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Captain Fresh Raises ₹100 Crore Ahead of IPO Plans

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Captain Fresh Raises ₹100 Crore Ahead of IPO Plans

Bengaluru-based B2B meat and seafood supplier Captain Fresh has secured ₹100 crore in funding from Motilal Oswal Wealth, gearing up for its anticipated public listing next year. According to regulatory filings accessed via Tofler, the company issued 1,002 Series C11 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at ₹9,98,399 per share. The investment gives Motilal Oswal a 2.26% stake in the company, valuing it at ₹4,424.7 crore (around $526 million).

Continue Exploring: Rare Rabbit Soars: Hits Rs 600 Crore Milestone in FY24

The funding follows a $48 million round in February led by Japan’s SBI Investment and Evolvence Capital, which valued Captain Fresh at $500 million. Previous investors, including Tiger Global, Prosus, Accel, and Matrix Partners India, also participated in that round. The company is now finalizing its choice of bankers to oversee the IPO.

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Rapid Growth with Mounting Losses

Founded in 2019 by Utham Gowda, Captain Fresh operates in India and international markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and the US. The startup has seen remarkable growth, with FY23 revenue surging nearly fourfold to ₹801.3 crore from the previous year. However, its net loss widened significantly to ₹288.4 crore from ₹113.2 crore in FY22, according to Tracxn.

Despite financial challenges, Captain Fresh is positioning itself as a leader in the meat and seafood industry, leveraging its B2B model to supply products at scale. With the latest funding and an IPO on the horizon, the company aims to further solidify its market presence while addressing its profitability concerns.

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Indian Startups Secure $44.67 Million in a Week Amid Diverse Investments

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Indian Startups Secure $44.67 Million in a Week Amid Diverse Investments

Between December 23 and 27, 2024, eight Indian startups across sectors such as EV, AI, semiconductors, IoT, manufacturing, edtech, and gaming collectively secured $44.67 million in funding. This follows a strong performance the previous week, when Indian startups raised over $206 million, including a major $90 million round by Zetwerk.

Manufacturing Leads the Pack

Manufacturing took the spotlight, with EPACK Prefab raising $20 million in a standout deal. Stock market super app Univest followed with $10 million.

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Semiconductor startup Mindgrove, edtech venture Sparkl Edventure, and sustainable investment platform SustVest also made waves, collectively raising $13.7 million. Mindgrove led this trio with an $8 million infusion, while Sparkl Edventure secured $4 million, and SustVest attracted $1.7 million.

Additionally, Leanworx, a player in the IoT space, raised $972,000 in seed funding. Two startups, Proxgy and Naxatra Labs, chose not to disclose their funding amounts.

Continue Exploring: Rare Rabbit Soars: Hits Rs 600 Crore Milestone in FY24

Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions

The week also saw notable strategic moves through mergers and acquisitions:

  • Aurionpro Solutions acquired Fenixys.
  • Naza Tech increased its stake in Absolute Sports.
  • TVS Motor raised its stake in DriveX Mobility.
  • Xcelerate acquired a share in Carisma Solutions.

A Promising Close to the Year

With diverse funding activity and strategic acquisitions, the final days of 2024 highlight the strength and adaptability of India’s startup ecosystem. The broad range of sectors attracting investments underscores a growing focus on innovation and sustainability, setting the stage for a dynamic 2025.

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Women-Led Startups Are Transforming India’s Innovation Landscape

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Women-Led Startups Are Transforming India’s Innovation Landscape

In a significant shift for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, over 73,000 startups now boast at least one woman on their board of directors, according to the Indian Startup Ecosystem Report shared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This progress is largely attributed to the widespread availability of affordable internet and the energy of a young, dynamic workforce that has flourished over the last decade.

The government has played a pivotal role in this transformation. With nearly 157,000 startups supported by various initiatives, women leaders are at the helm of almost half of these ventures, underscoring a growing trend of inclusivity and diversity in business leadership.

