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Zomato Pumps ₹1,500 Cr More Into Blinkit, Taking Total Investment to ₹4,300 Cr – Can It Dominate Quick Commerce?

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Zomato Pumps ₹1,500 Cr More Into Blinkit, Taking Total Investment to ₹4,300 Cr – Can It Dominate Quick Commerce?

Zomato is doubling down on its quick commerce ambitions, pumping ₹1,500 crore into Blinkit as competition in the space heats up. This latest capital infusion, revealed in Blinkit’s recent regulatory filings, comes through a rights issue, with Zomato Limited subscribing to 7,612 equity shares. Each share, with a face value of ₹10, was issued at a steep premium of ₹19,70,171, bringing the total transaction value to ₹1,499.7 crore.

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This isn’t Zomato’s first big bet on Blinkit. Just last month, the foodtech giant poured ₹500 crore into its quick commerce arm. With this latest funding round, Zomato’s total investment in Blinkit since its acquisition has surged to a massive ₹4,300 crore.

Despite the aggressive expansion, Blinkit’s financials have taken a hit. The company reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of ₹103 crore in Q3, a staggering 13-fold increase from the ₹8 crore loss in the previous quarter. The spike in losses is largely attributed to Blinkit’s rapid scale-up efforts and upfront investments.

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One of Blinkit’s biggest milestones this quarter was surpassing 1,000 dark stores, adding 216 new locations in just three months. But the company isn’t stopping there. With this fresh capital, Blinkit is gunning to double its store count to 2,000 by December 2025, signaling an aggressive push to dominate India’s ultra-competitive quick commerce market.

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How Nyra Kitchenware Won Over 2,00,000 Customers & Became India’s Hottest D2C Kitchen Brand

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How Nyra Kitchenware Won Over 2,00,000 Customers & Became India’s Hottest D2C Kitchen Brand

Sushank Arora, the founder and CEO of Nyra Kitchenware, has always been an entrepreneur at heart. His journey, however, wasn’t a direct path into the kitchenware industry. Before launching Nyra in 2020, he was deeply involved in various ventures, including a startup in Kanpur that eventually became redundant due to COVID-19. But business was in his blood—his family had been in the kitchenware industry for three generations.

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Like many young professionals, Sushank initially wanted to carve his own path. His career took him to exciting places, from handling international media at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi to working with Doordarshan and an American multinational corporation. But his entrepreneurial spirit kept pulling him back.

In 2016, he founded Salons Nearby, an aggregator platform that connected users with top-tier salon brands like VLCC and Lakmé across 12 cities. This venture gave him valuable insights into consumer behavior, investor dynamics, and scaling a business. While the startup was successful, Sushank felt his learning curve wasn’t yet complete. It was after exiting this venture that he stumbled upon the booming D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) trend, which ultimately led him back to his roots—kitchenware.

Observing a Significant Gap in the Market

Sushank observed a gap in the market. Sitting in his family’s retail shop, he noticed that while people understood the health benefits of materials like brass and bronze, they lacked clarity on which utensils to cook, eat, and store food in. Given his deep familiarity with the industry, he realized there was an opportunity to educate consumers and build a brand that focused on both tradition and modern needs.

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That’s how Nyra Kitchenware was born. The brand quickly gained traction, selling over 2 lakh (200,000) orders and becoming a top seller on Amazon. Recently, Nyra was also onboarded onto Myntra, JioMart, and Flipkart, expanding its digital footprint across major e-commerce platforms in India.

Focus on Quality, Functionality, and Trust

Sushank acknowledges that kitchenware isn’t a “sexy” business. Unlike fashion, where impulse buys are common, people don’t buy kitchen items without a clear purpose. His wife, for example, frequently buys shoes on a whim, but when it comes to utensils, purchases are need-based. This makes branding in the kitchenware space fundamentally different. Instead of glamour, it must focus on quality, functionality, and trust.

Understanding consumer behavior has been key to Nyra’s growth. Some buyers are drawn to fancy, modern innovations like triply cookware with honeycomb non-stick coatings, while others prefer the time-tested materials their ancestors used. Nyra caters to both segments by balancing tradition with innovation.

Scaling Beyond India

With strong success in the Indian market, Nyra Kitchenware is now setting its sights on expansion into other major marketplaces within India and internationally. The brand’s mission is to make high-quality, durable kitchenware accessible to consumers worldwide, blending traditional wisdom with modern functionality.

Sushank is determined to build a lasting brand, learning from past business failures like Nokia missing the smartphone revolution. He believes in staying ahead by adapting to market trends while staying true to Nyra’s core values. With India’s evolving e-commerce landscape and strong logistics networks, the brand is well-positioned for continued expansion.

For Sushank Arora, Nyra Kitchenware isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to bring knowledge and quality cookware into every home, ensuring that the traditions of the past meet the needs of the present.

