Scandalous Foods Partners with Zepto Café to Deliver Mithais in Just 10 Minutes Across Major Cities
Scandalous Foods, a Mumbai-based brand known for reinventing traditional sweets, has joined forces with Zepto Café, the food and beverage arm of quick-commerce player Zepto. This partnership brings an exciting promise to dessert lovers—Scandalous Foods’ signature mithais will now be available for delivery in just 10 minutes.
“Indian sweets are more than just food—they’re tied to emotions, celebrations, and everyday indulgences. With Zepto Café, we’re making sure they’re delivered at just the right time—fresh, fast, and absolutely delicious,” said Sanket S, Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods.
The collaboration will initially launch in major metro cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and soon, Kolkata. Zepto Café plans to roll out special discounts throughout the year, making these treats even more accessible.
Scandalous Foods, founded in August 2022 by Sanket and Pravesh Amin, has built its reputation on crafting premium mithais with a modern twist. The brand’s single-serve sweets, designed with a six-month shelf life, are currently focused on the B2B market. However, with this new partnership and growing demand, the company is setting its sights on direct-to-consumer (B2C) and B2B2C expansion.
By tapping into Zepto’s extensive delivery network, Scandalous Foods is not just reaching more customers—it’s also gathering real-time insights into impulse buying behavior across different regions, a move that could shape the future of mithai retail in India.
PayRange Acquires Turns to Transform U.S. Laundromats: Aims to Power 5,000 Locations in 24 Months
PayRange, a leader in mobile payment solutions for unattended retail, has acquired Turns, a fast-growing laundromat management platform, in a move that could reshape how laundromats operate across the country.
A Game-Changing Merger for the Industry
While financial details of the deal remain under wraps, the acquisition is set to create the most comprehensive laundromat management system available. By bringing together Turns’ end-to-end business management tools with PayRange’s seamless payment technology, the combined platform will cater to everything from traditional coin-operated machines to modern drop-off, pickup, and delivery services.
Turns, founded by Sukanth Srivastav and Vishal Gupta, has developed a robust suite of tools that streamline laundromat operations. From scheduling and customer transactions to point-of-sale systems and employee management, the software helps owners run their businesses with greater efficiency. PayRange’s acquisition adds another layer of innovation by integrating advanced payment systems, identity verification, and real-time analytics.
For laundromat owners, this means one centralized system to handle payments, logistics, and business insights—all while reducing costs and improving customer experience. Operators who previously juggled multiple software platforms will now have a seamless, all-in-one solution to manage their day-to-day operations.
Scaling Up to 5,000 Laundromats
Turns had already been gaining traction before the acquisition, having raised $500,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Better Capital, with support from PointOne Capital and several angel investors. Now, with PayRange’s backing, the company is setting its sights even higher.
“Our goal has always been to simplify laundromat management, and now, with PayRange, we’re ready to take it nationwide,” said Sukanth Srivastav, Founder of Turns. “Within the next two years, we aim to power more than 5,000 laundromats across the U.S., giving owners the tools to grow, scale, and offer a world-class customer experience.”
The Bigger Picture
For PayRange, this isn’t just about adding another feature—it’s about redefining the laundromat industry. “With Turns, we’re not just expanding our capabilities; we’re building the ultimate laundromat platform,” said PayRange Founder and CEO Paresh Patel. “This acquisition unlocks tremendous growth potential, allowing us to serve a wider range of laundromat owners with a fully integrated solution.”
As the laundromat business evolves with changing consumer habits, PayRange and Turns are positioning themselves as the go-to technology providers for operators looking to stay ahead of the curve. With the power of data, automation, and frictionless payments, this partnership is set to transform thousands of laundromats across the country.
Swiggy’s Not Just About Food! Why It’s Pumping ₹1,000 Crore into Scootsy’s Supply Chain Empire
Swiggy is doubling down on its logistics game with a hefty investment of up to ₹1,000 crore in its subsidiary, Scootsy Logistics. The move, approved at a board meeting on February 21, 2025, is aimed at scaling up its supply chain operations and strengthening delivery efficiency.
As part of the investment, Swiggy will inject funds into Scootsy through a rights issue, purchasing shares at ₹7,640 apiece, with ₹7,630 of that being a premium. The capital infusion will happen in multiple phases, as per the company’s regulatory filings.
Originally launched in 2014, Scootsy Logistics plays a crucial role in Swiggy’s backend operations, handling everything from warehouse management to order fulfillment. The subsidiary specializes in streamlining supply chain processes for both wholesalers and retailers, offering services like in-warehouse processing, order picking, and last-mile delivery.