A Thriving Innovation Network

Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have emerged as India’s innovation powerhouses. These hubs are driven by a technology-savvy workforce, affordable internet access, and a vibrant startup culture. Many of these startups are leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to tackle challenges ranging from healthcare and education to sustainability and logistics, both in India and abroad.

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This growth is further fueled by a strong support system comprising incubators, accelerators, and mentorship networks that empower entrepreneurs to transform grassroots challenges into tech-driven solutions.

Government Initiatives Driving Change

The Indian government has been instrumental in nurturing the startup ecosystem. Programs like Startup India, launched in 2016, have provided the framework for this unprecedented growth. As of December 25, 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized 157,066 startups, with over 759,000 users registered on its portal.

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Indian Startup Funding in 2024: A Mixed Bag of Growth and Challenges

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Indian Startup Funding in 2024: A Mixed Bag of Growth and Challenges

Optimism around startup funding has been fueled by the rise of ventures built on strong fundamentals rather than cash-burning models. However, the year wasn’t without its hiccups. Mid-year data revealed a dramatic dip in weekly funding, dropping from $200 million in mid-July to just $42 million by the end of the month—a figure among the lowest recorded since January 2023.

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But how does 2024 stack up overall?

According to Inc42’s Annual Funding Report 2024, Indian startups raised over $12 billion in fresh capital this year, a 20% increase compared to $10 billion in 2023. The total number of deals also rose by 11%, with 993 deals closed by December 21, 2024. This brings funding levels in line with 2020—the year the funding boom began—when startups raised $12 billion through 953 deals.

However, the numbers remain far from the record-breaking $42 billion raised across 1,584 deals in 2021 or even the $25 billion raised in 2022 through 1,517 deals. While private funding showed year-on-year growth, public market activity took center stage in 2024, with startup IPOs hitting a new high

Continue Exploring: Rare Rabbit Soars: Hits Rs 600 Crore Milestone in FY24

The IPO Surge

This year saw 13 new-age tech companies, including Swiggy, MobiKwik, and Awfis, raise capital through initial public offerings. Additionally, already-listed players like Zomato, Nazara, Zaggle, and Veefin tapped public markets for further funding.

The trend reflects a growing appetite for startup IPOs, with public listings emerging as a crucial funding avenue. This shift has helped startups diversify their funding sources beyond traditional private equity and venture capital.

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Founder Reminds Zepto’s Aditya Palicha: The Planet Shouldn’t Pay for Fast Marketing

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Founder Reminds Zepto’s Aditya Palicha: The Planet Shouldn’t Pay for Fast Marketing

In the race to capture customer attention, many D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) platforms and brands rely heavily on sampling. The idea is simple: offer customers a taste of your product, and hopefully, they’ll convert into loyal buyers. While this strategy may appear effective on paper, it comes with a hidden and devastating cost—the environment.

A recent post by Soumya Parmar sheds light on this issue. Sharing her experience with Zepto, she wrote: “This is my third box of Fantastic 2025 full of single-use plastic that you have sent with our order.”

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The concern stems not just from the frequency of receiving these sample boxes but from the sheer amount of waste they generate. Soumya suggests potential solutions, such as limiting one sample box per customer ID or providing clearer opt-out options. Despite opting out herself, she still received the samples, highlighting a gap in execution.

Single-Use Plastic Overload

Beyond excessive packaging, there’s the issue of the type of materials used. Most of these samples come in sachets or multi-layered plastic packaging, which, as Soumya points out, are “a nightmare for recyclers to recycle.” She rightly questions:

“How are you thinking about recycling this? Or offsetting this?”

The scale of operations for companies like Zepto amplifies the problem. Imagine millions of these sample boxes being distributed across the country, most of them ending up in landfills. Without a plan for sustainable packaging or recycling, the environmental cost is staggering.

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The Hidden Dangers of 10-Minute Meal Deliveries

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The Hidden Dangers of 10-Minute Meal Deliveries

The race among quick-commerce platforms like Zepto Café, Zomato’s Bistro, and Swiggy Bolt to deliver meals in under 10 minutes has captured the attention of convenience-loving customers. But beneath the allure of speed lies a growing concern about the nutritional quality of these meals. 

