Apple’s iPhone Exports from India Cross ₹1 Lakh Crore in Record-Breaking Year
Apple has smashed records with its iPhone exports from India, crossing ₹1 lakh crore ($12.8 billion) in just the first 10 months of FY25, according to a report by Business Standard on February 10. This is the first time ever that the tech giant’s exports have surpassed this milestone within a financial year.
Between April 2024 and January 2025, Apple’s iPhone exports saw a 31% jump from ₹76,000 crore in the same period last year. In January alone, the company recorded a massive ₹19,000 crore in exports, driven by its three key suppliers—Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics. Notably, Tata recently acquired Pegatron, further strengthening its role in Apple’s supply chain.
Apple’s Dominance in the Premium Smartphone Market
According to IDC estimates, Apple shipped over 12 million iPhones from India in 2024, marking a significant 34-35% increase from 9 million units in 2023. While export growth may slow slightly in 2025, analysts predict that Apple will continue to see double-digit growth, reinforcing its dominance in the premium smartphone market.
Apple’s rapid expansion in India aligns with its broader strategy to reduce dependence on China and scale up manufacturing in the country. With government incentives and an expanding local supply chain, India is set to play an even bigger role in Apple’s global production strategy.
Venturi Partners Bets Big on Budget Footwear: Invests $25M in JQR to Tap Into India’s $12B Sneaker Market
Venturi Partners has made a $25 million investment in JQR (Just Quick Run), a fast-growing brand in India’s affordable footwear market. This marks JQR’s first-ever venture capital funding, with Venturi acquiring an undisclosed minority stake in the company.
JQR’s Growth Plans with Fresh Capital
With this funding, JQR plans to expand its offline retail footprint, enter new markets, and launch its online sales channel. The investment will also help the brand enhance its product range, catering to India’s growing demand for budget-friendly yet high-quality sneakers.
“Our focus has always been on delivering great footwear at accessible prices. With Venturi’s backing, we’re confident that JQR will become a category leader, offering strong value to both consumers and stakeholders,” said Rinku Garg, Sunil Garg, and Manish Garg, the founding brothers of JQR.
Founded in 2014, JQR operates in India’s $12 billion value and mid-range footwear segment. With in-house manufacturing, design capabilities, and a vast offline distribution network, the company has built a reputation for quality footwear at competitive prices.
Venturi sees massive potential in this space. “The Indian footwear industry is benefiting from favorable policies, yet there remains a major gap in the affordable segment,” said Rishika Chandan, Managing Director at Venturi Partners. “Our goal is to identify and scale brands that meet this demand, and JQR is a perfect fit for our investment strategy.”
Venturi Partners has previously invested in brands like Livspace, Country Delight, Believe, Pickup Coffee, DALI, and K-12 Techno. With JQR now in its portfolio, the firm is further strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing consumer market.
FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the parent company of Nykaa, reported a 61% jump in net profit for Q3 FY2025, reaching ₹26 crore, compared to the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations also saw a healthy 26.7% year-on-year (YoY) growth, climbing to ₹2,267.21 crore from ₹1,788.80 crore.
Since the Q3 results were announced after market hours on Monday, all eyes are now on Nykaa’s stock performance when trading resumes tomorrow. The stock had closed over 2% lower ahead of the earnings release.
Nykaaland 2024: Record Footfall & Global Beauty Brands Take Center Stage
The second edition of Nykaaland, India’s largest beauty and lifestyle festival, turned out to be a massive success, drawing over 25,000 attendees—a 1.7x jump from the previous year. The event featured exclusive masterclasses by global beauty icons Sofia Tilbury and Patrick Ta, while over 80 top beauty brands, including Charlotte Tilbury, Maybelline, and CeraVe, showcased their latest products.
Major brand launches from Clinique, Sol de Janeiro, and GHD reinforced Nykaaland’s reputation as a premier industry event. On the fashion front, the festival also saw the Indian debut of Foot Locker, along with new footwear collections from PUMA and apparel from brands like Revolve, Nykd by Nykaa, and Cover Story.
