Deeptech Startup Proxgy Secures Funding from Ajinkya Rahane, Suniel Shetty, and Nikhil Kamath
Delhi NCR-based deeptech startup Proxgy has secured funding from Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane as part of its $3 million (approximately INR 25.6 crore) Series A funding round.
High Profile Investors Back Proxgy
The round also drew investments from Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, actor and producer Suniel Shetty, industrialist Vinod Duggar, and CMG Group partner Manish Patel.
The fresh funds will be used to scale Proxgy’s operations, expand its product lineup, and strengthen its presence in global markets. “This investment will help us take innovative solutions like SmartHat, Sleefe, and Lockator to industries where they’re most needed,” said Pulkit Ahuja, co-founder and CEO of Proxgy. Founded in 2020 by Ahuja, Proxgy develops IoT-based smart wearables and safety devices aimed at improving workplace safety and efficiency for blue-collar workers. Its portfolio includes products like SmartHat, Sleefe, Lockator, Audiopad, AirHat, and BirdBox.
The Startup Shot to Fame after Shark Tank India Appearance
The startup gained widespread attention after appearing on Shark Tank India, where it secured INR 1 crore in funding from Lenskart co-founder Peyush Bansal and former BharatPe MD Ashneer Grover. Following its appearance, Proxgy shifted to a B2B-focused model to better align with industry needs.
In October 2022, Proxgy raised $2 million in a pre-Series A round from investors such as LetsVenture, Planify Angel Fund, and the Mach Tech Fund. For FY24, the company reported revenue of INR 8.9 crore and claims to generate a monthly recurring revenue of INR 70 lakh. It has set a target of reaching INR 40 crore in revenue for FY25 as it focuses on profitability and growth.
Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal, Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath Back Sparkl Edventure
Sparkl Edventure, an online tutoring platform founded by edtech veteran Aakash Chaudhry, has secured $4 million in seed funding.
The funding round was led by Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal and Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath, who invested through Rainmatter, his fintech and sustainability-focused fund.
Aakash Chaudhry’s Sparkl Edventure Bags Major Investment
Chaudhry, well-known for spearheading the $950 million acquisition of Aakash Educational Services Ltd. (AESL) by Byju’s, launched Sparkl in October. The platform focuses on personalized, one-on-one tutoring for students in grades 6 to 12, with a particular emphasis on those studying under the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge curricula.
Sparkl addresses a gap in the Indian education market, where parents often struggle to find skilled tutors familiar with the distinctive demands of international boards. “The IB and Cambridge systems are vastly different from CBSE or state boards, and the expertise required is hard to come by,” said Chaudhry. He also noted that the segment’s higher income demographic makes the one-on-one model viable.
Sparkle’s Current Offerings
Currently, Sparkl offers tutoring in subjects like math, science, languages, and business studies, with plans to expand into test prep for global exams like the SAT and ACT. The platform has already enrolled students from cities such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and even internationally in Singapore. It aims to broaden its reach by the 2025-26 academic year.
Chaudhry’s edtech journey began with Aakash Educational Services, the family-run test prep giant founded by his father, J.C. Chaudhry, in 1988. During his tenure, Aakash became a leader in coaching for engineering and medical entrance exams. In 2020, the company acquired Meritnation.com, co-founded by Pavan Chauhan and Ritesh Hemrajani—both of whom now play key roles at Sparkl.
Nandini Launches Whey-Infused Idli-Dosa Batter for a Healthier Breakfast
Nandini, the beloved brand from Karnataka’s Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), has introduced a new ready-to-cook idli-dosa batter enriched with 5% whey protein.
This innovation aims to make the classic South Indian breakfast more nutritious and accessible for busy urban dwellers. Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, officially launched the product on Wednesday.
The Rationale Behind this Product
In a press statement, KMF highlighted the growing trend among city residents, who, due to hectic lifestyles, often find it difficult to prepare home-cooked meals. As a result, there’s an increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food options that are both quick and nutritious.
