Urban Company Dives Into Q-Commerce with 15-Minute Maid Bookings
In a fresh take on the booming quick commerce trend, Urban Company has rolled out a lightning-fast home service – “Insta Maids.” This new offering, currently piloting in Mumbai, allows users to book domestic help within just 15 minutes.
For as little as ₹49 per hour, customers can hire maids for essential household chores like dishwashing, sweeping, mopping, and even basic meal prep. The ultra-quick service aims to bridge the gap between demand and availability in urban households where reliable help is often hard to find on short notice.
While Urban Company has not yet confirmed when Insta Maids will expand to other cities, the move marks a significant shift in the home services industry. If successful, it could redefine how domestic help is accessed in India’s fast-paced urban centers.
iPhone vs Android: Are Ola & Uber Overcharging Apple Users? CCPA’s Investigation Heats Up
Ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber have denied allegations of charging different fares based on whether a customer books a ride using an Android or iPhone device, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi informed Parliament today.
The controversy, which first surfaced in December last year, suggested that iPhone users were being charged higher fares than Android users for identical trips. This prompted the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to step in and seek explanations from both companies.
“On January 10, 2025, the CCPA formally asked Ola and Uber to respond to accusations of differential pricing. Both companies have refuted the claims. Given their denials, the matter has now been escalated to the Director General (Investigation) for a more detailed probe,” Joshi told Parliament.
This investigation marks a significant step in India’s ongoing scrutiny of digital platforms and their pricing strategies. If found guilty, the companies could face penalties and be forced to modify their pricing algorithms to comply with consumer protection laws.
The Bigger Picture: Consumer Protection Laws at Play
The Indian government has been tightening regulations to prevent unfair trade practices in the digital economy. Joshi pointed to the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020, which prohibit online platforms from discriminating between users of the same category or imposing arbitrary pricing models that affect consumer rights.
The rules explicitly state that no e-commerce entity can manipulate prices or impose unjustified costs on consumers. This means companies like Ola and Uber are legally bound to maintain transparent and non-discriminatory pricing policies.
Crackdown on Unfair Practices
Beyond this specific case, the government has been rolling out broader consumer protection measures. Recent initiatives include:
Guidelines to curb dark patterns—a set of deceptive online design tricks used to manipulate users into making unintended purchases.
A framework to tackle fake and misleading reviews on e-commerce platforms.
With the ride-hailing probe now in the hands of investigators, all eyes will be on the CCPA’s final report. If evidence of price discrimination is found, Ola and Uber could be slapped with fines and regulatory orders to change their pricing systems in India.
Snapchat Brings Sponsored Snaps to India, Partners with AJIO for Debut Campaign
Snapchat has rolled out a brand-new advertising format in India—Sponsored Snaps, a feature that delivers full-screen vertical video ads straight into users’ Chat inboxes. The first brand to leverage this tool in India is Reliance Retail’s e-commerce platform, AJIO, which aims to engage with Snapchat’s young, highly interactive user base.
How Sponsored Snaps Work
This ad format is designed to seamlessly integrate into conversations, allowing advertisers to reach potential customers at various stages—from creating awareness to driving direct conversions. Since the ads appear in the Chat section, where users are already highly engaged, brands have an opportunity to capture attention in a less disruptive yet effective way.
“Sponsored Snaps give brands a fresh way to interact with digital-first consumers in a natural and immersive environment,” said AJIO’s Chief Marketing Officer, Arpan Biswas.
“As early adopters of this format in India, we’re eager to see how it enhances our storytelling and strengthens our connection with Snapchat’s vibrant, highly engaged community.”
AJIO is using this feature to showcase its latest fashion collections, aligning with its broader push to deepen digital engagement.
Snapchat’s Strategy for India
According to Neha Jolly Sawhney, Head of Ad Monetization at Snap Inc. India, Sponsored Snaps cater to Gen Z’s preference for visually engaging content, making them a powerful tool for brands targeting younger audiences.
“By placing ads directly in Snapchat’s Chat section—one of the most-used features on our platform—brands can create a more authentic connection with users,” Sawhney explained.
The format was first launched in the U.S. and Canada, where major brands like Universal Pictures and Disney used it to promote blockbuster films such as Wicked Part 1 and Moana 2. As Snapchat refines the feature, it plans to introduce AI-driven capabilities, including personalized recommendations and real-time customer support.
Why India is a Key Market
With over 200 million Indian users, Snapchat sees India as a major market for its high-impact, measurable advertising solutions. Sponsored Snaps are part of the company’s broader strategy to help brands connect with Gen Z and millennials through more immersive digital experiences.