Despite a challenging demand environment, Nykaa Fashion posted 21% YoY revenue growth, while its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) rose 8% YoY. The segment also improved profitability, with gross margins jumping from 43.9% to 51.3%, thanks to higher content-driven income from LBB and better monetization of services.
Cost-cutting measures in fulfillment expenses further strengthened the bottom line, leading to an improvement in EBITDA margins, which now stand at -5.4%, up from -7.3% a year ago. The company attributed this positive shift to increased efficiencies and high-impact marketing campaigns such as Nykaaland and Nykaa Wali Shaadi, both of which significantly boosted engagement and revenue.
As Nykaa continues to expand its influence across beauty, fashion, and content-driven commerce, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how it builds on this momentum in the coming quarters.
India’s First All-White Fashion Brand? How Kingdom of White Plans to Open 30 Stores and Achieve 10X Stock Turnover
Launched in 2023 by Vineet Haralalka, Kingdom of White is a premium direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion label dedicated entirely to the color white. Backed by Think9 Consumer, the brand has quickly built a strong presence in the Indian fashion landscape, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of shirts, jeans, kurtas, and accessories—all in white.
The brand’s philosophy revolves around the idea that white embodies simplicity, elegance, and limitless possibilities. With a focus on creating timeless wardrobe essentials, Kingdom of White caters to men, women, and children, making it a one-of-a-kind concept in the Indian apparel industry.
By FY 2024-25, the brand aims to achieve an annual stock turnover of 8 to 10 times, ensuring that inventory moves quickly and efficiently. To meet increasing demand, it is scaling up both online and offline operations, with plans to launch at least 30 exclusive brand stores across India. Additionally, in-house manufacturing is being prioritized to maintain strict quality control and speed up delivery times.
“Kingdom of White isn’t just about fashion—it’s a movement. We are crafting a distinct identity that blends tradition with contemporary style, offering a wardrobe that appeals to the modern, fashion-forward consumer,” says Vineet Haralalka.
With a strong vision and aggressive growth strategy, Kingdom of White is positioning itself as the go-to brand for those who appreciate the timeless charm of an all-white aesthetic.
Amazon India’s Big Maha Kumbh Move: Sets Up ‘Suvidha Kiosk’ for Pilgrims, Offers Pickups, Returns & Essentials
Amazon India Sets Up ‘Suvidha Kiosk’ at Maha Kumbh to Assist Pilgrims with Orders & Essentials
Amazon India has introduced a Suvidha Kiosk at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, offering pilgrims a convenient way to pick up and return their online orders while attending the grand religious gathering.
The kiosk is strategically placed inside the fairgrounds at Kumbh Kutir, Sector 24, Arail, ensuring easy access for devotees arriving from all over the country. Beyond just handling orders, the kiosk doubles as a resting zone, providing essentials like seating, drinking water, mobile charging stations, and first aid kits for those in need.
Shop & Collect at Maha Kumbh
Recognizing the needs of lakhs of attendees, Amazon’s Suvidha Kiosk allows people to order items ranging from mobile chargers, clothes, shoes, and blankets to pooja essentials—all of which can be picked up directly from the kiosk or delivered within a 3-kilometre radius.
The kiosk will remain operational daily from 7 AM to 10 PM until February 26, ensuring visitors can shop for necessities without leaving the Mela grounds.
In addition to the kiosk, Amazon has partnered with Maha Kumbh authorities to provide beds made from recycled Amazon boxes for pilgrims. A significant portion of these beds has been allocated to the Lost and Found Center, offering comfort to those separated from their families, while others are available to the general public.
By integrating e-commerce into one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, Amazon India is making it easier for devotees to access everyday essentials while ensuring their journey remains smooth and comfortable.