To meet this demand, KMF has launched a high-quality, affordable Nandini idli-dosa batter with added whey protein. The batter will be available in two sizes: 450g priced at Rs 40 and 900g at Rs 80, and will be sold at local milk parlours.
KMF plans to first gauge the product’s popularity in Bengaluru before considering expanding to other cities.
Ola Electric’s Massive Expansion: 4,000 EV Stores Across India
Ola Electric has announced a major expansion of its retail network, opening over 3,200 new outlets across India.
With this addition, the company now operates 4,000 stores nationwide, making it the largest EV retail network in the country. This aggressive move aims to boost accessibility for electric vehicles, not just in urban centers but also in smaller towns and rural areas, solidifying Ola’s position in the Indian EV market.
Ola Offering Special Benefits to Mark this Occasion
To celebrate this milestone, Ola is offering special benefits for its S1 series scooters on December 25, 2024. Customers can save up to ₹25,000 through a mix of discounts and offers, including ₹7,000 off on the S1 X series, ₹5,000 off on select credit card EMI payments, and MoveOS rewards worth ₹6,000.
In addition to its retail growth, Ola is enhancing its tech offerings with the launch of MoveOS 5, the latest version of its operating system. The update introduces innovative features like Group Navigation, Live Location Sharing, Road Trip Mode, Smart Charging, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts. The beta version is available for early registration, giving users a sneak peek at the enhanced functionality.
On the product front, Ola has unveiled the S1 Pro Sona, a limited-edition scooter featuring 24-karat gold-plated components. The S1 Pro Sona isn’t just about aesthetics—it includes a “Sona Mood” interface and a customizable MoveOS dashboard, allowing users to tailor their riding experience. This luxurious edition highlights Ola’s efforts to blend premium design with cutting-edge technology in the EV space.
Malabar Launches New Flagship Store in Amritsar, Offering Exclusive Discounts
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s sixth-largest jewelry retailer, has made its debut in Amritsar with the opening of its first showroom in North India.
Situated on Mall Road in White Avenue, the 4,000-square-foot store showcases an extensive range of gold, diamond, and gemstone jewelry.
New Flagship Store in North India
The showroom was inaugurated by Om Prakash Soni, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, in a ceremony that highlighted the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region.
Customers can explore Malabar’s signature collections, including Mine diamond jewelry, Ethnix handcrafted designs, and the Precia line of gemstone jewelry. The store also features a special bridal section with over 30,000 designs, offering everything from traditional bridal sets and solitaires to lightweight contemporary pieces.
Brand Offers Great Discounts to Mark the Occasion
To celebrate the launch, the brand is offering up to 25% discounts on making charges for gold and diamond jewelry, along with a flat 25% discount on gemstone and uncut jewelry.
Since its establishment in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has grown into a global leader in jewelry retail, operating more than 370 showrooms across 13 countries. The company also manages a wide network of offices, design centers, wholesale units, and manufacturing facilities in regions including India, the Middle East, the Far East, North America, Europe, and Australia.
Dabur Accuses Patanjali of Misleading Consumers in Chyawanprash Ad
Dabur India has filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Patanjali Ayurved, accusing the company of airing a misleading advertisement that disparages its popular ‘Chyawanprash’ product.
The case was brought before Justice Mini Pushkarna on December 24.
Dabur Sues Patanjali Over Disparaging Advertisement
According to a report by Bar and Bench, the court has issued a notice and scheduled the matter for a hearing in the final week of January to decide on potential interim relief. Dabur has urged the court to impose an immediate ban on the advertisement. While the judge initially suggested mediation to resolve the issue, she agreed to proceed with the case after Dabur argued for urgent intervention.
