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Aadit Palicha Predicts Quick Commerce Will Soon Compete with E-commerce Giants

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Aadit Palicha Predicts Quick Commerce Will Soon Compete with E-commerce Giants

Zepto co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha is confident that the quick commerce sector will rival industry giants like Amazon and Flipkart by 2025. 

In a bold LinkedIn post on New Year’s Eve, Palicha declared that 2024 will be the year people begin to recognize the true potential of quick commerce, setting the stage for a major transformation in the retail landscape. According to him, by 2025, the sector will reach a scale comparable to traditional ecommerce platforms.

Zepto’s Impressive Financials 

Zepto, which is preparing for its IPO, posted a significant 120% jump in operating revenue, reaching Rs 4,454 crore in FY24, outpacing competitors such as Swiggy’s Instamart and Zomato’s Blinkit. Palicha emphasized that the future success of quick commerce hinges on “exceptional execution” and pointed out that only a few players will be able to meet this high bar.

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Looking ahead to 2025, Palicha predicts major shifts in quick commerce, including an evolution in customer value, unit economics, and operational strategies. He also noted that the capital markets environment for the sector will undergo significant changes, transitioning from private to public investments. 

Zepto’s Promising Future 

With great optimism for the year to come, Palicha highlighted Zepto’s stellar performance during New Year’s Eve sales, reporting a 200% increase compared to the previous year and handling hundreds of thousands of orders per hour.

Continue Exploring: Zepto’s New Marketplace Entity Could Signal a Shift in Quick-Commerce Strategy

In a similar vein, Blinkit also shared its record-breaking success on December 31, achieving the highest number of orders per minute, per hour, and total tips ever given to delivery partners.

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From PGA Greens to Lululemon Jeans: Max Homa Teams Up for a Stylish Swing!

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From PGA Greens to Lululemon Jeans: Max Homa Teams Up for a Stylish Swing!

Max Homa, one of the PGA Tour’s brightest stars, has officially joined Lululemon as a brand ambassador, bringing his signature blend of style and athleticism to the iconic brand. Known for his impressive career on the golf course, including six Tour wins and a strong 2024 season, Homa will now represent Lululemon’s innovative line of golf and lifestyle apparel. 

Ranked 27th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Max Homa is a seasoned PGA Tour pro with six wins under his belt and three top-10 finishes in 2024. A California native with strong ties to Scottsdale, Arizona, Homa brings a sense of community and passion to his collaboration with Lululemon.

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Max Homa’s Charismatic Personal Style

Known for his “subtle and sharp” personal style, Homa’s fashion sense aligns seamlessly with Lululemon’s focus on versatile athletic and lifestyle apparel. The brand’s upcoming golf collection for 2025 promises to deliver essential pieces that combine functionality with style, perfect for both on-course performance and everyday wear.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Lululemon family. Their apparel already fills my wardrobe for workouts and downtime, so it’s a dream to collaborate with such a legendary brand,” Homa shared.

Continue Exploring: Zepto’s New Marketplace Entity Could Signal a Shift in Quick-Commerce Strategy

While golf is often viewed as a solo sport, Homa emphasizes the importance of community. “As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve surrounded myself with a tight-knit group. Winning and achieving success feels even better when you can share it with everyone who’s supported you along the way,” he said.

Homa is a Huge Boost to Lululemon’s Brand

In addition to his tour commitments, Homa will also compete in the first season of TGL, an indoor golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, set to air in prime time.

Homa joins a star-studded lineup of athletes at Lululemon, including PGA Tour’s Min Woo Lee, NFL’s DK Metcalf, NBA’s Jordan Clarkson, NHL’s Connor Bedard, and tennis pro Leylah Fernandez.

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Eco-Friendly Kids Fashion Brand Kidbea Raises $1 Million for Expansion

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Eco-Friendly Kids Fashion Brand Kidbea Raises $1 Million for Expansion

Kidbea, a brand known for its bamboo-based children’s fashion, has secured $1 million in pre-Series A funding, led by early-stage investor Venture Catalysts. 

