From Farm to Fortune: KisaanSay Raises $2M to Revolutionize India’s Food Chain
KisaanSay, a food brand dedicated to sourcing directly from farmer collectives across India, has secured $2 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Jungle Ventures through its First Cheque@Jungle platform, with additional support from seasoned leaders in the food industry.
What is KisaanSay?
Founded by Nitin Puri, Manoj Karki, and Vaishali Mehta, KisaanSay focuses on creating a transparent and ethical food supply chain. The company works closely with over 20 farmer collectives, representing more than 50,000 farmers, to source, process, and package products directly at the origin. With a portfolio of 80+ products spanning 12 categories, KisaanSay operates on a unique co-brand and co-profit model, ensuring better earnings for farmers while offering consumers high-quality, minimally processed food.
The brand’s products are available across multiple channels, including e-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer sales, and retail stores in the Delhi NCR region. By prioritizing fairness and transparency, KisaanSay seeks to benefit both farmers and consumers, delivering healthier and fresher food options.
What’s Next for KisaanSay?
The new funding will be used to scale operations, introduce new products, and expand the company’s distribution network. Additional investments will be made in marketing and building a dedicated team to support their ambitious growth plans.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jungle Ventures to the KisaanSay family,” said Nitin Puri, Co-Founder of KisaanSay. “From the moment we signed the term sheet to finalizing the deal, Amit and Rishab from Jungle have been instrumental in guiding us through the process. Now that they’re officially on board, we’re even more excited about the journey ahead. With their expertise, we’re confident in taking KisaanSay from idea to IPO.”
Fambo’s Recipe for Success: A Dash of AI, a Sprinkle of $2.5 Million, and a Whole Lot of Fresh Produce
Fambo, a foodtech startup, has secured INR 21 Crore in a Pre-Series A funding round, led by EV2 Ventures and joined by investors like Rajesh Sawhney and several Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs).
This funding represents a key moment for the company, which focuses on cutting down food waste, boosting farmer incomes, and delivering innovative food solutions to the market.
Launched in March 2022, Fambo bridges the gap between farmers and food businesses like hotels, restaurants, and cloud kitchens through its AI-powered platform. This system ensures fresh produce, reduces waste, and maintains product quality. The company also operates a high-tech Micro-Processing Centre, offering semi-processed food products that help businesses save costs, improve operational consistency, and simplify their workflows.
With this new round of funding, Fambo plans to expand its reach across India, launch an export vertical, invest in advanced technology, and grow its network of partner farms. Currently, the startup supplies over 500 restaurants and cloud kitchens, including well-known names such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Farzi Café, and Barbeque Nation. Karan Mittal, General Partner at EV2 Ventures, praised Fambo’s digital-first approach, emphasizing how the company streamlines the supply chain by eliminating intermediaries, benefiting both restaurants and farmers.
The company’s growth strategy centers on its unique PDP (Platform-Delivery-Product) model, combining tech, efficiency, and sustainability. Fambo’s AI-powered platform helps restaurants manage their supply chain, while its Micro-Processing Centre in Noida produces value-added items like pre-cut vegetables, sauces, and frozen goods. These innovations reduce preparation time, improve consistency, and lower waste. Fambo, which turned profitable in Q3 FY 2024-25, generated INR 18 Crore in revenue in 2024. Looking ahead, it plans R&D collaborations with universities to expand its product range and serve more customers.
House of Chikankari Lands Funding with Shark Tank’s Peyush Bansal and Top Investors
Delhi-based ethnic wear startup House of Chikankari has secured seed funding from prominent angel investors and micro-VCs, including Tudip Ventures, Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), Manoj Meena (Atomberg), Ankit Nagori (Curefoods), Hitesh Dhingra (The Man Company), Alluvium Capital, and Aurinko Partners.
While the exact amount remains undisclosed, the funding is set to propel the brand’s growth.
Founded in 2020 by Aakriti Rawal and Poonam Rawal, House of Chikankari blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Known for its authentic, hand-embroidered Chikankari pieces sourced from Lucknow artisans, the brand aims to preserve these age-old techniques while making them appealing to today’s fashion-conscious audience.