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Dabur’s legal counsel, Akhil Sibal, argued that the advertisement misleads the public by implying that rival brands lack the expertise or authenticity to produce genuine chyawanprash. He pointed to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which outlines specific guidelines for preparing such products, emphasizing that labeling others as inferior unfairly tarnishes Dabur’s reputation. The company currently holds over 61% of the market share in this segment.
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Patanjali’s Controversial Advertisement
The advertisement in question features Patanjali founder Swami Ramdev, who questions the knowledge of competitors, saying, “How can those who lack understanding of Ayurveda, the Vedas, and the traditions of Charak, Sushrut, Dhanwantari, and Chyawanrishi create an ‘original’ chyawanprash?” The ad has been broadcast on television and published in a Delhi newspaper, prompting Dabur to seek immediate legal redress.
A Fresh Mediterranean Experience: Sevilla Restaurant Reopens at The Claridges
The Claridges New Delhi has unveiled the highly anticipated return of Sevilla, its renowned Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant, following an extensive makeover.
The revamped space promises a fresh, immersive dining experience that delights the senses and elevates the culinary adventure.
Sevilla Makes a Much Anticipated Comeback
Sevilla, with its signature alfresco charm, has undergone a stunning transformation, now evoking the essence of the Mediterranean. The expansive restaurant, set slightly apart from the main hotel, offers a cozy blend of indoor and outdoor seating, providing a serene and intimate atmosphere for guests, according to a statement from the hotel.
Leading the charge behind Sevilla’s new menu is Chef Alex Rodriguez, whose 20 years of international culinary experience shape the revamped offerings. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Chef Rodriguez has honed his craft in top-tier establishments like the Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons, and St. Regis in New York. His culinary journey has spanned Spain, the Caribbean, and Europe, melding traditional Mediterranean flavors with innovative techniques to create a truly unique dining experience.
Chef Rodriguez shared his excitement about the new menu, saying, “Every dish at Sevilla reflects the rich culinary traditions of Spain, enhanced by modern techniques. My inspiration comes from the vibrant flavors of roasted peppers, saffron, olive oil, and fresh fish, evoking the warmth of my family’s kitchen. We’re excited to invite guests to embark on a flavorful journey through Spain and the Mediterranean here in New Delhi.”
Starbucks Workers Set to Strike Ahead of Holiday Rush, Demanding Pay Increases
Baristas at select Starbucks locations are planning to strike on Christmas Eve, starting with cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle this Friday.
Strikes Expected to Grow
The strikes are expected to grow in scale each day, spreading to more cities, as workers push for higher wages. The union, Starbucks Workers United, expressed frustration in a post on X, accusing the company of “backtracking on our promised path forward.”
The strike could lead to longer wait times for customers seeking their favorite holiday drinks and merchandise in the days leading up to Christmas, which typically sees high demand as many people shop for last-minute gifts or enjoy a break from work and school.
Relationship Between Starbucks and Union Sours
Relations between Starbucks and the union have become tense once again after a brief period of cooperation earlier this year. In February, both sides had agreed on a “foundational framework” to work toward collective bargaining agreements for individual stores. Since then, they have held over nine bargaining sessions, according to the company.
This week, Starbucks and the union held their final scheduled bargaining session of 2024. However, before the meeting, Starbucks Workers United voted to authorize a strike if the company did not offer a comprehensive proposal addressing pay and benefits. During the session, Starbucks reportedly offered no immediate pay increase, instead guaranteeing annual raises of just 1.5%. In response, Starbucks stated that the union had prematurely ended the bargaining session, leaving the talks unresolved.
Popcorn & Company Eyes Tier-2 and Tier-3 Expansion; Targets to Double Its Online Sales next year
Leveraging its Shark Tank fame and a growing consumer base, Popcorn & Company, a Delhi-based venture under Krackle Foods Private Ltd., is making popcorn popular in India’s snacking industry with its innovative gourmet popcorn offerings. Founded by seasoned entrepreneur Vikas Suri, who also leads Kitchen Rama—a commercial kitchen equipment business—the brand has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of nostalgia and modern snacking trends.