The round also saw contributions from Agility Ventures, BestVantage Investments, Droom founders Sandeep Agarwal and Upasana Agarwal, along with notable angel investors including actor Hiro Mizushima from Japan.

Funding Comes as a Huge Shot in the Arm

This funding marks a key step for Kidbea as the company aims to grow into a Rs 500 crore brand in the next three years. “With this investment, we’re geared up to enhance our sustainable offerings, expand globally, and continue to revolutionize kids’ fashion,” said Swapnil Srivastav, cofounder of Kidbea. He added that the brand saw an impressive eightfold revenue growth in FY-23, riding the wave of the booming $16.4 billion kidswear market.

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Founded in 2021 by Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea focuses on bamboo-based, skin-friendly apparel for children. The brand’s products are designed to address issues like skin irritation, discomfort, and messes for newborns. They use GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified fabric, ensuring the clothing is both eco-friendly and gentle on young skin.

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The fresh capital will be directed towards strengthening Kidbea’s marketing, expanding its team, and refining its operations. A portion of the funds will also go into R&D and technology to keep Kidbea ahead in the fast-paced kids’ fashion market.

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Fraud Claims Rock NestAway’s Sale as Ex-CEO & Co-founder Takes Legal Action

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Fraud Claims Rock NestAway’s Sale as Ex-CEO & Co-founder Takes Legal Action

Over a year after NestAway was sold in a rushed deal, the platform’s co-founder and former CEO Amarendra Sahu has leveled serious accusations against the company’s investors and fellow founders, claiming they committed fraud during the transaction.

Former CEO Files Criminal Case

Sahu has filed a criminal case against major investors such as Tiger Global, Goldman Sachs, Chiratae Ventures, and co-founders Jitendra Jagadev and Smruti Parida in connection with the sale. Notably, Parida had already left the company in 2019.

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The allegations were first reported by The Arc. In response to Sahu’s complaint, Odisha police in Bhubaneswar registered a first information report (FIR) on September 23, 2024. The FIR includes several charges from the Indian Penal Code, including sections on cheating, forgery, using forged documents, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy.

Key Details About the Complaint 

Sahu’s complaint centers on his claim that his signature was falsely used in the sale of NestAway to Aurum PropTech for INR 90 crore on June 28, 2023. This occurred just days after he resigned as the company’s director.

In his complaint, Sahu also asserts that the lead investors pressured him into selling his 5% stake in exchange for an additional payment of INR 11.72 crore, money he says he never received. Additionally, Sahu accuses Jitendra Jagadev, the current CEO and fellow co-founder, of working alongside the investors to sideline him during the sale process and holding secret negotiations.

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Jagadev, however, denied the accusations, stating that similar claims were previously dismissed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Bengaluru. His legal team submitted this defense during a hearing by the Orissa High Court on December 19, 2024. Several other parties, including investors and co-founders, have sought relief from the court.

Chiratae Ventures’ request to quash the FIR was heard by the court on December 10, while Goldman Sachs’ plea was heard on December 13. A joint petition by both investors was then considered on December 18.

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Bajaj and TVS Zoom Past Ola Electric in the E-Scooter Race

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Bajaj and TVS Zoom Past Ola Electric in the E-Scooter Race

December marked a major shift in India’s electric two-wheeler (E2W) market as Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor surpassed Ola Electric in sales and market share. This development highlights the growing competition in the E2W space, with established players leveraging their experience to capture the market.

Total EV two-wheeler registrations dropped to an eight-month low in December, reaching 73,363 units—a 38.7% decline from November’s 1,19,671 units and a 3.4% decrease compared to December 2023. Despite the monthly dip, 2024 ended on a strong note with a 34% year-on-year growth, as registrations climbed to 11.48 lakh units from 8.60 lakh in 2023.

Bajaj Leads the Pack

Bajaj Auto sold 18,295 E2Ws in December, a 30.6% decline from November’s 26,358 units. However, the company saw a 75.5% year-on-year increase, driven by its popular Bajaj Chetak e-scooter. Bajaj’s market share grew to 25%, up from 22% the previous month, making it the segment leader.

