Deepak Agarwal Returns to LinkedIn as Chief AI Officer to Lead Next Wave of Innovation

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January 23, 2025

Image of deepak agarwal — Deepak Agarwal Returns to LinkedIn as Chief AI Officer to Lead Next Wave of Innovation Deepak Agarwal has rejoined LinkedIn as its Chief AI Officer, marking his return to the professional networking platform after several years. “I’m excited to announce that I’m back at LinkedIn as the company’s Chief AI Officer. This is my second chapter leading AI at LinkedIn. During my previous tenure as VP of AI, I worked with an incredible team to build innovative, large-scale AI systems that still power many of LinkedIn’s current AI efforts,” Agarwal shared in a LinkedIn post. With over 24 years of experience in artificial intelligence, Agarwal has held key roles at companies like Pinterest and Yahoo, bringing a wealth of expertise to LinkedIn. During his earlier stint at the company, he served as VP of Engineering and Artificial Intelligence for nearly eight years. This announcement comes shortly after the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) advised LinkedIn influencers to adhere to disclosure norms when promoting brands or services. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn lacks built-in tools for such disclosures, requiring influencers to manually include terms like “Ad” or “Partnership” in their posts. Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions LinkedIn has evolved far beyond being just a job-seeking platform. With features like professional networking, work updates, newsletters, online courses, and official announcements, it has become a hub for knowledge-sharing and career development. In July 2024, the platform even ventured into India’s short-form video market, signaling its ambition to tap into new growth opportunities. Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In The tech industry has seen several notable appointments recently. For example, IndiaMART InterMESH Limited brought on entrepreneur Manish Vij as an independent director and promoted its legal head, Manoj Bhargava, to a full-time director role. Similarly, Zetwerk, an IPO-bound B2B marketplace, appointed Vadim Yakubov as the CEO of its US subsidiary, Unimacts, to strengthen its foothold in the American market. With Agarwal’s return, LinkedIn aims to further enhance its AI-driven innovations and maintain its position as a leader in professional networking and digital engagement.

Deepak Agarwal has rejoined LinkedIn as its Chief AI Officer, marking his return to the professional networking platform after several years.

“I’m excited to announce that I’m back at LinkedIn as the company’s Chief AI Officer. This is my second chapter leading AI at LinkedIn. During my previous tenure as VP of AI, I worked with an incredible team to build innovative, large-scale AI systems that still power many of LinkedIn’s current AI efforts,” Agarwal shared in a LinkedIn post.

With over 24 years of experience in artificial intelligence, Agarwal has held key roles at companies like Pinterest and Yahoo, bringing a wealth of expertise to LinkedIn. During his earlier stint at the company, he served as VP of Engineering and Artificial Intelligence for nearly eight years.

This announcement comes shortly after the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) advised LinkedIn influencers to adhere to disclosure norms when promoting brands or services. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn lacks built-in tools for such disclosures, requiring influencers to manually include terms like “Ad” or “Partnership” in their posts.

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

LinkedIn has evolved far beyond being just a job-seeking platform. With features like professional networking, work updates, newsletters, online courses, and official announcements, it has become a hub for knowledge-sharing and career development. In July 2024, the platform even ventured into India’s short-form video market, signaling its ambition to tap into new growth opportunities.

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The tech industry has seen several notable appointments recently. For example, IndiaMART InterMESH Limited brought on entrepreneur Manish Vij as an independent director and promoted its legal head, Manoj Bhargava, to a full-time director role. Similarly, Zetwerk, an IPO-bound B2B marketplace, appointed Vadim Yakubov as the CEO of its US subsidiary, Unimacts, to strengthen its foothold in the American market.

With Agarwal’s return, LinkedIn aims to further enhance its AI-driven innovations and maintain its position as a leader in professional networking and digital engagement.

Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Addresses Restaurant Partners’ Concerns Over 10-Minute Delivery Model

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January 23, 2025

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Image of deepinder goyal — Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Addresses Restaurant Partners’ Concerns Over 10-Minute Delivery Model

As tensions rise between restaurateurs and food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy over the introduction of 10-minute food delivery services, Zomato’s cofounder and CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has reached out to address the concerns of its restaurant partners.

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In an open letter, Goyal emphasized that Zomato has no plans to compete with the restaurants it collaborates with. He clarified that their new venture, Bistro, is not a private label or a Zomato-owned kitchen. “Zomato, as a restaurant aggregator, will never compete with its own partners. Unlike platforms like Amazon that sell their own private labels, we’ve stayed true to this commitment by not opening physical restaurants or using Zomato as a distribution channel for any of our own kitchens,” he explained.

This clarification comes amidst reports that the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) is considering legal action against Zomato and Swiggy for allegedly infringing on restaurant operations. The NRAI claims that services like Zomato Everyday and Swiggy Daily, which rely on company-owned private kitchens, are encroaching on their territory.

Goyal sought to reassure restaurant owners that Bistro is not a threat to their business. He highlighted that even if Bistro were to grow to 1,000 outlets, it would represent only 0.5% of the total food delivery market. “Scaling Bistro isn’t the main objective. The goal is to explore a sustainable business model that restaurants themselves can adopt. India’s out-of-home food consumption market has significant room for growth, and innovative models like Bistro can attract new customers, benefiting the entire restaurant ecosystem,” he added.

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He also acknowledged that the expertise of running a restaurant lies with the restaurateurs, not with Zomato. According to Goyal, the 10-minute delivery segment won’t dominate the market but will exist as one of many service models. He further assured stakeholders that Bistro would operate as a standalone app, completely separate from Zomato, and would not have access to restaurant data that could create an unfair advantage.

By addressing these concerns, Goyal hopes to maintain trust with restaurant partners while positioning Bistro as a complementary addition to the industry, rather than a competitor.

Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto Drive Logistics Revolution: How 3PL Providers Are Reshaping Warehousing and Quick Deliveries

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January 23, 2025

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Image of quick commerce — Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto Drive Logistics Revolution: How 3PL Providers Are Reshaping Warehousing and Quick Deliveries

In 2024, third-party logistics (3PL) providers solidified their dominance in India’s industrial and warehousing sector, leasing a staggering 8.6 million square feet—vastly outpacing the 900,000 square feet taken up by e-commerce players. According to data from Colliers, the 3PL sector contributed 33% of Grade A space leasing, largely driven by booming industries like engineering and electronics.

“The explosive growth of e-commerce has paved the way for well-funded 3PL ventures. For D2C brands, the promise of quick deliveries through Q-commerce has significantly streamlined cash flow management,” said Madhusudhan G, Chairman and Managing Director of Sumadhura Group, which has recently leased large spaces to prominent 3PL companies.

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The Rise of Zomato Logistics and Q-Commerce Partnerships

Delivery platforms such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto are increasingly relying on 3PL providers to meet the surging demand for faster deliveries. For instance, Zomato has introduced logistics solutions to optimize delivery efficiency. Meanwhile, key players like Delhivery, Shadowfax, and Ecom Express are expanding their fleets, and established giants like Blue Dart and Safexpress are ramping up urban networks by incorporating innovations like dark stores and advanced last-mile solutions.

Cutting Costs in E-Commerce Logistics

A growing number of e-commerce platforms are outsourcing their logistics to 3PL providers, a move aimed at reducing operational complexities and achieving cost efficiency. This trend is especially pronounced in urban markets, where quick commerce (Q-commerce) enables brands to scale efficiently across categories like FMCG, apparel, and electronics.

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Blinkit and Zepto’s Expanding Ecosystems

Platforms like Blinkit and Zepto are no longer limited to delivering essentials. These companies are now diversifying into categories such as electronics and appliances, making partnerships with 3PL providers essential for maintaining speedy urban deliveries. To meet this demand, 3PL firms are building expansive networks of small urban fulfillment nodes—up to 100 in Tier I cities alone—creating an efficient infrastructure for the growing needs of quick commerce.

