s extensive 7,000+ product catalog, ensuring faster and more efficient order fulfillment across North India.

With its expertise in managing large parcels, Ekart will play a key role in executing quick and optimized deliveries, allowing IKEA to fulfill most customer orders within 24 hours. The collaboration is expected to enhance operational efficiency, as Ekart boasts a 99%+ success rate in pre-paid shipments, setting high industry standards for reliability and precision.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Deliveries will be powered through IKEA India’s newly launched fulfillment hub in Delhi-NCR, where real-time tracking will offer customers better visibility of their orders. Additionally, the partnership aligns with IKEA’s sustainability goals, as Ekart will deploy a fleet of electric vehicles to reduce the environmental impact of its logistics operations.

Mani Bhushan, Chief Business Officer at Ekart, highlighted the synergy between the two brands, stating:

“This collaboration reflects Ekart’s capability to provide enterprise-grade supply chain solutions for large retailers. IKEA’s mission is to create a better everyday life for people, and we are proud to contribute to that vision. Our shared values of transparency, sustainability, and customer-first service make this a natural fit. Together, we aim to deliver an unmatched experience for IKEA customers.”

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Beyond this partnership, Ekart supports over 400 retail brands, offering a range of logistics services, including last-mile delivery, part-truckload (PTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipping, warehousing, and innovations like Open Box Delivery and product refurbishing. With this latest collaboration, Ekart continues to strengthen its position as a go-to logistics partner for major retail brands in India.

Bewakoof Expands Offline Presence with New Store in Bengaluru’s Koramangala

Retail & Ecommerce

By

Shweta

-

March 6, 2025

0

Image of bewakoof — Bewakoof Expands Offline Presence with New Store in Bengaluru’s Koramangala

Casual fashion brand Bewakoof has opened its latest retail outlet in Koramangala, Bengaluru, marking its fourth store in the city. The brand, known for its quirky and affordable apparel, announced the launch on social media, calling it “Koramangala’s new fashion hotspot.”

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Founded in 2012 by IIT alumni Prabhakaran Singh and Siddharth Munot, Bewakoof started as a digital-first brand, catering primarily to 16-34-year-olds with a range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids. After over a decade as an online-only player, the brand stepped into offline retail in July 2024, opening its first store at Forum Falcon Mall, Bengaluru.

With additional stores in HSR Layout and Brigade Road, the Koramangala launch strengthens Bewakoof’s foothold in the city. Beyond Bengaluru, the brand also operates stores in Pune and New Delhi, bringing its total offline count to six.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

As Bewakoof continues expanding its brick-and-mortar presence, the move signals a growing demand for D2C brands in physical retail, blending the convenience of online shopping with an in-store experience.

Art Prices Crash by 18.3%, Whisky Falls 19.3% from Peak—Knight Frank’s 2025 Report Reveals the Biggest Luxury Investment Shocks

Business

By

Online Desk

-

March 6, 2025

0

Image of whisky — Art Prices Crash by 18.3%, Whisky Falls 19.3% from Peak—Knight Frank’s 2025 Report Reveals the Biggest Luxury Investment Shocks

Luxury collectibles took a hit in 2024, with fine art suffering the steepest decline among passion investments, dropping 18.3% year-on-year, according to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025. The report, released on Wednesday, reveals that while some high-end assets managed to hold their ground, several once-thriving categories saw sharp corrections.

The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index (KFLII), which tracks the performance of ten sought-after collectibles, showed that only half of them appreciated in value last year. Handbags emerged as the strongest performer, with a 2.8% rise, followed by jewelry (2.3%), rare coins (2.1%), watches (1.7%), and classic cars (1.2%).

At the other end of the spectrum, fine art took a major hit, reversing its double-digit gains from 2023 and faring worse than it did during the COVID-19 crash, when values dropped 17%. Fine wine was next in line, sliding 9.1%, as shifting consumer habits reshaped the market.

The rare whisky sector, which had been on a decade-long bull run, saw another difficult year. Prices slumped 9% in 2024, bringing total losses to 19.3% since the market’s 2022 peak. Increased availability of stock in the secondary market has put significant pressure on prices.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Other categories that struggled included designer furniture, which declined 2.8%, and colored diamonds, down 2.2%.