Orthopaedic surgeon and NutriByte Wellness co-founder, Dr. Manan Vora, has joined the chorus of voices cautioning against this trend, emphasizing the health risks associated with such ultra-fast food services.

Dr. Vohra Pens a Viral Post

In a LinkedIn post, Dr. Vora broke down the logistics of these rapid deliveries, stating, “For the food to be delivered in 10, it needs to be cooked in 3 minutes or less. And they can only achieve this with ultra-processed, ready-to-eat meals—pre-cooked, frozen, microwaved, and delivered.”

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Convenience vs. Health

Dr. Vora urged consumers to weigh the cost of convenience against their long-term health. “If you don’t have home-cooked food, ordering in is fine—but be patient and wait for fresh meals. Don’t compromise your health for the sake of speed.”

This fast-paced delivery model not only prioritizes time over quality but also normalizes a dependence on processed foods that could have lasting consequences for public health.

A Message to the Industry

Dr. Vora didn’t mince words in addressing the quick-commerce giants directly. He concluded his post with a blunt appeal: “Dear Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto: We don’t want ultra-processed garbage delivered in 10 minutes!”

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As the demand for faster services grows, it’s crucial for both consumers and companies to consider the hidden costs of such convenience. Are we willing to trade our health for speed? Or is it time to rethink the balance between fast food and good food?

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Zypp Electric Partners with e-Sprinto to Expand EV Fleet for Sustainable Delivery Solutions

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Zypp Electric Partners with e-Sprinto to Expand EV Fleet for Sustainable Delivery Solutions

Zypp Electric, a leading electric vehicle (EV)-based last-mile delivery service, has forged a strategic alliance with e-Sprinto, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer. 

This partnership is aimed at integrating 30,000 high-speed e-Sprinto electric vehicles into Zypp Electric’s fleet over the next three years.

Zypp Electric Collabs with e-Sprinto

This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to promoting sustainable transportation while improving the livelihoods of delivery pilots. A key aspect of the partnership is a focus on providing exceptional after-sales support, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the fleet.

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The new fleet of e-Sprinto electric vehicles will enhance the efficiency of Zypp Electric’s last-mile delivery operations, empowering 30,000 delivery pilots with reliable, advanced vehicles. This, in turn, will lead to better productivity and earnings for the pilots, while simultaneously contributing to reducing carbon emissions and fostering eco-friendly urban logistics.

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Top Executive Opines on this Partnership 

Rashi Agarwal, Co-Founder and CBO of Zypp Electric, commented on the collaboration, saying, “With the growing demand for EVs in the last-mile delivery sector, Zypp needed strong partnerships to control the supply. Partnering with e-Sprinto is a pivotal move for us as we aim to deploy 200,000 electric vehicles in the next three years, significantly advancing zero-emission last-mile delivery solutions.”

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Suba Group of Hotels Debuts in Ludhiana with Click Hotel Kohinoor

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Suba Group of Hotels Debuts in Ludhiana with Click Hotel Kohinoor

The Suba Group of Hotels has expanded its footprint with the launch of Click Hotel Kohinoor in Ludhiana, marking its first property in the bustling city. Located on the prominent Pakhowal Road, the hotel enjoys excellent connectivity to the city’s air, road, and rail networks, offering convenience to both business and leisure travelers.

Chairman Expresses Enthusiasm for New Project

“This opening is a landmark moment for us as we continue to grow our presence across India,” said Mansur Mehta, chairman and managing director of Suba Group of Hotels. “With 92 properties already operational and 35 more in development, our commitment to bringing top-tier hospitality to key destinations remains stronger than ever. 

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Ludhiana, with its rich cultural heritage and status as an industrial powerhouse, is a natural fit for our portfolio. Click Hotel Kohinoor reflects our dedication to offering exceptional service and experiences tailored to meet the evolving needs of our guests.”

The Property Has World Class Attributes 

The property features 25 elegantly designed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, spacious banquet halls, and a swimming pool. With modern facilities including 24/7 front desk services, fully-equipped conference rooms, and banquet spaces, the hotel is well-suited for corporate events, weddings, and other social gatherings. Its prime location ensures easy access to Ludhiana’s major attractions and business hubs, making it an ideal choice for visitors.

