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KIBI Sports Secures $100,000 to Empower Athletes and Transform Sports Collaboration

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KIBI Sports Secures $100,000 to Empower Athletes and Transform Sports Collaboration

Sports-tech startup KIBI Sports, founded by former national-level athlete Sagar Rai, has raised $100,000 in a fresh funding round led by prominent angel investors, including Saurabh Aggarwal, Arpit Bhardwaj, Vartika Joshi, Suryansh Jain, Pranjal Bansal, Amit Kumar Sahu, Pratibha Rani, and Sushila.

Latest Funding Builds on Earlier Cash Injections 

This latest funding builds on an earlier investment of $129,000, providing KIBI Sports with the resources to expand its reach, enhance its technology, and scale its operations. Sagar Rai, having competed in five different sports during his athletic career, was motivated by his own experiences to address the hurdles faced by athletes, from limited financial backing to a lack of professional opportunities.

Continue Exploring: Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

KIBI Sports aims to bridge the gap between athletes, brands, and institutions by fostering collaboration through its unique platform. The startup generates revenue through three core offerings:

  1. A digital marketplace for sports gear and merchandise.
  2. A sponsorship platform that connects athletes and sports institutions with potential brand partners.
  3. An event management system for booking and registering sports events.

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

With a focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, KIBI Sports is championing underrepresented sports and unearthing talent from regions often overlooked by mainstream initiatives. The platform currently boasts over 20,000 athletes and 800 sports institutions, along with numerous sponsorship deals

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No Bartender? No Problem! Topcan Has You Covered

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No Bartender? No Problem! Topcan Has You Covered

Ronak Jaiswal and Nishchay Kaura often found themselves frustrated as college students trying to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail. The process was always more complicated than it needed to be—too many steps, tools, and time. This sparked a thought: why wasn’t there an easy way to mix personalized cocktails on the go?

Continue Exploring: Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

While the beverage market offered a wide range of options, none seemed to make cocktail mixing both simple and customizable. That’s when the idea for Topcan Beverages was born.

Topcan Beverages: Revolutionizing Cocktails with Convenience and Customization

What began as a casual college hobby of mixing drinks quickly turned into something more serious. “We wanted a more practical and convenient way to enjoy a drink,” Ronak said, reflecting on their initial inspiration.

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

The duo realized that packaging their cocktail ideas in a convenient can could fill the gap. By offering a pre-mixed cocktail with space for a customizable spirit, they could offer an entirely new experience. This idea, born from fun experimentation, soon became an obsession.

What made Topcan truly unique wasn’t just the idea—it was the execution. Their cans hold 250ML of pre-mixed cocktail but leave 80ML of room for the consumer to add their spirit of choice. The fully removable lid makes it easy to add the alcohol, shake, and enjoy—all without the fuss.

“We wanted to create something where you could simply pop the lid, pour in your favorite spirit, shake it, and enjoy a perfectly mixed drink,” explained Nishchay.

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Bangalore’s Culinary Scene Gets a Makeover with Lumara’s Grand Opening

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Bangalore’s Culinary Scene Gets a Makeover with Lumara’s Grand Opening

This winter, MG Road welcomes Lumara, an all-day dining resto-bar that blends global flavors, elegant design, and Bangalore’s laid-back vibe. Created by Arjun Hegde and Akshay Patil, with operations led by Vivek Gunjikar, Lumara reimagines premium dining with a focus on style, comfort, and a connection to nature.

Spanning 9,000 square feet and accommodating up to 265 guests, Lumara’s open-air layout is a nod to Bangalore’s famed weather. The space seamlessly merges Mediterranean-inspired aesthetics with parametric architecture, incorporating materials like bamboo and rattan to create a relaxing yet contemporary environment. 

Lumara Opens on MG Road, Bringing an Elevated Dining Experience to Bangalore

By day, natural light and soft breezes set the tone, while evenings transform the venue into an atmospheric retreat with warm lighting and cozy vibes.

Continue Exploring: Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

Lumara’s interiors are a study in contrasts—balancing the nostalgic charm of old Bangalore with the energy and innovation of the city’s modern side. The dynamic design shifts throughout the day, offering guests a fresh perspective each time they visit, whether for a casual brunch or an intimate dinner.

The Menu is Super Thoughtfully Crafted 

The menu is as thoughtfully curated as the space, showcasing a diverse range of globally inspired dishes. Standout options include the refreshing Granny Smith & Feta Salad, a mix of crisp apples, creamy feta, and greens tossed in honey-lime vinaigrette. For something heartier, the Angara Chicken Tikka delivers a bold burst of smoky, spiced flavors in every bite.