By bringing this format to India, Snapchat is not only expanding its ad portfolio but also offering Indian businesses a new way to reach tech-savvy consumers who crave visually rich, interactive content.
Purple Style Labs Secures $40 Million in Series E Funding to Expand Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop Globally
Purple Style Labs (PSL), the powerhouse behind Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, has raised nearly $40 million in its latest Series E funding round. The investment was spearheaded by SageOne Flagship Growth OE Fund, Alchemy Long Term Ventures Fund, Bajaj Holdings & Investment, and Minerva Ventures Fund, with a mix of primary and secondary investments. Several notable names also participated, including S Four Capital, Sopariwala Exports, Kemfin Family Office, Cordelia Family Trust, Weikfield Family Office, Salil Taneja Family Office, PKM Capital (Mehta Family Office), Satyen Kanoria, Ritesh Kamani, and a lineup of designers, celebrities, and sports personalities.
Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop: A Luxury Fashion Powerhouse
One of India’s premier destinations for bridal and occasion wear, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop brings together a carefully curated selection of designer womenswear, menswear, and jewelry. The platform features top-tier Indian couturiers, including Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni Shane Peacock, Amit Aggarwal, Gaurav Gupta, Seema Gujral, Abhinav Mishra, and Shyamal & Bhumika, among others.
Expanding Footprint: From India to London & Beyond
Since acquiring Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop in 2018, PSL has aggressively expanded, opening 15+ experience centers in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Surat, and Indore, along with an international flagship store in Mayfair, London.
“Post-acquisition, we have grown Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop over 100x in under seven years, turning it into one of India’s largest luxury fashion platforms. This latest $40 million funding round marks a defining moment in our mission to reshape the luxury fashion market,” said Abhishek Agarwal, Founder of Purple Style Labs.
“The fresh capital will help us accelerate our expansion plans—both in India and internationally—while strengthening our omnichannel presence to elevate the global shopping experience for Indian fashion.”
Massive Growth & Future Plans
PSL has seen phenomenal success, claiming a 100%+ CAGR growth between FY21 and FY24, with revenues surpassing ₹500 crore ($60M+) in FY24.
Looking ahead, PSL is preparing to launch India’s largest multi-designer luxury store at the historic Ismail Building in Fort, Mumbai in 2025. They also have their sights set on expanding into global fashion capitals like New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai, while deepening their presence in India by targeting Tier-II cities.
With this fresh injection of funds, PSL is set to redefine the landscape of Indian luxury fashion on a global scale.
FitFeast’s ₹1 Crore Pitch on Shark Tank India: Aditya Poddar Faces Tough Questions from Kunal Bahl & Anupam Mittal
The latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 4 kicked off with Aditya Poddar, the founder of FitFeast from New Delhi. He started by sharing his personal weight loss journey, displaying before-and-after photos that highlighted his transformation.
His experience led him to realize the critical role protein plays in fitness, inspiring him to create FitFeast—a brand offering protein-packed snacks such as peanut butter, chips, bars, and shakes. In just two and a half years, the company has reached over 50,000 customers across India. His goal? To make protein-rich foods a staple in Indian households. Aditya came to the Sharks seeking ₹1 crore in exchange for 6.5% equity.
During his pitch, Aditya gave the Sharks a taste of his products and shared an interesting encounter—he had briefly met Aman Gupta at a D2C event in 2023. He also revealed his persistence in making it onto Shark Tank India, having applied in 2022, 2023, and finally succeeding in 2024. As the Sharks sampled the products, opinions varied. Aman wasn’t particularly impressed with the chips, while Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal found the protein bars delicious.
However, Kunal Bahl raised a concern. Noticing strong similarities between FitFeast’s packaging and that of other established brands, he asked, “Did you just take the best ideas from 3-4 brands and combine them under FitFeast?” Aditya admitted he had drawn inspiration from a well-known competitor.
That admission didn’t sit well with Anupam Mittal. Challenging him, he asked, “Why did you agree so quickly when Kunal said you copied? Do you actually think you copied?” He went on to say that he didn’t personally see any resemblance and pointed out a critical flaw in Aditya’s pitch: “If you don’t believe you copied, why didn’t you push back? You can’t sell by agreeing to everything.”
Uber Joins Forces with Refex Green Mobility to Roll Out 1,000 EVs in India by 2026
In a push toward greener transportation, Uber is teaming up with Refex Green Mobility to introduce 1,000 electric vehicles across several major Indian cities by 2026. This initiative is part of Uber’s broader commitment to making its global operations fully emission-free by 2040 while also supporting India’s shift toward sustainable mobility.
Expanding EV Options for Riders
The electric four-wheelers will soon hit the streets of Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, giving passengers more eco-friendly ride choices. Uber is looking to accelerate EV adoption by removing barriers that have slowed their widespread use. With demand for clean transportation on the rise, the company hopes this partnership will make electric travel more accessible and convenient for both drivers and riders.
