Monday, December 22, 2025
Home Blog Page 121

Zepto Clocks Nearly $4 Billion in Annual Orders, Slashes Cash Burn by Half Ahead of IPO

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of zepto
Zepto Clocks Nearly $4 Billion in Annual Orders, Slashes Cash Burn by Half Ahead of IPO

Zepto is racing ahead at breakneck speed. The quick commerce player, co-founded by Aadit Palicha, is now approaching a massive $4 billion in annualised gross order value (GOV)—just three months after it hit the $3 billion mark.

In a recent LinkedIn update, Palicha shared that the company has not only scaled rapidly but also tightened its belt. Zepto has managed to cut its EBITDA and operating cash flow (OCF) losses by 50%, and says it’s just months away from turning the corner on both.

“We’re inching closer to $4 billion in annualised GOV, marking a 300% year-on-year jump and 30% growth since January,” Palicha wrote. “We’re also nearing break-even on both EBITDA (excluding ESOPs) and OCF, and our balance sheet still has a comfortable cash cushion.”

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

Zepto’s dark store network—key to its 10-minute delivery promise—is also performing well. New outlets are moving toward profitability in line with earlier store rollouts, which saw steady improvements over time.

The company calculates GOV using the selling price of items like fruits and vegetables, and also includes income from subscription fees and advertising.

On the Road to Public Markets

As Zepto gears up for a potential IPO, its financials are showing signs of maturity. The company posted revenue of Rs 4,454 crore for FY24—more than double the Rs 2,025 crore it reported in FY23. At the same time, it shaved its annual loss down slightly to Rs 1,248.6 crore from Rs 1,272.4 crore the previous year, according to filings accessed via Tofler.

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

The quick commerce market remains fiercely competitive, but Zepto’s momentum suggests it’s not just playing for speed—it’s chasing scale with financial discipline.

Advertisement

Bhagva Raises $1 Million from Pradeep Nain to Build India’s First Full-Stack Spiritual Tech Platform Empowering Women

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of bhagva
Bhagva Raises $1 Million from Pradeep Nain to Build India’s First Full-Stack Spiritual Tech Platform Empowering Women

Delhi-based spiritual tech platform Bhagva has secured $1 million in pre-Series A funding, led by Australian investor Pradeep Nain, with participation from a handful of other private investors who’ve chosen to stay out of the spotlight.

The startup, founded in 2022 by Jagriti Motwani, is building something more than just another app. It’s creating a one-stop spiritual ecosystem—where you can book a pandit for a havan, get your daily Panchang, consult your horoscope, or participate in group chants—all from your phone or laptop.

The latest round of funding will be used to tighten up the tech stack, improve user experience, and scale operations as the platform expands to serve India’s increasingly digital and spiritually curious population.

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

Where Tradition Meets Tech

Bhagva’s offerings range from virtual poojas to doorstep deliveries of ritual essentials. But what makes it stand out in a sea of spiritual startups is its full-stack approach—handling everything from service bookings to product fulfillment in-house.

Jagriti’s vision is rooted in keeping the essence of Indian spirituality alive while adapting it for today’s lifestyle. “We’re not trying to change tradition. We’re just making it easier to access,” she explains.

More Than Business: A Platform With a Purpose

What makes Bhagva particularly unique is its social mission. The company actively works with women and artisans from underserved communities, training them in the creation of pooja essentials—like hand-rolled agarbattis, solar-powered diyas, and traditional decor items.

This isn’t just a CSR effort tacked onto the business—it’s baked into the model. By building a supply chain that creates economic opportunities for women, Bhagva is turning spiritual commerce into a tool for empowerment.

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

“Our goal is to blend devotion with dignity,” says Jagriti. “We want to make spiritual experiences available to all, while also supporting the people who’ve kept these traditions alive for generations.”

A Growing Market for the Soul

Bhagva is entering a space that’s heating up fast. With names like Astrotalk, AppsForBharat, Vama, and InstaAstro already drawing millions of users, the demand for spiritual services that fit into everyday digital life is only rising.

But Bhagva isn’t just competing—it’s carving out a space that’s personal, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community. And with fresh funding in hand, the platform is now ready to take that vision nationwide.