Shark Tank India Decoded: What the Data Reveals About Winning Pitches
Every season, crores of rupees are invested in startups on Shark Tank India, but what truly determines which founders secure funding and which ones walk away empty-handed? In a LinkedIn post, Ishaan Nair analyzed data from over 500+ pitches, using his newly acquired R programming skills to identify trends in startup valuations, negotiation tactics, and industry success rates. His findings offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs preparing to pitch their businesses.
Startup Valuations Are Skyrocketing
Over the past seasons, startup valuations on Shark Tank India have increased at an annual growth rate of 59.8%. The average valuation figures reflect this upward trend:
• Season 1: ₹8.6 crore
• Season 2: ₹24.3 crore
• Season 3: ₹32.4 crore
• Season 4 (so far): ₹35.1 crore
This means that investors are comparing valuations with previous deals, making it essential for founders to justify their numbers with strong financials and clear growth projections.
Sharks Drive a Hard Bargain
Founders rarely walk away with the exact deal they ask for. On average, Sharks offer 49.7% less than the original valuation requested by founders. Only 11.07% of successful pitches received their full asking price or more. This highlights the tough negotiation environment on the show. Entrepreneurs need to enter the tank well-prepared to defend their valuation or be willing to make strategic compromises to secure a deal.
Some Industries Get More Deals Than Others
Certain sectors have a significantly higher success rate than others. Pharma startups have emerged as the most funded category, with a 77.5% acceptance rate (31 out of 40 pitches securing a deal). On the other hand, the pet industry has had the lowest success rate, with only 2 out of 6 pitches (33.3%) receiving funding.
This data suggests that industry trends play a critical role in deal-making. Startups in highly favored sectors have better odds of securing investment, while those in less popular industries may need to craft an exceptionally compelling pitch to attract interest.
Sharks Don’t Always Stick to Their Industry
While many investors are known for their expertise in specific fields, their investment decisions often extend beyond their own industries. Namita Thapar, widely recognized as the “Pharma Queen,” has made several key investments in beauty brands, demonstrating that investors look beyond their own sectors when they see strong business potential. Founders should focus on crafting a compelling story and showcasing solid business fundamentals, regardless of whether their startup aligns with a Shark’s core industry.
The Big Three Industries Dominate the Tank
Over 50% of all Shark Tank India pitches fall into just three sectors:
• Food & Beverage
• Beauty & Fashion
• Technology & Software
While these industries attract significant investor interest, the competition is intense, making it crucial for founders in these categories to differentiate their startup and present a clear value proposition to stand out.
Genetics, AI & Super Drinks: How Dr. Sajeev Nair is Building India’s Most Advanced Personalized Health Brand
In the world of health and wellness, personalization is the next frontier. Gone are the days of generic diet plans and one-size-fits-all fitness routines. Today, consumers are looking for tailored solutions that cater to their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and nutritional needs. This shift was at the heart of a recent conversation between Ashu Agrawal and Dr. Sajeev Nair, the founder of Vieroots, a company dedicated to personalized health solutions.
“We are providing personalized health and wellness solutions,” Sajeev explained. “Starting from your genetic profiling up to metabolic testing, and then creating a personalized lifestyle modification program for you.” His approach isn’t just about offering a product—it’s about offering a complete system designed to optimize an individual’s well-being.
The Science Behind Personalization
Dr. Sajeev Nair has spent more than two decades in the wellness industry, initially selling nutritional supplements before diving deep into research on human performance. His journey led him to a significant realization: wellness is highly personal. “People think that you go to the gym or take some supplements and your wellness is taken care of, but the deeper you go, you realize it’s a highly personalized subject.”
This philosophy led to the creation of Vieroots, which provides cutting-edge Epigenetic Lifestyle Modification program based on genetic testing to assess individual predispositions to various health conditions. “We created the most comprehensive genetic testing panel in the country, way back in 2019,” he shared. The goal is not just to identify risks but to offer solutions. “People are not that interested in knowing about their possible diseases—they want solutions.”
