Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Home Blog Page 132

The Bear House Secures ₹3 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India: Why Namita Thapar Beat Kunal Bahl in the Bidding War

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of the beer house
The Bear House Secures ₹3 Crore Deal on Shark Tank India: Why Namita Thapar Beat Kunal Bahl in the Bidding War

On a recent episode of Shark Tank India on Sony LIV, men’s fashion brand The Bear House walked away with a ₹3 crore deal from Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals.

Namita’s offer included ₹1 crore for 1% equity and ₹2 crore as debt, a proposal that co-founders Tanvi and Harsh Somaiya ultimately accepted. The pitch captivated the panel, which also included Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Viraj Bahl, and Kunal Bahl. The brand’s strong financials and premium positioning stood out, with Aman Gupta even calling it “too good to be true.”

Kunal Bahl was also keen to invest, proposing ₹3 crore for 3% equity at a ₹100 crore valuation. However, Tanvi and Harsh felt Namita’s structured offer aligned better with their vision, giving them both capital and strategic support without diluting too much equity.

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

A Brand Rooted in European Aesthetics

Founded in 2017, The Bear House draws inspiration from European fashion and caters to men looking for effortless, smart-casual attire. The brand has built a strong reputation for its minimalist designs, quality craftsmanship, and adaptability to modern hybrid work culture.

“Being on Shark Tank and gaining the trust of the investors is a defining moment for us. Their belief in our product and vision reaffirms what we’ve been working towards—helping Indian men express their unique style with confidence,” said Tanvi Somaiya, Co-founder of The Bear House.

“Our product speaks for itself—that has always been our philosophy,” added Harsh Somaiya.

Scaling Up and Expanding Reach

With a solid offline presence in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, The Bear House is now gearing up to expand into cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai. The company is on track to cross ₹140 crore in revenue this year, growing at over 40% year-on-year.

Online, the brand has carved a niche for itself, consistently ranking #1 in the casual shirts category on Myntra. It is also available on Flipkart, Amazon, Ajio, Tata Cliq, Nykaa, and newer quick-commerce platforms like Zepto.

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

During the pitch, Namita Thapar highlighted the founders’ resilience and integrity, stating, “Your journey may sound too good to be true, but it’s real. You’ve built something special despite the challenges, and that’s why I want to be a part of it.”

With this new investment, The Bear House is set to accelerate its growth, strengthen its retail footprint, and continue redefining menswear in India.

Advertisement

Xiaomi Ditches GetApps, Partners with PhonePe’s Indus Appstore for a Made-in-India Experience

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of indus app
Xiaomi Ditches GetApps, Partners with PhonePe’s Indus Appstore for a Made-in-India Experience

Xiaomi India has made a bold move by replacing its default app store, GetApps, with PhonePe’s Indus Appstore. As part of a multi-year agreement between the two companies, all new Xiaomi smartphones in India will come preloaded with Indus Appstore, while existing devices will receive the transition through a software update. This shift marks a significant step in India’s push toward localized digital solutions and a homegrown alternative to global tech giants.

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

Indus Appstore’s Chief Business Officer, Priya M. Narasimhan, described the partnership as a milestone in building an open, India-first app marketplace. She believes the integration with Xiaomi will provide Indian developers with greater reach while offering users a digital experience that aligns with local culture and language. Xiaomi India’s COO, Sudhin Mathur, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Indian smartphone users deserve an app store tailored to their needs. He called the partnership a strategic step in fostering homegrown digital innovation.

With this shift, Xiaomi users will experience a new approach to app discovery. Indus Appstore supports 12 Indian languages, making it more accessible to a broader audience. It also introduces voice-enabled search in 10 languages, reducing the reliance on English keyboards. The app store will offer over 500,000 apps and games across 45 categories, ensuring a wide selection for users. Additionally, it features a video-first approach to app previews, helping users make more informed choices.

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

For developers, Indus Appstore provides a self-publishing platform, localization tools, and round-the-clock customer support, making it easier for both established and emerging developers to succeed in the Indian app market. By prioritizing regional accessibility and developer-friendly features, Indus Appstore aims to create a strong alternative to the dominant global players.

With Xiaomi’s massive market presence and Indus Appstore’s India-centric vision, this partnership could reshape the country’s digital ecosystem. While it remains to be seen whether it can challenge Google Play’s dominance, it certainly signals a shift toward India’s growing push for indigenous tech solutions.