He shares, “Popcorn has tremendous potential. It’s more than just a snack; it’s an experience. Our aim is to transform the concession-style cinema snack into a mainstream option across retail and digital platforms.”
Suri, who also runs Kitchen Rama, a commercial kitchen equipment business launched the brand officially launched in late 2018 but had to fine-tune its product line during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The idea took root in 2017-18 when we were supplying concession equipment and raw materials to cinemas. We often had surplus stock and decided to utilize this capacity, giving birth to Popcorn & Company,” Suri said.
A Market with Potential
India’s organized popcorn category has expanded significantly, with the market size now pegged at INR 700-800 crore. “The snacking habits of Indian consumers are evolving, and popcorn stands out as a versatile, enjoyable, and relatively healthy option,” Suri explained. The company has seen significant year-on-year growth and high repeat customer rates, particularly for its signature Movie Night Kits.
The kits allow customers to make popcorn at home with personalized seasonings and oils. “Our bestselling flavors include caramel crisp, cheesy sriracha, and sea salt caramel. This customization and innovation are driving our momentum,” Suri noted.
The company initially started with 20 flavors but has now carefully honed its offerings based on user preferences.
Retail Strategy: From Cinemas to Streets
Popcorn & Company operates across two verticals—FMCG and retail stores. Currently, it has 10-11 stores nationwide, primarily located in malls, where fresh popcorn is served over the counter. The stores are particularly popular among children and younger audiences.
“We aim to replicate the cinema concession experience on the streets. Alongside popcorn, some stores offer hot dogs, nachos, and samosas, depending on the location. This combo approach works wonders,” Suri revealed.
FMCG sales, on the other hand, target sub-30 consumers through online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Jiomart, alongside physical distribution networks. While digital channels have been a learning curve for Suri, he emphasized the benefits of starting online. “Digital platforms provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and allow for controlled scaling,” he added.
Navigating Challenges and Eyeing Expansion
Despite the brand’s growth, scaling up in India’s fragmented retail landscape is not without its challenges. “Setting up distribution and ensuring the right price points are crucial. However, once the foundation is laid, the potential is immense,” Suri explained.
While the company has found a foothold in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, it is also keen on expanding into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. However this ambition requires more funding. “If I had more capital, I would be the first to enter these markets. The demand is there, and the untapped potential is huge,” Suri remarked.
“We’ll open stores in locations where we see clear potential for growth, profitability. Over the next two years, I anticipate doubling our numbers, particularly in our online sales. This is a significant focus area for us, and we are working diligently to achieve it,” he added.
With popcorn as its core focus, the brand aims to build a national presence, ensuring their products are available on the shelves of every major and popular store. Additionally, expansion into general trade (GT) and modern trade (MT) is also on the cards. “For now, we’re laser-focused on building a strong foundation with popcorn as our primary offering. We’re also exploring the possibility of a funding round soon to support these growth ambitions. Let’s see how things unfold,” Suri shared.
Popcorn & Company has also reinvented several of its products to enhance its offerings, which are set to hit the market soon. Alongside this, the brand is working to stabilize its store menu, exploring combos like hot dogs and nachos to complement its core offerings.
Virgio and Ola Electric Bring Sustainable Fashion Deliveries to Your Door
Virgio, a leading name in sustainable fashion, has teamed up with Ola Electric to offer eco-friendly doorstep deliveries for the festive season.
Virgio Teams Up with Ola
Customers who place prepaid orders by December 25, 2024, will have their purchases delivered using Ola Electric’s sustainable scooters and will also have the chance to receive a full refund on their orders.
Amar Nagaram, founder and CEO of Virgio, shared that the brand aims to ensure that the spirit of giving during the holidays benefits both people and the planet. He emphasized that this collaboration with Ola Electric during Christmas is a reminder of how mindful decisions can bring added meaning to the season’s festivities.
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