Aditya Kapoor, who leads supply and electrification at Uber India and South Asia, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating that it aligns with Uber’s mission to cut urban pollution while ensuring seamless mobility for users.
“This partnership strengthens our push for electrified transport across Indian cities. By expanding EV availability on our platform, we’re making sustainable travel an easier choice for our customers while contributing to a cleaner environment,” Kapoor said.
Refex Green Mobility’s Role in Sustainability
Refex Green Mobility, a subsidiary of Refex Industries Ltd, operates under the brand name Refex eVeelz. The company already has a significant presence in the EV sector, with nearly 1,300 company-owned electric four-wheelers in both B2B and B2C segments.
Sachin Navtosh Jha, Chief of Staff at Refex Group, highlighted the impact of the Uber partnership in addressing rising urban emissions.
“By working with Uber, we are not only expanding the reach of electric vehicles but also actively contributing to India’s sustainability objectives. This move will help lower pollution levels in cities while giving people a reliable and eco-conscious mobility option,” Jha said.
Uber’s Growing Electric Footprint in India
Uber has been gradually increasing its focus on electric and low-emission transport in India. The company’s Uber Green service—allowing riders to specifically book an all-electric vehicle—is now available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Worldwide, the service is active in more than 100 cities across 15 countries.
Since entering the Indian market in 2013, Uber has expanded its offerings to over 125 cities, providing a range of travel options from bike taxis and auto-rickshaws to cabs and buses. Competing with local players like Ola and Rapido, Uber’s latest EV push is another step toward redefining urban mobility in India while helping curb pollution.
Nykaa Luxe Arrives in Chennai: A New Era of Luxury Beauty Shopping
Nykaa has unveiled its first-ever Luxe store in Chennai, bringing a premium beauty experience to the city. Spanning 2,000 sq. ft. at Express Avenue Mall, this marks Nykaa’s sixth store in Chennai but its first dedicated Luxe outlet, offering an exclusive selection of high-end beauty and skincare brands.
A Curated Luxury Experience
The Nykaa Luxe store is designed to be a one-stop destination for premium beauty lovers, featuring an extensive range of makeup, skincare, fragrances, and haircare from both global powerhouses and homegrown brands. From cult-favorite international names to Nykaa’s own labels, the store aims to provide a personalized, immersive shopping experience for Chennai’s beauty enthusiasts.
Since launching as an online beauty retailer in 2012, Nykaa has redefined how Indians shop for beauty and lifestyle products. Today, it operates 221 offline stores nationwide, serving over 40 million customers through its digital platforms.
Beyond retail, Nykaa has built an impressive portfolio of in-house brands, including Nykaa Cosmetics, Kay Beauty, Nykaa Naturals, and Moi by Nykaa. It has also made waves in the fashion space with Nykd by Nykaa, KICA, 20 Dresses, RSVP, and Gajra Gang.
Additionally, through Nykaa Global Store, the company has played a key role in bringing sought-after international brands to India, partnering with names like Charlotte Tilbury, Elf Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Foot Locker, Revolve, and Cider.
With the opening of Nykaa Luxe at Express Avenue Mall, Chennai’s beauty lovers now have access to a high-end, curated shopping experience that blends luxury, exclusivity, and innovation. Whether you’re searching for cult-favorite makeup, premium skincare, or the perfect fragrance, Nykaa Luxe promises a new level of indulgence in the city’s beauty landscape.
Rapido Gears Up for Food Delivery War: Plans to Take on Swiggy & Zomato with 1,000+ Cities in Sight
Rapido, the Bengaluru-based startup best known for its bike taxi services, is reportedly gearing up to enter the food delivery space, setting the stage for a direct face-off with industry giants Swiggy and Zomato. According to an Economic Times report, the company has begun discussions with restaurant operators to explore a business model that could challenge the existing commission-heavy structure.
Aiming Beyond Ride-Sharing
Since its launch in 2015, Rapido has steadily carved out a strong position in India’s ride-hailing market, recently crossing $1 billion in annual gross merchandise value. Now, the company is looking to leverage its vast fleet of two-wheelers for food deliveries. While details remain under wraps, Rapido already has experience in the logistics space, handling deliveries for Swiggy and the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Strengthening Its Financial Backing
Rapido has been actively raising funds to fuel its expansion. In February, it secured $30 million from Dutch investor Prosus, adding to a $200 million funding round led by WestBridge Capital last year. This pushed the company’s valuation to $1.1 billion. Interestingly, Swiggy itself is an investor in Rapido, but reports suggest that there are no exclusivity clauses preventing Rapido from launching its own food delivery business.
