From Online to Offline: IGP Expands Its Gifting Empire with Mumbai Store

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 20, 2025

Image of igp — From Online to Offline: IGP Expands Its Gifting Empire with Mumbai Store

India celebrates over 50 major festivals each year, with countless regional and community-specific events pushing the total number of celebrations well beyond 1,000. These occasions are deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions, where giving gifts is a cherished practice. Whether it’s a festival or personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries, thoughtful gifting and special rituals like cutting a cake at midnight are integral parts of the celebrations.

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Seeing an opportunity in the market, Tarun Joshi launched IGP in 2017 under his parent company, Join Ventures Pvt. Ltd., aiming to simplify the gifting experience. IGP quickly became a go-to platform for a variety of gifts suitable for every occasion.

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Today, IGP stands as India’s largest multi-category gifting brand, offering a wide range of products—nearly 5,000 SKUs spanning flowers, cakes, gourmet foods, plants, fashion, beauty, home decor, and even personalized gifts. After seven successful years online, IGP opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Mumbai in February 2024.

Alongside IGP, Join Ventures also runs Interflora India, a premium floral brand, and Masqa, which focuses on gourmet food products.

Celebrating India’s Textile Heritage: Jaypore Collaborates with Shobitam for New Ethnic Wear Collection

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 20, 2025

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Image of jaypore — Celebrating India’s Textile Heritage: Jaypore Collaborates with Shobitam for New Ethnic Wear Collection

Jaypore, the lifestyle brand under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, has joined forces with Shobitam, a direct-to-consumer ethnic fashion label, to enhance its ethnic wear range and reach a broader audience.

As part of this collaboration, Shobitam’s exclusive collections, including the ‘Shobitam Vidya Balan’ series and handcrafted pure silk sarees, will now be available both in Jaypore’s physical stores and on its online platform.

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Sooraj Bhat, CEO of ABFRL’s ethnic wear division, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Joining hands with Shobitam is another significant step in showcasing India’s rich artisanal traditions globally. Jaypore has always been committed to celebrating the country’s diverse crafts, and this partnership is a perfect alignment with our goal to bring the best of Indian craftsmanship to the world.”

Aparna Thyagarajan, co-founder of Shobitam, also shared her enthusiasm: “Expanding the Shobitam experience to physical stores is a major milestone for us. Collaborating with Jaypore marks a new, exciting phase. Their dedication to India’s indigenous art forms and the artisans behind them mirrors our own mission to preserve and promote India’s textile heritage.”

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In the first phase, Shobitam sarees will be featured in Jaypore’s flagship stores in HSR Bangalore, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, and Khan Market Delhi, as well as available online. Jaypore plans to expand the availability of Shobitam’s collections across more stores in India in the near future.

Gaurav Taneja’s BeastLife Unveils Roti Protein to Make Nutrition Easy and Accessible

Entrepreneurship

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January 20, 2025

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Image of Gaurav Taneja — Gaurav Taneja’s BeastLife Unveils Roti Protein to Make Nutrition Easy and Accessible

Gaurav Taneja, co-founder of Beast Life, shared an interesting perspective in a recent post:

“𝘋𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘺𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘥𝘦𝘳?”

This question pops up everywhere — in comments, DMs, and conversations. So, he and his team decided to innovate and create something new.

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Enter Roti Protein, a simple yet effective way to enhance your daily diet with much-needed protein, tailored for the Indian household.

India has long struggled with protein deficiency, especially in vegetarian diets, and this product aims to close that gap.

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Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders or athletes. It’s essential for everyone, contributing to healthier hair, skin, nails, stronger immunity, cellular repair, and overall wellness.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to use. Just mix half a kilo of Roti Protein into 5 kilos of your regular flour, or add a scoop to your dough for five rotis. No extra steps, no shakes — just the food you already enjoy, now supercharged with nutrition.