“The Indian handicraft market is largely fragmented, with issues like inconsistent sourcing and questionable authenticity. At House of Chikankari, we’ve tackled these hurdles by working directly with artisan communities to ensure both quality and fair practices. Our designs reimagine traditional crafts for younger generations,” said CEO Aakriti Rawal.
Boba Bhai’s Big Leap: Mohit Sadaani Celebrates Partnership with Dhruv Kohli to Bring K-Culture to India
In a recent LinkedIn post, Mohit Sadaani, MD of DeVC, shared his excitement about doubling down on DeVC’s partnership with Dhruv Kohli and Boba Bhai. The announcement came alongside the news of Boba Bhai securing a ₹30 crore follow-on investment led by 8i Ventures, with participation from Titan Capital, Global Growth Capital, and DeVC.
DeVC made its initial investment in Boba Bhai in April 2024, impressed by Dhruv Kohli’s exceptional track record and glowing recommendations from DeVC Collective members, including Aakrit Vaish and Miten Sampat (peercheque), Harshil and Shashank (Mars Shot Ventures), and Arjun Vaidya.
Mohit Sadaani’s LinkedIn Post Highlights Boba Bhai’s Remarkable Journey
According to Mohit, Boba Bhai has exceeded all expectations in its first year. The brand fulfills 80,000 orders per month with an average order value (AOV) of ₹400, translating to ₹3.2 crore in monthly sales. This rapid growth is bolstered by overwhelming customer love, which DeVC experienced firsthand during diligence visits to Boba Bhai outlets. The team has also expanded its product portfolio, with plans to launch its own ice cream following extensive culinary R&D.
Looking ahead, Boba Bhai has ambitious growth plans. It aims to scale from 42 outlets to over 150 by the end of this year—an upward revision from its earlier target of 100 stores by December 2025. Additionally, the business plans to expand its CPG (consumer packaged goods) range, enter Quick Commerce channels, and strengthen its presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Aakash Kumar, Mohit’s partner at DeVC, praised Dhruv’s ability to scale rapidly and diversify the business from QSR to FMCG products and beyond. Mohit concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, describing it as a journey to bring K-culture to India at an unprecedented scale.
Your Constraints Don’t Define Your Fortune: Trisha Rajani’s Guide for Startups to Turn Limits into Opportunities
Trisha Rajani recently shared an insightful post on LinkedIn, highlighting how resourcefulness and creativity can drive startup success without requiring massive budgets. Drawing from real-world examples, she demonstrated how constraints can spark innovative strategies that leave a lasting impact.
She began by recalling Aman Gupta’s ingenious approach in boAt’s early days. Gupta hired people to visit electronics stores and casually ask for boAt headphones. This simple tactic created a sense of demand among shopkeepers, who quickly began stocking the brand. Not only did this generate traction, but it also provided valuable market insights—all at zero cost.
Trisha Rajani’s Take on Creative Marketing for Startups
Trisha also spotlighted Tiger Balm’s clever marketing strategy. Targeting concert-goers as events ended, the brand sold their balm to people dealing with headaches and muscle pain right at their moment of need. It wasn’t just selling a product—it was solving a problem, and in doing so, creating strong brand recall.
Another example came from Jeevansathi.com, which stood out at a Diljit Dosanjh concert by handing out water bottles to singles. The bottles carried a witty message: “If you were on Jeevansathi, you’d be holding hands, not a bottle.” The campaign was low-cost, but its humor and relevance made it a perfect way to connect with their target audience.
Trisha also shared her own experience, recalling how her team distributed Livitup samples at bars to engage with the right audience in the right setting. By partnering with chemists in key areas, they replicated a strategy similar to Aman’s, ensuring their product was accessible where it mattered most.
For Trisha, these examples are proof that early-stage founders don’t need deep pockets to make an impact. She emphasized that constraints force you to think creatively, find innovative ways to connect with customers, and outsmart the competition, even when you can’t outspend them.
Senco Gold & Diamonds launches wedding season campaign, showcasing the beautiful bond between a grandmother & her granddaughter
Senco Gold & Diamonds have partnered with Garage Worldwide, releasing a new wedding season campaign titled as “Khushiyon ki Reet” (Tradition of Joy).