Continue Exploring: Zepto’s New Marketplace Entity Could Signal a Shift in Quick-Commerce Strategy

TVS Motor followed closely with 17,231 registrations, a 37% drop from November. Despite the decline, its market share increased to 23.5% from 22.7%, reinforcing its strong position in the E2W market.

Ola’s Comeback Plans

To regain momentum, Ola is set to launch its Roadster series of electric motorbikes this month and has expanded its network of service centers and showrooms to 4,000 locations. The company also introduced budget-friendly models like the S1 Z and Gig and unveiled a limited-edition S1 Pro Sona e-scooter.

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IPO-bound Ather Energy saw its registrations dip by 19% in December to 10,429 units.

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From Groceries to Emergencies: Blinkit Expands into Ambulance Services

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From Groceries to Emergencies: Blinkit Expands into Ambulance Services

Blinkit, a popular delivery platform, has launched a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram to respond to medical emergencies more effectively. The pilot program currently includes five ambulances stationed strategically across the city, with each ride costing Rs 2,000.

Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the initiative is focused on serving the community rather than generating profit.

CEO Explains Vision Behind New Initiative 

“Our goal is to provide fast and dependable ambulance services in growing urban areas,” Dhindsa explained. He emphasized that Blinkit plans to keep the service reasonably priced while investing in long-term enhancements. Over the next two years, the company aims to expand this initiative to major cities across India.

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Fully Equipped Ambulances for Emergency Care

The service offers Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances equipped with critical medical tools like oxygen cylinders, AEDs, stretchers, monitors, suction machines, and emergency medicines. Each ambulance is staffed with a trained paramedic, an assistant, and a skilled driver to ensure patients receive high-quality care during emergencies.

Dhindsa reassured users, stating that the company is committed to delivering top-notch emergency services when it matters most.

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How to Book

Residents in eligible areas of Gurugram can access this service via the Blinkit app, using the same interface they use to place other orders. The feature will appear automatically for users in supported locations.

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Zepto’s New Marketplace Entity Could Signal a Shift in Quick-Commerce Strategy

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Zepto’s New Marketplace Entity Could Signal a Shift in Quick-Commerce Strategy

Zepto, the rapidly growing quick-commerce startup, has established a new entity called Zepto Marketplace Private Limited, a move aimed at streamlining its operations ahead of its anticipated IPO later this year, as per sources close to the situation.

Zepto’s New Strategy 

Currently, Zepto operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model. Its Indian subsidiary, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd, founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, sources products from brands and sells them exclusively to a select group of companies that manage the Zepto platform for consumer-facing sales.

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In contrast, competitors like Blinkit (owned by Zomato) and Swiggy Instamart have already embraced a marketplace model, where multiple sellers list their products directly to consumers.

The Launch of Zepto Marketplace Private Limited

Zepto seems ready to follow this trend. It registered Zepto Marketplace Private Limited on October 22, 2024, indicating a likely shift from its current B2B structure. This change would bring Zepto’s business operations more in line with its publicly traded competitors, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, as it prepares for a potential listing in India later this year.

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“Zepto’s current structure is somewhat unclear, and it seems the company wants to simplify its model to provide greater transparency for investors before its IPO,” one source explained. “By launching a separate entity like Zepto Marketplace Pvt Ltd, the company can reorganize its operations to match the more familiar marketplace model used by rivals Blinkit and Instamart. Once this shift is complete, it will be easier for investors to evaluate Zepto’s performance alongside its competitors and make more informed comparisons,” the source added.

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From Grapes to Paneer: Zomato & Swiggy Instamart Reveal New Year’s Eve Food Trends

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From Grapes to Paneer: Zomato & Swiggy Instamart Reveal New Year’s Eve Food Trends

On New Year’s Eve, quick commerce platforms saw a surge in orders, with chips, cold drinks, fruit beer, ice cubes, and grapes topping the list, as revealed by Zomato-owned Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. Along with the usual snacks like chips and soda, essentials like paneer and milk were also frequently searched by users.