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Badminton Star PV Sindhu Bets Big on Quick Commerce: Joins KiranaPro as Investor & IPL 2025 Ambassador

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Badminton Star PV Sindhu Bets Big on Quick Commerce: Joins KiranaPro as Investor & IPL 2025 Ambassador

KiranaPro, a quick commerce platform, has brought onboard badminton champion PV Sindhu as both an investor and brand ambassador. While the company hasn’t disclosed the financial details, they confirmed that Sindhu’s investment marks the first commitment in their seed funding round.

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Sindhu’s involvement goes beyond just endorsements—she will play an active role in KiranaPro’s mission to help small retailers digitize and stay competitive. Her presence as the brand’s official ambassador during IPL 2025 is set to boost its visibility across India.

Founded by Deepak Ravindran and Dipankar Sarkar, KiranaPro supports local Kirana stores and supermarkets by offering 10-minute deliveries and flexible revenue models. The company recently expanded its footprint by acquiring Joper.app, a hyperlocal grocery delivery platform, for an undisclosed amount.

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With this partnership, PV Sindhu will be featured in multiple digital and traditional media campaigns and will sport the KiranaPro logo on her jersey.

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Retail Shakeup! New Shop Acquires 24Seven Stores, Plans 600-Store Expansion, and Eyes International Markets

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Retail Shakeup! New Shop Acquires 24Seven Stores, Plans 600-Store Expansion, and Eyes International Markets

Fast-growing convenience retail chain New Shop is on an aggressive expansion spree, aiming to double its store count to 600 by the end of this year. The company, known for its tech-driven and asset-light franchise model, is also making bold moves in the acquisitions space, most notably taking over 24Seven stores from Godfrey Phillips India (GPI).

According to co-founder Aastha Almast, nearly 35 of these acquired stores have already been rebranded under the New Shop name and franchised out. The full transition is expected to wrap up by March-end, bringing 100 prime retail locations into New Shop’s fold—an instant expansion boost without the usual time-consuming setup.

Acquisitions, Investments, and a Franchise-First Model

Almast, who likens herself to a retailer who “loves to shop,” says New Shop isn’t stopping with 24Seven—the company is actively scouting for new acquisitions and buyouts to fuel its next growth phase.

Additionally, a fresh round of funding is on the horizon, with plans to bring in strategic investment partners who can help steer the brand’s next stage of expansion, including international markets.

New Shop’s unique franchise model has been key to its rapid growth. The company doesn’t own or operate its stores—instead, entrepreneurs take the reins, investing in store setup and inventory while New Shop provides the brand, technology, partnerships, and operational expertise.

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“Our model works because we put entrepreneurs at the center of store operations, not hired managers,” says Almast. “That’s why Kirana stores are profitable—they’re run by owners who care about the bottom line.”

For those looking to join the network, New Shop offers a turnkey setup—franchisees simply sign up, and the company handles everything from licensing to supplier relationships, ensuring a store can be up and running in just 30 days.

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Beyond Metro Cities: The Big Growth Push

While New Shop has gained traction in metro areas, the company sees its biggest growth coming from Tier 2, Tier 3, and even Tier 4 cities.

Jaipur, for example, saw 12 New Shop stores open in just six months—a sign of strong demand in smaller cities. The brand is also aggressively expanding into highway retail, fuel stations, and railway stations, tapping into India’s booming transit infrastructure.

“Retail is shifting. People need 24/7 convenience not just in big cities, but on highways, in smaller towns, and at transit hubs,” Almast explains. “We are positioning New Shop to be that go-to destination wherever people are on the move.”

With a 600-store target, a growing network of franchisees, and strategic acquisitions fueling momentum, New Shop is cementing its position as India’s leading 24/7 convenience store chain—and now, it’s looking beyond India’s borders for its next big leap.

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Scandalous Foods Partners with Zepto Café to Deliver Mithais in Just 10 Minutes Across Major Cities

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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PayRange Acquires Turns to Transform U.S. Laundromats: Aims to Power 5,000 Locations in 24 Months

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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.

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A New Era of Laundromat Management

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.

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“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.

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Swiggy’s Not Just About Food! Why It’s Pumping ₹1,000 Crore into Scootsy’s Supply Chain Empire

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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.

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What Does Scootsy Logistics Bring to the Table?

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.

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Swiggy Retains Full Control

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.

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BluSmart’s Pet Rides: The Electric Cab Service That’s Beating Uber & Ola with 100% Pet-Friendly Travel in Delhi-NCR

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Danish Giant ECCO Expands in India: Opens Three New Stores in Mumbai & Delhi, Aims for 2026 Domination

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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.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

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.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

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.

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Shah Rukh Khan Joins Elan Group as Brand Ambassador: Bollywood King to Elevate ₹10,000 Crore Realty Empire

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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.”

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

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.”

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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.”

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