As 3PL providers continue to scale their operations and optimize delivery models, they are playing a critical role in reshaping India’s logistics landscape, ensuring faster and more efficient delivery for consumers across industries.

India’s Quick Commerce Boom: 5,500 Dark Stores by FY26 and a $40 Billion Market by FY28

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January 23, 2025

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India’s quick commerce sector is poised for massive growth, with HSBC predicting 5,000 to 5,500 dark stores by the 2025-26 fiscal year. By 2027-28, the industry is projected to achieve a gross order value of $35–$40 billion, according to HSBC’s latest report.

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Leading players like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy’s Instamart have been expanding at breakneck speed. Blinkit, Zomato’s quick commerce arm, added 216 stores in a single quarter and now operates over 1,000 stores as of the December 2024 quarter. The company aims to double its network to 2,000 stores by the end of the fiscal year. Zepto, with 850 stores currently, is on track to surpass the 1,000-store milestone this year, while Swiggy’s Instamart is expected to hit 1,000 stores soon as well.

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However, HSBC suggests this expansion frenzy may be reaching its limits. “Once Zepto and others hit the 1,000-store mark, the focus will likely shift to capacity optimisation rather than aggressive growth,” the brokerage noted in its report. Blinkit and Swiggy are also expected to ease their rapid expansion plans.

By the close of FY25, HSBC estimates that the sector will have sufficient store capacity to meet projected demand through FY28. This shift from expansion to operational efficiency is expected to help companies prioritise profitability and streamline their operations.

Zeelab Pharmacy Secures $2.4M Funding to Expand Retail Network and Launch 60-Minute Delivery

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January 23, 2025

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Image of zeelab — Zeelab Pharmacy Secures $2.4M Funding to Expand Retail Network and Launch 60-Minute Delivery

Delhi-based healthcare startup Zeelab Pharmacy has raised $2.4 million (approximately ₹21.7 crore) in its first funding round, led by OTP Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to expand its retail footprint and enhance its 60-minute medicine delivery service across both metro and non-metro cities.

Founded in 2020 by Rohit Mukul, Zeelab Pharmacy operates through a network of over 2,500 stores to source medicines, focusing on making healthcare more accessible and convenient. The company has ambitious plans to scale its operations further, particularly in Tier-II cities.

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“This investment will be a key driver for our growth strategy, allowing us to strengthen our retail presence, improve delivery infrastructure, and solidify our omnichannel model. We are confident that this partnership will help us build a more inclusive and accessible healthcare ecosystem in India,” Mukul stated.

Zeelab competes with established players like PharmEasy, Medkart, Apollo Pharmacy, and Netmeds in the highly competitive healthcare and pharmacy sector.

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The healthcare space has seen significant activity recently. Just days ago, four cofounders of online pharmacy giant PharmEasy — Dharmil Sheth, Dhaval Shah, Hardik Dedhia, and Harsh Parekh — stepped down from their executive roles. Meanwhile, in August last year, healthcare financing startup HealthCRED raised $1.2 million in seed funding, co-led by Antler India, TRTL VC, and iSeedVC.

Zeelab’s efforts to expand its services and innovate in the healthcare delivery space position it as a notable player in this growing market, particularly as demand for quick and efficient access to medicines continues to rise.

Amazon Set to Launch Tez in India, Partnering with Cocoblu Retail for Fast Deliveries

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January 23, 2025

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Image of amazon — Amazon Set to Launch Tez in India, Partnering with Cocoblu Retail for Fast Deliveries

Amazon is gearing up to introduce its quick commerce service, Tez, in India, having already launched a pilot program with its Bengaluru-based staff. Recent reports indicate that Cocoblu Retail, Amazon’s largest seller in the country, is playing a key role in this venture by establishing a new division, Cocoblu Quick Commerce, aimed at expediting deliveries.

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According to filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Cocoblu’s parent company, Rattan India, has shifted its business focus from wholesale to retail, rebranding an existing entity to support quick commerce efforts.