The Demand for Grapes 

What stood out, however, was the overwhelming demand for grapes. This spike in orders was tied to the viral tradition of eating 12 green grapes at midnight, a custom believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Originating from Spain, this tradition has become a global phenomenon, and social media buzzed with people sharing their grape-eating moments.

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Both Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart kept their followers updated on order trends via posts on X (formerly Twitter). Blinkit’s CEO, Albinder Dhindsa, shared that the platform hit its highest-ever number of orders on December 31. Along with record-breaking sales, grapes and chips were among the best-sellers.

Swiggy Instamart’s Genius Marketing 

Swiggy Instamart added a playful note to their update, posting, “ye rahe aaj ke top 5 trending searches: milk, chips, chocolate, grapes, paneer. Tum log kitna bhi grape grape karlo agle saal tumhara katne hi vala hai.” On the same night, Swiggy Co-founder Phani Kishan shared live insights about the highest order from Goa—a jaw-dropping Rs 70,325—and the quickest delivery of tonic water in just four minutes.

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Zomato’s 2024 food ordering report also highlighted that Delhi-NCR led the charge with 12.4 crore orders, surpassing the combined total of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana (10.5 crore).

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Log9 Co-founder Kartik Hajela Moves to Jupiter Electric Mobility in Key Role

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Log9 Co-founder Kartik Hajela Moves to Jupiter Electric Mobility in Key Role

Kartik Hajela, cofounder and COO of battery manufacturing startup Log9 Materials, has stepped down from his position at the company. He has now joined Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM) as a director, where he will focus on the electric light commercial vehicle (e-LCV) sector.

Kartik Hajela Brings a Huge Wealth of Experience 

During his time at Log9, Hajela was instrumental in advancing battery technologies tailored for the Indian market. In his new role at JEM, he will oversee the development of electric vehicles in the light commercial segment. 

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Speaking about the change, Hajela shared on LinkedIn, “After a fulfilling seven-year journey at Log9, contributing to the growth of electric commercial fleets, I am excited to pass the torch to the talented team there. I now look forward to leading efforts in the e-LCV space, which I believe is ready for significant disruption.”

About Hajela’s Stellar Record as an Entrepreneur 

A graduate of IIT-Roorkee, Hajela co-founded Log9 in 2015 alongside Akshay Singhal and Pankaj Sharma. The company specializes in producing electric vehicle batteries and energy storage solutions and competes with other players like Exponent Energy and Ather Energy.

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Hajela’s resignation follows a strategic acquisition in October 2024, when JEM, a subsidiary of Jupiter Wagons Ltd (JWL), took over Log9’s railway and electric truck battery divisions. As part of the deal, JEM also acquired Log9’s engineering team and manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. This acquisition is expected to bolster JEM’s battery production capabilities and expand its footprint in the electric vehicle sector, particularly in electric light commercial vehicles and railway applications.

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Tensions Rise as CCI Considers Anti-Competitive Allegations Against Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart

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Tensions Rise as CCI Considers Anti-Competitive Allegations Against Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is holding off on launching a full investigation into claims of anti-competitive practices by quick commerce platforms, pending further details from the group that filed the complaint. 

This delay underscores the increasing attention on the rapidly growing quick commerce sector.

Chairperson of CCI Makes Fresh Revelations 

According to PTI, CCI has asked the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation for additional documentation and evidence to support their complaint. Ravneet Kaur, the chairperson of the CCI, confirmed that the federation had been reminded to provide the necessary information under the Competition Act. The federation, which represents around 800,000 distributors nationwide, originally filed the complaint through the Ministry of Commerce.

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The issue arises amid growing tensions between conventional retailers and quick commerce services like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart, which guarantee deliveries within a matter of minutes. These digital-first platforms are seen by traditional players as a disruptive force, with accusations that they use aggressive pricing strategies that undermine established businesses.

President of the Distributors’ Union Presents Plan

Darshil Patil, the president of the distributors’ federation, stated that they plan to present a detailed complaint with concrete evidence in the next two weeks.

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The quick commerce industry in India, valued at around $5 billion, has seen massive growth, attracting substantial investment. New entrants like Ola, previously known for its ride-hailing services, are now entering the fray, further heightening competition.

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