The business has seen rapid growth, with revenue soaring from ₹3,686.2 crore in FY23 to ₹5,795.7 crore in FY24. In Q3FY25 alone, Scootsy generated ₹1,692 crore in revenue, marking a 23% jump from ₹1,377 crore in the same quarter last year. The subsidiary now accounts for 42% of Swiggy’s total operational revenue, highlighting its importance in the company’s broader strategy.
Despite this massive cash infusion, Swiggy remains the sole owner of Scootsy Logistics, with no change in its stake. The transaction is classified as a related-party deal but is being executed at an arm’s length basis to maintain transparency.
The investment is aimed at expanding Scootsy’s infrastructure to support Swiggy’s increasing presence in the quick-commerce space. Over the past few years, Swiggy has evolved beyond food delivery, betting big on rapid grocery and essentials delivery. With this latest push in logistics, the company is looking to fine-tune its supply chain, cut delivery times, and gain an edge in India’s fiercely competitive on-demand market.
BluSmart’s Pet Rides: The Electric Cab Service That’s Beating Uber & Ola with 100% Pet-Friendly Travel in Delhi-NCR
Pet owners in Delhi and Gurugram now have a dedicated ride-hailing option for their furry companions. BluSmart, India’s all-electric taxi service, has launched Pet Rides, allowing customers to travel with their pets in specially designed vehicles. Unlike Uber and Ola, which have limitations and inconsistencies in their pet policies, BluSmart is offering a structured and pet-inclusive solution.
Uber introduced its Uber Pet feature in September 2024, but it comes with strict rules, including a ban on several dog breeds such as Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers, and American Bulldogs. It also allows only one pet per ride, limiting flexibility for pet owners with multiple animals. Ola, on the other hand, does not have a clear pet policy, leaving the decision to individual drivers, which often leads to uncertainty and inconsistent experiences for customers.
BluSmart aims to bridge this gap by providing a hassle-free pet travel experience. Its Pet Rides service is available for both standard point-to-point trips and hourly rentals, giving pet owners more flexibility. The vehicles come equipped with foldable dog-seat hammocks, designated carrier spaces, and improved ventilation to keep pets comfortable throughout the journey. Hygiene is also a priority, with each car undergoing a thorough cleaning after every pet ride.
Anirudh Arun, co-founder and CEO of BluSmart, emphasized the company’s commitment to making transportation more inclusive. “At BluSmart, we believe every journey is better with loved ones—including our four-legged family members. Pet Rides is our way of making travel more convenient and stress-free for pet parents.”
While BluSmart has not yet specified whether certain breeds will be restricted or if there will be a limit on the number of pets allowed per ride, its structured approach is already making it stand out. As pet ownership continues to rise in Delhi-NCR, this move positions BluSmart as a leading choice for those who want a seamless and pet-friendly travel experience.
Danish Giant ECCO Expands in India: Opens Three New Stores in Mumbai & Delhi, Aims for 2026 Domination
Danish footwear brand ECCO is expanding its footprint in India with three new store openings—one in Mumbai’s Palladium Mall and two in New Delhi at DLF Promenade and Pacific Mall.
“India is a priority market for us, and we’re thrilled to strengthen our presence in both Mumbai and Delhi. These new locations will bring our high-quality footwear even closer to our customers,” said Sumeet Lohia, Country Manager of ECCO Shoes India.
Lohia also highlighted the brand’s strong customer loyalty, noting that repeat buyers make up half of their sales. “We’re seeing a lot of enthusiasm from Indian consumers, which is why we’re focusing on major retail hubs in the country’s top six cities. By 2026, we aim to establish a solid presence in all key malls,” he added.
The newly launched stores offer ECCO’s complete collection for men and women, featuring popular lines like Biom, Cozmo, Metropole, Street, S-Three, and Sculpted, along with the brand’s signature shoe care products.
Founded in Denmark in 1963, ECCO is a family-owned company with a global presence in 88 countries. With over 2,000 stores and 14,000 retail points worldwide, the brand officially entered the Indian market in 2019 with its first store.
Shah Rukh Khan Joins Elan Group as Brand Ambassador: Bollywood King to Elevate ₹10,000 Crore Realty Empire
Real estate developer Elan Group has brought Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan on board as its brand ambassador, aiming to elevate its brand presence and luxury appeal.
In an official statement on Friday, the Gurugram-based company announced the collaboration, stating, “With Shah Rukh Khan representing the Elan brand, we are set to redefine luxury and push new boundaries in opulent living.”