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

Lumara isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a serene daytime spot to unwind or a vibrant evening destination, Lumara is set to become a must-visit for Bangaloreans seeking a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience.

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From Capital to Catwalk: GetVantage Brands Join Myntra’s D2C Spotlight

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From Capital to Catwalk: GetVantage Brands Join Myntra’s D2C Spotlight

Bangalore, January 7, 2025: Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion e-commerce platforms, is stepping up its efforts to support direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands through its exclusive D2C Rising Star initiative. 

As part of this push, Myntra has partnered with GetVantage, a leading embedded B2B fintech and growth capital platform, to extend this program to GetVantage’s portfolio of brands.

GetVantage Teams Up with Myntra to Boost D2C Brands Through Rising Star Initiative

This invite-only initiative will give selected GetVantage-backed brands, such as Tjori, Valkyre, Ornaz, Nua Woman, Jade Forest, and Elaver Sports, access to Myntra’s platform scale, trend-driven insights, and dedicated account management services. Participating brands will benefit from enhanced visibility, including a dedicated icon on Myntra’s homepage and curated brand stores designed to maximize customer engagement.

Continue Exploring: Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

“Myntra’s platform opens doors for our brands to scale quickly and connect with a trend-conscious audience,” said Bhavik Vasa, Founder of GetVantage. “Our partnership reinforces our commitment to empowering India’s emerging D2C businesses with strategic opportunities and resources to accelerate their growth.”

About GetVantage 

Since its launch in 2020, GetVantage has built a robust portfolio of nearly 2,000 small businesses across 18+ sectors by offering cashflow-based financing solutions. This collaboration with Myntra aligns with its vision to support ambitious D2C brands looking to scale.

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

Myntra’s D2C Rising Star program aims to onboard 500 promising D2C brands across fashion, beauty, and grooming, providing them access to its 150 million trend-focused customers. Brands participating in the program have reported substantial benefits, including up to 2-3x growth in demand.

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Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons expands with new stores in New Delhi and Pune

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Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons expands with new stores in New Delhi and Pune

Fashion jewellery brand Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons (PNGS) has made its debut in New Delhi with a new store at Kapil Vihar, marking its entry into the Delhi metro area. Simultaneously, the brand expanded its presence in Maharashtra by launching a franchise store in Pimple Saudagar, Pune, according to a company press release.

Vision for Accessible Jewellery

“As we step into a promising New Year, these store openings represent more than just expansion—they reflect our vision to make premium, accessible jewellery a part of everyday life across India,” said Aditya Modak, co-founder of Gargi by PNGS. He emphasised the importance of connecting with local communities through these new outlets.

Continue Exploring: Luxury Jewellery Brand Giva Registers 66% Revenue Growth To INR 274 Cr – Snackfax

The Kapil Vihar store in Pitampura and the Pune franchise further bolster Gargi’s growing market presence and aim to empower local entrepreneurs.

Growth Strategy for 2025

Gargi, launched in 2021 under the artificial jewellery segment by the 200-year-old PNGS brand, operates eight exclusive outlets across Mumbai and Delhi and sells through its online platform and over 25 shop-in-shops (SIS) in Shoppers Stop.

The company is targeting Rs 100 crore in revenue by March 2025, leveraging the legacy and support of its parent brand, P N Gadgil & Sons, which has an annual turnover exceeding Rs 10,000 crore.

Continue Exploring: Titan Sees 24% Q3 Revenue Growth, Boosted By Festive Jewellery Demand – Snackfax

Gargi’s growth plan includes opening 10 company-owned stores and expanding its shop-in-shop presence nationwide.

Aiming to Redefine Fashion Jewellery

“The openings in Pune and Delhi mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for Gargi as it sets its sights on further growth and innovation in 2025,” the company stated. With a focus on customer-centric design and immersive brand experiences, Gargi is poised to redefine India’s fashion jewellery landscape, one milestone at a time.

This expansion signifies Gargi’s ambition to bring affordable, high-quality jewellery to a broader audience while strengthening its position in India’s fast-evolving fashion jewellery market.

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FMCG companies face margin pressure amid inflation and high input costs

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FMCG companies face margin pressure amid inflation and high input costs

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are grappling with inflation, higher input costs, and price hikes, leading to a contraction in gross margins and flat-to-modest operating profit in the October-December quarter.

Several FMCG players, including Dabur and Marico, expect low single-digit revenue growth due to rising costs of raw materials such as copra, palm oil, and vegetable oil.

Rural Markets Outshine Urban Amid Inflation

Despite implementing price hikes to offset inflationary pressures, urban markets struggled with subdued consumption amid high food inflation. However, rural markets, which account for over one-third of the FMCG sector, performed relatively better.