With Cocoblu’s strong partnership and impressive sales volume on Amazon, the company is positioned to be a crucial ally in scaling Tez across the Indian market. This collaboration will provide Amazon with much-needed infrastructure and expertise to compete in the rapidly growing quick commerce space.

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As Tez enters the market, it will initially focus on delivering groceries and essentials, starting with products from leading consumer brands sold by Cocoblu Retail. This move comes as Amazon looks to catch up with other quick commerce players like Flipkart Minutes, Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, who have already made significant strides in the sector.

JoySpoon Raises ₹56 Lakh to Revolutionize India’s ₹27,491 Crore Mouth Freshener Market with Healthier Alternatives

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January 23, 2025

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Image of joyspoon — JoySpoon Raises ₹56 Lakh to Revolutionize India’s ₹27,491 Crore Mouth Freshener Market with Healthier Alternatives

Mouth freshener startup JoySpoon has secured ₹56 lakh in its ongoing seed funding round, taking its total fundraising to ₹1.81 crore. The latest investment was led by Dishit Nathwani, with contributions from industry leaders like Prateek Toshniwal, Abhinav Jain, and Ankit Jain—senior executives from companies like CoinDCX and PharmEasy.

The funds will be used to expand JoySpoon’s Ahmedabad-based manufacturing facility, enhance its presence on popular quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket, and strengthen its marketplace reach on Amazon and Flipkart, the company stated in a press release.

Founded in 2023 by Vaishali and Yash Mehta, JoySpoon specializes in crafting low-sugar, supari-free, and all-natural mouth fresheners designed to cater to modern consumers looking for healthier lifestyle choices. The brand also emphasizes aesthetics with its packaging, making it an ideal option for wedding favors, gifting hampers, and corporate gifts. Prices for their assorted gift boxes start at ₹145.

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The Indian mouth freshener market, valued at ₹10,000 crore in 2021, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16%, reaching ₹27,491 crore by 2028, according to market research. JoySpoon aims to disrupt this traditional space by offering thoughtfully crafted mukhwas that blend health, quality, and modern packaging. Its range includes India’s first functionality-driven mouth fresheners, targeting specific concerns like acidity and digestion without using artificial colors or flavors.

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More than just a product, JoySpoon aims to empower women and merge cultural heritage with contemporary needs. Its Ahmedabad manufacturing facility is entirely run by women, reflecting the company’s commitment to building a socially conscious and inclusive brand.

HUL Expands Its Beauty Empire with ₹2,955 Crore Acquisition of Minimalist

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January 23, 2025

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Image of manimalist — HUL Expands Its Beauty Empire with ₹2,955 Crore Acquisition of Minimalist

On January 22, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) revealed its acquisition of the online premium skincare brand Minimalist for ₹2,955 crore, as stated in a regulatory filing.

The FMCG giant has secured a 90.5% stake in the brand through a combination of primary investment and secondary buyout. This strategic move will integrate Minimalist into HUL’s Beauty & Wellbeing portfolio, marking its entry into the fast-growing premium skincare segment.

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Commenting on the acquisition, HUL CEO and MD Rohit Jawa said, “We’re thrilled to bring Minimalist into the HUL family. This is a significant step toward expanding our Beauty & Wellbeing offerings in high-growth premium spaces. Mohit, Rahul, and their team have built an exceptional brand rooted in science, transparency, and efficacy.”

A founder of a consumer brand, speaking anonymously to Mint, noted, “Minimalist is a smart addition to HUL’s skincare lineup. With the rise of active ingredient-based skincare, this acquisition gives HUL an edge over competitors in this rapidly growing category.”

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India’s beauty and personal care startups have been gaining traction, driven by a surge in e-commerce and social media influence. While scaling and achieving profitability remain challenges, the sector’s growth shows no signs of slowing.