Elan Group, spearheaded by Rakesh Kapoor, Ravish Kapoor, and Akash Kapoor, has an extensive portfolio of 15 projects, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Shah Rukh Khan said, “I’ve always believed that true success belongs to those who dare to go beyond limits. Elan Group embodies that bold vision, and I’m thrilled to be part of their journey.”
Akash Kapoor, Director of Elan Group, highlighted why SRK was the perfect fit for the brand, stating, “Shah Rukh Khan isn’t just a superstar—he’s a phenomenon. His unmatched charisma, influence, and relentless pursuit of excellence perfectly align with Elan’s philosophy and vision.”
Google’s Big Bet on India: First Retail Stores Outside U.S. to Open in Delhi & Mumbai, Covering 15,000 Sq Ft
As global tech giants set their sights on India, Google is reportedly gearing up to launch its first-ever retail stores outside the U.S., with plans to set up shop in India. According to a Reuters report, the company is in the final stages of securing store locations in key cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.
The upcoming stores are expected to cover around 15,000 square feet and could be operational within the next six months. Initially, Google will focus on these flagship locations but may expand further depending on their success. The stores will showcase and sell the company’s Pixel smartphones and other hardware products.
This move follows Apple’s retail expansion in India, which saw the launch of its first official stores in Mumbai and Delhi nearly two years ago. Last October, reports surfaced that Google was considering launching multiple retail stores in the country, and now it looks like those plans are coming to fruition.
Meanwhile, Apple has been making its own retail push, recently introducing its Apple Store app in India to streamline product purchases and offer personalized shopping experiences. The company also just launched its iPhone 16e on February 19, confirming that the new model is being assembled in India for both domestic sales and exports.
For Google, this retail expansion comes at a time when India is becoming an increasingly important market. Just yesterday, the company announced the opening of its massive new campus, Ananta, in Bengaluru. In a blog post, Google highlighted its growing presence in India, stating, “We’ve been building from India, for the world… and today, we’re thrilled to mark another major milestone with the inauguration of Ananta—one of Google’s largest offices globally.”
Beyond the tech sector, Tesla is also making moves in India. The electric vehicle giant, led by Elon Musk, is reportedly close to finalizing locations for its first showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai. Sources suggest the company has secured spots in Delhi’s Aerocity and Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex as it prepares to introduce its EVs to the Indian market.
With major global players doubling down on India, the country is shaping up to be a key battleground for innovation, retail, and expansion.
Deepinder Goyal Reveals Zomato’s Newest Feature—Your Donations to Feeding India Are Now Fully Transparent, with 19 Crore Meals Served Across 100+ Cities
In a move to bring transparency and engagement to its social initiatives, Zomato has launched a new feature that allows users to track the impact of their donations to Feeding India, its non-profit initiative focused on combating hunger.
Announced by Zomato’s CEO Deepinder Goyal, the feature, called Your Feeding India Impact, is now live on the Zomato app. Users can simply search for “Feeding India,” tap on View the impact you have created, and instantly see how many meals they have contributed to underprivileged children.
Feeding India, a long-running initiative under Zomato’s umbrella, has already served 19 crore meals to date, thanks to the contributions of generous users. The new feature aims to make the donation process more interactive, giving donors real-time insights into where and how their money is making a difference.
Beyond just numbers, the feature also provides a glimpse into Zomato’s partner NGO schools, showing their daily activities and how they are utilizing the donated meals. This initiative underscores Zomato’s commitment to solving hunger while ensuring that donors feel connected to the cause.
“Big thank you to everyone for enabling us to do this fulfilling work,” Goyal wrote in his LinkedIn post announcing the update, hinting that more developments are on the way.
The Feeding India program has grown significantly over the years, with Zomato leveraging its vast network to streamline food distribution. With the introduction of this impact-tracking feature, the company is making it easier for people to contribute while ensuring they stay engaged with the cause.
Users can now check their contributions directly on the Zomato app and witness the real-world impact of their generosity—one meal at a time.
PhonePe Gears Up for Blockbuster IPO: Walmart-Backed Fintech Giant Eyes Multi-Billion Dollar Valuation After ₹5,000 Crore Revenue Surge
PhonePe, one of India’s leading fintech companies, has officially started laying the groundwork for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO). The company plans to list on Indian stock exchanges, marking a major milestone in its decade-long journey.
Set to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, PhonePe has grown into a financial powerhouse, serving millions of users with cutting-edge payment solutions and digital financial services.
“Going public in India has always been a key goal for us,” the company stated in its latest media release. “We were founded here, built for this market, and have been leading India’s fintech evolution. Our shift from Singapore to India in December 2022 was a step in this direction, and we have since structured our non-payment businesses into fully owned subsidiaries.”