The brand believes that jewellery is much more than just an embellishment and it evokes the joy that comes with the celebration of heritage, the happiness that exudes out of skilled craftsmanship, spreading across generations to come. The campaign is targeted towards those Indian consumers who believe in embracing their roots while having admiration towards the most modern and contemporary styles of the present times and establishes strong connections with its consumers. The tagline “Khushiyon Ki Reet (Tradition of joy) aptly reflects this ideology.
The campaign speaks of the beauty that Senco creates with its expertise craftsmanship, reviving jewellery design which is of the past and crafting exquisite jewellery pieces of the contemporary times, building a deep connection between the past and the present. Often people are inclined to try jewellery which reflects the design trends of the current times, and is evolved, translating to changing with the times, however Senco breaks this notion with its latest campaign showing how the granddaughter is very much fond of the old necklace that her grand mother has worn during her own wedding and its design which is reflective of the cultural traditions of the family. Thus Senco bridges the gap between the old and the new, blending tradition with modernity.
Continue exploring : Senco Gold in talks to acquire struggling online jewellery brand Melorra for INR 40-50 Cr
The ad film narrates the heartouching story of a young bride who witnesses the wedding necklace of her grandmother in an old photo album and breathes new life into it with the elegant craftsmanship of Senco. The film’s narrative encapsulates the true essence of the ‘Tradition of joy’, turning it into a touching celebration of family, love, and memories that are cherished forever.
Commenting on the concept of the campaign, Joita Sen, Director & Head of Marketing & Design at Senco Gold & Diamonds said: “At Senco, every piece that we craft celebrates the innovation, history, and lasting happiness that is derived from both creating and being dressed in something that is exceptional. Khushiyon ki Reet captures the brand’s soul and the profound connection that it has with its consumers. Since I grew up in Kolkata, I have witnessed the great brand equity that Senco has been enjoying for decades as a premium jewelry brand. The Vivaah Collection campaign is a reflection of the combination of contemporaneity and heritage, which appeals to the newer generation of Indians who get to rediscover the beauty that comes with traditions in modern ways. It exquisitely expresses the story of legacy, love, and the enduring allure of beautifully created wedding jewelry, portraying the unconventional bond between a granddaughter and grandmother.”
Raj Nair, CCO of Garage Worldwide commented: “I have grown up in Kolkata and I very much know about Senco’s brand equity as a premium jewellery brand for decades in West Bengal and Kolkata. Being able to work on a brand that one has been aware of for decades is a great opportunity in itself. The chemistry shared with the brand team from day one has led to this new campaign for the Vivaah Collection. This is a part of the series of initiatives that Garage is bringing alive to aesthetes of artistic, modern, and beautifully created gold and diamond jewelry. Senco has a wonderful tradition of crafting exquisitely crafted pieces of jewellery and this story places a focus on the love for aesthetic wedding jewellery that is shared through a pleasing story between a granddaughter and her grandmother and has been brought alive in a beautiful way by Priyanka Ghose, the director, and Akhil Iyer of Artists Collective, who is the producer.”
Sanjay Deshmukh, Garage Worldwide, CEO further said: “It was a remarkable joint effort from the Senco and Garage Worldwide teams. Weddings are considered to be one of the biggest occasions for buying jewellery and in a truly Indian traditional way, we wished to encapsulate the originality of the bride of today, and the relationship that she is sharing with the eldest family member.”
In addition, Senco and Garage Worldwide teams are working on another campaign to be released soon.
Senco has a powerful presence in West Bengal, expanding its reach in the country in a rapid way with more than 160 showrooms.
NARS Cosmetics leads retail expansion in India: Launches in Nykaa
Makeup artist and photographer Francois Nars founded French global makeup brand NARS Cosmetics has led the expansion of its retail presence in India with launch in Nykaa both online and offline in certain stores. The objective of the collaboration with Nykaa is to give Indian consumers more access to NARS Cosmetics products, thereby meeting the growing demand for premium beauty products.
The international cosmetics brand sells products such as radiant creamy concealer, orgasm blush, and light-reflecting foundation. Indian makeup lovers will now have access to such products on Nykaa.