Overall, the KFLII index fell 3.3% in 2024, marking its second consecutive year of negative growth. The once-reliable assumption that rarity guarantees rising value is now being challenged, as collectors and investors navigate a more unpredictable landscape.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank, provided a long-term perspective on the luxury investment space:

“Over time, collectibles have proven their worth as an investment. If you had put $1 million into the KFLII in 2005, that portfolio would now be worth $5.4 million. By comparison, the same amount invested in the S&P 500 would be valued at $5 million today.”

Despite the current slowdown, the report suggests that luxury assets remain a key component of high-net-worth portfolios, though selectivity and timing will be crucial moving forward.

Double Bull’s Big Comeback: CEO Jatin Manodra Unveils Bold Expansion Plans to Hit ₹100 Crore by FY31

Retail & Ecommerce

By

Online Desk

-

March 6, 2025

0

Image of double bull — Double Bull’s Big Comeback: CEO Jatin Manodra Unveils Bold Expansion Plans to Hit ₹100 Crore by FY31

Celebrating five decades in the fashion industry, men’s clothing brand Double Bull—known for its bold, vibrant party wear that made waves in the ’90s—is making a strong comeback in Indian retail with an ambitious expansion plan.

The brand, which currently generates Rs 35 crore in revenue, is setting its sights on hitting Rs 100 crore by FY31. To fuel this growth, Double Bull is ramping up its presence in multi-brand outlets (MBOs) and plans to open over 50 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) across urban and rural markets in 14 states by the end of this year.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Taking a step into the digital-first space, the company has also announced the launch of its own e-commerce platform, expected to go live later this year. Alongside these expansion efforts, Double Bull has brought in key leadership hires to steer the brand into its next phase of growth.

Founded in 1974, Double Bull became a household name with its trendsetting party shirts that captured the imagination of young India. Now, with a renewed focus, the brand is looking to strike the perfect balance between premium quality and affordability, making stylish fashion accessible to a wider audience.

“As we celebrate 50 years in the industry, this milestone is a testament to our brand’s resilience and commitment,” said Jatin Manodra, CEO of Double Bull. “With a refreshed vision and a strong leadership team in place, we’re charting a clear path for sustained growth.”

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Beyond its retail expansion, Double Bull is also diversifying its product range to cater to today’s evolving consumer needs. The brand is set to introduce a fresh collection that goes beyond party wear—offering stylish, high-quality apparel designed for versatility, comfort, and everyday wear.

Indian Startups Raised $1.65 Billion in February 2025—Oxyzo, udaan, and Cashfree Among Top Fundraisers

Business

By

Online Desk

-

March 5, 2025

0

Image of startups — Indian Startups Raised $1.65 Billion in February 2025—Oxyzo, udaan, and Cashfree Among Top Fundraisers

Indian startups pulled in $1.65 billion (₹14,418 crore) in funding in February 2025, with median valuations hitting $83.2 million, according to Tracxn data.

With this, total startup funding for FY25 (April 2024–February 2025) has climbed to $25.4 billion across 2,200 deals. February’s funding also marked a 19.5% jump from January’s $1.38 billion but was 20% lower than the $2.06 billion raised in February 2024.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Bengaluru vs. Mumbai: Who Got More Money?

Bengaluru remained the country’s startup funding hub, raising $353 million, with a median round size of $2 million. Mumbai, while securing lesser total funding at $102 million, saw a higher median round size of $5 million, indicating larger individual investments.

Biggest Fundraises in February 2025

The month saw major funding rounds, led by fintech player Oxyzo, which secured ₹100 crore in debt financing. Close behind was B2B marketplace udaan, which bagged $75 million in Series G equity funding, with M&G Plc as the lead investor.

Other notable deals included:

SpotDraft
Cashfree Payments
Zeta
Geniemode

Key Acquisitions That Made Headlines

Head Digital Works bought Deltatech Gaming (Adda52’s parent company) for ₹491 crore.
Bengaluru’s Perfios acquired fraud detection platform Clari5.
Motilal Oswal Alternate Investment Advisors (MO Alts) took a majority stake in pharma company Megafine for ₹460 crore.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

The IPO Buzz: 16 New Listings

A total of 16 IPOs hit the market in February, with a median IPO market cap of $26.5 million.

Some of the big names that debuted on the stock exchange:

Hexaware
AJAX
Ken India
Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital
Royal Arc

Who Wrote the Biggest Checks?