What are your thoughts on this effort to make nutrition accessible and hassle-free for all? As Gaurav says, “Let’s make healthy living part of everyday living — one roti at a time.”

Cardboard Reinvented: How Amazon is Providing Free Beds at the Maha Kumbh Mela

Business

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January 20, 2025

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Image of amazon — Cardboard Reinvented: How Amazon is Providing Free Beds at the Maha Kumbh Mela

At the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, Amazon India is introducing an innovative initiative called Dibbon Se Badhkar, turning its signature cardboard packaging into portable beds for the attendees. The aim is to offer comfortable, free resting spots for those visiting the grand event.

A substantial number of these beds will be set up at the lost and found center, while others will be distributed for general public use. Additionally, beds will be provided to the Kumbh Police Karmacharis and the medical staff at the Kumbh hospital to ensure they are well-rested and ready to assist.

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Pragya Sharma, Director of Marketing at Amazon India, commented, “Our mission is to make life easier for our customers, and our trusted Amazon boxes are a symbol of that commitment. By repurposing them into beds, we saw a unique chance to contribute in a meaningful way to the comfort of Maha Kumbh Mela attendees.”

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Amazon teamed up with Ogilvy as the creative partner, with a specialized team of fabricators working to bring the concept to life. These beds have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their durability and safety, especially considering the challenging local conditions.

Krvvy’s Founders Take on India’s Innerwear Gap with ₹6.1 Crore Boost

INVESTMENTS

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January 20, 2025

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Image of krvvy — Krvvy’s Founders Take on India’s Innerwear Gap with ₹6.1 Crore Boost

Krvvy, a pioneering functional innerwear and shapewear brand for Indian women, has secured ₹6.1 crore in pre-seed funding. The round was co-led by Titan Capital and All In Capital, with participation from notable angel investors, including Nikita Gupta (Co-founder of Housepital), Emmanuel Suraj (CEO of DefinEquity), Anuj Jain (VP at Investwell), and Anubhav Jain (Head of Credit at Metalbook).

Launched in May 2024 by engineering graduates Yash Goyal and Anant Bhardwaj, Krvvy (pronounced Curvy) aims to revolutionize the innerwear industry by delivering innovative, high-quality solutions tailored specifically for Indian women. The brand focuses on addressing gaps in comfort, functionality, and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs of Indian body types.

Krvvy’s design philosophy centers on creating innerwear that’s not only practical but also seamless and stylish. The team prioritizes customer feedback to refine their products and ensure they cater to the unique preferences of Indian women.

With this fresh infusion of capital, the direct-to-consumer brand plans to scale its operations both online and offline, reaching women across the country. Currently, Krvvy’s products are available on its official website as well as platforms like Amazon and Myntra.

Speaking about the funding, Yash Goyal, Krvvy’s Co-founder and CEO, shared, “We’re excited to partner with Titan Capital and All In Capital on our journey to transform the women’s innerwear market in India. These funds will allow us to invest heavily in research and development, expand our product line, and introduce innovative functional innerwear designed with Indian women in mind.” Goyal, a former investment banker, emphasized the brand’s commitment to blending functionality and comfort in every piece.

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Krvvy is stepping into a growing market, addressing the rising demand for shapewear among Indian women—a segment that has already seen significant traction in global markets. By focusing on comfort and practicality, the brand is carving out a niche in a category often overlooked in the Indian retail space.

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A spokesperson from Titan Capital remarked, “Krvvy is reshaping the innerwear and shapewear industry by combining innovation, comfort, and style. Yash and Anant’s dedication to staying close to their customers and iterating quickly gives us confidence in their ability to redefine the market.”

With its unique approach and bold vision, Krvvy is set to make its mark as a go-to brand for Indian women seeking functional, stylish, and inclusive innerwear.