Advertisement

Sanjeev Kapoor’s Wonderchef Bounces Back! Reports ₹1.6 Cr Profit, Sets Sights on ₹800 Cr in FY25

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of Sanjeev Kapoor
Sanjeev Kapoor’s Wonderchef Bounces Back! Reports ₹1.6 Cr Profit, Sets Sights on ₹800 Cr in FY25

Sanjeev Kapoor’s kitchenware brand Wonderchef has finally turned profitable, posting a net profit of ₹1.6 crore in FY24 after a massive loss of ₹51.8 crore in the previous year. The turnaround comes on the back of a nearly 20% jump in revenue, with total earnings reaching ₹380.9 crore, including other income.

Strong Sales Growth Drives Profitability

Wonderchef’s operational revenue surged to ₹377.7 crore in FY24, up from ₹315.6 crore in FY23. The company, co-founded by Kapoor and Ravi Saxena in 2009, has established itself as a major player in the kitchen appliances segment, selling everything from mixer grinders and chimneys to cast iron cookware and coffee machines.

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

The Mumbai-based brand has a multi-channel presence, selling through its website, leading e-commerce platforms, and 20,000+ retail outlets globally, including modern trade stores.

Big Plans for FY25

Despite reporting revenue below ₹400 crore in FY24, Saxena has set an ambitious target of ₹800 crore for FY25. Interestingly, in a June 2024 interview with PTI, he claimed that actual sales for FY24 touched ₹700 crore, suggesting significant off-the-books revenue, possibly through indirect sales or partnerships.

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

Where Did the Money Go?

Wonderchef’s spending rose in FY24, but the increase was slower than its revenue growth, helping the company return to profitability.

Procurement Costs: The biggest expense, ₹251.64 crore, was spent on stocking up products—a 25% rise from ₹201.43 crore in FY23.

Employee Expenses: Salaries and benefits accounted for ₹31.9 crore, up 12% from ₹28.5 crore in the previous year.

Investor Backing & Future Outlook

Having raised over $30 million from investors like Sixth Sense Ventures, Amicus Capital, and Godrej Family Office, Wonderchef is well-positioned for its next phase of expansion. With its profitability milestone behind it, the company’s aggressive ₹800 crore target will be one to watch in FY25.

Advertisement

Indian Startups Secure $462M This Week, Led by Fintech & Edtech

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of startups
Indian Startups Secure $462M This Week, Led by Fintech & Edtech

India’s startup ecosystem saw a sharp rise in funding this week, with 19 startups collectively bagging $462.27 million, a significant jump from the $355.02 million raised last week across 30 deals.

Of these, six were growth-stage deals, ten were early-stage rounds, and three startups kept their funding details under wraps.

As usual, Bengaluru dominated the funding scene, racking up ten deals, while Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and other cities saw a fair share of investment action.

Who Got the Big Bucks?

Fintech and edtech startups led the way, each securing three deals, followed by gaming, healthtech, and energy startups, which locked in two deals each.

In the growth-stage category:

  • Zolve, a cross-border neobanking platform, raised its Series B round, led by Craegis.
  • Scimplify, a speciality chemicals sourcing platform, bagged $40 million in Series B funding.
  • Luxury fashion marketplace Purple Style Labs also pulled in $40 million, this time in a Series E round.

Other notable fundraises included Ransons Aerospace, SaaS platform Infinite Uptime, and Incred Finance.

With fintech and edtech leading the charge, and heavyweights like Zolve and Purple Style Labs securing major rounds, the Indian startup ecosystem is off to a strong financial start this year.

Advertisement

Urban Company Dives Into Q-Commerce with 15-Minute Maid Bookings

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of urban company
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.

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

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.

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

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.

Advertisement

iPhone vs Android: Are Ola & Uber Overcharging Apple Users? CCPA’s Investigation Heats Up

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of ola uber
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.

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

“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.

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

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.

Advertisement

Snapchat Brings Sponsored Snaps to India, Partners with AJIO for Debut Campaign

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of snapchat
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.

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

“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.

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

“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.

Advertisement

Purple Style Labs Secures $40 Million in Series E Funding to Expand Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop Globally

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop
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.

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

“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.

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

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.

Advertisement

FitFeast’s ₹1 Crore Pitch on Shark Tank India: Aditya Poddar Faces Tough Questions from Kunal Bahl & Anupam Mittal

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of fitfeast
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.

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

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.

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

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.”

Advertisement

Uber Joins Forces with Refex Green Mobility to Roll Out 1,000 EVs in India by 2026

By
Online Desk
-
0
Image of uber
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.

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

“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.

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

“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.

Advertisement
1...131132133...1,379Page 132 of 1,379