Advertisement

Let’s Try Raises Rs 22 Crore from SWC Global, Aman Gupta & Others to Chase Rs 1,000 Crore Revenue Goal by 2028

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of let's try
Let’s Try Raises Rs 22 Crore from SWC Global, Aman Gupta & Others to Chase Rs 1,000 Crore Revenue Goal by 2028

Let’s Try, the fast-growing snacks brand that grabbed eyeballs on Shark Tank India, has just closed a pre-Series A funding round worth $2.5 million (roughly Rs 22 crore). The round was led by Singapore’s SWC Global, with continued backing from familiar names like Wipro Consumer Ventures, 100Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, and none other than boAt’s Aman Gupta, who first spotted the brand on TV.

Based out of Delhi NCR, the startup isn’t wasting any time putting the fresh capital to work. The focus? Doubling down on distribution across India’s Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, streamlining its logistics backend, and rolling out new-age snack options that are both tasty and mindful of modern health preferences.

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

A chunk of the investment will also be funneled into brand-building across online and offline channels, with a special emphasis on growing its D2C presence and e-commerce reach.

Big Goals, Bigger Appetite

Founded in 2021 by Nitin Kalra—a seasoned FMCG professional with past roles at ITC, PepsiCo, and Raymond—Let’s Try is riding a wave of momentum. What began as a small venture with Rs 1 crore in revenue has now grown into a business with an ARR of Rs 120 crore in under three years.

But Kalra and his team aren’t stopping there. The brand is now aiming to hit Rs 1,000 crore in revenue by 2028, a nearly tenfold leap that would cement its place among India’s snack industry leaders.

Snacks That Hit Home

Let’s Try stands out in a cluttered market by offering classic Indian favourites—think namkeens, cookies, wafers, and even traditional mithai—all made in-house to ensure quality and consistency. The pitch? Premium taste without the premium price tag.

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

The timing couldn’t be better. Indian consumers are becoming more selective about what they eat. As incomes rise and awareness about nutrition spreads, people are seeking snacks that deliver on both health and flavour. According to market research, the Indian snacks industry hit Rs 42,695 crore in 2023 and is projected to more than double to Rs 95,522 crore by 2032, growing at a CAGR of just over 9%.

Let’s Try is betting big on being part of that future—and with fresh funding in hand, it looks like they’re just getting warmed up.

Advertisement

Raniwala 1881 Partners with Francorp to Launch 50+ Franchise Stores Across India, Tapping into the Rs 5 Lakh Crore Jewellery Market

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of raniwala
Raniwala 1881 Partners with Francorp to Launch 50+ Franchise Stores Across India, Tapping into the Rs 5 Lakh Crore Jewellery Market

Raniwala 1881, the iconic Jaipur-based jewellery label with roots going back nearly a century and a half, is stepping into a new chapter. The brand has joined hands with Francorp, the franchise consulting division of Franchise India Group, to build a network of retail stores through a carefully planned franchise model.

For a house steeped in legacy and known for its opulent Polki and Jadau pieces, this move represents more than just business expansion—it’s about making heritage more accessible while staying true to its soul.

Two Models, One Vision

The brand is set to roll out stores under two formats: Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) and Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated (FOCO). These models will allow interested partners to be part of the Raniwala story, while maintaining consistency in craftsmanship and customer experience.

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

“Our jewellery reflects generations of artistry. Each piece carries stories from the past, crafted by hand, preserved through time,” said Abhishek Raniwala, Managing Director. “Partnering with Francorp enables us to grow mindfully—keeping our designs rare, our standards high, and our heritage intact.”

A Legacy Forged in Gold

The brand traces its beginnings to Rai Bahadur Champalal of Beawar, an eminent jeweller honoured by the British with the title ‘Rai Bahadur’. Alongside that title came the name ‘Raniwala’—a tribute that has endured across generations.

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

Today, Raniwala 1881 is best known for its exquisite bridal collections, especially Polki designs crafted in 18K gold. Its appeal spans traditionalists and modern buyers alike, with a growing fanbase among Gen Z and millennials. The label has also collaborated with renowned designers like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, and Rahul Mishra, lending its heritage touch to contemporary couture.