The Rise of Functional Beverages
One of the most innovative aspects of Vieroots’ approach is its use of functional beverages. Dr Sajeev recognized that people don’t enjoy taking pills and capsules, so he developed a range of health-focused drinks. “We have an interesting coffee with Arabica extract, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and ginseng,” he described. These ingredients are carefully selected for their cognitive and wellness benefits.
Another product is a drinkable blend of curcumin and MCT oil, designed to combat inflammation—one of the most common health concerns today. “Inflammation is very common amongst people, and we wanted to provide a solution that is easy to consume.”
Vieroots also offers ‘BioFiber’ drinks that combine probiotics and prebiotics, as well as a 100% pure meal replacement shake, namely ‘NutriVie.’. “When you’re traveling, you don’t have to worry about what to eat,” Dr Sajeev said, emphasizing the convenience factor of their products.
The Market for Personalized Wellness
Ashu Agrawal raised an important question: how big is the market for personalized health and functional beverages, particularly in a fragmented market like India? Sajeev pointed to global trends, citing a Deloitte report predicting that preventive health and well-being will contribute more than 60% of the healthcare industry by 2040.
“In India, the nutraceutical industry is growing at a CAGR of 26-28%,” he said. Functional beverages, in particular, are experiencing a boom, with global projections exceeding $500 billion. “Every aspect of preventive health and well-being is growing faster, and people are becoming more aware.”
While traditional soft drinks still dominate the market, the shift toward healthier alternatives is undeniable. “People are not completely avoiding Pepsi or Coca-Cola, but there is a huge population looking for healthier, tastier options.”
The Future of Personalized Health
Vieroots is now taking things a step further with technology integration. “We are coming out with a super app called TRIGR, which will continuously monitor and measure your health,” Sajeev revealed. The app, powered by AI, will provide users with personalized lifestyle modification plans based on real-time data.
As the conversation wrapped up, one thing was clear: the future of wellness is deeply personal. Whether through genetic testing, functional beverages, or AI-driven health solutions, Vieroots is at the forefront of a movement that is reshaping the way people approach their health. “It’s about understanding what your body needs and making it easy and enjoyable to take care of yourself,” Sajeev said.
With the wellness industry evolving at an unprecedented pace, companies like Vieroots are proving that science, technology, and convenience can come together to create a healthier future for all.
Flipkart Goes All In on Quick Commerce: 550 Dark Stores, 300 by March 2025—Taking on Blinkit, Zepto & Swiggy Instamart
Flipkart is making a bold push into quick commerce by ramping up its network of dark stores, planning to launch 500 to 550 new locations ahead of its flagship Big Billion Days sale. With a goal of setting up 300 by March 2025, this expansion is a direct challenge to rivals like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. By significantly strengthening its fulfillment capabilities, Flipkart is betting big on ultra-fast deliveries to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing quick commerce market.
For those unfamiliar, dark stores function as mini-warehouses strategically placed in urban areas, exclusively handling online orders. Unlike traditional retail outlets, these spaces aren’t open to walk-in customers—they exist solely to streamline logistics, allowing e-commerce players to process and deliver orders at lightning speed. By deploying more of these fulfillment hubs, Flipkart aims to cut down delivery times and enhance customer experience, ensuring it stays competitive in an increasingly fast-paced industry.
However, such a large-scale expansion comes with its own hurdles. Running a vast network of dark stores requires significant investments in infrastructure, supply chain management, and technology. Flipkart will need to refine its inventory systems, optimize last-mile logistics, and maintain cost efficiency while scaling up operations. Balancing rapid expansion with operational sustainability will be a crucial test for the company.
The timing of this move is no coincidence—Flipkart is gearing up for its annual Big Billion Days sale, a high-stakes event that typically takes place between September and October. This sale drives a massive surge in orders, and by reinforcing its dark store network, Flipkart is ensuring it can handle the increased demand while competing more aggressively with quick commerce giants.