The most active startup investors in February included:

Ritesh Agarwal (OYO)
Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com)
Aman Gupta (boAt)
Peyush Bansal (Lenskart)

Among venture capital firms, Blume Ventures, Eximius Ventures, Unicorn India Ventures, Peak XV, Accel, and Nexus Venture Partners led the charge.

Startup Funding: 2024 vs. 2023

In total, Indian startups raised $30.4 billion in 2024, reflecting a 6.5% drop from $32.5 billion in 2023.

Swarovski Expands in India: Opens Second-Largest Store at Pacific Mall, Delhi After Gurugram Flagship

Retail & Ecommerce

By

Online Desk

-

March 5, 2025

0

Image of swarovski — Swarovski Expands in India: Opens Second-Largest Store at Pacific Mall, Delhi After Gurugram Flagship

Global luxury crystal brand Swarovski has unveiled its second-largest store in India at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi, marking another major retail expansion in the country.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Announcing the launch on LinkedIn, Tanveer Kaur, Distribution and Real Estate Manager – South Asia at Swarovski, shared images of the store and wrote, “Super proud to announce the launch of Swarovski Wonderlux Store at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi.”

A Glimpse Into Swarovski’s Wonderlux Concept

The new Delhi store follows the brand’s signature Wonderlux design, featuring a striking purple theme and octagonal displays along the perimeter. Each display highlights an exquisite collection of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, showcasing Swarovski’s craftsmanship.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

This opening comes just months after Swarovski launched its largest store in India at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, in December 2024.

Swarovski’s Legacy in India and Beyond

Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski has grown into a global powerhouse, with a presence in over 150 countries and more than 2,400 boutiques worldwide.

The brand first entered India in 2000, setting up a production unit in Pune, and has since expanded its footprint across the country, catering to a growing market for premium crystal jewelry and accessories.

Araku Coffee Goes Global: Andhra’s GCC Secures Organic Certification, Tata Consumer Steps In as Key Buyer

Business

By

Online Desk

-

March 5, 2025

0

Image of araku coffee — Araku Coffee Goes Global: Andhra’s GCC Secures Organic Certification, Tata Consumer Steps In as Key Buyer

The Girijan Cooperative Corporation Ltd (GCC) of Andhra Pradesh has taken a major leap in the organic coffee market, securing organic certification for Araku Coffee—a move that has unlocked exports to European markets and landed a major domestic deal with Tata Consumer Products.

Organic Certification Opens New Doors

GCC’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Kalpana Kumari, confirmed that the certification has already generated strong interest. “With this certification, we have started marketing organic coffee separately. The response has been fantastic, with orders already secured from Germany, Italy, and Tata Group in India,” she said in a statement to PTI.

Tata Consumer Products has now partnered with GCC to market and sell certified organic Araku Coffee, grown by tribal farmers in the Paderu Agency region.

“We’ve always known Araku coffee to be organic, but this is the first time we have secured an official certification,” Kumari added.

A Landmark Project in Sustainable Farming

The road to organic certification hasn’t been easy. Since 2019, GCC has worked tirelessly to bring 2,600 tribal farmers under organic coffee cultivation across 2,275 hectares in Chintapalli and GK Veedhi mandals.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

The certification process took three years and required strict compliance with organic farming protocols. GCC worked closely with an Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)-approved certification body, which conducted routine inspections and audits to ensure compliance.

To reward farmers for their efforts, GCC has set premium procurement prices for organic coffee:

Arabica Parchment: ₹450 per kg (vs. ₹400 for the regular variety)
Arabica Cherry: ₹330 per kg (vs. ₹250 for the regular variety)

This price hike is expected to encourage more farmers to adopt organic practices, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality coffee for both domestic and international buyers.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Expanding to Organic Pepper with Tata

Buoyed by its coffee success, GCC is now expanding its organic certification efforts to pepper, again in collaboration with Tata Consumer Products.

The first consignment of organic pepper is set to be delivered in April.

Transforming Lives, One Harvest at a Time

Founded in 1956, GCC has been at the forefront of empowering tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh. Through its market intervention programs, the cooperative supports 20,000 tribal families, helping them access larger markets, secure fair pricing, and adopt sustainable farming practices.

With Tata’s backing and increasing global demand for organic produce, GCC is now positioning Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the organic agriculture sector—both within India and on the global stage.

.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;} .st1{display:none;fill:#A4313E;} NewsHub

NewsHub