Why Now?

India’s jewellery market is evolving fast. With a growing appetite for heritage-inspired, high-quality jewellery—especially in urban and luxury segments—brands like Raniwala 1881 are finding new relevance. Buyers want more than sparkle; they’re looking for authenticity, craftsmanship, and history they can wear.

Francorp will guide the brand through this next phase, helping identify prime locations and franchise partners in metros and other premium markets.

This move is less about scaling fast and more about growing right—bringing Raniwala’s legacy to new cities without losing what makes it special.

Advertisement

Inside India’s $35 Billion Marketing Gold Rush: How Radhika Butala’s Better Collective Is Helping Brands Build Substance Over Hype

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of Radhika Butala
Inside India’s $35 Billion Marketing Gold Rush: How Radhika Butala’s Better Collective Is Helping Brands Build Substance Over Hype

Founded in 2020 by Radhika Butala, The Better Collective set out with a bold ambition: to change how brand and marketing strategy are perceived and practiced in India. In a market where brand building was historically equated with television ads, and more recently reduced to performance marketing, Butala’s firm is working to bring strategic depth and long-term thinking back into the equation.

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

At its core, The Better Collective operates as a brand strategy and development consultancy. But it’s far from conventional. The firm partners closely with startup founders at various stages, helping them build meaningful, culturally resonant brands with lasting impact—not just sales spikes. Their process focuses on foundational questions like brand positioning, competitive differentiation, and creating narratives that move beyond product features into emotional territory.

“We want customers to feel like they’re entering a world, not just buying a product,” says Butala. “That world needs to speak to them in their language—emotionally, culturally, and visually.”

The company takes pride in being an end-to-end partner, hence the word “collective” in its name. Their services span from brand strategy and visual identity to go-to-market planning and even CMO consulting. For existing businesses aiming to scale, they offer embedded brand leadership—acting almost as an in-house team with an external lens.

Despite being a young company, The Better Collective has already worked across industries—FMCG, F&B, beauty, wellness, real estate, and more. Each project begins with intensive research, founder interviews, market mapping, and audience analysis. Butala emphasizes that their goal isn’t to enforce a strategy but to collaborate deeply and challenge assumptions with empathy and data.

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

Looking ahead, Butala envisions The Better Collective growing into a long-term partner for larger businesses—embedded, trusted, and deeply involved in shaping not just business outcomes, but cultural narratives. “We want to influence not just what people buy, but how they feel, think, and live,” she says.

Their strongest asset? The ability to create culturally rooted, emotionally resonant brands—powered by insight, storytelling, and a collaborative mindset. As Indian startups mature, The Better Collective is betting on depth over hype, and meaning over metrics.

Advertisement

CCI Turns the Heat Up on Quick Commerce Startups Amid Rising Complaints from Distributors and Consumers

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of quick Commerce
CCI Turns the Heat Up on Quick Commerce Startups Amid Rising Complaints from Distributors and Consumers

India’s antitrust regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has asked tough follow-up questions in its ongoing review of the country’s rapidly expanding quick commerce sector. According to Business Standard, the watchdog recently reached out to the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), requesting granular data on the market shares of platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart in the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) category.

The move is part of an ongoing probe into allegations that these platforms may be resorting to anti-competitive practices. Sources familiar with the matter say the commission is particularly interested in whether any of these companies have exclusive distribution deals with FMCG brands—something that could potentially squeeze out traditional distributors and neighborhood retailers.

The CCI has also sought details on product bundling—a practice where unrelated items are grouped and sold together—suspected to be used as a strategy to drive higher order values and limit consumer choice.

These inquiries follow a formal complaint filed last month by AICPDF President Dhairyashil Patil, who accused quick commerce players of predatory pricing and monopolistic behavior that’s hurting legacy distribution networks across the country.

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

Additionally, the commission is said to be investigating whether any of these platforms price goods differently based on a customer’s location, device, or shopping patterns—raising concerns about algorithmic discrimination. It has also asked for evidence that items are being sold below cost price, which would directly violate India’s competition laws.