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“Ludhiana plays a critical role in India’s industrial landscape, renowned for its leadership in the cycle, hosiery, and auto parts sectors,” said Mubeen Mehta, CEO of Suba Group of Hotels. “Our expansion into this city aligns with our vision to grow strategically while contributing to regional economic development and creating local job opportunities. Click Hotel Kohinoor is a testament to our commitment to fostering connections and becoming part of Ludhiana’s dynamic growth story.”

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NIKO Redefines Gurugram Dining with Bold Asian Flavors and a Modern Vibe

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NIKO Redefines Gurugram Dining with Bold Asian Flavors and a Modern Vibe

NIKO, a vibrant new dining destination in Gurugram, Delhi NCR, brings modern Asian flavors to life through the art of fire. 

Founded by Alisha Mehra, Pratinav Meera Pratap Singh, Sid Mathur, and Kula Naidu, the restaurant aims to redefine the local culinary scene.

Director Explains the Project 

“We wanted to create something that didn’t already exist in Delhi—a place where bold flavors meet a laid-back, welcoming vibe,” shared Alisha Mehra, a Cordon Bleu graduate and NIKO’s director. “NIKO isn’t just about special occasions; it’s a space where regulars can come, relax, and feel at home with incredible food and drinks. From our nostalgic 90’s R&B and hip-hop playlists to a menu that offers its own perspective on Asian dining, we’re focused on staying authentic to who we are. Our guests seem to really connect with that.”

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The restaurant’s menu pushes the boundaries of Asian cuisine and mixology, creating a curated experience of innovative dishes and cocktails. Pratinav Pratap Singh, co-founder of NIKO, explained, “We believe every space has a story, and NIKO’s is one of quality, creativity, and unmatched hospitality. Our guests are the heart of what makes NIKO special. Seeing them return week after week is the ultimate reward. Since opening, we’ve been fully booked every weekend, and that’s a testament to the love and support we’ve received.”

NIKO Boasts Awesome Amenities

Spanning 2,000 square feet, NIKO offers seating for 92 guests in a sleek, thoughtfully designed space. The interiors balance soft beige tones, clean stone surfaces, and warm leather accents to create an understated yet luxurious atmosphere. A contemporary bar invites guests to unwind, while the open kitchen brings a sense of theater to the dining experience, allowing diners to watch the artistry behind their meals unfold.

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With its unique blend of flavors, style, and hospitality, NIKO promises to be more than just a restaurant—it’s a space to savor, unwind, and connect.

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Rare Rabbit Soars: Hits Rs 600 Crore Milestone in FY24

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Rare Rabbit Soars: Hits Rs 600 Crore Milestone in FY24

Rare Rabbit, a homegrown premium fashion label, achieved a significant milestone in FY24 by surpassing Rs 600 crore in revenue, marking a standout year for the brand. 

This was also the year it secured its first-ever external funding.

Rare Rabbit Makes Phenomenal Revenue 

Radhamani Textiles, the Bengaluru-based parent company behind Rare Rabbit and women’s fashion label Rareism, reported an impressive Rs 637 crore in revenue for FY24. This represents a 69% increase compared to the previous year. Net profit for the period also saw a dramatic rise, soaring to Rs 75 crore from Rs 32 crore in FY23, according to financial data obtained from Tofler.

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These results highlight Rare Rabbit’s remarkable performance during a challenging economic climate, where many other established fashion players faced slower consumer spending.

The Condition of Competitors 

In comparison, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail’s lifestyle brands, which include names like Louis Philippe and Allen Solly, posted revenues of Rs 6,560 crore in FY24—a slight dip of 1% year-on-year.

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Earlier this year, Radhamani Textiles raised Rs 500 crore in its first institutional funding round. Investors included A91 Partners, Zerodha cofounder Nikhil Kamath, and Ravi Modi’s family office (the founder of ethnic wear giant Manyavar). The deal valued the company at Rs 2,600 crore.

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