Shashwat Goenka’s Vision: Spencer’s JIFFY Set to Transform Retail

Quick Commerce

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January 18, 2025

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Image of spencer — Shashwat Goenka’s Vision: Spencer’s JIFFY Set to Transform Retail

Spencer’s Retail, part of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, made its debut in the quick commerce space on Thursday with the launch of JIFFY, a new online platform. The service has been introduced in Kolkata and will gradually expand across West Bengal, followed by Uttar Pradesh. At present, Spencer’s operates 89 stores across these regions.

According to Shashwat Goenka, chairman of Spencer’s Retail, the goal is to deliver orders within 20–30 minutes by utilizing the company’s existing store network. Instead of setting up dedicated dark stores, the company will rely on third-party delivery partners to handle logistics for now.

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“Convenience is driving consumer behavior, especially in urban areas. Quick commerce might still be a smaller part of the broader e-commerce sector, but it’s growing at the fastest pace. It’s a channel no retailer can afford to ignore,” said Goenka, who highlighted the changing preferences of shoppers in recent years.

He also noted that the rise of quick commerce has started to reshape modern retail, as more consumers prioritize speed and ease to fit their busy lifestyles. A CLSA report backs this trend, projecting that the gross order value of India’s quick commerce sector will rise from $6 billion today to $18 billion by FY27, with a further leap to $78 billion by FY34.

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Goenka revealed that Spencer’s aims to double its daily online orders within nine months through this new initiative. Currently, the online segment accounts for 10–11% of the company’s total revenue.

Shark Tank Victory: How Annu Grover’s Nurturing Green Won Vineeta Singh’s Heart and ₹1 Crore

Business

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January 18, 2025

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Image of shark tank — Shark Tank Victory: How Annu Grover’s Nurturing Green Won Vineeta Singh’s Heart and ₹1 Crore

In the latest episode of Shark Tank India Season 4, two trailblazing plant-based businesses, Nurturing Green and Kyari, went head-to-head in the season’s first intense pitch battle. Esteemed investors Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal, Vineeta Singh, and Kunal Bahl were on hand to assess the potential of these innovative companies. The episode was all about unique, plant-based ventures, with Nurturing Green’s founder, Annu Grover, taking the spotlight in the opening pitch.

Annu, the driving force behind Nurturing Green, shared his passion for plants, positioning them as much more than just decor. He explained, “We’re not just selling plants; we’re offering a lifetime of memories. These plants are more than just gifts—they bring joy, comfort, and peace into our customers’ lives.” With over 14 years in the business, Nurturing Green has made a mark in home decor, gardening, and corporate gifting, creating a loyal customer following thanks to their unique approach.

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A touching moment followed when Kunal Bahl, an old acquaintance of Annu, shared a personal connection. “I met Annu about 10 years ago when he was just starting out in Cybercity,” Kunal recalled. “What stood out to me was how, year after year, he would send me updates, and I always took the time to read them.” This nod to long-term dedication and building relationships really resonated.

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Seeking ₹1 crore for a 1% stake, Nurturing Green found a willing investor in Vineeta Singh. She proposed ₹50 lakh for a 1.25% stake, plus ₹50 lakh in debt at a 10% interest rate for three years. With no other offers, Annu happily accepted Vineeta’s deal, marking a major achievement for Nurturing Green.

Food’s Old News: Quick Commerce is the New $3 Billion Cash Cow for Zomato and Swiggy

Quick Commerce

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January 18, 2025

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Image of zomato & swiggy — Food’s Old News: Quick Commerce is the New $3 Billion Cash Cow for Zomato and Swiggy

Quick commerce heavyweights like Zomato’s Blinkit, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zepto are witnessing explosive growth in their gross order value (GOV).

Zepto, in particular, announced that its annualized GOV hit $3 billion (approximately ₹24,500 crore) as of January 2025, a remarkable threefold increase in just eight months.

The momentum isn’t limited to Zepto. Quick commerce as a whole has been outpacing traditional food delivery in growth. Blinkit’s GOV for FY24 soared by an impressive 169% year-on-year, while Swiggy’s Instamart reported a robust 57.6% increase during the same period.