This isn’t the first time quick commerce companies have come under scrutiny. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently revealed it had received over 21,000 consumer complaints against online food delivery apps in the past five years.

Earlier this year, platforms like Blinkit and Zepto launched standalone 10-minute food delivery apps—Bistro and Snacc—prompting backlash from restaurant partners who claim they weren’t consulted or compensated fairly.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Central Consumer Protection Authority has also flagged these platforms for failing to display essential product information like expiry and ‘best before’ dates—a basic but mandatory requirement for selling grocery and perishable items.

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

As India’s quick commerce boom continues, the regulatory pressure is intensifying. What began as a convenience-driven disruption may now have to answer some tough questions about fairness, transparency, and consumer rights.

Advertisement

After Shoyu’s Success, Actor Naga Chaitanya Returns to F&B with Scuzi—Hyderabad’s New Gourmet Comfort Food Destination

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of Naga Chaitanya
After Shoyu’s Success, Actor Naga Chaitanya Returns to F&B with Scuzi—Hyderabad’s New Gourmet Comfort Food Destination

After the buzz around his first food venture Shoyu, actor Naga Chaitanya is diving deeper into the culinary space with a brand-new concept—Scuzi, a cloud kitchen based in Hyderabad. Launched in March 2025, Scuzi brings together hearty comfort food and international flavors, reflecting Chaitanya’s love for travel and diverse cuisines.

The idea behind Scuzi is simple: serve up soul-satisfying meals with a gourmet twist. The menu ranges from indulgent classics like Pepperoni and Chowringhee Pizza and The Home Run Burger to more refined picks like Rigatoni Bianca Truffle Pasta and Charred Broccoli with Hummus. And yes, they’ve got a sweet finish too—think warm, crisp Churros that hit just right.

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

“This isn’t just about food, it’s about creating something that feels familiar and delicious at the same time,” says Chaitanya. “We wanted to build something that people can turn to for a good, satisfying meal—whether it’s after a long day or during a chilled weekend at home.”

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

Scuzi was founded by a team that includes Chaitanya along with Varun Tripuraneni, Arjun, and Saniya Jaiswal. Together, they’re focused on making high-quality comfort food accessible, with deliveries currently available via Swiggy and Zomato.

Advertisement

Post-Shark Tank Surge: Eat Better Bags Rs 17 Cr From Prath Ventures & Spring Marketing to Scale D2C Game

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of eat better
Post-Shark Tank Surge: Eat Better Bags Rs 17 Cr From Prath Ventures & Spring Marketing to Scale D2C Game

Homegrown snacking startup Eat Better has secured Rs 17 crore (approx. $2 million) in a Pre-Series A funding round co-led by Prath Ventures and Spring Marketing Capital, with participation from its existing backers.

Based in Jaipur, the brand plans to channel this fresh round of funding into expanding its product offerings and scaling distribution through quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart.

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

Founded in 2020 by Vidushi, Mridula, and Shaurya Kanoria, Eat Better made headlines earlier this year after its appearance on Shark Tank India, where Namita Thapar, Executive Director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals, pledged Rs 50 lakh in funding.

What started in a home kitchen with small batches of healthy snacks—like dry fruit laddoos, flavoured nuts, and clean-label namkeens—has now evolved into a fast-growing D2C brand fulfilling over 2 lakh orders every month, according to the company.

“We didn’t set out to build a business,” said Mridula Kanoria. “It began with wanting better snacks for our own family. But as more people tried them, we realised we were tapping into a real gap in the market—snacks that taste good and don’t compromise on health.”

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

The brand competes in India’s increasingly crowded healthy snacking segment, going up against players like Happilo, Yoga Bar, and The Whole Truth. Still, Eat Better seems to be carving out a niche, especially among health-conscious urban millennials looking for guilt-free snacking.

Data from Tofler shows that the company’s revenue nearly tripled in FY24 to Rs 14.47 crore, up from Rs 5.33 crore in FY23. And if industry trends are any indication, the growth is only getting started. A report by Inc42 projects that the Indian food and beverages market will balloon into a $68 billion opportunity by 2030, with health-focused offerings leading the charge.

With new funds in hand, Eat Better seems ready to snack its way into more kitchens across the country.