NARS Cosmetics made its official foray into India in November 2023 with the opening of its first boutique in Select CityWalkMall in New Delhi, India. NARS Cosmetics is famous for products that consumers can personalize according to their needs and preferences, making them feel connected to other beauty enthusiasts.
Speaking about this collaboration, Sanjay Sharma, India country head, of Shiseido Group said: “Entering into a collaboration with Nykaa is a great stepping stone for NARS in India as we keep on expanding our reach and presence in this diversified market. This partnership is in alignment with our vision of crafting purposeful touchpoints for consumers, and giving them more access to our products, further providing them the chance to experience, explore, and cherish NARS’ Cosmetics approach to beauty that is driven by artistry. NARS has always stood up for the empowerment of individuals to make an expression through art and we have the belief that is partnership will be a source of inspiration and establish a connection with an even wider audience of beauty enthusiasts present across India.”
Anchit Nayar, CEO & Executive Director of Nykaa Beauty, commented: “We are very committed to introducing the best beauty brands at Nykaa, those resonating with the desires and preferences of our consumers in their strive towards supremacy and innovation. NARS Cosmetics which is known for its striking artistry and enduring products is a brand that has long been admired by us. We are excited to make the introduction of NARS on our platform and are very confident that it will motivate our consumers to embrace their distinctive beauty, further pushing the boundaries of self-expression.”
Swiggy Sports soon to begin operations: MCA gives approval
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has given the nod to Swiggy Sports which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiggy for beginning operations officially.
The filing stated: “Swiggy’s wholly owned subsidiary, Swiggy Sports Private Limited’s incorporation has been approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Central Processing Centre on January 15th, 2025.”
This initiative indicates Swiggy’s larger vision to become a prominent player in the sports industry. An all inclusive strategy has been defined by Swiggy Sports which involves talent development, sports facility operation, team ownership and management, event organisation, sponsorship and broadcasting rights, career services.
The update was shared by Swiggy in a regulatory filing.
Swiggy’s foray into the sports industry is a part of the company’s broader strategy to make expansion beyond food delivery. In the month of November, 2024, the ownership rights of Mumbai pickleball team were acquired by Swiggy.
Campa Cola Takes on the Middle East: Reliance’s Bold Move Against Coca-Cola and PepsiCo
Reliance Industries is gearing up to introduce Campa Cola in the Middle East, marking the brand’s first international expansion.
Known for its disruptive pricing strategy in India, Campa Cola has quickly shaken up the carbonated drink market, challenging the dominance of global giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo with lower prices and more favorable trade margins.
Under Mukesh Ambani’s leadership, Reliance plans to take the same approach in the Middle East, where Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are reportedly facing significant pressure due to a regional boycott movement linked to US foreign policy, particularly its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that Campa Cola shipments from India have already arrived in Bahrain, and the brand is preparing to expand further into markets like Oman and Saudi Arabia over the coming months.
Apple Breaks into India’s Top 5 Smartphone Brands: A Historic Milestone
Apple is making significant strides in the Indian market, securing its position as one of the top five smartphone brands in the country for the first time. This marks a major milestone for the tech giant, especially considering India’s price-sensitive consumer base.
During the September to December 2024 festive quarter, Apple achieved an impressive 9–10 percent market share, a record high since its iPhone launch in India. This remarkable performance reflects the brand’s growing appeal, as reported by market research firms IDC and Counterpoint Research.
Capitalizing on this momentum, Apple is also ramping up its manufacturing efforts in India. The production of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is now being carried out locally by its partners Foxconn and Pegatron. Additionally, Apple is expanding its AirPods manufacturing capabilities in Pune and plans to set up a production unit for AirPods in Telangana by 2025.
Apple’s commitment to local production continues to grow, with a portfolio of India-made products that includes iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods. While some iPad production has been moved to Vietnam, the Indian government is actively encouraging Apple to increase its local assembly of iPads.
In the financial year 2023-24, Apple India posted a 23 percent increase in net profit, reaching Rs 2,745.7 crore, driven largely by strong iPhone sales. Revenue surged 36 percent to Rs 67,121.6 crore. Analysts predict that Apple will maintain this growth trajectory in the current fiscal year, fueled by the rising demand for its products.
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