With strong revenue growth and improving profitability, PhonePe believes the timing is right for an IPO. According to its FY23-24 annual report, the company crossed ₹5,000 crore in revenue, marking a 74% year-on-year increase. More significantly, it turned adjusted PAT (Profit After Tax) positive—excluding Employee Stock Option (ESOP) costs.
The company reported an adjusted PAT of ₹197 crore in FY23-24, a sharp turnaround from a ₹738 crore loss the previous year. Meanwhile, its core payments business alone saw an adjusted PAT of ₹710 crore, a major improvement from a ₹194 crore loss in FY22-23.
Beyond payments, PhonePe holds key regulatory licenses in areas like payment aggregation, pre-paid instruments, insurance broking, and stock broking, expanding its footprint in India’s digital finance ecosystem.
The company’s 2024 annual report also highlights strong investor backing, with marquee investors pouring ₹18,000 crore into the firm. “Walmart Inc, our majority shareholder, is joined by some of the world’s most influential strategic investors, sovereign funds, and private equity firms,” PhonePe stated.
With a robust financial performance and a growing ecosystem of services, PhonePe’s IPO is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched public listings in India’s fintech space.
The Souled Store’s Blockbuster Year: ₹365 Crore Revenue, ₹18 Crore Profit, and a 54.5% Growth—Can It Take on Rare Rabbit & WROGN?
The Souled Store, a homegrown pop culture-driven fashion brand, has had a stellar run in FY24, clocking a 54.5% year-on-year revenue growth and turning profitable for the first time. Backed by Xponentia Capital, the Mumbai-based D2C company saw its revenue from operations jump from ₹233 crore in FY23 to ₹360 crore in FY24, as per its latest filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
From Pop Culture Fandom to a ₹365 Crore Business
Launched in 2014, The Souled Store has carved a niche in the fashion space by tapping into pop culture enthusiasts with apparel inspired by superheroes, movies, and TV shows. Over the years, the brand has expanded its catalog beyond clothing to include footwear, accessories, books, mobile covers, notebooks, mugs, and more.
With a growing offline presence, The Souled Store now operates 18 stores across India. Online and offline product sales accounted for 98.6% of total revenue, amounting to ₹355 crore in FY24. The remaining income came from membership fees and financial gains, including ₹5 crore from interest on deposits and current investments, bringing its total revenue to ₹365 crore.
Breaking Down the Costs: Profitability Despite Rising Expenses
Scaling up comes with rising costs. The brand’s procurement expenses surged 68.5% to ₹150 crore, making up 42.2% of total spending. Employee benefits and rent expenses grew by 34.5% and 77.8%, respectively, while marketing expenses hit ₹68 crore. Freight, legal fees, and operational costs pushed total expenditure to ₹355 crore in FY24, up from ₹253 crore in FY23.
Despite these rising costs, The Souled Store posted a net profit of ₹18 crore in FY24, a significant turnaround from its ₹16.5 crore loss in FY23. The company’s Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) improved to 6.38%, while EBITDA margins stood at 5.21%.
At the close of FY24, The Souled Store had total current assets worth ₹225 crore, including ₹44 crore in cash and bank balances.
Investor Backing & Competition in India’s Fast-Growing Fashion Space
The Souled Store has raised close to $30 million so far, with a $16 million round led by Xponentia Capital in 2023 and $10 million from Elevation Capital in 2021. According to data from TheKredible, Elevation Capital remains the largest external shareholder, followed by Xponentia Capital.
The company competes with Rare Rabbit, which clocked ₹636 crore in revenue with a ₹76 crore profit in FY24; Bewakoof, which operates at ₹162 crore in revenue; and Virat Kohli-backed WROGN, which saw a revenue dip of 29% to ₹244 crore.
Challenges & Opportunities: Will The Souled Store Stay True to Its D2C Roots?
The Indian D2C fashion space is heating up, and The Souled Store’s challenge will be to maintain its brand identity without diluting its exclusivity. While expanding across multiple sales channels may seem tempting, it could risk alienating its core audience of young, non-conformist consumers who value niche, limited-edition merchandise.
Additionally, with older comic book franchises like Tintin, Asterix, and Phantom moving into lower licensing costs or public domain, The Souled Store has a unique opportunity to tap into nostalgia-driven merchandise beyond just Gen Z and Millennials, potentially attracting older fans as well.
With profitability now in sight, the big question remains—can The Souled Store sustain its growth while staying true to its pop-culture DNA?
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