Continue Exploring: India’s Food Processing Boom: A Game-changer For FMCG Hiring In 2025-26 – Snackfax

Dabur’s quarterly update highlighted “low single-digit growth” and “flattish operating profit” due to inflationary headwinds in some segments. The company said that modern trade, e-commerce, and quick commerce saw robust growth, while general trade, comprising neighborhood kirana stores, faced challenges.

Marico, too, expects “modest” operating profit growth, citing higher-than-anticipated inflation in key inputs like copra and vegetable oil. The company reported steady demand trends, driven by improving rural consumption, while urban demand remained stable compared to the previous quarter.

Urban demand remains weak due to inflation, low wage growth, and higher housing costs. It projects this trend to persist for two to three more quarters, while rural demand is gradually recovering, aided by favorable rains and government freebies.

Continue Exploring: Packaging With A Purpose: How FMCG Is Driving Sustainability Forward – Snackfax

Rising Costs and Seasonal Challenges

Categories like soaps, snacks, and tea face significant margin pressure due to approximately 30% year-on-year inflation in palm oil and tea. Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller packs, which has negatively impacted sales volumes. Additionally, the late onset of winter dampened demand for seasonal products such as body lotions and Chyawanprash.

Despite current challenges, the FMCG sector remains optimistic about long-term growth, supported by rural resilience and evolving consumer preferences.

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Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

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Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

Founded in 2015 by Pankaj Vermani, Neha Kant, Suman Chowdhury, Soumya Kant, and Abhay Batra, Clovia has emerged as a leading Indian lingerie and apparel brand. 

The brand has served over five million women and aims to expand its reach to 50 million within four years. “You can’t sell to a woman based solely on form and function; you need to connect with her imagination and ambitions,” said Neha Kant, Founder and Director of Clovia, emphasising the importance of customer engagement through joy and positivity.

Continue Exploring: Clovia Enlists Manushi Chhillar As Its New Brand Ambassador – Snackfax

Growing Revenue

The brand is backed by Reliance Retail, the brand has carved its niche by delivering quality products under the theme of ‘joy.’ Its best selling product, the bra, remains a cornerstone of its success, significantly contributing to its revenue.

Clovia has a strong foothold in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which generate 65% of its revenue. In FY24, Clovia recorded revenue of ₹279.24 crore. It expanded its physical presence by launching its general trade model in 2,000 multi-brand outlets (MBOs), entering 600 large-format stores, and opening 13 new exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), taking the total to 75.

Women led success 

The company takes pride in its 66% women workforce and has Shraddha Kapoor and Manushi Chhillar as brand ambassadors. Recently, Clovia diversified its portfolio by introducing John Players Men’s innerwear and kids’ nightwear.

Leveraging its in-house technology stack, Clovia developed proprietary tools like the bra fit-test, which boasts a 70% conversion rate and drives a fivefold higher customer lifetime value (LTV) than direct buyers. The company’s integrated supply chain ensures product quality and operational efficiency.


Continue Exploring: Lingerie Retailer Zivame Suffers 34% Net Loss To INR 39 Cr In FY24 – Snackfax

Clovia’s journey began in 2012 with a vision to disrupt India’s lingerie market. Despite funding challenges, the brand’s innovative approach helped it challenge established players like Zivame, eventually leading to its ₹950 crore acquisition by Reliance.

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

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

Mobility aids and wellness solutions brand NONSTOP has opened its first flagship store in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area, offering a wide range of innovative products aimed at enhancing independence and comfort for individuals with mobility challenges.

The store features an extensive lineup, including wheelchairs, walkers, orthopaedic cushions, and bathroom safety aids. Additionally, it introduces a premium European brand of adult diapers to the Indian market.

“Opening our flagship store in Mumbai is a testament to our vision of empowering individuals with dignity and independence, this store reinforces our dedication to delivering innovative mobility and wellness solutions to a wider audience”, said Iftekhar Ahmed, CEO of NONSTOP.

Continue Exploring: Bodycraft Opens 22nd Beauty & Wellness Clinic In Dehradun – Snackfax

A Hub for Global Mobility Brands

NONSTOP’s store showcases leading international brands like Whill from Japan, Vermeiren from Belgium, and GoChirp and iWALKFree from the USA. It also includes products from its own private label, MEXPLE, designed in the USA. Offering interactive displays and personalized consultations, the store provides customers a hands-on shopping experience.

Star-Studded Inauguration

The store was inaugurated by former bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, who praised NONSTOP’s mission to improve lives. “This store is more than a retail space—it’s a step towards enabling people to reclaim their freedom and confidence,” Bijlani said.