The quick commerce space is evolving rapidly, with companies promising deliveries in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Flipkart’s aggressive expansion into this sector signals a shift in strategy, as it aims to go toe-to-toe with dedicated quick commerce players. If executed well, this move could reshape the competitive landscape, further blurring the lines between traditional e-commerce and on-demand retail.
OYO’s Profit Skyrockets 6X to ₹166 Cr in Q3: How Ritesh Agarwal’s Strategy is Reshaping the Hospitality Game
OYO, the travel tech giant, has posted a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹166 crore in the third quarter of FY25, marking an almost sixfold increase from ₹25 crore in the same period last year, according to sources.
The company also saw a strong 31% jump in revenue, reaching ₹1,695 crore, compared to ₹1,296 crore a year earlier. This growth comes after a period of stagnation in FY24, signaling a clear turnaround in OYO’s financial performance.
OYO’s adjusted EBITDA for the October-December quarter stood at ₹249 crore, reflecting a 22% rise from ₹205 crore in Q3 FY24, as per documents reviewed by PTI. Additionally, the company’s gross booking value (GBV) surged 33% to ₹3,341 crore, up from ₹2,510 crore in the same quarter last year.
It is important to note that these figures do not include the financials of G6 Hospitality, as the acquisition was completed in the third week of December.
Growth Driven by Core and Emerging Markets
A source close to the company revealed that while OYO had already proven its ability to operate profitably, concerns lingered over its revenue growth trajectory. The renewed focus on expanding topline revenue has now yielded results, with a significant 31% increase in revenue.
The company’s strong performance was driven primarily by its core markets—India and the US, while emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East also played a crucial role in boosting revenue.
Strategic Moves Fuel Expansion
OYO has been aggressively expanding and diversifying its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Key initiatives include:
• Premiumisation of its India portfolio, aimed at improving offerings in the mid-to-premium hotel segment.
• Acquisition of US-based G6 Hospitality, a major player in the budget and midscale hotel segment.
• Acquisition of Paris-based rental home operator Checkmyguest, strengthening OYO’s presence in the European short-term rental market.
Moody’s Upgrades OYO’s Credit Rating
In a further boost to its financial standing, global credit rating agency Moody’s recently upgraded OYO’s rating from B3 to B2, maintaining a stable outlook. Moody’s estimates that OYO’s EBITDA will reach $200 million in FY25-26, which will be the first full fiscal year reflecting earnings from its newly acquired businesses.
With a renewed focus on profitability, expansion, and premiumisation, OYO appears to be entering a new phase of accelerated growth, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the global travel and hospitality sector.
Dunkin’ Recalls 2 Million Doughnuts Over Listeria Scare—FDA Issues Urgent Warning
Dunkin’ is recalling nearly 2 million baked goods, including various doughnuts and coffee rolls, due to potential Listeria contamination.
The recall was initiated by FGF Brands, a company that supplies baked products across North America. According to a report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released Wednesday, the decision was made as a precaution after routine testing at one of their U.S. doughnut production facilities.
The affected products include chocolate, raspberry, and Bavarian cream doughnuts, as well as French crullers, éclairs, and coffee rolls. The FDA noted that these items were sold at Dunkin’ locations and were produced before December 13, 2024. However, the exact source of contamination has not been determined.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning that while consuming the affected products could cause temporary or mild health issues, the risk of severe illness is low. There have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to these products so far.
FGF Brands emphasized that the recall was voluntary and taken out of an abundance of caution. In a statement, the company clarified that no actual doughnuts or food contact surfaces tested positive for Listeria. They also confirmed that the recall was completed in early January and does not affect any products currently available for purchase.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that, while rare, can lead to serious infections. Symptoms typically include fever and headaches, but in high-risk individuals—such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—the infection can be life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria is the third-leading cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in the U.S., with an estimated 1,600 cases and around 260 fatalities reported each year.
The most recent Listeria-related recall before this one occurred in December when Braga Fresh pulled certain pre-packaged broccoli florets from Walmart shelves due to contamination concerns.
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