Walmart Eyes Kabeer Biswas for Flipkart’s Quick-Commerce Division Amid Legal Challenges from Dunzo

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January 22, 2025

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Image of walmart — Walmart Eyes Kabeer Biswas for Flipkart’s Quick-Commerce Division Amid Legal Challenges from Dunzo

Walmart is reportedly considering Kabeer Biswas, the CEO and co-founder of Dunzo, for a leadership position at Flipkart’s quick-commerce division, Flipkart Minutes. This development follows concerns raised by former Dunzo employees, who sent a letter to Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, among others, according to a report by The Morning Context. The letter allegedly questions Biswas’ background, specifically regarding past legal issues.

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Biswas, who co-founded the hyperlocal delivery platform Dunzo in 2014, recently transitioned to Flipkart to lead its newly established quick-commerce unit, Flipkart Minutes. His move comes amid ongoing struggles at Dunzo, which has faced significant financial challenges and operational scaling issues over the past year.

Dunzo, once a rising star in the grocery delivery space, has been plagued by high cash burn rates and difficulty in securing additional funding, leading to substantial layoffs. The company’s financial troubles have been compounded by legal and financial disputes, including complaints from former employees regarding unpaid dues. In addition, Dunzo’s creditors have taken the company to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) over unsettled debts.

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Despite raising over $450 million in funding, including a $200 million investment from Reliance Retail in early 2022, Dunzo has been unable to regain its footing. The partnership with Reliance was expected to strengthen the startup’s position in the competitive quick-commerce market, but it has failed to deliver significant returns. Recently, there have been reports that Dunzo has been actively seeking a buyer, but its future remains uncertain.

KisanKonnect Raises $4.5 Million to Revolutionize Fresh Produce Delivery with Tech-Driven Supply Chain

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January 22, 2025

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Image of kisan konnect — KisanKonnect Raises $4.5 Million to Revolutionize Fresh Produce Delivery with Tech-Driven Supply Chain

KisanKonnect, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform focused on fresh produce, has successfully raised $4.5 million in its Series A funding round, with Mistry Ventures leading the investment. The round also attracted significant participation from Times Group’s Brand Capital, VC-Grid, investor Vishwang Desai, and various prominent family offices. Notably, the startup has also secured backing from fitness icon and celebrity investor Shilpa Shetty.

Since launching in 2020, KisanKonnect has been revolutionizing the agricultural trade by developing a tech-driven, vertically integrated supply chain. With a network of over 5,000 farmers, the company promotes sustainable farming and regenerative practices, delivering fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, and dairy—directly to urban consumers through its mobile app and an expanding network of ‘KisanKonnect Farm Stores’ in Mumbai and Pune.

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Vivek Nirmal, the Founder and CEO of KisanKonnect, explained the company’s focus on urban consumers who are looking for fresh, high-quality produce with transparency and convenience. He noted, “There’s a growing demand for branded fruits and vegetables, especially among quality-conscious consumers. The challenge has been ensuring access to fresh, safe produce at reasonable prices.” He emphasized that their tech-enhanced, temperature-controlled supply chain offers both efficiency and traceability, fostering consumer trust and making KisanKonnect the go-to brand for fresh produce.

KisanKonnect is also expanding its product range to include premium dairy items. These products, sourced from local dairy farmers, are made from hormone- and antibiotic-free milk, contributing to their growing popularity.

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Firoz Mistry from Mistry Ventures highlighted KisanKonnect’s potential within the Indian agricultural sector. He praised the startup’s supply chain proficiency and its ability to connect the needs of both farmers and customers. “KisanKonnect not only provides farmers with critical support and procurement security but also ensures that customers receive fresh produce, typically within 12 to 48 hours of harvest,” he explained.

The startup has also been rapidly scaling its operations with quick-commerce initiatives and AI-powered solutions. Nidhi Nirmal, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, revealed that KisanKonnect initially launched a 48-hour delivery model four years ago and now delivers fresh products in just 4-6 hours within Mumbai and Pune. Their pilot for 30-minute deliveries is currently underway, signaling even more ambitious expansion plans.

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