Continue Exploring: Samantha Prabhu Invests In D2C Wellness Brand Secret Alchemist, Joins As Co-founder – Snackfax

A Game-Changer in Healthcare

NONSTOP, operated by Greenpioneer Mobility Private Limited, aims to set new standards in personal mobility and rehabilitation. Its products cater to those recovering from surgery, dealing with disabilities, or managing age-related conditions.

Empowering Lives

Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers improve functional capacity, reduce stress on joints, and enhance independence. These devices are particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis, cerebral palsy, or walking impairments.

By providing cutting-edge products and exceptional after-sales support, NONSTOP aims to revolutionise mobility solutions in India, making life easier for seniors and those with temporary or permanent disabilities.

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Nykaa reports strong Q3 growth in beauty segment, stock rises 4%

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Nykaa reports strong Q3 growth in beauty segment, stock rises 4%

FSN E-commerce Ventures, the parent company of Nykaa, reported robust growth in its beauty vertical for the December quarter, with net revenue growth surpassing mid-20% levels. The company also expects gross merchandise value (GMV) for the segment to grow in the low 30% range, reflecting strong momentum across its e-commerce platform, retail stores, owned brands, and eB2B distribution.

In its exchange filing, Nykaa noted that growth in its beauty vertical has accelerated compared to previous quarters. Brokerage firm JM Financial echoed this sentiment in a research note, estimating core beauty and personal care (BPC) GMV growth between 26.5% and 28.5% year-on-year.

“This quells concerns about quick commerce (QC) expansion impacting Nykaa. On the contrary, growth in this segment is accelerating,” the report stated, emphasising Nykaa’s strong discovery-led shopping experience, bolstered by extensive product content and reviews.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Reigns, Luxury Grows, And Men Join In: Key Insights From Nykaa’s Report – Snackfax

Improving Delivery Timelines

Nykaa has also been reducing delivery times on its platform without significant investment that might impact profitability. During the second quarter earnings call, Nykaa Beauty CEO Anchit Nayar highlighted efforts to expedite deliveries while maintaining healthy revenue margins.

Fashion Vertical Shows Modest Growth

While Nykaa’s beauty segment thrived, its fashion vertical showed more subdued performance. The company expects net revenue growth of about 20% in this segment, with net sales value growth anticipated in the low to mid-teens. This follows the recent resignation of Nihir Parikh, CEO of the fashion vertical, due to personal reasons.

Continue Exploring: Nihir Parikh Steps Down As CEO Of Nykaa Fashion! – Snackfax

Stock Rises

Nykaa’s shares climbed 4% on the BSE on Monday, closing at Rs 174.62, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

In Q2 FY24, Nykaa reported a 24% year-on-year rise in operating revenue, totaling Rs 1,875 crore, with consolidated net profit surging 66% to Rs 13 crore.

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Titan Sees 24% Q3 Revenue Growth, Boosted by Festive Jewellery Demand

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Titan Sees 24% Q3 Revenue Growth, Boosted by Festive Jewellery Demand

Indian jeweller and watchmaker Titan Company reported an estimated 24% rise in third-quarter revenue, driven by robust domestic festive demand for jewellery. The company, which derives 87% of its revenue from its jewellery business, attributed the growth to strong consumer traction during festivals like Diwali and Dussehra, considered auspicious for gold purchases.

This marks a continued upward trend, following a 22% revenue increase in the same period last year. Titan’s jewellery division, which includes popular brands such as Tanishq and CaratLane, saw a 26% year-on-year growth in the quarter ending December 31.

Contine Exploring: Naveen Dadlani Takes The Helm At Titan’s Retail Services Division – Snackfax

Gold Sales Surge

Sales of plain gold jewellery grew 24%, while gold coin sales jumped 48%, reflecting strong investment-driven purchases. Gold demand in India, the world’s second-largest buyer of the metal, typically peaks during the wedding season and festive months. A reduction in gold import duties in July further bolstered demand by making prices more attractive.

Other Segments Shine

Titan’s watches and wearables segment, which includes brands like Fastrack and Coach, recorded 15% revenue growth during the quarter, showcasing the company’s diversified success.

Continue Exploring: Titan Company Premiumizes Watch Line, Base Price Now INR 3,000 – Snackfax

The quarterly performance lifted Titan’s shares by 1.8% in early trading on Monday, signaling investor confidence in its festive-driven strategy and long-term growth potential.

As gold continues to be a favored investment and cultural symbol in India, Titan is well-positioned to capitalize on its strong brand presence and growing consumer base.

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