Scaling Up Operations
Currently operating in over 100 cities, Rapido has aggressive plans to expand to 500 locations by 2025. The company’s ride volume has been climbing steadily, jumping from 2.6 million daily trips in November to around 3.5 million recently. While bike taxis remain its core offering, Rapido also provides auto-rickshaw and four-wheeler services, using a subscription model where drivers pay a fixed fee instead of per-ride commissions.
Challenging an Established Duopoly
Swiggy and Zomato have long dominated India’s food delivery sector, but their relationships with restaurants have been strained over commission fees. Both companies have also been experimenting with ultra-fast delivery and raising platform charges to improve profitability. With food delivery growth slowing, Rapido might see an opportunity to shake up the market by offering a more cost-effective model for restaurants and customers alike.
Whether Rapido can disrupt an industry controlled by two giants remains to be seen, but its strong presence in mobility and logistics could give it a unique edge in this high-stakes competition.
Binny Bansal-Backed Allo Health Secures ₹16 Crore to Expand Sexual Health and AI-Powered Care
Allo Health, a sexual health startup backed by Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, has raised ₹16 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Zerodha’s investment arm, Rainmatter. Existing investors also participated in the round. The company plans to use the fresh funds to scale up its physical clinics, develop AI-driven treatment protocols, and enhance patient engagement across India.
Blending Tech with Healthcare
Founded by Pranay Jivrajka, Ola’s first employee, Allo Health takes a hybrid approach to sexual wellness, combining brick-and-mortar clinics with digital tools. The company has built a proprietary doctor training program and uses research-backed treatments to improve patient care. Additionally, Allo is investing in diagnostics, digital therapy, and private-label solutions to further expand its offerings.
Since its launch, Allo Health has treated over 2 lakh patients nationwide, reporting an 85% improvement in patient outcomes. The startup has established more than 35 clinics in cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mysuru, and Ranchi. With the latest round of funding, it aims to strengthen its footprint in these regions while expanding to new locations.
Allo isn’t stopping at sexual health—it plans to enter the mental health space, using a structured model similar to its existing services. Before this funding round, the startup raised $4.4 million in seed capital from Nexus Venture Partners, Binny Bansal, Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal, and other prominent investors. With a growing focus on AI-powered healthcare and a strong clinical presence, Allo Health is positioning itself as a major player in India’s evolving health-tech landscape.
How Pidge is Transforming India’s ₹20 Lakh Crore Logistics Market with Cutting-Edge Tech and Unmatched Efficiency
In India’s fast-evolving logistics landscape, Pidge has positioned itself as a game-changer, not just another delivery service. Unlike traditional players like Shadowfax and Porter, which are direct supply partners, Pidge operates as a logistics management software and ecosystem, acting as the bridge between demand and supply. This distinction is crucial in understanding how Pidge is rewriting the rules of the industry.
At the heart of Pidge’s success is its AI-driven allocation engine, Pidge Titan. This system functions much like a booking platform for logistics, using real-time data to match brands with the best delivery partners based on cost, speed, and service quality. Just as a traveler might compare hotels on Booking.com, businesses can rely on Pidge to make smart, data-driven choices when selecting logistics providers. This removes the guesswork from supply chain decisions and ensures a consistently high level of service.
Technology as the Core Driver
Pidge isn’t just leveraging technology—it’s built on it. Since its launch in 2019, the company has been ahead of the curve in enabling quick commerce and hyperlocal deliveries. By capturing and normalizing vast amounts of data, Pidge empowers businesses to optimize their logistics operations efficiently.
Rushil Mohan, a key leader at Pidge, likens the process to ride-hailing apps. “When you book an Uber, you know your ride is four minutes away. That’s because of data. Now imagine applying that same level of transparency and efficiency to logistics, which operates on a much higher frequency. That’s what Pidge is enabling.”
This data-centric approach is particularly valuable in India, where 87% of the logistics sector remains unorganized. By offering easy-to-use tools alongside its advanced AI capabilities, Pidge is playing a critical role in digitizing and standardizing logistics for businesses of all sizes.
What’s Next for Pidge?
With a 12-18 month lead over competitors in logistics tech, Pidge is focused on deepening its AI capabilities. The company is also heavily involved in ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), which is driving e-commerce penetration into tier-2 and tier-3 cities. As demand for ultra-fast deliveries grows, Pidge is ensuring that businesses outside metro hubs also have access to world-class logistics solutions.
The next five years will see exponential growth in logistics digitization, with custom workflows for smaller businesses becoming the norm. As the industry matures, Pidge’s role as a tech-first logistics orchestrator will only become more vital.
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