Advertisement

Alcatel Returns to India After 10 Years with Flipkart Deal, Eyes Local Manufacturing Amid CCI Heat on Ecomm Giants

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of flipkart
Alcatel Returns to India After 10 Years with Flipkart Deal, Eyes Local Manufacturing Amid CCI Heat on Ecomm Giants

After being off the radar for nearly ten years, French smartphone brand Alcatel is staging a comeback in India—with a new strategy, a fresh sales partner, and a clear “Make in India” message.

The company plans to manufacture its smartphones within India and is also setting up a nationwide customer service network, according to a report in The Economic Times. This move is part of its broader effort to reestablish itself in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.

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

To kick off its second innings, Alcatel has teamed up with Flipkart, not just to sell its devices online, but also to tap into the platform’s quick commerce service, Flipkart Minutes. The idea is to make its phones available across major cities as well as smaller towns and semi-urban centers.

“Atul Vivek, Alcatel’s Chief Business Officer, said this partnership is key to their vision of offering not just good phones, but dependable service after the sale. Flipkart’s wide network and data on consumer buying patterns make it a powerful ally as we return to India,” he said in a statement.

Alcatel’s brand name is licensed by China-based TCL Communication, and its phones are sold in over 160 countries. The company had first entered India way back in 1996, selling cordless phones, but exited the market in 2016 after Nokia took over its parent company, Alcatel-Lucent.

This time around, the plan looks different. Manufacturing in India means better price control, fewer import duties, and a chance to tap into the government’s push for domestic production. And with Flipkart on board, Alcatel hopes to hit the ground running with strong online distribution.

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

For Flipkart, however, this partnership comes at a sensitive time. India’s antitrust body—the Competition Commission of India (CCI)—has been investigating the company (along with Amazon) over alleged unfair practices like giving preferential treatment to certain brands and sellers, and undercutting prices in ways that hurt smaller players.

While Flipkart has denied wrongdoing, several of its associated sellers have taken the legal route, filing challenges to the CCI’s probe in various high courts across the country.

Even with regulatory clouds hanging overhead, the Alcatel-Flipkart alliance is aiming to make some noise in a crowded market. With India’s smartphone sector showing signs of recovery and mid-range devices gaining popularity again, this might just be the right moment for a forgotten brand to reintroduce itself.

Advertisement

As US-China Tensions Escalate, Apple Quietly Ramps Up iPhone Exports from India

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of apple
As US-China Tensions Escalate, Apple Quietly Ramps Up iPhone Exports from India

Amid the rising heat between Washington and Beijing, Apple is shifting gears—and geography. With fresh tariffs threatening its China-based supply chain, the tech giant is leaning into India to keep its business humming in the U.S.

According to insiders quoted by the Wall Street Journal, Apple is preparing to send a larger chunk of its India-assembled iPhones directly to American shores. The goal? To dodge the sharp spike in tariffs slapped on Chinese goods, which now sit at a steep 54%. In contrast, Indian-made products currently face a much lower 26% import tax, making the shift a no-brainer—at least for now.

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

Apple, it seems, isn’t ready to overhaul its China-centric supply chain just yet. Instead, it’s playing it safe and looking for tactical workarounds while lobbying for tariff relief back home. For the time being, India has emerged as a convenient fallback.

And it’s not just talk—action is already underway. In a mad rush before new tariffs took effect on April 2, Apple reportedly airlifted five cargo planes full of devices and components from India to the U.S. within a span of just three days. A report by The Times of India says this fast-paced shipment blitz was timed precisely to beat the trade deadline and avoid additional costs.

According to sources, the company also expedited shipments from its Chinese factories in anticipation of further trade restrictions, loading up U.S. warehouses to cushion the blow.

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

Even with these swift maneuvers, there’s a growing sense of unease among Apple’s investor base and its American customer pool. As murmurs of possible price hikes grow louder, long lines have started forming outside Apple Stores, with buyers scrambling to grab devices before potential increases hit.

So while Apple buys time with India, the question remains—how long can this balancing act hold, and at what cost to consumers?

Advertisement
1...120121122...1,378Page 121 of 1,378