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This surge highlights a shift in consumer preferences, as instant delivery becomes an integral part of urban lifestyles.This surge in instant delivery highlights how consumer behavior is evolving rapidly. With a growing appetite for convenience, urban shoppers are increasingly choosing quick commerce platforms for groceries and daily essentials.

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Industry experts predict this trend will only accelerate, as competition between players like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto continues to intensify. The race to dominate this space is heating up, and it’s reshaping the dynamics of India’s e-commerce landscape at a staggering pace.

Blinkit Gets a ₹500 Cr Boost: Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Takes on Swiggy’s Sriharsha and Zepto’s Aadit

Quick Commerce

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January 18, 2025

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Image of blinkit & zomato CEO — Blinkit Gets a ₹500 Cr Boost: Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Takes on Swiggy’s Sriharsha and Zepto’s Aadit

Gurgaon-based Zomato has injected ₹500 crore into Blinkit, its quick commerce division, according to a recent filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

This latest investment brings Zomato’s total spend on Blinkit to ₹2,800 crore since acquiring the company in August 2022. The infusion comes shortly after Zomato raised ₹8,500 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) in November to strengthen its finances as competition heats up in the industry.

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Blinkit faces stiff competition from players like Swiggy’s Instamart and Zepto, both of which are vying for dominance in the rapid delivery market. In response, Blinkit is doubling down on expansion, with a goal of launching 1,000 dark stores by March 2025. The company is also entering the race to deliver meals in under 10 minutes through its new venture, Bistro, which will compete with Swiggy’s Snacc app and Zepto’s recently launched Cafe platform.

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The quick commerce battlefield is getting more crowded, with big names like Walmart (Flipkart Minutes), Tata (BigBasket), and Amazon (Tez) all pivoting to meet shifting customer demands. However, the path forward is far from smooth. On January 6, brokerage firm Jefferies downgraded its outlook on Zomato, pointing to profitability challenges in Blinkit despite its current market leadership.

Captain Fresh Nets ₹20 Cr: Seafood Startup Hooks New Funding Wave

Investors & Capital

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January 18, 2025

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Image of captain fresh — Captain Fresh Nets ₹20 Cr: Seafood Startup Hooks New Funding Wave

Bengaluru-based seafood startup Captain Fresh has raised ₹20 crore ($2.3 million) in debt funding from VentureSoul Partners. This marks the third investment from VentureSoul’s inaugural debt fund and is part of a larger funding round that includes both equity and debt.

When approached for comment, Captain Fresh declined to respond to Inc42’s queries. However, Kunal Wadhwa, co-founder and managing partner at VentureSoul Partners, expressed confidence in the startup’s potential. “Captain Fresh has shown impressive execution with large acquisitions. Their diverse product range and global footprint position them well for growth in both revenue and profitability,” said Wadhwa. He also highlighted the strength of the company’s leadership and management team as a key factor in the funding decision.

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Founded in 2019 by Utham Gowda, Captain Fresh is a tech-driven, vertically integrated seafood company. Its brand portfolio spans multiple international markets, including CenSea in the US, Koral in Europe, and Senecrus in France. The new funding will be used to fuel expansion and drive growth initiatives.

Captain Fresh’s notable backers include Accel, Prosus, Matrix Partners, Tiger Global, SBI Japan, Ankur Capital, British International Investment (BII), and Nekkanti Group. Recently, the startup raised ₹12 crore from Motilal Oswal Alternates in December 2024, following a $32 million funding round in February 2024 led by BII and Nekkanti Seafoods Group.

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Initially launched as a farm-to-retail platform for fish, shrimp, and seafood, Captain Fresh primarily operated through B2B and B2B2C channels in India. However, the company has since scaled back its B2B operations, with B2B2C services now restricted to select locations.

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